Falling Into Your Smile Episode 14 Recap
> Falling Into Your Smile Recap
After comforting Ah Guang, who was distraught over harsh fan comments following his team's loss, Tong Yao reflected that victory is never easy and one should never underestimate an opponent. She then declared to Lu Sicheng her desire to challenge Ah Tai again. Before the match, she was visibly nervous, joking about needing the toilet. Her teammates, Lao Mao and Xiao Rui, tried to reassure her.
Lu Sicheng, however, sarcastically commented on her poor mental strength, suggesting she learn from Lu Yue's passive, "defensive tower"-like playstyle. As the game was about to begin, Tong Yao frantically searched for her mouse. Lu Sicheng gently guided her hand to it, noting how cold it was. He first seemed to mock her nervousness by reminding her of her past courage, prompting Lao K to question if he was truly comforting her.
However, Lu Sicheng then sincerely told her to close her eyes, breathe deeply, and relax, assuring her, "It doesn't matter if you lose. I'll carry you to victory." This rare display of support surprised and touched Lao K, who exclaimed that Lu Sicheng was finally speaking like a "normal man" to a woman. Xiao Pang playfully retorted, reminding them of how they had begged Lu Sicheng for victory during past assessments.
The match began, and Tong Yao chose Higanbana, the same hero she had been defeated with previously. Her anxiety led to frequent mistakes and extreme caution, causing her to constantly retreat. Observing her poor performance, Lu Sicheng began to verbally provoke her, pointing out her hesitation to leave the tower and how she was falling behind economically despite having zero deaths, asking if she was "disconnected." Despite his goading, Tong Yao became increasingly tense.
When Lao K initiated an attack and sacrificed himself, Tong Yao failed to seize the opportunity. Lao Mao also came to support, but she still retreated, disappointing her teammates. However, Lu Sicheng's continued provocations, mixed with firm encouragement, began to take effect. He pushed her to attack, assuring her he would avenge her if she failed. As the battle intensified, his words gave her the final push she needed.
After a decisive team fight, he urged her to push ahead in a one-on-one situation against Ah Tai at the enemy's base crystal. Overcoming her internal pressure, Tong Yao engaged Ah Tai while simultaneously attacking the tower, securing the victory for ZGDX. Her teammates celebrated her success, and Tong Yao, still holding the attacking posture on her mouse, had tears in her eyes as she looked at the victory screen.
To celebrate, Xiao Rui suggested they go out for a meal, on the club's tab. Tong Yao reflected that this victory was a milestone, transforming her past defeat into "armor" and solidifying her conviction as a professional gamer. Later, on the team bus, Tong Yao and Xiao Rui watched an old interview on a phone where Lu Sicheng complimented Tong Yao, stating ZGDX would be stronger with her. The team teased Lu Sicheng about his rare smile.
Annoyed, he snatched the phone and claimed the compliments were pre-written, but Xiao Rui quickly exposed his lie. As they struggled over the phone, the driver suddenly hit the brakes. Tong Yao lost her balance, but Lu Sicheng quickly pulled her into his arms. This stunned everyone, and Lu Yue in the back immediately took photos to exaggeratedly report the "hero saving the beauty" incident to their mother.
Lu Sicheng remarked that such heroics require long arms, while Xiao Pang playfully called Tong Yao a "small animal." At the celebratory barbecue, Lu Sicheng's phone rang. Lu Yue hinted that it was his "sister-in-law" calling. Lu Sicheng answered the call from his mother, Madam Wang. Tong Yao, overhearing his indulgent tone, mistakenly concluded he was talking to a girlfriend. Feeling a pang of jealousy, she excused herself to the restroom. Upon returning, she found him still on the phone.
Observing her upset expression, Lu Sicheng, seeing her jealousy, teased her to stop her wild imagination, remarking that she wasn't "worthy" of feeling jealous for him. Madam Wang called again, this time about a blind date. Lu Sicheng vehemently refused, citing his packed schedule. He outlined his impossible criteria for a partner: someone who wouldn't interfere with his gaming life and would be as "quiet as if she does not exist."
Lu Yue took the phone to defend his brother but was quickly threatened by their mother and "betrayed" Lu Sicheng. He relayed the details of the blind date: the woman was Su Luo, a pretty lady his age, recently returned from the UK, from a family with business ties to theirs. Hearing about Su Luo's seemingly perfect qualities, Tong Yao felt a surge of discomfort.
Lu Sicheng insisted his game, Onmyoji Arena, and his in-game character, Oitsuki, were his "girlfriend," dismissing the idea of a real relationship. Days later, during a team meeting, Lu Sicheng came downstairs looking for his car keys. Tong Yao immediately asked where he was going. He patiently explained that his mother had set up the blind date and only informed him after the woman had already left.
Noticing Tong Yao was barefoot, he chastised her and thoughtfully gave her a pair of slippers to wear. At a café, Lu Sicheng met Su Luo. He intended to simply drive her home, but she, impressed by his appearance, excused herself to the restroom to touch up her makeup, telling her mother over the phone how satisfied she was. While waiting, Lu Sicheng texted with Tong Yao, who advised him that takoyaki could "win over any woman."
He then ordered a large takoyaki, sarcastically claiming it was for his "pet," a "rabbit" that was also a "trash can" because it "eats everything." Su Luo, who had declined the snack, was nonetheless charmed by Lu Sicheng's good looks. Just as they were about to leave, it began to rain heavily. Lu Sicheng's gentlemanly act of running to get the car further impressed her.
In the car, Su Luo tried to arrange another meeting, but Lu Sicheng gently but directly told her they weren't a good match, suggesting the sudden rain was a sign for them to end the date. Back at the base, Tong Yao distractedly rewatched the interview clip of Lu Sicheng complimenting her. Seeing that he was still not back, Lu Yue teased her that the blind date must be going well and they would soon have a "sister-in-law."
Increasingly annoyed, Tong Yao declined his invitation to play a game, claiming she was tired, and retreated to her room. Lao Mao, noticing her foul mood after Lu Yue's comments, cryptically asked his teammate, "What do you think?" implying the obvious reason for her behavior.
