Episode Summary
The college entrance exam arrives, bringing stress and a near-disaster when Qian Jiayue's admission ticket goes missing. A time jump to 2012 shows the friends' lives have progressed, with some married and with children. A class reunion brings everyone back to their old school, where they reminisce and reconnect with their teacher. Jiayue finally meets her long-time online friend, who turns out to be Mao Tou. The series ends with a nostalgic celebration of their enduring friendship, highlighted by a surprise appearance from their childhood idol, singer Jeff Chang.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens on the day of the big college entrance exam(GaoKao). Qian Jiayue's dad drives the neighborhood kids to the testing center, with all the moms on edge, offering last-minute encouragement. In the hallway of the exam building, Jiayue has a poignant moment with Xiao Han. He gives her the same calm, reassuring advice he always did when they were younger, reminding her to stay focused. Jiayue, in turn, wishes him luck on his exam, echoing their childhood dynamic where she'd always follow him, calling him "Xiao Han gege" (Dear elder brother).
Disaster strikes when Jiayue gets to her testing room and realizes her exam admission ticket is missing! She distinctly remembers putting it in her pencil case, then has a flash of realization: her mom must have taken it. A frantic call to her mother, Chen Xiu'e, confirms her suspicion. Xiu'e, in a panic, retrieves the ticket from under her pillow, where she'd tucked it with a yellow good-luck charm. A police escort gets the ticket to Jiayue just in the nick of time, and she's able to enter the exam room.
The scene shifts to the summer of 2012. Ka Men's mother's wonton shop, a beloved neighborhood fixture, has been sold. Chen Xiu'e and her husband are helping to pack things up, reminiscing about all the good times shared in the little shop. It's revealed that Chen Mo and Xiao Han are the only ones among their group of friends who got married and had children soon after graduation. Fang Fang's granddaughter, Xiaomei, is now a toddler, and the whole group dotes on her, having watched each other's children grow up over the years.
Chen Mo's father, Chen Pengyu, who used to be a fiery, strict parent, is now incredibly patient and gentle with his granddaughter, teaching her to read and write. Chen Xiu'e, chatting with her friends, starts worrying about Jiayue, who is still single and living abroad. She urges Mao Tou to keep an eye out for any eligible bachelors to introduce to Jiayue.
A class reunion brings Jiayue back from overseas. Ten years have passed, and even the class brainiac, Chang Wuji, attends. The group visits their old school, feeling nostalgic as they see the familiar surroundings. Wuji and Jiayue share a moment on a familiar bench, and the others can't help but pry into Wuji's life. They learn he's still single and is being sent abroad for further studies by his company. The conversation turns to real estate, and someone mentions that Wuji won a two-bedroom apartment in Shanghai as a prize in a competition years ago, a reminder of how high Shanghai property values have become.
The classmates visit their old homeroom teacher, Mr. Zhou. He's overjoyed to hear about their diverse career paths, from tech to entertainment. He reminds them to hold onto the spirit of their 15 and 16-year-old selves – the passion, the courage, and even the confusion – no matter how mundane or difficult their lives may seem now. His words resonate deeply with everyone.
Jiayue excuses herself from the group, saying she has to meet a netizen. For ten years, she's been communicating with this mysterious online friend, and they've arranged to meet in person. At the meeting spot, Jiayue is nervous and excited. Suddenly, she hears a familiar voice. She turns around to see Mao Tou, revealing that he is the supportive, encouraging online friend she's known all these years.
Jiayue brings Mao Tou to meet the others. It's also revealed that Ka Men has become Lu Yao's agent, helping him navigate his career. Knowing Ka Men's feelings, Lu Yao arranges a special surprise: a personal appearance by Jeff Chang, a singer the whole group idolized in their youth. Ka Men is overcome with emotion, as the star's presence brings back a flood of memories. Everyone is deeply moved, joining in a nostalgic singalong.
Ending Explained
The ending sees the close-knit group of friends navigating their adult lives, each finding their own version of happiness and fulfillment:
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Qian Jiayue: Jiayue pursued an MBA abroad and remained working there. After a divorce due to fundamental differences with her ex-husband, she returns to China. She discovers that her long-time online friend, "Yang Fan," is actually Mao Tou, who has always secretly loved her. Their reunion opens the door for a potential romance.
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Xiao Han and Chen Mo: Xiao Han and Chen Mo have been in love since college, marrying and having a child soon after graduation. Xiao Han becomes a highly skilled software engineer, while Chen Mo writes online novels in her spare time, enjoying a comfortable middle-class life.
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Ka Men: Ka Men becomes a successful talent agent. Although she and Lu Yao didn't become a couple, they remain close friends and colleagues, allowing her to achieve her professional goals.
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Chang Wuji: Wuji is preparing to pursue postdoctoral studies abroad, setting aside his feelings for Jiayue to focus on his academic and career ambitions.
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Other Characters: Liu Jianfeng opens a coffee shop and bar. Zhao Tingting works in venture capital on Wall Street. Pei Dongni visits their old school every year to see their teacher. Chen Xiu'e and Qian Kang plan a road trip after retirement. Guan Aiping, Zhang Qiming, Zhao Rongfang, and Chen Pengyu take turns caring for their granddaughter. A Pei and Liu Songming sell their shop. Chang Wuji's parents regret not buying more property.
