My Mr. Mermaid Episode 19 Recap
> My Mr. Mermaid Recap
Yun Duo, still curious about "Little One's" identity, tirelessly searched online. Her curiosity intensified when she stumbled upon a term "The Legendary Little One." Clicking on it, she was stunned to find a photo of Tang Yibai carrying her, immediately realizing the picture had been leaked. This incident quickly spiraled into a major scandal. Tang Yibai was besieged by reporters and fans outside the swimming pool, demanding an explanation for the intimate photo.
Simultaneously, Yun Duo faced constant criticism and malicious gossip from passersby on the street. Director Liu summoned Yun Duo to his office, furious that negative and false information was now associated with QKVideo, causing severe damage to the company's reputation. He laid all the blame on Yun Duo, announcing his decision to terminate her internship and dismiss her from the company.
At that moment, Lin Zi interjected, arguing that firing Yun Duo would only make QKVideo appear guilty of fabricating news. He advised Director Liu to ignore the news instead. With Lin Zi's intervention, Director Liu allowed Yun Duo to keep her internship, but with the strict condition that she was forbidden from reporting on Tang Yibai or any members of the South Physical swim team. Feeling a deep sense of injustice and sadness, Yun Duo reluctantly accepted the arrangement.
The circulating news also alarmed Head Coach Yuan, who understood that such personal scandals could significantly impact an athlete's career, potentially jeopardizing Tang Yibai's chance to join the Asia Elite Training Team. Despite Coach Wu's attempts to defend Tang Yibai, Head Coach Yuan decided to refuse all interviews from QKVideo, especially Yun Duo's proposed exclusive interview with Tang Yibai.
To everyone's surprise, Tang Yibai then revealed that Head Coach Yuan's concerns about the Asia Elite Training Team were unfounded because he had decided from the beginning not to accept Coach Fei's invitation. Tang Yibai firmly stated that as long as the South Physical swim team needed him, he would not abandon his teammates.
He then requested Head Coach Yuan to reverse the decision, arguing that cutting ties with Yun Duo now would only fuel more suspicion and validate the rumors. Coach Fei expressed strong dissatisfaction with Tang Yibai's decision, leading to a heated argument with Coach Wu. Coach Fei accused Tang Yibai of wasting four years and insisted he could not continue training in an environment like South Physical.
He even went as far as to say that Coach Wu was unqualified to be Tang Yibai's coach. Tang Yibai, however, challenged Coach Fei's assertion, stating that "there are no meaningless roads in life" and that without those "blank" four years, he wouldn't be the person he was today. He vowed to prove his words through his performance.
Coach Wu, deeply moved by Tang Yibai's unwavering loyalty, recognized that while he might not possess Coach Fei's capabilities, Tang Yibai's commitment affirmed that his past efforts and dedication had not been in vain. Although Yun Duo retained her position, her internal ranking at QKVideo plummeted to last place. Her colleagues' critical whispers felt like sharp knives piercing her heart.
As she left the office, a group of furious fans, seemingly materializing from nowhere, blocked the company entrance, loudly accusing and condemning her. To shield Yun Duo and perhaps fulfill a personal desire, Lin Zi took her hand and announced to the crowd that Yun Duo was his girlfriend and that her relationship with Tang Yibai was strictly platonic, calling the news reports entirely unfounded.
Confused and upset, Yun Duo questioned why she had to tell more lies to counter a false rumor, and why she had to maintain distance from Tang Yibai because of a fabricated story. Lin Zi countered that her connection could potentially jeopardize Tang Yibai's entire swimming career. Yun Duo was left speechless, truly at a loss. At the training facility, Qi Ruifeng told Tang Yibai about Yun Duo and Lin Zi, showing him the video of Lin Zi's declaration.
Tang Yibai immediately grew anxious and prepared to seek out Yun Duo for an explanation, but Coach Wu quickly intervened, stopping him from leaving to ensure he focused on his training. Tang Yibai's mother also saw the video, which showed Lin Zi firmly holding Yun Duo's hand while announcing she was his girlfriend. When Yun Duo returned home from work, Tang Mom eagerly pressed her for details.
Yun Duo struggled to explain, finding the situation too complicated and absurd to convey clearly. Tang Mom, worried and angry, felt as if her prospective daughter-in-law was being snatched away. Later, Coach Wu borrowed Tang Yibai's phone to call Yun Duo and arrange a meeting. Meanwhile, Head Coach Yuan sought out Coach Fei for a discussion. Coach Wu, curious, discreetly followed them to eavesdrop.
Coach Fei expressed his belief that Tang Yibai's decision to forgo the Asia Elite Training Team was self-destructive. However, Head Coach Yuan argued that Coach Wu had been with Tang Yibai for four years, stood by him after his previous incident, and even pleaded on his behalf. She emphasized that Coach Wu held immense significance for Tang Yibai, concluding that it would be best for Tang Yibai to remain under Coach Wu's guidance.
Overhearing their conversation, Coach Wu's face broke into a relieved smile. At their meeting, Coach Wu told Yun Duo that an athlete needs to be singularly focused. He pointed out that having someone she liked would inevitably distract her. Believing that Yun Duo, like him, saw Tang Yibai as a future star, Coach Wu asked her to promise not to see Tang Yibai anymore, urging her to consider his future.
