Episode Summary
Ying Tao defies Mrs. Liang's threats to stand by Jiang Qiaoxi, finding strength after a conversation with her own mother. Qin Yeyun is convinced to return to school after a family health crisis. The episode concludes with Yu Qiao's injury during a race, an event that allows Jiang Qiaoxi to show his support and finally rejoin his group of friends.
Spoiler Alert
"Our Generation" Episode 11: A Test of Friendship and Family
The latest episode of "Our Generation" dives deep into the conflicts between family loyalty and personal conviction, testing the bonds of its young characters.
The drama begins with Ying Tao confronting Jiang Qiaoxi's mother, Mrs. Liang. Attempting to return money for medical expenses, Ying Tao is met with a stern warning. Mrs. Liang recalls a childhood incident, accusing Ying Tao of being a negative influence on her son. She delivers a harsh ultimatum: if Ying Tao continues her close friendship with Jiang Qiaoxi, he will lose his mother, and she will lose her son. This leaves Ying Tao deeply conflicted, and when Jiang Qiaoxi later calls asking her to bring him his favorite snacks, she hesitates and ends the call abruptly.
Meanwhile, at the school's sports meet, Qin Yeyun receives distressing news. She learns from Aunt Shuangyan that her father, Old Qin, has checked himself out of the hospital despite not being fully recovered. Rushing home, a heated argument erupts. Overwhelmed with worry and wanting to ease her father's burden, Qin Yeyun declares she will drop out of school, throwing her textbooks in frustration. Ying Tao witnesses the painful scene, her heart aching for her friend.
That evening, a heartfelt conversation with her mother provides Ying Tao with much-needed clarity. Her mother reveals that Ying Tao's real name is Lin Qile, a name chosen with the simple hope that she would always be happy. She tells her daughter that the greatest thing in her life was Ying Tao choosing her as a mother. This moving exchange empowers Ying Tao. She realizes what she must do and takes the steamed jujube buns and lotus root pockets to Jiang Qiaoxi's house. Standing up to Mrs. Liang, she states that if Jiang Qiaoxi is truly at risk of losing his mother, then it's all the more reason for her to be by his side. Speechless, Mrs. Liang accepts the food.
The friends' concern then shifts back to Qin Yeyun, who refuses to attend school. An initial attempt by Ying Tao and Cai Fangyuan to stage a playful intervention fails. True change comes when Aunt Shuangyan and Old Qin work together. Aunt Shuangyan reveals her plan to move her fried skewer stall next to their home to help look after Old Qin, which finally persuades Qin Yeyun to pick up her schoolbag and return to her studies.
The episode culminates at the 3000-meter race. Qin Yeyun arrives to cheer for Yu Qiao, bumping into Jiang Qiaoxi on the way. During the race, Yu Qiao takes a fall, spraining his ankle. In a touching callback to their childhood, Jiang Qiaoxi runs alongside him, offering the same words of encouragement Yu Qiao had once given him. As Ying Tao and Qin Yeyun wait at the finish line, Yu Qiao limps across, supported by his friends. The incident, though minor, serves as a powerful catalyst for reconciliation, finally mending the rift between Jiang Qiaoxi and the "Qunshan" squad and welcoming him back into the fold.
