Episode Summary
The close bonds within the hospital compound community are further explored. Chen Huan'er joins Jing Qichi and Song Cong's "secret base," solidifying their friendship. Rumors spread about Chen Huan'er and Song Cong. Qi Qi joins the study group, revealing a shared desire for belonging with Chen Huan'er. Li Tian's academic success leads to a tense interaction with Chen Huan'er. Song Cong, inspired by Chen Huan'er's questioning of pre-planned lives, decides to change his academic path.
Spoiler Alert
The second episode of "Always Home" deepens the connections within the close-knit community of the hospital staff compound. Jing Qichi, noticing that Chen Huan'er missed dinner, takes her to a special place. This spot, previously a "secret base" shared between Jing Qichi and Song Cong, now welcomes Chen Huan'er into their circle. Song Cong, who was distracted during his own dinner, thoughtfully packs leftovers for Chen Huan'er. Jing Qichi, ever the smooth talker, eases any potential embarrassment Chen Huan'er might feel about accepting the food. Song Cong adds more dishes and extends a standing invitation for Chen Huan'er to join them for meals whenever Qian Lina (Chen Huan'er's mom) works late, emphasizing the casual, family-like atmosphere of the compound where sharing meals is commonplace.
Life in the compound is portrayed as idyllic, especially in ensuring no one goes hungry. When Qian Lina rushes to work without preparing breakfast, Song Cong shares his mother's cooking, or Jing Qichi brings food from Lin Yifan (although Lin Yifan's culinary skills are questionable). Chen Huan'er's homemade vegetable buns, however, continue to be a hard sell to the compound residents. Meanwhile, rumors about Chen Huan'er and Song Cong are spreading like wildfire, even piquing the interest of Qi Qi. Chen Huan'er's academic performance has improved significantly, and when Qi Qi expresses a desire to join her study sessions, Chen Huan'er readily agrees.
Chen Huan'er and Jing Qichi visit Song Cong's home for a meal, where Hao Mei's (Song Cong's mother) cooking is, as always, a hit. Jing Qichi's playful teasing of Chen Huan'er leads to their usual bickering and playful chasing, a scene that brings a quiet smile to Song Cong's face. This dynamic shifts when Chen Huan'er leaves to pick up Qi Qi for their study session. Jing Qichi momentarily drops his mischievous demeanor and sits quietly, a subtle smile playing on his lips. Hao Mei, after serving them some oranges, rushes off to join a mahjong game with Qian Lina, Lin Yifan, and Li Tian's mother. Qi Qi is surprised to learn that all their parents know each other, to which Jing Qichi casually remarks about the interconnectedness of everyone in the compound. When Qi Qi asks why they don't walk to school with Li Tian, Jing Qichi explains that Li Tian's father is the hospital director, and his mother constantly pressures him to be the best. As the study session begins, Jing Qichi uses it as an excuse to get closer to Qi Qi.
After the study session, Chen Huan'er walks Qi Qi downstairs and unexpectedly sees her getting into a family car. This reveals that Qi Qi, despite her desire to blend in, doesn't walk to school to avoid drawing attention to herself. Qi Qi expresses her fondness for the compound's warm atmosphere, contrasting it with her lonely upbringing of constant transfers and being alone. This shared longing for connection and belonging forms a strong bond between the two girls. As a gesture of friendship, Qi Qi gives Chen Huan'er a bottle of shampoo, remembering Chen Huan'er's earlier compliment about its scent.
The episode takes a turn when Li Tian, achieving the top academic ranking, becomes the center of a celebratory feast hosted by his mother. Qian Lina encourages Chen Huan'er to interact with Li Tian and exchange study tips. However, Li Tian, shaped by his competitive environment, displays hostility towards Chen Huan'er. Song Cong's timely arrival provides an escape, inviting Chen Huan'er to join him for tutoring. A conflict arises when Qi Qi's mother, discovering her absence from piano lessons, plans to hire a tutor, leading Qi Qi to sadly announce that she may not be able to join their study group anymore. Song Cong and Li Tian are preparing to study abroad, and Qi Qi's future is being dictated by her family, leaving Chen Huan'er feeling envious of their seemingly predetermined paths, while she remains uncertain about her own. Jing Qichi offers to escort Qi Qi to her piano lesson, using the excuse of going the same way, leaving Chen Huan'er, who was tying her shoelaces, behind. She masks her disappointment with a forced smile.
The episode concludes with Song Cong contemplating Chen Huan'er's earlier words about whether a pre-planned life truly brings happiness. Back home, Chen Huan'er is greeted by her father's return, and the family enjoys a joyful meal prepared by Qian Lina. During an evening stroll, Chen Huan'er asks her parents about their plans for her, but they emphasize a philosophy of "health first, happiness first," having no specific plans. The final scene shows Song Cong at the sports field with Jing Qichi, observing his friend's passion. This inspires Song Cong to make a pivotal decision, and he approaches his teacher about switching classes.
