Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time

Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Synopsis

Wu Bai becomes the youngest and strongest competitor in the national robotics competition thanks to his tireless efforts and talent.

He forms a team and finally competes in the Chinese finals with his robotics initiator, Ai Qing.

Since then, they have represented China in the Asian Championships together, achieving a series of honors for their country.

Both of them aspire to improve the popularity and application of robotics among the young generation in China through the sport of robotics competition, thus speeding up the development of the country.

As opponents, Wu Bai’s perseverance, skill, and talent attract Ai Qing, and as team leaders, Ai Qing’s love for the industry, dedication to her dream, and superior tactical acumen also impress Wu Bai, and they are attracted to each other through mutual support and competition.

Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

The 2017 China Robot Combat Tournament final began, with staff adjusting the robots and commentators introducing the contestants. First to appear was Tornado, operated by Ai Qing, renowned as China's first female operator. Seven years prior, as a member of Team Solo, she had already won a national championship and was determined to claim this year's trophy. Tornado’s opponent, Nobody, operated by Team DT’s captain, Wu Bai, made a surprising entrance from behind.

Wu Bai, a notable dark horse, had reached the national final in his first league appearance. Just as the match was about to start, Tornado’s remote control malfunctioned. Ai Qing's teammate called her, as she was on her way with a spare. Caught in a heavy rainstorm and severe traffic in the Yan’an road tunnel, she exited her taxi and sprinted towards the arena.

On the way, she was bumped, causing her case to open and a small container to fall into a sewer. As she knelt to retrieve it, the container drifted away in the water. Just then, Wu Bai, having learned of her predicament, arrived to help, and they ran to the arena together. Upon arrival, Ai Qing thanked Wu Bai and introduced herself. Wu Bai gently shook her hand and reciprocated. The two then faced each other in the arena.

Ai Qing initially dominated, thrilling the audience who chanted her name. However, Wu Bai was intimately familiar with Ai Qing's strategy; her remote control settings had remained unchanged for seven years, allowing him to visualize every move. He had waited seven years for this moment, finally standing before her as a competitor, not just a spectator. Seeing Nobody taking constant hits, Wu Bai’s teammate, 97, urged him to retaliate.

Wu Bai finally launched a counterattack, and Nobody executed a spectacular maneuver, flipping the defending champion. Ai Qing was surprised but refused to yield, pushing the match into a heated phase. Ultimately, Nobody prevailed, securing the championship. Ai Qing felt embarrassed losing to a newcomer.

Her friend, Slide, the leader of the Chinese delegation for the upcoming Asian Robot Combat Tournament (ARCT), informed her that Wu Bai was a student at a world-renowned university's mechanical engineering department, home for the summer, and had only temporarily formed a team. Not winning the championship meant Ai Qing couldn't directly qualify for the ARCT in Singapore. However, Slide pointed out another path: becoming the champion of the single-player Racing event would also grant her entry.

As Ai Qing left, Wu Bai started to follow but stopped, remembering his brother’s words that Ai Qing was Wang Hao's girlfriend, which left him disappointed. Two months later, Ai Qing arrived at the ARCT contestants’ village in Singapore. After dropping her luggage in her room, she went to Room 206 to find Slide. To her surprise, Wu Bai, freshly showered and wrapped in a towel, opened the door.

The sight sparked a memory for Wu Bai from the tournament day when he had found Ai Qing in the rain. Soaked, he had asked a teammate for a towel, but it was given to the equally drenched Ai Qing instead. When Wu Bai bent down to pick a piece of tape from his shoe, Ai Qing, misunderstanding, began to dry his hair with the towel.

Wu Bai was momentarily stunned before straightening up and showing her the tape, making Ai Qing realize her mistake. Back in the present, Ai Qing expressed her surprise at their quick reunion. Wu Bai assumed she was there to watch, but she clarified she was competing in Racing. As he invited her in, 97, wanting to help his captain with his "dream girl," mischievously pulled down Wu Bai's towel.

Ai Qing was shocked, but Wu Bai was fortunately wearing shorts underneath. After 97 awkwardly re-wrapped the towel, Wu Bai put on a T-shirt and confessed to Ai Qing that he had entered the industry because of her. Ai Qing’s qualification through the Racing event stirred online debate, with some calling it opportunistic and claiming her skills had declined. Feeling disheartened, she wondered if she should retire. While walking by the sea, she was drawn to a pair of cats.

Wu Bai, also there, showed his knowledge of felines by gently picking one up for her to pet. As he was about to let her hold it, the cat darted away, causing them both to tumble onto the sand. Wu Bai stood to help Ai Qing up but was suddenly struck by blurred vision and collapsed. He quickly recovered, brushing off Ai Qing’s concern by attributing it to pre-game nerves.

Wu Bai suggested they visit a shooting range the next day to relax, and Ai Qing agreed. At the range, Wu Bai experienced another dizzy spell and lost to Ai Qing by a narrow two rings. Impressed by his focus and composure, Ai Qing asked him to consider joining her team. When Wu Bai asked why Team Solo had suddenly disbanded years ago, Ai Qing evaded the question, teasingly asking if his idol was Wang Hao, Han Shangyan, or herself.

She then told him to look up online gossip for his answer. Afterward, he led her to a windy spot and playfully blew bubbles, making her smile. After the competition draw, Ai Qing suspected foul play, as she was assigned particularly strong opponents. Despite the unfairness, she relied on her skill to win the Racing championship for China.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai dominated his robot combat group matches, winning all three and securing his place to contend for the ARCT team championship. However, his eye condition, Orbital Varix, was worsening, causing intermittent vision loss. His brother called, urging him to return for immediate treatment. Wu Bai refused, confessing that winning the world championship was Ai Qing's dream, and he wanted to achieve it for her. His brother insisted that while there would be other competitions, his eyes couldn't wait.

Wu Bai promised to return after the tournament and asked his brother to keep his condition a secret from their grandfather. Wu Bai reflected that light, the simple principle that allowed him to see, had now become his greatest obstacle, and all he truly wanted was to be able to simply see the person he liked.

Episode 2 Recap

After receiving the tickets he had reserved for a Hu Xia concert, Wu Bai was excited at the thought of attending with Ai Qing. At a restaurant, Wu Bai’s teammate jokingly accused him of spending the night away, but Wu Bai clarified that he had simply returned late and left early while his teammate was asleep. While Ai Qing was getting food, Slide told her that Solo was in Singapore recruiting for Team SP, China's top team.

He noted that if Wu Bai won the championship, he would be highly sought after. Ai Qing praised Wu Bai as a genius with flawless awareness, positioning, and tactics, whose team also showed excellent coordination. She added that if she were to sign with a team, it would be a Chinese club. Just then, Solo approached their table, and upon seeing him, Wu Bai lost his appetite.

Solo invited Ai Qing for a private talk, asking her to join Team SP and suggesting they put the past behind them to team up again. Ai Qing firmly rejected the offer, stating that everything was in the past. When Solo suggested she call him when she returned to Shanghai, mentioning a Hunan restaurant, Ai Qing cut him off, saying she no longer had his number before abruptly leaving.

As she walked away, Solo recalled an old conversation where they concluded that since love requires two people, he, "Solo," was unsuited for it. He then realized that the woman Ai Qing had become no longer needed him. The championship final began with an intense battle between China's Team DT and Singapore's Team AEO. Wu Bai's robot, Nobody, quickly gained the upper hand, knocking the opponent's robot over twice.

However, as the Singaporean robot was stuck in an obstacle, Wu Bai's vision blurred, causing him to make a critical error that left Nobody trapped by a ground drill. Although the rules stipulated a maximum three-second trap, the referee failed to intervene even after the opponent's robot broke free. Despite protests from the audience, the match continued.

In a critical moment, Wu Bai recalled one of Ai Qing's tactics and executed a precise counterattack, knocking out his opponent to win the championship for Team DT. His teammates cheered, and Wu Bai looked toward Ai Qing, who gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up. During the award ceremony, a teammate noted that Ai Qing wasn't wearing her racing medal, but she admitted she had forgotten it. Wu Bai then took his own championship medal and placed it around her neck.

Ai Qing playfully told Wu Bai he owed her tuition for stealing her move, and he agreed to owe her for now. Later, 97 gave Ai Qing tickets to the Hu Xia concert, smiling mysteriously when she asked how he knew she wanted to go. Meanwhile, Wu Bai bought two hazelnut ice creams and headed to the concert venue. He saw Ai Qing waiting, but as he approached, his vision blurred completely.

He thought to himself that he had fallen in love with her at an age when he didn't even know what love was. Not wanting her to see him in that state, he sadly turned and left as the ice cream melted in his hands, feeling as though he had sunk into darkness. Ai Qing, holding two drinks, was seen looking around for someone.

Upon returning to Shanghai, Wu Bai went straight to the hospital, where his brother, Han Shangyan, was waiting. Wu Bai insisted on having surgery immediately and was wheeled into the operating room. Meanwhile, 97 returned a remote control to Ai Qing, explaining that Wu Bai had found it in the drain after the competition, fixed it, and modified it.

97 also revealed that during that crucial match, when Ai Qing's main remote failed and her backup was lost, it was Wu Bai who had found a compatible receiver and configured it for her, perfectly matching her unique control style. Learning this, Ai Qing felt a profound sense of loss over their connection, which had seemed to be growing closer before it suddenly stopped. After the surgery, Wu Bai woke up with his eyes bandaged.

Han Shangyan confirmed the operation had temporarily failed and that they would discuss the next plan with the doctor in a week. When Wu Bai worried about another failure, Han Shangyan dismissed his fears, promising to take care of him for life if he went blind, though Wu Bai quipped that he couldn't trust someone too lazy to peel an apple for him.

To lift his spirits, Han Shangyan proposed they open a club once Wu Bai recovered, offering him the naming rights. Recalling a conversation where Ai Qing wanted to be a "king" in robot combat and he had replied that two kings could coexist, Wu Bai named the club K&K. That evening, Ai Qing saw two cats on the street, which reminded her of her time with Wu Bai.

Her sister joined her, teasing that Ai Qing's heart was finally open to loving someone new. As they walked home, her sister complained about their building's flickering lights and broken stairs. Inside, they found their father asleep on the sofa, where he had slept for over a decade. Seeing this, Ai Qing gave her sister a bank card with all her untouched prize money, telling her to use it for a down payment on a small two-bedroom apartment.

She would handle the mortgage after finding a formal job. When her sister asked if she would regret retiring, Ai Qing said it was too soon to know. Han Shangyan informed Wu Bai that he had arranged a second surgery for him in Norway. The good news was he could escape his young hospital roommate, Luo Hui; the bad news was their grandfather planned to go to Norway to care for him personally.

Later, the doctor removed Wu Bai’s bandages, but his vision was unstable. The doctor then delivered a heavy blow, warning that a second surgery was far riskier and could result in permanent blindness, leaving both brothers deeply concerned. That night, Wu Bai secretly went to Ai Qing's apartment building. He watched as she arrived in high heels and nearly tripped on the broken stairs because the streetlight was out. After she went inside, Wu Bai fixed the light.

He then spent the rest of the night creating a large drawing on the wall of her building, hoping it could serve as a source of support for her in his absence. As he left at dawn, Ai Qing's voiceover reflected that music is a powerful carrier of memory, and a particular song always brought her back to that time. She described her feeling as a profound sense of loss, stemming from a connection that, born from mutual attraction, had been abruptly and forcibly cut short.

Episode 3 Recap

Three years later, at a youth robot combat training camp, Ai Qing introduced a new eleven-year-old member, Luo Hui. The girl explained that her name came from "Robert Downey Jr." and "intelligence," and revealed that she fell in love with robot combat because of a "big brother" she met while undergoing eye treatment. She affectionately called him her "Iron Man" and shared that he had a "goddess" in the industry whom he referred to as his "Frigg."

Intrigued, the other children learned that Frigg was a goddess from Norse mythology, known in Marvel as the Queen of Asgard and mother of Thor. Mr. Lin, Ai Qing’s manager, invited her to a concert, but she politely declined, fabricating an excuse about a visiting relative. Frustrated, Mr. Lin declared that everyone would have to work overtime that weekend. During a lunch break, Ai Qing’s sister, Ai Jing, pulled her into a shop owned by their old friend, Slide.

He told Ai Qing he had retired from robot combat and returned from Germany. When his father began to explain the reason for his retirement, Slide quickly sent him and Ai Jing to the stockroom. Noticing a glove on Slide’s hand, Ai Qing asked about a potential injury. He deflected, teasing her about her long hair, but she smiled, remarking that since she no longer trained for over ten hours a day, she had plenty of leisure time.

Upon learning Ai Qing was still single, Slide joked about them being a pair of "single dogs." When pressed about his hand again, he claimed he fell while drunk and wore the glove to look cool for customers, then competently helped a customer with a robot issue. Looking at a large banner for the year's robot combat competition, Ai Qing lamented to Slide that their era had passed, though she still felt a sense of longing.

She recalled applying to work at Jiayi Company, stipulating that they must continue to sponsor the Teen Robot Competition with her as its independent head. The company readily agreed. Later, returning home, she found the street light repaired and a painting of "Forget-Me-Nots" on the wall with the words: "Follow your dream. You'll never be alone." The gesture filled her with warmth.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai, his eyesight now cured, had graduated from a top tech university and become a shareholder of the K&K Club. At a shooting range abroad, 97 asked him why he hadn’t contacted "the goddess." Wu Bai confessed he felt he wasn't good enough yet, explaining that he wanted to win three hundred championships to earn the chance to begin a relationship with her.

He added that he had also stayed to complete his studies as promised to his grandfather. Mr. Lin dispatched Ai Qing to the robot competition in Guangzhou, as the original person in charge, Tian Na, was getting married. Eager for a trip, Ai Jing accompanied her. Wu Bai and 97 also flew to Guangzhou and were met by their teammate Zhou Yi.

At the airport exit, Ai Qing caught sight of a tall, familiar figure loading luggage into a car ahead, reminding her of Wu Bai. The man quickly departed, and Ai Qing’s car also set off. For a brief moment, their two cars pulled up side-by-side at an intersection before turning in opposite directions.

At the hotel, a thirsty Ai Jing bought a drink from a vending machine, only for a handsome young man to grab it and drink it, apologizing profusely for his thirst before buying her a replacement. Ai Jing rushed to Ai Qing at the front desk, but as she described the handsome man, a group of fans swarmed him, chanting his name: Shen Zhe.

Ai Jing then mentioned that Shen Zhe was a huge fan of Wang Hao and asked Ai Qing if she knew Wang Hao's ex-girlfriend. They then overheard other fans discussing how Shen Zhe is a single father. Ai Jing accidentally spilled her drink and went to a nearby dressing room to change. Shortly after, Shen Zhe entered the area for an interview. Changing behind a curtain, Ai Jing grew nervous.

Noticing her predicament, Shen Zhe discreetly passed her an outfit from her open suitcase while answering the reporter's questions. In his interview, he called Wang Hao a legend whose time had passed and stated that he, too, would choose to retire at his peak to preserve his reputation. After the interview, Ai Qing returned, surprised to see Shen Zhe, who invited them to KTV. Ai Qing hesitated, but Ai Jing eagerly accepted.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai arrived at the hotel suffering from gastroenteritis. Zhou Yi prepared congee for him, but he was too sick to eat and began vomiting. Wu Bai told 97 to find Shen Zhe while he went to a hospital alone for an IV drip. 97 found Shen Zhe at the KTV entrance. Shen Zhe had 97 call Wu Bai, telling him he had a gift for him. Inside the KTV room, Shen Zhe put the call on speaker.

From his hospital bed, Wu Bai froze when he heard 97 excitedly exclaim Ai Qing’s name. Without a second thought, he pulled the IV needle from his arm and rushed out. He reflected on his feelings for Ai Qing, realizing he had been observing her from a distance for too long. With his eyesight restored, he resolved to finally step forward, see the woman he loved face-to-face, and find a new way to describe her—one he would never regret.

Episode 4 Recap

Upon hearing Ai Qing's name, Wu Bai, who was receiving an IV drip at the hospital, immediately pulled out the needle and rushed to the hotel. Meanwhile, in the hotel's KTV room, Ai Qing realized she had forgotten her phone and went to her room to get it. Wu Bai took the elevator to the KTV floor, and as the doors opened, he saw Ai Qing waiting for the elevator going up. Their eyes met, and both were momentarily stunned.

Seeing the person he had thought about for so long, Wu Bai, though outwardly calm, couldn't help but smile. He looked into her eyes and said, "I'm back." Ai Qing, seeing Wu Bai after three years, also had a joyful look in her eyes and replied softly, "Long time no see." Before Wu Bai could say more, she stepped into the elevator. Feeling a pang of reluctance, he summoned his courage and took the stairs to follow her.

Ai Qing had just returned to her room when her phone rang. It was Wu Bai, who wanted to see her. She stepped out and saw him down the hall. He asked if she was hungry and wanted to get a midnight snack, and she smiled and agreed. Back in the KTV room, Ai Jing grew concerned when her sister didn't return and wanted to look for her.

A slightly intoxicated Shen Zhe advised her not to, subtly hinting that Ai Qing was with Wu Bai. Intrigued, Ai Jing asked Shen Zhe if he liked her, but he just smiled mysteriously. Wu Bai and Ai Qing went to a bustling outdoor food stall. After ordering, Ai Qing asked where he had been all these years, but Wu Bai struggled to answer.

Understanding his quiet nature, she changed the subject, asking if he was there for the opening ceremony of the China Robot Combat Tournaments. Wu Bai confirmed this, explaining he had founded a team called K&K. Ai Qing, finding the name interesting, asked about its meaning. Wu Bai dodged the question and asked if she was also attending the ceremony. She explained she was there as a sponsor's staff member, having retired from competition.

When he asked why, Ai Qing avoided the heavy topic by picking up a crayfish and praising its taste. Noticing medicinal tape on his hand, Ai Qing asked what was wrong. Wu Bai insisted he was fine, so she playfully started guessing a series of bizarre illnesses. Amused, he finally admitted to having seasonal gastroenteritis. Ai Qing then got him a bowl of porridge from the stall owner. Wu Bai took a sip and found it surprisingly sweet.

Soon after, he felt unwell and had to step aside to vomit. Ai Qing offered him a tissue and instinctively supported him when he seemed unsteady. Her closeness and gentle, concerned eyes stirred something within him. Embarrassed that her hands, messy from the crayfish, had dirtied his sleeve, Ai Qing quickly let go and apologized. Unconcerned by the stain, Wu Bai went to pay the bill.

Later, as the KTV party broke up, a tipsy Ai Jing stumbled at the door. Shen Zhe approached her, asking if she still wanted the answer to her earlier question. When a dazed Ai Jing nodded, he whispered "Yes," then gently embraced and kissed her. Overwhelmed, she passed out in his arms. Holding the sleeping Ai Jing, he continued a one-sided conversation, teasing her about Wu Bai's quietness.

After their meal, Wu Bai and Ai Qing stopped at a small shop. Ai Qing pointed out a jar of wish notes and suggested they each pick one. The note Wu Bai drew seemed to perfectly capture his feelings: "I looked upon all others with indifference, but my heart was stirred only by you." He shyly explained to Ai Qing what it said. She laughed, telling him since he bought dinner, she would buy him candy, and then they left.

Back at the hotel, Wu Bai couldn't sleep, disturbed by his crowded teammates. Getting up, he found 97 still awake. After 97 offered him his bed, he eagerly asked about the reunion with his "goddess." Wu Bai confessed how good it felt to see her again, vowing that this time, he wouldn't leave.

The next morning, Ai Jing remarked to Ai Qing that she finally understood her sister's passion for robot combat, which was like a celebrity career with millions of fans. Looking at the familiar arena, Ai Qing reflected that she had perhaps spent the last three years running from her team, her teammates, and her dream. At the opening ceremony, Wang Hao's Team SP and Wu Bai's K&K were officially introduced. The two captains shook hands.

Seated in the audience with her sister, Ai Qing went unnoticed by Wang Hao, but Wu Bai glanced back, his gaze lingering on her as his heart filled with joy. Invited on stage, Wu Bai was asked why he declined offers from top-tier clubs to start a new team. He stated his ambition was to build his own team from scratch and lead it to a world championship. His powerful words earned a huge applause.

He looked toward Ai Qing, who smiled back, and he inwardly vowed to win the title for her and fulfill their shared dream. During an interactive quiz, Ai Qing helped a young boy in front of her who was struggling to answer questions about Wang Hao. She whispered the correct answers to him, including details about Wang Hao's championships, his 299 career wins, and a private 2008 grudge match against a Swedish player named Nerney.

After Wang Hao confirmed the answers were correct, the boy went on stage for his prize. The host then spotted Ai Qing in the audience and, in surprise, announced her iconic screen name to the entire arena: Appledog.

Episode 5 Recap

At the opening ceremony of the China Robot Combat Tournament, a young boy in the audience successfully answers a quiz question, thanks to a quiet tip from the woman sitting behind him. When the host puts the spotlight on her, the commentators and crowd erupt in excitement, recognizing her as Ai Qing, the legendary "Appledog."

A top operator for the former Team Solo, as famous as Wang Hao and Han Shangyan, it is her first public appearance since retiring three years prior. At the height of her career, she was the best female robot operator in China, winning both the individual and team championships in the same year. From their seats, Wang Hao and his former teammates watch as Ai Qing becomes the center of attention.

Feeling uncomfortable, Ai Qing quietly leaves with her sister, Ai Jing. Meanwhile, her boss, Mr. Lin, is stunned to learn that his gentle employee is the renowned Appledog. As they walk, Ai Jing wonders if her sister regrets retiring, given how nostalgic she seems in the familiar tournament setting, but Ai Qing insists she does not want to get involved with the past. Wu Bai, who had been watching Ai Qing, follows them out.

Nearby, Shen Zhe is sleeping on a sofa, much to Ai Jing’s surprise. As Wu Bai approaches Ai Qing, their old teammate Ou Qiang intercepts her, enthusiastically leading her away to reunite with Wang Hao and other friends. Wang Hao immediately invites Ai Qing to join his new team, SP, as its leader. He explains that a leader doesn't need to be a fighter but rather a spiritual guide who can comfort, care for, and inspire the members.

He tells her that with her experience, charisma, and past achievements, she is the perfect candidate to earn the team's respect. Ai Qing, however, declines, stating she has moved on and is happy with her current life. Unfazed, Wang Hao says he is desperate for her talent and, since the team only assembles at the year's end, he has plenty of time to convince her.

Later, as Wu Bai contemplates on a balcony, Shen Zhe tells Ai Jing that Wu Bai seems preoccupied, hinting he has a crush on someone older. Ai Jing dismisses the idea as normal, leading Shen Zhe to ask if she would accept a younger man. After a moment's thought, she jokingly agrees to a man three years her junior.

Seeing that Ai Qing hasn’t returned, Wu Bai goes for a run and encounters Wang Hao walking her back to her hotel. Ai Qing warns Wu Bai that running immediately after a meal is bad for his stomach. Noticing their familiarity, she asks how they know each other, and Wang Hao explains they met when Wu Bai was only sixteen. Realizing he never got her food earlier, Wang Hao invites Ai Qing to dinner.

Despite having just eaten, Wu Bai claims his run has made him hungry again and decides to join them. At the restaurant, Wang Hao orders several spicy dishes, knowing Ai Qing’s preference. Concerned for Wu Bai’s stomach, Ai Qing suggests a non-spicy option. Wang Hao offers "Sautéed Cabbage with Vinegar," but Wu Bai quickly states that he dislikes vinegar and sour foods.

Wang Hao promptly instructs the waiter to prepare the dish without vinegar, which the waiter loudly confirms to the kitchen. When Wang Hao steps away to take a call, Wu Bai subtly nudges Wang Hao’s chair further from Ai Qing’s, but Wang Hao naturally pulls it back upon his return. When the sautéed cabbage arrives with vinegar by mistake, the waiter offers to replace it, but Wu Bai surprisingly accepts the dish, claiming a sudden craving.

As Wu Bai watches Ai Qing and Wang Hao chat animatedly, a pang of sadness hits him. He is struck by the realization that his knowledge of her was limited to what the media reported. He didn't know the small, intimate details, like her childhood love for spicy food or the way she instinctively picked coriander out of her dish.

Later that night, this contrast is highlighted when his K&K teammates excitedly offer him their takeout, including the famous Steamed Fish Head with Chili; he refuses, citing his gastritis and an intense dislike for fish heads. On the day of the closing ceremony, Mr. Lin arranges VIP seats for Ai Qing and Ai Jing, but Wang Hao insists she sit with him and the other former Solo members.

Wu Bai arrives and, seeing Ai Qing and Wang Hao seated together, simply nods and takes his own seat. A poignant short film about Team Solo’s glorious past plays, and Ai Qing is visibly moved. As the film ends, Wu Bai, as captain of K&K, leads his team in a standing ovation for the veterans. When asked by the host if Team Solo inspired his career, Wu Bai affirms, "Yes." The host then invites the Solo members to speak.

Wang Hao hands the microphone to Ai Qing, but she passes it to Ou Qiang. On stage, Ou Qiang delivers a heartfelt speech, recalling how fans unfairly blamed Ai Qing for Solo’s disbandment. He emphasizes that his own continued involvement in robot combat stems from Ai Qing's words about the sport's "sharing spirit"—where opponents would help each other with equipment and advice, even in the heat of competition.

Though his words ignite the audience, Ai Qing gently reiterates that she has a fulfilling new life and does not wish to return. After the ceremony, the group heads to a famous local Ferris wheel. While Wu Bai joins them for photos, he politely declines to stay longer, citing other commitments. As Shen Zhe takes pictures, Ai Jing comments on Wu Bai's good looks, leading to a playful confrontation where Shen Zhe demands she choose who is more handsome.

Ai Jing teasingly declares Wu Bai the winner, to Shen Zhe’s chagrin. Afterwards, Wu Bai asks Shen Zhe for the photos of him and Ai Qing. Shen Zhe playfully demands payment, quoting 100 yuan per photo. Without hesitation, Wu Bai transfers him 500 yuan. Receiving the pictures, Wu Bai feels a deep sweetness, reflecting that photos gently preserve moments of the soul, making them an eternally unfading romance in his universe.

Back at the hotel, Wu Bai goes to Shen Zhe's room to recruit him for K&K. The pragmatic Shen Zhe lays down two conditions: sufficient pay and the position of captain. Wu Bai admits K&K's budget is limited and that he is the current captain. Shen Zhe accuses Wu Bai of being born into wealth and not understanding his need to earn a living from prize money.

Acknowledging Shen Zhe’s needs, Wu Bai makes a surprising counter-offer: he will give the captaincy to Shen Zhe and split his own salary with him. Thinking it’s a joke, Shen Zhe tells him to leave. However, Wu Bai delivers a final, powerful appeal, reminding Shen Zhe that his ultimate dream is to defeat Wang Hao. He points out that if Shen Zhe joins SP, he will forever be Wang Hao’s subordinate and will never truly surpass him.

