Notable Actors/Actresses
Chen He Yi: Lin Nan Yi
Ni Ke Xin: Tong Xi
Scriptwriter:
Chinese Title
薄荷之夏
[Ep1] After her mother's job transfer, Tong Xi is back in her hometown, Xihai. She prays to not meet Lin Nan Yi, her childhood friend.
薄荷之夏
Network: iQIYI
Mini Recaps
And then she meets him. Tong Xi bumps into Lin Nan Yi while heading to the train station on the last day of summer vacation to see her favourite manhua artist's first public event. Turns out he's the manhua artist she worships: Qing He. Obviously, she doesn't know this. She's just trying to avoid Lin Nan Yi like a plague but he can't help but smile to see her again.
Tong Xi avoids him perhaps because she finds her past with Lin Nan Yi mortifying. She protected him from bullies and had declared him hers.
Little Tong Xi: In the future, I'm marrying him. The little girl is so cute and so bad at acting. She has a pose for each sentence. She watched way too many cartoons.
The current Lin Nan Yi returns the manhua Tong Xi dropped (and now he knows she's his fan). Then he protects her from a man who's forcing his way through but their physical proximity startles her and she pushes him off. Lin Nan Yi loses his balance and twists his leg. She takes him to the hospital and neither of them make it to the manhua event. Tong Xi calls her senior (Wei Ze) to apologize for missing the event. She wiggles around and squeezes her voice. Lin Nan Yi side-eyes her. He's on the phone to apologize to his manager as well. Their conversation perfectly matches as if he's replying to Tong Xi. She thinks he's messing with her.
It's the first day of school, Lin Nan Yi saves a stray cat and asks Tong Xi (who's passing by) for help to get up. Noticing the scratch on his face, she slaps on a band-aid – literally slaps – and tells him, "Don't thank me. This was extra."
[Ep2] Tong Xi receives goddess treatment at her new school. They call her the White Swan because she's a city girl and a ballerina. It helps a lot that she's really selling the concept and hiding all her rough edges. Luck is on her side too: her childhood friend isn't here to bust her cover. So wrong. Lin Nan Yi is just absent on the first day of class. Since Tong Xi already started her act, she's gotta keep it up. Lin Nan Yi smirks at her pretense.
Lin Nan Yi sets up Tong Xi for the class's chalkboard design knowing that she can't draw. Then he asks for a truce: he'll help her draw on the condition that she'll stop giving him attitude. No way; she'd rather struggle than have him help her. She texts her frustration to her manhua god (Qing He) and she finally gets a read receipt. Tong Xi shares the happy news with her Mint Plant.
Ending bit: Guess who gave Tong Xi the Mint Plant? Lin Nan Yi gave her the Mint (bo-he) when she moved away. Tong Xi had promised that no matter where she goes, she'll bring the plant with her.
[Ep3] Past. Tong Xi's Dad tells the kids the meaning of Mint: "Hoping to meet you again". Dad also preserves the leaves so they can keep it forever. This leaf will never wither. Little Tong Xi wiggles around and tells Lin Nan Yi that this can be their betrothal gift.
Lin Nan Yi has the Mint Leaf (bracelet?) to this day.
On the very last day before the submission of the chalkboard design, Lin Nan Yi volunteers. He draws a mint plant but she doesn't notice it. However, helping her wasn't for free. He wants her to be his "slave" for a week. It's mainly buying drinks and opening the cap for him because he's craving for her attention (or love).
Second Couple:Tao Zhu barbecues squid skewers for her crush, Xu Ao, at his birthday party but he doesn't accept it. I don't blame the guy. She stuffed it in his face in this embarrassing way. Wang Yi Ming comforts her by eating it even if they're all cold. But then the next day he goes and laughs at her among their friends (Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi) not understanding that Tao Zhu is tearing up. He's lectured by everyone. Wang Yi Ming makes it up by apologizing with herbal ointment (with a pleasant scent) for the burn marks on her hand.
Ending Bit: Tong Xi entrusts her Mint Plant to someone else (Hu Ting) ??
[Ep4] Ni Xiao Wan is our new character. She is the class president and most importantly, she likes Lin Nan Yi as if he belongs to her. Tong Xi finds this upsetting. How dare someone else possess what is hers? is what I'm thinking that she's thinking. Ni Xiao Wan is also jealous of Tong Xi being more popular than her.
Tong Xi is so preoccupied with Ni Xiao Wan and Lin Nan Yi that she forgets all about her senior crush (Wei Ze) who has a new girl. Again, she texts her frustration to Qing He. Her ID is "Qing He's One and Only Appointed Girlfriend".
