Li Zheng was bandaging Shao Xi’s blistered heel. He asked her why she did not say anything even though she was hurting? Li Zheng asked her to get on his back. He actually gave her two options: to be carried in his arms or on his back. These piggyback rides are always so eye-catching because it always makes me squeal in happiness. Of course I am fully aware that it is merely an excuse for a little bit of skinship in dramas but a little display of alpha male strength coupled with gentlemanly honor… Sigh… I like! Anyway, Shao Xi got on his back after the briefest of hesitation. And once on, Shao Xi awkwardly made small talk. Li Zheng claimed that if she liked to be carried, he would carry her on his back in the future. Now that is an indirect confession! Shao Xi softly smiled.
Jin Li met his brother, Jin Wen, for lunch. His brother asked him to seat by his side because they were expecting two more guests, a mother and a daughter. Jin Li quickly realized that this was a blind date and started complaining. He wondered why his brother was always so obedient and Jin Wen explained that it was because his top priorities were Jin Li and father. Who were around him and to whom he was married, were not important. This self-sacrifice mindset actually sounds really sad and pathetic to me. I do not doubt his sincerity and I do believe that he is being authentically altruistic. I just definitely cannot empathize. Anyway, accepting his brother’s answer, Jin Li relented and agreed to stay as his apology for insulting him the other day. And a cute bromance is born. As if I need another reason to like this drama.
President Lu arrived with her daughter, An Xiao Ciao aka. Angelina. Oh the cringe! President Lu explained that Xiao Ciao were in the same year as Jin Li and was having trouble with her studies. She had just came back from travelling abroad and would be enrolling to Jin Li’s university, Long Hua University. President Lu was the university president and so hoped that by enrolling Xiao Ciao there, she could keep an eye on her. She wanted Jin Li to help her homework assignments. Jin Li’s disbelief is hilarious! President Lu claimed that her daughter was very nice but only a little spoilt. Hahaha… Jin Li wanted to explain that his grades, too, were not stellar but Jin Wen stopped him and on his behalf, said would be honored to help Xiao Ciao with her test and interview preparation. Jin Li gave his brother another look of doubt but consented anyway. Jin Wen recommended that the two youngsters went away together to get to know each other better. Jin Li agreed albeit, reluctantly.
Xiao Ciao told Jin Li that he did not have to pretend to know her well. Xiao Ciao asked Jin Li to hang out temporarily to satisfy the parents. After they have spent a little time together, they could then explain that they were not compatible. Jin Li agreed. Xiao Ciao got into her parked yellow car and banged into the cars behind and in front of her as she was backing out. Jin Li questioned whether she bought her driver’s license and lo and behold, she too hit his motorcycle. Hahaha… I don’t know yet if I find her annoying or endearing. Let’s wait and see!
At a shoes shop, Li Zheng was inspecting female running shoes while Shao Xi was waiting on the bench behind him. Shao Xi commented that her mom did not run and thought sports shoes were inappropriate anniversary gift. He emphasized that they were for her and asked the saleslady for her size. Shao Xi was stunned that he knew and asked how he knew. He lied and said it was merely a good guess. But viewers actually could actually see that Li Zheng actually looked to find out her shoe size. I think he intended to buy her a pair of running shoes even before this injury. Awww… The saleslady came with the shoes and Li Zheng bent down, intending to put them on her. Wah! A scene straight out of fairytales: a Cinderella scene. Li Zheng just gets even more squee-inducing. Shao Xi was uncomfortable because her sweaty foot might smell. But Li Zheng insisted, claiming he already smelled it when he was medicating her before and found it bearable. The saleslady complimented Li Zheng as a nice boyfriend. Shao Xi wanted to correct her but Li Zheng just asked for the other pair. Hahaha… I think that is definitely a confirmation! The boy likes her. And likes her a lot. Li Zheng is really making it difficult for her to get over him. As he was paying, Shao Xi imagined her hands interlocking each other in the mirror but stopped when he looked at her.
Together in Xiao Ciao’s car, Jin Lin complained about his motorcycle that needed 3 days of repair. Jin Li yelled at her for talking pointlessly and not paying attention to the road. Shao Xi and Li Zheng were waiting to cross the road. Shao Xi moved closer to him. Shao Xi promised that she would compensate him for the shoes but he said to consider it as a gift for winning her last race. Li Zheng crossed as the light turned green but Shao Xi stood still in astonishment and did not follow suit. Li Zheng called out to startle her and she started to cross. But just then, Xiao Ciao dropped her phone and was picking it up off the floor. She mistakenly pressed on the gas pedal, sped up the car, and hit Shao Xi who was crossing the street.
