Episode 14 recap: Qiang Xiao Wa Joins the Trio
In Episode 14, during the winter of 1994, Yuan Shan Qing was at home, focused on her homework, when her father, Yuan Yong, unexpectedly returned with a strange woman. The two acted very affectionately in front of Yuan Shan Qing, and after drinking, Yuan Yong insisted that she call the woman “Aunt.”
Yuan Shan Qing was unwilling and remained silent, which triggered Yuan Yong’s anger, leading to a chaotic scene at home. Eventually, this woman became her stepmother. However, just three days after giving birth to Yuan Shan Qing's little sister, Xiao Zi, Yuan Yong was often absent from home. The stepmother, frustrated, left to look for him, and they didn’t return for half a month.
During this time, the windows at home weren’t properly closed, which caused Xiao Zi to develop a high fever that lasted three days. Yuan Shan Qing took care of her with great attention, as her parents hardly paid any mind.
Later, Yuan Yong came into possession of a car and began scheming with the woman, neglecting Xiao Zi to the extent that he even considered selling her simply because she was a girl. This plan was eventually discovered, prompting them to flee, and the factory took their house. Yuan Shan Qing had no choice but to take Xiao Zi to the factory to plead for help. After three busy days, they secured the small home they currently live in. Although they still had over ten thousand yuan left, Yuan Shan Qing honestly reported this to the police and surrendered the money.
Yuan Shan Qing shared her family's struggles with the Cheng family, who sympathized with her situation. Uncle Cheng Peng Fei offered to arrange a medical check-up for Xiao Zi, assuring her that everything would be alright. Everyone comforted Yuan Shan Qing, promising that life would gradually improve.
On the way home, Cheng Ya Ya held Xiao Zi as Yuan Shan Qing reminisced about her past, revealing that her mother was often beaten by Yuan Yong. Family members insisted that such troubles shouldn’t be aired publicly, and the most painful part for her was not knowing where her mother was buried. Whenever she asked, she would be punished.
Cheng Miao Miao, another sister from the Cheng family, even went out of her way to help the injured Li Si get to school, despite Li Si's attempts to take a leave of absence. Yuan Shan Qing’s writing had improved significantly, which pleased their teacher, Han Shu, and boosted her confidence, positively affecting the classroom atmosphere.
To help Qiang Xiao Wa participate in a singing competition, Cheng Miao Miao dedicated herself to teaching him Mandarin every day, eventually securing him a spot in the competition.
After school, Li Si, Cheng Miao Miao, and Hu Qiu Min went to Qiang Xiao Wa's house to hang out. Cheng Miao Miao accidentally fell, and Qiang Xiao Wa helped her up. This moment was captured by Hu Qiu Min, which made Li Si feel a pang of jealousy.
The good news was that Uncle Cheng Peng Fei said Xiao Zi wasn’t congenitally deaf; with a cochlear implant, she would be able to hear and start a new life. To express her gratitude, Qiang Xiao Wa prepared a feast of seafood. Hu Qiu Min and Li Si were curious about life there, and Cheng Miao Miao reflected on how she used to envy big cities, but now, seeing Qiang Xiao Wa's happiness, she felt they were quite fortunate.
With the Cheng family’s support, Yuan Shan Qing felt much better and more energized. Qiang Xiao Wa joined their circle, and they all learned and progressed together, with their grandfather often bringing home seafood to treat them.
To gather funds for Xiao Zi’s surgery, Uncle Cheng Peng Fei contacted former comrades to inquire about cochlear implants. However, even with applications for children’s fund assistance, they would still need fifty thousand yuan.
Yuan Shan Qing's newly ignited hope was dampened again, but Cheng Ya Ya remained by her side, encouraging her. When the school learned of their situation, they initiated a fundraising campaign, and even Xiao Fang, Luo Zheng, and colleagues from the factory offered help. Yuan Shan Qing was so touched that she wrote a thank-you letter, sincerely expressing her gratitude to everyone who had helped Xiao Zi.
Yuan Shan Qing’s poetic talent was also recognized, and Teacher Han Shu asked her to lead the reading of the competition poem "Seabirds." Before going on stage, everyone dressed festively, and Cheng Miao Miao performed excellently as the lead in the singing competition. Qiang Xiao Wa spoke Mandarin very well, too.
Yuan Shan Qing’s reading of "Seabirds" reflected her own bravery and strength. In the end, they won first prize in the competition, and everyone was thrilled for them.
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