Memory of Encaustic Tile (昔有琉璃瓦)
[ Episode 1 ]
The parents of Sunian, Shao Xue, Zhang Qi, and Shi Yin get an emergency call from work. They head over to the Forbidden City, where they work as restoration craftsmen. The children decide to plan a hot pot dinner while the parents are away. Their hard work gathering ingredients was for naught as the parents caught them while they tried to start an unsuccessful fire. Shao Xue’s mother is upset and wants to ground Shao Xue. However, Shao Xue’s father helps her escape to the Forbidden City with Sunian and Zhang Qi. She wants to submit her artwork to the competition her mother won’t allow her to enter. Getting feedback from Sunian and Zhang Qi that her artwork needs to be reworked, Shao Xue left the redrawing part to Sunian to complete for her. Sunian calls out to the campus beauty to meet him at school.
[ Episode 2 ]
Su Nian’s mother’s birthday is coming up, and the whole neighborhood is getting gifts ready for her. After much deliberation, Shao Xue wants to gift a Winter Sonata CD. Zhang Qi mentions that he can find the CD and takes her to a DVD store where the owner shows Zhang Qi some R-ratedmaterial. Zhang Qi prevents Shao Xue from seeing them, and they successfully get the CD. They’re stopped by Ms. Li on their way back, telling them they need to complete their community service. They showed up at the building, but the gate was locked. Shao Xue climbs up to the wall, sees Su Nian with the campus beauty, and falls over. Misunderstanding when Shao Xue says that the CD broke, Zhang Qi screams in fright over her “broken leg,” and Sunian runs over. Jealous and upset at Su Nian, Shao Xue wouldn’t let him carry her inside. The next day Sunian replaces her Winter Sonata CD, and she’s happy with him again. On the birthday party day, Sunian’s surprise gift was his choir classmate singing a song for his mother.
“I believe that in every girl’s heart is an ideal adult whom she wants to be. For me, that person is Ms. Jin Ning. She often tells me about her time abroad. Those beautiful places and interesting people. I wish to be like her and visit faraway places. To discover my own landscape and stories.”
[ Episode 3 ]
It is exam day for Sunian, Shao Xue, Zhang Qi, Shiyin, and Wu Huan. After completing the exam, they’re watching Harry Potter and discussing the difficulty of the test. While Zhang Qi, Shiyin, and Wu Huan had trouble finishing the exam, Shao Xue exclaims that she had spare time to review her work. Sensing something wrong, Sunian figured out that Shao Xue must’ve skipped some questions. Worried that it’ll affect her score, Zhang Qi suggests breaking into the school to edit the exam. Sunian disagrees, but Zhang Qi and Shao Xue secretly enter the school the following day to revise the exam. Zhang Qi and Shao Xue hear the security guard opening the door, so they huddle closely together under the teacher’s desk, making Zhang Qi’s heart race. Shao Xue comes back disheartened while Sunian is disappointed in her. Receiving her passed exam, Shao Xue realized that Sunian helped her make up the points when he asked her to do the exam questions in front of him. Shao Xue’s mother has been sensitive about keeping down food lately. Worried that she has gastric cancer like her mom, they visit the hospital to find her pregnant.
[ Episode 4 ]
Shao Xue is worried that everyone won’t love her the same as the new child anymore. After being reassured by Sunian, she runs home in excitement to be told they can’t keep the baby with her mother’s health.
Chinese New Year is coming, and children go to the market to buy the material needed. Ms. Li tells Shao Xue’s family that Shao Xue has been shortlisted to receive the scholarship to study abroad. After the family dinner, she tells Sunian and Zhang Qi in excitement. Zhang Qi was happy for her, but Sunian was hesitant to fully congratulate Shao Xue.
[ Episode 5 ]
Shao Xue sets off to the countryside with Shiyin and her family. While Shao Xue enjoys the different environment, Shiyin is distant from her grandmother’s affection. Shiyin reveals that she used to be close to her grandmother, but after leaving for Beijing, she’s scared to be outcasted, thus changing herself into the princess image everyone sees. Before returning home, she decides to open up to her grandma again.
Sunian, Wu Huan, and Zhang Qi helped make a national college entrance exam video using Shao Xue’s dream of fighting off difficult exam questions. Sunian opens up to Zhang Qi about not liking the idea of Shao Xue leaving, but he buys her English books anyways. When Shao Xue returns, Sunian gifts her the books and honestly tells her that he’s selfish and doesn’t want her to leave. But her dream of going abroad is like how he likes standing still. So he can only support her because she’ll never be happy if it never happens.