Episode 6 Recap

That night, Ai Jing found Shen Zhe swimming alone in the hotel pool and teased him, assuming his intensity was because she had said Wu Bai was more handsome. Shen Zhe dismissed her, saying his mind was on other things. Sensing his conflict, Ai Jing offered some philosophical advice, suggesting that instead of overthinking, he should make the choice that feels most comfortable and happy, as he likely already knew the answer in his heart.

After she left, Shen Zhe's thoughts returned to his dilemma: Wu Bai had tried to recruit him for the K&K team. Wu Bai's pitch was that joining K&K was Shen Zhe's only path to defeating Wang Hao and his team. Shen Zhe remained skeptical, pointing out K&K's lack of players and funds. But Wu Bai was unshakable in his belief, promising to lead him to a championship.

Deep in thought, Shen Zhe plunged back into the water, hoping to find clarity. The following morning, as Wu Bai, 97, and Zhou Yi were about to enter the elevator, Shen Zhe rushed to hold the doors open. He announced his decision to Wu Bai: he would join K&K, but on his own terms. He didn't want the money or the captaincy; he would sign for only one year and would leave if they failed to win the championship.

Wu Bai readily agreed, and 97 celebrated, thrilled that K&K was one step closer to their goal. At the hotel entrance, Wu Bai's group encountered Ai Qing and Ai Jing. Wu Bai offered them a ride, but Ai Qing declined, as her sister had already booked a car. She then asked Wu Bai if he was free after landing, hoping he would join her in visiting their old friend, Slide, who had recently retired and opened a new store.

Ai Qing suggested they all go together, arguing a larger group would make the visit more lively. While Shen Zhe and 97 were hesitant to impose, Zhou Yi volunteered to take everyone's luggage back to the club so the rest could go. Upon arriving at Slide’s store, the old friends shared a warm reunion. Wu Bai immediately asked Slide about his retirement, but Slide playfully evaded the question, suspecting Ai Qing had put him up to it.

Soon, a crowd of fans gathered outside upon spotting Shen Zhe and 97. Seizing the opportunity, Ai Qing suggested an impromptu signing event to boost Slide’s business. She proposed giving free autographs to everyone, regardless of purchase, to dispel any notion that they were exploiting their fame. Despite some hesitation from the others, Wu Bai immediately agreed, stating he would follow Ai Qing's lead.

Amidst the bustling and successful event, Ai Jing nudged her sister, commenting on how handsome Wu Bai was and urging her to seize the opportunity, a sentiment Ai Qing appreciated. As the signing wrapped up, Slide closed his store early, insisting on treating everyone to a celebratory barbecue. At dinner, Wu Bai again pressed Slide about his retirement.

This time, Slide admitted he had left the scene because of a difficult experience in Germany where he struggled to get along with his team. As the night wore on, the group grew increasingly intoxicated. A tipsy Ai Qing fondly recalled her first encounter with Wu Bai in Singapore, vividly describing how he had opened the door to his room without a shirt on. Ai Jing teased Wu Bai and bluntly asked if he liked her sister, flustering him.

Just as he tried to arrange for taxis, Ai Qing pulled him by the hand, insisting he come to her house because his gold medal was still there. Ai Jing then invited everyone, explaining that she and Ai Qing lived together and that Ai Qing had taken out a loan to buy their current home so their father could have a comfortable place to live.

Later, Ai Jing asked Wu Bai if he found her sister pretty, to which he readily affirmed. She praised Ai Qing's deep sense of loyalty but admitted it sometimes caused her hardship, recounting how Ai Qing still felt regret over their former team's disbandment, especially concerning someone named Han. When she couldn't recall the full name, Wu Bai supplied it: Han Shangyan. Ai Jing remarked that it sounded like a "Mary Sue" name for a grown man.

Stepping outside, Wu Bai called his brother, Han Shangyan, to arrange for a car and couldn't resist relaying Ai Jing's comment, much to his brother's annoyance. The car took them to Ai Qing's apartment, where Wu Bai carried the heavily intoxicated Ai Qing upstairs. Inside, they were surprised to find their father awake. After learning they were Ai Qing's friends from the competition, he didn't press further. Ai Jing insisted the boys stay the night due to the late hour.

Wu Bai then carried Shen Zhe and 97 upstairs, while the driver took Slide home. Impressed by Wu Bai's strength, Ai Qing's father decided to return to his own home to give the young people some privacy. After Ai Jing went to shower, she asked Wu Bai to look after Ai Qing. He entered Ai Qing's room and found her complaining about the heat.

As he gently wiped her face, a semi-conscious Ai Qing expressed her joy at his return, calling him a "genius" whose talent would be wasted if he didn't compete. She then confessed that she had secretly yearned to return to the robot combat world for a long time. Just then, Ai Jing returned and shared the immense financial sacrifices Ai Qing had made when she retired to secure a stable job and pay for their apartment.

Listening, Wu Bai looked at the sleeping Ai Qing and softly promised, "If you want to go back, I'll accompany you." Later that night, Wu Bai, sleeping on the sofa, was awakened by Ai Qing calling for water. After helping her drink, she grabbed his collar and asked why he had defeated her three years ago. Wu Bai explained that it wasn't intentional; he simply knew her so well.

She then pressed him on why he had left without saying goodbye. He began to explain that he had gone abroad for surgery, but she fell asleep in his arms before he could finish. The next morning, Ai Qing's father arrived at five AM with breakfast. He insisted Wu Bai join him and began asking about his background and relationship status. Wu Bai shared that he was from Guangzhou, lived in Norway, and had studied computer science.

As he spoke, an internal monologue revealed the depth of his feelings: he had known since he was fifteen that Ai Qing was destined to shine in the world of robot combat. He had spent ten years working to earn the right to stand by her side, so he could finally tell her he had fallen in love with her at first sight.

Episode 7 Recap

Early one morning, Ai Qing's father, concerned about the men staying overnight at his daughter's house, arrived with breakfast. He called over Wu Bai, who had slept on the couch, to eat. When asked, Wu Bai formally introduced himself, explaining he was born in Guangzhou, lived in Norway, majored in computer science, and had just graduated with a master's degree, planning to settle in China. Amused, Ai Jing told her father it wasn't a blind date.

Ai Qing’s father, upon learning Wu Bai had never dated, expressed his approval and taught him the proper way to eat pan-fried pork buns, which Wu Bai attentively followed. After breakfast, Wu Bai, 97, and Shen Zhe departed, with Wu Bai reminding Ai Jing to give Ai Qing honey water when she woke up. As Ai Jing turned to go back inside, Shen Zhe gently pulled her back and asked if she had feelings for him.

She admitted to having "just a little," to which Shen Zhe replied that was better than nothing. Later, Ai Qing woke up with no memory of the previous night, surprised to learn from Ai Jing that Wu Bai had cared for her all night and even carried her upstairs. At the office, colleagues enthusiastically greeted her as "Goddess," but an embarrassed Ai Qing insisted she was just a "past-her-prime player."

Mr. Lin approached her with a custom-made milk tea that cost 52. 1 yuan, a subtle hint of affection, and asked her to put in a good word for him with their boss, Mr. Xiang. Uncomfortable with his ingratiating manner, Ai Qing gave the drink to her colleague, Nana.

At home, Ai Jing expressed admiration for Ai Qing's dedication to coaching children, reminiscing about the lack of support during their own competitive youth and hoping some of her students might become future scientists. Meanwhile, Wu Bai met with Luo Hui and her classmate, Feiyan. He gave Luo Hui a robot figure, similar to a life-sized one at his K&K club, which delighted her.

Luo Hui mentioned she was in a teen robot training camp and would be going camping that weekend. When she showed Wu Bai the location on a map, he noted it was very close to his club. Luo Hui excitedly said she would ask her instructor for permission to visit, and Wu Bai agreed. Soon after, Shen Zhe arrived at the K&K club. At the entrance, he encountered a robotic usher that was retrieving a milk tea delivery.

The robot announced Shen Zhe's arrival and called for Wu Bai, who let him in. The robot, named Wu Liao, led him to 97. 97 explained the name was a pun on Wu Bai's name and the word for "boring." Shen Zhe joked the name might affect Wu Bai's love life, but the robot stated only its "daddy" could change its name.

After a friendly welcome, where Wu Bai humorously claimed he was broke after being scammed, he announced their leader, Su Cheng, was there to finalize Shen Zhe's contract. Su Cheng expressed her excitement, noting Shen Zhe's addition would make K&K much stronger. She pulled Wu Bai aside to discuss salary, and he proposed giving half of his own salary to Shen Zhe, insisting the new club needed to save money and that she must keep it a secret.

Su Cheng was surprised but, as he was the captain, agreed. When Shen Zhe saw the generous salary in his contract, he correctly guessed Wu Bai's sacrifice. He then instructed Su Cheng to set the extra money aside as a backup fund for K&K, admitting that while the money wasn't his to take, he enjoyed the thought of getting a "small benefit" from Wu Bai. Afterward, Wu Bai gathered the team, announcing K&K was now fully assembled.

He declared that as a brand-new team starting from scratch, he hoped they would work together to win a world championship for China, earning enthusiastic applause. The next day, Ai Qing took the children from her training camp on their camping trip. As their bus drove by, Wu Bai and his team were running alongside the road, but an engrossed Ai Qing didn't notice them.

Upon arrival, the bus driver called to inform her the vehicle had broken down and their pickup was delayed until the next morning. With the children getting hungry, Ai Qing went to find food. Meanwhile, Luo Hui's phone was dead, so she went to borrow Ai Qing's to call Wu Bai for help. At K&K, Wu Bai and Shen Zhe were engaged in an intense robot battle.

Shen Zhe was impressed with his new mech, realizing K&K had custom-built it for him after studying all his previous matches and even his "arrogant attitude." Wu Bai confidently stated he knew Shen Zhe would join. When asked to name the machine, Shen Zhe dubbed it "Trashcan," explaining he would use it to "classify all the trash" on the battlefield.

As Wu Bai's phone rang, he saw it was Ai Qing's number and answered, only to find Luo Hui on the other end asking him to bring food to their campsite. Back at the camp, Ai Qing had only found some old potatoes to roast. Nearby, Luo Hui and her classmates, charmed by a cage of poultry, opened the door. The chickens, ducks, and geese immediately scattered, causing the children to panic and scream for help.

Ai Qing rushed over, ushered the children to safety, and then desperately tried to herd the frantic birds back into their enclosure, getting covered in feathers and dirt in the process. Just as she sat on the ground, disheveled and helpless, Wu Bai arrived and saw her, a mix of amusement and concern on his face.

Episode 8 Recap

After learning Ai Qing and the children were in trouble, Wu Bai arrived at the poultry shed with his robot, Wu Liao. He found Ai Qing sitting on the ground, covered in feathers, and felt a pang of sympathy for her disheveled state. Ai Qing was surprised to see him, and Wu Bai explained he was asked to bring them some food. A young girl, Luo Hui, ran up and asked if the two knew each other.

Their playfully conflicting answers of "yes" and "no" confused her, until Ai Qing smiled and clarified that they would get to know each other better over time. Outside, children gathered around Wu Liao, curious about the robot. Ai Qing commented on its unique design, and Wu Bai teased that her own appearance was also quite unique at the moment. Feeling self-conscious, Ai Qing asked if she looked like a mess, but Wu Bai assured her she looked cute.

As the children grew hungry, Wu Bai called his K&K team. Shen Zhe, Zhou Yi, and 97 soon arrived with a bounty of food. Zhou Yi and 97 immediately showcased their cooking skills, preparing dumplings and other dishes, while Shen Zhe delighted the children with magic tricks. Watching the joyful scene, Ai Qing smiled and remarked on K&K's surprising talents. She thanked Wu Bai, but he dismissed her gratitude, saying it was unnecessary between them.

Ai Qing insisted on politeness since they weren't that familiar, which made Wu Bai laugh and tease her about her serious, "old-school leader" demeanor. Noticing a feather in her hair, he gently reached out to remove it. As the camp's hot water had been used up, Wu Bai offered to take Ai Qing to the nearby K&K base for a shower, assuring her their facilities were excellent. He thoughtfully left a set of his clean clothes for her.

After her shower, Ai Qing found the pants were too large. Wu Bai offered to get a smaller size from 97, but she declined. He then leaned in to help her adjust the oversized waistband, and the close proximity made Ai Qing's heart flutter. Wu Bai then led her on a tour of the base, showing her a large globe marked with points representing every city where he had competed.

He pointed to a specific spot, revealing it marked the place where they had first met. This triggered Ai Qing's memories of a rainy day when he helped her retrieve her remote control before defeating her in a competition. Wu Bai then recalled their second meeting in Singapore and their encounter with two cats, prompting Ai Qing to remember asking if they were siblings or a couple.

She also recalled their visit to a shooting range, where he had lent her his gold medal for a photo—a medal she still kept. Wu Bai confirmed he had seen it when he stayed at her house. Relieved, Ai Qing asked if she'd said anything foolish while drunk, but he reassured her that nothing she did could scare him because he was "brave." Feeling she knew little about him, Ai Qing asked for his story.

Wu Bai recounted his life: born in Guangzhou, he moved to Norway for high school, then returned after their Singapore encounter. He completed his studies at Caltech in two years to fulfill his grandfather's wish, established K&K's North American branch, and competed across the globe before returning to Shanghai to found K&K China. When Ai Qing asked why he returned, he confessed it was for an important person he couldn't forget—"someone I like."

As he repeated the words, their eyes met, revealing the depth of his feelings. Just then, a clueless Zhou Yi burst in, interrupting the moment with an enthusiastic monologue about his cooking. Sidelined, Wu Bai cleverly asked Zhou Yi to get him a glass of water, finally sending him away. Wu Bai moved to place an object on a table, and as he turned, Ai Qing, who was following closely, stopped short and lost her balance.

Wu Bai's reflexes were instant; he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her steady. The motion lifted the smaller Ai Qing, causing her bare feet to land gently on top of his. They gazed into each other's eyes, the air thick with sweet intimacy. Wu Bai softly apologized, but Ai Qing insisted it was her own fault. The spell was broken when Zhou Yi returned with the water.

Later, Wu Bai walked Ai Qing back to the campsite, reluctant to leave. Ai Qing gently urged him to get some rest and, seeing him hesitate, playfully tapped his cheek, telling him not to look back. Back at his base, Wu Bai couldn't sleep, a smile on his face as he touched the spot on his cheek where she had touched him. Ai Qing was also awake, pondering his words about "someone he liked."

Luo Hui, lying nearby, sat up and asked Ai Qing if she was "Frigg," Wu Bai's goddess, explaining she could tell by the way he looked at her. She then bluntly asked if Ai Qing liked him. With a smile, Ai Qing promised to tell her the next day, to which Luo Hui slyly predicted that she would like him even more by then. The next morning, Wu Bai invited Ai Qing and the children to the K&K base.

97 proudly introduced "Nobody," the first robot Wu Bai used to win a championship, calling it their "first child" since they designed it together. He also showcased "Trashcan," K&K's new secret weapon, which Shen Zhe demonstrated for the excited children. Her natural rapport with the children led one of the K&K members to comment that she would make a great team leader.

That afternoon, as Ai Qing ushered the children onto the bus, Wu Bai took her hand, pulling her back. Filled with reluctance to see her go, he could only manage to say, "Be safe on the way." Meanwhile, Wang Hao bought the house where he and Ai Qing had once trained, a place filled with memories. He wandered the rooms, wondering if they could ever return to their past.

That evening, Ai Qing bought pan-fried pork buns on her way home. She texted Wu Bai that she was almost there, only to run into Wang Hao at her building's entrance. He had also bought her buns and started to tell her about purchasing their old base when a cat's meow made him flinch. Ai Qing chuckled, reminding him the local cats were harmless, but he explained his cat hair allergy, a detail she had forgotten.

After a brief, awkward exchange, she went inside, leaving a disappointed Wang Hao holding the house keys. At home, Ai Qing told her sister, Ai Jing, about the trip. When she mentioned showering at the K&K base, Ai Jing playfully feigned shock, asking if she and Wu Bai had showered together, which Ai Qing quickly corrected. Ai Qing then shared that Wu Bai had told her there was "someone he liked" at the base.

Ai Jing immediately declared it a confession to Ai Qing, but Ai Qing remained uncertain, explaining that Zhou Yi's interruption left her unsure of who he meant. Observing her sister's flustered reaction, Ai Jing knew she had a crush, teasingly checking her racing heartbeat and raising a toast to "love."

Episode 9 Recap

At the K&K base, Shen Zhe found Wu Bai lost in thought, correctly guessing he was pining for Ai Qing. Wu Bai, feigning indifference, asked for advice for a "friend" in this situation. Shen Zhe saw through the pretense and advised Wu Bai's "friend" to simply go to her. He highlighted the significant distance, a nearly four-hour journey by subway and bus, and suggested Wu Bai ask Han Shangyan for a team car.

Wu Bai dismissed the idea, stating Han Shangyan lacked the funds. The next day, however, Wu Bai took Shen Zhe to a car dealership and purchased a new RX5 PLUS with his own money. He meticulously tested the comfort of the passenger and rear seats, prompting an amused Shen Zhe to remark on the "noblest body" that would sit there, alluding to Wu Bai's decade-long affection for Ai Qing.

After the purchase, Wu Bai was informed Ai Jing needed Shen Zhe, who then departed. Shen Zhe went to watch Ai Jing's formal rehearsal for the play "Jane Eyre". Afterwards, he grew jealous watching the actor playing Mr. Rochester invite Ai Jing to dinner. He confronted Ai Jing, asking if she remembered his last words to her at the Guangzhou karaoke bar.

When she feigned ignorance, he leaned in as if to kiss her, causing her to quickly cover her mouth. Smiling, Shen Zhe knew she remembered. They sat at the stage piano and played "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" together. He teased her for knowing nursery rhymes, and she retorted that she had many facets he had yet to discover, and they agreed to get to know each other better.

The next morning, Wu Bai arrived in his new car outside Ai Qing's building. Ai Jing, who was just leaving for her rehearsal, spotted him and rushed back to pull a still-brushing-her-teeth Ai Qing to the window. Encouraging her sister to seize the opportunity, Ai Jing left. A pleasantly surprised Ai Qing quickly changed and went downstairs to meet Wu Bai.

She led him to a local breakfast spot, and knowing the long drive he'd made, asked what time he set out. Wu Bai replied that he had left at three or four in the morning, simply because he wanted to have breakfast with her, a response that delighted Ai Qing. Wu Bai enjoyed the restaurant's atmosphere and the meat-stuffed rice balls. He invited Ai Qing to ride the K&K team bus to the Suzhou competition, and she happily agreed.

They sealed the deal by clinking their spoons over their rice balls. A local cat approached their table, and Wu Bai gently picked it up. Ai Qing noted the cat seemed to like him, and Wu Bai smiled, admitting he liked it too. Ai Qing teased him for liking so many things that day. Later, Wu Bai brought some of the salty rice balls back to the K&K base for 97, who was disgusted by the savory flavor.

Wu Bai then found Shen Zhe struggling to control his full-body spinner robot, "Trashcan." He advised Shen Zhe to intensify his two-hand coordination training, noting that such robots are typically operated by two people, and even offered Zhou Yi as a partner. Feeling challenged, Shen Zhe vowed to master solo operation in half a month. Wu Bai gave him a specialized tool to practice his coordination.

Later, Shen Zhe realized he had overlooked Trashcan's strong gyroscopic effects, which caused it to move erratically. While Wu Bai went to modify the simulator, Shen Zhe continued his training, showing significant improvement. On the rainy day of the Suzhou competition, Wu Bai waited by the team bus with an umbrella, a smile spreading across his face as Ai Qing approached. Just then, Wang Hao arrived with Team SP, explaining their bus had broken down and they needed a ride.

Shen Zhe cheekily referred to Wang Hao as Wu Bai's "love rival" and offered to find out if Ai Qing still had feelings for him, but Wu Bai ignored him and boarded the bus. Meanwhile, Ai Qing had already arranged with her colleague Nana to attend the competition herself, wanting the recently married Nana to have time with her husband. However, their manager, Mr. Lin, unaware of this, tried to assign the trip to Nana.

When Ai Qing corrected him, the manager awkwardly backpedaled, profusely insisting that Ai Qing, as the "Goddess," was essential for the event. Ai Qing boarded the bus and walked past the empty seats near both Wu Bai and Wang Hao. A sudden lurch of the bus caused her to lose her balance, and both men sprang up to help. She stumbled backward into Wu Bai's arms, as a concerned Wang Hao asked if she was okay.

Assuring them she was fine, she moved to an empty seat further back. Later that night, with most passengers asleep, Wu Bai moved to the back of the bus. Finding Ai Qing asleep by the window, he sat beside her and gently rested her head on his shoulder. When she stirred, he pretended to have just woken up.

She asked why he had moved, and he explained it gave him a better view of his teammates, an answer she found considerate. As the Lunar New Year approached, they discussed giving red envelopes to the K&K members, agreeing on five hundred yuan each. Their conversation was cut short when the bus braked suddenly, waking everyone. It was a minor incident involving a car ahead.

The team then noticed Wu Bai was missing, with one joking he might have been thrown out, only for another to retort that he was too tall for that. Shen Zhe called out, and Wu Bai revealed he and Ai Qing were in the back, explaining they were discussing red envelopes, which sent the team into a state of excited anticipation.

In the first match of the Suzhou competition, Shen Zhe, representing K&K with Trashcan, employed a high-risk strategy, maxing out the throttle at the start. The commentator praised his vastly improved two-hand coordination, noting that single-handedly operating a full-body spinner was a rare feat. Seizing an opportunity when his opponent's robot was knocked off balance by a trap, Shen Zhe delivered a decisive blow for a KO victory.

Afterward, as 97 praised his skill, Shen Zhe proudly declared, "I'm born to be a champion." The phrase struck Ai Qing as deeply familiar, reminding her of a similar boast from one of her own teammates years ago.

Episode 10 Recap

Following K&K's victory in the China Robot Combat Tournament's Suzhou Competition, the team gathered to congratulate Shen Zhe. Observing Ai Qing nearby, Wu Bai messaged her to invite her to dinner, a simple "OK" from her bringing a smile to his face. Later, in his room, Wu Bai meticulously selected outfits, seeking opinions from 97 and Shen Zhe. Distracted by their games, the two gave superficial answers, prompting Wu Bai to declare a "team meeting."

To their surprise, the meeting was merely for Wu Bai to choose among three black shirts for his date. While 97 saw little difference, Shen Zhe provided a thoughtful critique, suggesting the third shirt was perfect for the occasion. Thanking them, Wu Bai left, leaving 97 curious about his destination until Shen Zhe confirmed he was going on a date.

Wu Bai and Ai Qing settled down at a restaurant when Lin Yin, a friend Wu Bai had met during overseas competitions, approached. Lin Yin, who introduced himself as a quarter Chinese and a quarter French, playfully questioned if Ai Qing was Wu Bai's girlfriend, noting he had never seen Wu Bai on a date before. Ai Qing quickly denied it, insisting they were just friends.

Lin Yin then implied in French that she was indeed his girlfriend, to which Wu Bai responded that she was "not yet, but very soon." When Ai Qing asked what Lin Yin had said, Wu Bai feigned that he had merely complimented Suzhou's air quality. After dinner, Wu Bai and Ai Qing walked along a river when a person using a water gun accidentally sprayed Ai Qing, drenching her clothes.

The person profusely apologized, and Wu Bai immediately took off his jacket to give to her. Back at the hotel, Wu Bai asked 97 to boil water, then brought a hot drink and cold medicine to Ai Qing's room. Ai Qing, wearing a camisole under Wu Bai's jacket and drying her hair, opened the door expecting room service. Her towel slipped, causing a moment of embarrassment for both of them.

Wu Bai quickly apologized, handed her the items, and said he would wait for her at the Karaoke lounge. Ai Qing promised to change and meet him there soon. At the Karaoke lounge, Wu Bai anxiously watched the entrance. When Ai Qing arrived, Ou Qiang immediately pulled her towards Wang Hao's table. The three of them began singing a powerful song that seemed to transport Ai Qing back to her glorious past.

When Ai Qing left the private room, Wu Bai followed. Wang Hao called out to Wu Bai, remarking how nice it would have been if Han Shangyan, Wu Bai's cousin, were there, adding that Han still disliked crowded places after all these years. Ai Qing, washing her hands in the nearby restroom, was surprised to learn that Han Shangyan was related to Wu Bai. She approached them to confirm, and Wang Hao clarified that Wu Bai was Han Shangyan's cousin.

Overwhelmed, Ai Qing quickly excused herself and left the hotel. The name "Han Shangyan" instantly plunged her into painful memories of her former team's disbandment years ago, a day she wished to forget. She recalled Han Shangyan's anger, claiming they prioritized love over everything else. Despite Wang Hao's plea for her to stay and his offer to step down and let Han Shangyan take over, a tearful Ai Qing had resolved to quit after their final match.

Returning to the present, Ai Qing reflected on how Wu Bai, like her past self, now represented a team and carried the dreams of many. Wang Hao caught up to her, directly offering her the position of Team Leader for SP's Team No. 1. He expressed his desire to reunite their old colleagues to pursue a world championship. Wang Hao's words, tapping into her deep-seated passion, made her waver, and he gave her a week to consider.

Unbeknownst to them, Wu Bai overheard their conversation. He immediately messaged Ai Qing, apologizing for not revealing his familial connection to Han Shangyan sooner, explaining he feared reigniting her past pain over their team's breakup. Upon returning to Suzhou, Ai Qing's sister strongly encouraged her to rejoin the robot combat scene, urging her not to suppress her passion and to disregard any potential rumors concerning Wang Hao.

Ai Qing then sought out Slide, pressing him for the true reason behind his retirement. He confessed that he had injured his hand during a drunken fight with German teammates who had constantly belittled him, forcing his early retirement. When Ai Qing asked if he still yearned to compete, Slide admitted it was his dream. Soon after, Ai Qing called Wang Hao, accepting the position of Team Leader at SP.

She also used her new role to recommend someone with extensive experience and excellent mechanical skills, only for Wang Hao to confirm that Slide was already on their recruitment list. As she made this decision, Ai Qing felt a pang of heartbreak, realizing it meant a potential parting of ways with Wu Bai, a brilliant and talented young man who played for a rival team.

She resolved not to hinder his pursuit of his dreams, prioritizing his path over her personal feelings. Later, Ai Qing informed her father of her decision to resign and join SP as a Team Leader. Her father wholeheartedly supported her, encouraging her to pursue what she loved and promising to always be her strongest backup. Her sister also offered financial support, ensuring Ai Qing could fully dedicate herself to her new role. The family then shared a supportive meal together.

