Episode Summary
Dai Jing confronts a colleague's prejudice at work, earning her respect. At home, Liu Xiangshang teaches his daughter a valuable lesson about accepting disappointment, which impresses Dai Jing. Liu Guoning's campaign for class president results in a lesser position, but his family celebrates it as a major achievement, putting pressure on him. Chu Yi, feeling neglected by her parents, tries to deal with a classroom bully but struggles to speak up for herself.
Spoiler Alert
Workplace and Homefront Lessons
A Needed Reality Check
The episode kicks off with some office tension. Chen Jing tries to get a jab in at Dai Jing over her recent job transfer. She says something snarky and passive-aggressive.
Dai Jing isn't having any of it. She flips the script right back on Chen Jing. She points out that Chen Jing, as a woman, shouldn't have such a bias against married women with children. Not every woman can or wants to be child-free and unmarried like her. Dai Jing says that women should support each other and offer a gentle strength to their female colleagues. This conversation actually makes Chen Jing stop and think about her own attitude.
A Dad's Wise Words
Back at home, Liu Guobao has a secret plan. She wants to switch seats in class to be next to Ma Ziheng. She asks her dad, Liu Xiangshang, for help. Dai Jing feels a little left out that her daughter is sharing secrets with her dad but not her.
Liu Xiangshang doesn't just give in. He tells his daughter no. He won't go talk to the teacher for her. He then sits her down and explains something important. He tells her that out in the world, she isn't the center of the universe. She has to learn to accept that things won't always go her way. Dai Jing overhears this. She's incredibly impressed with her husband's parenting and how he balances his successful career with taking care of the family so well. She realizes she has a lot to learn from him.
School Politics and Neighborhood Drama
The Class President Race
Liu Guoning has his eyes on a prize. He wants to be the new class president. The teacher mentioned that the position should rotate, giving others a chance. He figures this is his moment.
His plans get complicated, though. Sun Jiayu decides to run for president too. Liu Guoning works hard to get votes from his classmates. In the end, he ends up in a tie with Sun Jiayu. He doesn't get the top spot. Instead, he's made the physical education committee member. His friend Bai Xiaotian tells him to just take the win and be happy with it.
A Cry for Help
Chu Yi is having a tough time in class. Her deskmate, Xiao Jiarui, won't stop bothering her. She wants to change seats but feels like she can't talk to her parents. They're completely wrapped up with the new baby and have been ignoring her.
Feeling hurt and alone, Chu Yi calls her older brother, Yang Shiwu. He listens and then calls the teacher, Ms. Wang. He tells the teacher that Chu Yi wants to move but doesn't give the specific reason. He also tells Chu Yi that she needs to learn to handle some things herself instead of always relying on family. Chu Yi goes to the teacher's office as asked. But when she gets there, she can't bring herself to say why she really wants to move.
Hot Water and Hot Tempers
The episode also checks in on Liu Xiangshang's phone. A neighborhood group chat that has been quiet for a while suddenly explodes. Residents are complaining that the water for their showers isn't hot enough. They are all blaming the property management. The head of the homeowners' association is getting absolutely roasted in the chat. Everyone agrees that he's not doing his job and never solves any problems.
Later, the family celebrates Liu Guoning becoming a class officer. They even get a cake for him. Everyone is so proud. This puts a ton of pressure on Liu Guoning. He feels the weight of being the family's pride and is now even more afraid of disappointing them.
