Episode Summary
Lu Xinying helps Ge Kaiyang sell his cotton for quick cash and starts a stressful job at a study abroad agency. Ge Kaiyang deals with his grandmother's failing health and eventually her death. Lu Xinying faces workplace pressure and gossip but supports Ge Kaiyang through his grief and the funeral.
Spoiler Alert
Back to the Origin Episode 18 Recap
Making Ends Meet
Lu Xinying comes through for Ge Kaiyang. She finds a plush toy factory willing to buy his stock of cotton. It is not a great deal. He has to sell it at a discount. The money won't cover his massive debts. It does put some cash in his pocket for daily survival though. Ge Kaiyang wants to give Lu Xinying a cut as a commission. He doesn't want her working for free. She refuses the money. They sit down to eat noodles together. Lu Xinying gets a notification during the meal. She landed a job. She is going to work at a study abroad agency.
Grandma's Health Scare
Ge Kaiyang buys diabetes medication for his grandmother. She is trying to save him money. She skips doses. Ge Kaiyang worries about her health. He takes her to the hospital. Her condition is poor. The doctor says she needs to be hospitalized immediately. Grandma refuses. She hates the idea of wasting money. Ge Kaiyang insists. He tells her the insurance reimbursement is high. She finally agrees to stay.
A Rare Family Moment
Lu Ming buys a bunch of snacks. He visits his daughter. He tells Lu Xinying to be nicer to her mother. Lu Xinying takes the food back to her best friend's house. Li Manfei snaps a photo of Lu Xinying and Lu Ming together. Lu Xinying looks at the picture later. She feels emotional. It is the first photo she has ever taken with her father.
The New Grind
Lu Xinying starts her new job. The reality sets in quickly. On day one, she watches a mother force her child into an economics program abroad. The mother ignores the kid's feelings completely. Lu Ming visits the office to ask about the job. Lu Xinying admits the pressure is high. She handles the paperwork for these kids. She feels guilty if they don't get into schools. She takes that stress home with her.
Kicking Him While He's Down
Ge Kaiyang works as a designated driver now. He runs into some old acquaintances at a bar. They see his current situation. They call him over on purpose. They humiliate him for his fall from grace.
Things aren't much better for Lu Xinying. She gets home from work. She overhears Li Manfei's mother badmouthing her. She can't confront her. She leaves the house instead. She sits on the steps outside. She feels depressed. She texts Ge Kaiyang. He sends a voice note to comfort her.
A Heavy Loss
The next day is rough. Lu Xinying gets scolded by her boss. She wants to vent. She invites Ge Kaiyang to dinner. He texts back with bad news. His grandmother passed away.
Lu Xinying rushes to Ge Kaiyang's house. He is looking through old photos of his grandmother. She sits with him quietly. She offers comfort.
The Funeral
Lu Xinying stays close to Ge Kaiyang at the funeral. She gives a speech. She talks about things she wanted to say to the grandmother. She realizes she never paid enough attention to the old woman before. She only learned about the grandmother's life while sorting through her belongings. She feels guilty about this ignorance. She remembers the grandmother's soothing words from before she died. The ceremony ends. Ge Kaiyang collects the ashes. He breaks down. He cannot hold back the pain anymore. Tears stream down his face.
