Episode Summary
Chen Mo and her father finally communicate openly, leading to a truce at home. Jiayue, heartbroken over Xiao Han's feelings for Chen Mo, cuts her hair short and distances herself. A family crisis arises when Chen Xiu'e's mother goes missing, culminating in a frantic search and a bittersweet reunion. Jiayue forgets about meeting her online friend due to the crisis.
Spoiler Alert
This episode sees breakthroughs and breakdowns as the characters navigate family drama, unrequited love, and unexpected emergencies.
Chen Mo finally has a heart-to-heart with her father. Instead of her usual avoidance, she opens up about her recent experiences, calmly expressing her desire for independence in managing her studies and life. She asks for his trust, marking a significant shift towards a more mature and equal relationship.
Meanwhile, Fang Fang returns home to an unexpectedly harmonious scene – a truly rare sight! Chen Pengyu, her husband, announces he's no longer considering a job transfer, prioritizing their daughter's upcoming college entrance exams. With the threat of moving gone, Fang Fang drops the talk of divorce. Chen Pengyu's personality also undergoes a remarkable change, shedding his previously authoritarian "my way or the highway" attitude.
Qian Jiayue, heartbroken and confused, confides in her online friend. She's still unaware that her confidante is actually Mao Tou. Jiayue reveals that her world has been shattered by the realization that Xiao Han is in love with Chen Mo. She admits the depth of Xiao Han's importance to her. Despite his own feelings, Mao Tou offers comfort and encourages her to move forward, reminding her that new opportunities often arise when others disappear.
Mao Tou later asks Jiayue if she wants to meet in person. To his surprise, she agrees, setting a date for the following week. But first, Jiayue has something drastic to do: cut her hair. She shocks everyone by debuting a super-short, "tomboy" hairstyle, and immediately switches seats with Ka Men, ending her desk-mate arrangement with Chen Mo.
In Xiao Han's class, another high-achieving girl harbors feelings for him. Seeing Xiao Han talking to Jiayue again, she approaches him, advising him to avoid getting involved with Jiayue and Chen Mo, claiming it will affect his studies. Xiao Han, aware of her intentions, bluntly tells her not to waste her time on him.
A family emergency unfolds when Chen Xiu'e takes her mother for a medical check-up. In a brief moment, while Chen Xiu'e is in the restroom, her mother disappears. A frantic search ensues, involving Chen Xiu'e, Zhang Qiming, and eventually the entire neighborhood, but to no avail.
This crisis throws Jiayue and Mao Tou's planned meeting into disarray. Mao Tou waits excitedly at their agreed-upon location, having prepared for this day for a long time. However, Jiayue, consumed by the search for her missing grandmother, completely forgets about their meeting.
Late at night, with no news from friends or family, Chen Xiu'e is beside herself with guilt and fear. Finally, the police call – her mother has been found at the old North Station, thanks to a helpful citizen.
Chen Xiu'e is reunited with her mother, but the elderly woman doesn't recognize her and refuses to go home. Chen Xiu'e breaks down in tears. Fortunately, Ai Ping remembers that Xiu'e's mother was very community-minded in her youth. She cleverly fabricates a story about a worker's mother refusing to go home, causing distress to her children, and asks Xiu'e's mother to help persuade her. This tactic works, and they finally bring her home.
