Episode Summary
Jing Qichi leaves his company after a failed proposal, and moves back to his old apartment. Chen Huan'er joins him, and they rekindle their romance. A class reunion brings reflections on past dreams and present realities. Qichi shares a nostalgic video of old messages, highlighting the enduring nature of some things amidst life's changes.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 30 of "Always Home" sees major shifts in the lives of the main characters, bringing both disappointment and heartwarming reunions. Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er take a long walk in a forest that Qichi has dreamt of, a place where he repeatedly seeks answers about Jing Liqiang, his father, with the wind seemingly holding the only response. Meanwhile, Fu Ying represents Qichi at a crucial company meeting, but their proposal is rejected. Qichi feels deeply let down. Fu Ying reveals she knew the chances were slim, as the company is very established and unlikely to change its trajectory for newcomers. She explains that her own secure position and promotion are due to a prior offer from the head office, and she joined Qichi's team primarily to support her friends.
Disheartened, Jing Qichi hopes Zhou Ye will fight for another opportunity. However, Zhou Ye, unable to stay any longer, has a heated confrontation with Gong Bo during the meeting. Qichi decides to leave the company with Zhou Ye, realizing it might not be the right fit for him. A parallel storyline reveals Senior Gao'ang facing trouble during a research presentation, exposed by Dr. Qiu for minimal participation in the experiment. As a result, Chen Huan'er and Tian Chi successfully reclaim their research data.
A turning point arrives when Huan'er, while talking to Qichi on the phone, unexpectedly sees him in person. She learns about his departure from the company and his return to his old apartment. Overjoyed, Huan'er quickly packs her belongings and moves in with him. That night, a power outage during Huan'er's shower leads to an intimate moment. Qichi, concerned for her, enters the bathroom with a candle and stays with her. Later, a comfortable and loving Huan'er lies on Qichi's lap, whispering his name, and the long-separated lovers reconnect.
The episode also features a reunion of old classmates. Huan'er and Qichi meet up with Du Man, Song Cong, and Liao Xinyan. Xinyan, now a successful civil servant, exudes a powerful, career-oriented demeanor. Li Tian surprises everyone by appearing with his fiancée. Qi Qi also attends, revealing she has a boyfriend, and Song Cong offers genuine congratulations. The group reminisces about their high school days, triggered by an old book from a book-sharing project. They reflect on whether their current lives align with their past aspirations. Huan'er, Qichi, and Li Tian affirm their contentment, while Du Man, Song Cong, and Xinyan express some reservations, acknowledging that the present is always the best they can have.
In a touching gesture, Jing Qichi invites everyone to his place, where he projects their old messages from their school days. The messages reveal their youthful dreams: Li Tian's ambition to attend Cambridge (which didn't happen, but he loves his life), Qi Qi's desire to make her mother proud (now realizing her life is her own), Du Man's overcoming loneliness, Xinyan's past wish for romantic experiences (now focusing on her career), and Song Cong's acceptance of his ordinary life. Huan'er's past struggle with finding a goal is contrasted with her present happiness. The friends acknowledge that while some friendships may be temporary, they contribute to the completeness of their lives.
The episode concludes with Huan'er sleeping soundly on Qichi's bed. Their mothers call them to help make dumplings. A video of Qichi plays on the computer, where he reflects that even if they forget the specifics of that day in the future, some things will change, while others will remain constant, forever.
