My Mr. Mermaid Episode 14 Recap
> My Mr. Mermaid Recap
The South Physical Education College team remained dejected after their previous loss. When Qi Ruifeng found his parents had come all the way to visit, bringing hot pot, he apologized for their performance. His parents and Coach Wu reassured him that losing was normal in competition and that their persistence in the face of setbacks was the true spirit of South Physical, encouraging him and the team to reclaim their honor.
Meanwhile, Xiang Yangyang, still upset with Qi Ruifeng, saw him talking to his devoted fan, Fan Jie'er, who had come to express her admiration. This sight fueled Xiang Yangyang's existing anger, and she left without eating, much to Qi Ruifeng's disappointment. Later, Yun Duo, rushing through the night, almost collided with Tang Yibai. She explained she was looking for Qi Ruifeng to give him a gift for Tang Yibai, but since she’d found him, she could deliver it herself.
She presented him with the swimming goggles he had given her. Tang Yibai was surprised, but Yun Duo pointed out an engraving. She explained that after Qi Ruifeng had autographed them, she’d had the lenses replaced and engraved the word "dream" on them because she remembered Tang Yibai saying his dream was to be the fastest swimmer in the world.
She hoped that when he wore them, his dream would be right before his eyes, reminding him that as long as he didn’t give up, his dream was always within reach. As they playfully bickered, Yun Duo stumbled, and Tang Yibai instinctively pulled her closer, almost into an embrace. He had once vowed to protect her, his 'little one,' from any harm, even a small fall.
Yun Duo gently extricated herself, and sensing her slight unease, Tang Yibai playfully declared that this dream was now 'borrowed' from her, promising to return it with interest once he achieved it. The next day, as Tang Yibai prepared for his individual race, Coach Wu appeared more anxious than him. Tang Yibai noted Coach Wu’s nervousness and reminded him that it was exactly seven years since they first met.
He recalled Coach Wu's promise to make him the fastest swimmer in the world. Now, Tang Yibai promised to become China's quickest male swimmer and deliver the champion title as a gift to Coach Wu, who, despite his own nerves, urged Tang Yibai to focus on his pacing and avoid just boasting. The 1500-meter men's freestyle race began, with Qi Ruifeng entering the water with astonishing speed, sprinting from the start.
Commentators hailed him as the "Madman of the South" for his unpredictable strategy. He maintained a dominant lead, leaving other competitors far behind throughout the entire race. With a powerful finish, Qi Ruifeng touched the wall first, securing the championship and winning by over sixteen seconds, significantly boosting the team's morale. Following this, Tang Yibai's 100-meter freestyle race commenced. Yun Duo watched anxiously from the stands.
Tang Yibai looked at her and asked her to promise to keep her eyes on him throughout the race, stating that as long as she was watching, he wouldn't lose. Yun Duo promised. The race began with Ding Liangjian initially taking a slight lead, but Tang Yibai quickly accelerated, expertly executing a near-perfect turn, a movement he had previously struggled with.
He surged ahead, maintaining his lead in the second half of the race, ultimately touching the wall first with a time of 48. 06 seconds. This incredible performance shattered the previous record set by Ouyang Heng. From the audience, Ouyang Heng watched and smiled, pleased with Tang Yibai's powerful return. Afterwards, surrounded by swarming reporters, Tang Yibai specifically singled out Yun Duo from the crowd, inviting her to ask the first question.
She congratulated him on his record-breaking win and asked what he wanted to say to his fans. With firm resolve, Tang Yibai declared, "I, Tang Yibai, am back." Lin Zi, witnessing Tang Yibai's victory, showed an unreadable expression. He left the swimming venue and called his sister, Lin Sang.
He told her about Tang Yibai's success, remarking how happy and proud she would have been to see it, implying a deep personal connection between Lin Sang and Tang Yibai, but received no response from her end. That evening, the South Physical Education College team gathered at a hot pot restaurant to celebrate their victories. During the lively dinner, Tang Yibai attempted to retrieve his phone from Coach Wu, who had confiscated it, but Coach Wu firmly refused.
The other teammates tried to intervene, claiming Tang Yibai needed his phone for English exam translation and remote tutoring. Coach Wu, however, saw through their "collusion," reminding Tang Yibai that he had already passed the English exam. Though he relented slightly, he ultimately stated that Tang Yibai wouldn't get his phone back until after the Dream Cup competition concluded. He also warned everyone not to tell Coach Yuan about their early celebration.
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, a throng of reporters had gathered, keen on getting exclusive interviews. Teacher Sun's daughter suddenly fell ill with a fever, forcing him to leave and entrusting Yun Duo to manage the situation alone. Just then, Qi Ruifeng appeared, secretly ushering Yun Duo inside the restaurant, delighting Tang Yibai, whose gaze remained fixed on her.
Inside, Qi Ruifeng introduced Yun Duo to his parents, calling her his "fan and best friend," which led to some lighthearted conversation about his past weight loss. Coach Wu, however, was displeased, reminding Tang Yibai, now a media sensation, to distance himself from reporters. Tang Yibai passionately defended Yun Duo, explaining that she was not just a reporter but a trusted friend who had provided him significant help during a difficult period.
His heartfelt plea eventually softened Coach Wu, who, while acknowledging Yun Duo's helpfulness, still cautioned Tang Yibai to be extremely careful with his words around her, especially his innermost thoughts, as everything he said could become a headline. Later, other swimmers discussed Tang Yibai's win over Ouyang Heng's record. Ouyang Heng himself explained that Tang Yibai's growing strength only made his eventual victory over him more meaningful. Later that night, the celebration ended.
Tang Yibai offered to see Yun Duo to a taxi, but she declined, insisting he rest. Coach Wu, now visibly intoxicated, began complaining about Tang Yibai's mother, who called him daily to lament Tang Yibai's refusal to go on arranged blind dates. Exasperated, Coach Wu spontaneously decided to give Tang Yibai a day off to visit his mother and finally returned his phone. Tang Yibai returned to his apartment, which was empty.
After exchanging a few messages with Yun Duo, he went to shower. Coincidentally, Yun Duo also arrived back at her rental apartment, intending to put on a face mask. As she entered the bathroom, she was met with the sight of Tang Yibai showering. Both screamed in shock and quickly retreated.
After a long, stunned moment, they slowly pieced together the situation: Yun Duo was his new tenant, Tang Yibai was the landlord's "unfilial son" known for flirting, and the entire setup was orchestrated by none other than Qi Ruifeng.
