My Mr. Mermaid Episode 21 Recap
> My Mr. Mermaid Recap
Coach Wu, anticipating Qi Ruifeng's actions, demanded the return of the phones. When Qi Ruifeng tried to appeal, noting it was the last day of training and the coach hadn't noticed for four days, Coach Wu revealed he had counted and found four missing, confirming his suspicion that Qi Ruifeng and his friends were responsible. He then singled out Tang Yibai for violating the no-phone rule and ordered him to run ten laps around the lake.
When Qi Ruifeng protested, arguing he was the one who took the phones, Coach Wu clarified that Tang Yibai was being punished for being distracted and unfocused during training. At home, Tang Mama anxiously awaited Tang Yibai’s return, dramatically complaining to Tang Papa that Yibai didn’t care about her well-being.
Tang Papa wryly commented on her convincing act to bring Yun Duo and Yibai closer, but Tang Mama insisted she genuinely felt ill, even showing a temperature reading to prove she’d been infected by Tang Papa. Yun Duo, ever thoughtful, had prepared porridge and bought cold medicine for them, reminding them to eat before taking the medication.
Tang Mama was deeply touched by Yun Duo’s care, calling her a "caring girl" and expressing how lucky any family would be to have her as a daughter-in-law. Despite Yun Duo’s efforts to reassure her that she looked better, Tang Mama continued to lament Tang Yibai’s absence. Yun Duo then confessed she hadn't called him at all because he was in crucial closed training for an upcoming competition.
She explained her reluctance to distract him, given his hard work, and her concern that he might get sick. Tang Papa noted Yun Duo's thoughtfulness in considering the risk of infection. Yun Duo promised to take good care of them even if Tang Yibai couldn't be there. At the office, Yun Duo was visibly exhausted and dozing off. Lin Zi, concerned, felt her forehead and discovered she had a high fever, immediately insisting on taking her to the hospital.
Yun Duo initially resisted, claiming she just needed water and still had to wait for Sun Yang for an interview. This scene was witnessed by Cheng Mei, who, having a crush on Lin Zi, felt a twinge of jealousy and openly questioned Yun Duo about her relationship with him. Yun Duo quickly denied any romantic involvement with Lin Zi, who then playfully accused her of being ungrateful after he "took the blame" for her amidst Tang Yibai’s fan discussions.
Yun Duo was confused by his comment, prompting Cheng Mei to ask if they were truly not dating. Yun Duo clarified that Lin Zi’s public declaration was merely a ruse to ward off Tang Yibai’s persistent fans. She then remembered Tang Yibai’s closed training was over and that his exclusive interview was scheduled for today, with Cheng Mei now in charge.
Yun Duo urged Cheng Mei to come with her so she could share important details, leaving a frustrated Lin Zi behind. As the closed training concluded, Tang Yibai eagerly awaited Yun Duo for his exclusive interview, and a teammate even teased him about anticipating her arrival. To his disappointment, Cheng Mei arrived instead, confirming that Yun Duo had prepared his favorite drink for him. Tang Yibai, concerned, asked about Yun Duo’s well-being.
Cheng Mei revealed that Yun Duo wasn't doing well, having fallen ill. She explained that their boss had initially considered canceling the interview due to the past incident involving Yun Duo, but Yun Duo had vehemently insisted on proceeding, even if it meant she couldn't conduct it herself.
Yun Duo stated she didn't want people to miss the chance to truly know Tang Yibai, especially during a time when he was being misunderstood by everyone; she wanted the real him to be seen. Tang Yibai was visibly moved, imagining Yun Duo arguing with her boss on his behalf. Cheng Mei further confirmed Yun Duo’s deep care, mentioning that even while sick, she had meticulously organized all of Tang Yibai’s information for her.
Yun Duo had provided specific instructions, like maintaining distance with the camera during his training to avoid distraction, and even a quirky tip about pomegranate juice helping him open up during interviews. She also passed on her past interview records, imploring Cheng Mei to do a good job so more people would understand Tang Yibai’s dedication to his dream.
Overwhelmed by this revelation of Yun Duo's profound understanding and support, which far exceeded that of a mere friend, Tang Yibai abruptly asked for Yun Duo's whereabouts. Without waiting for a full answer, he bolted to find her, only to be intercepted by Coach Wu. Coach Wu attempted to dissuade him, asserting that Yun Duo had brought nothing but trouble since they met and urged him to sever ties for both their sakes.
However, Tang Yibai, for the first time, stood his ground. He passionately declared that Yun Duo's appearance was the best thing that had happened since his return to swimming, as she had given him strength and motivation. He then powerfully recalled how Yun Duo had unconditionally believed in him and defended him when others accused him of drug use, and how she had given him the strength to overcome his lowest points and rediscover his initial passion.
With unwavering resolve, Tang Yibai left, determined to find Yun Duo. Meanwhile, Yun Duo persisted in her quest to interview Sun Yang at his hotel, struggling with exhaustion and sickness. As she felt light-headed and her vision blurred, she nearly collapsed. Lin Zi, who had seemingly been nearby, rushed forward to catch her before she hit the ground.
Despite her insistence that she needed to continue her work, citing a promise to watch Tang Yibai achieve his dream as a reporter and her need to become an official reporter to avoid elimination, Lin Zi firmly carried her to the hospital. Later, as Yun Duo regained consciousness, she was disoriented. Lin Zi explained she had fainted and scolded her for not seeking medical attention earlier.
