Original subtitles

♪There is a secret♪

♪Deep inside my heart♪

♪Hidden as naturally as I breathe♪

♪When I am lost, it lights up my path♪

♪It tells me that I am my own torch-bearer♪

♪It teaches me that sweats♪

♪Can replace my tears♪

♪The flame is burning, waiting for me to wake up♪

♪Don't give up, despite the darkness ahead♪

♪Raising my arms proudly♪

♪The torch in my hand, my courage is bursting♪

♪The fire will not die, regardless of the storm♪

♪Don't forget to seek the light and spark♪

♪Within yourself♪

[Ray of Light] [Adapted from Zhao Xiaying's original story]

[Episode 3]

Red Hair.

You cut hair, don't you?

It's late now.

The barbershops are all closed.

Come over.

(Mr. Hao.)

You haven't changed much.

You just look more chubby now.

Have we met before?

Perhaps you were too focused on teaching

that you didn't notice me.

I'm deeply impressed by you.

When I saw you, I knew

you were incredible

and you must be a successful teacher

[Principal, Wang Zhiguo] like me.

Where did we meet?

Did you forget?

You won the first prize

in the municipal teaching competition that year

and I was the judge.

Oh, I remember now.

You were sitting in the middle.

I...

It was a long time ago.

You were leading the Grade 12 class

at such a young age,

and their grade was outstanding.

Please come in.

Come.

Mr. Wang.

I've gone through this resume.

Okay.

She's the form mistress of Grade 12,

Ms. Li Yaling.

Nice to meet you.

He's an excellent graduate of Nanhua Normal University.

You're Mr. Hao, right?

I have a question.

You only have one work experience

after graduating.

Why did you suddenly resign three years ago?

Because of some personal reasons.

I see.

Yes.

But your resume is completely blank

[Resume] during that three years.

You didn't work as a teacher. What were you doing?

I started my own business.

Yes.

Sharpening the saw doesn't hinder the chopping of wood.

With the professional ability

and the will to teach,

there won't be any problem.

I have faith

in your professionalism.

But currently, in Qingyun,

the workload of the homeroom teacher cum math teacher

can be quite challenging.

Also, you have to adapt to the new teaching material and policy.

Do you think you can handle them?

Yes, I can.

Mr. Wang, the thing is

I always have a concern.

I didn't submit my resume

to Qingyun.

How did you reach out to me?

You're lucky.

Someone recommended you.

Who is it?

I can't tell.

I've promised her

to keep this a secret.

But more importantly, are you willing to join us?

I am.

You may start the day after tomorrow.

Welcome to Qingyun.

Sure.

I'll get going.

Go ahead.

See you.

All right.

Welcome.

I'll skip these resumes.

Well, Mr. Wang,

you have come across

the result of Class 14, haven't you?

I did.

I know his resume looks quite decent.

But I can't really tell he's a teacher

from his look.

Besides, he has stood down as a teacher

for quite some time.

He doesn't have a clear understanding

of the latest NCEE.

And yet you appointed him as a homeroom teacher despite all these.

Frankly,

I have concerns about him.

I've seen him teaching

before.

I have faith in him.

Fine.

Allow me to say a few more words, please.

Go on.

He mustn't skip any assessment procedure.

If he fails, he's leaving.

Ms. Li.

Do you think I play favoritism?

Have you packed everything up?

Mom.

Zhen.

Let's work our very best this year.

We can get through this quickly.

You just focus on your studies.

As for me, I can't do much,

but I'll take good care of you for sure.

Mom, rest assured.

Here, keep your bottle inside.

Zhen.

Dad.

What are you doing here?

I'm going to the new school today.

Let me take you there.

No need, I can go by myself.

Zhen.

Good luck.

Good luck.

(Dear students,)

[Hong'an Qingyun High School] (after a peaceful and merry summer break,)

(we welcome)

(a new semester brimming with hopes.)

(Welcome back to the Qingyun family.)

Excuse me.

(In the past year,)

(through the efforts of the teachers and students)

I'm here.

