Go Go Squid! Episode 40 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
That night, Tong Nian and her friend Yaya found themselves unable to sleep, their minds racing with thoughts of the upcoming matches for the SP and K&K teams. They worried whether SP would rank in the top three and if K&K could seize the championship. Around eleven o'clock, driven by their anticipation, they decided to wait until morning at a 24-hour convenience store near the K&K Esports Club. Meanwhile, Han Shangyan was unaware of their vigil.
After checking on his team members, he returned to his study. The boys, like their boss, were also wide awake, pretending to sleep to avoid detection. Once they believed Han Shangyan had left, they roused each other to share their anxieties. 97 admitted to being incredibly nervous, feeling more pressure than ever before. Grunt jokingly attributed this pressure to 97 shouldering their boss's past unfulfilled dreams. One, though unable to play, encouraged his teammates to fight with spirit.
Later, Mi Shaofei, also unable to sleep, joined Han Shangyan. They discussed the possibility of Han Shangyan's comeback, but he dismissed it, stating he was 30 and could only play for two more years. He preferred to nurture the younger players, who had a decade of competitive gaming ahead of them, envisioning dozens, even hundreds of championships. Han Shangyan emphasized that he no longer sought personal glory but rather the club's honor.
Mi Shaofei surmised that Han Shangyan was still worried about Solo's team, but Han Shangyan brushed it off, asserting that Solo wouldn't be his "bro" if he couldn't even secure third place. He offered Mi Shaofei his bed, but Mi Shaofei declined. Early the next morning, Han Shangyan was the first to rise, driven by his dreams.
He was amused to find Tong Nian outside the club, making various funny faces at the facial recognition system, which she had forgotten to configure for herself. Han Shangyan let them in, and Tong Nian immediately went to the kitchen to make coffee. After a bit of guidance from Han Shangyan, she presented him with a coffee adorned with a heart-shaped latte art.
As she served him, she pressed him, asking if he felt they were fated, recounting their three chance encounters. After persistent questioning, Han Shangyan finally admitted they were. Noticing her exhaustion from staying up all night, he encouraged her to go sleep before the match, adding that he couldn't bear to drink the heart she had made for him. Tong Nian went upstairs to rest in Han Shangyan's empty bed.
However, she was startled awake when she discovered Mi Shaofei in the bed with her, causing both of them to scream. Han Shangyan rushed in, realizing he had forgotten Mi Shaofei was sleeping there after their late-night conversation. He profusely apologized to Tong Nian. Tong Nian, though initially surprised, forgave him but cautioned him against such incidents in the future.
She then noticed his collection of disposable toothbrushes and suggested she could pack his luggage for future business trips, making his life more organized. Han Shangyan agreed. Their conversation was interrupted by Mi Shaofei, who urgently reported that Grunt's stomach ulcer had flared up, leaving him unable to get out of bed. Han Shangyan, after checking on Grunt, immediately began making contingency plans.
Despite his pain, Grunt desperately pleaded with Han Shangyan not to replace him, explaining he had waited three years for this final match. However, his impassioned plea caused him to faint. 97 promptly called an ambulance, and Mi Shaofei accompanied Grunt to the hospital. Once Grunt was stable, they both returned to the arena to support K&K and China. Han Shangyan, remaining calm, instructed One to prepare to substitute for Grunt.
One, initially hesitant and worried about his ranking compared to Grunt, was reassured by Han Shangyan that this was no time for fear, especially after making it through the national competition. Han Shangyan declared himself the acting team leader for the match, leading the team in a practice session to build synergy and familiarity with One in the lineup, emphasizing that they "must" win on home turf. Wu Bai also offered words of encouragement to One.
At the arena, SP secured third place in the competition. As the K&K team prepared for their final, Han Shangyan joined Tong Nian in the VIP section. Tong Nian, deeply moved, held his hand and proposed they get married after the match, regardless of the outcome. Han Shangyan immediately agreed, pointing to the large screen where their image was being broadcast. K&K, despite the last-minute substitution, fought valiantly and ultimately clinched the Asia-Pacific Championship. Tong Nian cried tears of joy.
Han Shangyan then walked onto the stage, handing a Chinese national flag to Wu Bai, who, along with his team, proudly unfurled it. The host, Appledog, interviewed Wu Bai, who, in a rare display of emotion, invited his revered cousin, Han Shangyan, to the stage. Amidst thunderous applause, Han Shangyan took the microphone.
Standing beside the championship trophy, he delivered an emotional speech, reminiscing about Team Solo's journey a decade ago and acknowledging the hopes of everyone who had relentlessly pursued a world championship. He spoke of his own difficult path, stating that true strength comes from recognizing one's weaknesses. He highlighted the importance of dreams, more valuable than dignity, and praised his young team's unwavering spirit.
He thanked all those who had fought both on and off the stage, declaring that the world owed them a championship. Solo and other former Solo Team members joined them on stage, celebrating the victory. After the glorious win, Tong Nian, still tearful, was teased by Han Shangyan about her emotional response. He promised she would attend the World Finals.
Grunt, having recovered slightly, also joined the celebrations, where Han Shangyan jokingly warned him to take better care of his stomach, or he'd be banned for a year. Solo announced that K&K would host a celebratory feast at their club, inviting everyone. As the teams prepared to leave for K&K, Han Shangyan pulled Solo aside and asked for a favor: to swap clothes with him. Han Shangyan explained he needed formal attire to go to Tong Nian's house.
Solo, surprised, lent him a suit, and they quickly exchanged clothes in the lounge, creating a comical scene for the curious teammates outside. Moments later, Lan Mei and her husband, who was an ardent fan of "Gun God," expressed their excitement about the victory and their joy at being invited to K&K for the celebration, feeling like family.
Meanwhile, Mi Shaofei called his family to share the good news, and his grandmother, upon hearing Yaya's voice, excitedly invited her to visit their home. Dressed in Solo's formal attire, Han Shangyan sought out Tong Nian. He took her hand, publicly announcing to everyone, "This is Han Shangyan's woman," sealing their commitment amidst the triumphant celebration.