“We mustn’t hurt those who love us. Am I right?”
[ Episode 6 ]
SARS breakout just started. Most of the younger students don’t take the breakout seriously. Zhang Qi catches a cold and has to be quarantined in the hospital. As the numbers keep going up, all the older people in the neighborhood are panicking. The school has to be shut down, and the students celebrate this. Shao Xue doesn’t know how to cook. Sunian realizes that Shao Xue might have a tough time eating foreign food asks his dad to teach him how to make Chinese food. He then uses the opportunity to teach Shao Xue how to cook.
[ Episode 7 ]
The SARS epidemic has calmed down, and schools are resumed. Wu Huan treats Shao Xue, Sunian, Shiyin, and Zhang Qi out and lets them know that he doesn’t plan to return to school. Zhang Qi and Shao Xue come up with an idea to gather donations for Wu Huan. After collecting the money and presenting it to Wu Huan, he doesn’t want to accept it. Knowing that Wu Huan won’t take the money due to his pride, asks Shiyin to hand the money to Wu Huan. After hearing Shiyin telling Wu Huan that she still wants to see him at school, he accepts the cash. Zhang Qi proves to be a math genius and gets pushed into the competitive class. Shao Xue’s low score causes an argument with her mom.
[ Episode 8 ]
Sunian brings Shao Xue out to blow balloons, relieving her anger. After talking it out and understanding her mom better, it rains. Instead of leaving, Shao Xue steps on the balloons that she just blew up while Sunian holds the umbrella. Shao Xue takes studying seriously and vigorously studies over the weekend. Finding out that Sunian is sick, Zhang Qi and Shao Xue nurse him while his parents are stuck at work. Shao Xue gets a new deskmate, Tang Ya, and gets chosen to be the student translator for the foreigners visiting the school.
[ Episode 9 ]
Shiyin uses Zhang Qi’s mother’s makeup to put on Shao Xue. The next day, Shao Xue gets an allergic reaction, making her miss the student translator opportunity. According to the doctor’s orders, Shao Xue’s mom is upset and keeps her on a strict diet. Sunian comforts Shao Xue about losing the student translator opportunity and tells her that many more opportunities will come. Although Sunian comforted her about her academics, Shao Xue was still worried that she would be disfigured. To further make Shao Xue feels better, Sunian tells her that if no one is willing to marry her in the future, he will marry her. Shao Xue’s mother, while strict, buy her makeup. Sunian’s parents get into an argument, and Shao Xue signs up for the school show.
[ Episode 10 ]
Shao Xue finally gets Zhang Qi, Sunian, Tang Ya, and Wu Huan to participate in her show. Shao Xue gets the neighborhood parents to help with the costumes and set designs. While getting feedback from Mr. Luo about her script, he believes that having romance would help spice up her story. He tells them of how Sunian’s parents met and fell in love. Shiyin can get the lead dancer role but has difficulty working with the teacher’s strict rules.
[ Episode 11 ]
Without practicing, the group shows up to rehearsal and doesn’t impress the audience. The teachers decide to remove their set from the list of performances. Upset with Zhang Qi and Sunian, Shao Xue ignores them. With the drama club president paying attention to Shao Xue, Sunian and Zhang Qi’s feelings for Shao Xue come to light. Sunian can convince the teachers to give them another chance, and the group works hard to put in their best effort for the performance. Lang Ya learns to overcome her stage fright by focusing on the teddy bear given by Wu Huan. Despite technical difficulties on the day of the performance, the group successfully performs the show together. Shiyin injures her muscles with the intense practice sessions and sits out for the show.
[ Episode 12 ]
Zhang Qi ends up not giving Shao Xue her birthday gift while Sunian gifts her a hand-painted sketchbook of all the places she wants to visit. The Beijing 2008 Olympics approach and the government encourages English to be used. All the elders at the restoration house are seen trying to use English greetings. Shao Xue’s teacher calls her mother to school and tells her that Shao Xue made the preliminary rounds for possible candidates. Shao Xue’s mother doesn’t want her to study abroad, upsetting Shao Xue. Sunian comes over to coax Shao Xue and tells her to use another method to convince her mom. Shao Xue seeks the help of Ms. Jin Niang to talk to her mother and receives a cheongsam while she visits. Sunian sees Shao Xue in the cheongsam and is awestruck. Back at home, Shao Xue and her mother make up, and Shao Xue’s dad gives her money to go buy a pretty hairpiece to match her cheongsam. Shao Xue approaches Zhang Qi to go shopping with her, making Zhang Qi ecstatic that she thought of him first.
“Some people are important for a moment but make you suffer all your life.”
