Episode 4 of "The Only One" dawns with Wang groggily emerging from the clutches of a debilitating hangover. Embarrassment drives him into hiding from Tian, who sends a quizzical text message inquiring about his well-being. Wang, feigning innocence, fabricates a tale of a stomachache, hoping to evade the truth. Eventually, he braves the stairs for breakfast, where both boys tactfully decline Auntie Jiang's culinary misadventure with eggs, hastening towards school with renewed purpose.
As they stroll towards academia, Tian mischievously recalls the previous evening's antics, where he dared Wang to walk in a straight line, only for the latter to cunningly exploit the challenge, forcing Tian to bear his weight on his back for the journey home. Tian, with a playful smirk, offers Wang a digestive sweet, a subtle jest at their mother's culinary endeavors.
Arriving at school, they're met with an unexpected sight: Miss Jin, their stern English teacher, herding those who neglected their homework-turned-test papers outside for completion. The shockwave ripples through the class when even Tian finds himself among the transgressors, his incompletion a casualty of his loyalty to Wang and their synchronized departure.
The subsequent lesson brings news of an impending announcement—the selection of the model student of the year, igniting a flurry of anticipation among the students. Amidst the buzz, Wang discreetly sends Tian a heartfelt apology, acknowledging his role in their tardiness. After the lesson's conclusion, Tian confides in Wang, whispering plans of an impending absence and instructing him to inform their mother of a fictional teacher's summons, weaving yet another layer of camaraderie and intrigue into their already intertwined lives.
As they stumbled upon Uncle Zhao's shop, Tian continued on his path, leaving a trail of intrigue behind. Later, under the cloak of night, while Wang delved deep into his studies, an unsettling symphony of sounds drifted from Tian's room. A quick text from Wang summoned Tian, who promptly joined him, transforming the study session into a collaborative endeavor.
The following day, at the heart of the school, Wang witnessed a distressing scene—students taunting and bullying Uncle Mute, the mute janitor they all knew. Without hesitation, Wang intervened, his bravery mirrored by Tian, who joined the fray to fend off the unruly youths. Together, they escorted Uncle Mute to his sanctuary, a place Tian affectionately referred to as Old Ding's house—a familiar setting where Tian's encounter with the elderly man had unfolded in a previous chapter. Despite Old Ding's reputation for being fierce, Tian shared a unique bond with him, their daily lunches a testament to their camaraderie.
As Old Ding emerged from his abode, Tian fled, a mischievous grin on his face, recalling a past misadventure where he had inadvertently damaged the roof. Tian shared a poignant insight, revealing that Uncle Zhao was Uncle Mute's sole interpreter, fostering a deep connection that kept Uncle Mute's visits to the shop frequent. Tian mused that if one person in the world comprehended you, their presence would be invaluable. Old Ding, moved by the sentiment, prepared a heartwarming meal for Uncle Mute and the young protectors, Tian teasing Wang for his picky eating habits, yet Wang relished the meal without a word of complaint.
Returning to the school's halls, their heroic deeds were met with disciplinary action. The Dean, unyielding, chastised them for resorting to violence, despite their noble intentions. As punishment, they were tasked with sweeping the sprawling school grounds. Wang grumbled, but amidst the fallen leaves, a camaraderie blossomed as they shared a fleeting moment of understanding. Tian confessed that initially, he had doubted the wisdom of forging a deeper bond, but now, he was eager to embrace the present, leaving the past behind.
Just as they thought their ordeal was over, Miss Jing and the Dean intervened, offering an unexpected twist. Instead of sweeping, they were enlisted for the English competition, with two stringent conditions: victory and a monumental leap of 50 ranks for Wang in his class standings (Tian, already at the pinnacle).
At home, Wang's resolve solidified as he approached Tian with a request for academic assistance, feigning a faulty air conditioner as his pretext. Tian, seeing right through the ruse, nonetheless, offered his help with a warm smile. The ensuing scenes painted a picture of Tian's unwavering dedication, guiding Wang through the intricacies of his studies.
One fateful night, Wang's gaze fell upon Tian's half-packed suitcase, igniting a sense of urgency. His tone turned serious as he inquired about Tian's impending departure. Tian's casual response, revealing that the suitcase had been in that state since his arrival, only added to the mystery.
Just then, Wang's father's arrival disrupted the moment, prompting Wang to whisk Tian into the closet, hiding from a conversation he dreaded. As Wang vented about his father's inquiries, Tian's amused smile illuminated the cramped space.
The next day, a misleading message from Miss Jing lured Wang to Xi Le Welfare Society, where he found himself ambushed by two youths. The brutal attack served as a harrowing climax to the episode.
In a poignant epilogue titled "Jang Tian's Very Moment," the scene shifts to Tian, preparing for bed, when the sound of Wang's diligent studies pierced the silence. Tian's mind wandered back to Wang's words about late-night studying, inspiring him to create a ruckus with his chair—a subtle yet effective ploy to draw Wang's attention and offer his support. This moment, a testament to their growing bond, left a lasting impression.
