Episode Summary
Huan'er prepares to leave for college, dealing with mixed emotions about Jing Qichi and Song Cong. She discovers Jing Qichi secretly followed her to Wu'an University, leading to a mix of surprise and anger. The episode explores the complexities of their relationships, with Huan'er navigating new friendships and the start of her college life.
Spoiler Alert
Back in her hometown, Chen Huan'er finds her parents already packing her things. Her college acceptance letter has arrived, and she's due to report on the 28th. The reality of everyone's college choices sinks in, especially the fact that Jing Qichi didn't list a second choice school. This leaves Huan'er feeling uneasy. Her dad, Chen Lei, mentions seeing a delivery person bringing an acceptance letter to Jing Qichi's house too, but Qichi himself seems down. Huan'er hesitates to even send him a congratulatory text, and ends up confiding in her friend, Du Man. Du Man correctly guesses that their graduation trip wasn't all that great, adding that their friend group is just too complicated.
Meanwhile, Song Cong visits their "Secret Base" and finds Huan'er there. The awkwardness between them is palpable. Song Cong decides to clear the air, telling Huan'er he doesn't want her to avoid him. He asks her to pretend he never confessed his feelings, hoping they can still be friends. Huan'er admits it's difficult right now and that she needs time to process everything.
Jing Qichi walks by, overhearing Song Cong and Huan'er's conversation. He gets home and finally sees a message from Huan'er, asking if he wants to come to the Secret Base. Later, Huan'er hangs out with Liao Xinyan, only to discover that Xinyan already has a boyfriend. Huan'er gets an earful of lovey-dovey talk. Qi Qi joins them, and she and Huan'er gossip about Xinyan's new relationship, which is surprisingly fast-moving. Huan'er is quick to explain the Song Cong situation to Qi Qi, assuring her that she's already set things straight. Qi Qi, however, has moved on, declaring that Huan'er will always be her best friend. Xinyan points out that with Qi Qi and Song Cong both attending Bei Jing University, a romance is bound to happen.
Back home, Huan'er's dad warns her against dating, but her mom, Qian Lina, is all for it, encouraging her to explore relationships in college. Huan'er stays quiet, focusing on her noodles, while her mom starts fishing for information about any potential crushes. Chen Lei wants to accompany Huan'er to college, but Qian Lina insists she needs to be independent. Huan'er pushes them out of her room and texts Jing Qichi, asking when he's leaving. He replies that he hasn't decided yet, then finally invites her to meet at the Secret Base. Huan'er acts a bit aloof, annoyed that he hasn't been replying to her messages. But Jing Qichi just hands her the money from selling their books. Before they part, Huan'er gives Jing Qichi a hug. It's only after she leaves that his true feelings seem to surface.
The day arrives for Huan'er to leave for college. She arrives at Wu'an University and messages Jing Qichi, asking if he's reported to his school yet. The next moment, he appears beside her, helping with her luggage. He did apply to a second-choice school after all. Huan'er's eyes well up with tears, and she pulls her suitcase away, walking ahead alone. A senior student named Tian Chi, who's in charge of welcoming new students, offers to show Huan'er to her dorm. Tian Chi is also from Tianhe No. 1 High School and remembers seeing Huan'er in the library. They chat easily, and it turns out that Tian Chi was the one who took the book Huan'er couldn't find back then.
Jing Qichi messages Qian Lina to let her know Huan'er arrived safely, revealing that he'd already informed her about his plans and promised to look after Huan'er. Huan'er gets settled in her dorm, meeting her roommates, while Jing Qichi encounters a very enthusiastic roommate of his own. Song Cong texts Jing Qichi, asking when he'll be reporting to school, only to learn that Qichi is at Wu'an University. Qichi explains that he kept it a secret to surprise Huan'er, but it seems to have backfired, turning into more of a shock than a pleasant surprise. Jing Qichi texts Huan'er, asking if she wants to grab dinner, but she scoffs. She opens the medicine her mom packed and finds a note saying one packet is for her and the other for Jing Qichi. This just makes her even angrier.
