Episode Summary
Jing Qichi disappears, causing Chen Huan'er to panic, but he returns with fireworks. The college entrance exams conclude, and a jealous misunderstanding arises between Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er's visiting cousin, Xiaoyu. Jing Qichi plans a secondhand book website. An awkward photo booth moment occurs, and Chen Huan'er reconnects with Qi Qi.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Chen Huan'er and Song Cong heading over to Jing Qichi's place, beers in hand. It's a bittersweet gathering, as Song Cong is about to leave for international school, a decision made by his mother, Hao Mei. Song Cong, not much of a drinker, quickly passes out, reminding Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er of their middle school graduation when a similar incident occurred. They had all been inseparable since kindergarten. The shared history and looming separation hang heavy in the air, and Chen Huan'er can sense Jing Qichi's sadness.
After lugging the inebriated Song Cong to bed, Chen Huan'er also dozes off. When she wakes up, Jing Qichi is gone, and his notebook is filled with disturbingly negative thoughts. Panicked, Chen Huan'er frantically searches, only to find him returning with fireworks. He remembered her wish to set some off, and in a sweet, slightly awkward moment, he wishes her a Happy New Year. The scene reveals Chen Huan'er's complex, evolving feelings for Jing Qichi – she's not quite sure why she was so upset, but she knows he's incredibly important to her.
As senior year ramps up, Jing Qichi's spirits improve. The two are studying hard, and a playful rivalry develops. Although, Chen Huan'er is a bit miffed when his grades surpass hers. One day, instead of going to their English tutoring session, Jing Qichi pulls Chen Huan'er into a movie theater, suggesting they learn English by watching a film. They also spot a classmate, Li Tian, who seems to be skipping class as well.
Winter transitions to spring, symbolizing the fading grief over Jing Qichi's father's (Jing Liqiang) death. Life returns to a normal rhythm, dominated by studying for the all-important college entrance exams. A memorable power outage during a study session becomes a cherished memory for Chen Huan'er. Their teacher, Mr. Xu, takes the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt message: life has no standard answers, and they should pursue their dreams without regrets.
The exams finally end, and the trio – Chen Huan'er, Jing Qichi, and Song Cong – decide to sell their old textbooks. Jing Qichi teases Chen Huan'er about her childhood photos, claiming that only he and Song Cong would sit next to her. Chen Huan'er retorts by pointing out a boy in one of the photos, her childhood friend from Sishui, Xiaoyu, who's coming to visit. Jing Qichi is visibly jealous, acting possessive of Chen Huan'er in front of Xiaoyu. The tension is thick, but it's all a misunderstanding. Xiaoyu is actually Chen Huan'er's cousin (Qian Lina's nephew). Jing Qichi, realizing his mistake, makes a hasty exit.
The episode takes another turn when Qian Lina suggests selling Song Cong's valuable notes online. Jing Qichi gets the idea to create a secondhand book trading website, "Yangwu ." As Chen Huan'er and Song Cong leave Jing Qichi's, Song Cong hesitates, wanting to confess something but holding back.
Later, the group, including Li Tian and Liao Xinyan, hangs out. Chen Huan'er and Liao Xinyan take sticker photos, and then Chen Huan'er drags Song Cong and Jing Qichi for a group photo. The frame is heart-shaped, creating an awkward moment for the three. The photo booth holds a special significance for Chen Huan'er, reminding her of a past visit with Qi Qi. Qi Qi, seeing their old photo, is overcome with emotion, highlighting the shifting dynamics of their friendships. The episode ends with Chen Huan'er reaching out to Qi Qi, suggesting a possible reconciliation.