Shao Xi was taken to the nearest hospital and Xiao Ciao was scared that she would be jailed for manslaughter should she passed on. Jin Li comforted her that she would pull through. Jin Li seemed to be comforting himself too because he too, seemed worried. Mama and Papa Zhong came to the hospital and demanded explanation. Li Zheng explained that a car ran through a red light and hit Shao Xi. Papa Zhong asked who was driving and Jin Li took the blame for Xiao Ciao. Papa Zhong threatened to hurt him if something were to happen to Shao Xi. President Lu came to yell at Xiao Ciao and wanted to take responsibility for all medical expenses. Mama Zhong begged everyone to just concentrate on getting Shao Xi healthy. The doctor finished examining and pronounced that Shao Xi only suffered from a knee injury that might need surgery. She was otherwise, fine. Everyone sighed in relief.
In her hospital room, President Lu again apologized for Xiao Ciao’s carelessness. She hoped Shao Xi would forgive her. Xiao Ciao also apologized sincerely. Jin Li came and nonchalantly said he wished he had taken her to the movies instead. Everyone looked the two of them and started to question their relationship. Shao Xi was quick to clarify that they were just friends. Jin Li agreed that they were just friends, but his smile hid a hidden meaning. This whole time, Li Zheng was listening at the end of the room and did not approach. The doctor came and explained that there was a laceration on Shao Xi’s knees. Once the swelling was down, he would determine further course of actions. She asked if she could still run and the doctor told her to concentrate on physical therapy if she wished to run as fast as she did before. Shao Xi was clearly saddened over this news and Li Zheng started to blame himself. Everyone present was trying to keep her hopes up by getting her to look forward to therapies, nourishing soups, the best physicians and therapists, and fun practices. Even Xiao Ciao timidly promised to help with whatever she could. But Li Zheng? He remained quiet. Shao Xi kept eyeing him and Li Zheng ran away from the room.
On their way back from the hospital, President Lu noticed that Xiao Ciao must have been terrified back then. Xiao Ciao admitted and that she was but she felt protected by Jin Li. President Lu noticed that her daughter started to view him favorably. Xiao Yu and Ru Ping visited Shao Xi in the hospital and asked who attacked her. They thought the car accident was just a cover-up! The two of them were worried about her and had asked Li Zheng how she was recovering. They came after Li Zheng encouraged them to visit. Shao Xi asked where was Li Zheng and why he did not accompany them. Xiao Yu unflappably said it must be because Li Zheng did not care for her. Ru Ping kicked him for that remark and he amended himself saying Li Zheng did not come because he thought Shao Xi was too strong not to recuperate well. Little did they all know, he was standing right outside her hospital room, too afraid to enter. Ru Ping cautiously asked if Li Zheng had ever visited her but when Shao Xi replied no, tried to distract Shao Xi with food and vitamins. The car accident probably affects Li Zheng the most but it is still very mean for him not to visit her.
Alone in her hospital room, Shao Xi yelled at Li Zheng for not contacting her. Li Zheng was so guilt-ridden that he stood around in the hospital stairways, too ashamed to face her. He was sleeping in his room when he woke up from a nightmare. He went down to look at Shao Xi’s bloody shoes and relived his childhood trauma yet again. Oh poor baby! And just like Lady Macbeth who hallucinated and tried to wash Duncan’s blood off her hands, Li Zheng too did the very same ‘Out, damned spot!’ action to Shao Xi’s new white sneakers. Papa Zhong saw Li Zheng but turned and left him alone. Poor boy! He needs help to get out of his PTSD.
Shao Xi was getting ready to be discharged. She was upset because Li Zheng never visited. Mama and Papa Zhong explained that while she was hospitalized, Li Zheng was busy completing many errands at home and at the teashop. Her parents complimented and spoke highly of him. Shao Xi listened quietly but was not satisfied.
At home, Papa Zhong called on Li Zheng but found him not home. Mama and Papa Zhong noticed that Shao Xi was disappointed and tried to distract her by presenting Li Zheng’s homecoming gift. Apparently he prepared some notes so that while she was recovering at home, she would also be caught up with schoolwork. Hahaha… It is definitely not something that she is expecting. Her parents suggested a special hotpot meal to celebrate and to invite Li Zheng to join. Li Zheng, however, declined the invitation, citing work. Sigh… In actuality, he felt too guilty and too embarrassed to participate. He sat alone in a dark lonely park while the whole house was celebrating.
