The first episode of Blue Canvas of Youthful Days begins with Xiao painting a portrait of his boyfriend, Qi. The two share playful banter and reminisce about their first meeting. Xiao teases Qi, claiming he was annoying back then, but Qi surprises him by saying their actual first encounter was different.
A flashback reveals Qi riding in his father’s car after winning an art award. Despite the achievement, Qi appears unhappy as his father congratulates him and reminds him to thank his teachers. Meanwhile, Xiao, being chased by someone, hides near Qi’s car. Qi notices him through the tinted windows, but Xiao, oblivious to Qi’s presence, walks away.
Back home, Qi reflects on his hollow interview about his award, where he mentioned his late mother, an artist, and his father, the founder of an art museum. His father is furious about the mention of Qi’s mother, who supposedly left them, and lashes out violently, smashing a family photo in a fit of rage.
Elsewhere, Xiao is shown helping his grandfather at their store. As a struggling artist, Xiao worries about their financial struggles, especially since his grandfather is still working hard to pay for Xiao’s art fees. Xiao’s close friend, Tan, has a speech disability, adding another layer to Xiao’s challenges.
The next day, Qi’s father drops him off at Jiyi Art Studio before leaving on a business trip. Qi notices a piece of art from his favorite artist displayed on a wall. As fate would have it, Xiao brushes past him, but the two don’t acknowledge each other.
However, Qi soon realizes he’s mistaken the studio for Boyi Art Studio, Jiyi’s neighbor. Boyi’s owner, Liu, congratulates Qi on his recent award and invites him to consider their studio if he’s dissatisfied with Jiyi. Qi then asks about the artist behind the piece he admired earlier. When Liu sees it, he angrily calls out two students—Wei Jaiyu and Xiao. Wei Jaiyu is scolded for falsely signing his name on the piece, while Xiao admits he sold the artwork to Wei for money. As punishment, both are tasked with cleaning the studio toilets.
Wei Jaiyu and his gang later confront Xiao, demanding their money back. Xiao agrees, but Qi steps in, offering Wei a pair of limited-edition sneakers to settle the matter. To Qi’s surprise, Wei agrees.
That evening, Qi follows Xiao home and sees him standing up to two rude customers who bullied Tan at his grandfather’s shop. Intrigued, Qi realizes Xiao is the real artist behind the works he admires. However, he’s surprised that Xiao’s fiery personality contrasts with the soulful beauty of his paintings. Qi decides he wants to befriend Xiao but isn’t sure how to approach him.
Against his father’s wishes, Qi enrolls in Boyi Art Studio and rents an apartment near Xiao’s home instead of staying in the dorms. Xiao, delivering a package, is surprised to find Qi living in the same building. Irritated, Xiao initially acts cold, but Qi feigns a stomachache, coaxing Xiao into helping him. Qi even gets Xiao to cook noodles for him, though Xiao refuses his offer of payment.
That night, Qi spots Xiao and Tan strolling through the streets. Tan asks Xiao about the studio he recommended, and Xiao admits he likes it. Tan then explains his connection to Liu, revealing how Liu once saved him from drinking a spiked drink at a bar and has since treated him like a little brother.
Meanwhile, Qi explores Xiao’s artwork online and realizes Xiao’s paintings often reflect his life. Curious, Qi visits Xiao’s grandfather’s shop but leaves before anyone notices him.
In the next episode, Qi discovers that most of the paintings in his house are Xiao’s. He tries to approach Xiao with breakfast as a peace offering, but Xiao remains aloof. Undeterred, Qi uses his stomach issues as leverage, softening Xiao’s attitude. Qi praises Xiao’s talent but feels sorry Xiao creates art for others in exchange for money. Xiao firmly states he doesn’t make friends at the studio since it’s only a temporary arrangement.
At Boyi, Liu offers Xiao an opportunity to sell his art to a friend opening a bar. Later, Qi joins Xiao for lunch, but Xiao confronts him for staring, to which Qi nervously claims he was studying the subject of Xiao’s paintings.
During an exam, Xiao gets an urgent call and rushes out. To everyone’s surprise, Qi follows. Xiao’s grandfather has gone missing, and though Xiao insists he doesn’t need help, Qi is determined to assist. Together, they search with Qi finding Grandpa watching a chess game and bringing him home. Grateful, Xiao treats Qi’s wounds from pushing him earlier and explains his family’s struggles, including his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s.
That evening, Liu takes Tan out after learning about the incident. He comforts him and decides to take him for an ear examination. The next day, Liu surprises Tan with a hearing aid, teaching him to say the word “brother.” As Tan looks at Liu with newfound admiration, the episode ends.
