Chasing the Wind Episode 11 Recap
> Chasing the Wind Recap
Nie Chi was in a conversation with Ms. Han. Ms. Han told him that it was her oversight for not discovering his technical problem sooner, explaining that Mr. Li only identified it after the Huarong Cup. She expressed that competing in the current domestic Grand Prix wouldn't significantly help him, as his endurance wasn't sufficient for leading long distances, despite his strength in the 500m race where he typically led from qualifications to finals.
Nie Chi voiced concerns about potentially affecting the reputation of the provincial team and Ms. Han, but she reassured him that those were the coaches' concerns and he should focus on himself. Nie Chi then directly asked Ms. Han how much longer she thought Mr. Li would keep him on the team, to which she replied that his future was uncertain if he didn't show improvement after the other athletes returned from competition.
Outside, Lin Ge was found to be eavesdropping. She admitted to overhearing Ms. Han mention that the Grand Prix was no longer beneficial for him. Lin Ge then questioned Nie Chi about who on their team possessed skills so superior that overcoming them required exceptional courage and a slight chance rather than finding technical flaws. Nie Chi named Gao Kai as the only one.
Lin Ge offered to approach Gao Kai to ask him to be Nie Chi's training partner, but Nie Chi refused, stating he would ask Gao Kai himself. When Lin Ge offered to accompany him, mentioning that Gao Kai was kind to her, Nie Chi again declined, explaining he did not want her to owe Gao Kai a favor and wished to handle the situation himself, hoping to show some improvement in his communication skills.
Lin Ge reluctantly agreed to trust him this time. Changing the subject, Lin Ge asked if Nie Chi had bought his mother a gift for the upcoming Women's Day, emphasizing its importance even if it was something small like a leaf. Later, anticipation grew at the Sports School for the return of Wei and Gao Kai. Preparations were made to welcome them back.
Lin Ge watched the preparations, reflecting on how being a world champion must feel and wishing for such an achievement herself one day. When Wei and Gao Kai arrived, they were met by a crowd of reporters and teammates. Coach Li gave brief remarks, and reporters eagerly questioned Wei about her performance abroad and potential media appearances. Wei also shared a moment with her senior teammate, Zhou Yao, upon her return.
Nie Chi approached Gao Kai, addressing him as "Leader," to ask for assistance. Gao Kai, who was eating, requested a moment to finish and catch his breath. Fang Chao commented on Nie Chi's blunt way of asking. Nie Chi stated he would remain standing, believing it showed more sincerity. He explained that he wanted Gao Kai to practice overtaking with him during races. Gao Kai reminded Nie Chi that he had initially said he didn't need help.
Nie Chi conceded that his earlier attitude was poor but then clarified that he was simply being honest. Gao Kai pointed out that as both teammates and opponents, helping Nie Chi practice overtaking was akin to teaching him how to compete against him. Nie Chi explained that practicing with Gao Kai was his best option, as Gao Kai's top-tier skill provided the most realistic simulation of an actual race.
Gao Kai acknowledged this compliment and, with a hint of amusement, asked what Nie Chi could offer in return, playfully suggesting Nie Chi lacked business sense unlike his parents. Nie Chi asked what he desired. Gao Kai stated he wanted Nie Chi to show him more respect by calling him "Senior" from now on, emphasizing that the title of "Leader" was temporary, while "Senior" was a sign of genuine respect.
Nie Chi first addressed him as "Leader" again before correcting himself and calling him "Senior." Gao Kai agreed to discuss the training arrangement with the coach, warning Nie Chi that if approved, he would train him intensely, calling him a "stupid kid." Nie Chi thanked him, using the title "Senior." Back in the dormitory, Gao Kai's teammates discussed the importance of mentoring junior athletes, noting that by 2022 they would be considered veterans.
Gao Kai, who would be 30, countered that mentoring was primarily the coach's role. He explained that he agreed to help Nie Chi because he found Nie Chi's technical skills good and comfortable to work with, and having him perform well on the field reduced Gao Kai's own concerns.
He also revealed he had overheard the coach requesting Nie Chi's results, confirming the coach hadn't given up on him and would likely have asked Gao Kai to assist anyway, making his agreement a straightforward decision. Nie Chi trained intensely with Gao Kai, repeating drills under his instruction. Lin Ge later observed Nie Chi looking exhausted, suggesting it was due to the increased training intensity imposed after Nie Chi was distracted by watching Gao Kai train earlier that day.
