Episode Summary
Jing Qichi fails to pass the special training selection, causing him to feel inadequate. Song Cong's mother, Hao Mei, is seriously injured in an altercation at the hospital, leading to neurological damage and an uncertain prognosis. Song Cong decides to transfer schools to care for his mother, sacrificing his own education and leaving his friends behind. Hao Mei's eventual homecoming is marred by an accident that highlights her physical and emotional struggles, deeply impacting Song Cong.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Jing Qichi participating in tryouts for a special training program. His friends, Chen Huan'er, Lin Yifan, and Jing Liqiang, are all there to cheer him on. Qichi performs exceptionally well, exceeding even his own expectations. He initially intended to return a red string bracelet to Huan'er, but she encourages him to keep it until after the preliminary selections. Although he passes the initial round, Qichi is disheartened. He realizes that despite his best efforts, he still lags behind the athletes from the specialized sports school, and the gap will only widen. Song Cong offers Qichi some words of encouragement, but Qichi asks him to keep his concerns from Huan'er, not wanting to worry her. During their conversation, Song Cong notices Qichi wearing Huan'er's red string bracelet, leaving him feeling hurt. Later, Song Cong asks his father, Song Hang, if there are any advanced surgical options that could restore Qichi to his former condition. However, conservative treatment remains the best course of action for Qichi.
The results of the selection are announced, and Qichi does not make the cut. He returns the red string bracelet to Huan'er, his disappointment evident. Meanwhile, Qi Qi faces her own setback in a competition, receiving a harsh lesson from her mother, as usual.
Tragedy strikes when Song Cong is suddenly called away from class. He arrives at the hospital to discover that his mother, Hao Mei, was injured during an altercation with a patient's family. She was pushed, hit her head on a bed, and went into shock. Qian Lina takes Huan'er to the hospital to check on the situation. Both Song Cong and Song Hang are deeply distressed, maintaining a vigil outside the operating room. While Song Hang and Qian Lina step out to get food, Song Cong breaks down in tears. Having grown up around the hospital, he's seen countless people come and go, but now, experiencing it from this perspective, he feels their sorrow deeply. Huan'er tries to comfort Song Cong by sharing her own childhood experiences with illness, but words seem inadequate in the face of such pain; only time can heal.
The next day, Huan'er updates Qichi on the situation. Although they expected Song Cong to stay home, he shows up at school. When classmates gossip about the incident, Huan'er and Qichi, concerned for Song Cong, invite him to step out with them. Qi Qi also seeks him out to offer comfort and even offers to help him with legal action, but Song Cong declines.
Hao Mei awakens from intensive care, but her nervous system has been damaged, leaving her future ability to walk uncertain. Song Hang plans to transfer her to a better-equipped city hospital. Overhearing his father crying in private, Song Cong understands his parents' desire to maintain a strong facade but wishes he could share their burden. He tells his father that he wants to transfer to the experimental high school to be closer to Hao Mei and help care for her. Huan'er and Qichi are worried, knowing Hao Mei would be devastated to learn he sacrificed his education for her, but Song Cong is resolute, aware of the strain on his father traveling between two hospitals.
Song Cong quickly completes his transfer, refusing Huan'er and Qichi's offer to see him off at the school gate. Li Tian thoughtfully delivers his notes from the past few days, urging him to remain at the top of his class. Qi Qi rushes to say goodbye, silently watching him go.
Hao Mei's condition gradually improves, bringing joy to Huan'er and Qichi. However, their daily walks to school are now quieter, missing their friend. Eventually, Hao Mei is discharged. Qian Lina and Lin Yifan help her pack, and even Li Tian's mother offers assistance. Back home, Song Cong accidentally reveals his school transfer, causing Hao Mei to become agitated and dismiss them both. Huan'er prepares a potted plant and brings Qichi with her to visit, but they arrive to the smell of burning food. Rushing inside, they find Hao Mei, determined to cook despite being in a wheelchair, has caused a small fire. In the ensuing emotional turmoil, she suffers incontinence, deeply damaging her self-esteem. Song Cong is left stunned and heartbroken, slumping to the floor.
