Episode Summary
Tensions rise among the friends during a study abroad trip, fueled by unspoken crushes and shifting alliances. Qi Qi's jealousy of Chen Huan'er's closeness with Liao Xinyan creates awkwardness, while Jing Qichi becomes aware of Qi Qi's feelings for Song Cong. A boating incident and a missed taro cake date further strain relationships. Back at school, the preparations for a cultural performance exacerbate existing tensions, and a run-in with bullies leaves the trio shaken. Qi Qi bails the appointment with Chen Huan'er.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with a heartfelt gesture. After school, Chen Huan'er, Song Cong, and Jing Qichi present Qi Qi with a ukulele, hoping she can pursue her passions. Qi Qi is visibly moved, getting choked up by the gift and the impending class split. She shares emotional hugs with both Chen Huan'er and, after gathering her courage, Song Cong. It's revealed that Jing Qichi, who edited the video of this touching moment, is secretly against Qi Qi transferring and even advises Chen Huan'er not to feign poor performance after Qi Qi leaves.
Chen Huan'er shares study abroad information with Qi Qi, but Qi Qi initially declines due to her mother's plans, even showing a hint of jealousy upon learning that Liao Xinyan will be attending. However, Qi Qi eventually signs up. On the day of the trip, Qi Qi finds Chen Huan'er already seated with Liao Xinyan, leading to an awkward moment and Qi Qi retreating to the back of the bus. The tension escalates when Liao Xinyan asks for mosquito repellent, and Qi Qi uncomfortably provides it. The room assignments further complicate things: Chen Huan'er ends up rooming with Liao Xinyan, while Qi Qi gets a room to herself. Chen Huan'er, sensing Qi Qi's discomfort, insists she join them, and Qi Qi reluctantly agrees. The trio's strained dynamic is palpable as they walk to their room, with Qi Qi and Liao Xinyan subtly vying for Chen Huan'er's attention, a tension noticed by Song Cong.
During a boating trip, both Qi Qi and Liao Xinyan want to be paired with Chen Huan'er. Chen Huan'er attempts to resolve the situation by assigning Qi Qi with Song Cong, Liao Xinyan with Jing Qichi, and taking a boat alone. However, Chen Huan'er accidentally falls into the water, causing a panic. When Qi Qi goes to buy medicine for Chen Huan'er, she pointedly excludes Jing Qichi, rebuking him for his reckless behavior. Jing Qichi, ever perceptive, notices Qi Qi's preference for Song Cong's company when she asks him to accompany her instead, fueling his own unease.
Later, Chen Huan'er and Jing Qichi meet at a park bench. Jing Qichi apologizes with oranges for his earlier impulsiveness, but Chen Huan'er quickly brushes it off, and they soon return to their usual lighthearted banter. Song Cong, arriving with ginger tea, witnesses their playful interaction and experiences a moment of heartbreak. The study abroad trip leaves almost everyone with unspoken feelings and anxieties, though Chen Huan'er remains oblivious to the shifting dynamics.
Back home, Qi Qi is downcast, Jing Qichi's usual cheerfulness is diminished, and Song Cong's melancholy deepens. The unspoken crushes linger like a bittersweet candy. After a vacation, Jing Qichi's attitude toward Qi Qi noticeably cools. Chen Huan'er and Qi Qi reunite, their friendship seemingly unaffected despite Qi Qi's move to a different building. Chen Huan'er rushes out of class to spend a few precious moments with Qi Qi, highlighting their close bond.
The school is preparing for a cultural performance. Liao Xinyan asks Jing Qichi to perform a freestyle soccer routine, and others suggest cheerleading for him. Jing Qichi, in turn, ropes in Song Cong and Chen Huan'er, who both reluctantly agree. However, they quickly realize they lack the talent for cheerleading and step down, with Chen Huan'er volunteering to help with errands. Qi Qi overhears Liao Xinyan asking Chen Huan'er to deliver some papers and immediately objects, feeling that Liao Xinyan is taking advantage of Chen Huan'er. Qi Qi insists on treating Chen Huan'er to taro cakes, but Chen Huan'er chooses to help Liao Xinyan, leaving Qi Qi fuming.
Chen Huan'er's deskmate transfers to the liberal arts class, and she gets a new deskmate, a short-haired girl with glasses. Chen Huan'er is preoccupied with her taro cake date with Qi Qi. Qi Qi mentions she'll be late after class, but Chen Huan'er happily agrees to wait, unaware of the potential deception. Chen Huan'er waits a long time at the school gate, but Qi Qi never shows. Jing Qichi and Song Cong, worried about her, find her distraught. A wave of relief washes over them. However, their relief is short-lived as they encounter some local bullies demanding money. Chen Huan'er kicks one of them and they all flee. Song Cong goes to buy medicine for Chen Huan'er, while Jing Qichi engages in their usual playful banter with her. During the escape, Chen Huan'er had instinctively grabbed Jing Qichi's hand, a subconscious action that even she doesn't understand. Once her phone is charged, Chen Huan'er receives a text from Qi Qi saying she can't make it because she has rehearsal with classmates.
