She and Her Girls ep 21 recap/spoilers

Episode 21 recap: Gu Yu Returns to Teaching at Huaping Girls' High School after Graduation

In Episode 21, newly hired teachers must pass a teaching demonstration to be evaluated by the faculty. Zhang Guimei goes to the restroom, and when she returns, she finds Gu Yu delivering her demonstration. Gu Yu, a graduate of Yunnan Normal University with a degree in Chinese literature, has often expressed her desire to return to Huaping Girls' High School to teach, but Zhang Guimei has always discouraged her, hoping she would explore a wider world.

Surprisingly, Gu Yu's name was not on the list of candidates, and it's unclear how she managed to take the stage. She begins by discussing her name, seamlessly transitioning from the 24 solar terms of China to the "Book of Songs," and then to the historical roles of women in China, including the awakening and progress of modern women. The atmosphere in the classroom is lively yet rigorous, captivating both students and teachers, while Zhang Guimei remains visibly displeased.

After class, Gu Yu approaches Zhang Guimei, who confronts her about how she got into the demonstration. Gu Yu responds cheerfully, saying she learned from her mother: “When in doubt, ask Shan Qun!” Zhang Guimei is still upset that Gu Yu, after several years of university, has returned to the mountains. However, Gu Yu calmly explains that she feels fortunate to know Zhang Guimei and the other teachers at Huaping Girls' High School and is determined to teach there so that more girls can have the same opportunities she did.

Realizing the situation is settled, Zhang Guimei refrains from further comments, advising Gu Yu to take her responsibilities seriously and not to think that theoretical knowledge alone qualifies her for teaching. Later, when Gu Yu goes to a police station to change her household registration, she finds out that Zhao Xiaolei has been reassigned from Kunming back to Huaping. When she asks him why he returned, he doesn’t respond.

During class, Liu Xiyan frequently leaves for the restroom. As Liu Xiyan is Liu Xiying's cousin, Gu Yu remembers hearing about her from Liu Xiying during her own school days. Now back, Liu Xiying has asked Gu Yu to help Liu Xiyan with her studies.

Curious about Liu Xiyan's frequent trips to the restroom, Gu Yu follows her to investigate. She finds Liu Xiyan hiding in the restroom, chatting with someone online. When she hears Gu Yu calling her name, Liu Xiyan quickly hides her phone. Unable to find it in the restroom, Gu Yu returns to the classroom and insists Liu Xiyan hand over her phone. Liu Xiyan repeatedly claims she doesn’t have it, but when Gu Yu calls her number, the ringtone reveals the phone hidden in Liu Xiyan's sock.

Gu Yu sternly declares that she will confiscate the phone and that Liu Xiyan must earn it back by scoring the top marks.

Suddenly, Liu Xiyan drinks pesticide and has to be rushed to the county hospital, where Dr. Wang Xiaoxia is the attending physician. Zhang Guimei harshly criticizes Gu Yu, who is then called away by Dr. Wang. Dr. Wang deliberately raises her voice, saying Liu Xiyan will need a full treatment, including gastric lavage and enema, and that she cannot be anesthetized to avoid brain damage.

Hearing this, Liu Xiyan panics and cries, insisting to Zhang Guimei that she didn’t really drink the poison and doesn’t need any treatment. Zhang Guimei reflects on how quickly time has passed, realizing it's been over a decade since her students and the children from the orphanage have caused Dr. Wang so much trouble. Dr. Wang sincerely expresses her admiration for Zhang Guimei, saying she is the only one capable of doing all this.

When Zhang Guimei returns home, Gu Yu is waiting and admits her approach to work was too blunt and that she shouldn’t have humiliated Liu Xiyan in front of everyone. Zhang Guimei earnestly advises Gu Yu and tells her to prepare a self-reflection for the upcoming research meeting. Feeling down, Gu Yu is comforted by Zhao Xiaolei, who takes her to a quiet spot in the wilderness and encourages her to learn from their mother, Zhang Guimei. Gu Yu presses Zhao Xiaolei about why he gave up his job in Kunming to return to Huaping. He replies that he wants to protect the people he cares about.

Gu Yu tells Zhao Xiaolei about Liu Xiyan's online chatting, and he mentions the recent rise in scams, offering to help her investigate. After looking into it, Gu Yu discovers that the person Liu Xiyan was chatting with is a local troublemaker. Thankfully, Liu Xiyan has not fallen too deeply into the situation, and she is grateful to Gu Yu, bowing deeply in appreciation.

On New Year's Eve, Xin Xin is studying alone in the dormitory when Luo Yiyi comes to take her to the children’s home, where hot dumplings are ready to be served. A group of children gathers around to eat, and Gu Yu arrives just in time. Luo Yiyi gives Xin Xin a special dumpling containing a coin. As everyone sets off fireworks, Luo Yiyi notices Xin Xin looking sad and missing her mother. She encourages Xin Xin to verbally describe her mother, and then draws a portrait of her. Overwhelmed with emotion, Xin Xin sheds tears, and she encourages Luo Yiyi to apply to an art academy to become a painter when she grows up.