[ Episode 13 ]
Zhang Qi, Shao Xue, and Sunian go out to buy a headband for her qipao. They meet Mr. Sun and his son, Tony, who treat them to hot pot. Mr. Sun tells them he misses having authentic food and his struggles abroad. Shao Xue comes back home and discusses with Sunian how it would be better for her to stay. Shao Xue does not want to worry about her parents, and she doesn’t want them to worry about her. Sunian gives her a recipe book with her favorite dishes so that Shao Xue can learn how to cook them when she misses the food from home. Sunian tells Shao Xue not to worry about her parents as he will look after them for her. Shao Xue’s mother eavesdrops on their conversation and accepts her decision to study abroad.
It is a national holiday, but the Zheng and Shao family visits Elder Sun, who had a heart attack the night before. When Shao Xue and Sunian return from delivering food to Elder Sun, Zhang Qi is pouting. He’s bitter they didn’t invite him to tag along. They decide to go to Zhang Qi’s house to watch movies. The trio heads to Wu Huan’s part-time job to buy snacks and wait for him to get off work. Wang Hao Ran’s friends come to find trouble for Wu Huan. Both sides decide to resolve their feud through a basketball match. Wu Huan wins Wang Hao Ran in the 1vs1 game.
Wu Huan: Shiyin is like a beam of light in my life
Tang Ya: What if this beam of light is burning you?
Wu Huan: I’m not afraid of being burned. I’m afraid of it disappearing.
Episode 13 reactions
It's sad seeing Zhang Qi and Sunian fighting over Shao Xue, especially when we know that Zhang Qi won't stand a chance. Every time studying abroad is brought up, Shao Xue's eyes light up, while Sunian is filled with worried. I thought the little recipe book was so cute, how Sunian drew out the recipe of Shao Xue's favorite dishes. It's such a fitting gift as Sunian is artistic and wants Shao Xue to feel as close to home as possible, even though she'll be far away. Also, the fact that Sunian offered to take care of her parents so that she could be at ease if she left. I appreciate this little scene from both Sunian and Shao Xue's mother. As her mother has to be the tough one/bad guy, Dong Ge forced her husband to be the good guy to allow Shao Xue to study abroad - such a wholesome scene!
[ Episode 14 ]
Mr. Sun gets released from the hospital, and once again, Zhang Qi is upset that Sunian and Shao Xue has forgotten to invite him. Zhang Qi’s mom gets a new computer and gives Shao Xue her old one. Shao Xue has to attend cram school at night. Tang Ya informs her to get someone to walk her home as mugging is known in that area. Shao Xue walks back at night and feels like someone is following her. Zhang Qi gives her an alarm the next day, and Sunian gives her a flashlight. While walking back the second night, she turned on the flashlight to find a message, “Sunian is here.”
Episode 14 reactions
All the relationships in here are cute. Mr. Sun and Mr. Luo's relationship is adorable as bickering old friends. There are the parents and how they're still so in love with each other and then Mr. Sun's apprentices. But, I continue to feel so bad for Zhang Qi and how the writers treat him. Why do they keep leaving him out? What's his role in this story? Give him his real-life Zhao Ling Er or his own Shao Xue. Don't leave him hanging like that. Shi Yin isn't turning out to be likable like I thought she would be after seeing her accepting her grandmother again in episode 5. I feel like she won't disappoint, but for now, she is. Poor Wu Huan was just part of her project to appear nice. :( However, the technology here feels so nostalgic. Everything from using landline phones and telling people to give you privacy. There's also having no cellphones and not having online stores and delivery yet. It makes everything seem like ages ago, but it hasn't been. It's crazy how fast everything has evolved over the years. I adore the flashlight, just like Sunian's recipe book. It ties it nicely together since Sunian is artsy, so he would always gift something do-it-yourself to Shao Xue.
[ Episode 15 ]
Shao Xue’s dad tells her the story of how her mother had to go through hardships before they got married. Wang Hao Ran’s mother found Hao Ran and Shiyin at Pizza Hut. She dramatically exclaimed that Shiyin seduced her son to go out, causing Hao Ran’s grade to be affected by it. When Shiyin asked Hao Ran to explain to his mom, he could only agree that Shiyin was the one who came to him first. Wang Hao Ran’s mom went to Shi Yi’s house, made a scene, and involved the school. Wu Huan and Shao Xue are upset for Shiyin. Zhang Qi comes up with a plan to clear Shiyin’s name so that the group can focus on his birthday weekend.