Episode 11 Recap

During dinner, Ai Qing and Ai Jing were surprised when their father told them their grandmother planned to arrange blind dates for them. Both sisters quickly dismissed the idea, asserting they did not need blind dates. Meanwhile, Wang Hao visited Slide’s store to invite him back into the robot combat scene, offering him the captain and mechanic positions for SP’s first team, which had been reserved for him.

Slide, having waited a long time for this opportunity, eagerly asked when he should report for duty. Wu Bai sent a message to Ai Qing, apologizing for not revealing earlier that Han Shangyan was his cousin, but Ai Qing did not reply. Shen Zhe suggested Wu Bai maintain distance to give her space, but Wu Bai insisted Ai Qing was not the type to read messages and not respond, concluding something must have happened.

He decided to find her to understand the situation. When he arrived at Ai Qing’s company building, she was just leaving after resigning, carrying her belongings. Wu Bai learned from her former manager that Ai Qing had resigned to join the SP team, which surprised him. After resigning, Ai Qing’s first act was to get a short haircut at a salon.

The hairstylist assumed she was heartbroken and wanted to shed her past, but Ai Qing clarified she wanted to return to it. Soon after, a refreshed Ai Qing with short hair reported to SP. Wang Hao finalized her contract and began introducing her to the team members. Lin Yin greeted her cheerfully, playfully suggesting she was Wu Bai’s girlfriend, which Ai Qing denied with a smile.

Lin Yin expressed regret, commenting that Wu Bai seemed to like her a great deal. Ai Qing then met Ou Qiang, Mi, and Slide. Seeing her former comrades-in-arms reunited, Ai Qing was deeply moved, tearfully bowing to thank them for coming back. Her teammates were equally emotional, shouting encouragement, making her feel as though she had returned to the Solo team.

Wu Liao, the robot, detected that Wu Bai’s happiness index was critically low and prompted him to share his feelings. Wu Bai initially dismissed it as "boring" but soon confessed his true thoughts. He was happy Ai Qing had returned to the robot combat world, but this also meant she would spend more time with Wang Hao.

When Wu Liao offered to play a playlist of sad love songs, Wu Bai declined, claiming he had calmed down, though he eventually admitted he wanted to see her. Wu Bai drove to the SP office building. Upon seeing Ai Qing’s new short hair, he complimented her, saying it suited her well. He then directly asked if her return to the robot combat world was because of Wang Hao, which she denied.

He invited her into his car to take her somewhere. Inside the car, neither spoke, but as Ai Qing observed Wu Bai driving intently, she realized she had unknowingly fallen for him. However, she was also acutely aware that he was Han Shangyan’s cousin and the captain of the K&K team. For her, returning to SP while being involved with K&K’s captain felt like reliving old mistakes. As night fell, Wu Bai led Ai Qing to a quiet swing set.

Just as he was about to express his feelings, Ai Qing asked him to listen first. She revealed the true reason behind the Solo team's disbandment: her own impulsive decision, which not only caused the team’s breakup but also left Han Shangyan, Ou Qiang, and Mi with eternal regret. Her biggest wish was to gather everyone and rebuild the team, helping them fulfill their dreams.

She then explained that with Wu Bai as K&K’s captain and her as SP’s leader, they would be significant rivals. Therefore, she believed some things were more important than love. Wu Bai was deeply saddened and asked Ai Qing if she liked him. Ai Qing, visibly pained, could only apologize. She turned and walked away, tears streaming down her face. Wu Bai wandered aimlessly through the streets.

Passing by a small shop he had visited with Ai Qing, he noticed a jar on a table containing wish notes. As rain began to fall, he sat on the wet street and opened a note that read, "The Chosen Bachelor." He opened another, which stated, "Dare not love too deeply, for fear it's only a grand dream," his mood sinking to rock bottom.

Ai Qing, meanwhile, remembered a competition three years prior, also on a rainy day, when her remote control fell into a sewer just before the match, and Wu Bai had arrived with an umbrella to help her. Remembering Wu Bai asking if she liked him, her heart ached. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes, letting the cold rain fall on her face.

At the K&K base, Han Shangyan noticed a photo on Wu Bai’s desk showing Wu Bai and Ai Qing standing side by side, smiling brightly. He frowned thoughtfully. Shen Zhe returned from a date, placing Ai Jing’s pink scarf, which she had left with him, around Wu Liao’s neck. When Ai Jing saw the photo he sent, she playfully commented that it looked as "cheesy" as him.

Shen Zhe retorted, telling her not to talk nonsense, as that was Wu Bai’s son. A dejected Wu Bai returned to the base, seemingly oblivious to 97’s greeting. He walked straight into his room, finding Han Shangyan there. Noticing his brother’s gaze on the photo on his desk, Wu Bai quickly picked it up and put it in a cabinet.

Han Shangyan stated that Ai Qing was Wang Hao’s girlfriend and that no matter their past grievances, Wang Hao would always be his brother. Wu Bai angrily retorted, asking if he was not his brother as well. He mused internally that the choices in life can be absurdly real.

He had thought the only thing that could outweigh love was a lack of it, but now realized that on the other side of the scale were his responsibilities, his mission, and his dreams, forcing him to choose between them and love.

Episode 12 Recap

Following his confrontation with Han Shangyan, a distraught Wu Bai claimed to have a stomachache and left for home. Seeing his captain's distress, Shen Zhe instructed Wu Liao, the team's robot, to follow him. Meanwhile, Ai Jing found her sister Ai Qing asleep, clutching a tellurian and murmuring, "Sorry, Wu Bai, I really like you so much." Back at his home, Wu Bai’s grandfather was delighted by his unexpected return.

Upon learning Wu Bai had a stomachache, his grandfather anxiously searched for painkillers. Unable to find any, he decided to call Han Shangyan, only to find that Wu Liao had already placed the call. The grandfather sternly ordered Han Shangyan to return immediately and take Wu Bai to the hospital. Han Shangyan arrived and went to Wu Bai’s room.

He told Wu Bai that while an apology was out of the question, he had brought medicine out of concern for his younger brother, leaving it by the door. Not long after, Han Shangyan returned, complaining that their grandfather had forced him to brew traditional Chinese medicine all night. He insisted Wu Bai drink it, and when Wu Bai refused, he left the bowl by the door. Wu Bai eventually opened the door and took the medicine inside.

The next morning, Wu Bai’s worried teammates decided to draw lots to see who would visit him. Shen Zhe drew the shortest slip and reluctantly went to Wu Bai's home. The grandfather asked if Wu Bai had been wronged by the team, but Shen Zhe assured him that as captain, Wu Bai was untouchable. Grandpa then inquired if it was a romantic problem. Shen Zhe admitted that Wu Bai liked a girl but their relationship was not going smoothly.

He showed Ai Qing’s photo to the delighted grandfather, who praised her beauty. When Grandpa asked about the man beside her, Shen Zhe explained he was Wang Hao, Ai Qing’s ex-boyfriend. Grandpa began to fret about them reconciling, and his concern deepened when Shen Zhe explained Wang Hao's legendary industry status as "Solo of Creation," on par with Han Shangyan. Just then, Wu Bai emerged from his room and sarcastically remarked on Shen Zhe's idleness.

Taking the hint, Shen Zhe hastily excused himself. The grandfather then encouraged Wu Bai, assuring him that the girl would surely like him back. The next day, Ai Qing woke with a headache. Ai Jing revealed that Ai Qing had confessed her feelings for Wu Bai in her sleep and knew she had confronted him. Ai Jing advised that love, like a sneeze, cannot be suppressed, but Ai Qing insisted she must control her feelings before heading to work.

At SP, she introduced Team RAP, their upcoming opponent, detailing their strengths and weaknesses. She then rallied her team, using the success of SP’s younger Second Team as motivation and imploring them to pour all their effort into achieving a grand slam to conclude their professional careers. Inspired, the team vowed to secure a win in their next match. Later, as the new team leader, Ai Qing distributed red packets to the team.

Han Shangyan found her still working late, reminding her to eat and suggesting she shouldn't use work to distract herself from a heartbreak, a claim Ai Qing firmly denied. That afternoon, Ai Jing, expecting a food delivery, opened her door to find a young woman who introduced herself as Xing Zhouzhou, Shen Zhe’s ex-girlfriend. The news distressed Shen Zhe. At a gathering, 97 explained to his K&K teammates that Xing Zhouzhou had cheated on Shen Zhe three times.

When he tried to end the relationship, she refused and resorted to extreme public stunts—including kneeling, proposing, and feigning suicide—which almost destroyed Shen Zhe emotionally. During a call, Shen Zhe ordered her to leave Ai Jing’s home and simultaneously warned Ai Jing not to believe her. However, an incensed Ai Jing hung up after calling him a "love rat." Ai Qing worked through the night on tactics.

The next morning, Wang Hao, concerned for her, brought her breakfast and drove her home. Meanwhile, a determined Shen Zhe arrived at Ai Jing's apartment to explain about his ex-girlfriend. Furious, Ai Jing called him a "love rat" and denied having any relationship with him. She rejected his offer to have Wu Bai and 97 vouch for his innocence, scoffing that men always cover for each other.

As Shen Zhe pressed closer, Ai Jing backed away and tripped, accidentally tearing his shirt open in her panic. Mortified, she apologized, but he leaned in to kiss her. When she instinctively covered her mouth, Shen Zhe laughed, telling her that trick wouldn't work anymore. He then gently removed her hand and kissed her.

Episode 13 Recap

Ai Qing walks in on Shen Zhe and Ai Jing's intimate moment, immediately apologizing and telling them to continue as she quickly leaves the room. Inside, Ai Jing pushes Shen Zhe away, urging him to leave. He pleads with her not to be angry, while she insists he must come to their home for dinner on the third day of the Lunar New Year, threatening to end their relationship if he's late.

As Shen Zhe finally departs, Ai Jing teases Ai Qing about their lack of discretion, pointing out the open windows and doors during their romantic encounter. Ai Qing brushes her off, saying she doesn't have time for her playful remarks. Grandpa calls Han Shangyan, earnestly asking for advice on how he pursued Tong Nian.

Han Shangyan explains his methods, including sending caring messages, asking her out, taking her to the supermarket, and even playing the pity card by squatting outside her door in the middle of the night. Grandpa is initially surprised by some of these "lame ideas," questioning if they disturbed her sleep, but eagerly takes notes when Han Shangyan confirms their effectiveness.

Han Shangyan also suggests taking her out to play games and go shopping, growing increasingly curious about why his grandpa is asking. Unbeknownst to them, Wu Bai is quietly listening in on their conversation from nearby. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Ai Jing questions Ai Qing’s extensive preparations for a meal on the third day. Ai Qing explains the need to prepare ahead due to busy family visits.

Ai Jing praises Shen Zhe and asks Ai Qing if she's ready for a younger boyfriend, which Ai Qing deflects. Ai Jing then reveals that Shen Zhe plans to bring Wu Bai along when he visits, as Wu Bai is also spending the festival in Shanghai.

Ai Jing probes if Ai Qing is afraid or can't let go, but Ai Qing confidently declares she has nothing to fear, stating she will give both men a large red envelope upon their arrival. As fireworks light up the night sky, Wu Bai sends Ai Qing a "Happy New Year" message. Ai Qing sees it, touched but unsure whether to reply. Meanwhile, Wu Bai keeps his eyes on his phone, waiting for her response.

Han Shangyan enters Wu Bai's room for an impromptu "meeting." Han Shangyan tells Wu Bai to be ready for three consecutive years of financial losses, to which Wu Bai confidently replies he's prepared for five. Han Shangyan then tries to discuss Ai Qing, but Wu Bai is hesitant, preferring to keep their conversations strictly business. Han Shangyan presses on, explaining that Ai Qing, despite her outward strength, is more timid than Wu Bai when it comes to relationships.

She has carried a burden of guilt towards him, Mi, and Ou Qiang for past events, even though they have never blamed her. Han Shangyan advises Wu Bai that he needs to help Ai Qing overcome these emotional hurdles, urging him to mature and become her equal, rather than just craving love like a child. Wu Bai then redirects the conversation back to business before abruptly excusing himself for "personal" reasons.

Ai Qing wanders the streets, observing fans holding signs for an upcoming Fox Hu concert. This sight transports her back three years to a previous concert. She reflects that while that memory once evoked regret, it now fills her with a profound sense of loss, as she realizes she has fallen in love with a boy named Wu Bai and feels she has already lost him.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai visits a store and purchases two large jars of chocolates, specifically seeking a particular message hidden within the wrappers. The store clerk, understanding his request, explains that each note corresponds to a number on the bottom of the jar, making it easier to find. She helps him locate the exact jar containing the message: "No one has ever walked into my heart, until you showed up." Grateful, Wu Bai leaves with his prize.

Wu Bai arrives at the Fox Hu concert, the music stirring memories of three years prior. He notices Ai Qing seated nearby; their eyes meet, and they exchange gentle smiles. Wu Bai approaches Ai Qing and apologizes for missing the concert three years ago. Ai Qing dismisses it as a thing of the past, but Wu Bai reveals the true reason for his absence: he had arrived at the venue, but his vision suddenly failed.

He explains that he suffered from temporary blindness, a condition that had begun even earlier on the night they were on the beach. He underwent three risky operations—the first one failing—and was blind for about a year while Han Shangyan sought multiple hospitals for his treatment. Out of guilt, he promised his grandpa he would stay and complete his studies if the operations were successful, which is why he didn't return to China for three years.

He then gives Ai Qing the special chocolate, admitting that he had tried to find that specific note by opening an entire jar of chocolates that night but failed, and this is his last chance. As they say "Happy New Year" to each other, Ai Qing takes the chocolate and later reads the hidden message. Ai Jing finds Ai Qing lost in thought, holding the chocolate wrapper.

She reads the message aloud, marveling at its significance and suggesting it’s a sign that even fate wants them together. Ai Jing presses Ai Qing on her feelings, but Ai Qing expresses her concerns, explaining that their shared professional circle would lead to public scrutiny. She also worries about Wu Bai’s high profile and the attention he garners.

Ai Jing cuts her off, demanding a simple "yes" or "no" on whether she likes him, but Ai Qing finds the situation far more complex. Later, Shen Zhe attempts to persuade Wu Bai to join him for a visit to Ai Jing’s house, envisioning a double date. Wu Bai refuses, prompting Shen Zhe to advise him to seize the opportunity to reconcile with Ai Qing.

When Wu Bai remains firm, Shen Zhe asks to borrow his car to take Ai Jing on a romantic outing. Overhearing this, Grandpa decides to take matters into his own hands. He asks Shen Zhe for Ai Qing’s home address. Determined to help, he then heads to a mall to buy a gift for his future granddaughter-in-law.

When he realizes he’s forgotten his wallet, he uses Wu Bai’s mobile payment feature, leading to Wu Bai receiving a flurry of payment notifications. Wu Bai then discovers that his phone’s navigation is set to Ai Qing’s address, leaving him utterly confused. At home, Ai Qing and Ai Jing are hosting a blind date arranged by their grandma. Ai Jing receives a text from Shen Zhe, informing her he’ll arrive in three minutes.

Panicked, Ai Jing tells Ai Qing to handle the situation downstairs. Shen Zhe drives up and sees Ai Qing, assuming she's there to greet him. Ai Qing stops him from going up, claiming the house is too crowded. Just then, Wu Bai arrives. Ai Qing pulls him aside and quickly explains the chaotic situation: their grandma arranged a blind date for both sisters with the same man.

She adds that Ai Jing has a secret boyfriend—Shen Zhe—and a fight will break out if he goes upstairs. Before Ai Qing can stop him, Wu Bai bluntly tells Shen Zhe that Ai Jing is on a blind date upstairs. Enraged, Shen Zhe immediately rushes into the building. As Shen Zhe storms upstairs, he confronts Ai Jing as she is emerging from the apartment. He accuses her of being on a blind date while they are together.

Ai Jing desperately explains it was an unexpected arrangement, but ignoring her pleas, Shen Zhe swiftly lifts her onto his shoulder and carries her downstairs. Just then, a car pulls up, and Wu Bai is surprised to see his grandpa step out with gifts. Grandpa greets Ai Qing, complimenting her beauty. Witnessing Shen Zhe carrying Ai Jing away, Grandpa playfully winks at Wu Bai, who acknowledges the signal with a promise to try his best.

When the blind date suitor comes downstairs, he mistakes Grandpa for a relative. Grandpa clarifies he's "also" there for a blind date—for his grandson, Wu Bai—and cheerfully suggests they can all have a group date together, much to the suitor's confusion. Observing the chaos, Wu Bai reflects on Han Shangyan's advice, realizing he needs to pursue Ai Qing with maturity. He vows to dispel the "mist" of her past guilt, promising to run towards her without hesitation, every time.

Episode 14 Recap

Continuing from the previous episode, Wu Bai's grandfather arrived at Ai Qing’s home with Wu Bai, accompanied by the smart speaker Wu Liao. Seeing another gentleman present, Grandpa mistook him for Ai Qing’s uncle, but the man clarified he was there for a blind date. Amused, Grandpa announced that his grandson, Wu Bai, was also there for a blind date and suggested they chat together. The gentleman introduced himself as being 35 years old.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa noted he was a full decade older than Wu Bai. At that moment, Wu Bai subtly activated his phone, and Wu Liao declared that men over 35 have a 20. 9% increased risk of chronic diseases. Grandpa then advised the suitor to take care of his health, even offering him a health supplement, much to the man's embarrassment.

The suitor then boasted of owning a company with a million-yuan annual salary and two fully-paid apartments in Shanghai, one for his marital home and the other for his future father-in-law. Ai Qing’s father was impressed, praising his filial piety. Not to be outdone, Grandpa declared that if Wu Bai and his future granddaughter-in-law liked the neighborhood, he was prepared to buy a historic villa in the area, noting the rare charm of old Shanghai.

Ai Qing’s father was even more delighted, acknowledging how scarce such properties are. Grandpa then gave his grandson a proud wink, and Wu Bai returned it with a thumbs-up. Afterward, Ai Qing’s father and Ai Qing escorted Wu Bai and his grandpa downstairs. Grandpa expressed his hope that their two families would soon be joined.

As Ai Qing's father noted it was up to the young people, Grandpa took Ai Qing’s arm and called for Wu Bai, who stepped forward and took her hand. Grandpa affectionately advised them not to quarrel, and they both smiled and nodded. Ai Qing then slowly withdrew her hand, leaving Wu Bai feeling sweet reluctance. Wu Bai then took his grandpa to the K&K club, as Grandpa was curious to see the place he and Han Shangyan had established.

Upon arrival, Wu Bai introduced his grandpa to his teammates, including 97. They showed him Han Shangyan’s office and took great care of him, explaining the intricacies of their work. Grandpa was particularly confused by the difference between Wu Bai’s household service robot, Wu Liao, and his combat robot, Nobody, which was formerly named "Wu Ming Xiao Zu."

The team explained that they dedicate immense effort to building these combat robots, even if they might be destroyed in short, intense three-minute battles, calling it "the romance of men." They then led him to the training area, where Wu Bai and Shen Zhe practice. Grandpa expressed admiration for their dedication, and the team explained their work was driven by passion; the satisfaction of seeing a robot they built from scratch win championships made all the effort worthwhile.

Deciding to try a simulation game himself, Grandpa surprised everyone, including Wu Bai and 97, by demonstrating an unexpected natural talent and winning multiple rounds. Meanwhile, Shen Zhe took Ai Jing to a quieter spot. Since the weather was unsuitable for fireworks, they played a game of “I Never,” where the loser had to drink. Ai Jing admitted she couldn't drive and shared her sister's poor sense of direction.

Shen Zhe confessed he had never loved anyone as much as he loved her. Ai Jing, in turn, confessed the same and boldly kissed him, creating a perfectly sweet moment. Shortly after, Shen Zhe returned the car keys to Wu Bai, only to receive a call from his ex-girlfriend, Xing Zhouzhou, informing him that she and his mother were in Shanghai. Shen Zhe immediately pulled Wu Bai along to a nearby coffee shop.

There, he was infuriated to see Xing Zhouzhou feigning vulnerability in front of his mother. He firmly told his mother that he and Xing Zhouzhou had broken up last year and that he now had a girlfriend. However, his mother sided with Xing Zhouzhou, praising her for arranging the trip and buying the plane tickets. She insisted that Shen Zhe accompany them sightseeing the next day.

Shen Zhe begged his mother not to interfere in his relationship, but she remained resolute, declaring that as his mother, he had to obey her. The next day, Ai Jing was waiting at home for Shen Zhe when she received a text from him canceling their outing due to an urgent matter. Soon after, she received another message, this time from Xing Zhouzhou, informing her that Shen Zhe was with her and his mother at the Bund.

Enraged, Ai Jing hailed a taxi and headed to the location. She called Shen Zhe from the cab, and he claimed he was only with his mother. Ai Jing then told him to turn around. When Shen Zhe saw her standing there, he knew Xing Zhouzhou had set him up. Fuming, Ai Jing stormed away, throwing the attraction tickets she had bought at Xing Zhouzhou and calling them a "break-up fee."

Shen Zhe confronted Xing Zhouzhou, telling her to stop bothering Ai Jing, but she insisted she wanted to make Ai Jing give up so she could reconcile with him. Annoyed by her persistence, Shen Zhe angrily walked away. Back home, a distraught Ai Jing began to drink heavily, pulling Ai Qing into her misery. Meanwhile, Shen Zhe returned to the K&K base and vented his frustration by relentlessly hitting a sandbag and running on the treadmill.

Observing his behavior, Wu Bai believed that Shen Zhe himself was the key to resolving the issue and suggested to 97 that they call Ai Qing to help. When 97 informed Wu Bai that Ai Qing had agreed to come, a smile crept across Wu Bai’s face. 97 immediately realized his captain's ulterior motive, joking that Wu Bai's new strategy was to "feign an attack on one front while secretly advancing on another" and dubbing him the "King of Assists."

Later, 97 and Wu Bai met Ai Qing at a coffee shop to devise a plan to help Shen Zhe. As Wu Bai and Ai Qing gazed intently at each other, 97 playfully waved a hand between them to break the trance. Wu Bai ordered Ai Qing her favorite Toffee Hazelnut Latte, a Christmas special that the barista agreed to make after Wu Bai pleaded, hinting to Ai Qing that her "boyfriend" was very concerned about her.

They discussed the misunderstanding, and Wu Bai confirmed Shen Zhe’s devotion to Ai Jing. After agreeing on a strategy, the three left. As snow began to fall, Ai Qing went back inside to borrow an umbrella. Seizing the opportunity, 97 took Wu Bai's car keys and drove off, leaving Wu Bai to keep Ai Qing company. Wu Bai then offered to walk Ai Qing home under the umbrella.

Along the way, he told her about Han Shangyan’s life over the past years, explaining how he had not remained stuck in the past and how everyone was moving forward. As snow danced romantically around them, their hearts grew closer. Upon returning to the K&K base, Wu Bai found Shen Zhe on the sofa and advised him to apologize to Ai Jing. Shen Zhe retorted that apologies were useless.

Following Ai Qing's suggestion, Wu Bai casually mentioned that Ai Qing was planning to take Ai Jing to see Slide. Startled, Shen Zhe asked if Slide was Ai Jing's ex-boyfriend. Wu Bai didn't elaborate, simply stating that love and glory are things one must fight for oneself. The next morning, Ai Qing woke Ai Jing with the promise of a new phone as a surprise gift. Just then, a knock came at the door.

Ai Qing opened it to find Slide, who had delivered the new phone. He also handed her a notebook Wu Bai had left at his place, asking her to return it. As Ai Qing took the notebook, a photograph slipped out. It was a drawing of Forget-Me-Not flowers, identical to the painting on the wall of her old family house—a drawing that had always brought her warmth and inspiration.

Episode 15 Recap

Slide visited Ai Qing's home and gave her a notebook that Wu Bai had left at his place, asking her to return it. As Ai Qing took the notebook, a photo slipped out. She picked it up and saw a large bouquet of blooming Forget-Me-Nots, with the message "You’ll never feel alone if you’re after dreams" written on it, which immediately stirred her memories.

Ai Qing ran back to her old house, looking at an identical painting on the courtyard wall. She recalled a time when she had asked Wu Bai why he returned, and he had told her that a very important person he liked was there—someone he couldn't forget. At that moment, she finally understood the depth of Wu Bai's affection, and tears gently streamed down her face. Downstairs, after Ai Jing saw Slide off, Shen Zhe arrived.

When Ai Jing told him Slide's visit was none of his business, he insisted that as long as they hadn't broken up, it concerned him. In a fit of pique, Ai Jing declared they were officially broken up. Shen Zhe followed her upstairs to her apartment, determined to settle the matter. When she asked how he planned to formally resolve things, he stated he would not break up with her.

Ai Jing called him a scoundrel and tried to walk away, but Shen Zhe pulled her against the wall. She threatened to hit him, but he laughed, unafraid, saying he had been hit by her before. Taking his dare, Ai Jing marched into the kitchen and returned with a knife. Alarmed, Shen Zhe disarmed her, replacing the knife with a rolling pin. He sincerely apologized, admitting his methods were wrong but insisting he hadn't committed any transgression of principle.

Ai Jing, though holding the rolling pin high, found herself unable to strike. She said that while other mistakes could be forgiven, a "third woman" was unforgivable. Shen Zhe vehemently denied the existence of a third party and tried to show her his chat history, but she refused to look. As he continued to sweet-talk her, her anger gradually dissipated. Shen Zhe then asked about her and Slide, leaving Ai Jing bewildered.

Just then, Ai Qing returned, looking as if she had been crying, prompting Ai Jing to send Shen Zhe away. Later, Ai Qing sat on her bed, flipping through the notebook. At the end, she saw Wu Bai's written goal: "300 wins." When Ai Jing entered, Ai Qing showed her the photo and explained that the street lamp at their old house had been fixed and the Forget-Me-Nots were painted on the wall—all done by Wu Bai.

Ai Jing exclaimed how romantic it was. Ai Qing then revealed that three years ago, when Wu Bai had suddenly disappeared, she thought he had left without a word. She had only now discovered he had gone for eye surgery after suffering temporary blindness and had undergone three risky operations over a year. She realized he had left the Forget-Me-Nots for her on her daily path home. His feelings for her were much deeper than she had ever imagined.

Ai Jing encouraged her to set aside her worries and reconsider her relationship with Wu Bai. At the K&K club, 97 was surprised to hear that Ai Qing had joined SP. Wu Bai stated he was happy as long as she could find her own value, believing she was born for the industry. Shen Zhe commented that she was now K&K's biggest rival, predicting a bumpy road for their relationship.

When 97 and Shen Zhe asked what happened during his private meeting with Ai Qing, 97 accidentally revealed they had sought Ai Qing's advice for Shen Zhe and Ai Jing's argument, leading Shen Zhe to finally realize that Slide was not Ai Jing's ex-boyfriend. Wu Bai simply said he and Ai Qing had cleared the air on some important issues. 97 suggested he send a gift to consolidate his progress.

