Go Go Squid! Episode 24 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
Tong Nian ran out of the restaurant in tears after Han Shangyan's harsh words. Outside, she encountered Yaya, who was helping a very drunk Mi Shaofei. Mi Shaofei, feeling responsible for Han Shangyan's behavior, tried to console Tong Nian, but she was too upset and declared she was going back to school. Yaya quickly followed Tong Nian, who confided that Han Shangyan had told her he went to Norway for a matchmaking date.
Yaya tried to convince her that Han Shangyan was just drunk and speaking nonsense. Meanwhile, Han Shangyan emerged from the restroom, where he had been waiting for Mi Shaofei to finish vomiting. Mi Shaofei immediately confronted Han Shangyan, scolding him for upsetting Tong Nian and reminding him that men shouldn't lash out at women. Han Shangyan explained that Tong Nian's parents disliked him, and knowing his "bad history" through their close family ties, he felt they looked down on him.
He believed it wasn't worth causing discord in Tong Nian's harmonious family. Mi Shaofei, however, called him dramatic, asserting that Han Shangyan deserved the best. As Han Shangyan went to call a substitute driver, Tong Nian, having paused her departure with Yaya, suggested they wait for the drunk men to ensure their safety. When Han Shangyan saw them still there, he curtly told Tong Nian it was none of her concern.
Hurt, Tong Nian insisted she would take a taxi alone, but Yaya persuaded her to ride with them, citing the late hour and the remote location. In the car, Yaya sat in the front seat, while Tong Nian was wedged between Han Shangyan and a sleeping Mi Shaofei in the back. Mi Shaofei occasionally leaned on Tong Nian, prompting Han Shangyan to subtly push him away, though Tong Nian was too lost in her sadness to notice.
Upon arriving at Tong Nian's university, Han Shangyan delivered a final, stinging address, telling her not to be sad for him, a man with a bad temper, who was unromantic and fickle, and who had even gone on a matchmaking date. He questioned if her life had nothing else serious besides love.
Back in her dorm room, a heartbroken Tong Nian tried to numb her emotions by fixing bugs in a facial recognition program for bank withdrawals, feeling that being busy was better than sitting idle and dwelling on her pain. Yaya and her other roommates, witnessing her distress, tried to comfort her and urged her to rest, but Tong Nian insisted she was fine. Meanwhile, back at the K&K Esports Club, Han Shangyan faced another challenge.
97 and Shen Zhe informed him that Demo's mother had arrived, determined to take her son away, and Demo was in his room crying with worry. Han Shangyan went to Demo, sternly telling him to stop crying and compare his situation to Mi Shaofei's forced retirement. He urged Demo to "bear with it."
97 and Shen Zhe had already tried to persuade Demo's mother that esports was a legitimate career, but she was unconvinced, arguing that Demo, a vocational school graduate, needed a stable future and work experience, not an uncertain profession. Despite feeling unwell, Han Shangyan changed into a formal suit and went to meet Demo's mother. He invited her to a high-end restaurant to discuss Demo's future.
At dinner, Han Shangyan, speaking with conviction, described CTF as a professional cybersecurity competition sanctioned by the state, a career aiming for national glory. He passionately spoke of Demo's potential and the K&K Esports Club as the best platform for him to achieve his dream of winning a world championship for China.
To address her practical concerns, Han Shangyan offered an unprecedented contract, personally guaranteeing Demo's combined income from salary, prize money, and endorsements would reach a significant sum before he turned 30, and he would personally cover any deficit. He also revealed that the Chinese branch of K&K had been operating at a loss for two years, emphasizing his commitment was for the children's dreams, not personal profit.
Impressed by his sincerity and powerful commitment, Demo's mother ultimately agreed to let her son continue pursuing his dream. After the meeting, Han Shangyan, weakened by his illness, nearly collapsed, but insisted his team members, 97 and Shen Zhe, prioritize their training over his health. Demo later brought him a soothing balm and thanked him, and Su Cheng handed him the finalized contract with Demo's mother, reminding him of his flight to Beijing the next afternoon for the quarter-final competition.
Feeling emotionally drained, Han Shangyan contacted Lan Mei's husband, asking to meet. Lan Mei, having already heard from Tong Nian about the breakup, was furious about Han Shangyan breaking up with her friend twice in three months. Suspecting ill intent, she insisted on accompanying her husband to the café. At the meeting, Han Shangyan asked them to look after Tong Nian and help her feel better.
He then offered an envelope containing two thousand yuan, asking them to spend it on Tong Nian's behalf, for food and entertainment, and to keep it a secret. Lan Mei immediately interpreted this as a "breakup fee" and was offended by the small amount, questioning how a club owner could be so stingy.
Han Shangyan explained it was all his current savings and he would provide more later, adding that whether Tong Nian needed the money was her business, but giving it was his. He also clarified that Tong Nian was his first and only girlfriend. Despite his plea for secrecy, Lan Mei, believing Han Shangyan was playing games, showed the money to Tong Nian, telling her it was a "breakup fee."
Upset by this, Tong Nian immediately called 97 to find Han Shangyan, learning he and the K&K team were at Shanghai airport for their flight to Beijing. Tong Nian rushed to the Shanghai airport and, after being warmly greeted by the K&K team as "Sister-in-Law," asked to speak with Han Shangyan alone. She directly asked him about the money and why he would give her a breakup fee.
Han Shangyan remained aloof, stating that if she wanted to think that way, fine. He reiterated his belief that they were "just getting to know each other" and that he, being a moral man, would offer compensation. He then cruelly confirmed her fears, claiming Lan Mei had only misunderstood his request for secrecy and sarcastically questioning why a "breakup fee" would need to be hidden. Tong Nian then tearfully expressed her feelings.
She acknowledged that their relationship was short but she was happy, and while she believed his attitude towards relationships was "improper," she still saw him as a good person. She affirmed her continued support for him and the K&K Esports Club until they achieved their world championship dream. With that, she handed back the envelope with the two thousand yuan.
Han Shangyan accepted the money and, after ordering his team to board the plane, instructed 97 to call a car for Tong Nian to ensure she returned safely, but she politely refused, choosing to wait for a taxi on her own. Later, in Beijing, at the backstage of the Chinese region qualifying quarter-final competition, Director Xiang approached Han Shangyan, suggesting he and his "girlfriend" Tong Nian record a promotional video or live stream for the CTF competition.
Han Shangyan flatly refused. When Director Xiang questioned his possessiveness, arguing that dating shouldn't restrict Tong Nian's freedom, Han Shangyan firmly declared, "We are not dating." Director Xiang, thinking this opened an opportunity, jokingly threatened to pursue Tong Nian himself. Han Shangyan's sharp glare and challenging question about "who he would pursue" immediately made Director Xiang backtrack, nervously assuring him he was just kidding, right before 97 called Han Shangyan to start the quarter-finals.
