Go Go Squid! Episode 34 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
Tong Nian, having just finished proctoring an exam, was on her way to submit the exam papers when Han Shangyan arrived to meet her, having been waiting for her for over an hour. When he joined her in the classroom, her fellow graduate students, noticing her shyly holding flowers, began to speculate that her class monitor and Zheng Hui's secret affection for her had come to an end.
Tong Nian, flustered by Han Shangyan's unexpected presence, initially tried to have him pretend to be her older brother or claim he was in the wrong classroom. However, when the professor arrived, he noticed Han Shangyan and questioned his presence. Han Shangyan confidently introduced Tong Nian as his girlfriend, pulling her closer to him. The other students worried that their strict "Big Devil" professor might jeopardize Tong Nian's new relationship.
To everyone's surprise, it turned out that the professor and Han Shangyan were actually fellow schoolmates; the professor had pursued a master's in industrial design in his forties, making Han Shangyan his junior. Their earlier exchange was merely playful banter between two old acquaintances. After the amusing encounter, the professor invited Han Shangyan to his office to chat, but Han Shangyan politely declined, explaining that he had a date with Tong Nian.
Once the students left, Han Shangyan and Tong Nian lingered, writing their names on the blackboard, with Han Shangyan even drawing a heart between them. He playfully commented on her neat handwriting, and she asked about his, which he admitted was not as good, humorously blaming his stepmom for forcing him to practice. Tong Nian then insisted on erasing their names so other students wouldn't see.
As they were about to leave, Zheng Hui approached Tong Nian, holding a gift, and tried to confess his feelings. Han Shangyan quickly stepped in, pulling Zheng Hui aside and telling Tong Nian to go get the car. Han Shangyan confronted Zheng Hui, reminding him this was the third time he had openly tried to "steal" Tong Nian. He declared that Tong Nian would be his wife next month and warned Zheng Hui to stop his inappropriate behavior.
Unfazed, Zheng Hui retorted, claiming he understood Tong Nian better and was from the same world as her, and vowed not to give up unless Tong Nian personally told him she loved Han Shangyan. Following the confrontation, Tong Nian took Han Shangyan on a tour of her campus.
Han Shangyan expressed concern that his age and serious demeanor might make him a boring boyfriend, but Tong Nian reassured him that she was also new to dating, and they could learn together. He revealed that he had come specifically to spend time with her after Mi Shaofei suggested that his older age might be making Tong Nian feel like she was at a disadvantage.
When Han Shangyan asked what she wished for most from a boyfriend, Tong Nian led him to the campus cafeteria's popular hotpot stall, explaining that she had always wanted a boyfriend to queue for her. Han Shangyan readily agreed, standing in line while Tong Nian found a seat. During their meal, Han Shangyan, still thinking about Zheng Hui, asked with a hint of jealousy if his rival had ever queued for food for her.
Tong Nian explained that they were in different years and rarely saw each other. Learning he was the first to do this for her filled Han Shangyan with quiet pride. They shared a sweet moment wiping each other's mouths with tissues. Han Shangyan then told her he would be taking her to the global team tournament finale in Norway and that she should get a visa.
As the National Finals approached, Han Shangyan became immersed in K&K's rigorous training schedule, with Mi Shaofei also working tirelessly. Tong Nian and Yaya, both anxious and excited for their respective crushes, found themselves deeply invested. Tong Nian frequently visited the club, bringing food to Han Shangyan, sometimes feeding him when he was too engrossed in work to notice her presence. This simple act deepened their bond, making Tong Nian feel increasingly integrated into his life.
Around this time, Han Shangyan's stepmom flew back to Shanghai from Norway. She had deliberately bought a discounted plane ticket to save money for Han Shangyan's bridewealth. Upon her arrival at the K&K club, she admired his many trophies and proudly spoke of his achievements in esports, viewing him as a "cornerstone and forerunner" in the field.
When Han Shangyan cautiously mentioned that Tong Nian's parents might not like him, his stepmom was bewildered, questioning how anyone could dislike her exceptional son. She pressed him about his understanding of love, emphasizing that true love requires complete devotion and mutual giving. Later, Han Shangyan called Tong Nian to inform her that his stepmom wanted to formally meet her parents that evening at Le Méridien at 6 PM.
Tong Nian, startled by the short notice and her existing class schedule, promised to try her best to make it, while Han Shangyan reassured her he could handle the initial meeting. His stepmom, determined to make a good impression, insisted Han Shangyan change into a formal suit. As Han Shangyan and his stepmom arrived at the hotel, they were met by Tong Nian's parents, and polite exchanges of gifts ensued.
Tong Nian's parents presented local Shanghai snacks, which Han Shangyan's stepmom gratefully accepted, revealing her fondness for them. In turn, she offered foreign wine to Tong Nian's father and a cosmetics set to her mother. As they settled into a private dining room, Han Shangyan diligently served tea to Tong Nian's parents, which helped improve their impression of him. Meanwhile, Tong Nian was stuck in heavy rush-hour traffic in a taxi.
She confided in her driver, explaining that her parents were not fond of Han Shangyan and she needed to be there to "control the situation." The sympathetic driver shared his own story of winning over his in-laws through hard work and promised to find a shortcut. During dinner, Han Shangyan's stepmom recounted his journey, from leaving home at 19 to establish his career in Shanghai, highlighting his silent struggles and dedication.
She explained her initial disapproval, recalling a public argument where she had tearfully confronted him about giving up his inheritance and "playing" games instead of pursuing a stable career. Han Shangyan had defended his passion, asserting his goal to win championships for China. Eventually, with a friend's intervention and a video of his team's victory, she had come to understand and deeply respect his dream.
She proudly described him as a great son who founded his club not for profit, but for the dreams of many. After this heartfelt sharing, she shifted the conversation, expressing her hope that Tong Nian and Han Shangyan could get engaged as soon as possible, even mentioning that she had brought the bridewealth. Tong Nian's parents hesitated, finding the idea too rushed.
Sensing their reluctance, Han Shangyan abruptly interjected, suggesting they skip the engagement and go straight to marriage, which created an awkward silence. His stepmom quickly smoothed things over, subtly chiding him for his directness while attributing it to his deep feelings. Tong Nian's mother then proposed stepping out with Han Shangyan to pick up some of Tong Nian's favorite desserts.
Outside the dining room, Tong Nian's mother confronted Han Shangyan, directly asking if Tong Nian was pregnant, which was why he was rushing to marry her. Han Shangyan firmly denied this, assuring her that his relationship with Tong Nian had always been respectful and within boundaries. He explained that his sudden proposal stemmed from his growing love for Tong Nian and his desire to spend every day with her for the rest of his life.
He expressed his belief in their genuine love and pledged to cherish Tong Nian, promising that if she did not agree, he would not force her and would leave voluntarily. Reassured by his sincerity and his promise to love and cherish Tong Nian, her mother finally agreed to the marriage. As Han Shangyan walked Tong Nian's parents out, he asked them to keep the proposal a secret, hoping to surprise Tong Nian.
He also sought their permission to take Tong Nian to Beijing for the national finals, assuring them he would book separate rooms. Tong Nian's father, showing his trust, simply said that as adults, they no longer needed to report such matters. After her parents left, Han Shangyan's stepmom asked him to accompany her somewhere before it got dark.