Episode 15 reactions
I really don't understand Shiyin. She's not entirely a horrible person, but she sure makes it difficult to like her. I'm just glad that Zhang Qi helped Shiyin with his devious method. I cackled a bit when Mr. Liu decided to let Zhang Qi go after realizing he was trying to help Shiyin. When the two girls reconnected, Sunian and Zhang Qi looked at them in slight horror of not understanding girls. XD These kids are growing up already, and it's weird seeing them go through this phase so fast. Now they're talking about college and life after high school. The switch in the drama is coming soon!
[ Episode 16 ]
All the children tell their parents that they will be attending a writing camp hosted by Zhang Qi’s mother. A lie concocted by Zhang Qi as they plan for a fun beach weekend. But unlike the sunny beach weather they thought they’d be in, the group finds themselves at a cold beach. They unanimously decide to head back to the 5-star hotel, booked by Zhang Qi’s acquaintance but find it immensely different from the pamphlet they received. Celebrating Zhang Qi’s birthday in a single room, the group plays a game where they each write down two questions and answer a question written on the card. As the last one to pick a question, Zhang Qi tells Shao Xue that he likes her. However, just before it can sink in, Zhang Qi laughs it off and tells the group it’s a joke. His phone rings just in time, saving him from the awkwardness. Their family has found out about their lie, returning home to upset parents.
Jin Ning has stomach pains and finds out she has stage four cancer. The whole neighborhood is affected by the news.
Episode 16 reactions
"Tell a lie you dare not to tell." Poor Zhang Qi gets such a horrible birthday weekend! They should've been making memories of his last birthday celebration in high school. But everyone just brushes his birthday away. Why writer, why? Show him some love! You better not do him dirty later in the show! I realized that Yan Zi Dong does a great job with puppy eyes. I feel bad whenever I see him put them on. And now the real drama enters the scene with our sweetheart, Jin Ning! While watching, all I could think about was, "Why did they have to do this to her?! How will Sunian and his sweet father take this?!" Everything feels so sudden.
[ Episode 17 ]
Zhang Qi and Shao Xue visit Jin Ning at the hospital. They accompany Sunian to lunch and decide to be strong for Sunian rather than be scared of the situation. Jin Ning’s health is getting worse, and the doctor wants to move her into the ICU where she will have better care. This will limit their visiting hours and how much time they can spend with Jin Ning. Jin Ning has accepted her fate and hopes to not waste money in the ICU. Meanwhile, Sunian pushes Shao Xue away and shoulders his pain alone.
Episode 17 reactions
It's so sad to see how affected everyone is. It shows how important a single person is to a group of people. It's so sad to know that Sunian, a young teen, will be in so much pain from this. I can't even imagine how Sunian's father will fair when Jin Ning doesn't make it. I love seeing how Wu Huan's mother came in and set aside their feud. The realization that a feud is insignificant is when you're about to lose someone. Lin Yi's acting has improved a lot, or this is probably one of the more serious roles that he has gotten since I've seen his works.
[ Episode 18 ]
Jin Ning gets moved to the ICU, with limited visiting hours. As Sunian keeps skipping classes to visit, his dad asks the doctor to extend visiting hours to accommodate Sunian. Shao Xue visits Jin Ning and is given instructions to give Sunian a recorded message when she’s gone. In a sudden pain, Jin Ning asks Shao Xue to do something bad for her and buy a cake. Worried about Jin Ning and wanting to help her, she scours nearby bakery shops to buy a cake. Shao Xue comes back with a cake but misses the visiting hours. Not long afterward, the families rush to the hospital to witness Jin Ning’s last moments. Sunian is cooped up in his room during the funeral, and Shao Xue enters to give him the recorder.
Episode 18 reactions
It's crazy to me that Sunian's homeroom teacher didn't think to allow him some leniency. Sunian is a teenager and while school and one's future are important, having a family member who is sick is just as significant (or even more). Watching all the pain from this episode, especially Sunian's father, was well done. I felt so much of his love, his sorrow, and how afraid he was to lose his world. It truly broke my heart.
[ Episode 19 ]
Shao Xue gets accepted into the study abroad program but denies the opportunity. Her new goal is to help Sunian be happy again. Sunian doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday with Shao Xue and the rest of the crew. He has been skipping classes, and Mr. Zheng gets called in to talk with Mr. Liu. While Mr. Zheng receives bad news about Sunian, Zhang Qi is recommended to attend UTSC (University of Science and Technology of China). Despite the good news, Zhang Qi feels uneasy about leaving Shao Xue. Shao Xue and Zhang Qi wait for Sunian to come home together, and Zhang Qi brings up the courage to tell Shao Xue about his recommendation. Shao Xue congratulates Zhang Qi for his achievement. Her response made Zhang Qi realize that Shao Xue probably doesn’t like him more than a friend. When Sunian comes back, Zhang Qi tells Sunain to take care of Shao Xue while he’s gone.
