Episode Summary
Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings create tension between Chen Huan'er, Song Cong, and Qi Qi. A bonfire party performance reveals Qi Qi's feelings for Song Cong, leading Huan'er to realize the reason behind Qi Qi's recent distance. Jing Qichi tries to mediate the awkwardness between Huan'er and Song Cong, encouraging Huan'er to be true to herself. The episode ends with fireworks and a declaration of "pure friendship," leaving the underlying romantic tensions unresolved. The first Spring Festival in Tianhe is bittersweet for Huan'er due to family circumstances.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Chen Huan'er relieved that Song Cong is okay after a previous incident. Her friend, Liao Xinyan, playfully reads tarot cards, declaring Huan'er and Song Cong a destined match. Huan'er also discovers that a particular book she thought belonged to Jing Qichi is actually Song Cong's. Later, Huan'er and Xinyan pull their studious friend Du Man into some dorm room fun, scrambling to hide when a teacher comes to check on them. Meanwhile, Jing Qichi notices Song Cong acting strangely, especially his apparent avoidance of Huan'er. Song Cong brushes off Qichi's concerns, scolding him for being too gossipy.
The plot thickens as Song Cong has a serious talk with a teacher in his office. Qi Qi, concerned about his well-being, catches up to him afterward. As a heavy rain falls, Qi Qi offers to share her umbrella, creating a picturesque, romantic moment. She invites Song Cong to a bonfire party her class is hosting, where she plans to perform. Jing Qichi witnesses their intimate scene and jumps to the conclusion that Song Cong's distance from Huan'er is due to a budding romance with Qi Qi.
At the bonfire party, Huan'er, Qichi, and Song Cong are all in attendance. Qi Qi performs a song on a ukulele gifted to her by the trio, a song she says is important to a close friend. Huan'er initially hopes Qi Qi is referring to her, but her hopes are dashed when Qi Qi starts singing a song Song Cong listens to frequently. This moment of realization clarifies many previously confusing interactions for Huan'er, including Qi Qi's recent aloofness. After the performance, Qichi and Huan'er make a quick exit, leaving Song Cong and Qi Qi alone. Qi Qi gazes at Song Cong with bright eyes, clearly revealing her feelings, but Song Cong maintains a deliberate distance.
Huan'er, feeling downcast, sits alone until Qichi joins her with snacks, assuming she's upset about her feelings for Song Cong. Huan'er quickly clarifies that she and Song Cong are just good friends! The two quickly shake off the melancholy and start joking around. Song Cong sees them together and considers approaching, but is pulled away by someone lacking social awareness. The agricultural study trip soon concludes, with Qichi capturing everyone's heartfelt messages on camera, creating a lasting memory for all.
Back home, Song Cong messages Huan'er about tutoring, but she declines, wanting to be considerate of Qi Qi's feelings. Song Cong doesn't push the issue. Later, Qichi has training, so he asks Huan'er and Song Cong to walk home together. What is usually a normal occurrence becomes awkward for the two, leading Huan'er to avoid the situation altogether by going to get a taro cake by herself.
The first Spring Festival in Tianhe arrives, but it's a somber one for Huan'er. Her mother, Qian Lina, has to work the next day and can't take her back to Sishui for the holiday. They share a simple New Year's Eve dinner, and Huan'er struggles to comfort her visibly disappointed mother. However, Hao Mei's arrival brings a smile back to Qian Lina's face. Song Cong's father has been in surgery all day, so Hao Mei invites Qian Lina to Lin Yifan's house for a game of mahjong.
While the adults enjoy their mahjong game, Huan'er feels awkward around Song Cong, having just declined his invitation to hang out. Jing Qichi, ever the perceptive one, drags them both out, wanting to show Huan'er the traditional New Year festivities. However, Huan'er's deliberate distance from Song Cong creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for both of them. Jing Qichi, stuck in the middle, plays games on his phone while Song Cong messages Huan'er, confused about her avoidance.
The plan changes from games to fireworks. Jing Qichi messages Li Tian, who "borrows" a box of fireworks from his father's car, claiming it's to repay a favor. Qichi tries to get Li Tian to join them, but he declines. Song Cong is unusually energetic, which Qichi immediately picks up on, recognizing it as a facade. Qichi expresses his desire for Huan'er and Song Cong to stop avoiding each other. He may not understand "girl stuff," but he knows Huan'er hasn't done anything wrong and shouldn't feel pressured to change for others. As the fireworks explode, Song Cong stands beside Huan'er and shouts, emphasizing their "pure revolutionary friendship," urging her not to "drop the ball." Jing Qichi echoes his sentiment, and Huan'er seems to have an epiphany.
