Be Yourself Episode 10 Recap
> Be Yourself Recap
In this world, life is often easier for good-looking people, who are more likely to be forgiven for mistakes and to be indulged when they act like a child. This is because no one can truly see another's inner self at first glance, but beauty is enough to make others look longer. However, the question remains whether this is entirely true.
Yang Jiaqian was unexpectedly signed up for a debate contest by Mai Meng, with the final topic being "outer beauty and inner beauty." Their team was assigned the stance that inner beauty outweighs outer beauty. Yang Jiaqian admitted it wasn't her decision, as Mai Meng had signed her up without asking. Deep down, Yang Jiaqian believed that attractive people held an advantage in this world, fearing her conviction might waver during the debate.
Since her teammates were busy, she would have to prepare on her own. Knowing that their opponents were four brilliant science geeks with potentially complex arguments, Fan Xiaoyu decided to bring Yang Jiaqian to Fan Qingzhou and Lei Dongqiang to practice. As Yang Jiaqian looked at Fan Qingzhou, she shyly turned her head, then admired the calligraphy written by him.
Lei Dongqiang noted the striking similarities in their temperaments and jokingly suggested that Fan Qingzhou and Yang Jiaqian should be together, making Fan Qingzhou blush and Fan Xiaoyu look momentarily uneasy. The mock debate began, with Lei Dongqiang playing a harsh role to simulate the real environment. As the rounds progressed, Yang Jiaqian became increasingly dejected. When Lei Dongqiang used Fan Xiaoyu as an example of outer beauty to challenge Yang Jiaqian, the atmosphere grew awkward.
Unable to watch any longer, Fan Qingzhou intervened on Yang Jiaqian's behalf. Taken aback, Lei Dongqiang then pushed Fan Qingzhou to choose between Fan Xiaoyu and Yang Jiaqian as a girlfriend. This put Fan Qingzhou, who secretly liked Fan Xiaoyu, in a difficult spot. He stammered, unable to give a direct answer, only stating he would "choose the one I like." Fan Xiaoyu awkwardly changed the subject. Later, Xia Langlang and Huangfu were overheard discussing the debate.
Xia Langlang concluded that Fan Qingzhou's evasive answer meant he preferred Fan Xiaoyu, reasoning that all men would. They also noted Lei Dongqiang consistently calling Yang Jiaqian "Big sister," implying he didn't see her as conventionally beautiful, especially when compared to the widely acknowledged beauty of Fan Xiaoyu. Yang Jiaqian, overhearing this conversation outside her dormitory room, paused before entering.
Yang Jiaqian met her mother, Zhang Huishan, a dean of students who always wore a black business suit and kept her hair impeccably styled. Zhang Huishan had brought a box of local products, instructing Yang Jiaqian to deliver them to her department head. Yang Jiaqian felt stifled by her mother's constant control and incessant lecturing. Her mother believed inner qualities were paramount and warned Yang Jiaqian not to waste time on her appearance.
Yang Jiaqian sat constrained, her mind replaying high school memories of her stern mother, which often led to her own ostracism. In her mother's eyes, getting into a good university was everything; inappropriate friends, flashy clothes, and youthful romance were all distractions to be discarded. This rigid upbringing led Yang Jiaqian to burn her diaries—her symbols of youth and rebellion—on a wasteland by the railway one night. But this time, she resolved to make a change.
Yang Jiaqian went to a cosmetics store, bought some makeup, and put it on lightly. She also purchased a new pair of glasses. On her way back, she encountered Lei Dongqiang and Fan Qingzhou, who were distributing cards for an app. When Lei Dongqiang called her "Big sister" again, Yang Jiaqian, having found newfound courage, politely asked them to call her by her name, "Yang Jiaqian" or "Jiaqian." Lei Dongqiang, though initially surprised, agreed.
While helping them distribute the cards, Yang Jiaqian saw Fan Qingzhou's calligraphy and praised it, specifically recognizing it as Liu style. They discussed calligraphy, with Fan Qingzhou explaining the differences between Yan and Liu styles, comparing them to an attractive lady and a plain woman, noting that while the attractive lady initially catches the eye, the plain woman's elegance can only be appreciated by those who understand. He drew a parallel between this and her debate topic.
Yang Jiaqian confessed her lack of conviction in her assigned stance. Fan Qingzhou acknowledged that beautiful people are more lovable and that Fan Xiaoyu would likely be more popular if they stood side-by-side. While they were distributing cards, Lei Dongqiang secretly took a photo of Yang Jiaqian and Fan Qingzhou together. He sent it to Fan Xiaoyu, inviting her to help as well.
Seeing the photo on her screen, Fan Xiaoyu felt a pang of unhappiness, throwing her phone aside in a fit of pique. He later messaged Yang Jiaqian, sending her links and strong arguments for her debate. Yang Jiaqian smiled as she read his messages. When Yang Jiaqian returned to the dorm, Fan Xiaoyu thoughtfully questioned her. Yang Jiaqian vaguely mentioned meeting her mother, completely omitting the fact that she had been distributing flyers with Fan Qingzhou.
Fan Xiaoyu's expression changed, but she did not expose Yang Jiaqian's lie. Fan Xiaoyu then observed Yang Jiaqian's altered appearance, noting the new glasses and makeup, but Yang Jiaqian dismissed it as preparation for the debate. The debate contest commenced, with the opposing team of four science geeks passionately presenting their arguments. Yang Jiaqian took diligent notes, and when it was her turn, she delivered a well-reasoned and convincing speech that earned widespread applause.
However, when an opposing debater attacked her appearance directly, commenting on her makeup, Yang Jiaqian was momentarily taken aback. Nevertheless, she composed herself and gracefully responded, using her personal experience to elevate the debate to a new level, asserting that those who solely focus on external appearance lack true inner beauty. She concluded her speech by stating that a truly beautiful person never uses their beauty as a weapon, ultimately winning the "Best Debater" award.
After the victory, Yang Jiaqian's roommates celebrated her win. Yang Jiaqian texted Fan Qingzhou, thanking him for his recent help. He modestly encouraged her, saying she needed to believe in herself and that expressing herself was about being true to herself, not harming others. He told her to believe that inner beauty would make the world a more beautiful place.
Meanwhile, Fan Xiaoyu quietly looked at the calligraphy Fan Qingzhou had given her, reflecting on what she had learned from Yang Jiaqian that day. She resolved to strive to emulate Yang Jiaqian's ability to draw upon others' strengths and continuously learn. Fan Xiaoyu then messaged Fan Qingzhou, asking him to dinner. Separately, Lei Dongqiang questioned Fan Qingzhou about a "new product" involving Tetris, which he had learned about from Fan Xiaoyu.
He pressed Fan Qingzhou, asking if he preferred "the smart one" like Yang Jiaqian or "the attractive one" like Fan Xiaoyu. Fan Qingzhou, clearly uncomfortable, asked Lei Dongqiang to leave him alone. He then looked at the Tetris drawing, wondering why Lei Dongqiang had seen his work.