Episode 19 reactions
Sunian takes such a dark turn. It's honestly scary to see someone fall so deep like this. While I always try to be there for someone, I never know what to say or do. I end up doing something I shouldn't, though, so I just sit there quietly. It's hard to know what to do or how to approach those feeling depressed. I feel like each person wants to be approached differently about the issue. Mr. Zheng must be stuck in such a pickle as he's mourning his wife and have to help pull his son together at the same time. While everything is moving along smoothly for the rest of the group, Sunian is stuck in darkness. Seeing Sunian walk in the Forbidden City reminds me of his conversation with Shao Xue, how he likes the stagnant Forbidden City. It'll always be there in one spot, like a sense of comfort, knowing that it won't move. Losing his mother must've caused so much chaos to his system of unchanging balance. This reminds me that I once mentioned how Sunian has a high EQ. I think this is where that opinion tips a bit.
[ Episode 20 ]
Zhang Qi’s mom books a restaurant to celebrate Zhang Qi attending USTC. Qiao Mu and Si Yuan argue over Qiao Mu helping Si Yuan find a job, and they both leave the restaurant in anger. Shao Xue, Sunian, and Mr. Sun follow after Qiao Mu to help her understand Si Yuan better. During Mr. Sun’s discussion about what is most worthwhile to oneself, Sunian reassesses what he wants to do in his life. He realizes that he wants to do something that can be left behind after he’s gone. After listening to Mr. Sun’s story and seeing his mother’s unfinished painting, Sunian changes his focus of study into art. He wants to work in the restoration house, finish his mother’s painting, and continue doing this line of work.
Shiyin applies to an anchor program, angering her mom. Shiyin’s mom seeks out Dong Ge to get Shao Xue to help talk to Shiyin.
“I want to leave something behind for the world too. I hope that 100 years, what I leave behind can be seen by the world.”
Episode 20 reactions
What a turn of events here for Sunian. How lost he is after his mother's death and how he seeks something to cling onto that he can resonate with. Despite wanting to do something that can be left behind, he continues to yearn for the people around him to stay unchanged as well. It's interesting how he connects what he wants to do with the death of his mother as well. Sunian wants to do something that can be remembered by the living even though he has passed on. But at the same time, taking into consideration what he's good at and what he can do. Also, I love how attentive Sunian is and how he uses these little conversations with the older generation around him to think about his future.
[ Episode 21 ]
Shiyin threatens to quit school and angrily walks out during an argument with her parents. Wu Huan takes Shiyin to a convenience store to relieve her anger by crushing up ramen. After talking to Shiyin, he decides to help Shiyin’s parents see how passionate their daughter is about being an anchor. Wu Huan takes them to an event Shiyin is hosting, and they see how passionate Shiyin is. After seeing Shiyin shine on the stage, they agree to let Shiyin continue to pursue her dream.
Shao Xue accompanies Sunian to visit Jin Ning’s grave. While Shao Xue is lively and talkative, Sunian struggles to open up his feelings. After telling his mom how he feels, he attends the one-month art program in a better mindset. Sunian successfully passed the test with one of the highest scores and entered the Art Institute in 2004. While Zhang Qi and Sunian leave to start college, Shao Xue, Shiyin, and Wu Huan finish their last year in high school.
Episode 21 reactions
It's sad having to witness Sunian seeing people leave like Ms. Deng. Sunian always wished for a stagnant life. Yet, there's so much change happening to him in just an instant. It makes me realize how change is inevitable in your moment of youth. It shows how scared and vulnerable Sunian is as a teenager becoming an adult. On the other hand, Shao Xue is open to the possibilities of what comes after. It's great seeing the shifts of Sunian and how he went through overcoming his grief. As well as Mr. Zheng, even if it's just taking it a day at a time. I love seeing Wu Huan smiling. Sun Kai has such an adorable smile! While our goofy Zhang Qi is leaving, I hope we don't see less of him. I'm still sad that he was just a figure I felt wasn't included much in the script.
[ Episode 22 ]
Sunian’s dorm has two roommates. Yun Sheng, is a man of few words like Sunian. While the other is a talkative fellow, Pei Shu. In the neighborhood alleyway, Zhang Qi leaves for college. His mom is left behind with bittersweet happiness on how Zhang Qi has grown.
