Episode Summary
Big Bro Tang is reported, but He Changsheng defends him, leading to a reconciliation. The national college entrance exams are reinstated, and Zhang Qiufang gets into medical school, while He Jiawen narrowly misses the cut-off score and decides to work at the starch factory. He Jiayi and Chen Weiguo fall in love. Chen Weiguo's family visits the He family, and He Jiawen agrees to date Chen Weiguo.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with someone secretly reporting Big Bro Tang, leading to an investigation from the district officials. He Changsheng speaks up for Big Bro Tang, offering strong words of support. Because of this, Big Bro Tang personally thanks He Changsheng, and the two finally bury the hatchet, completely mending their previously strained relationship. Big Bro Tang also expresses regret to his son, Tang Weimin, about interfering with his past relationship with He Jiali. Looking at Weimin's leg, he feels remorse for his past actions. However, Tang Weimin doesn't hold any grudges, stating that he's happy with his wife, Zhang Qiufang, and just wants to live a simple, honest life.
Big changes are afoot as the national college entrance exams are reinstated, opening doors for people from all walks of life. Zhang Qiufang sets her sights on medical school. He Jiali, while choosing to focus on her family and children, encourages her younger sister, He Jiawen, to take the exam. Initially, He Changsheng had planned to find a job for his second daughter,but after much persuasion from He Jiali, the parents agree to let He Jiawen take the exam.
The entire He household rallies behind He Jiawen, taking on extra chores to ensure she has ample time to study without distractions. One day, He Jiayi's friend, Ouyang Bao, unexpectedly shows up at the house. He Changsheng, happening to be home, invites him to stay for dinner. During the meal, the He family is surprised to learn that Ouyang Bao lives nearby and that he's one of ten sons being raised by their elderly father after their mother's passing. He Jiayi is a bit annoyed by Ouyang Bao's uninvited visit and later warns him not to repeat such behavior, a request he readily agrees to.
Exam day arrives, and Zhang Qiufang and He Jiawen face the tests with nervous anticipation. Soon after, Zhang Qiufang receives her acceptance letter from the medical school. He Jiawen, however, misses the passing score by a mere half-point. He Jiali encourages her sister to try again next year, but He Jiawen decides to forgo re-examination. Instead, she accepts her father's arrangement to work at the starch factory, hoping to contribute to the family's well-being as soon as possible.
Fast forward to April 1980. He Jiawen is thriving at the starch factory, becoming the "factory flower" (most popular girl). Suitors are lining up, but none have caught Jiawen's eye. Ouyang Bao remains He Jiayi's devoted follower. He has also started working at a supply and marketing cooperative under the foreign trade department, and wants to give all of his salary to Jiayi, but she reminds him that he has a large family to support.
He Jiayi is also about to start a new job, and she is looking for something with an artistic flair. After dinner, He Jiayi wonders why her second sister hasn't found a boyfriend yet. He Jiawen says it's all about fate. However, during a basketball game between the starch factory and the feed company, He Jiayi and Chen Weiguo fall in love at first sight, and the two begin to see each other frequently.
Liu Meixin, hiding in a corner to watch Chen Weiguo escort her daughter home, accidentally injures her foot. Chen Weiguo kindly carries her home and uses white wine to ease the sprain. Liu Meixin is delighted by his attentiveness and inquires about his family. However, He Jiayi doesn't have a high opinion of this "dark-skinned" man, suggesting her sister should find someone more handsome.
When Chen Weiguo returns home, he immediately tells his mother about the encounter, declaring he will marry no one but He Jiawen. His mother, Chen, the head of the household, calls a family meeting with her eldest son, Chen Kesi, his wife Tao Yimin, and her two daughters, Chen Chunhua and Chen Chunrong, to discuss the matter. Chen Kesi believes that looks alone aren't enough and that beauty can lead to trouble. However, given Chen Weiguo's determination, Chen's mother personally visits the He family, presenting two jade bracelets from the Qing Dynasty as a gift. Her words demonstrate the Chen family's high emotional intelligence and good upbringing.
Liu Meixin feels she can't refuse the bracelets and accepts them. However, He Changsheng believes she shouldn't have, especially if He Jiawen doesn't reciprocate Chen Weiguo's feelings. He urges her to return the bracelets if that's the case. Meanwhile, He Jiayi, whose job and love life are still up in the air, is walking home with her younger sibling when Ouyang Bao invites her to a movie. After the film, she spots her second sister, Jiawen, with Chen Weiguo in the crowd.
Chen Weiguo walks He Jiawen home, wanting to solidify their relationship. He Jiawen doesn't give a definitive answer, but her attitude reveals her affection for him. The next morning, He Jiawen tells her parents that she wants to date Chen Weiguo. Liu Meixin readily agrees, while He Changsheng and He Jiali suggest inviting him over for a meal. He Changsheng tests Chen Weiguo by asking him to peel a fruit, and his performance greatly satisfies the entire family.
