Episode Summary
Episode 12 saw Guan Xu defend Yu Shi against her mother's criticisms. Xiao Xia and Zhao Dongcheng continued collecting sounds for her grandfather, Shi Laoshi, who, after hearing them and a song from Yiyi, peacefully passed away. Xiao Xia organized the funeral with the help of friends, facing her opportunistic aunt and uncle who were interested in the inheritance. It was revealed Shi Laoshi left a will favoring Xiao Xia. Meanwhile, Yiyi, after being teased at school, cleverly managed to get her mother's phone number from her father, Zhang Jun.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Guan Xu overhearing Yu Shi's mom doing what she apparently does best: complaining about Yu Shi while lavishing praise on her other daughter, Yu Shi's sister. Seriously, Mom? Guan Xu, bless his heart, isn't about to let that slide. He jumps in and starts defending Yu Shi in front of a whole crowd, which, while noble, totally mortifies Yu Shi's mom. Talk about secondhand embarrassment! Thankfully, Yu Shi herself swoops in just in time to de-escalate the situation before Guan Xu digs an even deeper hole. You gotta love a guy who stands up for his girl, even if his timing or delivery is a bit off!
A Grandfather's Farewell and a Granddaughter's Devotion
Meanwhile, Zhao Dongcheng and Xiao Xia have been on a mission, collecting sounds from the world outside. It's a sweet gesture, especially as Xiao Xia compiles these auditory memories to share with her ailing grandfather, Shi Laoshi. Grandpa Shi, in a moment of quiet wisdom, suggests that maybe it's time for Xiao Xia to let go. But Xiao Xia? She's not built that way. She vividly remembers a time when she felt lost and alone, and it was her grandpa who took her hand and brought her home. Giving up on him isn't an option.
The feels keep coming when Zhang Jun is on duty at the hospital, with his adorable daughter Yi Yi tagging along. Yi Yi, knowing Grandpa Shi is there, sweetly goes to his room and sings him "A Grateful Heart." It's a truly touching moment. As Shi Laoshi listens to the sounds Xiao Xia and Zhao Dongcheng gathered for him, his life seems to flash before his eyes, and then, ever so peacefully, he closes them for the final time. Cue the waterworks, everyone.
Navigating Grief and Greedy Relatives
After Shi Laoshi's passing, a grieving Xiao Xia steps up to handle all the funeral arrangements. Zhao Dongcheng and their close circle of friends, including Yu Shi, are right there by her side, offering support. Even Yu Shi's mom (perhaps feeling a tad guilty?) and Shen Xinxin's parents show up to pay their last respects.
Xiao Xia hasn't sorted out a burial plot yet, but Shen Xinxin's father, being more knowledgeable in these matters, offers to lend a hand. The funeral, however, isn't without its drama. Xiao Xia's opportunistic aunt, uncle, and cousin make an appearance, and their attitude is just foul. They're clearly not there to mourn but to sniff around for any mention of inheritance in Shi Laoshi's last words. Xiao Xia, wanting to keep the peace at the memorial hall, wisely pulls them aside and tells them they can discuss things after the funeral is completely over. Zhao Dongcheng, ever the steadfast supporter, stands right beside her, a silent promise of backup. Faced with a united front, the relatives decide to make a strategic retreat, at least for now.
Little Yi Yi, showing maturity beyond her years, expresses her desire to attend the service and say a final goodbye to Shi Laoshi. Zhang Jun, seeing how much it means to her and recognizing her understanding, agrees to let her miss school.
The Community Mourns and Xiao Xia Finds Her Footing
The entire neighborhood comes out to bid farewell to Shi Laoshi, a testament to the man he was. Zhao Dongcheng and the crew stay with Xiao Xia through it all, helping until the very end.
Later, Yu Shi gently asks Xiao Xia about her plans for the future. Xiao Xia confesses that she's thinking of staying in her grandpa's place for a while. She finds a surprising comfort there, finally understanding why Shi Laoshi was so reluctant to leave his home.
And then, a ray of sunshine for Xiao Xia: it turns out Shi Laoshi had a will! She's already confirmed with a lawyer that everything is legitimate and in order. This is huge! It means she no longer has to live in fear of her grasping aunt and uncle. She's excited to share this empowering news with Zhao Dongcheng. He doesn't reply to her message immediately, but when he eventually gets back to her, Xiao Xia invites him out for some celebratory "suo fen" (rice noodles). Nothing like good news and good noodles!
Yi Yi's Clever Move
The episode also gives us a glimpse into Yi Yi's life. At school, some classmates tease her about not having a mom around. Yi Yi, with admirable composure, tells them her mom is a scientist, working tirelessly on important, life-saving medicines.
We learn that Zhang Jun still hasn't given Yi Yi her mom's phone number. But Yi Yi is a resourceful little cookie! She asks Zhang Jun to call her mom. Then, in a brilliant move, while her dad is on the phone with her mom, Yi Yi distracts him by asking him to go buy her some yogurt. The moment he steps away, she seizes the opportunity and memorizes her mom's phone number. You go, Yi Yi! That’s some serious kid ingenuity right there.
