Based on Mo Bao Fei Bao's novel, “Fish Playing While Trapped in a Secret Room,” in the "Go Go Squid!" sequel, we follow our main character named Wu Bai, played by Hu Yitian (who you might recognize from the series “A Love So Beautiful”). A young prodigy with a passion for robotics, Wu Bai was inspired by one of the top robot combat players, Ai Qing (played by Li Yitong), to become interested in robotics. Being mentored by Ai Qing, Wu Bai, also known as DT, becomes a top player as well and even puts together a strong team, naming themselves “Power." Together, as a team, "Power" navigates the intense challenges of combat robot competitions. However, when the final match, held in China, arrives, Wu Bai is going to have to use everything he has learned as “Power” is set to battle it out against none other than Ai Qing’s “Appledog” team in order to take home the prestigious trophy. @September 4, 2024 Everything To Know About Go Go Squid 2 2 Despite being rivals, Wu Bai and Ai Qing develop mutual respect, recognizing each other's strengths and dedication to the field of robotics. Specifically, Ai Qing is captivated by Wu Bai's unwavering determination and innovative approach, while, Wu Bai finds himself admiring Ai Qing's deep commitment to her craft, her unyielding pursuit of excellence, and her strategic brilliance. Will Wu Bai and AI Qing be able to put their rivalry and competitiveness to the side and give in to their feelings? And who will end up going home with the prize and the title of the best combat robot fighter? I guess you'll just have to watch to find out!

​This drama is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Moreover, the drama offers a fascinating look into the world of robotics, a field that is increasingly relevant in today's technology-driven society. The intense competition scenes are not just about winning or losing; they perfectly show the creativity, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking that you need to succeed in the field of robotics! While not a direct sequel, as this spin-off introduces you to a new couple: Wu Bai and Ai Qing, "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time" captures the same vibrant spirit as the first "Go Go Squid!" series. The drama's male lead, Wu Bai, is shown to be a warm and smart character who is not only incredibly skilled in robotics but also has a really charming personality that viewers will undoubtedly fall in love with. As a passionate and brilliant robotics competitor, Wu Bai's character is both endearing and admirable. Plus, the chemistry between Wu Bai and Ai Qing is palpable, with their relationship evolving from mutual respect to a deep, supportive relationship that forms the emotional core of the series. And, as for Ai Qing, she is a refreshingly strong and intelligent female main lead. As a top female robotics competitor, Ai Qing is not only a formidable opponent for Wu Bai and his team but also an inspiring figure in her field—her independence and dedication to her career make her a role model. Altogether, "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time" is a sweet and heartwarming addition to the first season, offering a fresh story that stands on its own while building on the charm of the original “Go Go Squid!” series.

While the romance between Dt and Appledog is the heart of the drama, "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time" also delivers on the excitement of robot Everything To Know About Go Go Squid 2 3 combat competitions. These intense and well-executed scenes add a thrilling dimension to the story, balancing the sweet, slow-burn romance with actionpacked sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the very end. The tension in these competitions is palpable, as the stakes are raised with each battle, showing not only the characters' technical skills but also their emotional investment in the outcomes. The drama also explores themes of friendship, mentorship, and perseverance, especially as the evolving bond between the characters, whether it’s the competitive camaraderie between teammates or the mentorship/rival/romance dynamic between Wu Bai and Ai Qing, highlights the importance of mutual respect and support in achieving one’s goals. Beyond the central romance and the thrilling robot battles, the supporting cast also boosts the story, as the secondary characters' humor and charm provide the perfect counterbalance to the central romance. The dynamic relationships and individual growth of both the main and supporting characters help add a lot of depth to the overall plot, making "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time" a well-rounded and engaging show that can appeal to a wide range of audiences. So, whether you’re drawn in by the romance, the excitement of the competitions, or the compelling character arcs and storylines, "Go Go Squid 2: Dt. Appledog's Time" delivers on all fronts!

“Go Go Squid!” follows Tong Nian, played by Yang Zi, a talented and charismatic young woman who leads a double life as a computer science genius and a popular online singer with a massive following. Her life takes an unexpected turn when, one evening, while she is giving her cousin a hand at his internet café, Han Shang Yan, played by Li Xian, a former legendary figure in the CTF cyber-security esports world, walks into the café. Known for his stoic and aloof demeanor, Han Shang Yan is now the owner of an esports club called K&K, where he trains a team of young athletes. Tong Nian is instantly captivated by him, and despite her usual confidence, she finds herself awkward and clumsy around Han Shang Yan as she tries various ways to get closer to him.

​As Tong Nian's crush on Han Shang Yan deepens, she becomes more determined to break through his icy exterior. And it works! Her persistent, bubbly personality slowly begins to chip away at Han Shang Yan's cool demeanor. @September 3, 2024 Everything To Know About Go Go Squid 2 While their relationship gradually develops, Tong Nian finds out more about Han Shang Yan's tragic past, which helps her understand his icy demeanor—and, as the story unfolds, Tong Nina's unwavering support becomes crucial in helping Han Shang Yan open up, not only to her but also to his teammates. Eventually, Tong Nian and Han Shang Yan's relationship becomes a source of inspiration, not just for each other but for those around them as they encourage and motivate their friends, teammates, and even their fans to pursue their dreams and passions.

