Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Episode 23 Recap
> Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time 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.
