Episode Summary
Xiao Han helps a tearful Chen Mo escape her father, leading to a heart-to-heart where they share their family struggles. Preparations for the "Five Good Families" competition cause excitement and romantic stirrings, particularly for Xiao Han, who is captivated by Chen Mo's beauty. A misunderstanding about a secret crush arises. Qian Jiayue's attempt to offer financial aid to a proud student, Liu Jianfeng, backfires. Xiao Han overhears his mother and Mao Tou's father discussing their relationship, and he later lashes out at Qian Jiayue when she offers his family financial assistance.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 6 of "Reopen My Journals" dives deeper into the intertwined lives of several families in 1990s China, focusing on the blossoming crushes and simmering tensions among the teenagers and their parents.
The episode opens with Chen Mo, distraught and tearful, running into Xiao Han. Despite their past rivalry, Xiao Han, seeing her distress, offers her a ride on his bicycle to escape her father's calls. During their ride and subsequent conversation, Chen Mo learns that Xiao Han is from a single-parent household. She expresses envy for his lack of a father, contrasting it with her own strict and often critical father. Xiao Han, however, counters that he'd prefer having a stern father figure for guidance and comfort. This exchange softens the animosity between them, and Chen Mo starts to cheer up.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the "Five Good Families" competition. Qian Jiayue's parents enthusiastically practice karaoke, even borrowing a microphone. Qian Jiayue, initially reluctant to attend the rehearsals, changes her mind upon hearing that Xiao Han will be there, excitedly changing into a new outfit and applying her mother’s makeup.
At the dress rehearsal, the girls are buzzing with anticipation. Chen Mo arrives with her mother, wearing a light green dress. Xiao Han is visibly struck by her beauty, a first for the usually stoic and studious young man. It's a classic case of teenage infatuation, as the usually plain (but secretly beautiful) Chen Mo blossoms under a bit of attention.
There's a subplot involving a misunderstanding about a secret crush. Ka Men previously confided in Chen Mo that Qian Jiayue likes a quiet, academically gifted boy who doesn't quite fit in. Chen Mo mistakenly assumes this boy is Chang Wuji, the class math genius. In reality, Ka Men was referring to Xiao Han.
The episode also tackles a sensitive issue regarding a school poverty assistance program. Qian Jiayue, temporarily filling in for the class monitor, is tasked with approaching Liu Jianfeng, a student identified as potentially needing financial aid. However, Liu Jianfeng, a proud young man, is deeply embarrassed by the offer and refuses the help, highlighting the complexities and potential stigma associated with such programs.
A significant portion of the episode revolves around Xiao Han's home life. While watching a movie with his friend Mao Tou, they are startled by a noise outside. Assuming it's a home invasion – and made nervous by the "adult" movie they were watching – they hide in a panic. It turns out to be Xiao Han's mother, Guan Aiping, returning home with Mao Tou's father. The two adults, unaware that the boys are hiding and listening, discuss their relationship. Xiao Han's mother expresses concern that their relationship might distract the children during their crucial college entrance exam preparations. Mao Tou's father suggests they go shopping, leaving the boys alone.
Overwhelmed by overhearing his mother's conversation, Xiao Han is further upset when Qian Jiayue arrives. Knowing that Xiao Han's mother works two jobs to make ends meet, Qian Jiayue offers him an application for the poverty assistance program. Deeply embarrassed and feeling his privacy invaded, Xiao Han lashes out at Qian Jiayue, yelling at her and insisting his family needs no help.
Qian Jiayue, who has never been yelled at like that, is shaken and apologizes before running home. She confides in her online friend, who comforts her. The online friend is revealed as a plot line that will develop, with the friend being someone she knows.
