Episode Summary
He Jiali and Tang Weimin's relationship faces increasing opposition from their families. Jiali is transferred back to the city, and a series of misunderstandings and accidents further complicate their situation. Jiali eventually tells Weimin that she sees no future for them. The episode ends with Tang Weimin rushing off stage during a performance, fearing Jiali has drowned.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with He Jiali still reeling from a confusing confrontation with Liu Meixin earlier in the day. Back in her room, she discovers that her mother bought her hair clips as a birthday gift. Later, she confides in Tang Weimin about the incident, expressing her concerns that their parents will strongly disapprove of their relationship. Tang Weimin, ever the optimist, reassures her that "where there's a will, there's a way," and they'll face the challenges together.
Meanwhile, He Changsheng is at home, dealing with his three rambunctious daughters. His wife, Liu Meixin, returns and reveals that their eldest daughter, Jiali, is seeing someone. Initially, He Changsheng dismisses it, figuring that his outstanding daughter is bound to have admirers. However, his attitude changes drastically when Liu Meixin mentions Tang Weimin's name.
Liu Meixin's plan is to keep He Jiali close and then find a way to get her transferred back from the countryside, creating distance between the young couple. He Changsheng, troubled by this, takes advantage of a business trip to Feixi to visit Jiali. He also brings gifts for the local leaders, smoothing the way for her return to the city.
Soon after, He Jiali receives approval to transfer back to the city and is assigned to work at the Huaishang Vegetable Company. Tang Weimin is not on the list of those returning, so he personally helps Jiali pack her belongings, keeping a photo of her as a memento. Jiali and Weimin's relationship has deepened; they understand what love is, have dreams for the future, and are aware of the obstacles ahead.
Jiali starts her new job in the warehouse management team, learning the ropes from experienced colleagues. She diligently works, regularly exchanges letters with Tang Weimin, and gives most of her salary to her parents, though He Changsheng insists she keep a third for herself. During this time, Liu Meixin becomes pregnant again and gives birth to their sixth child, He Jiaxi, a boy. He Changsheng, as the only man in the family, gradually accepts the situation. Jiali sees things moving in a positive direction.
Big Bro Tang (Tang Weimin's Father) re-examines his uncle's file, which only records his disappearance in Shanghai, without conclusive evidence of defection or collaboration with the Kuomintang. Big Bro Tang redirects his anger towards He Changsheng, believing that He Wen's words were instigated by him. He confronts and ties up He Changsheng in a warehouse.
When He Jiali arrives at the factory to pick up her father and finds him missing, she searches and discovers him in the warehouse. A heated argument ensues with Big Bro Tang. In the scuffle, Big Bro Tang and Jiali are accidentally injured when a large drum falls from a cabinet.
Big Bro Tang, learning that his son is returning soon, exaggerates his minor injury and is admitted to the hospital. Tang Weimin, informed by his younger brother Tang Youmin, rushes to the hospital, distressed to see his father bandaged up.
Meanwhile, He Jiali's injury is more severe, a fractured leg. Tang Weimin passes by her ward, sharing only a distant glance. That night, Jiali's sisters go to play hide-and-seek with Zhang Qiulin and Tang Zhenmin. Tang Weimin, however, seeks out Jiali, relieved to find her condition is not critical.
At that moment, Liu Meixin arrives with a diesel lamp. The house lights suddenly come on, revealing Tang Weimin hiding behind the bed. After Weimin leaves, Liu Meixin slaps Jiali and the next day, confronts Tang Weimin, urging him to end the relationship with Jiali.
Two months pass. Tang Weimin finally manages to talk to Jiali, who tells him that they have no future together and that she has lost faith in their prospects. Jiali visits Zhang Qiufang, who works at the supply cooperative, and the old friends are delighted to reunite.
The local community organizes a cultural performance to commemorate Chairman Mao's swim in the Yangtze River. He Jiali, Zhang Qiufang, and Tang Weimin all sign up. Tang Weimin plans to have Jiali sing a duet with him, "Brother and Sister Reclaiming Wasteland." Liu Meixin, fearing that they will rekindle their feelings, asks He Changsheng to intervene.
As a result, the company director assigns Jiali to participate in the Yangtze River swimming event, and Zhang Qiufang replaces Jiali as Tang Weimin's duet partner. During the performance, Tang Weimin hears that a young girl has drowned in the Yangtze River. Fearing it's Jiali, he abandons Zhang Qiufang and rushes to the scene.