[Ep5] Ni Xiao Wan and her lackey are acting pretty rotten and ruining Tong Xi's dance practice for a school event. One student is injured (because Ni Xiao Wan keeps stepping on the poor guy). Tong Xi needs a substitute and quick. Her last resort is Lin Nan Yi. She visits his place and it's the place they played at when they were kids (the Mint Garden). He scrambles to clean up any trace of Qing He in his room but she's not stepping inside. She's only here to test if he can waltz. All the practice he did alone pays off. He's a pro. In the middle of dancing he asks why she hates him. It can't be because he didn't send her off when she moved away, right? Precisely. Our girl treated him like he's her wife, how dare he not give her a farewell? Lin Nan Yi asks if he can make it up by dancing well for the event. But he has a condition. He's the one asking to be forgiven, right?
Lin Nan Yi invites Tong Xi inside his home but he won't let her touch anything except for the Mint Plant on his desk. He recites the meaning of the plant: "Hoping to meet you again." Silence lingers for the words to settle in their hearts. Changing the topic, she asks for her water. He fetches the drink and adds mint in it. I hope he at least dusts his plants on a regular basis.
What's the condition you ask? It's to be his model. As he's drawing her, she falls asleep. Quietly, he walks towards her but of course, he's gotta do a model pose himself. He reaches over to brush her hair aside and then she wakes up. The awkwardness is saved by a phone call, reminding Tong Xi of her ballet classes.
Tong Xi's parents divorced when she was a kid. Her father wanted to be a writer but his future outlooks were poor. Little Tong Xi had wanted Lin Nan Yi to send her off but he didn't say goodbye to her. He also never replied to her letters.
Also, the portrait Lin Nan Yi drew of Tong Xi is his inspiration for his new manhua.
[Ep6] Tong Xi successfully teaches the students the waltz routine thanks to Mom (which was thanks to Lin Nan Yi for informing her).
Ni Xiao Wan's life is rather pitiful. Her father doesn't care about her. He wants to spend as little money on her as possible and if she's not scoring well on her tests, she won't get extra scholarship points. And now she has her crush "stolen". I get her, sorta. She's the character who feels like she's always been there and Tong Xi is the new and popular girl who "messed up" everything.
D-day is here but the waltz outfits are gone. Tong Xi loses her composure. Only Lin Nan Yi knows this is her real personality and manages to cover for her. Without dresses, the girls tie their tracksuit around their waist and draw designs on it. The waltz is a success. But Tong Xi asks herself: Does she really like dancing or is she just fulfilling the dream her mother couldn't?
From her father, Tong Xi learns that Lin Nan Yi did send her off, but he was late. He never received her letters because he moved (to live alone? At that age?). Also, Tong Xi's father takes notes of the sweet interactions between Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi. Ah, is he our writer of this story?
Lin Nan Yi's new manhua is out! It's called Mint. And the cover is Tong Xi~
[Ep7] The students are abuzz that Qing He's new manhua's female lead is inspired from Tong Xi. There's all these similarities but Tong Xi is just smug that her manhua god drew someone like her.
There's a superstition in school that if anyone uses this letter (black cat butterfly design) to confess their love, they're likely to get a reply. Tong Xi misunderstands that Ni Xiao Wan and Lin Nan Yi are writing love letters to each other and so she settles on writing to Wei Ze. It's this super cheesy love letter and for some reason it's posted to a public forum by an anonymous user. Tong Xi's goddess image falls apart.
Lin Nan Yi will help Tong Xi remove the post if she promises to drop the goddess act and be herself from now on. He thinks the way she is is perfectly lovable.
Tao Zhu reads Tong Xi's love letter and deciphers Tong Xi is a diehard fan of Qing He because her words in the letter remind her of "Qing He's One and Only Appointed Girlfriend". Tong Xi confesses to Tao Zhu that she is "Qing He's One and Only Appointed Girlfriend".
[Ep8] Tao Zhu covers for Tong Xi by claiming she wrote the cheesy letter. Tao Zhu and Lin Nan Yi are helping Tong Xi because they don't want her to be the talk of the school.
Lin Nan Yi knows Tong Xi is "Qing He's One and Only Appointed Girlfriend". He analyzes her love letter and realizes she actually wrote it to Qing He but did a last minute change and added Wei Ze's name. He's reluctant to reveal his identity. He settles for replying to her private messages (as Qing He) but Tong Xi doesn't even have time to check her inbox. She's preoccupied with Wei Ze arriving in the city (he's transferring here). She also asks Lin Nan Yi for a transition period to slowly change her goddess image. When he realizes a part of this request is for Wei Ze, Lin Nan Yi is jealous.
Tong Xi starves herself to look pretty for Wei Ze but when he arrives, she faints. At least she gets to look pretty on a hospital bed in front of her crush?
[Ep9] Lin Nan Yi challenges Wei Ze to a basketball showdown. Lin Nan Yi wins but he doesn't earn Tong Xi's respect and that's really the only thing that matters.