(our school has achieved excellent results)

(and obtained prestigious honors.)

(Profound diligence has finally brought)

(everyone's effort to fruition.)

(As the new semester commerce,)

(we're going to face new challenges.)

(Seniors of Grade 12)

(will approach a turning point in life.)

(They have to strive this year)

(for their target college.)

(While students from Grade 11 need to accumulate their strength)

(for the sake of the NCEE next year.)

(And juniors of Grade 10 will face)

(the important decision to choose between science and art streams.)

(A good start is a half success.)

(I believe every student in Qingyun)

(will grab their chance)

(and forge ahead towards success confidently)

(and continue the glory of Qingyun.)

Kun.

You've become handsome over the break.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Hey.

You two! This is new.

New?

New blouse.

Wang Fang.

Can you stop playing around here?

Continue your work.

Wang Fang!

Stop right there.

Stop it.

[Grade 12, Class 14] Can you just stop it?

What's wrong?

What were you doing?

Was it fun?

Well,

take the tools

and clean up the entire block.

Did you hear me?

-Yes. -Yes.

Ren Zhen, come with me to get changed.

Did you hear me?

-Yes. -Yes.

Get over here.

To my surprise,

our class has performed quite well this time.

Really? Good to know that.

Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang.

-Mr. Wang. -Mr. Wang.

Fellow teachers.

Hello.

Let me introduce to you

our new teacher, Mr. Hao Nan.

Starting from today,

he'll be the homeroom teacher cum math teacher

of Grade 12, Class 14.

Ms. Li.

You'll talk to him.

I need to leave for a meeting.

Walk slowly, Mr. Wang.

Sure.

Please look out for me.

Is this my desk?

Yes.

Mr. Hao.

Your clothes are quite fashionable.

Really?

But this is not a good place to wear it.

Yes, I know.

Because something happened.

I wasn't wearing this at first.

But I don't have any other clothes.

I'll be more careful next time.

It's better if you can change it.

Yes.

Well,

before you leave for class, here's a reminder for you.

The teaching evaluation this Monday is crucial.

If you don't pass it,

nothing will help,

even though you have connections.

Prepare it well

and don't take it lightly.

Ms. Li, I'm heading to the class.

Let's go.

I'm off, Ms. Li.

Mr. Hao.

You've prepared well enough.

Well, I wouldn't say that.

Your probation period

falls on a special time

when we have the teaching evaluation.

The cadre and principal

will be auditing your class.

I have high expectations for you.

Because the principal favors you.

However, speaking from my experience,

new teachers

who can pass the open class evaluation

are less than 30 percent, you know?

Thank you.

By the way, Ms. Li,

I'd like to improve my lesson plan.

Do you have

any excellent cases

for my reference?

[Lesson Planbook, Teaching Resource Book]

No, you can't refer to them.

As of now,

every teacher has different teaching styles

and focus.

So, it's not fair

if you take them as your reference.

Toss once more.

Argh, stop making noise.

What's going on?

Liu Qiangqiang.

Come here.

Liu Qiangqiang, stop it. Go back to your seat.

Why did you hit me?

Can you not play with him?

Liu Qiangqiang, return to your seat.

Kun.

What's the mess?

Well,

you have a new student here.

Please introduce yourself.

I'm Ren Zhen.

And that's all.

Hey.

That's all?

Find yourself a spot.

Ren Zhen scored 530 points in this year's NCEE,

exceeding the cut-off for first-tier colleges.

Due to the reason of her target college, she came to Class 14.

I hope you can talk to her

and learn from her.

So, she's a repeater.

I don't even want to sit for the exam,

and she's repeating.

Did I say something wrong?

Silence.

Mr. Wang.

Ms. Li, you just introduced the new student to them, right?

New semester, new change.

I've brought you a new teacher,

Mr. Hao.

What are you doing?

We only

live once.

Young girl, death is not the solution.

I know.

Mr. Wang has been your homeroom teacher

for about one year.

I must say Mr. Wang is the homeroom teacher

who has spent the longest time with you all.

