Episode 9 recap: Cong Junsheng's Dedication to Education in His Hometown
In a small town gently warmed by the winter sun, An Yan and Zhang Nan stroll and chat, eventually finding themselves at the corner of the street in front of Tang Rui Xiong's shop. There, they witness a heated argument between Tang Rui Xiong and his girlfriend, centered around the heavy topic of bride price, revealing the struggles and bitterness of life.
The girlfriend's sharp words pierce Tang Rui Xiong's heart and resonate with everyone present. In that moment, his anger and despair intertwine; he shatters an object in his hand while his girlfriend storms off, leaving a mess of broken pieces behind. The timely arrival of An Yan and Zhang Nan brings a touch of warmth to this cold scene.
Under the dim light, Tang Rui Xiong slowly opens up, recounting a painful chapter from his past. Years ago, he did everything he could to save his ailing sister, even sacrificing his own well-being to raise the funds for her treatment. Yet, fate seemed to mock him; his "sacrifice" did not yield the hoped-for outcome and instead cost him even more—most painfully, the chance to say goodbye to his sister.
The butcher shop, once a place filled with hopes for his sister's dreams, now stands as a permanent reminder of his loss and longing. As An Yan listens to Tang Rui Xiong's story, tears well up in her eyes. She grips his hand tightly and, with a firm yet gentle voice, reassures him that while life may be tough, he must have the courage to face it with a smile.
"Your efforts may not have changed everything, but they are proof of your resilience and determination." Zhang Nan nods silently in agreement, and an unspoken bond of understanding and warmth flows among the three of them.
As they leave Tang Rui Xiong's shop, An Yan's mind races with thoughts. The moment she unexpectedly encounters He Guangran at the school gate adds to her complex emotions. He Guangran, the boy who once gave up his studies for survival, has returned now, carrying exhaustion and a renewed thirst for knowledge. His eyes gleam with hopes for the future, yet also reflect regret for past choices.
An Yan promised to advocate for He Guangran's opportunity to repeat a year, knowing how important it was for him to return to school. She also assured him that she would stay by his side until graduation.
Meanwhile, Cong Junsheng's choice was quietly changing the fate of the small town. As his teaching stint was coming to an end, he made a surprising decision that took everyone by surprise—he chose to forgo the chance to return to the city and instead stay in Houxi Village to continue his educational work. This choice stemmed from his deep love and sense of responsibility for the land, as well as his unspoken emotional support for An Yan.
Principal Tian's understanding and support paved the way for a secondment arrangement, allowing Cong Junsheng to retain future options while continuing to shine in Houxi Village. When An Yan learned of Cong Junsheng's decision to stay, she felt happy, as his presence would greatly benefit the local education and also served as encouragement for her.
An Yan expressed her intention not to leave either, hoping to collaborate with Cong Junsheng on research projects. Houxi Village welcomed an unprecedented vitality. The outstanding performance of village secretary Lu Guangbin impressed An Yan, and their seamless cooperation at work gradually faded the remnants of their past marital entanglements.
With a bright vision for the future, An Yan joined Lu Guangbin in contributing to the development of Houxi Village. Cong Junsheng's engaging teaching style won the hearts of his students, and he gradually adapted to life there. However, Cong Junsheng's time as a volunteer teacher in the village was quietly drawing to a close.
As the end of his teaching contract approached, An Yan felt a deep sense of reluctance. She sincerely asked Cong Junsheng if he would consider staying in this land full of hope. Without hesitation, Cong Junsheng submitted a transfer request, but the principal suggested that a secondment would be more appropriate, providing Cong Junsheng with a safety net. Cong Junsheng gladly accepted the principal's advice.
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