Episode 22 recap: Zhi Earned Second Place in the Competition
In Episode 22, Zhi had many questions she wanted to ask, but seeing her mother's gloomy expression made her swallow her words and retreat to her room alone. Memories of Cong flooded her mind, causing her eyes to well up with tears.While at work, Cong suddenly visited and mentioned that Xian had been unusually slow to rise that day. Zhi realized that Zou Jie hadn’t had breakfast yet and urged him to go eat something.
Zou Jie noticed Zhi's impressive progress in her welding skills and excitedly took the director to see her work. He suggested that Zhi participate in an upcoming technical competition. Zou Jie felt that the tension between mother and daughter needed to be eased, but the director pointed out that Zhi’s father was also a complicated issue. Zou Jie reminded the director that Zhi’s father might be a special case, being involved with the underground party, and eventually, the director agreed to let her compete.
When Zou Jie shared the good news with Zhi, she was overjoyed.
On their way home, they ran into Aunt Wang, who was about to leave. Aunt Wang urged Zhi to reconsider her decision to donate their house, and without much thought, Zhi signed the papers. Upon learning this, Xian was furious and confronted Aunt Wang, leading to a chaotic scene where Aunt Wang criticized Xian for not learning from Zhi.
Seeing the confrontation, Zhi hurriedly left the scene.
As the competition approached, Zhi's confidence soared, and she returned home happily, only to receive a slap from her mother. Xian accused her of selling the house left by her mother without permission. Zhi stood her ground, believing she had done nothing wrong. Zou Jie rushed to the scene, empathizing with Xian but also understanding Zhi's perspective, arguing that while Zhi hadn’t consulted her mother, her actions weren’t inherently wrong.
Disappointed by her mother’s attitude, Zhi entrusted Zou Jie with the task of improving their mother-daughter relationship.
On the day of the competition, reporter Lao Chen arrived to cover the event. Zhi excelled in her performance, earning second place. Lao Chen was intrigued by Zhi and, during a private interview, subtly inquired about whether Zhi’s mother worked at the factory. That evening, Lao Chen meticulously developed the photos in his darkroom, deep in thought.
Meanwhile, Tie Dan’s mother brought food to Lao Chen and mentioned plans to meet with her eldest son, but Lao Chen declined for personal reasons. At that moment, Tie Dan accidentally twisted his ankle, prompting Lao Chen to quickly help him with a hot compress.
Zhi's achievement made headlines, and although she was not mentioned as the first place winner, her success still garnered significant attention. Zou Jie brought home a newspaper, intending to surprise Xian, but Xian remained fixated on the house issue, believing Zhi was neglecting family matters.
Zou Jie found himself caught in the middle, and Zhi felt the oppressive atmosphere at home, prompting her to leave.
Ah Chang brought the news of Zhi's success to Zou Jie’s parents, who praised Zhi repeatedly, rereading the newspaper. Zou Jie’s father even considered hanging Zhi’s photo. Zou Jie’s mother suggested inviting Zhi over for a visit. Although Zou Jie’s father had reservations, he didn’t outright refuse, hoping his wife would handle the situation delicately.
Zhi encouraged Zou Jie to visit home, but he hesitated, wanting Zhi to accompany him. However, Zhi was too anxious to face Zou Jie’s parents and proposed staying in the dormitory as a temporary solution. Zou Jie didn’t respond directly.
At home, Xian anxiously waited and hid when she heard the door. Zou Jie returned alone and informed her of his decision to move to the dormitory. Although Xian was worried, she didn’t express much.
Dorm life was challenging for Zhi; she struggled to sleep, feeling increasingly uncomfortable in her new environment.
The next day, while having lunch in the cafeteria, Zhi suggested going home to fetch bedding to improve her living conditions. Zou Jie tried to speak well of Xian, but Zhi understood her mother’s stubborn nature and that she wouldn’t easily show care.
Xian continued to argue with Aunt Wang, refusing to relinquish the house, while Aunt Wang suggested that Xian should confront her past.
When Zhi and Zou Jie returned home, they faced Xian’s coldness, prompting Zhi to leave in anger once more. Zou Jie’s sister visited, and her loud knocking irritated Xian, causing her to lash out without hesitation.
The atmosphere in the house descended into silence once again.
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