Episode Summary
Sanqiang reveals his troubled past with his alcoholic father and his mother's death, prompting him to reconcile with his father. Zhao Chuxi gets a new job to earn more money for his village. He spends New Year's Eve with Qin Ran, who brings him dumplings. Xu Shaoqing spends the holiday with Su Xiluo's family, while Xiluo is troubled by thoughts of Chuxi. Mr. Su offers Chuxi a job as her driver, which he accepts. An ominous warning suggests trouble ahead for Chuxi and Xiluo.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Zhao Chuxi finding Sanqiang drinking heavily. Sanqiang initially claims he's just keeping Chuxi company, but it's clear something is bothering him. He eventually reveals his deep-seated resentment towards his father, a man with a history of alcohol abuse. Sanqiang recounts a traumatic childhood memory: two years ago, during one of his father's drunken episodes, his mother suffered a heart attack. His father, caught up in his own revelry, failed to get her help in time, leading to her death. This event solidified Sanqiang's estrangement from his father. Chuxi listens empathetically, understanding Sanqiang's pain but also sensing his lingering affection for his father. He encourages Sanqiang to confront his father and work through his unresolved issues. Grateful for Chuxi's support, Sanqiang takes his advice and heads home after sharing a drink.
Meanwhile, Qingyi is thinking about Chuxi, and right on cue, he calls. Chuxi excitedly tells his sister about a new job he's taken to earn more money, emphasizing his dream of one day fixing the roads in Fenghuang Village. He even sings her a new song he learned from a coworker, showcasing their close bond. Qingyi, preparing Spring Festival couplets, finds herself constantly reminded of Chuxi. Her spirits are lifted when the children arrive with gifts for her.
The episode fast-forwards to New Year's Eve. Chuxi is far from lonely, receiving calls from Sanqiang, Er Pang, and Yellow Hair, all eager to wish him a happy new year. Chuxi tries to call Qingyi, but the line is busy, so he sends a text message instead. As fireworks fade and quiet returns, Chuxi settles in his dorm room with instant noodles and sausage, watching TV. Qin Ran unexpectedly arrives with homemade dumplings, specifically Chuxi's favorite –韭菜鸡蛋 (leek and egg). She even offers to make them for him every day if he likes. They share the dumplings and watch fireworks together, enjoying each other's company.
Simultaneously, Xu Shaoqing spends the New Year with Su Xiluo's family. Xiluo's father has prepared her favorite sour vegetable dumplings. During dinner, Xu Shaoqing toasts Xiluo's father and brother, subtly hinting at his future influence and support. Xiluo remains silent throughout the meal, and her mood shifts noticeably when she receives a New Year's greeting text from Chuxi. She quickly shuts off her phone, arousing Xu Shaoqing's suspicion.
That night, Xiluo has a nightmare about Chuxi, a dream symbolizing the insurmountable obstacles of fame and fortune that separate them. She wakes up startled and, the next morning, tells her father she's returning to Jiacheng.
Back in Jiacheng, Er Pang returns home with his grandmother. They watch a news report about the decline of the Lin Corporation. Er Pang's grandmother expresses concern about his well-being, but he assures her that his priorities are taking care of her and his friends. He then delivers gifts from his grandmother to Sanqiang and Chuxi at the construction site. However, when Lu Yao arrives driving Mr. Su's car, Er Pang quickly retracts the gifts and offers them to Lu Yao instead, leaving Chuxi and Sanqiang bewildered. Lu Yao, unimpressed by Er Pang's gesture, informs Chuxi that Mr. Su has returned and wants to meet them for dinner at their usual spot. Sanqiang, uncomfortable with Er Pang's obvious infatuation with Lu Yao, tries to escape. At the dinner, Mr. Su offers Chuxi a job as her driver, paying him 6,000 yuan. Chuxi readily accepts, saying he'll sort things out with his job at the bathhouse. Mr. Su then assigns Lu Yao to teach Chuxi how to drive, and he proves to be a quick learner.
Mr. Su is haunted by the memory of her father and brother, who are eager for Xiluo to marry Xu Shaoqing so they can exploit the connection. Xiluo, however, resists their pressure. Xu Shaoqing arrives, offering to help Xiluo with her problems and asking when she'll introduce him to her family. Xiluo deflects the question, keeping her true feelings hidden.
The episode concludes with a sinister hint: someone is aware of Zhao Chuxi's upcoming attendance at a banquet with Su Xiluo, and their intentions seem far from friendly.
