He Jiahao and He Jiashu returned home with many items they had purchased. Jiahao asked if they might have been too conspicuous with their shopping. Jiashu brushed it off and said he wanted to take Jiahao somewhere. They visited the village chief, who was enjoying his tea. Jiashu greeted him, asking if the chief still remembered him. After a moment of observation, the chief recognized him as “Little Shu.” Jiashu smiled, praising the chief’s sharp eyesight and memory. Jiahao, realizing he lost their friendly wager, admitted defeat.
Jiashu inquired about the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, asking if the race would be against other villages and if it was tied to Xiqiao Village’s honor. The chief jokingly asked if Jiashu planned to participate. Jiashu’s determined expression confirmed it. The chief was about to refuse him, but Jiashu offered to donate a sum of money to renovate the village ancestral hall, stating it was long overdue for repairs. He emphasized that the donation would be made in the He family’s name. The chief, swayed by the gesture, immediately approved Jiashu’s participation in the race.
Back at their home, Jiahao asked Jiashu why he had donated money to the ancestral hall. Jiashu replied that money opens doors, advising Jiahao to accept it when offered in the future and not hesitate. The brothers began training rigorously for the Dragon Boat Festival, exercising together, eating meals, and focusing on preparation. One day, Jiashu was grilling chicken breasts when Jiahao secretly added a piece of butter to the pan. Jiashu caught him and questioned his actions. Jiahao admitted he missed the taste of butter and wanted to indulge. Jiashu scolded him, saying butter was unsuitable for grilling chicken breast, and promptly removed it from the pan.
Word quickly spread through the village about Jiashu’s return. Rumors circulated, labeling him the illegitimate son of the He family’s eldest. Some villagers approached He Hongjuan to confirm if Jiashu had really come back. She openly admitted it, even adding that Jiashu had donated money to the ancestral hall in the He family’s name. As Hongguang overheard this while passing by, he grew furious and stormed off to confront Jiashu, with Hongjuan trailing behind, worried about another conflict.
At Jiashu’s home, Hongguang demanded to know why Jiashu had made the donation under the He family’s name, declaring that Jiashu was no longer part of the family. Their argument was overheard by Chen Long’an, Chen Afu, Qiu Qiu, and the Chen siblings, who were standing outside eavesdropping. Jiashu retorted that the He surname was not exclusive to their family and questioned why he couldn’t use it. He argued that as someone with the He surname, he was just as entitled to the name as they were. Hongguang ordered him to withdraw the donation, calling it an embarrassment to the family. Jiashu refused, stating that taking back the donation would truly disgrace the He family.
Hongjuan chimed in to support Jiashu, who calmly declared that in the past, Hongguang’s words might have affected him. But now, he no longer cared. Jiashu affirmed his ties to the family, saying, “No matter what you say, I am still Aunt’s nephew, Grandpa’s grandson, and Jiahao’s brother.” Jiahao hugged Jiashu and agreed, standing firmly by his side. This only enraged Hongguang further, and he rolled up his sleeves, ready to hit them both.
The commotion prompted Chen Long’an and the others to rush in and intervene. They restrained Hongguang and carried him outside, leaving Hongjuan to check on the situation. When Hongguang returned home with Hongjuan, Lihua noticed their sour moods and asked what had happened. Hongguang stormed off to his room without answering. Hongjuan explained that Jiashu had gotten under his skin. Lihua remarked that someone would eventually humble Hongguang, expressing newfound respect for Jiashu. She admitted her past resentment towards Jiashu but acknowledged that Jiashu had been helping Jiahao heal and take care of him, and that Jiashu was never at fault to begin with.
Hongjuan agreed wholeheartedly, while Lihua loudly wondered when certain people would come to their senses. Right on cue, Hongguang packed his belongings and decided to stay at the factory. There, he found and looked through Jiashu’s photo album, reflecting silently.
Meanwhile, Jiashu and Jiahao had dinner together with their friends. Jiahao received a call from Hongjuan, informing him that the dragon boat festival lanterns had been submerged in water and urging him to make replacements. Initially, Jiahao lacked confidence, but his friends rallied around him, promising to help him with the task.
