Lin Ge wanted to ask Wei Wei if she had ever been in a relationship, but Shan Shan’s expression changed, feeling that Lin Ge was trying to get information from her. When Lin Ge saw the senior students analyzing the skiing techniques of skilled competitors, she realized she had been stuck in a misconception. Lin Ge told her senior she had thought gaining weight would help her improve faster, but the senior clarified it had nothing to do with weight. Lin Ge weighed herself and found she had gained six pounds, which made her determined to lose weight.
Lin Ge and Nie Chi, along with the rest of the group, went to participate in a competition. Coach Li wanted everyone to use the competition to find their goals and keep moving forward. By the time they reached their accommodation, everyone was exhausted. Lin Ge sat on the sofa and was about to fall asleep when Nie Chi came over. Seeing her about to sleep, he happily sat next to her and asked why she had been avoiding him. Lin Ge didn’t answer but said she needed to figure out her direction in life to move forward better.
Nie Chi quietly left Lin Ge, thinking he understood her. As Lin Ge dreamed that night, she remembered Coach Li’s words about imitating her senior as part of training, ultimately staying on the national team as a sparring partner. Deep down, she was unwilling to accept this and resolved to work harder.
While others rested, Fang Chao secretly took photos of Nie Chi. When he finally captured a perfect shot, he was thrilled. Nie Chi later asked Lin Ge who her partner would be for the next day’s competition, but Lin Ge avoided the question, pretending to be busy and needing rest. Nie Chi understood Lin Ge was avoiding him but smiled without saying anything.
During the competition, Lin Ge was pushed and fell. She saw Coach Li appealing on her behalf, but the coach’s argument was overruled. Feeling it was unfair, Lin Ge heard Coach Li explain that there was no absolute fairness in competitions. Seeing her opponent mocking her, Lin Ge silently vowed to win next time.
The team’s results in the competition were disappointing, leaving Coach Li frustrated. Everyone’s spirits were low. Nie Chi, burdened by his psychological struggles, finished last, despite being the team’s best performer. This drastic fall in performance was a heavy blow.
Lin Ge noticed Nie Chi’s discomfort and pulled him aside, urging him to share his worries. Nie Chi confessed that he couldn’t move forward due to the shadows in his heart, feeling mocked by others and believing he was a coward. Lin Ge realized that Nie Chi bore the heaviest emotional burden among them and decided to be more understanding.
Fang Chao, initially worried about Lin Ge, felt heartbroken when he saw her hugging Nie Chi. Back in the dorm, he realized he had unknowingly fallen for Lin Ge and felt foolish for being oblivious. Only then did he recognize his feelings as love, which shocked him. Fang Chao asked Nie Chi why Lin Ge had stopped him in the cafeteria earlier. Hearing Nie Chi say she wanted to comfort him eased Fang Chao’s mind slightly.
Nie Chi overheard Coach Li saying that the national team didn’t keep idle members and quietly prepared himself for the possibility of leaving. Fang Chao told Lin Ge that Nie Chi had been called to the coach’s office, making her suspicious. She rushed to the office, fearing Nie Chi was about to be dismissed. When they arrived, it turned out to be a false alarm; no one was expelled. Nie Chi’s emotional struggles continued, leading Fang Chao to tease him for being overly sensitive, adding a humorous moment to lighten the mood.
