Episode 23 recap: Yin Guo excelled in the competition.
Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo emerged victorious in the competition, so Lin Yi Yang took Yin Guo to a bar to celebrate. When Lin Yi Yang brought a drink and offered it to Yin Guo, Yin Guo jokingly asked if there was something wrong with the drink. Their affectionate display made their friends unable to bear it, so they made up an excuse and left.
Jiang Yang was preparing for surgery, and Lin Yi Yang was very worried. He sent a video message, but instead, Jiang Yang comforted Lin Yi Yang. Just after ending the video call, Yin Guo arrived by Lin Yi Yang's side. Due to some personal matters, Lin Yi Yang couldn't attend Yin Guo's match in person, but he promised to be there for the finals.
Yin Guo's opponent was also very strong, a local player who immediately put immense pressure on Yin Guo. However, Yin Guo had great strength and strong mental resilience. Despite the intense pressure, he didn't crumble under his opponent's tactics and was able to counterattack.
Even the host noticed that Yin Guo's composure far exceeded his age. Yin Guo's family members watched the competition on television, and Meng Xiao Dong kept explaining Yin Guo's performance to their grandmother. Jiang Yang's surgery was successfully completed, and Meng Xiao Dong went to the hospital to visit him. Coincidentally, Lin Lin was also there. When Meng Xiao Dong met Lin Lin, they became somewhat flustered and spoke hesitantly, completely unlike their usual self.
During their conversation, Meng Xiao Dong felt a bit awkward while sitting down. Finally, when they were leaving, Lin Lin offered to accompany Meng Xiao Dong. When they were alone, Lin Lin encouraged Meng Xiao Dong to keep participating in the competition, and Meng Xiao Dong was delighted to hear that, promising to persevere.
Although Lin Yi Yang couldn't be present to watch Yin Guo's match, he sent a video message to cheer him on after the competition ended.
Yin Guo has another upcoming match, but although Lin Yi Yang said he would come to watch, the specific time was not confirmed. When Yin Guo entered the competition arena, he looked for Lin Yi Yang in the audience and greeted him when he spotted him.
Before the match started, the host recognized Lin Yi Yang as the reigning world champion of the current season. The host was prepared to interview Lin Yi Yang on the spot, and through continuous questioning, it was revealed that Lin Yi Yang came to watch his friend's competition. As a result, everyone's attention shifted to Yin Guo, which made him feel somewhat awkward.
Finally, in front of everyone, Lin Yi Yang confessed his feelings to Yin Guo. Yin Guo, sitting in the competitor's position, felt both nervous and excited because this was a global competition that people from all over the world could see. Even Yin Guo's colleagues were moved by Lin Yi Yang's confession, as it was a romantic gesture that every girl dreams of.
However, Lin Yi Yang was still concerned about Yin Guo's family because their relationship had not received a clear stance from Yin Guo's parents. Yin Guo continued to advance through the competition, overcoming various challenges. Chen An An also started competing, and her opponent this time was a strong local competitor. Everyone worried about Chen An An because her opponent was formidable and had the advantage of being a local player.
Chen An An also displayed strong skills and successfully defeated her opponent, advancing to the top four and creating history. After the match, when they entered the lobby, friends gathered around Yin Guo to chat. Meng Xiao Tian, Yin Guo's younger brother, called and informed them that he saw Lin Yi Yang's confession during the match. Yin Guo was worried whether their family had seen it, but through his brother, he learned that their family hadn't witnessed Lin Yi Yang's confession.
Lin Yi Yang took Yin Guo and Chen An An out to celebrate with drinks. However, during the drinking process, the interactions between Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo became ambiguous, making Chen An An feel like a third wheel. She made an excuse and left, giving Lin Yi Yang and Yin Guo some alone time.
The scene where He Lao called Xiaoguo's mother on behalf of Lin Yi Yang was really tear-jerking. It was incredibly touching, especially when I saw He Lao clumsily searching for the contact. I couldn't control my tears at all.
But at the same time, the more I watched the entire conversation, the more uncomfortable I felt.
Even though Lin Yi Yang was a reckless youth in his younger days, he didn't really commit any major taboos. He didn't engage in match-fixing, nor did he commit any fouls. So why has he been judged for so long? His crimes don't warrant such treatment...
Every time these people mention Lin Yi Yang in these few episodes, it makes me feel suffocated. It has been such a long time, and even as an observer, I find these people's behavior unbearable. How much more difficult must it have been for Lin Yi Yang, who was only in his teens back then?