He Jiahao brought a bottle of his brother’s favorite drink to He Jiashu, who remarked with surprise that Jiahao still remembered what he liked after all these years. Jiahao explained that it was the last bottle, and a kind “uncle” gave it to him instead of keeping it. Jiashu asked about the man and, upon hearing that he wore a floral shirt, had slicked-back hair, and looked quite handsome, instantly realized it was their gambling-addict father, Lin Shurong. Turning around, Jiashu spotted Lin Shurong nearby.
Jiashu excused himself, saying he needed to use the restroom, and confronted Lin Shurong, warning him to leave. Lin Shurong demanded money, threatening to tell Jiahao the truth if Jiashu didn’t comply. As the two argued, Jiahao approached and overheard everything. Jiahao asked Lin Shurong how much money he wanted. Lin Shurong held up five fingers, prompting Jiahao to give him 500 yuan. However, Lin Shurong demanded 500,000 yuan. Jiahao countered with 50,000 yuan, saying if Lin didn’t accept, he’d get nothing. Lin reluctantly agreed, and Jiahao pulled Jiashu away.
As they left, Jiahao asked Jiashu how long Lin Shurong had been pestering him, suspecting it had been happening often. Jiashu admitted that it started with Lin bothering their mother. Jiashu recalled the day he came home from school and saw Lin harassing their mom, a pattern that continued until she tragically died in a car accident because of him.
Jiahao reassured Jiashu, saying he was now old enough to protect him. Jiashu accompanied Jiahao home and waited outside their building. Inside, Jiahao found his grandfather waiting. His grandfather asked if Jiahao had been attending extra classes. Jiahao remained silent. The grandfather then asked if Jiahao had seen Jiashu. Still, Jiahao didn’t reply until the grandfather inquired about how Jiashu was doing.
Jiahao finally answered, saying Jiashu had grown taller and more handsome, and was doing well. His grandfather, instead of responding further, simply made a “shushing” gesture. Jiashu, standing outside, caught sight of his grandfather through the corridor window and felt a pang of longing.
Later, Jiashu took Jiahao for a medical check-up, where the doctor reduced his medication, noting improvements in his condition. At home, Jiahao seemed happier and more energetic. His grandfather commented that this was how a young man should be.
Jiashu and Jiahao visited Chen Long’an’s martial arts gym, coinciding with the arrival of Chen Ruonan and Qiu Qiu. Qiu Qiu informed them about changes to the dragon boat race rules, while the village chief held a meeting to announce the same updates. The chief explained that this year’s race would pit the village against a neighboring village, and the winners would qualify for a provincial competition. The chief asked He Hongguang to say a few words, and He spoke about unity, likening the dragon boat to a team that must act as one.
He Hongguang proposed that each family could nominate up to two members for the race. This immediately sparked opposition from Chen Lao’er, who argued that some families couldn’t even field one participant and that they should give their spots to others. Chen Lao’er boasted about his family, saying they had multiple skilled participants, including Chen Junli, and mocked He Hongguang for supposedly having no one capable of competing.
He Hongguang retorted that his son, He Jiahao, could participate. Chen Lao’er scoffed, questioning Jiahao’s health and insinuating that He Hongguang was clinging to power without contributing. This enraged He Hongguang, who returned home visibly upset. Jiahao’s mother urged him not to put pressure on Jiahao.
At that moment, Jiahao arrived home and declared his intention to join the dragon boat race, much to He Hongguang’s delight. Soon, Jiahao and the other participants began training at Chen Long’an’s gym, gearing up for the upcoming competition.
