Chasing the Wind Episode 10 Recap
> Chasing the Wind Recap
In the competitive world of short track speed skating, a participant from the Jiangbei Team is known for playing dirty, even pushing her own teammates if needed. This highlights the cruel nature of the sport, where there's no absolute fair play, only absolute ability.
Inside one team, Fang Chao expresses frustration with Nie Chi, telling him passing someone in a race shouldn't be so hard, asking why he's scared, and questioning his masculinity when he didn't return Lin Ge's high five earlier. Nie Chi reacts emotionally, saying Fang Chao cannot be his training partner as few on the team are qualified. He reveals his struggle isn't just technical but his mindset, which he describes as terrible despite ten years of skating.
He wants to stay on the team more than anyone. Seeing Nie Chi lose his temper, Fang Chao feels it's good, interpreting it as a sign that Nie Chi truly sees him as a brother, especially since it's the first time Nie Chi has shown such raw emotion in front of him. After reviewing the second assessment, the coaching staff, including Li Haifeng, decides on the final national team members: Xie Lingwei, Lin Ge, Fang Chao, and Jin Xinxin.
Nie Chi is listed as a pending member. The coaches discuss Nie Chi, acknowledging his excellent skills and potential to follow in Gao Kai's footsteps if he overcomes his mental block. They recognize they can't force him through it. They compare him to other skaters, noting Xie Lingwei's focus and how Lin Ge, Fang Chao, and Jin Xinxin's physical reactions are faster than their minds, while Nie Chi's mind reacts faster than his body.
They conclude Nie Chi's intelligence is both his greatest strength and problem, questioning how to train him to make his body reaction override his thoughts, which seems almost like training a "superman." They decide to wait and observe him further. Meanwhile, Lin Ge talks with her Senior Sister Jinting. Jinting teases Lin Ge about liking Nie Chi, mentioning seeing her hugging him.
Lin Ge denies this, explaining Nie Chi was upset about his fear of passing others and she was just comforting him. She points out she treats Fang Chao the same way, considering both Nie Chi and Fang Chao her best friends. Jinting jokes about how Lin Ge is always beating up Fang Chao but not Nie Chi, contrasting it with her own relationship with Gao Kai, whom she hits, suggesting physical interaction indicates a different type of relationship.
Lin Ge trusts Jinting and asks for advice on helping Nie Chi. Jinting initially suggests Nie Chi might be better suited for long track speed skating. This sparks a realization for Lin Ge. She later discusses it with Nie Chi, comparing short track (requiring overcoming collisions) to speed skating (winning with absolute speed, avoiding contact). She explains that since they chose short track, they must overcome the fear of physical contact and dare to pass others.
Nie Chi affirms he only likes short track and will not change events. They agree to work together to find a solution to his mental barrier. Later, Lin Ge encounters her Senior Sister Shan, who is preparing to leave. Shan reveals she is retiring soon, having made the decision long ago. Although she wished to compete in the World Tour, she wasn't selected and feels it's time to let go rather than occupy resources needed by others.
She expresses confidence in Lin Ge's future success. Shan gives Xie Lingwei a colorful rope for good luck and protection during competitions, a gift she only had two of and didn't even give to her own Senior Sister. She asks Lin Ge to take care of Xie Lingwei and focus on domestic competitions, telling her it's the best time to improve by working on details with Ms. Han. After tearful goodbyes, Shan departs.
Lin Ge and Xie Lingwei return to the training base in Songbei Province. Ms. Han greets them warmly, joking about Lin Ge having gained weight and needing aerobic training. She is happy to have them back. They are assigned their old rooms and given the program book for upcoming events, noting some familiar names, including Zhu Zhu competing in the 1000m. Jinting joins Lin Ge and a new junior sister, Ni Zitong.
Jinting playfully teases Lin Ge about their first meeting. Ni Zitong asks about the beds in the room, having heard that past occupants made it into the national team, and is inspired by Lin Ge's dedication even after joining the national team.
At the ice rink later, Nie Chi waits for Lin Ge, having left the dorm after seeing Xie Lingwei win gold in the World Tour and feeling restless about his own situation and the progress of younger skaters like Ni Zitong. He recalls Zhu Zhu's constant extra training, wondering if part of it was to avoid seeing him due to competitive pressure. Lin Ge is tired but agrees they should walk instead of training.
Nie Chi admits he hasn't found a way to overcome his barrier yet. Lin Ge expresses nostalgia for simpler times in the provincial team where progress felt more straightforward and goals were achievable. Nie Chi agrees, comparing their current struggle to a difficult uphill climb compared to walking at the foot of a mountain. Meanwhile, one of the Han brothers has returned and is drinking, talking to Lin Ge.
Nie Chi walks in, sees the brother is gone, and asks Lin Ge what he talked about. Lin Ge says he only talked about dreams. Unseen by them, Fang Chao is outside the room with sugar-coated haws, looking dejected. He gives Nie Chi the haws and sends him away, then asks Lin Ge to stay and talk privately. He suggests they hang out on their day off, just the two of them, and asks her to keep it a secret.
Lin Ge is a little suspicious but agrees. Fang Chao goes to their dorm room and tries on clothes, looking for something nice to wear. Nie Chi notices Fang Chao is acting strangely. Nie Chi is about to leave the room but sees Lin Ge and Fang Chao leaving together without him. Fang Chao takes Lin Ge to the mall, using the excuse of needing help to buy a Mother's Day gift for his mom to get Lin Ge alone.
He notices Lin Ge is quieter than when she's with Nie Chi. Fang Chao asks why. Lin Ge explains that previously she only focused on making money, but now she has a found family (Fang Chao's family) who aren't related by blood but treat her well, and that makes her much happier. She cherishes them and wants to do things for them to make them happy, not just to repay favors.
She mentions buying a high-pixel phone for Mrs. Fang because hers wasn't good for taking pictures, and Fang Chao giving her a new phone in return. Lin Ge finds this idea of strictly returning favors strange between people who are like family.
Fang Chao agrees and shares his plan to buy his mom a gift and send it to her office to allow her to proudly show it off, ensuring the "Old Fang family doesn't lose" in the friendly competition among colleagues. Lin Ge is touched by Fang Chao's thoughtfulness towards his mother. Fang Chao then asks about Lin Ge's feelings towards him specifically within this family context.
Lin Ge reminds him of all the things he's done for her, from accompanying her to sports school and training to supporting her. She jokes about him getting less smart but promises that as long as she has food to eat, she will ensure he has food too. Her words make Fang Chao happy, and they decide to go eat together.
Years later, Fang Chao would reflect on this moment as his first awkward attempt to distance Lin Ge from Nie Chi, viewing his small effort as a significant personal leap in his emotional development and a turning point in his reliance on Nie Chi.
