When We Were Young Episode 20 Recap
> When We Were Young Recap
Xu Konglin was tormented by memories of his last interaction with Xia Er. He recalled how, in a drunken state, he had tried to kiss her, only for her to push him away, intending to reveal the truth about her amnesia, a truth he hadn't listened to at the time. Feeling distraught, he left his home and went to Chu Yinyin's house. At the Chu residence, Xia Er called out Chu Yinyin, asking how she had been.
Previously, Xiao Mei had noticed a change in Chu Yinyin (the real one, whom Xiao Mei had previously known as Xia Er), remarking that she seemed more like her former self than her current persona, more like the "sister from before." Chu Yinyin, now having recovered her memories, acknowledged that the style of her room was exactly what she liked, explaining why everything at Xin Nan Fang School had felt so out of place.
Shortly after, Xu Konglin arrived to confront Xia Er. Li Bai interceded, defending Xia Er as she explained that she had been forced into the deception by circumstances and hadn't intended to trick anyone. Xu Konglin, however, was angry and demanded to see Chu Yinyin. Since he didn't have Chu Yinyin's number, Xia Er called her out. When Chu Yinyin appeared, Xu Konglin asked if she remembered him.
She hesitated, then said she had seen him in a picture at home and asked if they were classmates, indicating her memory loss still affected their past connection. The next day, Xia Er and Chu Yinyin decided it was time to reveal the full truth to Chu Mingzhu. Chu Mingzhu, who had just received a call from Dr. Liu confirming that Xia Er and Chu Yinyin were identical twins, was overjoyed, though the question of who was older remained.
Xia Er then took Chu Mingzhu aside and confessed that she was not Chu Yinyin. Chu Mingzhu was shocked and cried, asking if the person inside was her real daughter, Chu Yinyin. Xia Er apologized for the deception, and Chu Mingzhu, after overcoming her initial shock, expressed gratitude to Xia Er. She admitted that she had been too busy with work in the past and hadn't been attentive to Chu Yinyin, who was introverted and not very close to her.
Chu Mingzhu said that the lively and optimistic Xia Er had brought her much happiness. Xia Er then expressed her desire to return to Xin Nan Fang School, but Chu Mingzhu insisted that since they were biological sisters, both of them should stay with her, to which Xia Er agreed. Chu Mingzhu then tearfully embraced Chu Yinyin, relieved to have her daughter back.
Chu Yinyin, known for her strict and meticulous nature, soon found herself at odds with Xia Er's more carefree and messy habits. She sent Xia Er a series of messages, instructing her to put things back after use, squeeze toothpaste from the bottom, close the toilet lid, and dispose of junk food wrappers in the trash. Xia Er found these directives bothersome and felt Chu Yinyin was overly controlling.
That night, Chu Mingzhu shared a bed with Chu Yinyin, recounting the story of Snow White, a favorite from Chu Yinyin’s childhood. Chu Yinyin, however, didn't remember it, causing Chu Mingzhu to realize the extent of her daughter's memory loss and how much she must have suffered. Xia Er and Chu Yinyin hosted a farewell dinner for their friends from Xin Nan Fang, including Xiao Er and Leng Shao, as Xia Er was temporarily staying in Qing Teng.
Xiao Er explained the complex situation to a bewildered Leng Shao, clarifying that the identities of the twins had been switched. During the dinner, the twins playfully debated who was the older sister. Chu Yinyin insisted she was, citing her maturity. They settled the dispute with a game of rock-paper-scissors, which Chu Yinyin won, much to her smug satisfaction, though Xia Er conceded that the title didn't matter.
Everyone expressed their sadness at the upcoming separation, promising to stay in touch. Later, Chu Mingzhu accompanied Chu Yinyin to meet Principal Zhang at Qing Teng International School. Not wishing to delve into the intricate details of their identity switch, Chu Mingzhu asked for Chu Yinyin to transfer to Qing Teng, temporarily using Xia Er’s identity.
Principal Zhang, impressed by Chu Yinyin's academic record at Xin Nan Fang (referring to her achievements under the identity of Xia Er), agreed but stipulated that she must pass an entrance exam and rank within the top fifteen to be accepted. Chu Yinyin confidently accepted the challenge. On the way to school, Nicole confronted the real Xia Er about her deception regarding the identity switch, but Xu Konglin intervened.
He then noticed the necklace the real Xia Er was wearing and asked about it. Xia Er explained that she had found it, but Xu Konglin corrected her, stating that it was a unique, custom-made piece he had given to Chu Yinyin. Feeling accused of stealing, Xia Er angrily removed the necklace and returned it to him before storming off. Xu Konglin, troubled by these developments, returned home and discussed the situation with his parents.
His mother and father immediately began arguing over which twin would be a better match for him, much to Xu Konglin's exasperation. Meanwhile, Xiao Mei observed a significant change in Chu Yinyin. The once picky Chu Yinyin was now much more easygoing, even accepting dishes she previously disliked. Chu Mingzhu also noticed this newfound openness in her daughter. Xu Konglin later met Chu Yinyin and returned the necklace to her.
Chu Yinyin recognized it but couldn't recall its history or the depth of her past relationship with Xu Konglin, only feeling a vague sense of familiarity. When she asked if they were close, Xu Konglin gently told her they were "great friends." Confused, Chu Yinyin sought out Xia Er and asked about Xu Konglin. Xia Er truthfully told her, "He likes you." Chu Yinyin admitted she didn't remember but wanted to understand clearly. She decided to focus on her upcoming exam, not wanting to be distracted.
