Chasing the Wind Episode 19 Recap
> Chasing the Wind Recap
Nie Chi's parents insisted he go abroad for recovery after his meniscus surgery, telling him he couldn't keep practicing now that he was injured. His mom took his phone and promised to return it at the airport, stating they had agreed he must stop training if he got hurt.
Nie Chi argued injuries are common for athletes, but his mom felt his current state, unable to move much, was severe and continuing would "doom" his career, suggesting he could recover just as well abroad. Lin Ge discussed the situation with Wei, who asked about the relationship with Nie Chi's mom. Lin Ge mentioned his mom left before she could fully talk to her, and Wei questioned why his parents framed talking to him as a "negotiation."
Lin Ge felt they didn't care about Nie Chi's wishes. Wei countered that it only mattered if Nie Chi cared and posed the rhetorical question, "Nie Chi doesn't want to go. Can they force him to go?" Lin Ge repeated the idea, contemplating it. Meanwhile, unannounced anti-doping inspectors arrived at the hospital looking for Nie Chi. They informed the nurse and explained that missing an inspection by WADA meant being sent back and damaging the team's reputation.
Lin Ge tried to contact Nie Chi's mom after getting her number, but the call was disconnected. Panicked, Lin Ge learned Nie Chi had just been discharged. Just then, Fang Chao appeared, and Lin Ge explained the urgent situation – Nie Chi needed to return for the inspection within an hour or his career was at risk. Nie Chi managed to text Lin Ge his location and mentioned they were stuck in traffic.
Lin Ge and Fang Chao raced to the location, encouraged by the traffic jam slowing the car down. They found Nie Chi in the car. Fang Chao quickly hoisted Nie Chi onto his back, and they ran back towards the hospital, leaving his parents chasing and yelling about Nie Chi's injuries, recovery abroad, and safer sports options like chess or bridge. They successfully returned to the hospital just in time for the inspectors.
Mr. Li met Fang Chao and Lin Ge, outwardly scolding them for their dangerous and reckless actions, but the reprimand seemed less severe than expected. Mr. Li then spoke privately with Nie Chi's parents. Nie Chi's mom questioned why Mr. Li and the team would let him continue training with such an injury.
Mr. Li explained that knee injuries are common in short track and Nie Chi's case, according to medical experts, was not the most severe and had significant recovery potential. He stressed his responsibility as head coach and that giving up on Nie Chi's career now would be a great loss. Nie Chi's parents insisted that only going abroad for education would guarantee his future, dismissing dreams as fanciful.
Mr. Li countered that Nie Chi was an adult with the right to choose his path and urged them to listen to his perspective. Mr. Li later told Nie Chi to speak with his parents properly about the situation. Nie Chi thanked Mr. Li, who replied he could thank him only if he managed to stay. Nie Chi vowed to try his best. Nie Chi's parents visited him, bringing homemade bone broth.
Nie Chi explained he couldn't drink it, detailing the strict diet athletes must follow due to anti-doping tests, even avoiding outside meat for years. His mom was saddened she hadn't realized this. Nie Chi apologized for causing them worry and for lying about not getting hurt, explaining that injuries are unavoidable. He told them his determination came from their example, recalling how his dad, after losing his job, used their savings to start a business, leading to their current prosperity.
He called his dad his idol and asked for the chance to follow his own path, just as they had made their own choice despite others' advice. He asked them to let him be stubborn once more. Lin Ge assisted Nie Chi with his rehabilitation exercises. Gao Kai visited, asking Lin Ge about Nie Chi's recovery progress, which was slow but steady, advising patience.
Gao Kai also asked Lin Ge for advice on how to politely refuse business endorsement offers, stating he was short on money. Lin Ge suggested thanking them, focusing on competition now, and leaving the door open for future cooperation. Lin Ge was approached by Wu Jie, a friend of her brother Lin Feng from their hometown.