But something unexpected happened in his family,

so he can no longer be your homeroom teacher.

However, Mr. Hao

is a teacher I picked

out of hundreds of resumes.

After careful consideration,

both Ms. Li and I introduce you

the new homeroom teacher cum math teacher,

Mr. Hao Nan. (*Sounds like "so tough" in Chinese)

So tough?

Our life is tough enough.

Don't worry, students.

Mr. Hao graduated from a prominent normal university

and won the first prize in the teaching competition.

He's young and talented, isn't he?

Yes, and his patterned shirt looks nice too.

Um...

Mr. Hao has a sense of fashion.

Mr. Hao,

have you taught 12th-graders before?

Yes, I did.

Okay.

Please rest assured, students.

Mr. Hao, get acquainted with them.

Sure.

We'll leave, then.

Okay.

Hello, I'm Hao Nan.

Nan, as in "Phoebe Zhennan,"

not "tough."

[Hao Nan]

In ancient times, people used this type of wood to build beams

and palaces

because it's sturdy.

I know you.

I've changed quite a bit, right?

Your nose hasn't healed, right?

Do you think you can be a teacher with your hair trimmed?

I suppose people at the school

don't know what you were like before.

You should be grateful.

I've saved you anyhow.

Yes, you did.

That's why I didn't expose you.

Can't I be a teacher

when I had long hair

and a scar on my nose?

I came here to study

for the NCEE.

I know.

I can teach you.

You better off leaving here.

Don't disturb me.

What has happened to you?

I went to the construction site just now.

Long time no see.

Yeah.

The principal told me

that you're the mysterious person who recommended me.

I asked him not to tell.

He didn't do so.

When did you join Qingyun?

It's been a while.

I decided to leave for a new environment after you left.

And Qingyun happened to have an opening.

So I ended up becoming a school counselor here.

During that time...

I need to go to class now.

(Is she Wei's cousin?)

(I guess so.)

What do you want?

[Hong'an Qingyun High School]

Are you Ren Zhen?

How are you coping with the new school?

Don't cause trouble before the school gate.

Your cousin asked us to come.

Don't be afraid.

Lippy.

What's this?

Red Hair, I didn't recognize you.

I didn't expect this from you.

You even bully female students now.

No, I didn't.

Did you start making trouble on the streets

after being driven out from the billiard hall?

Get lost.

Leave now.

Yes.

Now.

Nan.

We bought the shoes.

Do I know you?

Do you know me?

I'm asking you.

I think you do.

We

don't.

Go home now.

See you at the barbecue stall.

What's going on?

Why are you asking me

when you're clueless about it?

What are you babbling about?

Go home.

Red Hair.

Does Nan not acknowledge us

after becoming a teacher?

Does he want to cut ties with us?

Is Nan abandoning us?

[Third Brother's Hawker Stall]

Red Hair, I...

Say no more, Nan.

I can't come around to this.

I do brush my teeth

and shower every day.

Am I dirty? Do I stink?

Or do you think I'm ugly?

Why did you pretend that you didn't know me?

I was waiting at the entrance

at eight in the morning before it opened

to buy you these.

After school, I rushed over

to deliver them to you.

I thought of bringing some people with me

to make you feel proud.

What's wrong with you?

You've been with me for years.

Am I useless?

I've never once

gone against you.

I do whatever you tell...

Enough.

Listen to me.

Something happened today.

That girl saw me before I cut my hair.

She always thinks that I'm a hooligan.

And I guess

she has already reported this to the principal.

Secondly, I have an open class soon.

Do you know what an open class is?

Teachers and students gather

to watch how I teach.

I'm under great pressure now.

That's why I offended you earlier today.

I apologize to you, all right?

Well, forget it, Nan.

Let's drink

and let everything pass.

Also, I must tell you

that I'm a teacher again.

Except for holidays, I won't drink a drop.

Don't be sad.

Thank you for running the errand to buy me the shoes.

You should try them on.

If they don't fit, I'll get you a new size.

No need, you always handle things well.

