Sparkle Love Episode 5 Recap
> Sparkle Love Recap
Mai Sichong, frustrated with his swimming performance of 51. 46 seconds, specifically asked Mei Weiwei to "electrify" him. Mei Weiwei repeatedly refused, but their past accidental physical contacts—like inadvertently pulling off a towel and touching his bare chest—had made her heart race. Concerned he might develop feelings for her, she strongly refused his request, calling it "insane." Mai Sichong clarified his intention, believing her electric touch would help him swim faster, and denied having any illness.
However, a phone call from her class monitor, Lin Baihui, gave Mei Weiwei an excuse to leave, reiterating her refusal to Mai Sichong. Mei Weiwei then hurried to a cafe to meet her roommates, Li Yuxin and Jun Jun, and Lin Baihui. She announced her and Lin Baihui’s plan to create a "Physical Massage Club," designed to enhance professional knowledge and aid sports recovery.
Li Yuxin, a workaholic, bluntly rejected the idea, citing a lack of time and interest, while Jun Jun also declined, eager to return to her online community. Discouraged, Mei Weiwei asked Lin Baihui if electrotherapy could "stimulate the potential of bodies" and make people run faster, referencing Mai Sichong's earlier claim. Lin Baihui confirmed that electrotherapy is a basic physical therapy for muscle relaxation and nerve regulation but admitted he had never heard of it stimulating potential.
Later, Mei Weiwei attended her massage class personally, as Li Daixi was no longer substituting for her. The professor immediately noticed she looked different from the previous class and, despite Mei Weiwei's attempt to lie about cutting her hair, marked her absent due to the clear height discrepancy. Feeling dejected, Mei Weiwei encountered Peng Pai.
He invited her to watch a movie as an apology for her abrupt departure from their previous outing, and Mei Weiwei agreed to "return the favor." During their chat, Peng Pai, who works for FT Sports, a sports brokerage company, asked if Mei Weiwei knew why Mai Sichong didn't join the provincial team, mentioning his company's interest in signing him. He speculated that it might be due to severe injuries or a desire to join a foreign club.
Mei Weiwei then remembered Mai Sichong's earlier vehement denial of knee injuries, which gave her pause. Soon after, Mai Sichong, having tracked Mei Weiwei down with Lin Baihui's help, arrived at the cafe. Seeing Mai Sichong, Peng Pai seized the opportunity to directly offer him a contract with FT Sports, suggesting that Mai Sichong’s good looks and height could make him a star, offering a safer alternative to a risky athletic career.
Mai Sichong, however, firmly rejected the offer, stating his singular goal was to become the number one swimmer and join the provincial team, dismissing the notion of career risks. Annoyed that Mei Weiwei hadn't replied to his messages, Mai Sichong then pulled her away. Mei Weiwei questioned his hasty refusal of Peng Pai's attractive offer, but Mai Sichong simply called her an "idiot" and dodged her inquiries about any hidden difficulties.
Mai Sichong then led Mei Weiwei to the electrotherapy room, explaining he had conducted extensive research and even "begged Doctor Wu many times" for access. He claimed that even a weak current relaxed his knees and proposed that daily electrotherapy from Mei Weiwei would speed up his recovery. Mei Weiwei, still persistent, asked again why he hadn't joined the provincial team. Mai Sichong became evasive, repeatedly telling her not to ask.
Mei Weiwei, noticing his increased heart rate, challenged him to look her in the eyes and declare his body was "totally fine." He struggled to maintain eye contact, confirming her suspicions. During their close interaction, another accidental physical contact caused an electric current to flow between their palms, prompting Mai Sichong to playfully call her an "idiot." Mei Weiwei questioned why Mai Sichong needed her help specifically when he could electrify himself.
He insisted that only her unique electricity led to progress in his swimming. Mei Weiwei expressed her deep concern about continuous electrotherapy, fearing a repeat of the "voice change" incident. Mai Sichong earnestly reassured her, promising to take full responsibility, keep their secret, and bear all consequences. He passionately explained that swimming was the most important thing in his life, referencing his high school record of 50.
35 seconds that could have led him to the Olympics, and urged her to trust him. Mei Weiwei reluctantly agreed. They went to a deserted basketball court, but despite Mei Weiwei's efforts to raise her heart rate, she couldn't generate a current. Growing impatient, Mai Sichong grabbed her hand and pressed it against his face. Instantly, a powerful current coursed through him, making his hair stand on end. Overjoyed, Mai Sichong enthusiastically pulled Mei Weiwei towards the swimming pool.
Later, Mai Sichong treated Mei Weiwei to a large meal, claiming it was to "supplement her electric energy" so she could continue to electrify him. Mei Weiwei, suspicious of his motives, initially refused to be fed but eventually ate the meal. He then subtly tried to arrange a movie outing, but the attempt was interrupted by a friend's suggestion and Mei Weiwei's teasing, leading him to pretend he was merely checking popular movie listings.
However, Mai Sichong soon found Mei Weiwei meeting Peng Pai for a movie date. Not wanting to be left out, Mai Sichong insisted on joining them. At the cinema, he playfully took Mei Weiwei's large popcorn for himself. When Peng Pai briefly left for the restroom, Mei Weiwei dozed off, and Mai Sichong gently rested her head on his shoulder. Peng Pai returned and observed this intimate moment, gaining a clearer understanding of Mai Sichong's feelings.
After the movie, Mai Sichong teased Mei Weiwei for falling asleep so quickly, but Peng Pai defended her, explaining she simply enjoyed the atmosphere of the cinema. Mai Sichong reminded Mei Weiwei of their early morning appointment the next day. As they walked back, Mai Sichong became increasingly irritated by Peng Pai's friendly and familiar demeanor towards Mei Weiwei, finally bidding a cold farewell and walking away. Mei Weiwei also felt uncomfortable with Peng Pai's overt intimacy and left, leaving Peng Pai standing alone, deep in thought.