Shao Xue doesn’t know what to major in and seeks Sunian’s help. He suggests that she looks into minority language studies as it involves English and is good with languages. Meanwhile, Sunian’s roommate, Yun Sheng, is looking for a good silk shop, and Sunian recommends the help of Shao Xue’s mom. They head to the restoration center and see Ms. Kang, who Yun Sheng seems to know.
Wu Huan invites Shiyin to his birthday party, and Tang Ya shows up. Seeing Tang Ya upsets Shiyin, and she decides to leave.
Episode 22 reactions
It's intriguing seeing this pace of scatteredness in a drama. People are leaving, people are getting stuck behind, and there are a lot of scene shifts now. A group of people or community that used to be close-knitted as one, suddenly there's a gap between because they're moving on, just as life is. So, while I typically don't like jumps in scenes like that, I feel like this drama encapsulated the gap one leaves behind well.
[ Episode 23 ]
With the help of Sunian, Yun Sheng and Ms. Kang resolve their past grievances. Shao Xue finishes high school after completing her college entrance exam but has yet to receive news on her acceptance.
Shiyin and Wu Huan are finally a couple while Zhang Qi decides to study abroad at Cambridge University.
“Everyone in this world has a scar. If we are held back by the past, how do we give a bright future to the ones we care about?”
Episode 23 reactions
Sunian is finally coming back to who he is and uses the words he learned while in his darkest to help Yun Sheng. The nostalgia I feel with this episode and when they're sitting around and eating hot pot. It felt like I had just started the show, and they were gathering ingredients to have a hot pot together. One day you're hanging out with your best friends, and then the next, everyone leaves. Some stay close to home while others are further away. Everyone's walking their own paths.
[ Episode 24 ]
Sunian goes to the post office and is able to help locate Shao Xue’s lost acceptance letter. Shao Xue’s freshman year keeps her busy with her involvement in the student council. She forgets about Sunian and spends more time with Mo Hai, her senior. Sunian decides to go look for her, worried that she will forget about him. However, with the unhelpful advice from Pei Shu, Shao Xue gets upset at Sunian.
Episode 24 reactions
Awww… the little appreciation speech that Zhang Qi, Shao Xue, Shiyin, and Wu Huan gave Teacher Liu was so sweet. How Teacher Liu broke out in a cry. I think this scene of Zhang Qi officially made me interested in Yan Zi Dong as an actor. Will keep an eye out for him in the future. For the lack of a better word, it's sad to see that Shao Xue is so busy that she forgot about Sunian. these past few episodes makes me sad and filled with nostalgia. The reality is that things change and move on so fast that sometimes people and things get left behind unintentionally. Especially when you're not part of their close circle anymore.. the melancholy that I feel right now.
[ Episode 25 ] The Courtship
Sunian and Shao Xue both receive advice from Pei Shu and Shiyin to test if the other party likes them. Sunian cooks dinner for Shao Xue, and they both try to use the advice that they learn from their love gurus. With the contradicting methods they received that failed to work, Pei Shu and Shiyin think they should try another approach. Sunian and Shao Xue end up in a paintball match per Pei Shu’s request. Pei Shu was hoping to get Sunian and Shao Xue on the same team, but Shao Xue brought along Mo Hai, and they decided to team up to go against Sunian’s team, per Shiyin’s plan. Amidst the warfare, Sunian decides to save Shao Xue from the paintball shots, and the crew finally realizes that these two definitely have feelings for each other. Yun Sheng, Pei Shu, and Shiyin decide to leave the two together at the sauna. Pei Shu pops in with medicine to apply to Sunian’s wound but pretends he has a cramp in his hand and asks Shao Xue to apply it on Sunian. As Shao Xue was applying for the medicine, her close proximity while blowing onto the wound bothered Sunian. Shao Xue thought that Sunian was ticklish and wanted to tickle him. Sunian pulls Shao Xue towards him, and they almost kiss, but Pei Shu walks in. Embarrassed, Shao Xue runs away.
Episode 25 reactions
LOL, I couldn't hold in my secondhand embarrassment and chuckle during the whole dinner scene where they were trying to follow their love guru's tips XD As we all know, whenever we get tips from nosy love gurus, they don't tend to work. It's usually tips from someone who has actually seasoned with love or a partner's natural chemistry that will do the trick. I realize that we're getting closer to the end, but these two protagonists have yet to get together. I know from different synopsizes and drama trailers that Shao Xue does leave to go abroad. Will their love be rushed, or will the ending be rushed? We are starting to see less of the parents and the restoration crew. Siyuan and Qiao Mu have already married and given birth to a child. But we only know this through a quick snapshot of their marriage certificate photo and through Dong Ge's words. Will we get to circle back to their careers and goals that they have focused on for the most part of this show? And will we continue to see more of Wu Huan or even Zhang Qi?