He strongly advised her to rest, emphasizing that it would be unprofessional and even harmful to interview a world-class athlete like Sun Yang while she was so ill. Yun Duo acknowledged his point. Lin Zi then insisted she rest and promised to take her home after her IV drip, forbidding her from thinking about work. Tang Yibai, having left training, anxiously searched for Yun Duo.
He found her, looking weak, at the entrance of his own home, being supported by Lin Zi. Lin Zi offered to carry her inside, but Yun Duo insisted on walking, leading to a brief, playful argument reminiscent of Yibai's own past interactions with her. Upon noticing Tang Yibai, Yun Duo initially froze, then quickly warned him to stay away, fearing her severe cold would infect him and jeopardize his crucial pre-competition training.
Despite his concern, Tang Yibai watched helplessly as Lin Zi put his arm around Yun Duo and guided her into the house, a pang of heartache and jealousy striking him. Inside, Tang Mama enthusiastically greeted them, ready to take over Yun Duo’s care and dismiss Lin Zi. During the exchange, Yun Duo fainted again. Lin Zi immediately scooped her up and carried her upstairs to her room.
After settling Yun Duo in and chatting until she fell asleep, Lin Zi prepared to leave. Meanwhile, Tang Mama and Tang Papa were outside the room, attempting to discreetly eavesdrop. As Tang Yibai entered the house, he came face-to-face with Lin Zi, who, to his surprise, realized that Yun Duo had been renting a room in Tang Yibai's home all along. Outside the house, Tang Yibai and Lin Zi, now revealed as rivals, confronted each other.
Lin Zi challenged Tang Yibai directly, asking if he could commit to being by Yun Duo’s side whenever and wherever she needed him, even if it meant sacrificing a competition. He pressed further, asking if Tang Yibai would disregard all consequences to help her with work or life challenges, and if he could consistently be there to share her burdens and listen to her complaints.
Lin Zi asserted that if Tang Yibai couldn't promise to always appear at her side the moment she needed him, then he had no right to like Yun Duo or allow her to like him, as it would be unfair to a girl who deserves complete devotion. Tang Yibai, initially hesitant, then firmly declared that he could indeed do all of it.
He admitted that only recently had he fully understood Yun Duo’s importance to him, realizing she was as vital as his swimming career and that she was, in fact, his dream. He stated that his passion for swimming and his feelings for Yun Duo were not in conflict, and he vowed never to leave her for any reason, assuring Lin Zi that even if physical distance separated them, she would always remain in his heart.
In the training hall, as the other athletes trained, Coach Yuan inquired about Tang Yibai’s whereabouts since training had already started after his interview. Coach Wu vaguely replied that Tang Yibai had finished his interview and was on another training regimen, evading the true reason for his absence. Once Coach Yuan left, Coach Wu was left alone with his anxieties about Tang Yibai. He began reviewing past chat records between Yun Duo and Tang Yibai.
As he did, he recalled Yun Duo’s inspiring words to Tang Yibai about overcoming low points, breaking through barriers, and remembering his original intention. He also remembered her advice on coping with pressure, which Tang Yibai had seemingly used to overcome a previous hurdle. This reflection led Coach Wu to a profound realization: perhaps he had misunderstood Yun Duo.
Instead of hindering Tang Yibai, this cheerful and positive young woman had actually provided him with immense strength and motivation, compelling Coach Wu to question if he had truly made a mistake in his judgment. Tang Yibai quietly entered Yun Duo's room. He stood by her bedside, gazing at her pale, fragile sleeping face with a mix of tenderness and affection.
He gently adjusted her blanket, ensuring she was comfortable, and lingered there, watching her for a long time before reluctantly departing. At QKVideo, Director Liu discussed Tang Yibai’s interview with Cheng Mei, noting he had expected Tang Yibai to be displeased with Yun Duo’s replacement. Unexpectedly, Tang Yibai arrived at the office, insisting on a meeting with Director Liu to clarify a matter.
Tang Yibai revealed that his initial agreement to QKVideo’s exclusive interview was solely due to Yun Duo and her passion for her work. He firmly declared that if Yun Duo was no longer the designated interviewer, he would refuse all future cooperation.
Director Liu cautioned him about the potential negative impact on Yun Duo, but Tang Yibai remained resolute, stating his confidence in winning the Dream Cup and achieving even greater heights, at which point he would only grant interviews to Yun Duo. Director Liu then surmised that Tang Yibai was trying to persuade him to keep Yun Duo for QKVideo's benefit.
Tang Yibai corrected him, emphasizing Yun Duo’s unique value as a reporter, capable of earning the complete trust of her interviewees. As he prepared to leave, Lin Zi appeared, accusing Tang Yibai of acting impulsively to prove his affection for Yun Duo. Tang Yibai retorted that he didn't need to prove his feelings to anyone, he was simply doing what was right.
He acknowledged Lin Zi's earlier point that Yun Duo deserved complete protection and that if he couldn't provide it, he had no right to like her. Lin Zi directly asked if Tang Yibai liked her, to which Tang Yibai unequivocally confirmed his feelings for Yun Duo, stating that recent events had solidified his realization and that he would now protect her with all his heart.
