Episode Summary
Wu Limei seeks independence in the countryside after a fight with Li Jianxiong, while flashbacks reveal her past struggles and her mother's support. Su Su moves in with Xu Wenbin, who struggles to balance work and their relationship. Li Jianxiong secretly takes dance lessons for Limei. Limei and Gu Yunsu reminisce over her mother's diary.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Wu Limei facing a tough decision. Flashbacks reveal her younger self, accepted into night school but struggling with living expenses. She and Su Su decide that Su Su will temporarily stay with Limei's parents in the countryside. This means Su Su has to put her beloved photography hobby on hold, as photo paper is too expensive. Su Su, ever the understanding child, supports Limei's educational aspirations, remembering her grandmother's words: "Never let poverty hinder education."
Meanwhile, after a spat with Li Jianxiong, Limei retreats to the rural area where Jingjing lives. Expecting a bustling town, she's surprised by the tranquil, pastoral setting, which helps soothe her troubled mind. Jianxiong, worried about his pregnant wife's stress, asks Su Su to keep in close contact with Limei. Su Su, in turn, enlists Jingjing to document Limei's daily life, sharing photos to keep everyone updated.
Taking advantage of her time in the countryside, Su Su moves in with Xu Wenbin. The next day, Wenbin gives Su Su a kiss before leaving for work, while Su Su happily cleans their home and prepares a meal. During a phone call, Limei abruptly ends the conversation to focus on her studies, triggering memories of her past. We see a flashback of Limei bringing Su Su back to her parents' home, enduring her mother's stern lectures but also learning valuable lessons about handling criticism, using her grandmother's "sandwich method" (praise-criticism-praise).
Limei's mother, though strict with her daughter, showers Su Su with affection. Learning of Limei's studies and Su Su's temporary stay, she warmly declares that their home is Su Su's home, for as long as she needs.
Back in the present, Wenbin's demanding work schedule leaves him unable to reply to Su Su's messages all day. He returns home exhausted, explaining that he was caught up in back-to-back surgeries. Su Su gently reminds him to send her even a simple emoji in the future, just to let her know he's safe. Wenbin apologizes, admitting he's still adjusting to having a girlfriend, and promises to keep her updated. Su Su forgives him, presenting him with a cheerful fruit platter shaped like a smiley face.
On the other side of town, Jianxiong sends daily messages to Limei, but she doesn't respond. He confides in Gu Yunsu, who believes Limei understands his situation and encourages him to persist.
Li Yan, overhearing their conversation, visits Limei. He reveals that Jianxiong has been taking dance lessons every Friday, hoping to surprise Limei with her favorite activity. He also shows Limei Jianxiong's notebook, filled with details about her. Moved by his efforts, Limei explains her reasons for staying in the countryside: she fears losing herself again and needs her own space. Li Yan reassures her that she's not alone, with Yunsu, Jianxiong, and himself by her side.
Later, Limei finds Jianxiong practicing his dance moves and is genuinely happy. She invites him to dinner, and he reacts with childlike joy. Yunsu also visits Limei, and they reminisce while looking through Limei's mother's diary. The diary entries overflow with a mother's love, especially after Limei's acceptance into university. Overcome with emotion, Limei and Yunsu fondly remember their mother, with Yunsu calling out to the sky to greet her grandmother.
