Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time Episode 5 Recap
> Go Go Squid 2 Dt.Appledog's Time 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.