Shao Xi heard him returning home and wanted to greet him but missed him as Li Zheng quickly locked himself inside his room. Shao Xi wanted to knock at his door but curbed her intention. On the other side of the door, Li Zheng was waiting for her to make her move. Aarrghhh… This is frustrating. Just talk! In a flashback scene, Li Zheng actually came for a visit at the hospital. He entered only when she was already sound asleep. He softly caressed her hand and looked uncomfortably at her sleeping face. The sleeping Shao Xi grabbed Li Zheng’s hand but he gently released it and left to cry his eyes out. In her room, Shao Xi relived the piggyback ride and the shoes shopping. She went downstairs to the shoes cabinet and took out the bloody white sneaker. Li Zheng followed her downstairs and saw her clutching the stained white sneakers. He mistakenly thought that the white sneakers were reminding her of her accident and her inability to run. Wrong boy! Shao Xi was upset because you left her after an affectionate date without any explanation. She was clutching the sneakers because they were from you! Li Zheng is too clueless.
In the morning, Shao Xi was looking for the white sneakers but Li Zheng came in and explained that he had thrown them away because they were stained with blood. Shao Xi went out to find them again but Li Zheng stopped her. Papa Zhong told Li Zheng to follow her as she looked for her shoes. Shao Xi screamed all her frustrations out as they finally met face to face: about how disappointed she was that he did not visit, how hurt she was that he avoided her even though they lived in the same house, and now, how angry she was that he threw away his gift for her. Finally understanding her, Li Zheng helped her find her shoes. At home, Shao Xi cleaned the shoes angrily. Mama and Papa Zhong tried to get her to come out of the bathroom but failed. Papa Zhong had an idea and told Mama Zhong to follow along.
The next morning, Li Zheng knocked on Shao Xi’s door to deliver breakfast and notebook. She asked where her parents were. Li Zheng explained that because of a big emergency at work, her parents went to the teashop. ‘Emergency’ hahaha… I love Papa Zhong’s sneakiness. Still angry at Li Zheng, Shao Xi demanded an explanation for his detachment. Shao Xi asked him to apologize and he did, but for the wrong reason. He apologized for getting her into an accident. Shao Xi exasperatedly taught him that as a friend, he needed to show care to her who just had an accident. It was wrong for him to ignore her. And this emotional moment was cut abruptly by Shao Xi’s tummy ache. Hahaha… Li Zheng took her to the toilet and just as he closed the door, her bowel exploded. Oh the embarrassment! Li Zheng and Shao Xi’s relationship was saved by poo. Nothing like a big old’ fart to break the awkwardness. Ewwww…
Li Zheng took Shao Xi to the hospital for her diarrhea and when the doctor asked what she ate before, she gave an amusingly long list of food. The doctor concluded that her diarrhea was caused by overeating and advised her not to overeat. He even asked if she would consider participating in an eating competition. Hahaha… On the way home, Li Zheng carried her on his back and Li Zheng apologized sincerely. He admitted that he felt very guilty for taking her out that day. If he had not taken her out, she would not be in an accident. Also, he did not want her sad so he threw out those shoes as they reminded her of the accident. Shao Xi accepted his apology since he completed her figurine collection. Shao Xi had to buy 120 bottles to collect what she had. She wondered how many Li Zheng bought before finally getting that final piece. He claimed not many but a flashback scene showed us that he did buy a lot of drinks to get it.
At home, they were watching a movie together. Shao Xi ate porridge and eyed the pizza. Li Zheng prevented her because she was still recovering. Telepathically, Shao Xi promised that she would not wear those shoes anymore until she can run again. Li Zheng was proud over her determination and looked forward to her success. She also reiterated that it was not his fault that she was injured. So she hoped he would not blame himself anymore. Li Zheng agreed. They fell asleep leaning on each other that night.
Li Zheng came to the teashop to thank Papa Zhong for leaving them along and creating the opportunity for them to reconcile. Li Zheng apologized to Papa Zhong for taking her out and getting her into an accident. Hearing this, Papa Zhong claimed just how similar he was to his late father, always blaming himself first whenever problems occur. Papa Zhong comforted him and told him not to blame himself anymore. He came home to his room and took out that blurry picture. Papa Zhong’s comforting words triggered a memory. He suddenly remembered a time when he saw his father sulking in the garden because he was upset with himself for endangering Li Zheng. His mom came and encouraged him to comfort him. The photo was taken right after that very incident and miraculously, his memory of his parents sharpened.