This gave Wu Bai an idea, and he went to his workshop to begin working on something, telling Zhou Yi it was a "preview" for a "whole new start." After the New Year, Ai Qing returned to work and received a robot figurine from Wu Bai. The card read, "We are friends, but also rivals. Welcome back." Ai Qing smiled, understanding they would soon meet on the field.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai looked at his own robot and recalled his brother Han Shangyan’s advice: not to crave love like a child craving candy, but to become a worthy rival, a man who could stand beside her as an equal. Both the SP and K&K teams received invitations to a robot combat competition in Chicago.

During a tour of the K&K headquarters led by Ai Qing, a K&K staff member named Alice remarked to Wu Bai that he and Ai Qing had a "couple's aura," to which Wu Bai admitted he hoped for that. Alice then presented Ai Qing with "Wu Bai’s Collection of Awards," telling her he held the most honors in K&K. This prompted Ai Qing to ask Wu Bai how many matches he had played.

He replied over 200, and if he won all twelve individual events in this competition, he would reach 300 wins. Ai Qing finally understood the true meaning of his goal and playfully challenged his confidence. The next day, Wu Bai took Ai Qing to the main competition venue. There, Ai Qing received a call from Han Shangyan. Wu Bai quickly took the phone, asking his brother not to make things difficult for her.

Han Shangyan teased him, and Wu Bai retorted that he was afraid Han would suffer indigestion. Ai Qing took the phone back and told Han Shangyan that this was her first time on a global competition stage. She expressed regret that if their original team hadn't disbanded, they might have stood there much earlier, and offered him a formal apology.

Han Shangyan dismissed it as being in the past and praised Wu Bai, causing Ai Qing to playfully ask if he was trying to be a matchmaker. That evening, Ai Qing and her SP teammates gathered for dinner. Seeing everyone looking forward, she felt it was time for her to let go of the past as well. Everyone drank heartily, and Ai Qing became quite tipsy, needing her teammates to help her back to her room.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai called Han Shangyan, worriedly asking what he had said to Ai Qing. Han Shangyan mischievously claimed he told her they weren't a good match. Soon after, Wu Bai received a slurred voice message from an intoxicated Ai Qing, filling him with concern.

Episode 16 Recap

A tipsy Ai Qing returned to her room, sending voice messages to her sister asking for apple vinegar, unaware that she was sending them to Wu Bai. He heard her slurred words and promptly left his room. Meanwhile, a thirsty Ai Qing stumbled unsteadily toward what she thought was a refrigerator, only to open the shower in the bathroom.

Drenched, she cried out that the "fridge was leaking" before running to the living room to peel off her wet clothes and dry her head. The doorbell then rang, and Ai Qing, expecting her sister with the apple vinegar, opened the door to find Wu Bai standing there. He had brought her apple vinegar and hangover remedies. Noticing her in just a camisole, he quickly averted his gaze.

Ai Qing took the apple vinegar and went inside, and he followed, holding the remedies. When she picked up a bottle of alcohol from the table to drink again, Wu Bai urged her to stop, reminding her of her low tolerance. He placed the remedies on the table, intending to leave, but Ai Qing pulled him back, opening a can and insisting he drink with her. Wu Bai then found a coat for her, asking her to put it on.

Ai Qing, complaining about the heat, agreed to wear it only if he drank with her. Just as Wu Bai was about to comply, she suddenly remembered his upcoming competition and took the alcohol away from him, apologizing for her mistake. Wu Bai looked away as he carefully helped her put on the coat.

Ai Qing cooperatively slipped into it, remarking that she had looked at the list of players for the heat and predicted he would face Naya in the quarter-final. She advised him to be extremely cautious, as Naya was known for his "mean" tactics, specializing in psychological warfare and deliberately stalling for time, traits she found unlike a man.

When Wu Bai fumbled with the zipper, she playfully pushed him away, feigning annoyance at his apparent lack of skill before easily zipping it up herself. Wu Bai then asked if she was unhappy, which was why she was drinking. Ai Qing smiled, affirming she was far from unhappy; in fact, she was "very, very, very happy."

She explained it was because Han Shangyan, Slide, Mi, and Ou Qiang were all doing better than ever before, and nothing could bring her more joy. She admitted she was always poor at saying goodbye, constantly looking back and dwelling on the past. But now, she understood that bidding farewell was actually the most pleasant thing, as only by letting go of the past could one embrace new hopes. Wu Bai smiled, gently asking about these new hopes.

Her face flushed, and her watery eyes full of deep affection, she gazed at him, telling him he looked handsome even without his cap. Wu Bai's lips curled into a faint smile, and he softly asked, "Really?" As she slowly leaned closer, his heart began to pound. She then asked if he still liked her. Before he could answer, overcome by the alcohol, she softly collapsed into his arms. Wu Bai quickly draped a blanket over her.

As she murmured about feeling cold, he gently held her close, thinking that if he had been born just a few years earlier, he would have been able to provide her with a powerful team and a promise that it would never disband. The next morning, Ai Qing woke with a throbbing headache, unable to recall anything from the previous night. A service attendant arrived with her freshly laundered clothes.

Seeing the name "Wu Bai" on the laundry slip, she realized he had been in her room. Later, in the elevator, she encountered Lin Yin. Knowing Lin Yin was close to Wu Bai, Ai Qing asked if Wu Bai had any "scandals" or if he had liked any girls in recent years. Lin Yin, after a brief pause, humorously responded, "Isn't that you?" He then assured her he hadn't heard of anyone else, which greatly pleased Ai Qing.

Upon arriving at the lounge, both K&K and SP team members greeted Ai Qing warmly. She quietly asked Wu Bai if she had said anything inappropriate while drunk the previous night. He reassured her that while she had said a few things, they were not improper. Soon after, SP team members brought in breakfast. Ai Qing immediately grabbed a bread roll, intending to give it to Wu Bai.

However, K&K members, with outstretched hands, collectively thanked "Sister Ai Qing," hoping for some themselves. Fortunately, the SP members clarified that there was plenty more, handing the K&K team a large bag of bread. Observing Ai Qing pouring warm water for Wu Bai, the K&K members expressed surprise, remarking on how unusually gentle the SP team leader was when speaking to their captain. The drawing results for the matches were then announced.

To his dismay, Shen Zhe drew Naya, the last defending champion, prompting a visible gasp from him. During their subsequent match, despite Shen Zhe's best efforts, he was ultimately defeated by Naya. Later, SP’s Mi also unexpectedly lost his match to an opponent. With the final approaching, Lin Yin was set to compete against Wu Bai.

Ai Qing encouraged Lin Yin not to feel pressured, urging him to execute their planned strategy: to draw Wu Bai into his own rhythm, regardless of the outcome. The Mark Thorpe Cup final commenced with Lin Yin's Monster King and Wu Bai's Nobody immediately engaging in a fierce head-to-head confrontation. Monster King launched its ax, but it missed, allowing Nobody to make a perfect escape. The two robots then entered close-quarters combat, exchanging various maneuvers.

Nobody sustained damage to its front left gear, and commentators noted that if it continued to absorb hits, it might not be able to participate in the subsequent two rounds. Recognizing the critical damage, Wu Bai called for a timeout. The first round concluded with Lin Yin securing a victory. Ai Qing quickly offered words of encouragement to Wu Bai, urging him to "Go for it!"

During the intermission, K&K team members assessed Nobody’s severe damage, specifically to its front left gear, and discussed adding a shield to protect it, acknowledging that Ai Qing had pinpointed their robot's weakness. Ai Qing then reminded Lin Yin of their prior analysis, emphasizing that their true battle would begin in the second round. The second round began with Lin Yin and Wu Bai again going head-to-head. Lin Yin’s Monster King relentlessly attacked Nobody with two ax swings.

However, Nobody, having undergone adjustments during the pause, showed no fear. With a swift turn, it abruptly overturned Monster King and then relentlessly pursued it, pushing it towards the elimination zone. Nobody successfully knocked out Monster King, perfectly evening the score. Commentators praised Wu Bai's thunderous counterattack, noting that he had learned from the previous round and chosen to eliminate his opponent directly rather than engage in a drawn-out fight.

During the break before the third round, Monster King's shield was reported as deformed, and its ax's support was broken, requiring immediate removal. Ai Qing approached a visibly concerned Lin Yin, challenging him to prove his true strength in the final round. Lin Yin expressed anxiety about a repeat of the second round's outcome, but Ai Qing reassured him, emphasizing that at his young age, the match was an opportunity for improvement.

Ai Qing expressed her belief that Lin Yin could defeat Wu Bai, if not today, then someday in the future, urging him to trust in himself and give his best performance. Lin Yin’s teammates also offered support, taking on the responsibility for preparing the robot so he could focus solely on the match. The decisive third and final round began to determine the champion.

Commentators highlighted the high stakes, noting that regardless of who won, they would make history, and the audience's enthusiasm was palpable. Immediately, Nobody twice overturned Monster King. Lin Yin’s Monster King then charged towards Nobody, cleverly aiming for its catapult. Commentators lauded this as a "smart decision" and "aiming at the lifeblood," noting that Lin Yin had learned from the previous round and prevented Wu Bai from employing the same strategy.

Monster King continued its pursuit, and suddenly, Nobody was lifted by a rising maze-like device on the field, exposing its entire catapult. Monster King seized the opportunity, repeatedly hacking at Nobody's exposed catapult. Despite the seemingly dire situation, Nobody suddenly counter-catapulted, launching Monster King away. However, Nobody’s catapult appeared half-open, seemingly malfunctioning, causing widespread concern. Monster King immediately advanced, seizing what appeared to be its chance. But in a dramatic turn, Nobody's catapult fully closed, proving it was not malfunctioning.

Monster King instantly turned and fled, now chased relentlessly by Nobody. In a shocking, almost suicidal move, Monster King then charged directly into another catapult device on the field. To everyone's astonishment, it launched itself high into the air, landing heavily and directly onto Nobody in a move the commentators ecstatically dubbed "Mount Tai Pressing Down."

With only 30 seconds remaining in the match, and Nobody having lost points earlier for hitting a trap, Wu Bai strategically maneuvered Nobody, pushing Monster King directly into the arena's maze-like device. Monster King struggled, seemingly being dismantled by the mace of the device. The commentators noted that the two robots were locked in a tight embrace, an almost "meat grinder" like scenario.

Monster King managed to momentarily break free, but Nobody relentlessly pinned it down, giving it no chance to escape. As the final ten seconds ticked away, the fate of the championship became clear, with the crowd's cheers anticipating the imminent victory.

Episode 17 Recap

In the climactic final moments of the competition, Wu Bai's robot, Nobody, charged directly at Lin Yin's Beastmaster, pinning it against the field's mace-like device. Beastmaster struggled fiercely and managed to break free for a moment, but Nobody gave it no respite, relentlessly pushing it back onto the mace. Lin Yin watched with a mixture of tension and despair, frantically pressing buttons, but his robot, now a trapped beast, had no chance to retaliate.

Ultimately, Wu Bai emerged victorious, claiming the championship. Ai Qing approached him to offer her congratulations. As the champion, Wu Bai was given three prize options: points, money, or the right to rename the competition for the next ten years. He chose the renaming right and, looking at Ai Qing, announced that for the next decade, the cup would be known as the "Frigg Cup."

His teammates whispered among themselves, wondering who Frigg was, while Ai Qing's eyes welled with emotion, recalling Luo Hui once saying that Wu Bai had a goddess in the industry—his very own Frigg. Observing Ai Qing's expression, Shen Zhe suspected she knew the name's significance. Lin Yin then asked why her face was red, to which an embarrassed Ai Qing replied that the arena was too hot and she needed to wash her face, before quickly leaving.

Amidst roaring applause, the presenter draped the medal around Wu Bai's neck and handed him the trophy, making him the most radiant star in the arena. Afterwards, his teammates surrounded him, pressing him about the identity of Frigg. Wu Bai, however, only asked where Ai Qing had gone. Lin Yin informed him she had gone to the restroom, so he instructed everyone to head to the car while he went to find her.

Ai Qing, having washed her face, was hurrying back when she collided with someone. She looked up and saw it was Wu Bai. Driven by a sudden urge to be brave, Ai Qing told Wu Bai she had forgotten to give him something. She reminded him of how he had unwrapped an entire tin of chocolates without finding the note he was looking for.

Revealing that she had opened the very last piece, she extended her hand to show him a wish note inside. It read, "My heart had never stirred for anyone, until you came along," a sentiment that perfectly mirrored both his unspoken feelings and her own. Overjoyed, Wu Bai took Ai Qing's hand and led her back to the now-empty arena. The space, which had just been vibrating with intense competition, was now quiet, seemingly listening to their whispered affections.

They embraced passionately, sharing a sweet kiss. Wu Bai then asked for a chance to start a relationship with her, offering his 300 championship titles as his pledge. Ai Qing, smiling, readily agreed. They shared another tender kiss just as Mr. Xiang's voice echoed through the venue, calling their names. Ai Qing quickly hid. When Mr. Xiang asked Wu Bai if he had seen her, Wu Bai feigned ignorance, and Mr. Xiang continued his search elsewhere.

Once he was gone, Ai Qing emerged, and Wu Bai held her tightly, reluctant to let go, cherishing the love he had waited so long for. Back in her hotel room, Ai Qing savored the memory of their kiss. A moment later, a server delivered a bottle of hot milk to her room. Puzzled, she soon received a message from Wu Bai asking if she had received the milk, which made her smile.

On the return flight, Wu Bai deliberately upgraded their seats to first class so they could sit together without being disturbed. When he mentioned he was hungry, Ai Qing offered him some chocolate. Seeing he hesitated, she took a bite herself, and Wu Bai leaned in to share it. He then asked if they were officially a couple, and Ai Qing nodded. He reassured her that they would announce their relationship when the time was right.

Upon their return to Shanghai, they went to the movies for their first date. Noticing Wu Bai's nervousness, Ai Qing playfully teased him about it. To ensure she'd like the film, Wu Bai had several movie titles written on his hand, which he glanced at while giving her synopses. After they chose a movie, Wu Bai bought them strawberry-flavored soda and popcorn. Just then, both received urgent calls summoning them to the K&K base.

They rushed back to find the base completely dark. As they wondered what was happening, the lights suddenly flickered on, and everyone emerged, singing "Happy Birthday" and pushing a cake cart. Only then did Ai Qing realize it was Wu Bai's birthday. Members from SP had also joined the K&K team for the celebration. Wu Bai expressed his gratitude for the surprise party.

Mr. Xiang then tried to play matchmaker, attempting to introduce his fan-girl cousin to Wu Bai via video call, but Wu Bai immediately stated that he already had someone he liked. After making his wish, Wu Bai discreetly slipped away from the party. Ai Qing found him and asked why he hadn't told her about his birthday. He replied that he only wanted to spend it with her.

She apologized for not having a gift, but Wu Bai assured her that her presence was the greatest one he could ask for. He then reflected on how he used to wish for superpowers like those in stories, but now realized he already possessed the most remarkable one: the girl he loved also loved him back.

Episode 18 Recap

Following his championship win, Ai Qing learned it was Wu Bai's birthday, expressing regret that she hadn't prepared a gift. Wu Bai gently reassured her that her presence was the best gift he could ask for. As he slowly leaned in to kiss her, 97 burst into the room, boisterously calling for Wu Bai. Realizing he had interrupted an intimate moment, 97 quickly excused himself, and Ai Qing suggested Wu Bai go and greet the others.

Mr. Xiang then approached Ai Qing with a piece of cake, asking if she had considered remarrying since her breakup with Wang Hao. He then boldly nominated himself as a potential partner. Amused, Ai Qing playfully asked if he was celebrating April Fool's Day early. Before Mr. Xiang could continue, Shen Zhe entered, teasing him about playing matchmaker for himself after just setting up his cousin. Undeterred, Mr. Xiang declared his intention to formally pursue Ai Qing.

When Shen Zhe mentioned that Mr. Xiang had also pursued Tong Nian, Mr. Xiang quickly hushed him, cautioning that one doesn't simply try to poach someone from Han Shangyan. Just then, Wang Hao arrived, apologizing for being late. As Mr. Xiang attempted to resume his confession, Wu Bai interrupted, stating that Ai Qing already had someone she liked.

When Mr. Xiang pressed for a name, Ai Qing shared a knowing smile with Wu Bai and replied that the person she likes doesn't get jealous. Seeing their interaction, Wang Hao immediately understood that Ai Qing was referring to Wu Bai. At the dinner table, Wang Hao was visibly distressed, drinking quietly. K&K's leader, Su Cheng, observed him, her thoughts drifting back to a painful memory. She recalled confronting Wang Hao years ago, after their breakup, revealing she was pregnant.

Desperate, with their daughter Xiao Ai needing medical treatment, Su Cheng had pleaded with Wang Hao to take in their child. Ai Qing, who was dating Wang Hao at the time, witnessed this emotional encounter and was shocked to learn from Su Cheng that Xiao Ai was indeed his daughter.

In the present, burdened by guilt, Su Cheng pulled Wang Hao aside to apologize, confessing that if she hadn't left Xiao Ai with him, he and Ai Qing might never have broken up. Wang Hao dismissed her apology, stating that his decision not to remarry had nothing to do with her. Su Cheng then revealed her desire to take Xiao Ai abroad to raise her.

Wang Hao reacted with fury, accusing her of treating their daughter like an object to be discarded and reclaimed at will. He questioned if she had ever considered Xiao Ai's feelings. Su Cheng tearfully explained her wish to make amends and provide better care, but Wang Hao, calling her selfish, flatly refused, certain Xiao Ai would not want to leave him. His phone then rang with a call from Xiao Ai, and he abruptly left.

Later, Wu Bai offered to help Ai Qing with research, inviting her to his room. He stepped inside first, hastily covering a cabinet filled with his collection of Ai Qing memorabilia. When Ai Qing entered and questioned his awkward posture against the cabinet, he shifted, causing the cover to fall and reveal a box decorated with hearts. As Ai Qing examined it, the box automatically unlocked.

Thinking it was broken, Wu Bai explained he had granted her equal access permissions on all his personal locks, stating that, aside from club secrets, he had no secrets from her. He offered to let her look inside, but Ai Qing, recalling their earlier agreement, smiled and declined, saying she wouldn't peek at his "little secrets." Wu Bai gave Ai Qing the detailed machine data he had compiled and then saw her home.

As Ai Qing settled down to work, Wu Bai called her. He admitted it was his first time in a relationship and asked her to be patient with him, but Ai Qing reassured him he was doing great. Sensing he might still be nearby, she stepped outside and found him standing in the pouring rain. She quickly ushered him inside and gave him a change of clothes—the same ones he had lent her at the training base.

Shortly after, Ai Qing’s father and sister, Ai Jing, unexpectedly returned home. Ai Qing quickly texted Ai Jing, alerting her that Wu Bai was in her room. Ai Jing tried to get their father to leave, but he insisted on checking if the balcony window in Ai Qing’s room was closed. Finding the door locked, Ai Jing claimed the wind had blown it shut. Just as their father was about to leave, he found a spare key and headed back.

Ai Jing tried to distract him with a loud shout, giving Ai Qing and Wu Bai just enough time to hide behind the curtains of the walk-in closet. Her father entered, closed the window, and opened the closet doors for ventilation. As he reached for the curtain, Ai Jing rushed in and physically pulled him away, insisting he was late for a card game.

With her father finally gone, Wu Bai held Ai Qing back, suggesting they share a kiss before emerging, and embraced her. The next day, Shen Zhe took Ai Jing to visit his hospitalized mother. In the room, his mother and her friend, Xing Zhouzhou, bombarded Ai Jing with pointed questions about her age difference with Shen Zhe and their future. Overwhelmed, Ai Jing stormed out.

Shen Zhe then confronted Xing Zhouzhou, telling her to stop filling his mother's head with nonsense. Meanwhile, Wu Bai drove Ai Qing to a beautiful lakeside resort. At reception, Ai Qing learned that her booking for two rooms had been changed to a single large room due to limited availability, a notification she had missed. As she hesitated, Wu Bai confidently confirmed with the front desk that they would take the room. They then strolled hand-in-hand to a scenic lake.

When the bright sun made Ai Qing shield her eyes, Wu Bai stepped in front to block it for her. Ai Qing playfully asked him to lower his head, and as he complied, she cheekily snatched his hat. He smiled, and she explained she needed it for sun protection. Wu Bai gently placed the hat back on her head, then scooped her into his arms, claiming he also needed protection from the sun.

Later, recalling their missed movie, Ai Qing had specially set up a projector for Wu Bai. She presented him with a small cake, adorned with figures resembling Wu Bai and his "Nobody" robot. Wu Bai asked where she was on the cake, and Ai Qing playfully replied that she was there in person.

Taking a small red heart from the cake's decorations, Wu Bai said, "You are here," and placed it on the chest of the figure of himself for a photo. He told her it was the happiest birthday he had ever had and made a formal wish for "many happy returns." Finding his wish too formal, Ai Qing added her own, wishing to be with him every day. She then revealed that she had one last surprise for him.

Episode 19 Recap

Ai Qing had one last surprise for Wu Bai: they lay on the hotel bed, gazing at the stars through the circular transparent ceiling, a novel experience for Wu Bai. Ai Qing recalled their first meeting when her robot's remote control was broken. Wu Bai fixed it for her, telling her to "Trust me," a phrase no one had ever said to her before. She later realized he had done much more for her than just that.

Three years prior, Ai Qing had chosen to retire due to a decline in form and the need to care for her family. She felt lost and downhearted during that period until she saw a painting downstairs with the words, "Follow your dream. You are not alone." Wu Bai explained that he wasn't sure if his eyes would heal at the time, so he dared not meet her, instead choosing to express his feelings through the drawing.

Ai Qing confessed that the message had warmed her for three years, guiding her back to her dreams. For Wu Bai, protecting her was the greatest happiness. They exchanged tender glances, their hearts filled with joy. The next morning, Wu Bai woke early and, after a tender kiss on Ai Qing’s cheek, gently woke her. Ai Qing, shy, pulled the sheet over her face before quickly getting up to wash.

Over breakfast, Wu Bai encouraged her to eat more, noting how slim she was, and offered advice on improving Mi's robot, Cobra, and finding him a co-operator. He also mentioned wanting to take her to a hotpot restaurant that evening. After breakfast, Wu Bai drove Ai Qing back to her hotel. As she was about to leave the car, he called her back, asking if she had forgotten something.

Confused, she approached him, and he pulled her close for a deep kiss. Unbeknownst to them, Slide witnessed the intimate moment and quickly pulled his two teammates away. He later approached Ai Qing, advising her to keep her relationship with Wu Bai low-key due to their prominent positions in the robot combat circuit. Meanwhile, Su Cheng visited Wang Hao in his room, urging him to allow her to take their daughter, Xiao Ai, abroad for medical treatment.

She offered to resign as K&K's team leader to focus solely on their daughter's care. Just then, Ai Qing knocked. Hearing from Slide that many team members were feeling unwell, Ai Qing had brought cold medicine for them, which Wang Hao gratefully accepted. At midday, Ai Qing met Wu Bai at the hotel entrance. Fearing they might be seen together, she suggested they enter the hotpot restaurant separately, with her following a navigation app and him trailing behind.

At an adjacent table, two girls openly admired Wu Bai, remarking that Ai Qing looked more like his sister than his girlfriend, and discussed asking for his contact information. Ai Qing, feeling a pang of jealousy, asked Wu Bai to cook some meat for her. Understanding her feelings, Wu Bai moved to sit by her side and tenderly fed her a piece of meat. The girls, observing this affectionate display, realized they were indeed a couple.

That evening, Shen Zhe called Ai Jing, who finally answered but expressed her unwillingness to hear any more explanations about Xing Zhouzhou, asking him to let them both move on. She then hung up, collapsing onto the table in tears. Concluding that the situation couldn't continue, Shen Zhe summoned Xing Zhouzhou. He offered her two bottles of "pills," stating that if she wanted to be self-destructive, he would join her.

Terrified by his seriousness, Xing Zhouzhou called him ruthless and fled. Shen Zhe then revealed the "pills" were merely chocolate beans and ate one. Relieved, his mood brightened, and he invited 97 and the others out for a late-night snack. Around 4 AM, Wu Bai and Ai Qing returned to the hotel. To avoid being seen, Wu Bai suggested Ai Qing go up first. However, as Ai Qing entered one elevator, Shen Zhe and his team emerged from another.

They enthusiastically pulled Wu Bai along for a late-night meal, coincidentally at the same hotpot restaurant. The waitress, recognizing Wu Bai, was quickly cut off by him before she could say anything. As they ate, 97 took photos and posted them on social media. Knowing Wu Bai's fondness for beef meatballs, each teammate added one to his plate. Already full from his earlier dinner, Wu Bai reluctantly ate them.

Ai Qing messaged him, and he directed her to 97's social media. She saw the photos and chuckled at Wu Bai's second meal of the night. She complimented his new profile picture, a birthday cake design she had made for him. Wu Bai replied proudly that his "girlfriend drew it." Wu Bai, seeing Shen Zhe's joyful demeanor, mistakenly assumed he had reconciled with Ai Jing. Shen Zhe teased him for bringing up a sensitive topic and for dating so secretively.

Wu Bai explained he just wanted to avoid interference and focus on his relationship with Ai Qing. The next morning at breakfast, Mr. Xiang announced a Suzhou day trip for everyone. Shen Zhe left to find Ai Jing, while Wu Bai secretly messaged Ai Qing to meet up. After they left, 97 overheard Mr. Xiang instructing a photographer to take many pictures of Wu Bai for the fans.

Realizing what was happening, 97 quickly woke Zhou Yi to help protect their captain. Wu Bai and Ai Qing walked hand-in-hand through a shopping mall, where Wu Bai bought her ice cream. Suddenly, a photographer aimed a camera at them, but 97 and Zhou Yi appeared just in time to block the shot, revealing Mr. Xiang's plan. As 97 and Zhou Yi created a diversion, Ai Qing twisted her ankle while running.

In pain, she tried to continue, but Wu Bai swiftly scooped her up. He then placed her in a shopping cart and pushed her to buy ice and snacks. After he iced her ankle, Ai Qing insisted she was fine, but seeing her still limp, he picked her up in his arms again, making her heart flutter.

Episode 20 Recap

Following up on their romantic getaway, Ai Qing returns to her team just as 97 and Zhou Yi challenge the SP team to a friendly shooting competition. When Ou Qiang and Lin Yin struggle, they call on their former sharpshooter, Mi, to join. However, Mi has been in a poor state since his loss in Chicago; his hands tremble with nervousness, leading to surprisingly low scores.

Ai Qing, having left earlier, calls and tells the teams to gather in two hours for their return to Shanghai. Shen Zhe attempts to reach Ai Jing by phone, but she doesn't answer. After learning from a colleague at her drama club that she had stepped out, he goes to a nearby convenience store. Seeing strawberry-flavored soda, he is reminded of their first meeting and buys the store's entire stock.

