Episode 1 recap: Li Guo Duo Gets Betrayed, Chen Wei Lan Leads the Team to Competition
In the first episode, on a sunny beach, the women's beach volleyball competition is in full swing. The golden duo of Li Guo Duo and Tu Ling Ling win their matches effortlessly, further fueling the confidence of the pair who are about to take their college entrance exams. After three years of fighting side-by-side, they are not only great on-court partners, but also the envy of the school as best friends.
As graduation approaches, Tu Ling Ling gets a new haircut, wanting to surprise her good friend Shao Nian. Shao Nian is the glue that holds their little trio together, and Tu Ling Ling has secretly harbored feelings for him for a while, though Shao Nian remains oblivious.
Li Guo Duo's family's barbecue stall serves as their secret hideout. This time, Guo Duo's mom, Wang Xiu Yun, even tailored a new uniform for Tu Ling Ling, hoping she'd look her best for the competition. However, at the university, Shao Nian gets caught daydreaming in class and is asked by the professor to draw a heart diagram on the spot, which he aces, impressing the professor.
On the eve of graduation, the trio gather at the barbecue stall, the atmosphere a bit tense. Li Guo Duo secretly tries to play matchmaker, arranging for Shao Nian to walk Tu Ling Ling home. But the next day, Li Guo Duo is shocked to find that Tu Ling Ling has partnered up with Long Ya, leaving her out. Li Guo Duo is a mess of conflicting emotions, and Wang Xiu Yun is nearly in tears, as she had secretly paid the admission fee for Guo Duo's university, which now seems futile.
The family rushes to the police, bickering on the way, until Li Guo Duo calms them down. Furious at Tu Ling Ling's "betrayal", Li Guo Duo smashes the awards they had won together. The once-strong friendship capsizes. Tu Ling Ling retaliates by smashing the remaining trophies, creating an awkward scene.
This is when Shao Nian steps in as the peacemaker. He starts helping Li Guo Duo plan her future, mentioning the renowned beach volleyball program at New Port University. Though Li Guo Duo is initially reluctant, her father Li Da Fu, after a few drinks, reveals his own glory days and regrets at New Port, which sways Guo Duo.
Meanwhile, the national high school volleyball championship sees a thrilling showdown between Beijing's No. 8 Middle School and Tianjin's No. 1 Middle School. Beijing's team captain, Chen Wei Lan, starts off a bit loners but is substituted out by the coach. When she returns, she's a changed player, embracing teamwork, and ultimately leads her team to victory. This match helps Li Guo Duo understand that both teamwork and individual skill are key to winning.
In the end, Li Guo Duo decides to put aside the rift, and with Shao Nian, embark on a journey to New Port University, driven by their shared passion for beach volleyball. There, she aims to continue her father's legendary volleyball legacy.
Comments(Episode 1)