Episode Summary
Jing Qichi struggles with his recovery, both physically and emotionally, after a serious football injury. His friends and family rally around him, offering support and encouragement. Lin Yifan initially hesitates but eventually supports Qichi's dream. Qichi faces setbacks but ultimately heals and gets a chance to participate in a special training selection, with Chen Huan'er's unwavering support. Song Cong deals with unrequited feelings, while Qi Qi attempts a confession.
Spoiler Alert
This episode dives deep into the fallout of Jing Qichi's injury and his struggle to recover, both physically and emotionally.
The Coach's Warning: The episode opens with a serious conversation. Jing Qichi's coach reveals to Lin Yifan that Qichi's injury is a direct result of his intense desire to excel. Because the school lacks a professional training program, Qichi has been pushing himself too hard, leading to recurring injuries. The coach expresses concern, suggesting Lin Yifan reconsider pushing Qichi towards a professional football career, despite interest from several teams.
Hospital Visits and Low Spirits: Chen Huan'er brings bone broth to the hospital for Qichi, but the usually vibrant and energetic young man is now subdued and discouraged. It is a stark contrast that highlights the severity of his situation. Later, Qian Lina brings Huan'er to visit Lin Yifan, and Hao Mei is there too. Lin Yifan expresses that she wants to give Qichi a year off from school, and Huan'er quickly suggests that she and Song Cong can tutor him after school.
Tutoring and Despair: Huan'er and Song Cong, ever the supportive friends, take their books to Qichi's hospital room to help him keep up with his studies. However, Qichi is utterly miserable, feeling like his life has lost all meaning.
Release and Relapse: Qichi is finally discharged from the hospital. Huan'er and Song Cong are there to pick him up, and Huan'er gives him a special gift: tickets to the football league finals, a gesture meant to reignite his passion. Qichi had hoped Lin Yifan would go with him, but she remains unsupportive. As Qichi begins his daily physical therapy, Huan'er witnesses his pain and realizes the road to recovery is far more challenging than she anticipated. Qichi starts to question whether he should give up his dream, not wanting to burden his parents, who have their own careers to manage. He asks Huan'er and Song Cong to stop visiting, not wanting them to see him struggle.
Huan'er's Encouragement: Huan'er, understanding Qichi's fear and the reality check his injury and the doctor's words have delivered, starts researching tirelessly. She's determined to show Qichi that it's not too late to pursue his dreams.
Back to School, But Not the Same: Qichi returns to school, but he's still on crutches and struggling to walk. Huan'er makes a special effort to meet him at the school gate, presenting him with stories of famous football players who overcame serious injuries, reinforcing the message that he can make a comeback. Qichi calls out her name, a moment signifying that he will always remember that morning.
Lin Yifan's Support: Qichi shares with Lin Yifan that he's loved football for as long as he can remember. After a heart-to-heart, Lin Yifan finally decides to support Qichi's dream fully. She tells him that he can make his own decisions about his future, and once he's recovered, she'll accompany him to visit the coach.
A Shared Dream: When Jing Liqiang is away on a business trip, Qichi discovers the game tickets that fell from Lin Yifan. It turns out Huan'er had also given a ticket to Lin Yifan, who had planned to attend after a meeting. Qichi also finds out from Huan'er that she got the tickets from the coach.
New Beginnings and Old Feelings: Song Cong is called away to a competition, so Huan'er offers to take Qichi to school on her bicycle. After consistent rehabilitation, Qichi's injury finally heals. He's cleared to participate in the special training selection, and he and Huan'er can resume their playful, competitive dynamic. Song Cong, witnessing this, still feels a pang of sadness. Song Cong, while buying books, doesn't have enough money and is helped by Qi Qi. They discuss a past issue, with Qi Qi admitting she was being difficult, and Song Cong acknowledging he can be the same. Qi Qi tries to confess her feelings ("I like you"), but the words are drowned out by a loud noise, and Song Cong doesn't hear. Qi Qi seems to find closure in the moment.
A Token of Good Luck: Finally, Huan'er accompanies Qichi to the special training selection, giving him a red string bracelet she's worn since childhood for good luck and protection.
