Episode 16 recap: An Yan Leaves Pinghe High School
In Episode 16, Cong Jun Sheng opens up to Principal Tian about why he wants to stay at Pinghe High School. He has someone special in his heart and wants to take a risk for her. Growing up, he was the family's little darling; his parents passed away early, and his sister worked hard to support his education. This is also why he chose to return to Tongjiang after graduation—he wanted to be closer to his sister.
Principal Tian initially plans to ask Cong Jun Sheng's sister for advice, but to his surprise, she wholeheartedly supports her brother and hopes he'll settle down and start a family soon.
That day, the meeting ran particularly late. Director Li discussed new policies in detail, emphasizing the importance of gathering feedback to improve.
The next morning, Cong Jun Sheng approaches his sister and expresses his desire to stay at Pinghe High School. Without hesitation, she fully supports him.
Cong Jun Sheng teaches a physics class on the playground, leading the kids in a small rocket launch experiment, which excites them tremendously.
Meanwhile, Li Han and An Yan visit a new school for an inspection, intending to showcase its strengths. However, they quickly notice the unsettling environment. Students are gathered playing games, and some are even smoking. An Yan, unable to ignore it, attempts to intervene, but the students completely disregard them. To make matters worse, there's an internet café and an arcade nearby, which troubles An Yan.
Coincidentally, she runs into her former student, Fang Hui, who mentions her family just moved in. Fang Hui's brother is curious about the city and has become infatuated with the internet café. An Yan never expected the new school to have such a negative atmosphere.
After hearing An Yan's report, Director Li understands her concerns but encourages her not to back down because of them.
At that moment, Li Han hands over Cong Jun Sheng's transfer application, indicating someone wants to move from No. 1 High School to Pinghe High School. Principal Tian had previously cautioned Li Han against approving it, thinking Cong Jun Sheng was only after rural subsidies. However, Director Li believes Cong Jun Sheng has his own reasons and approves the application.
To keep An Yan, Principal Zhou invites several other principals to his home for dinner, hoping to brainstorm ways to retain her. An Yan is interested in hearing Principal Fu's opinion, but he advises her to leave, saying it's time for her to soar. He points out that No. 1 High School has more students like Zhang Nan who need her.
While everyone hopes An Yan will stay, they also wish for her to return to the city for the sake of her child. What was meant to be a dinner to persuade her to stay turns into an effort to encourage her departure. Cong Jun Sheng wishes to remain at Pinghe for An Yan, but she is set to leave, leaving him with mixed feelings that he doesn’t express.
Privately, An Yan asks Cong Jun Sheng for his thoughts, and he candidly says he hopes she will go to No. 1 High School while he stays at Pinghe. Walking along a rural path, An Yan reflects on the flowers and trees she planted with her students, feeling a deep sense of loss.
As the teachers help her move her luggage to the village entrance, the students are already waiting. Principal Zhou has prepared a photo album filled with memories of An Yan and her students. Watching the teacher's car gradually disappear, the students climb to the mountain top until the vehicle is out of sight.
In the car, An Yan reads the messages from her students, and the tears flow uncontrollably.
The next day, the teachers receive a video farewell message from An Yan. In the video, she shares heartfelt thoughts with the students, explaining the reasons behind her strictness and expressing gratitude for teaching her how to be a good teacher. She understands that gatherings in life are always temporary, while farewells are eternal.
After recording the video, An Yan solemnly says goodbye to Cong Jun Sheng. Although her heart is heavy with reluctance, she knows this is for a better future.
Comments(Episode 16)