Falling Into Your Smile Episode 22 Recap
> Falling Into Your Smile Recap
The YQCB team's match began with fans fervently chanting Hierophant's name. Early in the game, a fierce team fight erupted, and Ai Jia showcased exceptional skill, turning the tide with precise maneuvers that included stunning an opponent to free Hierophant. However, Chen Jinyang, who didn't understand the game, was more focused on a large pimple on Ai Jia's forehead, a result of his recent stress. With Hierophant's addition, YQCB dominated, swiftly securing a victory in their first match.
After the match, Chen Jinyang was harassed by female fans behind her. One fan condescendingly questioned why Chen Jinyang was even there, implying she was with Ai Jia only for his fame and didn't care about the game. Chen Jinyang initially chose to endure the insults for Ai Jia's sake, but when the fan's criticisms escalated after YQCB's loss in the second game, Chen Jinyang expressed her frustration at having to deal with such fans while Ai Jia was competing.
Meanwhile, in the ZGDX lounge, the team studied YQCB's strategies, noting their opponents' relaxed state, which suggested they had a solid plan. The second game commenced, with YQCB attempting a new "4-Protect-1" strategy focused on Hierophant's Hakuro. However, this unfamiliar approach led to a significant disadvantage. Ai Jia's performance on Yuki Onna was notably poor, a stark contrast to his previous game as he made numerous mistakes and reverted to an old, ineffective playstyle.
The opposing team, Alpha, exploited their lack of synergy, quickly winning the second match and tying the series. Witnessing his team's defeat and the continued harassment of Chen Jinyang, Ai Jia became enraged. He descended from the stage, directly confronted the fan for insulting Chen Jinyang, and stated that his performance had nothing to do with her and that he would not tolerate his girlfriend being bullied.
He then assertively picked up Chen Jinyang and carried her away from the arena. Back in the lounge, Ai Jia, usually reserved, passionately expressed his long-held frustrations, revealing that he had been "infuriated for days." He declared his disdain for fans who spread negativity, especially those who attacked his girlfriend under the guise of protecting his reputation. Ai Jia proclaimed that he would always protect Chen Jinyang, emphasizing that their relationship was their own business.
Moved by his powerful words, Chen Jinyang reciprocated his feelings, acknowledging the challenges of their public relationship but reaffirming her commitment. She bravely told him she would endure any difficulty for him, because she knew he would always be there for her. They then embraced and kissed. Tong Yao, witnessing this intimate moment from outside, quietly closed the door. As she turned, she encountered Lu Sicheng.
Understanding her thoughts without needing words, he offered a comforting hug and playfully remarked that he had to protect her, joking that he couldn’t bear the thought of his chest and abs not belonging to her. Despite Ai Jia's absence from the starting lineup in the third match due to his emotional state, YQCB managed to secure the series victory, a result of their strong team performance.
Later, as ZGDX prepared for their own match against Team Doomsday, they debated their strategy. Tong Yao, despite YQCB's recent failure with it, proposed using the "4-Protect-1" strategy, suggesting she play Yuki Onna to prove the Shikigami's viability. Lu Sicheng, intrigued by the idea of "teaching other ADCs how to implement the strategy"—a subtle jab at Hierophant's earlier struggle—agreed to the unconventional approach. The match began with ZGDX facing significant early pressure.
However, Tong Yao, with a well-timed ultimate and coordinated efforts with Fatty, initiated a crucial skirmish, securing two kills for ZGDX without any losses and helping them recover. Lu Sicheng, as the core of the "4-Protect-1" strategy, focused on farming to scale into the late game. As Team Doomsday attempted to secure the Orochi, Lu Sicheng, still farming, finally reached level 18 on Hakuro.
Just as Orochi's health was nearly depleted, Lu Sicheng joined the team fight, his fully-leveled Hakuro unleashing devastating damage. ZGDX seized the opportunity, eliminating their opponents and securing a stunning come-from-behind victory. In the post-match interview, Lu Sicheng subtly mocked Hierophant’s performance with the 4-Protect-1 strategy. When reporters shifted to questions about players' private lives, Lu Sicheng's demeanor became sharp. He passionately defended professional players' right to personal relationships, comparing demanding fans to overbearing parents.
He urged fans to empathize, pointing out that players dedicate immense time to training and deserve a personal life. When pressed further, Lu Sicheng confessed that he already had someone he liked, causing a ripple of excitement. Tong Yao, standing nearby, blushed but tried to maintain a calm facade. Lu Sicheng concluded by advising fans to stay "close to his stage, but far from his life."
After the interview, as the ZGDX team went on stage to bow, Lu Sicheng playfully bickered with Tong Yao, teasing her about her performance in the match they just won. He held her arm, and though she tried to pull away, he maintained his grip. As the team walked off stage, Tong Yao looked at Lu Sicheng with admiration.
It is said that the meaning of falling in love lies in finding that one person who can give you everything you desire, who is capable, fearless, and always ready to stand by your side.