But your shirt

looks quite nice, huh?

I bought it with your leftover money.

I know.

How much is it?

550 yuan.

How much are my shoes?

450 yuan.

So why are you upset now?

I've already held my tears back.

Finish your drink and head home early.

[Bai Jie] (It's only been a few years.)

(How come the teaching materials have changed totally?)

(I feel like I'm repeating)

(the 12th grade.)

[Read] (Wish you all the best.)

What are you looking at?

Well...

Why didn't you greet me before coming in?

What do you want?

[Document File] What are you doing here?

I... Well...

We have new students in the class,

so I bought them some materials

for reference.

I use my own money. Is there a problem with that?

Stop pretending. You're not a real teacher, are you?

What do you mean by that?

I saw it yesterday.

Those hooligans call you "Nan."

Also, who's Red Hair?

What Red Hair?

No, that's not it.

Well, tortoises only have green hair.

If it has red hair, it'd be synthetic.

Besides, you...

Ms. Li.

Here's the file.

Okay.

File?

You may leave now.

See you.

(Careful.)

Are you not afraid when you're going in so deep alone?

You're alone too.

What's there to be afraid of?

Gao Yuan.

Why are you here? You're back to school?

Why did you quit?

I've asked around,

but no one knew about it.

Sorry, I have to go to class now.

Gao Yuan, we're in the same grade now.

I'm in Class 1.

Do you still remember that?

You do really well in English, right?

Can I ask you

if I have any questions?

Liu Qiangqiang.

Good morning, students.

[So tough]

This frog and this

should be drawn by the same person.

This person's quite skilled.

So, I request this artist to rub it off

after the class ends.

All right? Thank you.

Here's the new student.

Please introduce yourself.

I'm Gao Yuan.

Isn't he a famous figure from the last batch?

That's all?

Did he quit school for one year?

Why is he here?

I hope the class can stay united and look out for each other.

Not many spots are left.

There are only two at the back.

Choose your seat.

Also, I'd like to inform you

that we have an open class tomorrow.

I hope you can cooperate with me.

So, I have a set

of math paper from this year's NCEE.

Today, you're going to do the real exam paper

to check your level.

No, please.

Here, pass these around.

Ugh, why must we do this

every day?

What's the use of doing them?

Read each question carefully, students.

And do your best.

Where's your paper?

I don't feel like doing it.

Why not?

Because she did that this year.

Am I talking to you?

No.

So, who are you talking to?

I'm talking to the paper.

I'm sorry.

I didn't consider that.

But I think you can do it again

and reflect on the mistakes you made before

so that you won't repeat them.

What do you think?

You know, some people

encounter failures.

In the face of failures...

Why are you leaving?

I want to quit too.

Me too.

Can we leave too?

We don't feel like doing the paper.

I want to quit.

I want to quit.

Sit down!

Don't you go overboard!

Do you want to stomp on me?

Read every question carefully.

I've already apologized to you.

You shouldn't cross the line.

How am I going

to manage the students

when you leave the class as you wish.

I will learn the way I want.

It doesn't concern you.

I'm your teacher.

You should mind your behavior, will you?

With a teacher like you,

I can only rely on myself to study.

What kind of teacher am I?

What's wrong with me?

If you continue to nag here,

I'll go to the principal's office

and reveal who you are.

Who am I?

Tell me who I am.

Ren Zhen.

Ren Zhen.

Ren Zhen.

Hear me out.

Don't.

Come in.

Mr. Wang.

This batch...

What's the matter?

Give me a second.

Ms. Liu.

We've talked about this

multiple times.

Stop telling on others.

Just focus on your work.

I don't really appreciate

whistle-blowers.

On top of that,

do you have evidence?

No, right?

You should go back now.

What's your matter?

It's nothing, sir.

I'll close the door for you.

Do you repeat the grade?

What?

I'm saying that I didn't expect to see you here.

Me too.

Where did you go during the exam earlier?

Why do you care?

You have quite a temper.

I'm always like this.

I have a bad temper.

I'm so annoyed that I want to die.

