Go Go Squid! Episode 6 Recap
> Go Go Squid! Recap
Tong Nian concluded her presentation on the future of artificial intelligence in China, introducing her team members, Zheng Hui and Yaya, who were responsible for medical applications and the Portrait Gantry facial recognition system, respectively. She explained that while the technology was once only imaginary in Western movies, it now genuinely exists and is flourishing in China, with the country even achieving first place in a 2017 NIST facial recognition competition.
Tong Nian shared her personal pride in China's rapid technological advancement, remarking on how the convenience of a single mobile phone for everyday transactions surpassed her previous envy of credit card use abroad. After the presentation, Zheng Hui tried to approach Tong Nian, expressing a desire to discuss a new project. Tong Nian, in a hurry to retrieve her bike, suggested they talk after the New Year or via email.
Yaya, sensing Zheng Hui's unspoken feelings, urged him to be more direct. Zheng Hui struggled, eventually only managing to wish Tong Nian a "Happy New Year." Upon learning that Zheng Hui wasn't going home for the holiday, Tong Nian suggested he and Yaya, who also planned to stay, could celebrate together. Tong Nian then playfully gave Zheng Hui a kick and hurried off.
Yaya later chided Zheng Hui for his indirectness, lamenting that Tong Nian was too focused on her studies to understand his feelings. Later, while sharing milk tea with Yaya, Tong Nian confided that she felt a "huge rock" weighing on her, wondering if it was the feeling of a "lost love." Yaya was astonished, as Tong Nian had been single just before the winter break, marveling at her "God-level speed" of getting "dumped."
Tong Nian clarified that it wasn't a breakup, but rather the end of a one-sided crush. She explained that Han Shangyan had told her he wanted to focus on his dreams and wasn't interested in a relationship for now. Yaya, however, dismissed this as an old cliché, labeling Han Shangyan an "experienced old fox" for using such an excuse.
Seeing Tong Nian's sadness, Yaya tried to comfort her by suggesting they light firecrackers to dispel the bad feelings, but Tong Nian reminded her that fireworks were banned in the city. Tong Nian then visited the K&K club, taking pictures from outside. The security guard, assuming she was a fan, offered to give her a tour, but Tong Nian politely declined, feeling embarrassed.
As she cycled away, she passed Han Shangyan, who was on the phone, and neither noticed the other. Inside the K&K club, Han Shangyan found his team members writing New Year's couplets. They appeared nervous, but Su Cheng intervened, reminding Han Shangyan that she had permitted the activity and that he was due to distribute red envelopes. Han Shangyan proceeded to hand out envelopes, intentionally skipping Wu Bai, who jokingly offered to get the car instead.
The team members then began decorating the club with their couplets, including one that wished Han Shangyan "Six beasts will prosper," jokingly hoping he would get married soon and have many children. Han Shangyan quickly dispersed them, threatening to cancel their vacation if they didn't leave immediately. He also gave two red envelopes to Auntie Zhao, the club's cleaner and One's mother, one for her and one for her son.
When she protested, he insisted, also taking the cleaning rag from her and claiming he had OCD and couldn't rest until a job was finished. Han Shangyan learned that Demo wouldn't be going home due to his parents' divorce. He found Demo watching a movie in the training room and sternly reminded him of the club's rules against it.
Noticing Demo's solitude, Han Shangyan instructed him to pack, inviting him to his home for the New Year to avoid wasting utilities and to keep his grandfather company. Wu Bai, waiting in the car, teasingly revealed to Demo that Han Shangyan had bought his house by telling his family he was getting married, a ruse to justify establishing the K&K branch in Shanghai.
At Han Shangyan's home, he assigned Demo the tasks of cooking, cleaning, and entertaining his grandfather, who was visiting for six months. Demo, an enthusiastic cook, eagerly agreed, promising dinner by 6 PM. Wu Bai, observing his cousin, commented that Han Shangyan's harsh words often masked a kind heart and that he likely wanted to foster Demo's self-reliance. When dinner was served, Demo proudly presented each person with a chicken drumstick.
However, Han Shangyan, upon being served the chicken, abruptly put down his chopsticks and went to his room, his appetite completely gone. Demo, flustered, asked Wu Bai if he had done something wrong and immediately offered to make new dishes. Alone in his room, Han Shangyan was lost in thought, transported back ten years to Beijing. He recalled meeting Wang Hao at the train station, who introduced a young Appledog as the team's "future main offense player."
Han Shangyan, dismissive of her youth, called her a "little kid," which annoyed Appledog. At their new Beijing courtyard house, Ou Qiang and Little Mi were busy catching chickens for dinner. Han Shangyan challenged Appledog to a coding match (PK), with the loser agreeing to do all household chores "forever." In the training room, Appledog skillfully outmaneuvered Han Shangyan. After her victory, Appledog playfully reminded "Gun God" that accepting punishment was more important than admitting defeat.
That evening, Wang Hao awarded chicken drumsticks to both Appledog, as the victor, and Han Shangyan, as a welcome to the team. During this period, the team members knew that Wang Hao and Appledog were a couple. Six months later, the team faced cramped living conditions, with members sharing small couches and enduring Ou Qiang's loud snoring. Han Shangyan, ever focused on success, reiterated his lack of interest in "love before becoming successful."
Wang Hao, however, envisioned a grand club with hundreds of members dedicated to promoting the CTF cybersecurity industry. The team later suffered a demoralizing loss to Team Buff, drawing harsh criticism from disappointed fans who called them "Team Rancid" and demanded ticket refunds. Amidst the chaos, Wang Hao bravely stood by his teammates, taking responsibility for the loss.
Desperate for funds, Wang Hao sought a meeting with "Director Lin," a sponsor who had initially signed a contract but reneged on his commitments. Director Lin not only refused further funding but also demanded the team vacate their dorms. Han Shangyan, enraged, had to be physically restrained from confronting Director Lin. Back at their residence, Han Shangyan, unable to bear seeing Wang Hao beg, offered his late father's education fund to keep the team afloat.
Wang Hao, touched, promised to repay him once the team achieved success. Faced with eviction and financial strain, they collectively decided to move to Shanghai to make a fresh start. In Shanghai, new members Little You and Yiqian joined the team, which, with Han Shangyan's financial support, was able to secure a larger, more comfortable home. At their next New Year's dinner, the team raised a toast to Han Shangyan, acknowledging that without his generosity, Team Solo would have disbanded. Little Mi playfully commented on Han Shangyan's unexpected gentleness with a kitten, noting his "contrast lovely" personality.
