Episode 24 recap: More Setbacks than Hope
In Episode 24, after hearing Shen Lin's reasons, her mother-in-law not only doesn’t feel ashamed that Shen Lin is training to be a maternity nurse, but instead feels sympathy for her. After all, Shen Lin used to be taken care of by others, and now she has to take care of someone else, which naturally creates some emotional disparity. The mother-in-law expresses that no matter what job it is, as long as one works diligently, life will improve over time.
On Monday, Na Juan returns to work. Mr. Lu introduces an intern named Zhang Peng to her, casually mentioning that Zhang solved a critical issue while Na Juan was away. Hearing this makes Na Juan uncomfortable and rekindles her anxieties about being replaced.
Mr. Qi's music school wants their project proposal to reflect elegance while also being approachable. This request is akin to asking Na Wei and Li Xiao Yue to create "colorful black." However, since Mr. Qi assures them that the budget is not an issue, Na Wei and the team start redesigning the proposal. Meanwhile, Na Juan's company installs timers in the restrooms to limit toilet time, claiming it’s to help more employees use the facilities, but in reality, it restricts employees from taking longer breaks.
As the first test user, Na Juan finds the beeping reminders in the restroom unsettling, while the person responsible seems pleased. Back at her desk, she overhears colleagues complaining about the new system and glances at Zhang Peng, who is fully focused on his work and seemingly oblivious to the conversation.
The maternity nurse training finally wraps up, and Shen Lin, who is very hardworking, ranks first in the assessments, earning a thousand yuan bonus. Following this, there will be a meet-and-greet for maternity nurses, where potential employers can directly sign contracts with the nurses. Once Shen Lin signs, she will have to leave home to stay with another family for at least a month, which means she must explain this to her daughter, Yueyue.
Shen Lin decides to tell Yueyue about her new job. Yueyue can’t accept it, and Shen Lin makes it clear that this is just a notification, not a request for permission. Yueyue, still a child, immediately bursts into tears. The next morning, she skips breakfast, and Shen Lin silently packs her meal, instructing Na Wei to make sure Yueyue eats in the car.
Later, in the car, Na Wei comforts Yueyue, explaining that Shen Lin is working to support the family. However, Yueyue still struggles to accept this and doesn’t touch her breakfast. Shen Lei tries to take a shortcut back to the mountain but accidentally twists her ankle. Fortunately, the village chief’s assistant, Dong Zhiyong, happens by and offers to drive Shen Lei back to the dormitory for some basic treatment.
Shen Lei and Dong Zhiyong hit it off, and Dong has heard that an undergraduate from Beijing is staying in Old Ke's house. When asked why Shen Lei is there, Dong guesses it’s to escape from the big cities, but since Shen Lei doesn’t articulate a clear reason, it all boils down to matters of the heart. After a few drinks, Shen Lei opens up about her feelings for Xie Mei Lan, and her smile returns.
Old Ke is determined to help his daughter, Xiaoxue, get into a good university and choose a solid major to secure a good job, but he doesn’t heed Shen Lei's advice. The next day, Dong drives Shen Lei back to Old Ke's mountain home, where he notices the beautiful scenery and environment. After getting Shen Lei’s permission, he takes some photos.
Ultimately, Na and Li Xiao Yue are unable to collaborate with Mr. Qi, rendering their proposal essentially useless. Li Xiao Yue is frustrated, while Na Wei takes it in stride and brings up Shen Lin’s decision to become a maternity nurse. Suddenly, Li Xiao Yue realizes that her earlier concerns seem trivial compared to the pressures Na Wei is bearing.
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