Tong Xi treats Wei Ze for dinner at a restaurant that her father loves. Unfortunately, his body language screams that he hates this place. It's unhygienic and the food is not his taste. Wei Ze isn't liking Xihai at all. Feeling uncomfortable, Tong Xi finally retorts that Xihai is a special place.
Tong Xi replies Qing He to which he replies within a second. Tong Xi screams. To keep the conversation going, Tong Xi offers to share her experiences with him to inspire his manhua. Of course, Lin Nan Yi wants that.
[Ep10] Wei Ze heads back to the city (after dropping off his transfer documents). He'll be transferring here next semester. Tong Xi sends him off. She asks him if he likes the current or the previous her better. Without hesitation, he answers that the current her is better. To him, it's better to improve oneself. That's not the answer she wanted to hear as she remembers Lin Nan Yi telling her to be herself.
Tong Xi walks across the beach. Lin Nan Yi is there too. Tong Xi had wanted to show Wei Ze the "Blue Tears" in the ocean to prove to him that Xihai is a beautiful and miraculous place. Now the miracle is before them (Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi). The water is a bioluminescent blue. Lin Nan Yi comforts her, "The real you is enough to make people love you." Smiling, Tong Xi takes his advice and promises to be herself.
Back at home, Tong Xi shares her story with Qing He. He thinks this boy (himself) must like her and she must be very important to him. It's an indirect confession that she doesn't even know.
The next morning, Tong Xi ties up her hair, ready to exhibit her true self. Students glance at her but she's never been more comfortable. However, Ni Xiao Wan manipulates the class to call her a liar.
[Ep11] Tong Xi comes clean with everything: the blackboard design, and the love letter. She apologizes to the class. Everyone mutters but Tong Xi is happier as herself. She says goodbye to her imaginary angel and devil. She doesn't need them anymore.
Lin Nan Yi is anxious about the upcoming fanmeet. Meanwhile Tong Xi is ecstatic. His last effort to hide his identity is to cosplay as Ultraman.
[Ep12] Lin Nan Yi saves Tong Xi as Ultraman and still manages to keep his identity under cover. However, the costume is ruined and so he shows up with a chicken head. Under the chicken head, he gives Tong Xi special treatment. He autographs everything she wants and is especially happy when she asks a signature for "Lin Nan Yi". The special privileges continue and only Tong Xi gets to hug him."Qing He" even leans his head – chicken head – towards her. He manages to fool her until the end – the only blip is that Wei Ze finds out but he keeps the secret.
After the fanmeet, Tong Xi bumps into Lin Nan Yi. She suspects nothing. They all go for lunch. Tong Xi's girl-friends notice Wei Ze isn't so happy when she's focusing on Lin Nan Yi and the gash on his arm (from saving her) and so they change the topic to the shrimps on the table. Tong Xi reaches out with her hand to peel the shrimp but Wei Ze disdainfully reminds her to use her chopsticks. I hope he only means to use a chopstick for picking the food out of the shared plate and not to peel the actual shrimp. Tong Xi awkwardly apologizes for her poor manners but then Lin Nan Yi does the exact same thing, picking the shrimp from the plate and peeling it with his hands. Then he casually places the peeled shrimp on her plate. AW! This is sweet!
Tong Xi drops by Lin Nan Yi's place unannounced. He was unprepared and all his sketches are in plain view. She discovers he's Qing He. She then runs away screaming – not at him but at her own embarrassing behaviour towards him.
[Ep13] Tong Xi is mad at Lin Nan Yi. It was him who told her to be herself and yet he hid himself from her.
Lin Nan Yi's relentless efforts to speak with Tong Xi does work. When he's not looking, she'd smile at the doodles he throws to her during class. Then Wang Yi Ming and Tao Zhu lock Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi in the classroom, giving Lin Nan Yi the chance to properly apologize. He explains how he became Qing He and where his inspirations for "Mint" came from. Her.
Tong Xi finally turns around to speak to him. She's upset also because of how embarrassing she was and for all her cheesy messages. Lin Nan Yi pulls a chair to sit down across from her, "I think it's cute." Then she asks if anyone else knows of his identity. Nope, just her. Lies! Wei Ze! To confirm, she asks if Ni Xiao Wan knows. Of course she doesn't. Ni Xiao Wan is only a high school friend/peer. Curious, Tong Xi asks about their relationship, if they're only elementary school friends.
Lin Nan Yi: That's not all. Aren't we childhood sweethearts? Didn't you say you'll marry me?
Tong Xi changes the topic and asks how they can leave. There are these big fat windows. Lin Nan Yi knew from the very beginning. Annoyed, Tong Xi chases after him. They're back to normal ~
Ni Xiao Wan is nice to Tong Xi, thinking that being nice will make Lin Nan Yi like her. She actually tries pretty hard. Too bad for her, Lin Nan Yi will never even consider her. There was a scene where she asked for "Mint Lemon Water" at the cafe that Lin Nan Yi works at but he gives her milk tea instead. Mint Lemon Water is reserved for Tong Xi.