Later, Ai Jing returns to the drama club, surprised to find numerous bottles of the soda arranged on a table. Shen Zhe is sitting at a piano, playing a melody. He offers her a bottle, and her frustration melts away. She teasingly calls him silly, to which he responds that falling in love with her was the silliest thing he had ever done. Back in Shanghai, Mi dedicates himself to rigorous training.

Meanwhile, Wang Hao faces pressure from the headquarters, which is concerned over SP China's performance and the risk of losing their top point ranking. Citing poor training reports, headquarters issues a transfer order to move Mi to the second team as captain. Ai Qing strongly opposes this last-minute change. She and Wang Hao argue Mi's case to Bao Na, with Ai Qing declaring that if Mi's performance is unsatisfactory in the upcoming Shanghai competition, she will resign.

Convinced by their determination, Bao Na agrees to give the team one last chance. Ai Qing immediately drafts a detailed training plan for Mi and instructs Slide to upgrade his robot. Mi accepts, vowing not to let them down. During a K&K team meeting, Su Cheng arrives with cold medicine, mentioning that some people who attended a recent meeting with the SP team had caught colds. Wu Bai messages Ai Qing, inviting her to dinner.

When Shen Zhe asks about Ai Qing, Su Cheng confirms she is fine and mentions seeing her deliver medicine to Wang Hao. Soon after, Wu Bai receives a text from Ai Qing saying she has to work overtime. His mood sours, and he orders an extra training session. Shen Zhe correctly guesses Wu Bai is jealous and teases him about it.

Wu Bai dismisses it as tactical thinking, prompting Shen Zhe to retort that Wu Bai should lead by example and set aside romantic thoughts during training. That evening, Wu Bai messages Ai Qing after she gets home. They lament not having seen each other in two days. Ai Qing is hesitant to meet, worried about interfering with his training and needing to resolve Mi's situation. Wu Bai offers to pick her up from work the next day, and she agrees.

Elsewhere, inspired by fans creating a "98" group name for them (97 plus one), 97 and Zhou Yi decide to do a livestream. Zhou Yi enthusiastically promotes his mother's "Zhou's Farm" organic produce and accidentally spills watermelon juice on 97's shirt, a limited edition he had borrowed from Shen Zhe. When the stain won't come out, Zhou Yi's mother embroiders a flower over it.

Upon seeing the altered garment, Shen Zhe is furious and drags 97 away to settle the score. The next day, both Wu Bai and Ai Qing are pleased to see Mi's improved state during training. However, just as Wu Bai is leaving to pick Ai Qing up, she messages to say she will be late due to an important last-minute meeting.

Wu Bai goes to a central park to wait, buying a hazelnut-latte-flavored ice cream, a new spring flavor she likes. He sends her a photo, but her phone is on silent, and she doesn't see it or his subsequent calls. As the ice cream melts, Wu Bai buys another, and then another, purchasing four in total as the seller cautions him about eating too much cold food. As darkness falls, he waits on a swing.

Meanwhile, Wang Hao brings dinner to Ai Qing and her team at the office and posts a photo of them working on his social media. Wu Bai sees the post, his wait ending in disappointment.

Episode 21 Recap

Wu Bai waited for Ai Qing after her work, holding a melting ice cream until dark. He felt a bit disappointed when he saw photos of her and her teammates busy working overtime on Wang Hao's WeChat Moments. Meanwhile, Ai Qing, clearing her desk, only remembered their appointment when she saw her phone and felt very guilty. She quickly called Wu Bai to apologize, only to see him waiting downstairs at her office building.

She rushed to him, explaining that her phone was on silent and she hadn't seen his messages. Wu Bai smiled, saying it was fine and work was more important. He explained that he had seen Wang Hao's WeChat Moments, knew they were working late, and specifically brought them food. Just then, Wang Hao stepped out, calling Ai Qing back for a meeting. Seeing Wu Bai, Wang Hao paused in surprise.

Wu Bai told him he had bought some food for everyone, handing Wang Hao the bag. Wang Hao thanked him on behalf of the SP team. Wu Bai told him to thank Ai Qing instead, then gently touched Ai Qing's head, reminding her to eat more later. Ai Qing nodded, promising to call him when she finished, and Wu Bai turned to leave. A while later, Ai Qing's work finally concluded.

She immediately called Wu Bai, expressing regret that she hadn't gotten to eat the ice cream he bought earlier. To her surprise, Wu Bai hadn't left yet; he was still waiting for her at the swings. Ai Qing hurried over, accepting the last spring limited flavor ice cream he had specially bought for her. She happily took a bite, feeling a sweet warmth inside.

Wu Bai asked about Mi's extra training progress, and Ai Qing shared her concerns, recalling Mi's past vigor compared to the present, acknowledging the ruthless nature of competitive sports. Ai Qing then expressed her worry that their relationship might consume too much of his energy and hinder his development, especially during a player's short golden period. Wu Bai reassured her, saying she only brought positive influence, and that competing against her three years ago had thrilled him.

He affirmed that as long as they were both in the industry, he would never lose motivation. Ai Qing then reminded him of the message she had written before the Frigg Cup, "Opponents as well as friends," and he agreed, saying he believed they could be each other's strongest opponents, promising a true showdown in the national game. As Wu Bai pushed her higher on the swing, Ai Qing laughed happily.

He then told her he would wait for her no matter how late she worked. Aiming to bolster Mi's performance, Ai Qing suggested finding an assistant operator to pair with him, proposing this year's rookie king, Tao Qitao, for the role. Slide questioned if Tao Qitao would be willing to be an assistant, suggesting that if he was competent enough, Mi could even assist him. Ai Qing acknowledged it required careful consideration.

Shortly after, as Ai Qing and Slide were discussing the matter, Tao Qitao himself arrived. He greeted Ai Qing, acknowledging her as "Pianist, Ai Qing" and Slide, then requested to speak with Ai Qing privately about business. Ai Qing encouraged him to speak directly.

Tao Qitao surprised her by asking her to be the leader of his team, appealing to her past as one of Team Solo's "three generals" alongside Wang Hao and Han Shangyan, and suggesting she might want her own team. Ai Qing, however, stated she was already SP's leader. When asked for a reason to join him, Tao Qitao highlighted his rapid point growth and potential to quickly enter the top five.

Ai Qing countered that a single strong player doesn't guarantee a strong team, noting his team's performance was far below his individual talent. She then proposed a way to cooperate: he should join SP. Tao Qitao refused, asserting he would never abandon his teammates, whom he considered his brothers. Ai Qing pointed out his team lacked a stable sponsor and struggled in the current league.

Tao Qitao dismissed SP's recent average performance, but Ai Qing confidently declared SP's deep reserves and champion history, asserting their inevitable victory in the current season. Tao Qitao, still firm, wished them luck and said they could talk again after SP won the championship, then left. Slide commented on Tao Qitao's arrogance. Ai Qing explained that while Tao Qitao was talented, his teammates didn't meet SP's standards.

When Slide called her "cold-blooded," she calmly replied that it was "business is business." Before the semifinal, Wu Bai pulled up his collar, revealing a red, allergic patch on his neck. Shen Zhe noticed and teasingly suggested Wu Bai should use this opportunity to act endearing towards Ai Qing the next day, asking her to apply medicine for him. Wu Bai, seemingly oblivious to the romantic implications, insisted he could apply the medicine himself.

Shen Zhe, exasperated by Wu Bai's lack of romantic understanding, demonstrated how Wu Bai should complain of itchiness and feign helplessness to get Ai Qing to apply the ointment. Wu Bai, still missing the point, reiterated that he could do it himself, leaving Shen Zhe speechless. In the subsequent national semifinal, Mi and Slide teamed up using a dual operation lineup for the first time. Their strong cooperation impressed Wang Hao, who watched the match on television.

Wang Hao noted Mi's extensive experience and tactical blocking, as well as the renowned tacit understanding between Mi and Slide, which he believed would elevate their combined strength. Moments after their successful match, Mi unexpectedly announced his retirement during an interview. The news shocked Wang Hao, Ai Qing, and their teammates. When Ai Qing confronted him, Mi explained he felt he would only drag the team down.

Ai Qing, visibly upset, reminded him of the countless extra training sessions nearly all of SP had endured to support him, questioning if he thought she or SP could not afford such effort. Mi, however, maintained that he was retiring with honor and they should celebrate it. He told Ai Qing she wouldn't have to work overtime and "become a faded old woman" if he left. Ai Qing tearfully apologized, believing she hadn't done enough.

Wang Hao attempted to persuade him, but Mi insisted on his decision, proposing they drink together the next day to celebrate his "glorious retirement." After work, Ai Qing, burdened by Mi's retirement, arrived at her building feeling heavy-hearted. She sat on the stairs and texted Wu Bai, telling him she wanted to see him. As soon as she sent the message, Wu Bai appeared before her, startling her with his swift arrival.

Wu Bai explained that the moment he heard about Mi's retirement, he immediately thought of her, knowing it would be a significant blow, and rushed to her side, fearing she would be sad. Feeling comforted, Ai Qing stood up and embraced Wu Bai, crying into his arms, grateful to have him by her side during her most difficult moment. Wu Bai gently consoled her, reminding her that all athletes eventually face a day when they must leave the stage.

He then told her not to cry and suggested they go home. Ai Qing then brought Wu Bai back to her home. Her sister, Ai Jing, was at their father's place, leaving just the two of them. Noticing Ai Qing hadn't eaten much due to the evening's farewell for Mi, Wu Bai offered to cook for her. Though he claimed it was just a simple bowl of noodles, it was actually his first time cooking.

He secretly called Shen Zhe, who was unhelpful, then Zhou Yi, who shared over twenty years of noodle-making experience, guiding him through the process. Soon, a fragrant bowl of noodles was ready. Ai Qing ate heartily. As she observed Wu Bai constantly scratching his neck, she noticed the redness and realized he was having an allergic reaction.

She promptly retrieved some allergy ointment and had him sit on the sofa, where she carefully applied it to the front of his neck. When she saw the redness extended to the back of his neck, she insisted on applying the ointment there too, leaning close to him. Wu Bai, feeling her presence, was filled with a sweet warmth.

Just then, Ai Qing's father and Ai Jing opened the door and walked in, causing Ai Qing to whirl around in alarm. Ai Qing's father was startled to see the intimate scene. Ai Qing quickly explained that Wu Bai had an allergic reaction, and she was applying medicine for him. Her father pulled Ai Qing aside and quietly asked how long they had been together.

Ai Qing admitted it had been "for a while," and her father praised her, saying she had inherited his style. He then turned to Wu Bai, asking for his version of events. Wu Bai affirmed he was allergic and Ai Qing was helping him. When her father seemed skeptical, Wu Bai unzipped his jacket to reveal the red rash on his neck. Ai Qing's father then asked Wu Bai if he had any other plans for the evening.

Ai Qing subtly hinted that he did, urging him to say he was busy, but Wu Bai, missing the cue, innocently replied he was not in a hurry to leave. Seeing this, her father told Ai Jing to fetch some wine, expressing his desire to share a few drinks with Wu Bai. Ai Qing immediately protested, reminding her father that Wu Bai's allergy meant he couldn't drink. However, Wu Bai, eager to please, foolishly declared, "No problem."

He even exaggeratedly claimed his allergy suddenly felt better to justify drinking. As they began drinking, Ai Qing's father inquired about Wu Bai's family, learning his cousin was his club's boss, his grandpa was visiting from overseas, and his parents lived in Norway. He then directly asked Wu Bai about his parents' views on a relationship where the woman was older than the man.

Ai Qing tried to interject, but her father persisted, mentioning his worry about Ai Jing's similar situation with her partner's parents. Wu Bai calmly stated that his parents were liberal and would respect his choices. Satisfied, Ai Qing's father then asked Wu Bai about his intentions and plans for Ai Qing, to which Wu Bai earnestly declared, though not eloquent, that he was serious.

Pleased by his sincerity, her father immediately warmed up to Wu Bai, affectionately calling him "Xiao Bai." As they drank more, he started sharing embarrassing childhood anecdotes about Ai Qing, revealing her tomboyish preferences for transformers over dolls. Wu Bai respectfully toasted him, referring to him as "uncle," but Ai Qing's father insisted Wu Bai call him "brother," declaring them "sworn brothers" from that moment on.

Both Ai Qing and Ai Jing found this development highly amusing, with Ai Jing teasing Ai Qing that Shen Zhe would be next to face such a parental grilling. Defending his quick bond, the father stated he knew Wu Bai was a dependable and honest young man from their first meeting. The two men continued to drink heavily, celebrating their newfound brotherhood, much to Ai Qing's concern as she tried to get them to eat instead.

Wu Bai, in a voiceover, confessed that while he had once felt worried, timid, and evasive in his feelings, his deep affection for Ai Qing had now resolved him to cast aside all doubts.

Episode 22 Recap

Having shared drinks with Ai Qing’s father, a heavily intoxicated Wu Bai was escorted back to the K&K base by Ai Qing. She helped him to his bed and tucked him in, preparing to leave. However, Wu Bai groaned about a headache, prompting Ai Qing to gently massage his temples. She then went to the kitchen to prepare honey water for him. The noise she made alerted 97, who sat up, hearing movement from the kitchen.

Zhou Yi suggested their captain might be hungry and getting food. Excited at the prospect of a late-night snack, 97 quickly roused Shen Zhe and others to join their captain. Ai Qing helped Wu Bai drink the honey water, urging him to get some sleep. Just then, 97’s voice drifted in from outside, reminding everyone that eating alone was not a K&K tradition. Ai Qing panicked, unsure where to hide. Wu Bai, still unsteady, got up to dismiss his teammates.

As he stumbled to the door, 97 noted the smell of alcohol, not food, and jokingly asked if Wu Bai had been eating "wine-soaked shrimp." Shen Zhe immediately recognized that Wu Bai had been drinking. When asked why, Wu Bai slurred that "her father asked me to," causing Ai Qing to become even more flustered. Pressed for whose father it was, Wu Bai proudly declared it was his girlfriend’s father.

Zhou Yi was astonished, exclaiming how well Wu Bai had kept his relationship a secret. He asked if they knew her, to which Wu Bai confidently replied that they were very familiar with her. 97 and Shen Zhe exchanged knowing glances, understanding exactly who Wu Bai was talking about. An oblivious Zhou Yi, however, started guessing various female acquaintances, causing Wu Bai to shake his head.

Ai Qing, hearing about the numerous girls supposedly interested in Wu Bai, couldn't help but frown. The teammates playfully demanded Wu Bai treat them to a meal, but he clutched his head, complaining the alcohol was giving him a headache. 97 offered to go inside and give him a massage, pulling the door open. Ai Qing, hiding inside, panicked.

With quick reflexes, Wu Bai pulled 97 away just as he turned to look into the room and slammed the door shut. Shen Zhe smirked, certain Wu Bai was hiding something. Suddenly, Wu Liao, the AI system in the room, announced, "Administrator authority activated." The teammates were surprised, noting that their captain was right outside the door. Wu Bai chuckled, revealing his girlfriend was inside. Upon hearing this, everyone clamored to see her.

Wu Bai opened the door just a crack, saw Ai Qing frantically signaling him to keep her presence a secret, and quickly shut it. He told his teammates that his girlfriend wanted to keep their relationship confidential and sent them all back to sleep. Wu Bai then returned to the room. Ai Qing immediately questioned him about the girls Zhou Yi had mentioned. Wu Bai, feigning dizziness, covered his head, claiming his headache had returned.

Ai Qing, unsure if he was genuinely drunk or merely pretending, moved closer to press him further. Before she could, Wu Bai pulled her gently towards him and kissed her. Afterward, he assured her that Zhou Yi was talking nonsense and that he only had eyes for her. Ai Qing couldn't help but smile sweetly. When Wu Bai escorted Ai Qing out, his curious teammates were peeking through the door cracks.

Hearing movement, they rushed out to get a glimpse, but Ai Qing was completely bundled up, making it impossible for them to see her face. Zhou Yi expressed curiosity about the captain's girlfriend, while Shen Zhe affirmed that she was not only beautiful but also very knowledgeable about robotics, perfectly suited for Wu Bai. Wang Hao finally agreed to let Su Cheng take Xiao Ai away. Su Cheng later visited Wang Hao at SP to express her gratitude.

She urged him not to focus solely on the team and honor, but to live for himself as well. Afterward, she encountered Ai Qing at the entrance. Su Cheng informed Ai Qing that she was taking Xiao Ai overseas and solemnly apologized for her role in Ai Qing and Wang Hao's separation years ago. Ai Qing, however, reassured her that it was all in the past.

Mi Shen was seen pulling his luggage, bidding farewell to his teammates, who were visibly sad to see him go. Ai Qing understood that, given Mi Shen’s personality, he preferred a perfect exit rather than causing trouble for others. However, she also sensed that he hadn't truly given up on his passion for the industry and was certain he would eventually return. Tao Qitao's team, Taotao, faced disbandment due to sponsor withdrawal.

He sought to challenge K&K, hoping Wu Bai would take over his team. Wu Bai challenged him to first defeat Shen Zhe. Despite his individual prowess, Tao Qitao was defeated, admitting his skills were not on par with K&K's. Wu Bai, however, believed that Taotao's primary issue wasn't technical skill. He offered Tao Qitao a three-week trial at K&K, suggesting he might find the answers he sought there. Later, Wu Bai informed Ai Qing about Tao Qitao’s visit.

Ai Qing inquired if he intended to recruit the entire Taotao team. Wu Bai explained that he would discuss it with the K&K board and had already invited Tao Qitao for a trial. Ai Qing was also contemplating how SP could recruit the team, finding it challenging as Tao Qitao’s teammates fell short of SP's standards. Nevertheless, she had a strong premonition that Tao Qitao would ultimately join SP.

Smiling, she challenged Wu Bai to a bet, which he readily accepted. Shen Zhe was displeased upon learning of Tao Qitao's arrival at K&K. He confronted Wu Bai, demanding to know if Tao Qitao would be a main or assist operator. Shen Zhe asserted he didn’t need an assist operator for his robot, Trashcan, as he could operate it alone.

Wu Bai countered that K&K needed him, emphasizing that the final match was far more complex than Shen Zhe imagined and required the most thorough preparation. Subsequently, during training, a conflict arose between Shen Zhe and Tao Qitao. Shen Zhe disliked Tao Qitao's playing style, finding it too reliant on defense to disrupt opponents' attacks and calling it "not a man's way of playing."

Wu Bai, however, highly regarded Tao Qitao, considering the ability to disrupt an opponent's rhythm a valuable strategy and reminded Shen Zhe that K&K had often lost points when they fell into the opponent's rhythm.

Episode 23 Recap

Ai Jing called Shen Zhe, having heard that K&K had brought in a new operator. She asked how he was feeling, to which Shen Zhe feigned indifference, dismissing it as a matter concerning a defeated opponent that didn't warrant much attention. After hanging up, Ai Jing saw Ai Qing approaching with fruit and playfully teased her about her situation with Wu Bai, hinting they were both trying to poach the same person.

Ai Qing dismissed her sister's wild imagination, stating their professional and personal lives were kept strictly separate. After his call with Ai Jing, Shen Zhe continued his intense training, even refusing to eat his meal until he completed another round. Observing his dedication, 97 remarked that Tao Qitao was not simple, noting that even their captain, Wu Bai, seemed to favor him.

Shen Zhe, though uncertain of Wu Bai's exact intentions, affirmed his trust in Wu Bai's decisions regarding the team, knowing he had never made an unwise choice. Inspired by Shen Zhe's efforts, 97 and Zhou Yi also became engrossed in their work. Tao Qitao, witnessing this scene, felt a deep sense of impact, recognizing that the team members' potential was being maximally ignited, with everyone constantly striving to improve.

Late into the night, Wang Hao was still working overtime at the company. His daughter, Xiao Ai, called, urging him to come home early. The thought of her imminent departure abroad made him emotional. The following morning, Su Cheng prepared to leave the K&K base. Wu Bai commented that she was finally getting her wish fulfilled by living with Xiao Ai, but Su Cheng expressed regret towards Wang Hao and Ai Qing, hoping they could reconcile after her departure.

Wu Bai appeared slightly displeased by her words. After Su Cheng left, Wu Bai, upon hearing from 97 that it was already 9:30 AM, rushed out, proclaiming he had to "deliver a takeout," much to 97's astonishment. Wu Bai settled into his car and used his AI assistant, Zebra, to order a hot toffee nut coffee for Ai Qing. He also had Zebra navigate to her home and find a well-rated restaurant along the way to pick up food.

Arriving at Ai Qing's building, he messaged her that her "takeout" had arrived. Ai Qing came down, laughing, and invited him upstairs for a meal, but Wu Bai declined, claiming he had an appointment with a new team leader. When Ai Qing curiously asked who it was, he smiled, saying it was a secret for now. Ai Qing urged him to attend to his work and reminded him to eat.

As she turned to go upstairs, Wu Bai gently embraced her from behind, telling her he wished to be her exclusive deliveryman forever. Subsequently, Wu Bai met with Mi Shaofei, asking about his plans after retirement. Mi chuckled, explaining his intention to open a small store, hire part-time students, and lead a simple life. Wu Bai expressed his hope that Mi would remain in the robotics circle.

Mi initially assumed Han Shangyan had sent Wu Bai, but was surprised when Wu Bai stated he came for Ai Qing and K&K. Mi was taken aback, but Wu Bai assured him he would protect Ai Qing. He then invited Mi to join K&K as their team leader, proposing they could win a world championship together. Mi seemed both tempted and hesitant by the offer.

The All-Star Game poll results were announced: Han Shangyan placed first, Wu Bai second, Wang Hao third, and Shen Zhe fourth. The rules stipulated a three-player free-for-all. The top three fan-voted players were invited, with active players being required to participate, while retired players had the option to accept. Han Shangyan, being retired, publicly declined. However, Wang Hao, also retired, surprisingly announced his acceptance. With Han Shangyan's withdrawal, the spot was passed to Shen Zhe.

The news that the match would be a battle between Wu Bai, Wang Hao, and Shen Zhe astonished the members of both SP and K&K, who found the prospect incredibly exciting. Ai Qing sought out Wang Hao, directly asking if his acceptance meant he intended to make a comeback. Wang Hao denied it. Ai Qing then inquired if his participation was aimed at mitigating the negative public opinion following Mi's retirement. Wang Hao conceded it was a good strategy.

As Ai Qing turned to leave, Wang Hao called out to her, inviting her to have Hunan food with him after the competition, and she agreed. Back home, Ai Jing questioned Ai Qing about Wang Hao's sudden decision to accept the challenge. Ai Qing surmised he might be trying to boost morale. Ai Jing then asked who she thought would win.

Ai Qing confidently stated it certainly wouldn't be Shen Zhe, which displeased Ai Jing, who felt that given Shen Zhe's hard work, he had a chance. Pressed further on who would win between Wu Bai and Wang Hao, Ai Qing admitted it was hard to say. When Ai Jing probed who she personally wished to win, Ai Qing confessed that, privately, she hoped Wu Bai would win, but professionally, SP currently needed a victory more.

Unintentionally, Shen Zhe discovered Tao Qitao browsing recruitment information for other teams on his computer and promptly informed Wu Bai. Just then, Tao Qitao returned, overhearing Shen Zhe's remarks. Wu Bai, needing to start a team meeting, temporarily set the matter aside. Meanwhile, Wang Hao brought his robot, Blade Point, back to SP. Ou Qiang was visibly excited to see Blade Point again after ten years, and Wang Hao enlisted his help to upgrade the robot. Ou Qiang readily agreed.

They were joined by Fu Yiwen, a younger robotics expert who idolized the original Solo Team, who also offered his expertise, emphasizing his specialized knowledge in Blade Point's design. After the team meeting, Wu Bai spoke with Tao Qitao, advising him not to take Shen Zhe's words too seriously. Tao Qitao admitted he had indeed been looking at other teams' recruitment information, but explained he was doing so on behalf of his former teammates.

Since his team had dissolved, all his teammates were unemployed. He saw a rare recruitment opportunity and wanted to help them prepare and even accompany them. Wu Bai expressed his support. Soon after, Wu Bai received a call from Director Nanwei, who regretfully conveyed the board's decision that K&K's current situation was unsuitable for operating two teams. Understanding and supporting the decision, Wu Bai vowed to find another solution for Taotao Team after the competition.

Later, Wu Bai's grandpa unexpectedly arrived at the K&K base with snacks. Upon learning that Wu Bai's opponent was Wang Hao, Ai Qing's ex-boyfriend, he emphatically instructed Wu Bai that winning was paramount.

Episode 24 Recap

The day before the All-star Game, Ai Qing, the SP team leader, visited Wu Bai at the K&K base after work. Wu Bai playfully asked if she hoped for him or Wang Hao to win. Before she could answer, he reminded her they had agreed not to discuss work. Ai Qing then clarified that the SP team leader was off duty, and as his girlfriend, she sincerely hoped he would win, much to his delight.

The next day, just before the game, a visibly excited and nervous Shen Zhe kept going to the restroom, prompting Wu Bai to note it was his seventh time. Meanwhile, Wu Bai expressed surprise that Wang Hao had accepted the challenge. Wang Hao explained that he wanted to give himself another chance to compete fairly against Wu Bai. As the match began, Wu Bai's mecha, The Nobody, immediately charged Wang Hao's Blade Point to gain an early advantage.

However, Shen Zhe's Trash Can unexpectedly rushed forward, aggressively targeting Blade Point. This turned the duel into a chaotic three-way battle. At the K&K base, 97 and Zhou Yi were baffled, guessing Shen Zhe was trying to force a one-on-one fight with Wang Hao. The observing SP team members, however, were confident that Shen Zhe's reckless approach would lead to his defeat.

Trash Can's relentless pursuit of Blade Point created constant interference, hindering The Nobody's ability to find a clear angle of attack. The situation escalated when Trash Can hit a field mechanism and rebounded into The Nobody. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Hao expertly maneuvered to cause another collision, using Trash Can to strike The Nobody again. The impact severely damaged The Nobody, disabling its ejection plate, and knocked Trash Can out of the competition.

The commentators praised Wang Hao's brilliant "one stone, two birds" tactic, leaving Shen Zhe devastated. With only The Nobody and Blade Point left, Wu Bai's mecha was effectively unarmed due to its malfunctioning ejection plate. Undeterred, he skillfully used a field mechanism to reset his weapon. Just then, Blade Point's weapon stopped rotating. In a risky move that made his SP teammates anxious, Wang Hao steered it toward another mechanism.

Ai Qing, however, understood his intent: to use the gear's inertia to restart his weapon. Wang Hao's gamble paid off, but Wu Bai quickly retaliated, using collisions to slow Blade Point's weapon down again. With Blade Point's weapon once more incapacitated, The Nobody charged, prompting the commentators to wonder if they were aiming for mutual destruction. The intense crash left both mechas heavily damaged and motionless. In the end, Wang Hao won by a single point.

