Episode Summary
Friendships are tested, and family drama unfolds. Qian Jiayue is accused of betraying her friends, while Mao Tou runs away from home after a fight with his father, leading to a confrontation with local bullies and a moment of realization about his own worth.
Spoiler Alert
As the school year kicks off, the excitement of getting their military training uniforms is in the air. Qian Jiayue is greeted enthusiastically by her friend, Ka Men. They, along with the striking Chen Mo, are all starting at the new school. Qian Jiayue's new desk mate, a boy, is immediately smitten with Chen Mo and asks Qian Jiayue to play matchmaker, which clearly hurts Qian Jiayue's feelings, making her feel like a sidekick.
Later, at the school's welcome party, Chen Mo finds the whole thing incredibly boring. She hatches a plan with Ka Men and Qian Jiayue to sneak out. The scheme involves Chen Mo faking a stomachache, with Ka Men and Qian Jiayue "escorting" her to the nurse's office. However, Qian Jiayue stays behind, drawn to a speech being given by Xiao Han. The atmosphere feels magical as she watches him.
The next day, things take a turn. Qian Jiayue encounters Ka Men and Chen Mo, and Chen Mo immediately confronts her, accusing her of snitching. It turns out that Chen Mo and Ka Men's escapade to the supermarket was exposed, and their parents were called. Both girls got in serious trouble. Since only two of them had actually snuck out, they suspect Qian Jiayue was the one who told on them.
Qian Jiayue firmly denies the accusation, looking directly at Ka Men. However, Ka Men, upset about being reprimanded by her parents, expresses her hurt and disbelief. This betrayal shatters their close friendship.
Meanwhile, trouble is brewing at home. After Mao Tou's run-in with the police, his father, Zhang Qiming, has been increasingly harsh, resorting to physical and verbal abuse. One night, a distraught Mao Tou shows up at Qian Jiayue's door, claiming his father is going to "sell" him to Shandong province and that they'll never see each other again. He empties his backpack, filled with his prized possessions – game cartridges, marbles, and toys – and entrusts them to Qian Jiayue, asking her to give some to Xiao Han. He then attempts to run away.
Qian Jiayue, sensing his desperation, stops him. Her grandmother calls Mao Tou's father, leading to another explosive confrontation between father and son. Mao Tou, determined to leave, rushes out, with Qian Jiayue in hot pursuit.
Mao Tou seeks refuge in an arcade, losing himself in video games. Qian Jiayue tries to drag him home, but they're confronted by a group of young thugs. Mao Tou had previously helped these guys when he was taken to the detention center, so they rally around him. Unfazed by their intimidating appearance and dyed hair, Qian Jiayue grabs a drink from one of them and smashes it on the ground. This act of defiance scares them off, and Mao Tou, not wanting any more trouble, agrees to go home with her.
Back at home, Mao Tou opens up. He admits that with Qian Jiayue, Xiao Han, and even his own father so busy with school and work, he's been feeling neglected. He also says he doesn't feel good about his academic performance. He finds solace and a sense of accomplishment in the gaming world. However, seeing Qian Jiayue stand up for him against the bullies makes him realize he's valued. Qian Jiayue brings Mao Tou back to his home, and this time, the father and son avoid another fight. Zhang Qiming doesn't mention sending him away again.
