Episode Summary
Qiao Qingyu finds a moment of happiness on a day out with Ming Sheng after performing a dance in her late sister's memory. However, her world is turned upside down when a gangster from her past, Brother Hei, is released from prison and begins harassing her and her family. In a climactic confrontation, he reveals that he was the one who exposed her sister Bei Yu's illness online, forcing Qingyu to face the devastating truth behind her sister's suicide.
Spoiler Alert
In the evening, Ming Sheng and Qiao Qingyu share a quiet conversation. He admits that even though he's been away, he often thinks of their school days and worries about her. He genuinely wanted to help her escape the troubled city. Qingyu is deeply grateful for how he always appears when she's in danger, but she feels she can't hold him back and can only wish him the best from the bottom of her heart.
The next day, it's Qingyu's turn to perform. Wearing her late sister Bei Yu's dancing shoes, she takes the stage. As she dances, she feels as if Bei Yu is with her, completing her unfinished dream through her own body. She performs the exact same dance her sister once did. After finishing, she quickly changes and leaves, only to find Ming Sheng waiting for her at the door. He suggests they explore Jiangzhou together.
Their day is filled with simple joys. Ming Sheng takes her to an aquarium where they are surrounded by the serene blue water and schools of colorful fish. Later, at an amusement park, they ride the carousel and roller coaster, their laughter mixing with the cheerful music. It's a day of pure, carefree happiness.
As night falls, they go to the beach. Against the backdrop of the sea breeze, they light fireworks. Ming Sheng asks Qingyu about her wishes. Her biggest dream, she says, is to get into Jiangzhou University and live a life of freedom, making her own decisions. Ming Sheng looks at her earnestly, telling her how grateful he is to have met her. As dawn approaches and it's time to say goodbye, Ming Sheng gently takes Qingyu's hand and playfully bites it, reminding her of when she bit him when they first met, declaring them even.
However, reality soon intrudes on this idyllic moment. The gangster, Brother Hei, who had harassed Qingyu before, is released from prison. He immediately seeks revenge, bringing his cronies to cause trouble at her family's restaurant for several days straight. When Qingyu tries to confront them, she's no match. The standoff only ends when her father, in a desperate act of protection, threatens to ignite a gas canister, scaring the thugs away.
Rumors begin to fly at school that Brother Hei is back and harassing Qingyu, threatening to ruin her chances in the upcoming college entrance exams.
After school, Brother Hei corners Qingyu again. When she ignores him, he angrily blurts out the truth about his connection to her sister, Bei Yu. He reveals that he was the one who posted about Bei Yu's illness online. In that instant, Qingyu finally understands the real reason behind her sister's suicide. Overcome with rage, she lunges at Brother Hei, slapping him repeatedly and accusing him of being responsible for Bei Yu's death. Struck by her words and his own guilt, Brother Hei turns and leaves. From a distance, Ming Sheng witnesses the confrontation, his heart filled with worry for Qingyu.