Ai Qing rushed to the field, where Wu Bai embraced her and asked if she would ever leave him. She reassured him that she never would, no matter what. Wang Hao, arriving moments later, witnessed the scene and felt a pang of disappointment, realizing his own courage had always come too late. Frustrated by his impulsive performance and the harsh online criticism, Shen Zhe isolated himself.

Ai Jing found and comforted him, insisting that he was the best in her eyes and shouldn't listen to the negative comments. She confessed that she admired his earnest passion for his dreams and promised to always be there for him. Later, at Ai Qing's home, Wu Bai received a call from Han Shangyan, who advised him to help Shen Zhe manage his feelings.

Ai Qing also comforted Wu Bai, framing the loss as a valuable experience and noting that it was a good opportunity for Shen Zhe to recognize his weaknesses, which would ultimately strengthen K&K. As she spoke, she realized Wu Bai was already at peace with the outcome and playfully tickled him. When he dodged, he felt a momentary dizziness.

Ai Qing grew concerned about his eyes, but he dismissed it as low blood pressure from standing up too quickly, and the two shared a tender embrace. The following day, Tao Qitao returned after analyzing the match. When Shen Zhe challenged him to provide solutions instead of just critiques, Tao Qitao proposed converting his mecha, Sea Breeze, into a composite mecha with a master unit for attacking and a parasite unit for interference.

He even offered to serve as the vice-operator. At the same time, 97 discovered Wu Bai had posted a statement online, taking full responsibility for the loss by claiming Shen Zhe was merely following a strategy he had designed. Wu Bai later explained to Shen Zhe that Tao Qitao was looking for a new home for his former teammates from Team Taotao. Wu Bai suggested they join SP due to its robust training system.

Initially resistant, Shen Zhe inadvertently admitted Tao Qitao's strength. Wu Bai explained that while he wanted to keep Tao Qitao, K&K couldn't accommodate a whole team at the moment. He reminded Shen Zhe that this meant they would face each other in future competitions. Shen Zhe confidently declared he would defeat Tao Qitao, joking that if he lost, he would finally call Wu Bai "brother-in-law."

Meanwhile, Tao Qitao approached Ai Qing and proposed a private match between his team and SP. If his team won, he hoped SP would recruit them. Confident in her own team's strength, Ai Qing accepted the challenge.

Episode 25 Recap

Following his All-Star match loss, Tao Qitao goes to SP for a tryout, where he is defeated by Lin Yin. Watching the match, Wang Hao, when asked by Bao Na about Tao Qitao's skill, expresses faith in Ai Qing's judgment, privately aware that Wu Bai had already contacted him to recommend the player. Meanwhile, Ai Qing tells Tao Qitao that he has changed and formally offers him a contract.

She explains that Wu Bai had previously reached out, wanting to find a place for Tao Qitao’s team to stay together in the industry. Ai Qing’s proposal is for Tao Qitao to join SP’s first team, while his three teammates enter a two-month training camp for the second team. She praises Tao Qitao's talent, believing he can become a top-five operator, and asserts that while his teammates need development, they are qualified for the training camp.

Confident K&K lacks the resources for two full teams, she knew he would choose SP. The demanding ten-year contract requires Tao Qitao to maintain a top-five ranking for five years, with the first six months as a tryout. Ai Qing explains she wants to cultivate him into a future team captain. In return, Tao Qitao stipulates that his contract be tied to hers, terminating if she ever leaves SP, a condition she accepts.

After the signing, Ai Qing calls Wu Bai to declare victory in their bet. Wu Bai promises he has a surprise for her, which delights her. Later, at the K&K base, Shen Zhe and 97 discuss Tao Qitao's signing with SP and the team's lack of a new leader ahead of the finals. Wu Bai informs them the new leader arrives the next day but keeps the person's identity a secret. Meanwhile, with his daughter gone, Wang Hao is melancholic.

Bao Na attempts to set him up with Ai Qing, but Wang Hao firmly rejects the idea. Bao Na confides his matchmaking plan to Slide, who warns him that Ai Qing already likes someone else. Undeterred, Bao Na remains convinced Wang Hao is the best match for her. He then tells Ai Qing that Wang Hao has purchased the old Team Solo training base and suggests a reunion for the old members that night.

Ai Qing agrees, eager to see her old teammate Mi. Bao Na gets the keys from Wang Hao and gives them to Ou Qiang with strict instructions. Ou Qiang then passes the keys to Ai Qing, asking her to go to the house first to receive a takeout order while the others get food and drinks. After a run, Wu Bai returns to the K&K base, where 97 tells him Mi called multiple times.

Mi had explained that he, Ai Qing, and Wang Hao were at a reunion at the old Solo base, would likely get very drunk, and thus had to postpone their plans with Wu Bai. Alarmed by 97's suggestion that Wang Hao might be making a move, Wu Bai has a teammate call Mi for the address and rushes out.

On his way, he recalls Mi’s comment about Wang Hao purchasing their old team house, reflecting on the ten-year bond that wasn't easily broken. He also remembers Wang Hao's declaration of wanting to compete fairly with him. Troubled by these thoughts, he accelerates. Wang Hao arrives at the old house, surprised to find Ai Qing already there accepting a delivery. She greets him warmly, explaining Ou Qiang sent her ahead.

She then pulls out the house keys to return them to him. Just as she does, Wu Bai appears. Spotting the keys in her hand, he becomes visibly upset and pulls her away. Outside, Ai Qing protests, insisting she must wait for the others to arrive to explain, but Wu Bai tries to force her into his car. As she struggles, she exclaims that he's hurting her, and the keys fly from her grasp.

She frantically searches for them, insisting they aren't hers and she must find them. Overwhelmed by jealousy, Wu Bai forces Ai Qing into the car, demanding if she understands what the keys symbolize. Distressed, Ai Qing tearfully tells him he still doesn't trust her. She urges they both calm down before getting out of the car and walking away. Pained, Wu Bai hesitates for a moment before chasing after her. Unable to find Ai Qing, Wu Bai returns home disheartened.

He opens a small box decorated with heart stickers, filled with mementos of Ai Qing, and gazes at their photo with complex emotions. Meanwhile, Ai Qing arrives home and, to quell her anger, starts furiously eating two large tubs of expired ice cream. Both attempt to text each other, but delete their messages, unable to find the right words. Deeply wronged, Ai Qing cries before defiantly eating more ice cream.

Later, Shen Zhe and 97 find Wu Bai drinking alone and join him. Soon, they are both heavily intoxicated, but Wu Bai remains sober, his gloom unshaken. The next morning, Ai Jing is horrified to find Ai Qing ate two tubs of ice cream that had expired two months ago. Ai Qing is in bed with severe stomach pain. Ai Jing offers to call Wu Bai, but Ai Qing refuses, so Ai Jing takes her to the hospital.

While Ai Qing is getting an IV drip, Wu Bai is at the K&K base, confusing his teammates by meticulously cleaning the entire building. Later, back home, a furious Ai Jing leaves to confront Wu Bai. Shortly after, Slide visits Ai Qing, having heard she was sick. He reveals that Bao Na orchestrated the entire gathering to set her up with Wang Hao. Ai Qing is shocked and scolds Slide for not telling her sooner, insisting she would never have gone if she had known.

Episode 26 Recap

Ai Jing arrived at the K&K base, confronting Wu Bai and asking if he intended to deny them both a chance for an explanation. She informed him that her sister, Ai Qing, had food poisoning and was resting at home after receiving fluids. Hearing this, Wu Bai immediately rushed to find Ai Qing. Meanwhile, Ai Qing, recalling Wu Bai's question about the meaning of the keys in the car the previous day, realized she had misunderstood him.

She hurried out of her house, only to encounter Wu Bai just as she reached the ground floor. She apologized for her misunderstanding, but Wu Bai simply embraced her. Wu Bai then led Ai Qing to an empty stadium. He told her that ten years ago, when Team Solo secured the national championship, he was there, sitting in the audience.

He confessed that he fell in love with robot combat because of her, and on that very day, he also fell in love with her. However, he dared not approach her because he was just an ordinary spectator, a nobody. He revealed that the computer in his Singapore room contained all her competition videos, news, and interviews, and his blue lockbox at home was filled with her posters and photos, for which he had given her equal access.

He explained that he entered the industry because of her, hoping that one day he could fight alongside her, experiencing all the failures and honors together. Deeply moved, Ai Qing embraced Wu Bai tightly, tears streaming down her face. She confessed her love for him, stating that he was the most important person to her. With that, she initiated a kiss, which Wu Bai passionately reciprocated, and time seemed to stand still. Afterwards, Wu Bai escorted Ai Qing home.

As they reluctantly parted ways, they encountered Ai Qing's father, who had come to bring her food. Having heard about their situation from Ai Jing, he advised Ai Qing not to bully Wu Bai. Before leaving, he also advised Wu Bai that learning to appease a girl after a quarrel was a man's essential survival skill. Ai Qing asked Wu Bai what her father had told him. Wu Bai replied that he was told to make her happy.

Ai Qing playfully asked how he planned to do that, and Wu Bai responded with a kiss. The two then went upstairs to her home. With the upcoming match, Wu Bai urged her to rest well and get in top condition. Ai Qing confessed that she had been waiting for this day for a long time because she wanted to defeat him. Wu Bai held her hand, and after she fell asleep, he leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.

The next day, Wu Bai brought Ai Qing to the riverside, promising her a big surprise. When Ai Qing eagerly asked what it was, Wu Bai instructed his team leader to tell her. At that moment, Mi Shaofei approached with a smile. Ai Qing was visibly delighted to see him, calling him by his nickname, "Doggie." Mi Shaofei explained that he had joined K&K as their new leader.

He joked about being a "traitor" for not telling her sooner and playfully inquired about her and Wu Bai. Despite his new role, Mi Shaofei asked Ai Qing to relay a message to their former teammates, Ou Qiang and Slide, urging them to put on a good show, as he would be watching every match, expecting them to demonstrate "the return of the king" to their juniors. Meanwhile, Tao Qitao was at the K&K base, packing his belongings.

Shen Zhe presented him with an upgraded design for Seabreeze, which Tao Qitao gratefully accepted. Concurrently, new members were being introduced at the SP team, including Lin Yin, who is kind and resilient despite her tearfulness; a flirtatious teammate skilled at livening up the atmosphere; and Fu Yiwen, the logistics manager. Tao Qitao, now part of SP, confidently introduced himself to the team.

With new members settled in both K&K and SP, the championship battle between the two formidable teams officially commenced. After a team meeting, Wu Bai's teammate 97 asked if Ai Qing knew about his intention to propose after winning the competition. Surprised, Wu Bai asked how 97 knew. 97 then revealed he had found an elegant small box in the pantry. Shen Zhe remarked on Wu Bai's swiftness, noting he was even faster than himself, the "quasi-brother-in-law."

At that moment, Zhou Yi walked over, stating that the box was a parcel the "boss," Han Shangyan, had asked him to collect for "the boss's wife," Han Shangyan's partner. Shen Zhe and 97 then realized the box was from Han Shangyan. However, Shen Zhe, still curious, pressed Wu Bai, asking if he was also planning to propose. Wu Bai did not answer.

He returned to his room, retrieved a similar exquisite box from his blue lockbox, and opened it to reveal a beautiful ring, a smile spreading across his face. At the 2021 National Robot Combat League Grand Finals, K&K and SP began their championship battle. In the first match, Wu Bai's Nobody faced Lin Yin's Monster King. Ai Qing's strategy for Lin Yin was not to attack but to evade, luring Nobody into the arena's trap zones.

The match quickly devolved into what commentators described as a "car race," with Monster King constantly avoiding Nobody's advances. Despite Lin Yin’s evasive tactics, Wu Bai executed a flawless eject attack, knocking Monster King out of the arena and securing the first point for K&K. Although Wu Bai won the first round, he found SP's strategy peculiar. In the second round, Lin Yin began to launch attacks.

Ai Qing, aware that Nobody's chassis was severely damaged, instructed Lin Yin to use the arena's traps for a fatal blow, even if it meant mutual destruction, to secure the point. A trap launched Nobody into the air, and Monster King capitalized on this, repeatedly bashing Nobody's underside. Nobody managed to eject Monster King, but with its own chassis severely damaged and Monster King immobilized, the referee began the countdown. Lin Yin won the round by KO.

At this point, Wu Bai realized Ai Qing was employing the "Tian Ji's Horse Racing" strategy. She had Lin Yin tie with him over two rounds to preserve their main strength for a decider between Tao Qitao and Shen Zhe. Confident from his practice, Shen Zhe believed he could win. The third match began with his robot, Trashcan, launching fierce attacks.

However, Ai Qing had anticipated his style, upgrading Seabreeze's vulnerable tail and its weapon arm to allow for recovery even if flipped. Shen Zhe's attacks proved ineffective. Instead, Trashcan was struck by an arena hammer, losing mobility. Seabreeze seized the opportunity, pushing Trashcan into the mace trap to secure the victory for SP.

Episode 27 Recap

In the deciding game of the national championship, Shen Zhe’s robot, Trashcan, was forcefully driven onto the mace mechanism of the arena by Tao Qitao’s Seabreeze. Despite Trashcan’s struggle to break free, Seabreeze relentlessly pushed it onto the mechanism again. Shen Zhe frantically controlled his robot while his teammates watched anxiously. Trashcan made a final attempt to break loose but was launched into the air, becoming completely stuck on the mace.

Shen Zhe lost to Tao Qitao, and Team SP secured the national championship with a two-to-one victory over K&K. Commentators lauded the match, highlighting Tao Qitao’s superior timing as key to SP's comeback. SP's captain, Slide, who had previously won an Asian Championship as the leader of the Chinese delegation, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that SP’s victory was earned through the immense effort of every team member. After the match, Ai Qing smiled at a profoundly disappointed Wu Bai.

In a secluded spot, Wu Bai accused her of scheming against him, but Ai Qing reminded him of their agreement to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Accepting her point, Wu Bai quietly took out a ring box, but instead of proposing, he confidently stated he would win next time. Ai Qing smiled, holding his face, and said she would look forward to it.

Seeing he was still disheartened, she reassured him that while it was an honor to win, SP’s victory contained a significant element of luck. Just then, SP team members, including Slide, arrived to pull their leader into the celebration. Ai Qing bid farewell to Wu Bai, leaving with her team and preventing any chance for a proposal. Wu Bai later reflected on a past conversation about K&K’s establishment.

He had declared his ambition to surpass SP within one year of K&K China’s formation, asserting that SP, as the strongest team, was his primary target. Although most of China’s top players were with SP, Wu Bai was confident he could form a strong team with his friends 97 and Shen Zhe. He was determined that K&K would stand on the highest podium in both the upcoming Asian and World Championships.

Meanwhile, Shen Zhe, 97, and Zhou Yi met Ai Jing in the parking lot. After 97 and Zhou Yi departed, Shen Zhe embraced Ai Jing, expressing his anguish over how close he was to winning. Ai Jing consoled him. Shen Zhe then revealed that Wu Bai was even more distressed, having prepared a ring to propose to Ai Qing but vowing only to do so after defeating her team. Ai Jing remarked on the "love-hate relationship" between the two.

At SP’s celebration party, Bao Na tried to seat Ai Qing next to Wang Hao, but Ai Qing deliberately chose another spot and stood to the side during a group photo. After the party, Bao Na confronted Wang Hao for not taking the opportunities she created. Wang Hao revealed that Ai Qing was with Wu Bai.

He explained that while he had tried to pursue her, he now believed it was more important for her to let go of the past and find happiness. He added that his current priority was leading SP to success in the Asian Championship and the World Cup. Upon returning to the K&K base, Wu Bai carefully placed the ring back into his safe and immersed himself in analyzing the match data.

The next day, he found Shen Zhe and 97 deeply dejected and refusing to eat. Wu Bai tried to console them by taking responsibility for the loss, but this only made Shen Zhe more agitated, as he insisted it was his fault for underestimating SP’s upgrades. 97 also confessed to a critical welding error, believing he had disgraced K&K.

Wu Bai tried to reassure them that even without the mistake, their robot couldn't have withstood their opponent's aggressive tactics, but they remained consumed by remorse. Knowing that comfort was insufficient, Wu Bai stayed up all night to devise a new training plan. The next morning, Mi delivered food to Shen Zhe and 97, telling them Wu Bai's eyes were sore from his all-night effort.

He urged them to eat and prepare for the intensified training, reminding them not to disappoint their captain. Elsewhere, Tao Qitao asked Ai Qing if his performance had disappointed her. Ai Qing praised his excellent play but stated he could still improve, as she had high expectations for him.

She advised him to learn from Slide on how to be an excellent captain, noting that Slide’s age limited his future as a player but made him suitable for a team leader role. When Tao Qitao asked about her future, she simply replied that they would all improve and that the future of SP belonged to its young players. Wu Bai's grandfather, worried after seeing K&K's loss, arrived at the base.

Wu Bai reassured him that competition has winners and losers and the team would adjust. Grandpa then presented Wu Bai with a bankbook, urging him to use the money to get the best upgrades and bring home a world championship. Wu Bai was astonished by the large sum and initially refused it. Grandpa explained that he had once opposed Han Shangyan’s career, considering it an improper pursuit, and regretted not supporting him.

Now, seeing their passion, he wanted to help them pursue their dreams without financial concerns. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Zhe and 97, who had come to apologize, overheard the conversation and were deeply moved. After Grandpa left, they sincerely apologized to Wu Bai, who told them to focus on the upcoming Asian Championship and announced their training load would be doubled. Later, at a cafe, Ai Qing surprised Wu Bai with a T-shirt.

Wu Bai immediately recognized it as a couple's shirt and put it on, playfully declaring he would wear it every day. Ai Qing explained that she had reflected after their previous argument and realized it was her fault for not providing him with enough security. She thanked him for his consideration and proposed they reveal their relationship to their teams, planning to go public after the Asian Championship. Wu Bai, overjoyed, asked if she was certain, and she confirmed.

He held her hand, reiterating that winning the world championship was their shared dream and they would both work hard for it. Back at the K&K base, 97 was surprised by Wu Bai’s uncharacteristic T-shirt, quickly realizing it was a couple's shirt from his "goddess." Wu Bai then revealed Ai Qing's intention to make their relationship public, which thrilled 97.

Wu Bai then inquired about their contact with a certain Professor Chen, and 97 confirmed a meeting would be set after the next day's robot exposition. At the exposition, SP discussed their competitors for the Asian Championship. Tao Qitao noted that K&K’s robots had been upgraded, though the specifics were unknown.

Ai Qing suggested Slide attend a discussion session to gather intelligence, but Slide, fearing he’d reveal more than he’d learn, deftly pushed the task onto Ai Qing, implying she was the only one who could handle Wu Bai.

Episode 28 Recap

At the Asian Robot Combat Exposition, Wu Bai of K&K and Ai Qing of SP attended a summit as guests. They exchanged veiled remarks, deliberately creating confusion for their own teammates. When the host, Rachel, asked which team impressed them the most, Wu Bai named AEO for their revolutionary mainframes and the courage to start anew.

Ai Qing, however, turned the focus to her own team, SP, cheekily noting that Seabreeze’s surprise upgrade in the final must have left K&K curious about its future. She then revealed that K&K had, in fact, helped SP win by providing an initial plan to address Seabreeze's weakness, which her team then perfected. Wu Bai feigned annoyance at her jab.

As they discussed their current progress, Ai Qing downplayed K&K’s technical advancements, claiming they had merely refined a control chip while SP was upgrading its entire system. Wu Bai countered, asserting that K&K still held the advantage in software upgrades. After the summit, both leaders strategized with their teams. Wu Bai deduced that SP, with their defensive style, would seek new materials to further enhance Seabreeze’s defense. He immediately arranged a meeting with Professor Chen, a materials expert.

Meanwhile, Ai Qing concluded that the aggressive K&K would prioritize their weapon system. Her teammate Slide suggested they'd focus on artificial intelligence, which led Tao Qitao to worry that K&K might seek out Professor Zhang Yiming, a leading AI expert. Ai Qing promptly scheduled a meeting with Professor Zhang for the next day. In the K&K club, 97 confirmed their 10 AM meeting with Professor Chen, determined not to let SP get ahead.

The next day on campus, Wu Bai and 97 spotted Ai Qing and Slide. Both pairs quickly hid. Realizing they were there for the same purpose, Ai Qing told Slide to proceed with the meeting while she delayed Wu Bai, with Slide advising her to use her charm. Deducing her plan, Wu Bai instructed 97 to do the same while he handled Ai Qing. They then pretended to run into each other.

Ai Qing playfully accused him of meeting another girl, which he denied. Following Slide's advice, she complained of hunger and coaxed Wu Bai into taking her to the campus canteen. At the canteen, Wu Bai, fully aware of her stalling tactic, ordered every dish Ai Qing considered to prolong their meal. Ai Qing was pleased, as this bought her team more time. Soon, both received texts from 97 and Slide confirming their respective meetings were underway successfully.

After eating, Ai Qing asked if Wu Bai was angry that she had tricked him to win the championship. He said he wasn't, because it was a competition, and even outside the arena, he wouldn't be angry, because it was her. As they spoke, Ai Qing saw Slide appear behind Wu Bai and signaled him to leave. To hide Slide's retreat, she suddenly embraced Wu Bai. Just as she released him, Wu Bai spotted 97 waving from a distance.

He immediately pulled Ai Qing back into a hug, signaling his teammate to wait, telling a puzzled Ai Qing that he just wanted to hug her a little longer. Back at their respective clubs, both teams realized their mistake. Ai Qing learned from Wang Hao that K&K had signed a deal with Jiaodong University's Professor Chen, an expert in aerospace materials, not the AI Professor Zhang.

At the same time, Wu Bai saw the news of SP's collaboration and understood that their true target was artificial intelligence. Shen Zhe teased them, comparing their strategic maneuvers to ancient tactics like Tian Ji's horse race and a honey-trap, joking that they were performing Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." As Wu Bai and his team went to meet Professor Chen, they ran into Ai Qing's team on campus. After a brief, playful exchange, they parted ways.

At the lab, they were greeted by Tong Nian, a student who had helped arrange the meeting. The K&K members warmly called her "sister-in-law," to her shy amusement. Before entering the lab, Tong Nian privately confided in Wu Bai that Han Shangyan had proposed, but she had rejected him because she wasn't ready and now worried he was discouraged.

Wu Bai reassured her, joking that no one else could tolerate his brother's temper and encouraging her to visit the club often. In another classroom, Ai Qing’s team was surprised when their substitute lecturer turned out to be Tong Nian. After the class, Tong Nian told Ai Qing how much Wu Bai had changed, describing the once "permanent ice mountain" as finally beginning to "melt," whispering details that made Ai Qing's eyes widen.

Later, Wu Bai and Ai Qing strolled by the campus lake. Ai Qing asked about the rumor of his blind date with Tong Nian. Wu Bai explained it was a misunderstanding orchestrated by his grandfather and that he had clarified to him that Tong Nian was Han Shangyan's girlfriend. Seeing a young man give his girlfriend a piggyback ride, Ai Qing wistfully commented on their youth.

Wu Bai promptly lifted her onto his back and ran happily, both of them laughing. Meanwhile, Shen Zhe found 97 and Zhou Yi being used as panda mascots for a basketball cheerleading squad. He filmed their overheated, clumsy dancing and later showed the hilarious video to Wu Bai and Mi. When 97 and Zhou Yi returned and found Shen Zhe about to post the video online, they tackled him to make him delete it.

With their robots upgraded, both K&K and SP intensified their training for the upcoming ARCT. Their distinct styles became more defined: SP, a "dark ocean" that silently overwhelms opponents, and K&K, a "shining sword" favoring swift, decisive attacks. After a long day of training, Wu Bai received a dinner invitation from Ai Qing's father, which he gladly accepted, brushing off Shen Zhe's hints to be brought along to meet his own potential "father-in-law."

As they prepared for the championship, Ai Qing reflected that while Wu Bai had once been her shield, it was now her turn to lead her knight and protect him on their shared path.

Episode 29 Recap

With the ARCT approaching, Ai Qing was so consumed with optimizing her team's plans that her friend, Slide, teased she had forgotten she even had a boyfriend, hinting that a car downstairs might be Wu Bai’s. Eager to confirm, Ai Qing rushed down. Wu Bai was surprised she had appeared before he could even message her, and Ai Qing explained that Slide had spotted his car.

Wu Bai remarked it had been over half a month since they last met, but to Ai Qing, it felt like a year. Wu Bai then informed her that his "elder brother" had invited him to bring her home for dinner. Ai Qing, initially thinking he meant his cousin Han Shangyan, was surprised. Wu Bai clarified he meant her own father, whom he respectfully called "big brother." Ai Qing chuckled, amused that he was still using the term while sober.

As it was his first time formally meeting her father as her boyfriend, Wu Bai took Ai Qing to a shopping mall to buy a gift, intending to purchase home appliances. Ai Qing, realizing the expensive gifts were for her family, stopped him, insisting that a bottle of wine would be more than sufficient. Wu Bai joked that his grandfather's traditional view of a "bride-price" would require appliances and gold, but Ai Qing firmly redirected him.

Upon their return, Ai Qing's father warmly welcomed them and headed to the kitchen to cook. Ai Qing opened her laptop to watch a movie with Wu Bai, only for a video of his competition to play instead. Noticing Wu Bai’s amused expression, she sheepishly explained she was studying his tactics and pointed out that the female commentator was a dedicated fan of his.

Pleased that his presence extended to her computer, Wu Bai listened as she playfully asked if his own computer contained videos of other skilled female players. Wu Bai said no. Unconvinced, she pressed further, asking if he had ever liked another girl. Wu Bai admitted he had, back in middle or high school, and even had a photo. When a jealous Ai Qing refused to look, he smiled, pulled her closer, and showed her his phone.

On the screen was her own reflection. Wu Bai confessed that he had fallen for "this girl named Ai Qing" long before he even understood what love was, leaving Ai Qing overjoyed. As Wu Bai leaned in for a kiss, Ai Qing's father emerged from the kitchen, causing them to quickly separate. He asked Ai Qing to buy some cold dishes, specifically "Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce," from the market.

At a food stall, the vendor offered Ai Qing a taste of marinated pig ear. Ai Qing fed a piece to Wu Bai with a toothpick, and he reciprocated the gesture. Unbeknownst to them, a live-streamer filming her shopping trip nearby captured the intimate moment on camera. Soon after, Lin Yin discovered that Ai Qing was trending on social media, with comments speculating about their "undercover relationship."

Angered by the malicious remarks, Lin Yin and Fu Yiwen began arguing with netizens. Ou Qiang immediately informed Wang Hao, who ordered the two to his office and had Slide recall all team members by the next morning. At K&K, 97 rushed to tell his teammates. Zhou Yi, stunned by the news, finally realized that Wu Bai’s girlfriend was Ai Qing, and the group set off to find their captain.

