Lin Ge, Nie Chi, and Fang Chao head to the supermarket for a budget-friendly shopping spree. Lin Ge, calculator in hand, carefully monitors every penny, which Nie Chi finds both amusing and endearing, comparing her to a miser. Fang Chao secretly plans to stretch their budget to buy Lin Ge a new outfit for the New Year, hoping to leave her with fond memories even if she leaves for the Jiangnan team.
Nie Chi takes a moment to talk privately with Lin Ge, asking why she’s so frugal. Their conversation turns playful, with Lin Ge finding Nie Chi a bit childish. Meanwhile, their coach and his wife worry about Lin Ge, fearing she might make the wrong decision.
Lin Ge explains to Nie Chi that she’s considering Jiangnan because of the better financial incentives, even if the environment isn’t as good. The bonuses there would help her manage her living expenses. Nie Chi tries to change her mind, reminding her of her passion for short-track speed skating and asking why she won’t take a chance now that the opportunity has presented itself. Lin Ge admits she loves skating but doesn’t see it as a sustainable livelihood.
When Lin Ge discovers that Nie Chi paid her 2,000-yuan competition fee, she angrily writes him an IOU. However, when Nie Chi tears it up, Lin Ge furiously demands he tape it back together. Later, Lin Feng tries to provoke Lin Ge, but Fang Chao and Nie Chi step in, causing Lin Feng to back down.
Nie Chi helps Lin Ge secure a race against Zhu Zhu, suggested by Coach Han. While angry at Nie Chi for volunteering her, Lin Ge reluctantly competes. Despite pushing herself to the limit, Coach Han criticizes her performance, saying it’s not up to standard. The coach’s harsh words and knowledge of her intent to join Jiangnan upset Lin Ge deeply.
After much reflection, Lin Ge decides to stay with the provincial team and reject Jiangnan’s offer. Meanwhile, Coach Han notices that Nie Chi isn’t skating to his full potential, seemingly held back by some inner fear.
Lin Ge’s family celebrates her decision to stay by making dumplings filled with coins, bringing joy to everyone. Fang Chao seems to be developing feelings for Lin Ge, though he hasn’t realized it yet. When Lin Ge joins the provincial team, the better environment fills her with hope for the future.
While visiting Nie Chi, Lin Ge unexpectedly encounters his grandmother and feels uneasy. Coach Han pulls Lin Ge aside for private training, isolating her from the team. Though Nie Chi worries this might upset her, Lin Ge grows anxious about her lack of progress and feels embarrassed about her recent performance. Coach Han even calls her former coach to inquire about her struggles, doubting her current abilities.