[Ep14] It's summer vacation but Tong Xi has no vacation. Her mother packs her schedule so tight, she barely has time to breathe. She can't even gain weight because Mom wants her to be a primadonna, I suppose. Lin Nan Yi knows Tong Xi doesn't like dancing. He calls her out for a date (with Tao Zhu and Wang Yi Ming) to celebrate her birthday. She goes and skips out on class. This is her demonstration to her mother that she doesn't want to dance.
Ni Xiao Wan returns home. Her mother is boasting that her brother scored within top ten and they'll be adding more dishes for dinner tonight. Xiao Wan shows her score: she's number one. Mom is like Oh again? Good for you. And that is it.
Lin Nan Yi doesn't keep in contact with any of his parents. His family seems complicated. He's upset at his foster parents (for not telling him that he's adopted?) and he doesn't respond to his birth mother who sends him money on a regular basis.
Xu Ao asks Tao Zhu to join his club again. He needs backstage help. I don't get this guy. Why is he doing this to a girl he rejected? To use her?
[Ep15] Lin Nan Yi makes a cake for Tong Xi's birthday. Dad teases Lin Nan Yi for it. That's not the only present Lin Nan Yi has for her. He gives her the Mint Necklace he has kept all these years. She thought she had lost it. This is her betrothal gift to him, how could he not find it for her?
Lin Nan Yi: I found this a long while ago, after all, something so important I wanted to keep it safe on behalf of you to keep it for me. When we make it into university and leave to somewhere far, then you can return it to me. Aw~
The gifts don't end there. Qing He has a present too. It's his rough sketches for his Mint manhua. These are sketches of their precious childhood memories.
Tong Xi's birthday celebration ends the moment she steps foot inside her home. Her mother punishes her for skipping class. Her mother hasn't even wished her a happy birthday.
The next day, Tong Xi asks her ballet teacher (Mr. Xu) for advice. He tells her that Mom moved back to Xihai for Tong Xi to learn ballet under Mr. Xu. There was no job transfer; Mom quit her job for this opportunity. Yesterday, Mom also dropped off her birthday present to Mr. Xu so that Tong Xi would receive it during class.
Tao Zhu returns to Xu Ao's acting club....to clean.... Why? She's actually passionate about acting and when given the chance, she delivers an emotional performance. Wang Yi Ming is moved to tears.
[Ep16] Tao Zhu overhears Xu Ao's conversation with his girlfriend. The only reason he asked Tao Zhu to come back was to make his girlfriend jealous. He continues that Tao Zhu is also a good slave and can take on unsightly roles. Tao Zhu condemns his actions in front of everyone. She quits.
The next day Wang Yi Ming punches Xu Ao. Tao Zhu drags Wang Yi Ming to apologize because violence is wrong. Xu Ao rejects the apology and blames Tao Zhu for making a mess of his club as if forgetting why she even quit in the first place............ He denies wronging her and demands for evidence. Then he belittles Wang Yi Ming (who's literally just standing there, not doing anything; way to attack someone, Xu Ao) for his hypocrisy and standing behind a woman. Wang Yi Ming has heard rubbish and as he's looking for a rod to whack Xu Ao with, Tao Zhu has already kneed him in the abdomen.
Tao Zhu: This man (Wang Yi Ming), only I can bully. Other people, don't even think about it.
Xu Ao hollers at Tao Zhu, calling her crazy. Wang Yi Ming stands in front of her, daring anyone to take them on. No one moves.
Ni Xiao Wan deliberately spoils Tong Xi's ballet flats to ruin her performance – the first one ever in front of an audience and her parents. Tong Xi trips and falls on stage. Courageously, Tong Xi takes off the flats and gracefully finishes her performance. But she limps off stage. Lin Nan Yi checks on her backstage. She had twisted her ankle from the fall. Lin Nan Yi princess-carries her out of the auditorium. Everyone is the witness to this show of love, especially Ni Xiao Wan.
Mom is hospitalized from low blood sugar. When she sees Tong Xi's injured ankle, she reprimands her for failing to complete such a simple routine. Tong Xi has had enough. This entire time her mother hasn't even asked if she's tired or if she's hurt. The only thing her mother cares about is her ballet. Tong Xi runs away. Her phone is also out of battery. Lin Nan Yi searches for her but she's actually at his place looking for him.
[Ep17] Lin Nan Yi finally finds Tong Xi at his home. He takes her to see the sunrise but it's too cloudy. As Tong Xi spills her heart. Lin Nan Yi quietly listens to everything she says. Then in the morning, Tong Xi returns home to pack her bags. She tells Mom she's quitting ballet. She wants to spend her last days of summer vacation at her father's.