I thought you were not afraid of death.

You were brave when you were in the sea.

You looked so spirited back then.

Flamed out?

Gao Yuan.

What are you doing here?

We're so lucky to run into each other in this big school.

Man.

We're leaving first.

Get home early.

Did something happen to your family

during the hiatus last year?

Nothing.

Before you left school,

did you read

my letter?

Is she new here?

I haven't seen her before.

Do you know her?

Excuse me.

Gao Yuan, wait for me.

Let's go together.

Why hasn't she come out yet?

Lippy, here she is.

You again.

Girl, don't be afraid.

Let me introduce myself.

I'm Lippy.

We're your cousin's friends.

He wants us to ask you something.

Your father has been occupying your grandma's house.

You know this, don't you?

So, your cousin wants to know

if you have seen your dad lately.

Who are you?

Run!

Gao Yuan.

Who do you think you are?

Mind your own business.

You're not leaving today, dude.

Ren Zhen.

Don't mistake me. I really need to ask you something.

Faster.

Stop running. We're not bad guys.

Don't run.

This way, come on.

Don't run.

Ren Zhen, slow down. Don't trip.

Stop, Ren Zhen.

Lippy.

Move.

Out of the way.

We have something to ask Ren Zhen.

Ren Zhen, I want to ask you

if you've seen your dad recently.

Lippy.

What's this again?

Lippy.

Back off.

Red Hair, what brings you here?

I...

Are you questioning me back?

Um... Well...

It's a misunderstanding.

I'm asking her something for her cousin.

Ask her something?

But why did you have to chase after her?

In my lifetime,

I despise men

who bully girls.

Leave now.

No, it's not that.

Leave now.

Stop bullying people.

I really want to ask her something.

It's a misunderstanding.

Go.

Red Hair.

You're Ren Zhen, right?

How did you know my name?

Never mind that.

Come here. Let's have a word.

Come on.

Don't worry. I don't mean anything bad.

I don't have bad intentions.

We'll talk here.

Well...

I've seen you before.

You know Hao Nan?

What's your relationship?

He's my boss.

So, you both are hooligans?

No.

I'm a hooligan, he's not.

Isn't he your boss?

Well, he's my boss.

But it doesn't mean

that he's a hooligan like me.

Whatever.

I came to ask you

not to tell on Hao Nan

to the principal.

He's a good guy,

and there's nothing wrong with him.

Besides, he used to be a good teacher.

You came to help us

so that I won't tell on him?

Consider it as doing me a favor.

Why should I?

Give me your phone.

Why?

Give it to me. I won't steal it.

I have my own phone. Look.

Come on.

This is my number.

If you promise me you won't report Hao Nan,

I give you my word,

you can come to me whenever you need help.

Wait. You don't know him like I do.

Give him some time.

He'll surely be a good teacher.

I mean it.

Don't stare at me.

It's scary.

Let's go.

As the old saying goes,

"Mountains need not be high to be famous if there are immortals;

waters need not be deep to be enchanted if there's a dragon;

gaps need not be wide

as long as someone fills it up.

I don't see this as a shabby breach in my high virtue."

Bye, Lippy.

Take care.

Quick,

check if they're gone.

Go back.

I want to take a leak.

Just hold it in.

♪The crowd is the wind, and I, the dandelion♪

♪As I land, my dream blossoms, leading to a different future♪

♪You mock that my dream is impossible♪

♪No one understands the loneliness of a kite who embraces the rain♪

♪Growing up can be painful♪

♪People say that I'm delusional♪

♪But I forge on in the face of naysayers♪

♪♪I will not be swayed and walk in someone's shadow♪

♪Don't be scared, just stand out♪

♪Fly against the current to the vision you have in your dream♪

♪Hardship is the catalyst for resolution♪

♪You will witness my resilience♪

♪Don't be scared, just stand out♪

♪The pain will subside, you will shrug it off♪

♪In this ideal world, my courage is the centerpiece♪

♪Look, the rainbow after the rain♪

♪Shine a ray of light♪