Falling Into Your Smile Episode 26 Recap
> Falling Into Your Smile Recap
The public announcement of Lu Sicheng and Tong Yao’s relationship ignited a furious reaction online. Netizens, dubbing Tong Yao “Succubus Tong,” accused her of seducing Lu Sicheng and causing ZGDX’s performance to suffer, pointing to the team’s recent defeat by Team Alpha as evidence. Inside the ZGDX base, Xiao Rui advised the team to avoid social media and focus on their upcoming games.
Lu Sicheng stated that winning was the only way to silence their critics, emphasizing that e-sports is about skill, not words. Soon after, ZGDX faced their old rivals, FNC. They secured the first round, and as the second began, Tong Yao played exceptionally well. With perfect coordination, she and Lu Sicheng dominated the game, leading ZGDX to another victory. As the MVP of both rounds, Tong Yao was interviewed post-match.
She candidly addressed the team’s initial frustration from the online negativity and acknowledged they were still adjusting their command strategy. When asked about her relationship with Lu Sicheng, she defended him, stating he was striving to stand on the world stage under the national flag, burdened by everyone’s hopes. She urged fans to admire players for their skill, not superficial qualities, and spoke about the challenges female players face, asserting she would not regret her words.
After the interview, Lu Sicheng, who had been waiting for her, approached. Tong Yao confessed she was afraid he would be upset with her for speaking so boldly, but he acknowledged her self-awareness and forgave her, noting how difficult it already was for female players in the scene. Meanwhile, other team captains and prominent figures stepped forward to support the couple.
Ai Jia delivered a powerful speech echoing Tong Yao’s sentiments about Lu Sicheng’s burdens and dream, while Chen Jinyang wryly commented on his emotional delivery. K and Lao Mao went live on their stream, reassuring fans that the ZGDX team’s relationships were harmonious. Players from other teams also expressed their support for Tong Yao, urging fans to be respectful. Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Tong Yao received a mysterious package.
Inside, she found live cockroaches and a threatening letter warning her to stay off the stage. In her shock, she accidentally cut her hand on a razor blade hidden in the package. The team rushed to her side; Lu Sicheng immediately comforted her and tended to her wound, while Xiao Rui took photos for evidence and called the police.
Recognizing the severity of the threat, the club decided to bench Tong Yao for her safety in the upcoming match, substituting Lu Yue into the lineup. Upon hearing this, an uncharacteristically furious Lu Sicheng slammed his strategy book down and stormed off. Despite her injury, Tong Yao remained calm, agreeing with the decision and insisting the incident be kept private to prevent copycat acts.
Concerned by Lu Sicheng’s angry departure, Tong Yao tried to call him, but his phone was off. She sent him worried messages, fearing he might act impulsively. Back at the base, Lu Yue and the team began practicing with the new lineup. Alone in her room and unable to reach him, Tong Yao brought her cat to bed for comfort before eventually falling into an uneasy sleep. Late that night, Lu Sicheng quietly returned and, finding her asleep, embraced her.
The next day, ZGDX faced CK. Lu Sicheng played with a brutal intensity, as if venting his anger through the game. He delivered a stunning Pentakill, leaving the CK players overwhelmed as ZGDX secured the win. After the match, Lu Sicheng refused the MVP interview, causing a stir. Media swarmed the ZGDX base, pressing him for an explanation.
Lu Sicheng gave only cold, terse responses, until Lu Yue, unable to tolerate the intrusive questions, fiercely defended him and threatened legal action against any media outlet that published fabricated reports. Following the incident, Lu Sicheng remained distant and sullen, even towards Tong Yao. Troubled by his behavior, she confided in Chen Jinyang, expressing her fears that he was unhappy with her.
Chen Jinyang reassured her, suggesting Lu Sicheng was blaming himself for her injury and his own pride was causing him to withdraw. Back at the base, Tong Yao lay in bed, overwhelmed by the situation. To comfort herself, she repeatedly listened to a recording of Lu Sicheng's voice, but eventually broke down, washing her face in the bathroom to hide her tears. The pressure led her to question if her relationship with Lu Sicheng was a mistake.