Mom has a talk with the ballet teacher. She learns that Tong Xi was never dancing for herself but for her (Mom). Mom packs up everything ballet related. She dances ballet alone in Tong Xi's room to say goodbye to ballet. She also texts Tong Xi that she respects her decision. Nothing is more important than her happiness. Our mother and daughter reconcile.
Sun Jie Ping (a classmate) develops a crush on Wang Yi Ming
Lin Nan Yi takes Tong Xi to the hospital to visit "Xiao Bei" who's about to undergo surgery. He's a little boy who's been copying Qing He's manhua (like a cute rendition). Lin Nan Yi gives the boy his autographed manhua. The boy gives it to his mother that if anything happens during the surgery, the manhua can accompany her just as the manhua has accompanied him throughout his admission. :( Lin Nan Yi teaches the boy how to draw. The boy then asks Tong Xi what she can teach him.
Ending bit: Wang Yi Ming refusing Sun Jie Ping's mint made me laugh xD
[Ep18] Tong Xi teaches the boy ballet. Lin Nan Yi draws this moment. He notices that of all things she chose to teach the boy, she chose ballet. He also tells her it was Wei Ze who told him about the boy.
Ni Xiao Wan's father forces her to apply for a scholarship. The problem is Ni Xiao Wan has been lying to everyone her family is from the city (i.e. rich). Just like Tong Xi, she had a mask on too. Lin Nan Yi doesn't want to expose her and so when Tong Xi asks him about Ni Xiao Wan, he remains silent.
[Ep19] Ni Xiao Wan's secret is exposed: her family is poor. She accuses Tong Xi of spreading the rumours. As revenge, Ni Xiao Wan runs off with Tong Xi's mint necklace. Lin Nan Yi retrieves it for Tong Xi. When he arrives at Ni Xiao Wan's place, he realizes the thief who stole the ballet dresses was Ni Xiao Wan. Ni Xiao Wan, with a victim's mentality questions Lin Nan Yi: why does everyone help Tong Xi; why isn't anyone helping her; is it because Tong Xi has the Protagonist Halo.
Lin Nan Yi tells Ni Xiao Wan the one who exposed her secret was her own father. Lin Nan Yi also apologizes if any of his actions led to her misunderstanding that he likes her for her to hate Tong Xi. The one last thing he tells her:
Lin Nan Yi: There's one point you got right. Tong Xi, to me, does have the protagonist halo.
It's raining as Lin Nan Yi waits for Tong Xi in front of her home to return the necklace. He wants to explain about Ni Xiao Wan but Tong Xi doesn't need it – him waiting in the rain for her is enough for her to know there's nothing between him and Ni Xiao Wan.
Ni Xiao Wan runs away from home. The class searches everywhere for her. Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi find her. but she sends him away for some girl talk. The talk turns into a fight, like an actual cat fight. I like this. When they've calmed down, Tong Xi comforts Ni Xiao Wan that she's the top of the class despite her humble background. Ni Xiao Wan returns a compliment too that she has a protagonist halo (because Lin Nan Yi said so). Tong Xi's smile isn't sheepish at all. Ni Xiao Wan adds that Tong Xi is still her rival when it comes to Lin Nan Yi. Tong Xi smiles even brighter. When it comes to Lin Nan Yi, Tong Xi ain't backing down.
The girls show up with tangled hair. Lin Nan Yi, Tao Zhu, and Wang Yi Ming are stunned. On the other hand, our girls are calm. Ni Xiao Wan bows and apologizes for disturbing them. She'll go back home now.
Ending bit: I knew Ni Xiao Wan and Tong Xi will have this moment, and I like it a lot more than I thought I would.
[Ep20] It's the second year of high school and they're to be separated into liberal arts or sciences. The students sign each other's yearbooks. Tong Xi is the first one to ask Ni Xiao Wan to sign hers. The other students follow her lead. Ni Xiao Wan is grateful and cries happy tears. On a separate occasion, she asks Lin Nan Yi if there wasn't Tong Xi, would she have a chance. To Lin nan Yi, there is no"if" but he believes Ni Xiao Wan will find the person who thinks the world of her.
Tong Xi excitedly asks Lin Nan Yi if the ending for Mint is coming out soon. It is, but he adds that even though Mint will end, their story won't.
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| I love the contrast in the way they're sitting. |
Sun Jie Ping writes Wang Yi Ming a love letter. Tao Zhu asks Wang Yi Ming what it's like being in the same class as Sun Jie Ping – not jealous at all. (Tao Zhu is in a different class; she's with Tong Xi and Lin Nan Yi).
Wei Ze treats Lin Nan Yi and Tong Xi for lunch to thank them for Xiao Bei. Tong Xi glares at Wei Ze for knowing Lin Nan Yi is Qing He and not telling her. Wei Ze laughs that he already gave her a big hint that he looks very "familiar".