[ Episode 26 ] The First Kiss
Shao Xue’s parents get into a feud and speak of divorce. Shiyin sees Wu Huan at the mall but only addresses him as her high school friend. Her refusal to admit their relationship makes Wu Huan sad. Shao Xue lies to Sunian that she will be watching a movie but turns up at the spa with Shiyin. Pei Shu sees them and reports to Sunian. Shao Xue was worried that Sunian would continue to be upset with her, and she tried to make him forgive her. In front of Shao Xue’s apology fireworks, Sunian kisses her and changes the course of their relationship.
Episode 26 reactions
I can't believe that Shiyin would not admit that he's her boyfriend after all of that. Even if your feelings turn out to not be so strong after all, that doesn't mean the person was not once special to you. This episode brings up a really interesting point of friends to lovers. I think one is always scared to lose a good friend. I can see this being an issue for Shao Xue in the upcoming episode.
[ Episode 27 ] The First Night
Shao Xue avoids Sunian by telling him that she’s busy every time that he calls. After not reaching Shao Xue for a couple of days, Shao Xue’s mom calls Sunian to help her look for Shao Xue. Sunian goes to her dorm and finds out that Shao Xue left for a remote county to volunteer. Sunian tries to follow her to the town, but the storm has caused the roads to collapse. Sunian asks the volunteers to allow him to go search for Shao Xue. Sunian successfully saves Shao Xue and her team from the mountains, and the two rest in a motel for the night. Shao Xue finally tells Sunian that she likes him, and they spend the night together.
Episode 27 reactions
I didn't expect Shao Xue to be the bold one in the relationship and try to get Sunian first XD I do have to say, though, that I liked how Sunian wanted to clearly address his worries and concerns about why she was ignoring him before proceeding with what may come next. And how he respected Shao Xue enough to not allow her to rashly take off her clothes.
[ Episode 28 ]
Shao Xue and Sunian decide to keep their relationship from their parents and continue to pursue their relationship in secret for two years. Sunian graduates and Shao Xue gets an opportunity to go for a second interview at a prestigious company abroad. Meanwhile, Shiyin and Wu Huan’s relationship is sitting on the edge.
Episode 28 reactions
I can't believe that two years have passed already while they're in their relationship, and they're still in love as if they're in their honeymoon phase. Nothing wrong with that; it's actually quite commendable. Based on the trailer, we know that Shao Xue will go abroad. So it should be coming soon that they'll break up. Shiyin is still such an unlikeable character. She has never tried to understand Wu Huan and continuously looks down on him. In fact, I don't even know if she ever once truly loved Wu Huan for who he is apart from the fact that she liked his attention. Now that he doesn't give it to her anymore, she's upset over it.
[ Episode 29 ]
Shao Xue does well in her interview and is offered a position in Huanyu Investment’s headquarters. She has yet to tell Sunian about the job offer. Zhang Qi comes back and pays Sunian a visit first. While Shao Xue contemplates how to tell Sunian the news, Sunian wants to officially invite Shao Xue to move in with him. Shiyin gives Sunian the idea of dressing up in a cloak and getting on a broomstick to ask her (as Shao Xue likes Harry Potter). However, the Harry Potter idea fails as Mo Hai was the one to get out on the right side of the taxi.
On a task to give something to Mr. Sun, Sunian overhears Shao Xue’s father telling Mr. Sun that Shao Xue got a job offer abroad. Sunian is upset that Shao Xue didn’t tell him and he gets into an argument with Shao Xue. Zhang Qi tells Sunian that Shao Xue has already given up going abroad once for Sunian.
Episode 29 reactions
Wu Huan finally breaks up with Shiyin in this episode. His letter made it seem like he was holding Shiyin back and took all the blame. I don't see it like that, though. Shiyin still holds herself in high regard and sees herself with more power in the relationship. Wu Huan also feels inferior to Shiyin, and because he has yet to get over that inferiority, he will never feel like he's worthy of Shiyin. I think Shao Xue still walks on eggshells a lot when it comes to Sunian. She thinks that Sunian is fragile, but he's a lot stronger than she thinks. He was able to overcome his mother's death, yes, with her help, but someone who doesn't want to help themselves will not be able to get out of it.
[ Episode 30 ] The Break-up
Not wanting to hold Shao Xue back, Sunian breaks up with her. Shao Xue does not want to give up on Sunian and confronts Sunian at work. Sunian tells Shao Xue that he doesn’t love her anymore without batting an eye. After the Beijing Olympics, Shao Xue departs to start her job abroad. Tang Ya has graduated and decided to join Wu Huan’s workplace.
