Sparkle Love Episode 22 Recap
> Sparkle Love Recap
Mai Sichong listened intently as Mei Weiwei explained the changes she felt, her electricity seeming to have disappeared after Dr. Jiang's treatment. Mei Weiwei’s mother expressed concern, fearing potential harm, but Mei Weiwei assured them the treatment was effective. Unbeknownst to them, Mei Weiwei’s parents were eavesdropping outside their room and burst in, filled with joy. Mei Weiwei’s father then questioned Mai Sichong directly about his relationship with Mei Weiwei.
After a slight hesitation, Mai Sichong bravely declared his feelings, stating, "I like Weiwei." Mei Weiwei’s father, however, advised them to prioritize their studies, while her mother, eager to distract, playfully suggested a cooking competition. Back at the training room, Xia Rui was urged by Jun Jun to confess any wrongdoing before it was too late, but he remained silent, facing Ding Yi's cold demeanor.
Ding Yi, who was initially disdainful of Xia Rui's despicable actions, then received a video call from Li Daixi sharing the good news that the crisis was resolved. She happily announced that Mai Sichong would soon undergo a drug test, implying that any previous accusations against him would be debunked. Ding Yi, seizing the opportunity, mocked Xia Rui, suggesting he learn from Mai Sichong, which caused Xia Rui to leave abruptly.
Mai Sichong and Mei Weiwei missed the hospital's deadline for Mai Sichong's drug test and were told they needed to return the next day with an official application for a retest from their school. As it was late and they couldn't find a taxi, they decided to stay in a hotel. Mei Weiwei found one hotel too luxurious, but Mai Sichong insisted on a comfortable stay for her. To their surprise, only one room was available.
The young couple, still new to their romance, found themselves shy and nervous sharing a room. After Mei Weiwei had showered, Mai Sichong offered to blow-dry her wet hair. The close proximity and the casual touch of his fingers through her hair made them both incredibly self-conscious. Unable to bear the tension, Mai Sichong went back to the front desk to ask if any other rooms had become available.
Coincidentally, a room had just been vacated, much to their "relief," allowing them to sleep in separate rooms. The next day, Mai Sichong and Mei Weiwei met with Ms. Meiling to sort out the procedures. Mai Sichong expressed his desire to reapply for the drug test, asserting he had not cheated. However, Ms. Meiling regretfully informed them that the deadline for the drug test had already passed, and Mai Sichong had been removed from the provincial team.
She did, however, convey that the school, trusting his coach's belief in his innocence, had decided to issue him a "criticism discipline" instead of a harsher punishment. Mai Sichong, though disheartened, accepted the news and gently led a stunned Mei Weiwei away. Meanwhile, Ms. Peipei discussed Mai Sichong's situation with Xia Rui, grappling with the timing of announcing his disciplinary action.
She informed Xia Rui that the news would be posted the next day alongside the provincial team list and advised him to comfort Mai Sichong. She also reminded Xia Rui, who had been recruited to the provincial team, to maintain a balance between training and rest. Xia Rui, with mixed emotions, quickly agreed. Mei Weiwei was consumed by guilt, believing Mai Sichong’s provincial team expulsion was her fault because he had protected her.
Mai Sichong, however, comforted her, telling her not to dwell on it. He assured her that while swimming was once the most important thing in his life, meeting her had opened his eyes to countless possibilities and wonderful, exciting moments. He affectionately called her his "cutest, happiest Pikachu," whether she had electricity or not. His words brought a smile back to Mei Weiwei’s face.
Later, Mai Sichong found Ding Yi and the others, but Mei Weiwei was not with them, having been called away by Yuxin. It turned out Mei Weiwei was working to help Mai Sichong’s swimming career. She and Yuxin met with Yuxin's father, Zhang Weixin, who explained that the provincial team leaders were concerned about Mai Sichong's "misconduct" and needed a credible person to vouch for his abilities.
He suggested finding a "lobbyist" with public credibility who had no personal connections to Mai Sichong or his family. Mei Weiwei immediately thought of her idol, Xun Yang. The next day, Xia Rui noticed that the announcement regarding Mai Sichong's discipline had not been posted. It was soon revealed that Xun Yang had stepped forward to clarify Mai Sichong's situation.
City leaders arrived to observe the provincial team extra trial between Mai Sichong and Xia Rui, with officials emphasizing the importance of the race and requiring pre-race drug tests for both competitors. Xun Yang was present, offering Mai Sichong his support. As the crowd waited, Xia Rui was conspicuously absent.
Mai Sichong went to the locker room and found an apology note from Xia Rui, admitting his jealousy and acknowledging that he had already lost their competition from the start, rendering the race meaningless. Xia Rui expressed regret for hurting Mai Sichong and Mei Weiwei and announced his withdrawal from the competition. Mai Sichong’s parents anxiously awaited news of the extra trial at home. Finally, they received a message announcing Mai Sichong's success: he achieved an excellent score of 50.
35 seconds and was successfully admitted to the provincial team. With the new semester underway, life seemed to be flourishing. One day, Mai Sichong asked Mei Weiwei if she had any unfulfilled wishes. She confessed that due to her special condition, she had never had the chance to swim. Mai Sichong, a swimming champion himself, offered to teach her. Mei Weiwei was hesitant at the pool, admitting she had never swum before and had almost choked last time.
Mai Sichong reassured her, promising he wouldn't let go and that she shouldn't be scared with him by her side. As they entered the water, she playfully accused him of trying to take advantage, to which he retorted she was the one taking advantage. With his support, Mei Weiwei finally experienced the joy of swimming. She reflected on how she used to constantly worry about her electric condition, never daring to dream about such experiences or even her future. Mai Sichong gently encouraged her to now plan for her future, and for "our future" together.