And then an article is published with Qing He's face on it and therefore Lin Nan Yi is exposed. Lin Nan Yi becomes the it boy at school. The girls are crazy for him. Wang Yi Ming planned to confront him for not telling him but he can't even break through to the wall of women surrounding Lin Nan Yi. Tao Zhu receives a stack of love letters all for Lin Nan Yi. Tong Xi and co are uncomfortable with the extra attention whenever Lin Nan Yi is around them. Tong Xi can't help but feel upset that her little secret with Lin Nan Yi is no longer their little secret.
Tong Xi shares her concerns with Lin Nan Yi. She can feel the distance between them is growing. Lin Nan Yi smiles and assures her that other fans are different: only Tong Xi gave him a betrothal gift. Tong Xi isn't joking around, though. The distance between them isn't just about him being a popular manhua artist but that she has no dream. But wait, she corrects herself. Instead of wasting time complaining about this, she should be working on improving herself. She must catch up to him. Lin Nan Yi smiles at her. This is the Tong Xi he loves~
[Ep21] Wang Yi Ming and Sun Jie Ping have a date. Tao Zhu gives advice on both ends, and she's genuine about it but they still end up ruining the date – Wang Yi Ming is hospitalized from diarrhea, ha. Through this date, Tao Zhu might be aware of her feelings for Wang Yi Ming.
Lin Nan Yi disdains his biological mother. She wants to make it up to him but he doesn’t want it. He just wants to live his life. Those are lies~ He had given an interview before this meeting, explaining his first manhua isn't just about the love a mother has for her son but also the son’s longing for his mother's love.
Tong Xi helps her mother record a ballet performance. Mr. Xu is there too. Tong Xi finds herself mimicking the ballet moves. Mr. Xu smiles and beckons her to join him. After the dance, Mr. Xu shows Mom the dance clip, and Mom smiles.
Lin Nan Yi and Tong Xi receive a present from Xiao Bei. It's a drawing and a thank you letter. Tong Xi is about to cry. That’s not all to the presents. Lin Nan Yi never gives just one present. At the end of his interview, he left a message for his best friend: "I will accompany you to find your passion.” Note: they'll continue to call each other "best friends" of some sort because Chinese schools prohibit high school dating. Later that night, Tong Xi finds her ballet flats again. She puts them on and starts dancing. When Mom walks in, Tong Xi asks her if she can learn ballet from Mr. Xu again. Mom tears up and is like Of course!
Lin Nan Yi receives a text from bio-Mom who asks him to consider her advice. She wants him to transfer to another school to improve his drawing skills. He has talent.
Ending Bit: Wang Yi Ming and Sun Jie Ping shake hands to be friends.
[Ep22] It's the parent teacher interview. For the first time, Ni Xiao Wan is looking forward to her parents coming.
Tong Xi's mother is at school. Tong Xi asks Lin Nan Yi, who's free, to pick up her mother. Tao Zhu spins around, Who? Are you two already at the stage to meet her parents? Tong Xi didn't mean it that way. Lin Nan Yi smirks and takes on the task, meaning it exactly the way Tao Zhu interpreted. On the way, Lin Nan Yi bumps into his mother who's here to inquire about the transfer. Lin Nan Yi lectures her in front of everyone. He doesn't need her in his life. Who is she to abandon him, and then to decide his future for him?
Tong Xi meets Lin Nan Yi's mother. Mom did abandon him but she was poor. She wasn't much older than Tong Xi when she had Lin Nan Yi. She didn't want Lin Nan Yi to suffer with her. Mom acknowledges that Lin Nan Yi may never forgive her, but she doesn't want his potential to be wasted. Although understanding Mom's difficulties, Tong Xi has her priorities straight. She texts Lin Nan Yi that she will unconditionally support whatever decision he makes.
Lin Nan Yi doesn't reply to any of Tong Xi's texts because he fell asleep. He dreamed of his mother. When he wakes up he calls Tong Xi, wanting to see her. An exasperated Tong Xi picks up the phone call. Why is she struggling? Because she's currently climbing over his fence. She's like Hold on, I'll be there in a second! But when she makes eye contact with a very shocked Lin Nan Yi, she falls. Ha, cute. She climbed his fence because he wasn't responding to her calls/texts.
Tong Xi asks Lin Nan Yi if he wants to visit his foster parents before he makes his decision (of refusing to transfer). Lin Nan Yi is disheartened. Does Tong Xi want him to make up with his parents against his wishes? That's not Tong Xi's intention. She wants him to find peace within himself. She can tell Lin Nan Yi yearns for love from his parents/mother.
Second Couple: Wang Yi Ming begs Tao Zhu for help. He wants to avoid Sun Jie Ping because, for reasons he can't quite understand, she tires him out. He also recounts how it's different with Tao Zhu; she knows exactly what's on his mind before he even says it. Basically, he's just lazy too talk xD. For Tao Zhu, these are all very confusing signals. She's also annoyed he keeps using her.
