In a Class of Her Own Episode 16 Recap
> In a Class of Her Own Recap
The next day, Feng Chengjun and Wenxi were deep in discussion within their dormitory, dissecting the finer points of a recent policy forum. Wenxi, with a thoughtful expression, raised a pertinent question about the age-old dilemma of whether education or wealth should precede the other for societal betterment, likening it to the debate of "fish versus fishing."
Lei Zexin, overhearing their philosophical exchange, interjected with a sarcastic remark, dismissively labeling them "pedantic" and mocking their newly formed bond as "sworn brothers." He accused Feng Chengjun of being petty, claiming he had immediately taken Wenxi to the Confucius Temple to form their bond right after Lei Zexin had merely suggested Wenxi keep her distance. Wenxi, attempting to de-escalate the tension, expressed her profound gratitude to Lei Zexin.
Feng Chengjun, however, refused to let Lei Zexin twist the truth, prompting Lei Zexin to declare his disgust for the very word "brothers." Wenxi then tried to reassure Feng Chengjun, stating that being sworn brothers was actually a good thing, as it allowed her to be close to him. Meanwhile, in a moment of private reflection, Yu Lexuan found himself plagued by insomnia, admitting that Wenxi had become an unexpected challenge.
He realized that only by compelling her departure from Yun Shang Academy could he achieve his own objectives and ensure his safety. The following day, Lei Zexin deliberately disrupted Feng Chengjun’s quiet study time in the dormitory by practicing his martial arts. Their usual bickering quickly escalated into a full-blown argument over who was disturbing whom.
Wenxi, stepping in as the peacemaker, suggested they all go out, mentioning new ink-stones at the stationery store for Feng Chengjun and good wine on South Street for Lei Zexin. Despite their continued squabbling, Wenxi managed to convince them to join her, also inviting Yu Lexuan. As they browsed the market, a vendor enthusiastically tried to sell them "lucky sachets," explaining the unique meanings attributed to each color.
Separately, Yu Lexuan approached Wenxi, subtly suggesting that life outside Yun Shang Academy might be more liberating for her, especially since she did not aspire to become an official, and hinting that dealing with Feng Chengjun and Lei Zexin's constant arguments must be exhausting. Wenxi acknowledged their bickering but firmly stated that she had learned a great deal at the academy and was not suffering. A sudden, heavy downpour then forced the group to seek shelter at Yu Le House.
Yu Lexuan kindly offered them dry clothes. However, Wenxi insisted on changing privately, humorously claiming she would "go crazy" if she undressed in front of others. Yu Lexuan then guided her to a private room. When Wenxi emerged in her borrowed clothes, Yu Lexuan playfully remarked on her "graceful" appearance, noting that she resembled a woman. Lei Zexin and Feng Chengjun echoed his sentiment, to Wenxi's visible discomfort.
Upon their return to the academy, Han Shengzhi approached Yu Lexuan, his tone laced with sarcasm as he inquired about Yu Lexuan's outing with the students from Room Two of Regular Dorm. Yu Lexuan smoothly reassured Han Shengzhi, explaining that he was merely employing a strategy of "winning the enemy's heart" to uncover Wenxi's weaknesses, implying it was all part of his broader scheme to expel her.
That evening, Wenxi shyly presented Feng Chengjun with a blue sachet she had purchased at the market. She explained that despite its delicate appearance, the blue color symbolized power and would aid him in achieving his ambition of becoming an official. Feng Chengjun gratefully accepted it, though his joy seemed to dim when he learned that Wenxi had also bought identical sachets for Lei Zexin and Yu Lexuan.
He then inquired if she had purchased one for herself, and if so, what color. He also asked the vendor if there was a color that specifically matched the blue sachet to symbolize a good destiny or union, and the vendor presented a red sachet. Unbeknownst to Feng Chengjun, Wenxi had indeed secretly purchased a red sachet for herself, hoping it would complement his blue one and symbolize a blossoming romantic connection between them.
Later, Yu Lexuan, wrestling with his task, concluded that the most effective way to fulfill his obligation was to gently persuade Wenxi to leave the academy of her own accord, believing it would be a beneficial outcome for both of them. He approached Wenxi, reiterating his belief that her aspirations did not align with a career as an official and that staying at Yun Shang was a waste of her potential.
He even offered to facilitate her departure without any penalties. However, Wenxi firmly rejected his proposal, declaring that she was "no longer the same Wen Bin" and that she had found a new purpose in staying and contributing to the nation, inspired by Feng Chengjun's vision for Yun. She then offered Yu Lexuan a sachet, insisting he accept it. Her unexpected sincerity deeply moved Yu Lexuan, making him momentarily reconsider his manipulative intentions.
That night, Yu Lexuan searched for Wenxi, finding her room empty. His search led him to the storage room, where he heard faint sounds from within. Unbeknownst to him, Han Shengzhi and his companions were also nearby, having heard rumors of a haunting in the storage room and were coming to investigate. Realizing Han Shengzhi's approach, Yu Lexuan quickly peered inside and discovered Wenxi, partially undressed and preparing to bathe, revealing her female form.
Stunned by this revelation, Yu Lexuan quickly warned Wenxi to conceal herself. As Han Shengzhi demanded entry, Yu Lexuan bravely entered the storage room alone and began making eerie noises, expertly feigning a ghostly presence. His performance successfully terrified Han Shengzhi and his companions, sending them fleeing in panic. After the ordeal, Wenxi returned to the dormitory, visibly shaken and filled with anxiety, wondering if Yu Lexuan had, in fact, discovered her true identity.
The next day, Wenxi cautiously approached Yu Lexuan, attempting to subtly ascertain if he was aware of her secret from the previous night's incident. Yu Lexuan maintained a facade of complete ignorance, stating that "nothing was found" in the storage room, but his movements suggested a subtle avoidance of any close physical contact with Wenxi. Later, during Mr. Ding's class, the discussion centered on the proverb "No gentleman has a petty mind, no true man is without cruelty."
Feng Chengjun offered an insightful alternative interpretation, proposing that the original saying was "no true man is without generosity," explaining how the phrase had been misinterpreted over time. Shortly thereafter, an anonymous letter was posted on the public bulletin board, alleging that a commoner student at the academy had been bribing officials to forge a noble identity. Yu Lexuan then met Han Shengzhi privately.
Han Shengzhi subtly confirmed his orchestration of the anonymous letter, emphasizing it was a calculated move to intensify the pressure on Yu Lexuan. He issued a stern warning, reminding Yu Lexuan of the severe consequences should he fail to compel Wenxi's departure, even hinting at a threat to Yu Lexuan's own identity. Under immense pressure, Yu Lexuan promised to ensure Wenxi left the academy within ten days.
Later, Lei Zexin confided in Wenxi that Yu Lexuan harbored a deep dislike for his own birthday and would become notably grumpy around that time each year. He explained that Yu Lexuan was estranged from his family, leaving him without traditional birthday celebrations. Lei Zexin suggested that Yu Lexuan might desire a house, but Wenxi, touched by his story, dismissed the idea of such a grand gift. Instead, she resolved to plan a more personal gesture to cheer him up, intending to involve Feng Chengjun in the preparations.
