Episode Summary
In this episode, Qin Yeyun's father is hospitalized, leading to a reconciliation between her and Ying Tao as their friends and family rally to provide financial and emotional support. A rehearsal accident, exploited by a rival, gets their dance group cut from a show. However, shifting alliances and a change in choreography allow them to perform after all, with Ying Tao stepping into a key role and capturing the attention of a returned Jiang Qiaoxi.
Spoiler Alert
"Our Generation" Episode 9 Spoilers
The episode opens with Ying Tao feeling hurt and angry, believing her friend Qin Yeyun stood her up for an appointment to get their performance costumes. At home, Ying Tao's mother, Sheng Juan, comforts her, suggesting something must be wrong as the Qin family's store was closed. Her suspicion proves correct when Ying Tao's father receives a call from Manager Jiang, informing them that Yeyun's father, Uncle Qin, has been hospitalized.
The community of families, who share a close bond, quickly gathers at the hospital. They pool their money to help with the medical expenses, telling the proud Uncle Qin that it's a reimbursement from the factory where he used to work. He knows they are lying—he received a one-time payment for his accident years ago—but he accepts their kindness without pointing it out. During this difficult time, Ying Tao and Yeyun reconcile, their misunderstanding cleared up as they support each other.
Later, Manager Jiang gives Yeyun more money, admitting that it's not a reimbursement but a personal contribution from all the families, as the hospital stay isn't covered. A deeply moved Yeyun quietly places the cash under her father's pillow that night. While tidying up at home, Yeyun finds her father's diary. Reading through its pages, she discovers it's filled with loving entries about her and his meticulous plans to save money for her future, including buying a house. The diary reveals the depth of a father's silent love, and Yeyun is brought to tears.
The stress and lack of rest from caring for her father take a toll, and Yeyun faints during a dance rehearsal. Cen Xiaoman, knowing that Jiang Qiaoxi is returning and will be at the performance, uses this incident as an excuse to have their group removed from the show to eliminate her rival. While Ying Tao is unconcerned about the performance, their other group members, especially Wu Shuang, are heartbroken. Ying Tao's declaration that she would always choose her friend Yeyun over any performance deeply touches Wu Shuang.
This moment is a turning point for Wu Shuang. She finally sees Cen Xiaoman's selfish nature, realizing she was only being used to form a clique to target others. Decisively, Wu Shuang returns a bracelet Cen Xiaoman had given her, severing their friendship. She then comes up with a solution: Ying Tao can take over Yeyun's part as the one being lifted in the routine. The group successfully appeals to their teacher, who understands the complex friendships and allows them to perform.
The performance is a triumph. Jiang Qiaoxi, now in the audience, is completely captivated by Ying Tao's stage presence, barely giving Cen Xiaoman a glance. Although Ying Tao had her mother prepare special snacks for Jiang Qiaoxi, she can't find an opportunity to give them to him, as he remains with his own mother throughout the event.
