Episode Summary
Chen Lei decides to retire to spend more time with his family, inspiring Chen Huan'er to consider buying a ring for her parents. Song Cong faces financial and social class differences with Qi Qi and her friends. Hao Mei struggles with retirement paperwork but eventually succeeds. Jing Qichi receives a business offer regarding his website. Chen Lei and Qian Lina finally have a wedding photoshoot and ring exchange. Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er officially become a couple after a long-awaited kiss and confession.
Spoiler Alert
This episode of "Always Home" is packed with emotional moments, relationship shifts, and financial realities. Chen Lei makes a big announcement: he's stepping back from his constant work travels to spend more time with his wife, Qian Lina, and daughter, Chen Huan'er. He realizes he's missed out on a lot, and regrets not having a proper proposal or wedding ceremony back when they got married. This gets Chen Huan'er thinking, and she ropes Jing Qichi and Song Cong into a trip to the mall to look at diamond rings, hoping to buy one for her parents. The price tags, however, are a harsh reality check. It's also Valentine's Day, and Song Cong heads off to dinner with Qi Qi, gifting her handmade earrings.
The Valentine's dinner takes a turn, though. Qi Qi introduces Song Cong to her friends, who are clearly from a very wealthy background. The contrast makes Song Cong uncomfortable, especially when Qi Qi's friend gifts her another, much more extravagant, pair of earrings. Song Cong, being a gentleman, pays the bill, but is shocked by the exorbitant amount.
Meanwhile, Hao Mei faces bureaucratic hurdles while trying to finalize her early retirement from the hospital. Luckily, Li Tian's mother steps in to help. Back at home, Song Cong shows Hao Mei the expensive gift from Qi Qi. Hao Mei, worried about the financial disparity and social expectations, advises him to return it. Song Cong later finds out the shirt Qi Qi gave him costs 8,000 yuan, furthering his concerns.
Chen Lei finds a diamond ring advertisement while doing laundry, leading to a humorous confrontation with Chen Huan'er, who explains her plan to buy a ring for Qian Lina. Song Cong returns the shirt to Qi Qi, explaining it's too expensive. Qi Qi doesn't understand his concern, leading to a minor argument, though Song Cong ultimately keeps the shirt, realizing what Hao Mei meant by being from the different social classes.
On another front, Jing Qichi receives an offer from Mr Jiang regarding his used-book trading website. He's given two options: the company can replicate his idea, or they can provide technical support while Jing Qichi continues to run it, with profit-sharing later on. Jing Qichi needs time to consider.
The semester flies by, and it's exam time again. With Qian Lina fully recovered, Chen Lei and Chen Huan'er put their surprise into motion. They take her for a wedding photoshoot, and even invite Jing Qichi and Song Cong's families. Chen Lei finally gives Qian Lina the diamond ring he never had the chance to, making up for the lack of a proposal years ago. It's a tearful and joyous occasion for everyone.
The episode culminates in a major turning point for Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er. After a sweet moment reminiscing about their shared past, Jing Qichi kisses Chen Huan'er. The chemistry is undeniable. They awkwardly discuss their relationship status, with Chen Huan'er teasingly refusing to be his girlfriend without a proper confession. Jing Qichi is about to deliver one when Chen Lei interrupts.
Later, Jing Qichi, after a moment of panic caused by Lin Yifan, sends Chen Huan'er a text message: He was serious! He asks her to be his girlfriend, and she happily agrees. Jing Qichi is so overjoyed that he accidentally breaks his bed while celebrating. The episode is full of the struggles of young love, family bonds, and the differences in social economic classes.
