Episode Summary
In this episode, Gu Xuejiao solidifies her future by convincing her family to buy their home, leveraging future knowledge about urban development. She also orchestrates a successful stock market exit, which inadvertently leads Zhou Wanjun into a bad investment. Academically, Gu Xuejiao stuns everyone by placing 10th in the final mock exam, surpassing a devastated Zhou Shiyun. After a final confidence-boosting lesson from Lin Zhihua, she aces the Gaokao, scoring an impressive 679 and securing a bright future.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Lin Zhihua catching Gu Xuejiao at the school gate after a basketball game. He's not pleased she skipped her tutoring session to watch the match, especially noting how excited she got when her deskmate, Yi Tianyu, was playing. Gu Xuejiao quickly defends herself, insisting that she can study anywhere, even in a noisy stadium, and that nothing will derail her academic goals. A quick glance at her phone reminds her it's the 15th, a crucial date for her plan to get rich from future demolitions.
Meanwhile, life isn't as rosy for Zhou Shiyun. Despite achieving an impressive 9th place in the entire grade, her mother is far from satisfied, demanding she break into the top five next time. The pressure leaves Zhou Shiyun feeling wronged and dejected.
Back at the Gu household, a major decision is made. After their landlord announces plans to sell the house they're renting, Gu Xuejiao urges her father, Old Gu, to buy the property. She explains that based on urban development trends calculated by Lin Zhihua, the area is set for demolition in two years, promising a massive payout. The mere mention of Lin Zhihua's name is enough to convince Old Gu, who now sees the purchase as a sure bet.
A new opportunity arises for Yi Tianyu when a coach from the prestigious Beijing Normal University spots his talent during a game. He's offered a spot, on the condition that his academic score is no lower than 300. Desperate, he and Sun Tiantian beg Gu Xuejiao to tutor them, and she reluctantly agrees.
In a parallel storyline, Li Sitong's attempt to borrow money from the condescending Zhou Wanjun ends in humiliation, with Zhou Wanjun offering a measly 500 yuan. The situation is saved when Gu Mingze arrives with two bags full of cash. Following his sister's script, he explains he cashed out of the stock market at the perfect time. Li Sitong is overjoyed they finally have enough for a down payment. Overhearing this, an envious Zhou Wanjun decides to act. Believing Gu Xuejiao has an uncanny ability to predict the market, she calls her company's finance department and invests heavily in the very stock the Gu family just sold. On the way home, Gu Mingze reassures a nervous Li Sitong by revealing that Lin Zhihua's mathematical models predict a major stock market crash next year, solidifying their decision.
With just 26 days left until the Gaokao (college entrance exam), the results of the final mock exam send shockwaves through the school. Gu Xuejiao has skyrocketed to 10th place in the grade. Her teacher, Mr. Yin, asks her to share her study secrets with the class. Her success is a bitter pill for Zhou Shiyun, who lands in 11th place. For her, falling just behind Gu Xuejiao is a deep humiliation.
Later, at their usual spot in the Summit Cafe, Lin Zhihua gives Gu Xuejiao her final lesson. He has her try "reverse studying" by creating an exam for him to take. When he gets a question wrong, he declares that she has officially "graduated" from his tutoring. He tells her the final days are for adjusting her mindset, not cramming.
On the day of the Gaokao, Lin Zhihua quietly appears at the school gate to cheer her on. Gu Xuejiao walks into the exam hall brimming with confidence. The questions are the same as they were ten years ago in her past life, but this time, she is fully prepared.
The episode culminates on the day the results are released. The Gu family has two cakes ready: one for celebration, the other for consolation. When Gu Xuejiao reveals her score of 679, the house erupts in celebration.
