My Mr. Mermaid Episode 11 Recap
> My Mr. Mermaid Recap
As the whistle blew, Tang Yibai and Chen Ziqiang dove into the water. Tang Yibai fell behind from the start, prompting a coach to declare the race over and predict Tang Yibai's loss, citing his tendency to expend all energy upfront. However, Tang Yibai, recalling Yun Duo's advice about deep breathing and finding his inner happiness, began to accelerate in the second half, swiftly overtaking Chen Ziqiang. Cheers erupted as Tang Yibai won, achieving a time of 49. 55 seconds.
A coach proudly exclaimed that Tang Yibai had overcome his slump. While everyone celebrated, Qi Ruifeng quietly reminded them to consider Chen Ziqiang's feelings. Despite being scolded by Manager Liu at work, Yun Duo was in high spirits because of a text she received from Tang Yibai earlier. Lin Zi noticed her unusual cheerfulness and approached her. He had prepared her lunch, filled with healthy "green" food, and organized her interview schedule and materials for the week.
He also sincerely apologized for the previous false report, stating he never intended to make things difficult for her. Yun Duo accepted his apology, explaining that she had already cleared up the misunderstanding with Tang Yibai and realized it was pointless to hold grudges over small matters. Lin Zi's spirits plummeted when he realized Yun Duo's forgiveness stemmed from Tang Yibai no longer being upset, not from his own efforts.
Yun Duo, oblivious to his shift in mood, simply reminded him not to betray others again and invited him to lunch. Meanwhile, in the dorms, Qi Ruifeng and other teammates discussed Chen Ziqiang's absence since his race against Tang Yibai, noting he had locked himself in his room.
They acknowledged how devastating it must be for Chen Ziqiang, as this was his final year to participate in the Dream Cup, and he had trained relentlessly for the 100-meter freestyle before being forced to switch to butterfly stroke. Qi Ruifeng, unable to coax Chen Ziqiang himself, unsuccessfully tried to enlist Xiang Yangyang's help.
Later, at the swimming pool, Tang Yibai confessed to Qi Ruifeng that he often saw Chen Ziqiang training intensely until late, never wanting to yield, even by a second. Tang Yibai recalled a past conversation where Chen Ziqiang revealed he had chosen swimming to honor his father, a former national team health instructor who sacrificed greatly, including mortgaging their home, to support his training.
Chen Ziqiang, despite only achieving a county championship, desperately wanted to prove to his father that he hadn't disappointed him, a determination that fueled his desire to surpass Tang Yibai. Tang Yibai, having his own dream of becoming the world's fastest swimmer, agreed to a fair competition, with the understanding that whoever won would earn the spot without complaint. Tang Yibai acknowledged he wasn't simply pitying Chen Ziqiang but understood his deep-seated motivation.
Qi Ruifeng, feigning jealousy, jokingly accused Tang Yibai of secretly bonding with Chen Ziqiang, deeming high-fives a sacred ritual reserved for best friends. Back at the Tang family home, Yun Duo arrived late from work and found Auntie Lu engrossed in a romance drama. Learning Auntie Lu hadn't eaten, Yun Duo immediately offered to cook, as she had bought groceries. As they prepared dinner, Auntie Lu expressed her concern about Yun Duo not dating, urging her to find a boyfriend.
Yun Duo explained her focus on her career, aiming to prove herself to her parents who initially opposed her choice to pursue journalism away from home. Auntie Lu disagreed, emphasizing that a girl's youth is precious and that happiness and love are paramount, not just career success. Auntie Lu then lamented her own son, Tang Yibai, who was too consumed by competition and neglected family time.
She wished he would fall in love, believing it would help him understand the meaning of care and affection, and subtly expressed her hope that Yun Duo could be the girl to "reach into his heart." Shortly after, Coach Wu brought Tang Yibai his phone, informing him his mother was on the line. Auntie Lu, determined to set up a meeting, insisted Tang Yibai return home for dinner the next day to meet the "new tenant," Yun Duo.
Tang Yibai tried to decline, even roping Coach Wu into the conversation, but Auntie Lu sternly rebuked Coach Wu, threatening to hold him responsible if Tang Yibai missed out on a "good daughter-in-law." Coach Wu, yielding to Auntie Lu's resolve, allowed Tang Yibai to go home, but Tang Yibai still refused to comply. Hearing this, Qi Ruifeng instantly devised a plan to assist Tang Yibai. After hearing Auntie Lu's words about love, Yun Duo was deeply moved that night.
In the quiet of the night, she recalled the merman prince who had saved her at eighteen, a cherished obsession and beautiful symbol, though she could neither remember his identity nor his appearance. Looking at the swimming goggles Tang Yibai had given her, her thoughts drifted to him, but Qi Ruifeng's signature on the goggles seemed an eyesore. The next day, she went to a store, hoping to wipe off the signature, but it proved indelible.
Following a clerk's advice, Yun Duo decided to replace the lenses and have new lettering engraved. While walking and chatting with Xiang Yangyang, Yun Duo received a phone call from Auntie Lu, inviting her to dinner to introduce her to a potential boyfriend—Auntie Lu's son. Yun Duo tried to decline, claiming she would be busy until 9 PM, but the persistent Auntie Lu simply rescheduled dinner for 9 PM, leaving Yun Duo no room to refuse.
Feeling overwhelmed, Yun Duo confided in Xiang Yangyang, who agreed to accompany her to the awkward dinner. Meanwhile, Qi Ruifeng informed Tang Yibai that Yun Duo's landlady had also arranged a blind date for her that very evening, also with her son. Seizing the opportunity, Qi Ruifeng immediately took Tang Yibai to the location of the dinner, encouraging him to boldly enter and declare Yun Duo as his, asserting that no one else could approach her.