Third Couple: Wei Ze and Ni Xiao Wan compliment each other on their scores. She's still number one in her class. He notes that No.2 is very close to her. He offers his notes to help her (he's a senior).
[Ep23] Wang Yi Ming and Sun Jie Ping are playing around (not that he really wants to) and then she accidentally bumps into Xu Ao, angering him. Sun Jie Ping lies that it was Wang Yi Ming who pushed her. Wang Yi Ming side-eyes her, quite deserving. Xu Ao takes this as a confrontation against Wang Yi Ming but Tao Zhu charges in and grabs Xu Ao by the collar, protecting Wang Yi Ming. Wang Yi Ming looks like he's found the one. Struggling, Xu Ao demands Wang Yi Ming to explain to Tao Zhu who started this before Tao Zhu knees him again.
Wang Yi Ming confidently declares: I'll let you go. Now, leave – voice breaks – heh
Wang Yi Ming "breaks up" with Sun Jie Ping in front of Tao Zhu.
Then Wang Yi Ming pesters Tao Zhu to teach him how to ride a bike. Seemingly frustrated with the bike, he spurts out idioms that are incorrect, like always. Tao Zhu calls him an idiot. Wang Yi Ming turns silent. Then in one breath he recites a string of idioms (all of them related to love, and mutual love). Tao Zhu is stunned. She asks if there's any more she doesn't know about him. Glancing at the bike, Wang Yi Ming cycles around her. He knew how to ride a bike all along.
Wang Yi Ming smiles at her: Since we were young, I like the way you look when you correct my idioms and I also like it when you're sitting in front of me riding the bike. It's just very cute!
Wang Yi Ming smiles some more and tells her to get on the bike. He'll drive her this time. Tao Zhu, for once, gets to see his dependable backside~
Tong Xi visits Lin Nan Yi's hometown with him. He learns from his foster parents that they were sad to return him to his mother. He always thought they abandoned him. His foster parents also gave him a box. Inside are letters from his biological mother asking his foster parents for updates on Lin Nan Yi. Lin Nan Yi never knew he was so loved by three parents.
It's Lin Nan Yi's birthday. Ni Xiao Wan and Wei Ze wish him a happy one. And so do Tong Xi and Tao Zhu. They each get an ear to shout happy birthday into. After school, they celebrate at the bookstore. Everyone makes a wish for him. When it's Tong Xi's turn, "I wish that we'll never be separated." Our friends cheer and tease them. Café lady (Mi Ya) tells everyone she's planning to go to Italy to pursue her man.
Mi Ya's advice to Lin Nan Yi: Happiness won't wait for you. You have to actively pursue it.
After everyone's separated, Lin Nan Yi playfully complains to Tong Xi about the present Wang Yi Ming got for him. It's markers – Lin Nan Yi draws digitally. Uh oh, Tong Xi got him paint, ha. She changes the conversation and it somehow arrives to his mother. Lin Nan Yi is starting to accept his mother that she may not have wanted to abandon him but her arrival in his life brings too many changes. He doesn't like it. Tong Xi thinks he knows too little about his mother and when one knows too little, prejudice forms, just like when she just returned to Xihai, her attitude towards him was because she misunderstood him. Lin Nan Yi doesn't like comparing their relationship to the one with his mother because Tong Xi is obviously his future wife.
Tong Xi clinches his chin with her fingers and interrogates him: Lin Nan Yi, if I didn't approach you, try to understand you, then we would have lost the opportunity – to be lovers – to be friends. I like this scene but I swear that it was him who approached her.
Tong Xi once again changes the topic and it's back to the present. It's wrapped and before he even opens it, he tells her he likes it. No doubt about it. When he opens it, he's like What is this? It's handmade paint that she put together in a box, to be honest I'm not really sure, it just looks like a mess. She goes to explain that she had considered this and that and –
Lin Nan Yi interrupts her: Enough. I like it all. Anything from her, he likes.Tong Xi curls up into a cute ball: I haven't even finished talking ~
Lin Nan Yi holds up his two presents, the markers and the paint, then he throws away the markers without batting an eye. Her present is far better. What a sweet boyfriend, I mean, friend. Such a sweet-talker. No wonder girls are crazy for his manhuas. That night, Lin Nan Yi uses Tong Xi's paint. He also calls his mother to meet up with her.
Lin Nan Yi is transferring. Although she's afraid of being separated, she's more afraid that he may regret it. She comforts the both of them that even if they separate, they can always meet again. What a logical girl. After all, they are fated to be. She brings out her Mint Necklace.