As Ai Qing and Wu Bai were setting the table for a large meal prepared by her father, Ai Qing received an urgent call from Bao Na. In her room, she learned that photos of her and Wu Bai had been maliciously posted online, sparking a firestorm. Bao Na explained that Lin Yin and Fu Yiwen’s online arguments had led to the entire SP team being banned from the internet.

The relationship between core members of two rival teams had raised questions about competitive fairness. Moreover, as the sport's most popular player, Wu Bai had a massive fanbase who would likely not accept the sudden news. Citing Ai Qing's past as a senior SP executive and her previous relationship with Wang Hao, Bao Na strongly advised her not to make any public response.

Ai Qing, though somber, felt she had to go to SP to handle the crisis she had caused, but Bao Na urged her to wait, as Wang Hao was already managing the situation and the club needed to form a unified strategy. Meanwhile, Shen Zhe called Wu Bai to inform him of the uproar. Wu Bai instructed his teammates not to respond to anything online and to wait for his return.

After her call, Ai Qing told Wu Bai they should both stay silent and that she would go to SP the next day to resolve it. Wu Bai embraced her, promising to handle everything and assuring her, "This time, you are not alone. We will face it together." They feigned normalcy through dinner, with Ai Qing’s father oblivious to the turmoil as he offered them relationship advice. Later, Wu Bai drove Ai Qing back to her place.

She expressed her fears that the scandal would affect him, that Han Shangyan would punish him, and that they would face jeers from the audience at their next match. She also worried that his fans would deem her, an older woman, unworthy of him. Wu Bai gently countered that it had always been he who was unworthy of her, urging her to rest.

As she lay down, Wu Bai lit some sleep-aiding incense and promised to sleep on the sofa, telling her to call if she needed anything. At the same time, Wang Hao called Han Shangyan, who curtly suggested they each handle their own club's affairs. Wang Hao pleaded with him not to be impulsive, reminding him that Ai Qing was their best friend and Wu Bai was his brother.

He hoped they could reach a consensus to avoid repeating the regrettable decisions they made a decade ago. Shortly after, Wang Hao received a call from Wu Bai, and they agreed to meet in person to discuss the crisis.

Episode 30 Recap

Following the public exposure of their relationship, Wu Bai went to see Wang Hao, concerned that Ai Qing would blame herself for the controversy, just as she had for Team Solo's dissolution a decade ago. Fearing she might resign, Wu Bai urged Wang Hao to prevent it, promising that as the team's captain, he would provide a public explanation.

Wang Hao reassured him that SP would not sacrifice its own people over public opinion and that Ai Qing was his trusted friend as well. Later that evening, Wu Bai called Han Shangyan, acknowledging the significant fallout and stating his readiness to accept any punishment from the club. Han Shangyan understood Wu Bai’s concern that dragging out the situation would harm Ai Qing, who Wu Bai insisted was innocent.

Han Shangyan instructed him to come to the club the following day to discuss it further. The next morning, Ai Qing awoke to find Wu Bai gone and was saddened by the harsh online comments she saw on her phone. Wu Bai soon returned with her favorite fried snack. Holding his hand, she apologized, explaining that the online attacks were directed at him as well.

Unconcerned for himself, Wu Bai's main worry was that she might consider breaking up with him, and he was relieved when she firmly denied it. He urged her to trust him, promising he would handle everything. After Wu Bai left for the club, Ai Jing rushed back from her tour to comfort her sister.

Ai Qing explained that the public scrutiny was inevitable given their rival status and that the controversy would subside if one of them stepped down from their sensitive position. She then hurried to SP, where she overheard Wang Hao and Bao Na discussing a press conference. Ai Qing intervened, stating it was unnecessary, as she intended to resign from her position as SP's team leader.

Wang Hao cautioned her against acting impulsively, assuring her that he and Han Shangyan offered their unconditional support. Ai Qing thanked them but explained she wanted to do something to help them escape the pressure. She clarified that stepping down did not mean leaving the industry; she had long considered a transition into a commentator role, and this felt like the right moment.

Wang Hao respected her choice but stipulated that she must first win the upcoming ARCT championship and that any job change must be an internal transfer within SP. Ai Qing agreed. Wang Hao encouraged her to pursue her passions and love who she loved, remarking on Wu Bai’s good character, and they both wished each other future happiness. At the K&K club, Han Shangyan’s punishment for Wu Bai was to relinquish his captaincy to Shen Zhe.

He also advised Wu Bai to cherish Ai Qing, calling her his "blessing," and demanded he bring back a championship to settle the matter. Wu Bai accepted with a smile. He then texted Ai Qing about his "punishment," and she replied that her boss had also given her a "death order" to win the championship, to which Wu Bai noted that, unfortunately, there could only be one champion.

Later, Ai Qing received encouraging messages from Mi and Han Shangyan, which moved her to tears as she ate noodles. Her teammates, led by Slide, gathered around her, vowing to win the championship to silence the critics. Meanwhile, Wang Hao received an email from headquarters confirming the relationship was a private matter and not a breach of contract. Relieved, he decided against an official announcement and chose to respond via his personal Weibo account instead.

Wu Bai gathered his teammates to apologize for his personal issues implicating the club. 97 immediately reassured him of their brotherhood. Wu Bai then officially announced his punishment: he would step down as captain, with Shen Zhe taking over. The team expressed unease about the change so close to the championship, but Shen Zhe proposed a solution: he would be the captain in name, while Wu Bai would continue to manage tactics and in-game command.

Wu Bai affirmed he would lead them to win the world championship. Following this, Wu Bai posted a message on Weibo. He wrote that from the day he first saw her compete, he had strived to earn the right to stand by her side, and it was she who had transformed him from someone completely unaware of robot combat into the person he is today.

He emphasized that on the field, he belonged to the team, but off the field, he belonged solely to her. Deeply moved, Ai Qing immediately texted him, asking to see him. She waited on a swing, and Wu Bai quickly ran to meet her. As he approached, she rose and embraced him. Wu Bai reaffirmed that his post was from the heart.

After confirming Han Shangyan hadn't been too harsh, Ai Qing offered him a choice: good news or bad news. Wu Bai chose the bad news, and she revealed she had resigned as SP's leader, effective after the championships. For the good news, she excitedly announced her plan to become the league's top female commentator. Surprised, Wu Bai listened as she explained that she had long considered it and this opportunity felt "meant to be."

She added that she wanted to do this for everyone, and especially for him. Touched by her dedication, Wu Bai pulled her into a hug, promising to do everything in his power to ensure her happiness. Later, Mr. Xiang, representing the tournament organizers, arrived at SP with contracts for Ai Qing to be the live commentator for both the ARCT and the World Championship. Wang Hao fully supported the move.

Ai Qing’s remaining concern for the team was eased when Wang Hao assured her that he and Bao Na would take over as coach and team leader, respectively. Reassured, Ai Qing confidently signed the contract. Afterward, she went to visit her father, who praised Wu Bai and mentioned that Wu Bai frequently called to check on him. He then insightfully asked if her new role as a commentator was her way of supporting Wu Bai.

Episode 31 Recap

Ai Qing’s father questioned if her new role as a commentator was merely a way to support Wu Bai. Ai Qing laughed it off, insisting she simply sought a challenging career and found the change refreshing. Her father, however, saw through her pretense, knowing she had always silently endured difficulties. He urged her to prioritize her own well-being in future decisions, reminding her he was the one person who never wanted to see her suffer.

The following morning, upon arriving for work, Ai Qing was surprised by a food delivery. It was from Wu Bai, who sent a variety of her favorite foods, accompanied by a note telling her to eat if she got hungry during rehearsal. Wu Bai messaged her, asking what she would eat first. Ai Qing playfully sent a picture of a random dish.

When Wu Bai asked if she didn't prefer sliced meat, she immediately sent a photo of herself eating it, which made him smile. Observing this exchange, Shen Zhe was impressed by Wu Bai’s tactic and attempted to replicate it by sending a photo of dried meat to Ai Jing, asking if she liked it. Ai Jing, however, retorted, asking if he was unaware she was on a diet.

Shen Zhe then comically pondered the vast differences in romantic dynamics between the two sisters, prompting a sarcastic exchange with 97 about his own supposed “dominant” relationship with Ai Jing, which was quickly debunked by Ai Jing herself during a phone call. As the ARCT approached, K&K intensified their training. Shen Zhe had improved his playing style, 97’s mental fortitude had grown, and the team's overall synergy was strong.

However, Zhou Yi's performance fluctuated due to a lack of confidence, leading to low-level mistakes under pressure. Wu Bai and the team leader reassured Zhou Yi, promising to help him refine his robot's code. Wu Bai then gathered the team for a heartfelt speech, acknowledging K&K’s newness compared to SP, and expressing pride in their journey to the ARCT stage despite past national competition losses.

He emphasized that robot combat was a team effort and K&K’s success was due to everyone’s contribution. After the meeting, Wu Bai took a call from Ai Qing, telling her the team would check into the competition hotel the next day. Ai Qing mentioned her rehearsal was in the afternoon, and Wu Bai immediately offered to accompany her.

Ai Qing, delighted, exchanged sweet words with Wu Bai, unaware that his teammates were eagerly eavesdropping on their conversation, forcing Wu Bai to quickly dismiss them. The next day, Ai Qing diligently prepared for her role as a commentator, and Wu Bai waited patiently by her side. After her rehearsal, Ai Qing apologized for making him wait, but Wu Bai reassured her, saying he cherished their time together.

He thanked her for all her decisions, acknowledging he couldn't interfere but vowed to always remember their shared ideal and promised to lead his team to bring a championship back to China. While Ai Qing was speaking with Wei Quan, a professional who provided commentary insights, Director Lin, an old colleague from SP, approached.

Lin, who had recently been promoted, enthusiastically greeted them and rambled on about his new responsibilities and how much the youth training camp kids missed Ai Qing, all while casually patting Ai Qing's shoulder. Wu Bai, visibly uncomfortable, subtly coughed to show his displeasure. When Lin urged Wu Bai to go pick up his "girlfriend," Wu Bai firmly embraced Ai Qing, asking if they could leave.

Lin, still oblivious, pulled Wu Bai's arm away, chiding him for public displays of affection. Wu Bai then stated unequivocally, "She is my girlfriend," which finally made Lin realize their relationship. Lin immediately changed his tune, praising them as a perfect match and quickly excusing himself. Ai Qing playfully teased Wu Bai for his jealousy, which he denied, though she encouraged him not to be upset, remarking that's just how Lin Shan is.

Chinese robot clubs SP and K&K successfully advanced to the ARCT finals, setting the stage for an intense showdown. Before the match, the two rival teams exchanged pre-match taunts. An SP player boasted about defeating K&K, while Wu Bai calmly countered their trash talk. Wang Hao then stepped in, urging his team to stop the banter, and told Wu Bai to play well, declaring, "The champion belongs to China."

Before the match commenced, Ai Qing, looking poised in a white suit, confided in Wu Bai that she was slightly nervous about her first time commenting on such a big event. Wu Bai, however, exuded confidence, certain that K&K would be victorious. Ai Qing cautioned him not to speak too soon, reminding him that SP had formidable tactics. Wu Bai dismissed this, claiming that tactics paled in comparison to strong individual ability.

Noticing he was carrying a hat, Ai Qing asked him about it. Wu Bai replied that he wanted her to personally crown him in every game she commentated. He handed her the hat, and Ai Qing carefully placed it on his head, sealing the moment with a tender kiss on his face. The first round of the finals saw Nobody, operated by Wu Bai, and Lin Yin's Monster King battling fiercely.

Wu Bai quickly secured the first victory for K&K, giving them a 1-0 lead. Despite the win, Nobody sustained heavy damage, with its steel plate pierced and chip destroyed. In the K&K pit, 97 and Zhou Yi scrambled to repair Nobody, facing challenges with the damaged circuit board and the need to rewrite the self-stabilizing program.

Zhou Yi expressed doubt after multiple failed attempts, but Wu Bai encouraged him, emphasizing that success came from learning from every failure and urging him to persevere. In the second round, Monster King continuously attacked Nobody, a strategy that led commentators to speculate if SP was attempting a "Tianji's horse racing" tactic. Monster King again lunged at Nobody but missed, striking a pillar.

Nobody seized the opportunity, performing an ejection attack that sent the struggling Monster King flying into the elimination zone, securing another point for Wu Bai. Ultimately, K&K clinched the ARCT championship with a decisive 2-0 victory. Wu Bai was awarded the MVP trophy. Wang Hao congratulated Wu Bai, and they both promised to meet again at the World Cup.

As K&K celebrated their win, Wu Bai addressed the crowd, declaring that K&K now had no weaknesses and would prove to be the strongest team in the world at the World Cup. The host then announced Ai Qing, the former main operator of the Solo team, would present the MVP award to Wu Bai.

Ai Qing gracefully presented the trophy, and Wu Bai, taking off his own hat, placed it gently on her head, echoing his earlier wish for her to crown him. Given the microphone, Wu Bai revealed the true meaning behind his nickname, DT, announcing to a stunned audience and his equally surprised teammates that "DT stands for Appledog's Time."

He then looked directly at Ai Qing, proclaiming, "This is my time, and it's also yours," to roaring cheers and applause from the crowd, bringing tears of joy to Ai Qing's eyes. After the ceremony, Wu Bai and Ai Qing shared a meal of crab meat and shrimp noodles.

As Wu Bai mixed her noodles, Ai Qing playfully chided him, asking him to warn her beforehand if he ever planned another public confession, lamenting how she looked crying on stage with her makeup ruined. Wu Bai promised to be more mindful next time, to which Ai Qing laughed, asking if there would really be a "next time," clarifying she was just joking.

Just as Ai Qing was about to eat, Wu Bai took her hand and pulled out a ring box. Ai Qing’s mind raced, silently pleading with him, "Please don't propose to me now. Oh, my god. I just casually changed my clothes and came out here. I didn't even take a shower after I got out of the stadium. Please do not propose to me now. Please don't."

Episode 32 Recap

At a restaurant, Wu Bai held Ai Qing's hand and subtly reached into his pocket. Ai Qing, observing his actions, immediately thought he was about to propose and inwardly pleaded with him not to, feeling unprepared and self-conscious about her casual attire and not having showered after leaving the arena. Wu Bai, indeed on the verge of proposing, suddenly recalled Han Shangyan's failed proposal to his girlfriend, who had rejected him for being unprepared.

Realizing that an impulsive proposal right after a competition could be a mistake, he discreetly slid the ring box back into his pocket. He then told Ai Qing he was "starving," claiming one bowl of noodles wasn't enough, and asked if he could order another. Ai Qing immediately called the boss over to order another bowl of shrimp noodles for him.

Back at the K&K base, Mi informed Wu Bai that Han Shangyan had called, commending their performance in the recent competition. Han Shangyan had also conveyed the headquarters' decision to grant them a three-day holiday for rest and reorganization after their long period of closed practice. Mi then urged Wu Bai to use this time to openly date Ai Qing, emphasizing that she deserved a proper date after being with him for so long.

Shortly after Mi left, Shen Zhe approached Wu Bai, revealing that his mother had been discharged from the hospital and he would be taking Ai Jing home. With a playful grin, Shen Zhe told Wu Bai that Ai Qing's house would be "his" for the next three days, encouraging him to seize the opportunity and implying he could stay there.

Wu Bai then picked up Ai Qing, informing her that her sister, Ai Jing, and Shen Zhe had gone out together for a few days. Ai Qing expressed relief, looking forward to some quiet time alone at home. Upon arriving at Ai Qing's house, she discovered a note from Ai Jing, which read that she heard Wu Bai and Ai Qing would be "living together for three days" and wished them to "get along well."

Ai Qing was visibly surprised by the note and confronted Wu Bai, who quickly clarified that her sister had misunderstood. Ai Qing then pressed him, asking if he had ever considered such an arrangement, to which he playfully responded that he wanted to discuss "tactics." She then inquired if he had brought a change of clothes, pointing out he'd be staying for three days. Wu Bai confirmed he had clothes in his car and would retrieve them.

After Ai Qing finished her shower, she emerged to find Wu Bai engrossed in watching TV. She suggested he go shower, but as he moved to enter the bathroom, she stopped him, reminding him to take a change of clothes, which he had playfully "forgotten." Ai Qing then handed him a bag of clothes. While Wu Bai was showering, Ai Qing prepared her bed.

After he emerged from the bathroom, she explained the sleeping arrangement: he would take her bed, and she would sleep in Ai Jing's room. Wu Bai responded by placing a hand on her shoulder and suggesting they could sleep together, leaning in for a kiss. At that moment, a knock at the door interrupted them. Ai Qing opened it to find her father, to her great surprise.

Her father quickly explained his sudden arrival, claiming his water heater was broken and he needed to stay for two days. Ai Qing's father, after settling in, directly questioned Wu Bai about his intentions with Ai Qing, asking if their relationship was merely a trial or if he was serious about marriage. Wu Bai firmly stated his intention to marry Ai Qing.

Hearing this, Ai Qing's father then proposed a formal meeting between Wu Bai's grandfather and himself, suggesting Wu Bai arrange a convenient time for him to visit Wu Bai's grandfather. Wu Bai readily agreed. As Ai Qing walked Wu Bai downstairs, he expressed his disappointment over the lost opportunity, blaming the "broken water heater." Ai Qing then confessed that the water heater was just an excuse; her sister, Ai Jing, had accidentally let slip that they were staying together.

Wu Bai, playfully frustrated, immediately threatened to call Shen Zhe back to the base for training, which made Ai Qing laugh and call him childish. As Ai Qing turned to go back inside, Wu Bai stopped her, asking if she had forgotten something and pointing to his cheek. Ai Qing leaned in, intending to kiss his cheek, but Wu Bai swiftly turned his head, kissing her on the lips instead before she finally departed.

The following morning, Wu Bai visited his grandfather to convey Ai Qing's father's desire for a formal meeting. His grandfather was delighted by the news but insisted that as the groom's side, they should host. However, Ai Qing felt it would be inappropriate for her senior, Wu Bai's grandfather, to travel to her home, so Wu Bai arranged for them to meet at a restaurant instead.

During the family meal, the two fathers quickly bonded over discussions of marriage and future grandchildren. Wu Bai's grandfather even enthusiastically proposed a joint wedding ceremony for Wu Bai and Ai Qing, to be held alongside Han Shangyan's wedding. Ai Qing discreetly kicked Wu Bai under the table, urging him to intervene, but Wu Bai simply brushed off his grandfather's remarks as playful banter.

Later, Ai Qing pulled Wu Bai aside, questioning why he hadn't curbed his grandfather's enthusiasm and asking if he was genuinely eager to marry. Wu Bai, in turn, asked if she didn't want to, to which Ai Qing admitted she felt unprepared. Wu Bai then assured her that he was ready whenever she was. Wu Bai later visited Ai Qing at her home and asked for her thoughts on his grandfather's suggestion of a joint wedding with Han Shangyan.

Ai Qing pointed out that such a plan skipped crucial steps like a proposal and obtaining a marriage certificate. She quickly clarified that she wasn't demanding a proposal now, but felt flustered trying to explain herself, complaining of a headache. Wu Bai tenderly placed her head on his lap and began to massage her temples. Ai Qing playfully remarked that his touch made all her worries disappear.

Suddenly, Wu Bai heard a door close and, mistaking it for her father's return, quickly prompted Ai Qing to sit up. Ai Qing laughed, revealing it was just a neighbor walking their dog. Ai Qing then teased Wu Bai, noting his earlier enthusiasm when the elders discussed marriage contrasted sharply with his current timidness. Wu Bai, reacting to being called a "wimp," leaned in as if to kiss her, but then winced as his eye suddenly felt uncomfortable.

Concerned, Ai Qing insisted on taking him to the hospital for a comprehensive examination. The doctor, after reviewing the reports, assured them it was merely a slight case of eye strain due to overuse, prescribed some medication, and commended Wu Bai for having such a "good wife." Wu Bai, looking at Ai Qing, smiled and wholeheartedly agreed.

As they left, Ai Qing diligently read out the detailed medication instructions, prompting Wu Bai to remark how good it felt to be "nagged by his wife." Ai Qing, playfully rejecting the "wife" title for now, reiterated the doctor's warnings about eye strain and declared that from then on, he would have to listen to her on everything.

That evening, as Wu Bai's teammates noticed him holding a ring box, they immediately started to playfully tease him about his impending proposal to Ai Qing. Wu Bai, surprised they knew, was informed that his plans were an "open secret" within K&K. His teammates then rallied around him, encouraging him not to be deterred by any difficulties, especially recalling Han Shangyan's past unsuccessful proposal experience. Wu Bai then revealed that Ai Qing particularly loved a certain type of chocolate.

He explained that he had already sent the ring to be incorporated and would pick up the customized chocolates the following day before approaching Ai Qing. While one teammate commented that this method was "too old-fashioned," 97 countered that it was "classic," and the rest of the team cheered Wu Bai on, wishing him success.

The next morning, Ai Qing arrived at the K&K base, pulling a suitcase and announcing her intention to move in to personally care for Wu Bai and prevent further eye strain. She immediately presented him with a pair of blue light-blocking glasses, which his teammates amusingly commented made him look like a "gentleman." Ai Qing then unveiled a highly detailed list of "dos and don'ts" and a precise daily schedule for Wu Bai.

These regulations included specific times for eye drops, closed-eye breaks, eye massages, balanced nutrition, and strict limits on screen time. The team members were astonished by her meticulousness. Ai Qing, adopting a stern but caring tone, declared she would strictly supervise his adherence to the schedule, to which Wu Bai, recognizing her dedication, readily promised his full cooperation.

Episode 33 Recap

Following the aborted proposal attempt, Wu Bai's teammates inquire about his next move. Shen Zhe points out that Ai Qing has created a strict schedule for Wu Bai's eye care, making it impossible for him to slip away. Wu Bai admits this complicates things, so 97 and Zhou Yi volunteer to retrieve the custom chocolate containing the engagement ring.

Meanwhile, Mi announces that the upcoming World Cup will feature a new competition system, allowing both teams to set up obstacles on the field. This new rule requires two team members to be on the field simultaneously: one controlling the robot and the other managing the obstacles. Wu Bai then analyzes the functions of various obstacles for the team—such as fire, gears, and rebound boards—before laying out a corresponding intensive training plan.

Later, 97 and Zhou Yi go to retrieve the custom chocolate. However, distracted by tasting other treats in the shop, they inadvertently take the wrong bag. Oblivious to the mistake, Wu Bai presents the chocolate to Ai Qing, claiming 97 bought it for her. Ai Qing happily opens the box, noticing the packaging is different from what she remembers. As she unwraps a piece, Wu Bai and his teammates watch with bated breath.

Feeling their intense gaze, Ai Qing offers them some, but everyone makes excuses, claiming they are on a diet, have a toothache, or need to stay fit. After Ai Qing eats one piece with no reaction, Wu Bai nervously urges her to eat more. When she says she's full and will save the rest for later, his teammates insist she must finish them immediately, explaining the chocolates have a short one-day shelf life.

To avoid waste, Ai Qing eats the remaining pieces but finds them overwhelmingly sweet and leaves to rinse her mouth. With no ring found, Wu Bai questions 97, who is just as confused as Zhou Yi. Mi suggests Wu Bai call the shop, which confirms a mix-up and promises to deliver the correct order, with the ring, the next day. Mortified by their mistake, 97 and Zhou Yi are tasked by Mi to redeem themselves by brainstorming new proposal ideas.

Later, the two apologize to Wu Bai and present their plans. 97 suggests a romantic and surprising proposal at K&K, envisioning a release of fireflies on a starry night. When Wu Bai seems unimpressed, Shen Zhe proposes a "pet proposal," using geese from a nearby farm with "Will you marry me?" cards around their necks. Wu Bai dismisses this as uncontrollable.

Shen Zhe then suggests a "treasure hunt proposal," but Zhou Yi worries Ai Qing might not find the final clue. Finally, 97 suggests an "express delivery proposal" where Wu Bai is packaged and delivered to Ai Qing. Zhou Yi immediately points out the logistical nightmare. As they begin to argue, Wu Bai stops them, deciding to figure it out himself.

One day, while the team discusses tactics, Ai Qing interrupts with an alarm clock, reminding Wu Bai to take his medicine and "look far away." The team is confused when he stares at a wall, until he points out that Ai Qing has humorously posted the words "Far Away" on it. A little while later, she returns to give him eye drops and a massage.

Witnessing their sweet interaction, the teammates begin to comically imitate them, prompting the couple to move to a private room. There, they discuss the upcoming World Cup. Wu Bai identifies Iron and Naya as their biggest threats. Ai Qing agrees, and Wu Bai predicts Naya will upgrade their robots specifically to counter K&K.

When asked if he will modify his robots in response, Wu Bai states he will not be led by them and will simply focus on being his best. Ai Qing then excitedly begins to strategize how SP would handle Naya before catching herself, explaining it's an old habit she hasn't fully adjusted from. Curious, Ai Qing asks to see inside Wu Bai's password-protected box.

He opens it to reveal numerous photos of her from past competitions, each with his handwritten notes detailing her victories. Deeply moved, she gazes at them until 97 calls them to play with new robot toys. Ai Qing is impressed with the toys and wants to buy some for the Teen Training Camp, but 97 informs her the children likely already have them, as they were developed by her former company, Jiayi.

She praises the design, believing it's an excellent tool for promoting robot combat among children. Seeing her passion, Wu Bai arranges a meeting with Lin Shan, who is managing the educational robot promotion. Lin Shan invites Ai Qing to join the project as a consultant. While Ai Qing explains it's a dream of hers, she worries about her current job. Lin Shan assures her it won't conflict, as she would only need to offer guidance in her spare time.

Later, Ai Qing asks Wu Bai why he set up the meeting. He explains that she was the one who made him fall in love with robot combat ten years ago, and he believes she can inspire countless more children to join the field. Touched by his deep understanding, Ai Qing feels immense gratitude for having him in her life. Later, Tong Nian visits the K&K base and makes coffee for everyone. The team notices a special cup with a cute pig latte art, playfully teasing that their "sister-in-law" is sending a coded message of love to their leader, Han Shangyan.

Episode 34 Recap

Tong Nian presented Han Shangyan with a cup of coffee adorned with a cute pig latte art, which his K&K teammates excitedly delivered to him. A troubled Wu Bai later approached Tong Nian for advice, admitting his own proposal attempt had been a mishap before he even got a chance to speak. He asked Tong Nian how Han Shangyan had proposed to her, hoping to learn from what he jokingly called a "bad example."

Tong Nian recounted that Han Shangyan proposed at a train station after the national tournaments, putting a champion ring on her finger and simply saying, "Tong Nian, let's get married," which left her completely shocked.

She advised Wu Bai that while a romantic ceremony is important, it's more crucial to instill confidence in the girl about their future, making her believe he will wholeheartedly care for her, ensure she retains her freedom, and always support her dreams, providing a profound sense of security. Wu Bai diligently took notes, finding her suggestions invaluable. Later, the K&K team, observing Wu Bai deep in thought, worried that he was upset about his proposal.

