Episode 23 recap: Zhang Guimei's Devotion to Her Students
In Episode 23, Xin Xin's mother is sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the Second Prison of Yunnan Province. Overwhelmed with emotion, she attempts suicide multiple times. Out of concern, the prison authorities reach out to Teacher Zhang Guimei, hoping she can visit and provide comfort through familial support. Aware of the gravity of this task, Zhang gently informs Xin Xin and accompanies her to the prison.
When Xin Xin sees her mother, she bursts into tears. She shows her mother her college entrance exam application and excellent report card, firmly expressing her desire to make her mother proud and pleading with her to cherish her life, so she won't be left alone. To celebrate her mother's birthday, Xin Xin buys a small cake with her saved allowance, and the mother-daughter duo spends a meaningful day together in prison. Deeply moved, her mother promises to reform and strive for early release. From that moment on, their mutual support becomes their strongest bond.
However, Teacher Zhang Guimei's health takes a turn for the worse. One morning, she suddenly collapses at work and is rushed to a top hospital in Panzhihua. The diagnosis reveals she has over twenty ailments and requires immediate hospitalization. This news hits the entire school community hard, filling everyone with worry and sorrow. Students like Xin Xin and Luo Yiyi firmly believe that Zhang will overcome her illness. They band together and, even without teachers supervising them, commit to waking up early to study, showing their support through action.
At school, Gu Yu takes over Zhang Guimei's role of waking everyone up. Despite frequent horn malfunctions, the bond among students and staff strengthens. Classmates like Ding Xiaoxiao also actively participate in the school's daily management, gaining a deeper understanding of Zhang Guimei's hard work and dedication.
Thanks to their collective efforts, Huaping Girls' High School maintains a positive teaching and learning environment.
Meanwhile, in the hospital, Zhang Guimei receives encouragement from various circles. She sees through video calls that her former students have thrived: Ning Hua has become an excellent border patrol officer, Cai Guizhi is now a chief physician, and Liu Xiyan has found success in Shanghai as a key company member. These updates bring Zhang great comfort and further solidify her resolve to continue her educational mission.
After a period of treatment and recovery, Zhang Guimei is finally discharged. Eager to return, she quickly makes her way back to school and stands on the playground, using her hoarse but determined voice to awaken the sleeping campus. The students excitedly sing "Ode to the Red Plum," their voices filled with admiration and love for their teacher. Although Zhang's health is not what it once was, her spirit remains strong as she sternly corrects students' misbehavior, embodying her passion and dedication to education.
Since the establishment of Huaping Girls' High School, over 2,000 girls from the mountains have received free high school education and successfully entered universities, transforming their destinies. For her efforts, Teacher Zhang Guimei has received numerous accolades, including "National Model for Teaching and Education," "Model of the Times," and the "July 1 Medal." She often says, "My pursuit is my career, my hope is my students, and my motivation comes from the Party and the people." This original aspiration and mission will forever inspire her to continue forging ahead in the field of education.
Comments(Episode 23)