Lin Ge questioned why Nie Chi hadn't overtaken Gao Kai during a practice lap when he seemed to slow down. Nie Chi explained that Gao Kai's speed and ability to quickly adjust made opportunistic overtakes risky, potentially leading to collisions. Lin Ge argued that the time Nie Chi spent analyzing was enough to execute the overtake. Lin Ge suggested that Nie Chi's mindset was focused on opponents trying to obstruct him, which Nie Chi confirmed.
Lin Ge dismissed this as "common thinking," asserting that true masters possess superior avoidance skills and that Nie Chi should courageously seize any chance to overtake, quoting the saying that "the brave prevail in a narrow path." Nie Chi challenged her advice, questioning its theoretical basis and the risk of collision. Lin Ge told him to trust a "woman's sixth sense."
Nie Chi agreed to trust her advice but added that he should still see a doctor if his leg hurt. Nie Chi then claimed that their conversation had made him feel better and his leg no longer hurt. In a subsequent practice session, Nie Chi initiated an active overtake on a turn, increasing his speed alongside Gao Kai. Both skaters accelerated rapidly, and Nie Chi successfully completed the overtake. Lin Ge was visibly excited by Nie Chi's success.
Later, some speculated that Nie Chi's performance might secure his spot on the team. They considered celebrating, with Nie Chi suggesting dining at the canteen while others preferred eating out. Nie Chi reminded them his position was not yet confirmed and went to ask Mr. Wang for leave. Separately, Fang Chao asked Gao Kai why he had skated so fast that day. Gao Kai replied he disliked the feeling of someone closely trailing him and wanted to create distance.
Fang Chao asked if he was surprised Nie Chi was able to keep up. Gao Kai acknowledged that Nie Chi wouldn't be idle during their training camp. Fang Chao playfully called Gao Kai obsessive for competing intensely with everyone, from seniors to juniors, noting that Nie Chi was still far from matching his skill. Gao Kai admitted he knew this but continued his intense approach.
Fang Chao teased him for overthinking and behaving like a poser who would only exhaust himself. Lin Ge was seen looking through clothes, including sportswear, mentioning how she missed the more fashionable clothes of her former provincial teammates, contrasting them with Wei's preference for comfortable sportswear. Thinking about meeting someone, Lin Ge decided to dress up nicely. She accompanied Wei to meet some senior teammates.
The seniors were enthusiastic about showing a video they had edited, featuring clips of Nie Chi and Wei together. The video was set to music and edited to look like a romantic drama, with on-screen text and comments from the seniors expressing excitement about them as a couple and highlighting interactions with phrases suggesting deep affection.
Wei became flustered, denying any relationship with Nie Chi and asking Lin Ge to support her, pointing out how much time she spends with Lin Ge. The seniors continued to tease, commenting on how well they looked together in the video and speculating that Nie Chi might actually have feelings for Wei if Wei only saw him as a friend.
They asked Lin Ge, knowing she was close to Nie Chi, if she thought there was a possibility between them, stating that "the eyes of the masses are sharp." Internally, Lin Ge reflected on her complex emotions regarding Nie Chi and Wei, recognizing the feeling as jealousy she couldn't openly express as a friend, finding the emotion complicated but not daring to explore its source within the national team environment.
Feeling overwhelmed, she told the others she was tired and needed to leave. Nie Chi later visited Lin Ge in her dorm room. Fang Chao, upon seeing them inside, felt uncomfortable, mentioning later his awkwardness about the broken light bulb and how to turn off the light. Lin Ge was in bed early, claiming to be just tired when Nie Chi expressed concern she might be sick.
She declined his offer to take her to the team doctor, insisting she was fine and wanted to sleep. Fang Chao provided Nie Chi with fever-reducing medicine for her. As Fang Chao and Nie Chi left the dorm, Fang Chao asked Lin Ge why she had suddenly fallen ill, but she simply repeated she was tired and unresponsive to his offer of help.
Talking to Nie Chi, Fang Chao suggested they postpone their planned celebration since Lin Ge wasn't going, to which Nie Chi agreed. Fang Chao then proposed that they buy Lin Ge's birthday gifts separately this year for her 18th birthday, as he wanted to get her something on his own. Nie Chi casually agreed, saying "Okay, sure." Fang Chao then headed to the canteen. Later, Nie Chi approached Lin Ge, who was looking at her phone.
He asked her what was wrong and if he had made her angry. Lin Ge denied he was the cause but admitted she was angry, describing it as a form of displaced anger she couldn't control. Nie Chi noted that when he was potentially leaving, she was anxious to help him, but now that his position wasn't confirmed, she seemed to be treating him differently.
Lin Ge responded that many people cared about him, and his affections were not limited to just her. Nie Chi then reminded her about downloading an app with a specific password and installing a light bulb later.