Lin Nan Yi bids farewell to everyone. As for Tong Xi, he brings her to the park they used to play at (where she protected him from bullies and where she proposed). As they're talking, she notices this really long spider web and pulls at it, wondering how big it could be for such a long web. Then Lin Nan Yi twirls a twig. It's not a spider web – it's a string and it's part of his twig contraption that as he twirls the twig, the string will lower down a red box to exactly where Tong Xi is sitting. Inside is a painting of her using the paint she made for him.
Tong Xi stares at the painting: So I look that pretty to you?Lin Nan Yi: You are that pretty.
She's disheartened when she realizes this is her farewell present. She complains that he still owes her an ending for Mint. He already submitted the draft. He also won't be drawing any more manhuas during high school. Since he's transferring to improve his skills, he will focus on his academics. I like that their farewell is filled with smiles.
[Ep24] Lin Nan Yi has one more thing to say to her before he leaves Xihai.
Lin Nan Yi: Tong Xi, do you know how important you are to me? ... I want you to know what you mean to me. I don't want our story to end here. Do you understand?
She nods. He reminds her to write letters to him like how she did in the past. They'll meet each other soon. When they're separated and Tong Xi is alone, she cries under her covers. Aw, how hard did she try to smile for him?
The next day at school, it's the same but so different with Lin Nan Yi's absence. Tong Xi wanders in the corridor. The boys almost bump into her had it not been for Ni Xiao Wan pulling her aside. When Tong Xi is back at her desk, there's a mint plant there. The note says: "Anticipating (our) reunion". The meaning of the Mint Plant. Tong Xi charges out of class. She's going to send off Lin Nan Yi. Tao Zhu shouts after Tong Xi that she had already asked Wang Yi Ming to give her a ride. Wang Yi Ming is indeed there in a jiffy. Tong Xi makes it to the train station (the place they had reunited in Ep1).
Does she meet Lin Nan Yi in time? Of course. He was waiting for her. I swear they hug in this scene but they cut it out! He had bought two train tickets just so he could wait for her for two hours if he needed to. As she sincerely tells him how important he is to her, this guy is busy ripping out a piece of paper. He wants her to write a letter to him. Right now. After they finish, they exchange their letters. Is it not better to talk while they can see each other? xD
For the next semester, Tong Xi continuously writes to Lin Nan Yi to update him on her life and everyone related, such as:
- Tao Zhu is the leader of the acting club. She won't exactly say how Xu Ao apologized but we are to understand he got down on one knee and shouted his exaggerated apology. Tao Zhu had no choice but to accept and become the leader.
- Wei Ze graduated. Tong Xi sent him off and so did Ni Xiao Wan.
- Mom is dating! Who! Tong Xi's father ~
- Tong Xi also took her ballerina exam (to apply for uni). The judges nod with approval.
But where is Lin Nan Yi's replies? Tong Xi is upset and threatens to burn his Mint Garden down as she's watering the plants. Suddenly, the lights inside Lin Nan Yi's home turn on. He's back~ And he has good news. He finished his art exam but since his marks are still in this school, he's back for the rest of the semester to finish gaokao. Tong Xi is crying, "Lin Nan Yi, do you have any idea of how bored I was?" Ha. He hugs her and pats her head.
Lin Nan Yi and Tong Xi are accepted into the same university~
And so are Tao Zhu and Wang Yi Ming. Tao Zhu doesn't understand why she can't get rid of him. Of course, she didn't mean that. Wang Yi Ming tells her to come closer. She does and he kisses her on the cheek. Tao Zhu quickly turns away, scrunching her nose. Wang Yi Ming shyly asks if it was a little disgusting. She nods. He's like, Forget it and then mopes around. Tao Zhu takes a deep breath and kisses his cheek too. "Disgusting, (isn't it)?" He beams. He wants another one. Why are they so cute.
Ni Xiao Wan follows Wei Ze's footstep and becomes the top student and will be going to the same university as him.
Tong Xi gives Lin Nan Yi her betrothal gift: Mint Necklace. Lin Nan Yi reaches out, not for the gift, but for Tong Xi's arm as he pulls her in for a hug, a tight one~ And Lin Nan Yi is officially her "wife" ♥.
The end.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I wasn't going to watch this because I didn't know any of the actors and it looked like a normal high school romance but by the end of Ep2, I am addicted to this pure sweetness. Lin Nan Yi is the childhood friend who always liked Tong Xi and he's also the manhua artist she worships. The ending song enriches the sweetness (but does anyone think it sounds like Girls' Generation's Into the New World?). The fresh faces give this drama a fresh feel with fresh chemistry. Also, the male leading actor, Chen He Yi, has this alluring smile and I can't capture the beauty of it in a still image. Frustrating! ✊
The ending bits change for each episode, so don't miss out on them ~
[Actors/Actresses]
[Behind the Scenes]
[Behind the Scenes]
[Ending] Happy.
[Review & Rating]
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