Episode Summary
Jing Qichi's father, Jing Liqiang, dies in a wildfire rescue. Jing Qichi initially struggles, failing his sports school exam, but then becomes intensely focused on his studies, rapidly improving his academic ranking. Chen Huan'er supports him, but worries about his drastic change in behavior after the tragic loss.
Spoiler Alert
As the pressures of senior year ramp up, Du Man moves to the front row for focused study. Jing Qichi takes the seat next to Chen Huan'er, claiming he doesn't want her to be lonely while studying alone. Liao Xinyan mentions a tutoring class known for its accurate exam predictions, sparking Chen Huan'er's interest. However, the 200 yuan per session price tag is too steep. After class, Jing Qichi generously offers Chen Huan'er the 200 yuan, insisting that at least one of them should achieve family glory. Touched, Chen Huan'er takes only 100 yuan, planning to attend the class and then tutor Jing Qichi herself.
Chen Huan'er diligently tutors Jing Qichi, though he often seems less than enthusiastic. She carefully stashes Jing Qichi's remaining 100 yuan in her drawer, leaving it untouched. Everyone is pushing hard for the college entrance exams, and Chen Huan'er keeps Jing Qichi on track with their study sessions, their playful bickering a hallmark of their youth. They make a deal: for every point Jing Qichi improves, Chen Huan'er gets a milk tea. As Chen Huan'er's milk tea consumption increases, so do Jing Qichi's scores.
During evening self-study, Chen Huan'er struggles, feeling overwhelmed. Jing Qichi suggests she take a nap, sensing her exhaustion. She rests her head on the desk but can't fall asleep. Jing Qichi, also resting his head, shares his headphones with her. The next day, Chen Huan'er waits for Jing Qichi to go to school, but he's nowhere to be found. He's not at home, and he's not answering his phone. Panicked, Chen Huan'er asks Qian Lina what's happening, but Qian Lina urges her to focus on her exams.
Meanwhile, Jing Qichi and his mother, Lin Yifan, are at Jing Liqiang's fire station. A sudden wildfire broke out, and Jing Liqiang went missing during the rescue. When they learn of Jing Liqiang's death, Lin Yifan collapses in grief. In this single moment, Jing Qichi is forced to grow up. Chen Huan'er, witnessing Jing Qichi's stoic expression in the rain, is filled with worry. Days pass without Jing Qichi at school. Chen Huan'er messages him, offering her company at their "Secret Base" if he needs it. Jing Qichi replies that he's coming. She gives him a sweet milk tea, and he tells her, with red-rimmed eyes and a hoarse voice, that he's okay and will be back at school tomorrow.
Lin Yifan has arranged for Jing Qichi to attend special training at Tonglin Sports School, a connection Jing Liqiang had made for him. Jing Qichi failed his sports school entrance exam, despite his best efforts. His friend, Song Cong, comes to comfort him. Jing Qichi, eyes red, questions why his efforts weren't enough. It turns out that Jing Liqiang wasn't supposed to be on duty that day; he switched shifts to meet a sports school coach, hoping to secure an opportunity for Jing Qichi. Jing Qichi is tormented by the thought that if he had realized this sooner, his father might still be alive.
After Jing Liqiang's death, Lin Yifan seems to have aged considerably. She and Jing Qichi struggle to face each other, but she assures him that he will always be her and Jing Liqiang's pride. It's Jing Liqiang's birthday, and Jing Qichi feels like everything he cherishes has been stolen. Chen Huan'er watches his closed window, deeply concerned.
Jing Qichi returns to school. He gives Chen Huan'er his MP3 player, suggesting she listen to it when stressed. He's now completely focused on studying. His behavior changes drastically. First, he becomes a study machine. Then, he seems almost manic, obsessively working through practice problems. Finally, he emerges as a top student, his ranking soaring to just five places below Chen Huan'er.
On New Year's Eve, both Qian Lina and Lin Yifan are working. Chen Huan'er, after having dumplings with Qian Lina at the hospital, returns home hoping to hang out with Jing Qichi, but he's still studying. She calls Song Cong, and they buy six bottles of beer at Du Man's convenience store.
