Episode Summary
Chen Mo helps her friends pass a physical test, and her friendship with Qian Jiayue is fully restored. The students prepare for the Gaokao, while Ka Men develops an odd way of speaking. Chang Wuji gets into Tsinghua University early, and Xiao Han is nominated for an award that could help him get into his dream university. However, their communication is reported, leading to Xiao Han taking the blame for their "inappropriate" messages and sacrificing his award to protect Chen Mo.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a crucial physical fitness test. Chen Mo easily finishes the run, but notices Qian Jiayue and Ka Men struggling. Showing true team spirit, Chen Mo runs back to encourage them, pushing them to keep going, swing their arms faster, and persevere. Thanks to her support, both Ka Men and Qian Jiayue manage to pass the test.
Time heals all wounds, and the past rift between Qian Jiayue and Chen Mo, caused by Chen Mo and Xiao Han's situation, is finally mending. Qian Jiayue returns a comic book Chen Mo once gave her, now filled with personal notes and anecdotes. It has transformed into a storybook, a testament to their precious friendship.
Qian Jiayue's hair is growing out, returning to its previous shoulder-length style, and she's now sporting a ponytail. The second round of mock exams is over, and the students are getting a clearer picture of their academic standing as the pressure of the "Gaokao" (college entrance exams) in June looms. Chen Mo shares her improved score (an increase of 12 points!) with Xiao Han via their study devices. These shared updates, small victories, and shared anxieties are becoming a source of motivation for both of them.
Meanwhile, Ka Men has developed a peculiar habit of speaking in a theatrical, almost Shakespearean manner. Her parents, worried that the stress of the upcoming exams is getting to her, are trying to be extra supportive, fearing she's becoming obsessed.
The classmates gather for a meal, and Ka Men continues her Shakespearean declarations, expressing her gratitude for their company. Chang Wuji, who has already received early admission to Tsinghua University, is playfully pressured to treat everyone. He promptly empties his pockets, claiming he only has a limited amount of cash on hand. The easy way he hands his money to Qian Jiayue (the class treasurer in charge of collecting fees) sparks jokes about him handing over his "salary" like a married man, although others quickly point out that this is how everyone pays class dues to Qian Jiayue.
Besides Chang Wuji's early acceptance, Xiao Han is also in the running for the "City-Level Top Three Students" award. His dream is to attend Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and this award would add a crucial 30 points to his Gaokao score, making his dream much more attainable. Xiao Han's mother is confident in her son's success. On the anniversary of Xiao Youguang's (Xiao Han's father) death, she takes Xiao Han to visit his father's grave, where they are joined by Zhang Qiming and Mao Tou. Xiao Han reflects on the promise he made to his father to get into Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a memory that remains vivid and motivating.
Zhao Tingting, who previously had a crush on Xiao Han, notices his frequent communication with Chen Mo via their study devices. During a break, she secretly takes the device, reads their messages, and turns it in to the teacher. The head of the department takes this very seriously and calls a meeting with other teachers to evaluate Xiao Han's conduct. Both Chen Mo and Xiao Han are called in.
The messages themselves are innocent, discussing grades and everyday ups and downs. However, one teacher criticizes Chen Mo's casual interactions with boys, almost accusing her of being improper. Witnessing Chen Mo being unfairly blamed, Xiao Han steps up and takes full responsibility. He admits that he does have feelings for Chen Mo that are different from his feelings for other girls. This confession, while intended to protect Chen Mo, essentially confirms the unfounded accusations.
Given Chen Mo's current academic performance, even getting into a second-tier university is a stretch. But Xiao Han, to protect her, sacrifices his chance at the "City-Level Top Three Students" award. Chen Mo understands the gravity of this sacrifice. She had planned to tell Xiao Han that she was going to apply to schools in Beijing, but she swallows her words, unable to speak them.
