Episode 18 recap: # Chocolate and Chalk Dust
In the 18th episode, Justin, an education volunteer from afar, crosses paths with Shen Xing at Sanbianpo, seemingly a twist of fate. That night, as flames rise high, Justin bravely swims through the fire to help, leaving a lasting impression on Shen Xing. The next morning, Shen Xing sees him off, and they share simple sandwiches in a makeshift tent. Justin passionately shares his dream of building a school within five years to bring more volunteers to this land and sow the seeds of knowledge.
Although Shen Xing warns him about the challenges of education, especially in a place like Sanbianpo where survival is already an issue, the spark of idealism in Justin's eyes touches Shen Xing deeply.
Not long after, upon returning to Daban, Shen Xing is pleasantly surprised to find Justin already taking action by putting up recruitment posters for education. Faced with a group of mischievous children, Justin and Wumong initially struggle, but thanks to a box of chocolates from Shen Xing, order is restored in the classroom, drawing in more villagers and creating a warm, lively atmosphere. However, this peace is soon shattered when they discover suspicious individuals in the village attempting to lure children with food, revealing a sinister plot by a group of drug traffickers.
Despite knowing the dark realities of the area, Justin remains committed to the power of education. He expands the classroom and enrolls more students, hoping to shine the light of knowledge into every corner. However, an incident occurs when Wumong’s brother accidentally injures a classmate while competing for chocolate, casting a shadow over everyone’s spirits.
At this moment, Dan Tuo appears, offering Shen Xing another option by inviting him to La Zhan, a chance to escape the loneliness and complexities of their situation. As Shen Xing hesitates, Dan Tuo seems to know everything, including Justin's challenges. He reveals the troubling connections between the little girl Qin Lai's family and drugs, warning Justin of impending danger.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Justin decides to return to headquarters to report and plans to bring back the seeds of change for Sanbianpo. Shen Xing drives Justin to Modle, where they meet Xiao Zhou, a friend from Shanghai, China. However, Justin's proposals do not receive the expected support, reinforcing his determination to learn before taking further action.
He successfully secures a teaching assistant position for Wumong, only to discover that her family is under the shadow of drug traffickers; her brother Dan Min has been kidnapped, and she faces the threat of an arranged marriage. Justin’s aspirations remain unfulfilled, and as he prepares to return to Sanbianpo, tragedy strikes—his life is abruptly cut short. Shen Xing witnesses this, feeling a mix of emotions and deep worry and disappointment for the future of Sanbianpo.
He hands over Justin's materials to Wumong, who sees a glimmer of hope for leaving this land. As night falls, Shen Xing listens to the tape player Justin gifted him, silently mourning and paying his last respects to the brave education dreamer.
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