Go Go Squid! Episode 38 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
Han Shangyan accompanied Tong Nian to her home, hoping for a formal dinner to visit her parents as her boyfriend. Upon entering, they realized Tong Nian's parents had not yet returned from work. A tense silence fell between them as they sat awkwardly on the sofa, each secretly wondering what to do if they were left alone too long. Tong Nian tried to ease the tension by offering to pour tea, while Han Shangyan looked at her childhood photos.
Tong Nian clarified that this visit was their first truly sincere one, unlike his previous visits for a matchmaking meeting with her cousin or to smooth things over with her parents. Han Shangyan asked her about her happiness with him. Tong Nian then asked about the conversation he had with her parents and his stepmother.
Han Shangyan playfully exaggerated, claiming he had confessed his immaturity but sincere love for Tong Nian, expressed his desire to marry her, and even knelt to vow eternal singlehood if he couldn't marry her. Tong Nian called him out on his obvious fabrication, and as she playfully hit him, he pulled her into a hug. He confessed that apart from "I love you," she shouldn't believe much of what he said, though he quickly added he was just teasing.
Tong Nian then asked if he ever regretted retiring from his career. Han Shangyan calmly replied that there is no turning back in life, asserting that even without him, K&K and countless young Chinese players would continue the pursuit of championships. Suddenly, Tong Nian's father returned, startling them. He initially mistook the evening for noon but quickly invited Han Shangyan to join them for dinner.
During dinner, Tong Nian's mother observed Han Shangyan with a critical eye, while her father encouraged him to relax. Han Shangyan mentioned that he usually ate boxed lunches at the K&K Esports Club, which prompted Tong Nian's father to warmly invite him to dine at their home more often.
Tong Nian excitedly brought up Han Shangyan's recent competition, but he discreetly kicked her under the table, hoping to avoid discussing his second-place finish, fearing her parents wouldn't be interested and wanting to leave a good impression. After the meal, Han Shangyan proactively offered to wash the dishes, despite Tong Nian's father claiming it was Tong Nian's mother's duty. Tong Nian's mother quickly corrected her husband, revealing that he was usually the one doing the dishes.
Tong Nian affirmed that Han Shangyan was a model worker who often did household chores. As Tong Nian walked Han Shangyan to his car, they encountered the neighborhood security guard. The guard enthusiastically praised Han Shangyan for his persistent devotion, mentioning how he often saw him waiting outside Tong Nian's building during his night shifts, joking that he might as well buy a parking spot there.
Han Shangyan was embarrassed and tried to deny it, but Tong Nian playfully teased him. He then pulled her against his car and kissed her passionately. After a tender farewell, with each insisting the other leave first, they parted ways. Later, in Tong Nian's room, her mother expressed her initial reservations about Han Shangyan, admitting she had worried he might be taking advantage of her daughter.
However, she recounted how during a dinner with Han Shangyan's stepmother and Tong Nian's parents, Han Shangyan had expressed his growing love for Tong Nian and his desire to spend his life with her. He conveyed that while his focus was once solely on winning championships, his heart now also held Tong Nian. He wanted to marry her to find stability, enabling him to continue nurturing Chinese champions, while fully supporting her dreams of pursuing multiple PhDs.
He also acknowledged her pampered nature, saying it perfectly matched his own dedication to spoiling her. Tong Nian's mother observed Han Shangyan's subtle changes for Tong Nian, realizing their connection was a true, evolving partnership. Tong Nian, deeply moved, praised Han Shangyan's character, recalling his past of doing housework and cooking for his teammates when he was less affluent.
Tong Nian then shyly revealed to her mother that Han Shangyan had proposed to her, but she had inadvertently rejected him by not responding in time. Her mother, surprised, advised her that there was no right or wrong in her reaction, only that she should make such important decisions after careful consideration. The next morning, at the K&K Esports Club, Bi Dongran, known as Buff, arrived for his welcome.
Han Shangyan called him to his office, seeking advice on a friend's dilemma: whether a fan's love could be genuine or merely worship. Buff, realizing Han Shangyan was asking for himself, offered his wisdom: if a girl yells at you, then cries and hugs you, that's love, not worship.
This prompted Han Shangyan to recall a past argument with Tong Nian about her mango allergy and love for strawberries, where she had wished he understood her better and cared more about their shared future than his own aspirations. Later, Han Shangyan gathered his team. His unusual calm and positive demeanor surprised the players, who expected a lecture after their recent second-place finish.
In the conference room, Bi Dongran formally introduced himself as a 31-year-old veteran player, a former national champion, and ranked fourth on the server. He expressed gratitude to K&K for giving an "advanced-aged player" like him a chance. Han Shangyan outlined the new plan: Bi Dongran and the current five official players would undergo two weeks of rotating team training, followed by individual and team assessments to select the final five-player roster for the Asian Championship.
The team members, including Demo and One who were concerned about their positions, agreed the process was fair. After the general meeting, Han Shangyan called Shen Zhe, 97, Demo, and One for a private discussion. He reassured them that no one was predetermined to be replaced and that selection would be based purely on performance during the two-week assessment. He dismissed the others, asking 97 to stay behind.
97, feeling melancholic about the potential team changes, expressed his understanding that sometimes tough decisions are necessary. Han Shangyan confided in 97, acknowledging his reluctance to let any player go, as they were all like his own children. He recounted how he had once fiercely opposed SP's decision to replace Mi Shaofei, only to realize later that the decision had been correct for the team's improvement. He stressed the need for K&K to evolve to counter SP's heightened performance.
Han Shangyan then tasked 97 with fostering team unity and ensuring Bi Dongran felt integrated, recognizing 97's ability to bring people together, especially since Wu Bai was reserved and Shen Zhe could be provocative. The following day, after an intense morning physical training session that left Bi Dongran struggling but determined, the K&K members gathered for lunch. Bi Dongran, sitting alone, was soon joined by 97, who thoughtfully brought him a juice, claiming it was specially for him.
The other teammates, Shen Zhe and Demo, playfully teased 97, saying he was secretly mischievous and warning Bi Dongran not to be tricked into becoming his "sidekick." This lighthearted banter quickly dissolved any initial awkwardness, and the team invited Bi Dongran to join their table for lunch, where he eagerly asked for more stories about 97's mischievous nature. Meanwhile, at Jiaodong University, Tong Nian was hanging clothes when Zheng Hui unexpectedly appeared.
Despite Tong Nian suggesting they talk outside, Zheng Hui, consumed by jealousy and personal struggles, burst into the girls' dorm room. He aggressively questioned Han Shangyan's intentions, accusing him of seeing Tong Nian as merely a worshipping fan or an "accessory." Tong Nian, feeling intimidated, tried to de-escalate the situation, but Zheng Hui continued, declaring his two-year-long affection and asserting himself as the more suitable partner for her, promising to surpass Han Shangyan in success and provide her happiness.
Tong Nian firmly rejected him, explaining that her relationship with Han Shangyan was built on a deep, unspoken understanding and mutual feeling. She emphasized her desire for Han Shangyan's happiness over her own needs. When Zheng Hui pressed her, asking if she liked Han Shangyan, Tong Nian unequivocally stated, "I love him. I really, really love him. Each day, I love him more." Zheng Hui, deeply affected, confessed his recent emotional turmoil and pleaded for a chance.
Tong Nian apologized, acknowledging his good qualities but gently telling him that a more suitable girl would come into his life. As Zheng Hui left, Tong Nian reflected on her profound love for Han Shangyan, realizing it was born from a genuine connection and a shared journey towards his dreams. Back at the K&K club, the players continued their rigorous training, often resorting to instant noodles to save time.
