She and Her Girls ep 2 recap/spoilers

Episode 2 recap: Zhang Guimei Speaks Up for the Girls of the Mountains

In Episode 2, Gu Laosan, clearly intoxicated, storms into the school demanding 30,000 yuan from Zhang Guimei as "compensation," but really hoping to avoid responsibility. To protect Gu Yu from further harassment, Zhang Guimei reluctantly agrees to pay but can only write an IOU promising to repay within five years. Her actions are motivated solely by her desire to help the girl, Gu Yu.

That evening, when Zhang returns to the children's home, Gu Yu is waiting at the door, feeling guilty for causing Zhang so much trouble. However, Zhang comforts her, saying that any problem money can solve isn’t a big deal and that she shouldn’t dwell on it. Gu Yu shares her sorrow about her mother's death during childbirth and how some girls in the village are labeled "cursed" due to similar fates. Zhang listens sadly, knowing how deeply entrenched the preference for boys is and how it has harmed countless people, including herself—she nearly faced the same fate but was saved by the determination of her sisters.

As they talk, they discover they both have a fighting spirit and want to contribute to changing their circumstances. Zhang encourages Gu Yu, telling her that girls can achieve anything boys can, and often even better. Inspired, Gu Yu vows to study hard and get into a good school.

A few days later, the principal calls Zhang Guimei to the county government, where she meets a familiar face, Deputy County Chief Ma Yongqiang. He brings good news: Zhang has been recognized as an outstanding teacher in the province and will attend a national conference in Beijing. Instead of using the clothing allowance provided by the county, Zhang spends it all on buying computers and treats for the children. Unfortunately, this leads to Xiao Luo overeating and ending up in the hospital, causing Zhang great distress.

In the hospital, a female doctor mistakenly assumes Zhang is Luo Yiyi’s mother and scolds her for being careless. Fang Qiong quickly clarifies, and the doctor is touched, watching Zhang leave with the children, feeling a warmth in her heart.

On the way to Beijing, Zhang meets a prominent figure, Jiang Dabao. After introducing herself, she gathers her courage to ask for his support for her free girls' high school initiative. Although Jiang initially suspects her of being a scammer, Zhang's sincerity and determination resonate with him.

At the Great Hall of the People, Zhang speaks as a representative. Instead of following the usual script about economic issues, she focuses on the girls forced to drop out of school or even lose their lives due to gender discrimination. She calls for attention to their fates and advocates for a change in their futures.

After the conference, reporters flock to her. Dressed in simple jeans, Zhang tells the most moving story. A female journalist captures her narrative and publishes an exclusive report, leading to widespread societal attention. Upon seeing the report, Jiang Dabao immediately donates 50,000 yuan to support Zhang’s educational efforts.

This series of events strengthens Zhang Guimei’s resolve: she is determined to pave a path to the future for these girls through education, helping them break free from the constraints of fate and become independent, confident women of the new era.