Episode Summary
Ying Tao is initially hurt and angry after discovering Jiang Qiaoxi's secret plan to study abroad, but the two reconcile after a heart-to-heart, promising to reunite in the future. Before their temporary separation, the friend group takes a nostalgic trip to their hometown of Qunshan. As a farewell gift, Jiang Qiaoxi gives Ying Tao high heels and lipstick, symbols of the adulthood he will miss seeing her step into. After his departure, Ying Tao is reunited with a kind family friend from her childhood, Uncle Xiao.
Spoiler Alert
"Our Generation" Episode 14 Spoilers: A Farewell and a New Beginning
The episode kicks off with a wave of tension as Ying Tao is furious. Her friend, Qin Yeyun, quickly realizes the source of her anger: Ying Tao has just found out that Jiang Qiaoxi is planning to study abroad. Qin Yeyun astutely points out that a mere friend wouldn't have such a strong, angry reaction to the news, hinting at Ying Tao's deeper feelings. Meanwhile, Jiang Qiaoxi and Yu Qiao are completely baffled by her behavior, as she ignores their calls. The mystery is solved when their class monitor, Feng, apologizes to Jiang Qiaoxi, admitting he accidentally spilled the beans to Ying Tao, assuming she already knew.
Later, Ying Tao puts on a brave face and agrees to a late-night meal with Jiang Qiaoxi, even inviting Yu Qiao and the others. However, the atmosphere is thick with her passive-aggressive comments. After only a few bites, she pays the bill and abruptly leaves. Jiang Qiaoxi immediately chases after her. In the ensuing conversation, he reveals that he had been planning this since their time in Qunshan and that he wants to take her with him. They finally talk through the misunderstanding. Ying Tao admits she has no plans to go abroad herself, believing they should each pursue their own dreams for now. Jiang Qiaoxi reassures her that their separation will be temporary and makes her promise to come find him later, saying he will be there to welcome her.
Still processing everything, Ying Tao confides in Qin Yeyun over the phone. While a part of her is still upset, she has calmed down and accepted that they all have individual goals to achieve. In a move to reconnect with their past before their futures pull them apart, Ying Tao suggests the friend group take a holiday trip back to their hometown, Qunshan. The idea is met with enthusiastic agreement. The trip is a nostalgic journey, especially their visit to Qunshan Elementary School, where they reenact childhood scenes and reminisce about the memories that bind them.
One evening, Jiang Qiaoxi pulls Ying Tao aside for a private moment. He presents her with a pair of red high heels and lipstick, purchased with his prize money from an academic Olympiad. He explains that since he might miss her official coming-of-age, he wanted a preview of her as an adult. In a touching scene, Ying Tao tries on the heels for him and even lets him apply her lipstick.
The day of his departure arrives, and Ying Tao goes to the airport to see him off. Upon returning home, she is greeted by a familiar face from her past: Uncle Xiao. A close family friend from her childhood, he has returned for a visit after making a name for himself. The family matriarch, Sheng Juan, prepares a lavish feast. A drunken Uncle Xiao shares a moment with Ying Tao, performing a hand-gesture dance they used to do when they were younger. He encourages her to study hard at university and insists she must reach out to him if she ever needs anything.