Jin Li came over to meet Shao Xi but Papa Zhong stopped him at the door. Mama Zhong begged him to calm him down because Jin Li was merely coming for a visit and not to court her. Jin Li corrected Mama Zhong and actually admitted that he was indeed, courting Shao Xi. Papa Zhong was livid and told him to go away. Mama Zhong explained that Shao Xi was sleeping and advised him to return the following day. Jin Li agreed and left after giving Mama Zhong all his gifts. But before he left, he volunteered to stay in the house to take care of Shao Xi since both parents needed to work. Papa Zhong was agitated hearing this but Mama Zhong listened quietly and suggested that he helped out at the teashop. Hmmm… Now, I wonder why Mama Zhong suggests this job. Does she not like Li Zheng?
The next day at the teashop, Jin Li greeted Li Zheng. Papa Zhong advised Li Zheng to ignore him. Shao Xi came to the shop with her mom and wondered why Jin Li was there. Mama Zhong explained that he felt guilty over the accident and volunteered to help at the shop until Shao Xi was recovered. A jealous Li Zheng was quietly listening to the whole exchange. Papa Zhong asked how the doctor’s appointment went. Mama Zhong said that her recovery was promising but she may not be well enough to sit for her physical education exam. Papa Zhong advised her not to take them but Shao Xi claimed that how could he say that since it was still days away. Shao Xi asked for Li Zheng’s opinion and he stressed that there were other ways for her to be admitted to university such as using her past competition scores to apply. He promised that he would help her find other ways. Jin Li just blurted out that he thought she should just do the exam. And the episode ends.
Comment
Wah! The competition between Li Zheng and Jin Li is heating up. The ending scene clearly highlights their contrasting personalities: Li Zheng is meticulous and thoughtful while Jin Li is energetic and daring. Shao Xi has two different suitors, both very handsome, and both are serious in their intentions to date her. Very lucky girl! Hahaha…
This episode packs a lot of events from the accident, the misunderstanding, and the reconciliation. The angst of this drama would have been prevented if he had just communicated. The writer tries to blame this misunderstanding on his inherited character. But I view it more as a lack of maturity. He just has not had much experience dealing with emotions and loved ones so he is taking the car accident very poorly. This is further exacerbated with the fact that he had some unresolved PTSD issues from his childhood. If anything, this proves that Li Zheng needed a partner like Shao Xi, who tells everything as it is and mentors like Mama and Papa Zhong, who blatantly display their affections for one another. Being around them benefits him. This is clearly evident since Papa Zhong’s words reminded him of the story behind that blurry family photo.
Mama Zhong is a supportive wife who is always there to support Papa Zhong. And in most cases, she fills this role perfectly. But how she welcomes and even encourages Jin Li’s courtship is contrary to Papa Zhong. One simple theory is she knows her daughter well. Mama Zhong knows that Shao Xi is not easily distracted and therefore, merely considers Jin Li as a harmless friend. But I think there is deeper second reason. Any parent wishes for her daughter’s happiness. Li Zheng may be a genius at schoolwork but in life and relationships, he is an emotional retard. Shao Xi would need to draw him out and keep teaching him if she wants to be with him. Mama Zhong realizes this. Jin Li, who is straightforward and transparent, is a better alternative. I think Mama Zhong thinks that with Jin Li, Shao Xi will not have to suffer through silent treatments and one misunderstanding on top of another. This also hints that Li Zheng and Shao Xi’s engagement may not be set in stone after all.
Regardless how Mama Zhong may wish otherwise, viewers cannot deny that Li Zheng and Shao Xi’s relationship blossoms in this episode. Li Zheng is returning Shao Xi’s affection. He still needs nudges from Papa Zhong every now and then. But, his telepathic conversation with Shao Xi proves that they are developing a deeper understanding of each other. Shao Xi is also very must vested in her relationship with him. She seeks his opinions on important matters such as whether or not she should undergo the physical exam. And until now, she has not responded to any of Jin Li’s advances. She never replied his texts or calls and never consented to going on a date with him. She merely views him as a friend. Shao Xi is a girl who knows what she wants and goes after it. She is inspiring.
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