Episode 8 recap: Ning Hua Misunderstands Her Menstrual Cycle as a Terminal Illness
In Episode 8, Principal Huang arrives at the cafeteria and notices that the students from Huaping Girls' High School are happily eating while his own students are left without food, looking pitiful. Unhappy about the situation, he confronts Zhang Guimei, insisting she understand whose territory this is. He points out that although Nanzhong had initially agreed to help the girls' school, it now seems that Huaping has taken away their resources.
Zhang Guimei, with a polite smile, explains that Principal Huang previously mentioned the girls were slow, so she encouraged them to speed up. The girls had eaten a bit more this time because they hadn't had enough in previous meals, and she promises to monitor it closely in the future. Despite her explanation, Principal Huang still looks displeased. At that moment, the girls collectively bow to him in gratitude, prompting Huang to suppress his irritation and force a smile as he greets them.
Back in the dormitory, the girls, who are rarely satisfied with their meals, feel content and wish their new routine would continue. They express special thanks to Cai Guizhi, noting that without her idea of staggered meal times, they wouldn’t be so comfortable. Hearing their praise, Cai Guizhi can’t help but smile shyly.
Meanwhile, the teachers are still napping in the office. Cai Hong, unable to hold back her frustration, complains to her colleagues about feeling like they’re wasting their lives in this place, a black hole with no end in sight. Just then, Zhang Guimei arrives to announce that a student has suddenly developed appendicitis and has been sent to the hospital. The teachers will need to take night shifts to keep watch.
Cai Hong feels overwhelmed, while Ding Xiaoxiao and Wei Tingyun immediately follow Zhang Guimei to the hospital. As the class bell rings, students head to the cafeteria, but Ning Hua stays seated, unresponsive. Noticing Ning Hua’s distraction during her lesson, Cai Hong orders her to stand up. When she sees Ning Hua has a math book instead of her political textbook, she scolds her harshly. Ning Hua, feeling unwell, responds weakly, but Cai Hong continues her reprimand, finally telling Ning Hua to "get lost." Hurt and humiliated, Ning Hua storms out of the classroom.
Later, the students in the dorm discover a note left by Ning Hua, stating that she believes she has a terminal illness and wants to go home to be with her grandfather. Zhang Guimei arrives to investigate what has happened. After listening to the girls chatter about Ning Hua's behavior, she suddenly realizes that Ning Hua is actually on her menstrual period. Having always identified more with boys, Ning Hua feels embarrassed about it. She often uses a white cloth to bind her chest, hiding her female characteristics.
Zhang Guimei arrives at Ning Hua's home in search of her. Ning Hua's grandfather and the neighboring villagers are hostile, believing Zhang Guimei is a fraud who has caused Ning Hua to become seriously ill. They refuse to tell her where Ning Hua is. Concerned for Ning Hua's safety, Zhang Guimei searches the mountains on her own. Exhausted and breathless, she finally finds Ning Hua on the hillside and explains that menstruation is a natural phenomenon for every girl and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Although her grandfather has raised her like a boy due to his preference for sons, the fact remains that she is a girl, and she must have confidence and not feel inferior because of it.
After hearing Zhang Guimei's explanation and guidance, Ning Hua voluntarily returns to school, where her classmates warmly welcome her, filling her heart with warmth. Ning Hua's situation deeply resonates with Zhang Guimei, who teaches the other teachers that they cannot be harsh with girls at this age. They are sensitive and insecure, and educators must be mindful not to hurt them with their words. Seeing Cai Hong's defiant expression, Zhang Guimei criticizes her for telling Ning Hua to "get lost."
Cai Hong cannot contain herself and stands up to vent her frustrations, claiming Zhang Guimei is a fraud and there’s no need for her to make sacrifices here. Zhang Guimei suppresses her dissatisfaction and asks any teachers who share Cai Hong's views to raise their hands. Since they seem determined to leave, she decides not to hold them back. She tells them they can go to Director Chen to handle their resignations.
Chen Sihai approaches Zhang Guimei to inform her that the funds have run out. Zhang Guimei instructs him to recruit teachers first, and she will find a solution for the rest. As some teachers leave with their suitcases, the students become anxious, feeling that their own shortcomings have caused the teachers to lose confidence in them. Just then, the teaching building goes dark; Chen Sihai had left without paying the electricity bill, resulting in a power cut. Overcome with stress, Zhang Guimei faints.
Zhou Shanqian comes to the hospital to see her. After she finishes her IV, he helps her return to school and uses funds from the education bureau to pay the electricity bill. Hearing the students reciting Mao Zedong's poetry, a smile appears on Zhang Guimei's face.
Comments(Episode 8)