He Jiahao and his team were undergoing dragon boat training, with Chen Ruonan as the drummer. Ruonan struggled to keep a consistent rhythm, causing the rowers to paddle out of sync. After a while, Coach Chen Long’an stopped the practice and pointed out that Ruonan was the most crucial team member since everyone followed her beat. Her inconsistent drumming disrupted the team’s performance. Feeling frustrated, Ruonan insisted on trying again, but Long’an suggested the team take a break while Ruonan practiced on her own.
As Ruonan continued practicing, Jiahao approached her, encouraging her to rest. Ruonan, feeling inadequate, asked if she was stupid for failing at something as “simple” as drumming. She lamented her poor academic skills and her inability to excel at anything. Jiahao reassured her that nobody is perfect on their first try, and her struggles were normal. His words lightened her mood, and she asked if he truly believed that. Jiahao firmly said yes, boosting her confidence.
Nearby, Chen Afu mocked the team, claiming the training standards were too low if anyone could join. When Ruonan confronted him, he said it was obvious whom he was referring to. He criticized her for “chasing after Jiahao” and accused her of distracting the team. Furious, Ruonan called him a “fat fool,” and Chen Junli intervened, asking Afu to stop.
Afu ignored Junli and continued, arguing that women didn’t belong on the boat, as they would only drag the team down. Ruonan challenged him to repeat himself, and he smugly cited his father’s claim that, in the past, women weren’t allowed to participate in dragon boat races. He added that if Ruonan’s involvement caused them to lose, it would be her fault. Ruonan retorted that this was a formal competition, and there was no rule against women participating. She declared that if the boat truly sank because of her, then so be it.
Junli tried to calm Ruonan, but she snapped at him, accusing him of being ashamed of her and reminding him how, since childhood, the family had always prioritized him. She said it was time for her to stand up for herself and proclaimed that she would compete no matter what. Jiahao supported her, emphasizing that the team should work together as one. Afu scoffed, sarcastically accusing Jiahao and Ruonan of being too close and jokingly asking when Jiahao planned to propose to her.
This remark enraged Ruonan, and she began to tussle with Afu. At that moment, Jiashu appeared unexpectedly. Long’an introduced Jiashu as a special guest coach. Jiashu sternly reminded the team that unity was essential to success and reprimanded them for their behavior, punishing everyone with a 10-kilometer run.
Later, Jiahao returned home, and He Hongguang asked how training went. Jiahao mentioned his legs were sore but did not complain further. After dinner, Hongguang accompanied Jiahao’s grandfather to his room. During their conversation, the grandfather suggested allowing Jiashu to return to the family. However, Hongguang vehemently rejected the idea, insisting that Jiashu was illegitimate and unwelcome.
As Hongguang left the room, Jiahao overheard the conversation and confronted his father, asking why he couldn’t accept Jiashu. Hongguang coldly replied, “I don’t have a brother,” and walked away.
Meanwhile, at the Chen household, Ruonan sulked and refused to eat dinner. Her parents ignored her behavior. Chen Defu, her father, eagerly questioned Junli about the training session and learned that Jiahao was participating. Defu advised Junli to avoid Jiahao, claiming their family brought bad luck. He revealed a dark family secret: Jiashu’s mother had an affair and gave birth to Jiashu with another man, further fueling his disdain for the He family.
Elsewhere, Lin Shurong was eating at Aunt Zhang’s barbershop. He received a call from a creditor, demanding repayment. Desperate, he asked Aunt Zhang for money, but she refused, citing her limited means. Frustrated, Lin insulted her and left while she was distracted fetching groceries.
At Jiahao’s school, Jiashu attended a parent-teacher meeting on his behalf. During the meeting, Chen Defu boasted about Junli’s top grades and mocked Jiahao’s family for their perceived shortcomings. Jiashu stood up for Jiahao, asserting that his brother didn’t need to be “perfect” or “the best.” He declared that Jiahao’s value wasn’t determined by accolades but by being himself. Jiashu’s words resonated with the parents, who applauded him. Outside the room, Jiahao overheard the speech and felt deeply moved by his brother’s support.