Suddenly, Wu Bai exclaimed that he had a solution, explaining it would be a multi-stage plan. He then led Ai Qing to a park. As they walked, Ai Qing complained that her high heels were hurting her feet, so they sat on a nearby bench.

An elderly couple on an adjacent bench caught their attention; the woman playfully teased her husband for being a man of few words, yet recalled how he had knelt before her parents years ago, promising to make her happy forever. She then insisted on going down the park slide, and her husband indulgently accompanied her. Ai Qing expressed a wish for her and Wu Bai to be as happy as the old couple when they grow old.

Wu Bai promised to accompany her in anything she desires. He then took her foot, carefully applying a band-aid to her chafed heel. Touched by his tenderness, Ai Qing spontaneously said, "Wu Bai, let's get married." Wu Bai was initially stunned, but quickly recovered and opened a ring box. He asked if she would marry him, and Ai Qing, with a sweet smile, asked him to put the ring on her finger.

When Ai Qing asked about his original plans for the proposal, Wu Bai simply said they no longer mattered and led her home. Meanwhile, Shen Zhe, 97, and the rest of the team were waiting nearby, wearing cartoon hats. Seeing Wu Bai return without Ai Qing, they assumed his proposal had failed again. That evening, back at the base, they decided to comfort him, instructing Zhou Yi to prepare a warm meal.

When Wu Bai returned, his teammates greeted him with concerned expressions, urging him not to be sad. Confused by their commiseration, Wu Bai revealed the now-empty ring box. His teammates gasped, thinking the ring was lost. However, Wu Bai loudly announced, "Success!" The team instantly erupted in cheers, their worry turning into joyful celebration. Upon returning home, Ai Jing noticed the new ring on her sister's hand and was delighted.

She then excitedly told Ai Qing about a trending account on Cloud Circle called "Assist Genius," which had been posting stories about them. Ai Qing immediately suspected 97 was behind it. She later mentioned it to Wu Bai, telling him that after reading the "Assist Genius" journal, she realized he had been scheming to win her over for three years. Wu Bai playfully admitted that without a few tricks, he couldn't have won over his "Goddess Appledog."

Soon after, Wu Bai received a call from Wang Hao, who proposed a joint training camp for the SP and K&K teams before the World Cup. Wu Bai readily agreed. Meanwhile, 97 was basking in the increasing comments on his "Assist Genius" posts until he saw a comment from Wu Bai exposing his identity. Panicked, 97 asked Shen Zhe what to do, to which Shen Zhe wryly replied he was on his own.

Wu Bai then instructed 97 to inform the team that SP would be arriving that afternoon. Ai Qing later brought the SP team to the K&K base. Although the SP members initially questioned training with their rivals, Ai Qing explained that with two Chinese teams in the World Cup for the first time, ensuring China secured the championship was paramount.

They openly shared technical knowledge, discussing automated correction technology, different control styles, and K&K's unique aerospace-grade titanium alloy armor, aiming to collectively excel in the World Cup. As the two teams prepared to depart, Wu Bai held Ai Qing's hand, promising to fulfill her long-held dream of a world championship. They flew to Chicago and checked into their hotel. Han Shangyan then called Wu Bai, asking him to visit K&K headquarters. Concerned, Ai Qing accompanied him.

At the headquarters, Wu Bai was met with enthusiastic applause. Nanwei congratulated Wu Bai for establishing K&K as one of China's top two clubs within a year and formally reinstated him as the captain of K&K China's First Team. They also discussed K&K's ambitious expansion plans, including forming a second team and developing new mechs. Back at the hotel, Wu Bai reassured Ai Qing that the meeting was positive.

Ai Qing was delighted, though Wu Bai remained unfazed by his captaincy. While Wu Bai was preparing fruit for a team pep rally, Ai Qing joined him, eager to observe his leadership style. During the rally, Shen Zhe made a lighthearted joke about Ai Qing and his girlfriend Ai Jing being sisters, which led to a playful debate about who was the "radish or bok choy."

Wu Bai cut the rally short, stating that after so much training, the team's readiness was more important than words. In the World Cup quarter-finals, Shen Zhe delivered a decisive KO, securing K&K's advancement to the semi-finals. Though the SP team fought valiantly, they were narrowly defeated by Australia's RF team, still achieving a commendable top-eight finish, their best performance to date. Wu Bai then dominated his match, securing K&K's spot in the finals against Team Naya.

Later, reflecting on her relationship with Wu Bai, Ai Qing realized that marriage is the continuous act of falling in love with the same person amidst everyday life. She envisioned their future together, their affection as unchanging as the moon that had witnessed them from the very first moment ten years ago.

Episode 35 Recap

Wu Bai, 97, and Zhou Yi met Slide at a bar. Ai Qing was unable to attend but had specifically asked Wu Bai to look after Slide. Slide, dismissing his recent loss, proposed a drink, but Wu Bai declined, explaining that drinking before his match the next day could impair his operations. Slide offered water instead, and they all raised their glasses to celebrate K&K reaching the finals.

Slide advised them not to fear Naya, claiming that during his time with Naya's team, they relied solely on brute force with no technical skill. Wu Bai confidently assured him that the championship would belong to China. 97, finding the craft beer delicious, drank one after another until he became quite intoxicated. He asked Slide to order more before heading to the restroom, with Zhou Yi helping him.

As Slide went to the bar, Wu Bai messaged Ai Qing, confirming Slide was fine. At that moment, Naya's team members approached Slide, mocking his past failures and referring to him as "the master of theory." Wu Bai intervened, defending Slide. When Naya asked if Slide had joined K&K, Wu Bai declared it would be K&K's greatest honor if he did.

Naya then advised Wu Bai not to be burdened by Slide, to which Wu Bai thanked him for his concern and stated they would meet in the arena. After Naya and his team departed, Slide shared his difficult experience with Naya's team in Germany. Despite his attempts to introduce more tactical play, his advice was ignored, and he was ultimately blamed for the team missing the playoffs, leading to his frustration and occasional altercations.

He expressed his deep disappointment that his aspiration to defeat Naya in this World Cup would go unfulfilled. The following morning, Wu Bai was jogging when Slide approached him, asking if he was nervous for the upcoming match. Wu Bai admitted he rarely got nervous. Slide then apologized for his drunken ramblings the previous night, urging Wu Bai not to let it affect his performance. Wu Bai, with conviction, promised Slide that he would defeat Naya that night.

Later, K&K members, discussing Naya's upgraded Cutter, noted its expanded attack range and new front shovel, designed to counter Nobody's ejection mechanism. They acknowledged Naya's enduring skill and decided to win the championship not just for K&K, but also for Slide and the legacy of SP. Ai Qing then arrived with Wang Hao, Ou Qiang, and Slide, ready to act as sparring partners.

Ai Qing emphasized that the World Cup represented the dreams of both their generation and the current one, and revealed she had stayed up all night to create a comprehensive K&K training plan. Before the match, Shen Zhe admitted his nervousness about operating the arena mechanisms for the first time, fearing he couldn't match Wu Bai's pace and would embarrass Chinese robot combat players. Wu Bai reassured him they would win.

In the preparation room, Ai Qing presented Wu Bai with her national championship ring, which she had won ten years prior and considered a lucky charm. Wu Bai accepted the ring, vowing to win the world championship and fulfill their shared ambition. As the match began, Wu Bai's grandfather proudly pointed out Ai Qing on television to his friends, introducing her as his future granddaughter-in-law, while Ai Qing's father and Ai Jing also watched intently.

The commentator introduced the final between Wu Bai's Nobody and Naya's Cutter. From the start, both machines engaged in a fierce, head-on clash. Cutter aggressively pursued Nobody, whose reinforced side armor effectively repelled Cutter's blade. Naya seemed to anticipate Nobody's every move, making it impossible for Wu Bai to create distance.

Watching from the sidelines, Wang Hao and other K&K members observed Naya's significantly improved performance, attributing it to specialized training, possibly involving AI simulation, and concluded it would be challenging for Nobody, which was at a disadvantage in close-quarters combat, to turn the tide. Wu Bai maneuvered Nobody to relentlessly pursue Cutter. Shen Zhe skillfully activated an arena mechanism, raising cylindrical pillars that blocked Cutter. Nobody seized the opportunity, executing a flawless ejection that sent Cutter flying.

However, Cutter remarkably landed upright and undamaged. Naya's team then activated another mechanism, raising electric saws that trapped Nobody between Cutter and the saws, severely damaging its wing armor. Wu Bai calmly responded by making Nobody's tires spin at high speed, allowing it to swiftly break free. Cutter continued its pursuit, and Naya activated flamethrowers to target Nobody's vulnerable undercarriage.

Wu Bai, recalling a "bouncing ball" tactic Shen Zhe had used in a past match, successfully employed it to evade the attack. Moments later, Nobody was again caught by the cylindrical mechanisms. As Cutter closed in, Wu Bai skillfully used powerful centrifugal force to break free and collide with Cutter. The commentator exclaimed that this was Ai Qing's famous "Tornado" move, though Ai Qing humbly remarked that her own was never as fluid as Wu Bai's.

A critical issue arose when Nobody's deformed armor became lodged in its tires. The referee began a countdown. Just as tension peaked, Nobody finally moved. Remembering how Wang Hao's robot, Blade Point, had once used an arena mechanism to fix its weapon, Wu Bai guided Nobody towards a mace-like device. Nobody intentionally collided with the mace, sacrificing its damaged armor to detach it and restore its full mobility—an act the commentators likened to a "heroic self-sacrifice."

Following this, Wu Bai executed SP's signature "Body Slam" move, crashing Nobody heavily onto Cutter, which changed Naya's expression to one of dismay. Wang Hao praised Wu Bai's "beautiful combo." Both robots came to a halt in the center of the arena, with smoke emanating from Nobody's cockpit. With little time remaining, the referee began the final countdown. In a decisive move, Wu Bai operated Nobody to ram Cutter one last time.

As the timer hit zero, K&K emerged victorious, securing a World Championship for China. Nobody then projected the triumphant message, "China is the champion," onto the arena screen. After the award ceremony, Wu Bai approached Naya, affirming that everyone who passionately loves robot combat—including Naya, himself, and Slide—deserves respect. He expressed his anticipation for their next match, and Naya congratulated him. Wu Bai then found Ai Qing in the lounge and immediately embraced and kissed her. The SP and K&K team members soon arrived, witnessing the sweet moment. They playfully covered their eyes but peeked through their fingers, silently wishing happiness for the couple.

Episode 36 Recap

After the championship match, a reporter sent by Mr. Xiang approached Wu Bai for an interview, explaining they couldn't return to China without it, as the country was already celebrating wildly. Despite the reporter's eagerness, Wu Bai's responses were brief, consisting only of repeated thanks. As the K&K team discussed rewards and their planned celebration party, they realized Wu Bai and Ai Qing had quietly slipped away. The couple had gone to a shooting range for a friendly competition.

After losing, Ai Qing asked Wu Bai if he had intentionally lost to her during their previous session in Singapore, citing a fan's online disclosure. Wu Bai firmly denied it, explaining that his performance had been affected by a problem with his eyes. He revealed that he underwent surgery immediately after that competition, which led to his three-year disappearance.

He had wanted to call her from the hospital but felt he couldn't offer her happiness at that time, so he decided to wait until he had achieved success before finding her again. Ai Qing finally understood the meaning behind his goal of winning "300 championships" before starting a relationship with her.

Wu Bai clarified that the number was significant because Wang Hao had 299 victories, and he felt he needed to surpass that to be worthy of confessing his love. He pushed himself to compete in over 200 matches abroad before daring to return. Touched, Ai Qing called him foolish, and Wu Bai expressed regret for not returning sooner, believing they could have already been married. Later that evening, Wu Bai accompanied Ai Qing back to her hotel room.

Hesitating to leave, he confessed he didn't want to part ways. Ai Qing noticed his rapidly beating heart, and he admitted it was because he was thinking of her. He then kissed her as the door closed behind them. The next morning, Wu Bai lay awake, smiling as he watched Ai Qing sleep. When she woke, she shyly asked why he was staring, and he replied that he still hadn't had enough of looking at her.

While they were having the breakfast he had prepared, Wu Bai received a call from his mother. Hearing he wanted to get married, she immediately decided that she and Wu Bai's father would fly back to China the day after tomorrow, a sudden development that surprised Ai Qing.

Meanwhile, Shen Zhe overheard the news and, feeling that Ai Jing, as the elder sister, should have her parents meet first, promptly called his own mother, urging her to come to Shanghai the next morning. Ai Jing's father became flustered upon learning that both prospective in-laws would arrive the next day. Ai Jing clarified the schedule: Shen Zhe's mother in the morning, followed by Wu Bai's parents in the afternoon.

Her father, panicking about making a good impression, removed his apron and rushed out to buy suitable clothes. The next day, Shen Zhe, in the car with his mother, repeatedly emphasized that she must not bully Ai Jing, whom he described as a wonderful girl. His mother still remarked on Ai Jing's age, but Shen Zhe insisted he preferred older women.

Meanwhile, Wu Bai arrived at Ai Qing's place much earlier than expected, causing Ai Qing to panic about what to wear for their meeting. Wu Bai reassured her that his parents had, in a way, already "met" her through the many posters and photos in his room.

When Ai Qing insisted it wasn't the same, Wu Bai eased her worries by explaining that his parents were also each other's first love and were therefore especially happy that he was with his. Wu Bai then took Ai Qing to his grandfather's house, where his mother welcomed her warmly. His grandfather immediately suggested that Wu Bai and Han Shangyan, who was also preparing to wed, should hold a joint wedding the following month.

In the meantime, Shen Zhe's mother concluded her lunch with Ai Jing and her father. As they parted ways, she apologized to Ai Jing for her previous reservations, which Ai Jing politely dismissed. After Shen Zhe and his mother left, Ai Jing's father noted that Shen Zhe's mother seemed traditional while Ai Jing was strong-willed, predicting future arguments and advising his daughter to be more yielding.

Later, Ai Jing's father rushed home to change for the evening meeting with Wu Bai's parents. To show impartiality towards both daughters, he had bought two identical suits, a detail that amused Ai Jing when he explained it. Upon arrival at the restaurant, Ai Jing's father met Wu Bai's grandfather and parents. The conversation was warm, covering topics like the future wedding home, which Wu Bai stated he and Ai Qing intended to purchase together, and even future children.

That evening, Shen Zhe arrived at Ai Jing's home, passionately declaring that since Wu Bai and Ai Qing were getting married, their own wedding should also be on the agenda. Overwhelmed by his confession of love, Ai Jing kissed him on the cheek. When Shen Zhe deemed it "not enough," she kissed him again, leaving lipstick marks all over his face.

Aware that her father would soon return, Ai Jing urged him to leave, but Shen Zhe playfully suggested that her father could witness their affection. Separately, Wu Bai was on the phone with Han Shangyan, discussing the grandfather's suggestion of a joint wedding. Han Shangyan told Tong Nian that getting married would bring a sense of "stability."

Tong Nian playfully reminded him that they had already received their marriage certificate, but Han Shangyan chuckled, stating that not living together was the source of his "instability." Soon after, Wu Bai arrived at Ai Qing's home. Her father warmly greeted him, but Ai Qing, with a sense of urgency, pulled Wu Bai into her room. She expressed anxiety about the proposed wedding next month, lamenting that she had prepared nothing.

Wu Bai explained that his grandfather had chosen the timing to coincide with the National Day holiday. When Ai Qing pointed out that they hadn't even registered their marriage yet, Wu Bai revealed he had brought all their necessary documents, suggesting they go immediately. As they emerged from the room, they found Ai Jing's father and Ai Jing eavesdropping.

Upon hearing their plan, Ai Qing's father, who had anticipated this moment, promptly handed Ai Qing her household register, which he had been carrying with him. He affectionately joked that he was happily handing her over because Wu Bai was so exceptional. The couple then went to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

During their photo session, Ai Qing had to guide a somewhat awkward Wu Bai on posing for "new-style" photos, explaining that his constant travel kept him out of touch with current trends. After successfully obtaining their marriage certificate, Ai Qing playfully asked if it was too late to regret it, a thought Wu Bai firmly dismissed. Shortly after, Ai Qing received a call from her father, who confirmed they had the certificate.

He told them that he and Ai Jing were heading out and encouraged the newlyweds to enjoy their "two-person world" with the large spread of food and wine he had prepared. Ai Jing had even left a note on the table, humorously suggesting they drink until they were "drunk unconscious."

Episode 37 Recap

Wu Bai and Ai Qing returned home after getting their marriage certificate to find a large meal and wine prepared by Ai Qing's father. Ai Qing smiled, declaring it was now time for their "two-person world." Wu Bai motioned for her to sit down before handing her his bank card, explaining it contained all the prize money from his competitions. Amused, Ai Qing asked if he was already entrusting her with his finances.

Wu Bai confessed that he had planned to propose to her in the park that day, but she had surprised him by proposing first. Curious, Ai Qing asked about his planned proposal. Wu Bai revealed that 97 and their teammates were secretly waiting nearby, each holding a small box.

He then opened a box to reveal a car key, explaining he had bought her a car for commuting in case he was too busy to pick her up, though she would need to get her driver's license first. He handed her another key, revealing it was for the new home he had already purchased for them. Ai Qing was deeply touched, feeling as if she had married a real-life Doraemon who had prepared for everything.

She insisted that she didn't need any of these material things; having him was enough. Wu Bai disagreed, stating he had envisioned and prepared for their love for ten years. When Ai Qing asked what their life would be like in another ten years, Wu Bai confidently replied that they would be even happier. Later that evening, the couple changed into their pajamas. As Wu Bai prepared their toothbrushes, Ai Qing asked about his feelings before and after getting married.

Wu Bai cheekily responded that he could now comfortably sleep in her bed, earning a playful "rogue" from Ai Qing. Wu Bai turned off the lights, declaring he was merely exercising his rights as her husband. Just as he leaned in to kiss her, his phone rang. It was his grandpa, who, upon hearing Wu Bai was at Ai Qing's, insisted he should have taken her somewhere romantic.

Ai Qing quickly interjected that it had been her idea to stay home. Grandpa chuckled, noting how she was already protecting Wu Bai, and told her to let him know if Wu Bai ever mistreated her. After the call, he tried to kiss her again, but his mother called. Their stories conflicted, with Wu Bai saying they were brushing their teeth and Ai Qing saying they were watching a movie.

His mother chastised him, saying even his old-fashioned father was more romantic. As Ai Qing looked for a movie, Wu Bai pulled her close, questioning if she really wanted to watch one. The phone rang a third time, but Wu Bai simply pushed it aside. The next day, Wu Bai returned to the K&K base and announced to his ecstatic teammates that he was married and the wedding would be next month. The team erupted in celebration.

Some members excitedly showcased their new "champion combo" menu items, including "Egg-Wrapped Golden Shrimp Dumplings," "Victory Fried Dumplings," and "Champion Pan-Fried Dumplings," along with a newly organized "champion display cabinet." Wu Bai then called a meeting, reminding everyone to remain humble despite their victory. He noted that their competitors would be upgrading their bots and that he and other members would be taking time for intensive training. Afterwards, the team went suit shopping.

When Wu Bai emerged from the fitting room, his teammates jokingly called him a "refined rascal" and a "beast in fine clothing." Wu Bai frowned, but Shen Zhe assured him they were compliments. Wu Bai asked if Ai Qing would like his look, and 97 declared he was K&K's "most handsome," with everyone agreeing Ai Qing would love it. Meanwhile, Wu Bai's grandpa and Ai Qing's father were also preparing. After selecting several outfits, Grandpa insisted on buying them all.

They then met with a designer for the couple's new home. Grandpa rejected styles that were too tech-heavy, minimalist, traditional, or vintage, describing their ideal aesthetic as "simple but not simplistic," "low-key but luxurious," "warm with a touch of tech," and "classic yet festive." Ai Qing's father added the final, crucial requirement: it had to be "good quality and affordable." Later, Wu Bai arrived to see the design. Grandpa proudly showed him the smart home features, including voice-controlled, color-changing lights.

Wu Bai called the design "special" and cleverly suggested his grandpa design an even more festive home for his cousin, Han Shangyan, to avoid accusations of favoritism. As he left, Wu Bai sent a text to Han Shangyan, congratulating him on his upcoming new home. Realizing the couple wouldn't accept money directly, Grandpa arranged a mahjong game. With subtle assistance from Wu Bai's parents, he deliberately lost to Ai Qing and Wu Bai, allowing them to win a large sum.

Afterwards, Wu Bai's mother took Ai Qing shopping and insisted she stay the night to chat, leaving Wu Bai to room with his father. In her room, the mother showed Ai Qing childhood photos of Wu Bai, and Ai Qing commented on how cute and chubby he was. After his mother fell asleep, Ai Qing received a text from Wu Bai, and they met quietly in the living room.

Ai Qing remarked on how deeply his parents loved each other and expressed sadness that her own father, a widower who had devoted his life to his daughters, would be lonely after they both married. Wu Bai reassured her, promising they would always live in Shanghai to care for her father, a sentiment that deeply warmed her heart. Back at the K&K base, the teammates presented their wedding gifts. One wished them a happy marriage and "lovely babies."

Zhou Yi gave them a custom-made box that lit up with "Happy Wedding" and "Love Forever." Shen Zhe offered his lucky hammer, which had been with him since the original DT team, symbolizing a marriage that is "sealed with one strike." Finally, Mi unveiled his gift: a "reserve fund." He explained that when Wu Bai recruited him, he had promised Mi half his salary. Mi never touched it, instead asking Su Cheng to create a separate account.

Now, he was returning the accumulated money to Wu Bai. Touched, Wu Bai declared half the money would be for a team party and the other half for bonuses. Ecstatic, 97 and Shen Zhe immediately proposed a bachelor party with a "pool, villa, beauties, and champagne." Wu Bai led them away, but the "party" was just his room, where he made them watch him iron his clothes.

Meanwhile, Ai Qing was at her home, also ironing her wedding dress, as her father and Ai Jing carefully arranged auspicious decorations like dates and longans for the next day's ceremony.

Episode 38 (Ending) Recap

The day before his wedding, Wu Bai meticulously ironed his suit and tie multiple times before finally going to bed. The next morning, he maintained his routine, going for a run and eagerly distributing wedding candies to everyone he met, happily sharing that he was marrying a girl he had loved for ten years. Upon returning home, he showered and joined his grandfather for breakfast.

Though his friends Shen Zhe and 97 were still sleeping, Wu Bai’s grandfather anxiously insisted they wake up. After the meal, Wu Bai donned his handsome groom's attire and, with his K&K teammates, set off to pick up his bride. Arriving downstairs at Ai Qing's home, Wu Bai and his K&K brothers saw that the SP team was already there, ready to block their path. Inside, Ai Qing, radiant in her wedding gown, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

She quickly borrowed Ai Jing's phone to watch a video of Wu Bai's arrival, noting how handsome he looked. Outside, Shen Zhe observed the SP members and warned Wu Bai that retrieving the bride would be a tough battle. As Wu Bai and his group approached the door, they were blocked by Ai Qing’s "bride's side"—her male best friends from SP. They demanded red envelopes as per tradition.

Shen Zhe offered one, but Slide signaled for the door to be shut, declaring it wasn't enough. After Shen Zhe offered a second, they still feigned dissatisfaction. Wu Bai then instructed him to give more, so Shen Zhe handed one to each of the five men. However, Slide brazenly snatched the remaining envelopes from Shen Zhe, claiming they needed to see more sincerity.

Upon finally entering, the group was stopped again by Ai Jing, who announced they needed to complete three tasks. The first was to finish a bowl of noodles within three minutes. Just as they were about to eat, Slide intervened, adding a generous amount of fiery chili to the noodles. Shen Zhe and his teammates took turns, struggling through the spicy challenge.

They then successfully passed the second task, which involved two people standing on paint cans and, without using their hands, finishing a biscuit in 30 seconds. The final challenge was a "three questions, three answers" test; any incorrect response meant they couldn't take the bride. The first question was about their first confession. Wu Bai correctly replied that he had confessed to her in Chicago. The second question was about their first argument.

Wu Bai explained it was at Wang Hao's old house because he feared she might not love him enough, which was also correct. For the final question, he was asked if he would always stand behind her and be her strongest support. Wu Bai unequivocally declared he would always be her strongest backing. With all questions answered correctly, he walked to Ai Qing and, amidst the thunderous applause of their friends, proudly carried his bride out of the room.

Later, the two couples, Han Shangyan and Tong Nian, and Wu Bai and Ai Qing, held a grand wedding ceremony. Before it began, a large screen displayed Wu Bai’s "journey of love," marking all the cities where his competitions had coincided with special memories he shared with Ai Qing. During the ceremony, the couples exchanged rings and the grooms kissed their brides. In the audience, Ai Qing’s grandfather watched, tears of joy on his face.

The host then asked who they thought would be next year's champion. Ai Qing immediately declared it would be SP, to the cheers of Wang Hao and the SP team. Han Shangyan chuckled, calling it a "dream." After his teammates urged him not to be a coward, Wu Bai smiled and said that for today, he would listen to his wife. After the wedding, Shen Zhe mistakenly gave Wu Bai and Han Shangyan the wrong room keys.

Wu Bai entered his suite only to find a bewildered Tong Nian, who was looking for Han Shangyan. Realizing the mix-up, Wu Bai rushed to Ai Qing’s room, where Wang Hao, Slide, and other SP members were still lingering. Ai Qing told them to leave, but they playfully pretended they wanted to tease the newlyweds. Ai Qing stopped them, and Slide grinned at Wu Bai, telling him to take good care of their best friend.

After they left, Wu Bai locked the door, wanting no more disturbances. He joyfully called her "wife," and she sweetly replied, "husband," before he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. On another day, Bao Na cornered Wang Hao, demanding he fulfill his promise to go on ten blind dates.

Wang Hao tried to postpone, but Ou Qiang insisted it happen immediately and introduced Wang Hao to his own sister, watching with hope as the two began to chat. Later, K&K and SP celebrated together by a pool. When 97 declared K&K would win the championship again, Slide promptly pushed him into the water, retorting that SP would be the next champion.

This started a chain reaction, with Shen Zhe pushing Lin Yin in, and soon nearly everyone was in the pool. Only Wu Bai and Ai Qing remained on the side. The others called for Wu Bai to join them, but he laughed, saying his wife wouldn't be so cruel as to push him in.

While verbally agreeing with him, Ai Qing gave him a playful shove, sending him splashing into the water to the amusement of everyone, who then playfully splashed water at her. A new season of robot combat began, with K&K and SP once again the favorites. This time, Wu Bai found himself competing directly against Ai Qing. They and their teammates continued to pursue their dreams, dedicating themselves to the sport and writing new chapters of glory. This was their era.