Chasing the Wind Episode 16 Recap
> Chasing the Wind Recap
As Fang Chao's father saw neighbors excitedly discussing the Olympic champion, many checking in at locations related to her, he felt a sense of pride. He almost approached them for a photo, but then overheard the news spreading online: a viral post alleged that Lin Ge had deliberately injured Xie Lingwei, known as Wei, to secure her victory, leading to widespread condemnation of Lin Ge. Disturbed by this, he rushed home.
Nie Chi was concerned about how Lin Ge would handle the negative reactions, but seeing that she remained calm and seemed unaffected, he felt relieved. Lin Ge was preparing to eat when she received calls from her master and his wife, Mrs. Fang, checking in on her. She reassured them she was doing well. Her master advised her to read the comments but not take them to heart, citing an old saying about fame attracting trouble.
Lin Ge said she knew how she earned her medal and didn't care what others said, as long as those she cared about believed in her and recognized her ability. Later, in the dorm, Wei approached Lin Ge to apologize for the online slander she had faced because of Wei. Lin Ge dismissed it as nonsense she wouldn't take seriously.
However, Lin Ge then suggested that Wei needed to become more independent and take more responsibility for herself, mentioning simple tasks like boiling water. Wei reacted emotionally, tearfully asking if Lin Ge hated her or didn't want to be her friend anymore. Lin Ge clarified that she didn't hate her but simply had limited energy and needed time for herself, mentioning how accompanying Wei to events all day could be tiring.
Wei understood and agreed to go to an upcoming event with Gao Kai instead. Meanwhile, Gao Kai sustained an ankle injury—a serious ligament strain and hairline fracture—while participating in a variety show. At the hospital, Coach Li Haifeng sternly reprimanded Gao Kai, forbidding him from engaging in such "useless" activities during the season and threatening to expel him. After the doctor left, Li Haifeng revealed that his outburst was partly staged to send a message.
He emphasized that an athlete's priority is achieving results; popularity without performance is meaningless. He instructed Gao Kai to take photos of his injured foot and post them on Weibo, which Gao Kai, calling him a "cunning old fox," did, causing a stir online. In the dorm, the team reacted to Gao Kai's injury. Senior team member Jinting was particularly upset, believing Wei's distress after the incident was insincere compared to Gao Kai's season-ending injury.
Other teammates tried to defend Wei, saying she was just scared. Gao Kai returned from the hospital with his foot wrapped. He told Lin Ge that Wei was frightened. Later, Gao Kai, despite his injury, resisted using the wheelchair provided by the team and was found trying to walk. Nie Chi saw him and forced him into the wheelchair, telling him to stop pretending to be fine after ruining his season with the show.
He stressed the importance of focusing on healing and preparing for the next season to prove himself. Nie Chi then called for Fang Chao to push Gao Kai in the wheelchair. Fang Chao expressed his stress about the upcoming competition and a recent conversation with Coach Li Haifeng, who had told him to "be tough" and lead the Men's 1500m.
He felt pressure and doubted his ability to step up, feeling he always hid behind others like Chen Mingyuan or Nie Chi. A teammate in the medical room encouraged him, pointing out that he was the male athlete with the fewest injuries and the healthiest.
Fang Chao then received a call from Li Haifeng, who confirmed he would travel with the team to the next event and would be watching, warning Fang Chao that he would laugh if he failed to perform. In an interview, reporters asked Wei about the colorful rope she wore. Wei explained it was a blessing from her grandma for safety during competitions and that she had given one to Lin Ge.
She declined a request to make more for fans, citing her grandma's age. Asked about the competitive relationship between her and Lin Ge, especially after her injury, Wei stated they were good friends and urged people to stop speculating. Lin Ge agreed, describing their relationship as a healthy competition with a shared goal of representing their country. Lin Ge even deferred to Wei, saying Wei was the stronger athlete.
Later, Lin Ge and Jinting discovered Wei in extreme distress in her room, screaming and crying uncontrollably. Jinting explained to Nie Chi and Lin Ge that Wei's grandma had passed away and her family had kept it from her to allow her to focus on the upcoming tour competition. Jinting was upset that such significant news was withheld for "just a tour." The team members agreed to take turns staying with Wei. Lin Ge stayed with her that night.
Wei developed a fever and, delirious, expressed a desire to see her grandma. Lin Ge comforted her, sharing her own experience with grief after her mother's passing and telling Wei her grandma wanted her to be happy and they would meet again when she was old. Lin Ge stayed by her side, and Wei seemed to feel safe but kept looking towards the window. Lin Ge later questioned the coach about the decision not to inform Wei about her grandma's death.