Episode 30 reactions
I don't know why couples can't just communicate and say what they want to say. Wu Huan and Shiyin's relationship has always been distant. But Shao Xue and Sunian aren't. If Sunian wants her to leave, he can just tell her that he doesn't want to hold her back.
[ Episode 31 ] Meet After Two Years
Two years have passed since their breakup, and Sunian has been keeping to himself quietly. Everyone at the restoration house is worried for Sunian and tries to set him up on several blind dates. Shao Xue’s father tells him to move on, and Sunian finally finds his passion for painting again.
Shao Xue is struggling in her company abroad. Zhang Qi visits her and helps her out, but she ends up quitting and taking up Mo Hai’s job offer back home. Zhang Qi gathers the crew together again, but Shao Xue and Sunian decide to leave the hot pot get-together.
Episode 31 reactions
It was sad seeing Shao Xue imagining Sunian calling out her name for it to only be the imagination of her yearning heart. Shiyin seems to still have lingering feelings for Wu Huan but cannot admit to herself. She'll probably be upset when she hears of Wu Huan's wedding with Tang Ya. Then there's Zhang Qi, who I didn't expect to be in a contract relationship XD That was quite unexpected, but I hope he finds love in the end. I'm still hopeful for his happy ending.
[ Episode 32 ] The Blind Date
Sunian’s dad set him up for a blind date. Shiyin decides to help out Shao Xue and get her a blind date at the same location where Sunian has his date. The two overhears each other’s conversation and leave in anger.
Working with Mo Hai, Shao Xue successfully travels all over the world as she has always wanted to. Mo Hai invites Shao Xue to a partnership, and Shao Xue agrees. When she returns to the office after her trip, she receives the news that Mo Hai has embezzled money from investors and fled. Shao Xue faints and wakes up in the hospital. She has something growing in her uterus and needs surgery. Mo Hai gets caught, and Shao Xue realizes through this ordeal that she doesn’t feel like she belongs out in the big world and wants to return home.
Episode 32 reactions
I think Sunian is sweet to not want to hold Shao Xue back. How he wants her to see the world to her heart's content, but I sincerely believe that one's goal can still be achieved by working together with someone else or by amicably working something out without having all this regret in your heart. I think these two have never been able to resolve their feelings because of how they broke up. Are they meant to be, or are they just holding on to those good feelings? Because this is a drama, it'll lead to these two individuals are meant to be together, but if this was reality, it would probably end up differently. Mo Hai felt sketchy to me right when he first told Shao Xue to work for him. Before that, he was still that awkward senior, but betraying Shao Xue like that is straight-up a douchebag move. There was no sense of respect from the guy and the fact that his fiance was in it. Shao Xue has always treated him well and even helped him get his girl.
[ Episode 33 ] Getting Back Together
Zhang Qi tells Sunian that Shao Xue’s back in China and the recent events involving Shao Xue. Sunian runs over to Shiyin’s place in a hurry. Meanwhile, Shao Xue calls her parents but gets up to answer the door to find Sunian. They openly talk about their relationship, and Sunian gives her a kiss. Not being able to stand the suspense of what was going on over the phone, Shao Xue’s mom called out for Shao Xue. Now that their parents know they are together, Sunian proposes to Shao Xue. The alleyway is getting demolished, and the neighborhood has to leave.
Episode 33 reactions
How they got back together was quick. Imagine if they got back together years prior XD I don't know why couples don't try long-distance relationships. Is this an Asian culture kind of thing? But you can tell the parents were antsy waiting for their kids to get married. Shao Xue's parents are such a hilarious duo. I really enjoy seeing them banter back and forth. How Shao Xue's father told his wife that he should know what kind of things they're busy with as a couple. She became flabbergasted and put the phone away. Then how he ran to hide at Mr. Zheng's house to avoid getting in trouble XD It's getting to the end and is indeed quite sad seeing that the alleyway will get torn up. I think any place that has become your home will always be hard to part with.
[ Episode 34 ] Married!
Everyone in the alley packs up to leave the soon-to-be-demolished alleyway. Sunian and Shao Xue hold their wedding in the alley with their friends, family, and neighbors before everyone leaves.
Episode 35 reactions
Poor Zhang Qi finally confessed his feelings. It was a long-overdue confession, but it was something I saw that he definitely needed to say and hear from Shao Xue. It's the end of this journey, and I won't say much as I plan to leave a final review, but this was a sweet watch.