Wu Jie urgently explained that Lin Feng was in the hospital needing immediate surgery after falling from a scaffold and being impaled by a rebar, and there was no one available to sign the consent forms. He asked Lin Ge to sign as his sister. Lin Ge initially refused, stating she had no relationship with her family, suggesting they contact his grandma. However, seeing the urgency, she agreed to go to the hospital to see him.
After the doctor confirmed the need for surgery, Lin Ge agreed to the plan but insisted Wu Jie first contact her grandma by phone to get her consent before she would sign, to avoid future blame. Wu Jie said he couldn't reach the grandma. The team Manager spoke to Lin Ge, mentioning the high cost of Lin Feng's surgery and treatment, revealing he had paid some money upfront. Lin Ge insisted on finding her own way to cover the costs.
She decided not to tell Nie Chi or her teammates, not wanting to add to Nie Chi's recovery stress. Nie Chi messaged her, expressing how much he missed her and telling her to focus on training but share any troubles. Lin Ge reciprocated the sentiment. Later, Wu Jie informed Lin Ge that her grandma had passed away and the neighborhood committee had handled the funeral.
He added that his attempt to get money for Lin Feng's surgery from the grandma's place was unsuccessful and even cost him money for funeral expenses. Lin Ge was visibly affected but reiterated she would figure out the money herself and told Wu Jie not to tell the coaches or team. Facing financial pressure, Lin Ge met with a brand representative about a live broadcast endorsement opportunity.
The rep offered a significant amount, explaining it was a charity event and her role would be minimal, just lending her celebrity status. Lin Ge was hesitant due to existing team sponsors and her focus on the upcoming competition season. The rep clarified the broadcast would be pre-recorded and aired "after" the World Championship, and gently pressured her by mentioning other candidates and revealing they knew about her brother's expensive surgery, promising discretion. Lin Ge considered the contract.
In the 1000m qualifying race, Lin Ge made a tactical error aiming for first place in the group, which caused her to fail to qualify for the semifinal, leading to Mr. Li's disappointment and scolding. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhu's knee injury worsened, but she insisted on competing in the 1000m World Championship race, as she was the only one who had qualified for the next round, determined to win the gold medal and accepting a block injection to manage the pain.
Zhu Zhu went on to win the 1000m gold, but fell on the ice after crossing the finish line, likely due to exhaustion and her injury. During the competition, Wei discovered that a brand had officially announced Lin Ge as their new spokesperson, releasing the news publicly at that moment. Upset because Lin Ge had assured her the announcement would be after the World Championship, Wei confronted Lin Ge, who reminded her of their conversation and the agreed timing.
Before the 500m final, Mr. Li gave Lin Ge and Wei instructions, emphasizing staying calm and executing the strategy: Wei to start strongly for the lead, with Lin Ge providing cover. In the race, Lin Ge initially skated behind Wei, providing cover. However, she then overtook Wei. Soon after, Wei fell after a collision with a European competitor attempting an inside pass. Lin Ge continued the race alone for the final lap, struggling.
In her mind, she saw the rink from a new perspective, wondering if it might be her last time on the ice. Just before the finish line, she was knocked down and fell. After the competition, Mr. Li gave Lin Ge a train ticket, sending her back to Songbei, her provincial team.
Lin Ge reflected privately on her life feeling like a bottomless broken bowl, with new troubles always awaiting her, and the difficulty of saying goodbye to the person who mattered most, Nie Chi. Fang Chao informed Nie Chi that Lin Ge had been sent back by the coach. Shocked, Nie Chi immediately wanted to leave the hospital to find her, despite not being fully recovered. The nurse tried to prevent him, but he insisted it was urgent.
While waiting for the nurse to consult the director, Nie Chi received a text message from Lin Ge. She wrote that she had returned to the provincial team, was sorry she couldn't say goodbye in person, and felt confused, wanting to be alone for a while. She told him not to worry about her and urged him to listen to the doctor and recover quickly. Nie Chi tried to call her, but her phone was turned off.
