Grandpa He waited at home all night for He Hongguang and the others to return. When they finally arrived, Grandpa He quickly got up to ask if they had found He Jiahao. He Hongguang responded indifferently, saying, “He’s gone. Let him go if he doesn’t want to come back.” Hearing this, Grandpa He became furious, questioning, “Did Jiahao leave on his own? If you hadn’t pushed him, would he have left?” His anger caused him to collapse, and the family rushed him to the hospital.
He Jiashu learned about Grandpa He’s illness and hurried to the hospital as well. While Grandpa He was in the operating room, He Hongguang, He Hongjuan, and Jiahao’s mother waited outside. When Jiashu arrived, both his mother and Hongjuan wanted to talk to him but refrained out of fear of upsetting Hongguang. Jiashu stood silently at a distance, waiting. The doctor came out and informed them that the situation was not optimistic, especially considering the patient’s age. The doctor added that Grandpa He kept insisting on going home and that further treatment would not be very meaningful. The doctor presented a discharge agreement for Hongguang to sign, stating that Grandpa could be discharged. Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, Hongguang hesitated while Jiashu, standing nearby, shed tears. Hongjuan remarked that Grandpa He wanted to go home, prompting Hongguang to sign the papers and complete the discharge process.
Meanwhile, He Jiahao shared the events at home with Chen Ruonan. Ruonan remarked that she wouldn’t have known about Jiahao’s father’s actions if Jiahao hadn’t told her. She comforted Jiahao as they talked, and suddenly Chen Junli arrived with the news that Grandpa He was ill.
At the hospital, Jiashu told Hongguang that he wanted to return home to care for Grandpa He. Looking at Grandpa lying in the hospital bed reminded him of his own father in a similar state. Jiashu recalled how, in his father’s final moments, he wasn’t allowed to see him. He had banged on the locked door, desperate to say goodbye, but was denied entry. Hongjuan pleaded with Hongguang to let Jiashu see Grandpa, but when Hongguang finally agreed, it was too late—Jiashu’s father had already passed away.
Now, Jiashu pleaded with Hongguang, saying he wanted to stay by Grandpa’s side in his final days. Hongguang refused, prompting Jiashu to say he didn’t mind being called illegitimate or being blamed for everything. He just wanted to be with Grandpa and avoid the regrets he had with his father. Hearing this, Hongguang slapped Jiashu, warning him never to mention his older brother again, declaring, “He wasn’t your father. Stay away from me!” Jiashu broke down in tears in the hospital corridor while Hongguang stormed off angrily.
Back at home, Jiashu held Grandpa He’s hand and said, “I’m back.” When he stepped outside, he saw Jiahao and Hongjuan waiting. Hongjuan revealed that both she and Grandpa had known Jiashu had returned for some time but were afraid to see him, worried they might scare him away again. She admitted Jiashu had done nothing wrong and explained that when Grandpa and the others were often away on business, their eldest brother had raised Hongguang, acting as a father figure. She said Hongguang blamed Jiashu for their brother’s death, and that was unfair. She encouraged Jiashu to move back home, but Jiashu reassured her, saying he wouldn’t leave Xiqiao Village until Grandpa woke up. After speaking, Jiashu left, with Jiahao following closely behind, vowing not to let Jiashu leave again.
Hongguang, meanwhile, stared at a photo of himself and his older brother, lost in thought. He recalled their trip to Beijing to seek medical treatment for his brother. After waiting in line for a long time, they finally met a specialist, only to be told there was little hope. His brother’s body couldn’t endure another round of chemotherapy. Back at the hotel, Hongguang hid in the bathroom and cried. Looking at the photo now, he asked his brother, “Did I really make a mistake?” Hongguang was deeply pained by his memories.
Jiahao chased after Jiashu and found him at Chen Long’an’s martial arts school. Chen Long’an prepared a large meal and urged them to eat. Jiahao announced that he would be staying there for a while and would report his safety to his mother daily. Jiashu agreed.
