Episode 12 recap: Zhang Gui Mei Refuses Gu Yu's Return to School
In Episode 12, Gu Yu goes to the foot massage parlor where she worked to collect her wages. The owner, having already been shut down for this issue, is furious to see her and kicks her out. Like Zhang Gui Mei, Gu Yu waits under a large tree by the entrance, resembling a gatekeeper. Reluctantly, the owner pays her and throws her luggage outside.
That night, Zhang Gui Mei takes a bus back to Huaping Girls' High School. After washing up, she sits down to review the students' exam scores, which are disappointingly low. Hearing the students chattering on the playground, she angrily grabs a megaphone and scolds them for laughing with such poor grades, urging them to finish cleaning and focus on their studies.
Zhang Gui Mei holds a meeting with the teachers to discuss ways to improve students' performance. The teachers express their frustrations; while subjects like politics and history can be improved through rote memorization, subjects like math and science require critical thinking, and these students have a weak foundation. The learning atmosphere has also changed—when Gu Yu and Cai Guizhi were around, they motivated their peers, but with Gu Yu gone, that energy has dissipated.
When Gu Yu's name comes up, Zhang Gui Mei becomes upset, insisting that they should stop mentioning her, as Gu Yu is no longer a student at the school. Meanwhile, Gu Yu waits for Zhang Gui Mei to finish work, and when she sees her, she expresses regret and wants to return to school. Zhang Gui Mei coldly replies, questioning if she thinks this is a market where one can come and go as they please. She reminds Gu Yu that this is a government-funded girls' high school that many aspire to attend. Gu Yu left without a word for over half a year, and since it's her choice, she should not regret it; the doors will not be open for her again.
Determined, Gu Yu sets up a makeshift shelter in front of the school and begins to review her old textbooks. Zhou Shan Qun comes to the school to speak with Zhang Gui Mei and learns about Gu Yu's rejection. She advises Gu Yu to find another way and agrees to help her look for a set of senior year textbooks.
Zhou Shan Qun proposes a solution to Zhang Gui Mei regarding the poor academic performance: merging Huaping Girls' High School's senior class with the nearby male school to leverage their educational resources, effectively creating a remedial program. Since the male school’s teachers have experience with college entrance exams, this could benefit both the school and the students.
Zhang Gui Mei reacts explosively, accusing Zhou Shan Qun of trying to shift responsibility, claiming she’s only worried about her own position if the students perform poorly. Zhou Shan Qun, frustrated, storms out, and on her way, she asks Chen Si Hai to help Gu Yu find the textbooks. Chen Si Hai then delivers Hu Li's resignation letter to Zhang Gui Mei, who is confused as to why anyone would leave now when they’ve made it through tough times. Chen Si Hai explains it’s due to a lack of hope.
Zhang Gui Mei, aware that Chen Si Hai's wife often causes him trouble, suggests he take a few days off to resolve things at home. However, he insists on finishing his work first. Wei Ting Yun decides to send Gu Yu some supplies, but Yao Xiao Shan warns her not to provoke Zhang Gui Mei. Regardless, Wei Ting Yun leaves with the items.
That night, a heavy rain suddenly begins. Concerned about Gu Yu’s makeshift shelter, Zhang Gui Mei goes to check on her with an umbrella. She finds Gu Yu struggling to save her textbooks and materials from the water, which warms Zhang Gui Mei’s heart. She brings Gu Yu back to school, and Wei Ting Yun and Ding Xiao Xiao quickly set up a temporary bed for her. They relay Zhang Gui Mei’s message that she must leave as soon as the rain stops and gives Gu Yu a set of final exam papers to try.
Exhausted, Gu Yu falls asleep at the desk. When she wakes up, she sees Zhang Gui Mei grading her papers, and she learns she scored only 67 in math. Zhang Gui Mei sternly tells her the reality is harsh; Gu Yu has missed too many classes to catch up in a short time and needs to leave quickly.
Gu Yu takes her belongings and returns to her shelter, reinforcing the roof with old cardboard she buys from the gatekeeper. Many classmates come to help, but Cai Guizhi coldly approaches, declaring that Gu Yu is not welcome back at the school as a traitor.
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