She and Her Girls ep 20 recap/spoilers

Episode 20 recap: Zhang Gui Mei Recognized as an Outstanding Educator

In this episode, the school has opened 150 spots for new students, and they were quickly filled based on academic performance and overall student quality. However, while waiting outside, a girl suddenly faints. Zhang Gui Mei rushes over and realizes the girl is starving. She immediately hands her a bowl of soup to prevent her from choking.

This student has excellent grades, ranking in the top fifty in the provincial entrance exams and is a promising candidate for top universities. However, as Director Chen Si Hai explains, her family situation is very troubled. A sensational murder case happened in her home, where her father frequently abused her and her mother. In a moment of desperation, her mother fought back and accidentally killed her husband.

Zhang Gui Mei, concerned about the psychological impact of this traumatic event on the girl, asks the staff to prepare additional study and living materials for her. She emphasizes that this girl is determined to attend Huaping Girls' High School because she sees it as a place of salvation for girls. Zhang believes that if the girl's mother had a similar opportunity, her life would have been completely different. While other students might judge her, it’s the teachers' responsibility to guide them to support her and create a warm environment.

Zhang takes the girl to the dormitory, where the other students, having heard about her situation from the news, keep their distance. Luo Yi Yi, a child from the orphanage, is called over to help, and Zhang introduces the new student, Xin Xin.

Meanwhile, Zhou Shan Qun calls Zhang to inform her that she has been recognized as an outstanding educator in Huaping County and is invited to a commendation ceremony in Kunming. Initially, Zhang declines, citing the busy start of the school year. But when Zhou mentions a bonus of ten thousand yuan, Zhang immediately agrees to attend.

In Kunming, Zhang brings homemade dumplings for Zhao Xiao Qiang, who is now a police officer. He feels happy to eat dumplings made by his mother. Upon hearing that Zhang is in Kunming, Gu Yu, Cai Gui Zhi, and Liu Xi Ying gather to treat her to hot pot. Each student shares their future plans: Liu Xi Ying aims to develop her career in Shanghai, Cai Gui Zhi is preparing for graduate school, and Ning Hua has proudly become a soldier in the People's Liberation Army.

When Zhang asks Gu Yu about her plans, Gu Yu smiles but doesn’t answer. Liu Xi Ying brings Zhang some milk tea, which she enjoys. Upon returning, Zhang uses half of her bonus to buy milk tea for all the students at Huaping Girls' High School, believing that the girls there deserve to enjoy what city girls do.

Director Chen Si Hai once again brings up his departure from Huaping Girls' High School. Although Zhang is reluctant to let him go, she knows she can’t be selfish regarding his family situation. Chen has dedicated eight years to the school, and it’s time for him to move on. When he comes to say goodbye, Zhang coldly tells him to hand over the keys and make space for the new director. Heartbroken, Chen leaves the keys and official seal outside her door.

On his way home, Chen hears a song on the radio that Zhang had dedicated to him and their eight years of collaboration. He stops the car and, overcome with emotion, sings along, tears streaming down his face.

At the same time, Zhang, now home, also breaks down while reminiscing about Chen. Fang Qiong, witnessing her sorrow, struggles to understand why Zhang is so warm-hearted despite her cold exterior.

In the midst of all this, Wei Ting Yun, who is pregnant, continues teaching, but Luo Yi Yi humorously draws her as a cute penguin, making everyone laugh. Zhang, upon discovering this, punishes the students by making them run laps around the playground, but they can’t help but laugh. This reminds them of Gu Yu's class, whose students seemed like angels compared to the current group.

Finally, Zhang realizes she has grown older and is struggling to keep up with the times. She hopes for the new batch of teachers arriving soon, and to her surprise, the first class she audits is actually taught by Gu Yu.