Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Episode 21 Recap
> Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time 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.
