Episode 13 recap: Zhang Guimei Refuses to Merge with a Key High School
In Episode 13, by evening, the lights are still on in Cai Guizhi's dormitory as the girls gossip about why Teacher Hu Juan chose to leave, worried that something might be wrong at the school. Liu Xiying, full of intrigue, shares what she knows, revealing that the girls from the third high school are set to merge with Nan Zhong.
Liu Xiying feels there’s nothing wrong with the merger, considering Nan Zhong is a prestigious high school, which would enhance their reputation. However, Cai Guizhi disagrees, believing that merging won't change their academic performance. Zhang Guimei, overhearing their conversation at the door, bursts in and scolds everyone before turning off the lights.
That night, Zhang Guimei returns to the Children’s Home and can’t help but complain to Fang Qiong. Fang Qiong thinks Zhang Guimei is too stubborn and confrontational, suggesting that instead of going head-to-head with authority, it would be wiser to accept the merger and let the current students take a chance.
Fang Qiong points out that the higher-ups have invested significantly in Huaping Girls' High School and expect results. If the first cohort fails, it will disappoint both the authorities and the students' parents, leading to future enrollment issues. She tells Zhang Guimei that the priority is to protect the school's reputation and perform well in the upcoming exams to attract more students from the mountains, as sometimes, hope comes from unexpected places.
Ultimately, persuaded by Fang Qiong, Zhang Guimei realizes the importance of graduation rates and calls Zhou Shanqun to agree to the merger. The next day, Zhou Shanqun arranges for Principal Huang to meet with Zhang Guimei. Principal Huang lays down the conditions: only students who meet the passing grade will be accepted from Huaping, and the other students will not be considered. Additionally, he demands that Huaping students pay tuition and fees.
Zhang Guimei is furious and refuses the merger with the key high school, reiterating that their original mission in founding Huaping was to provide equal education for girls—without discrimination or fees. She vows that every student from Nanping Girls' High School will go to college, aiming for a graduation rate that surpasses Nan Zhong.
After making this commitment, Zhang Guimei feels regret but can only brace herself for the start of the new senior year. On the first day, even before dawn, she gathers all the students downstairs. Seeing their lethargy, she loses her temper and relays Principal Huang's words. Zhang Guimei makes it clear that there’s no turning back; they must go all out to turn things around, inspiring the students to rally together and renew their vows.
Zhang Guimei then asks everyone to write down their target scores and schools on the board. Ning Hua boldly aims for 400 points to enter Tsinghua University, while Cai Guizhi sets her goal at 520. Liu Xiying, predictably, is content with just 200. The teachers notice the unrealistic aspirations and plan to adjust the scores, but Zhang Guimei orders them to erase the board and start over, insisting that everyone add at least 100 points to their goals.
Once the teachers finish, Gu Yu sneaks into the school and writes her target score as 530, surpassing Cai Guizhi by ten points. In response, Cai Guizhi, feeling competitive, scribbles 580. When Zhang Guimei sees Gu Yu's score, she personally talks to her, allowing her to move her desk to the corridor for next week’s exam. If she passes, she can return to school.
In just a week, Cai Guizhi and Gu Yu compete fiercely in their studies. On exam day, Gu Yu is just two points shy of passing. Zhang Guimei informs Gu Yu to pack her things and leave, but Gu Yu refuses, pleading for another chance. Zhang Guimei feels conflicted, recalling the sacrifices made for Gu Yu's education and the efforts for Huaping Girls' High School, feeling both hurt and disappointed that Gu Yu is backing out at such a critical moment.
Comments(Episode 13)