Go Go Squid! Episode 33 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
Han Shangyan had prepared an array of strawberry desserts, including cake and macarons, for Tong Nian, confessing that he didn't know how to make girls happy and thought she might enjoy them. However, before he could offer them, a playful Tong Nian bit his lip, calling it a "strawberry." Han Shangyan quickly realized Tong Nian was heavily intoxicated, having consumed an entire bottle of alcohol.
Her inhibitions gone, Tong Nian declared her deep affection for him, asking if she was truly his first girlfriend and expressing how much she loved him, even wishing she could be with him twenty-five hours a day. After Tong Nian eventually fell asleep on the bed, Han Shangyan, visibly flustered and out of breath, stepped out of his room.
Downstairs, his K&K team members, noticing his appearance, playfully teased him by asking if they should order extra food for their "Sister-In-Law," implying Tong Nian was staying over. Meanwhile, at the Tong family home, Zheng Hui and his mother were preparing to leave after their stay. Unable to reach Tong Nian for their farewell meal, Tong Nian's mother called her friend Lan Mei.
Lan Mei, knowing Tong Nian was at Han Shangyan's place and had been drinking, quickly called Han Shangyan. She informed him that Tong Nian's mother was frantically looking for her and warned him not to let Tong Nian answer any calls. Despite Han Shangyan's hurried attempt to prevent it, a groggy Tong Nian answered her mother's call. Slurring her words, she innocently told her mother that she was sleeping at Han Shangyan's place, with him right beside her.
Panicked and furious, Tong Nian's mother was about to lash out when Han Shangyan took the phone, politely explaining that Tong Nian was unwell and he would bring her home later to personally explain the situation. Tong Nian's mother was enraged, but her husband tried to calm her, reminding her that Tong Nian was an adult and they should give her some respect. He secretly harbored a favorable view of Han Shangyan as a son-in-law, believing him to be responsible.
However, Tong Nian's mother lamented her daughter's choice, comparing Han Shangyan unfavorably to the filial and well-behaved Zheng Hui. Later that evening, a sobered Tong Nian woke up horrified upon learning what she had said to her mother while drunk. Han Shangyan, amused but serious, told her to get ready so they could go apologize to her parents. As Han Shangyan dressed in a suit and tie, Tong Nian couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked.
Outside her home, Tong Nian expressed her fear of her mother's anger, but Han Shangyan reassured her, taking charge of the situation. Inside, Tong Nian's mother immediately demanded an explanation, questioning why Tong Nian was at Han Shangyan's when they had supposedly broken up. She ordered Tong Nian upstairs, but Tong Nian, worried for Han Shangyan, tried to stay. Han Shangyan intervened, asking Tong Nian's parents to sit while he explained.
He then spun a fabricated story, claiming he had fallen in love with Tong Nian at first sight two years prior in Guangzhou and their recent reunion had only deepened his feelings. He reversed the roles, claiming Tong Nian had been apprehensive about his age, which led to the misunderstanding on New Year's Eve.
He emphasized his commitment, even offering to give up K&K if Tong Nian couldn't accept his busy career, and asked for their blessing to care for her forever. Tong Nian listened in bewilderment, knowing his story was the opposite of the truth, as she had been the one pursuing him. Tong Nian's father was swayed by Han Shangyan's earnestness and charisma, particularly when Han Shangyan confirmed his career focus would remain in China.
However, Tong Nian's mother remained unconvinced and angry, ordering Tong Nian back to her room to reflect. Seeing how upset his daughter was, Tong Nian's father urged Han Shangyan to go comfort her. In Tong Nian's messy, pink-themed room filled with dolls, Han Shangyan struggled to find a place to sit. Tong Nian questioned him about the "lies" he told her parents, which he readily admitted were fabrications to protect her reputation and secure their approval.
He confessed that all his titles and honors were superficial, but his feelings for her were genuine. He told her, "Besides you, this man named Han Shangyan has nothing. Empty-handed, all alone. Only this is real." He assured her that she should never doubt his love for her. Before leaving, he promised to video call her once he was home. Afterward, Han Shangyan called his stepmother in Norway, asking her to return to China to meet Tong Nian's parents.
His stepmother, initially annoyed by his infrequent calls, became ecstatic at the news of him getting back with Tong Nian, immediately envisioning grandchildren and eagerly planning her trip and gifts. Han Shangyan then took the remaining strawberry desserts to Mi Shaofei, explaining his intention to marry. Mi Shaofei was shocked by Han Shangyan's rapid progress in winning over Tong Nian's parents.
He then playfully listed all the romantic experiences Tong Nian would miss out on by marrying an "old man" like Han Shangyan, such as watching sunrises, traveling, or shared college experiences like movie dates, walks on campus, library whispers, and cafeteria meals. These comments made Han Shangyan reflect on his relationship with Tong Nian. The next day, knowing Tong Nian was proctoring an exam at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Han Shangyan decided to visit her.
Upon her arrival, as Tong Nian was being scolded by a student for accidentally knocking over a bicycle, Han Shangyan stepped in, calmly diffusing the situation and offering to fix or replace the bike, emphasizing that her safety was paramount. Tong Nian was surprised but pleased to see him. While she proctored, Han Shangyan waited outside, picking a flower. After the exam, several female students, captivated by Han Shangyan, tried to get his contact information.
Tong Nian, overhearing, subtly intervened by reminding the students to leave, effectively declaring her claim on him. As they waited for her professor, Tong Nian playfully chided him for picking a "wildflower" from the school. When the professor arrived, Tong Nian quickly whispered to Han Shangyan to pretend to be her older brother or that he was in the wrong classroom, before the professor could question his presence.