​​"Go Go Squid!" is a fantastic show for anyone who loves a drama that blends romance, sports, and the journey of personal growth. In addition to the main characters' intriguing love story, for fans of esports and competitive gaming, "Go Go Squid!" provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of cybersecurity esports as the series delves into the challenges, teamwork, and dedication required to excel in this high-pressure environment—especially as the show explores the dynamics within Han Shang Yan's team, highlighting the camaraderie, conflicts, and the strong bonds that form among the characters, adding richness to the story. The characters in “Go Go Squid!” are another reason the show stands out. Tong Nian is more than just a typical love-struck girl; she is a brilliant and ambitious young woman pursuing her dreams in technology and music—making her a refreshing and inspiring protagonist. Meanwhile, Han Shang Yan, with his growth from being cold and distant to venerable, is beautifully portrayed. The supporting cast also adds a lot to the drama, bringing additional humor and charm to the series. Together, these characters create a dynamic and engaging story that keeps viewers interested in their journeys. The well-rounded and relatable characters in "Go Go Squid!" are what truly make the show unique and loveable! Plus, "Go Go Squid" also carries an underlying message of dedication to one's dreams. Tong Nian and Han Shang Yan’s journey is not just about their relationship but also about their shared goal of winning a world championship, which symbolizes their unrelenting belief in their team. Throughout the series, viewers are not only drawn into the lives of Tong Nian and Han Shang Yan but also become invested in the growth and development of each team member. As the characters navigate through challenges both on and off the gaming stage, they show that with determination and support from one another, anything is possible. Ultimately, "Go Go Squid" is a heartwarming story of love, friendship, Everything To Know About Go Go Squid 3 and what it takes to make your dreams come true, making it a must-watch for fans of romance and sports dramas alike. 

​Overall thoughts Overall, I found that "Go Go Squid!" was a really fun romantic drama. From the very start, the series hooks you with the charming and determined character of Tong Nian who finds herself falling for the distant yet talented gamer Han Shang Yan. The storyline is engaging, the characters are relatable, and the blend of romance with gaming adds a unique twist to the typical romantic drama. What's more, one of the most enjoyable parts of "Go Go Squid!" is its charming charm and humor.

The series is packed with adorable moments that bring a smile to your face, especially as the chemistry between the two leads is palpable, creating sweet and awkward interactions that perfectly capture the essence of a budding romance. By the last episode, the show had brought both lighthearted comedy and genuine emotional depth, keeping you connected to the evolving relationship between Tong Nian and Han Shang Yan. The storytelling is smooth, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers invested, yet it avoids unnecessary drama, maintaining a feel-good vibe throughout.

​So, whether you're a fan of romantic comedies or looking for something lighthearted and uplifting, I highly recommend checking out "Go Go Squid!".

Well, the drama follows Xiao Nai (played by actor Yang Yang), a 4th-year computer science college student who is not only good at school and sports but is even the president of a game company, named "Zhi Yi Technology." He first notices Bei Wei Wei, a 2nd-year computer science student who dreams of being a game designer, while she is playing an online multiplayer game named "A Chinese Ghost Story." The only female player in the top rankings, Bei Wei Wei, played by actress Zheng Shuang, intrigues Xiao Nai (who is the top player in the game), and he decides to pursue her both in the virtual world and in real life. As the story unfolds, Xiao Nai becomes Bei Wei Wei's virtual husband in the game so that they can join couples in in-game competitions, which leads to their eventual real-life romance.

​Both online and offline, Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei's relationship develops through a series of sweet and funny interactions, as "Love 020" (or "A Slight Smile is Charming") is characterized by its light-hearted tone and Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang's chemistry. The drama also follows Bei Wei Wei's best friend, Zhao Exri, who falls for another student, named Cao Guang, in the game —as well as a cast of other characters like Meng Yiran, a pretty girl at school who has a crush on Xiao Nai, and Zhen Shaoxiang, who was Bei Wei Wei's virtual husband in the game before leaving her when he thinks that she might be ugly in real life, among others. As the plot unfolds, you'll be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, with the dynamics of the story keeping you on the edge of your seat!

In addition to the drama's fun storyline and clever writing, "Love 020" (or "A Slight Smile is Charming") is a breath of fresh air if you're looking for a lighthearted romance that skips all the heavy tension and angst typical of many modern love story dramas. Instead, the story of “Love 020” centers around a sweet romance that is consistently feel-good and fun. Unlike some dramas that focus on relationships overcoming their toxicity, the connection between Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei is built on mutual respect and admiration, which feels both genuine and uplifting. So, if you're craving a show that is both really exciting and fun to watch but is also touching and will make you believe in love, then I can't recommend "Love 020" enough! One of the most interesting parts of "Love 020" is its unique setting, which mixes the online gaming world with real life—the way that the drama smoothly moves between these two worlds will keep you invested and intrigued, especially as you watch Xiao Nai and Wei Wei navigate their romance both online and in real life. Also, the characters in "Love 020" are super relatable. Endearing to watch from start to finish, Bei Wei Wei and Xiao Nai are, throughout the drama, intelligent and likable people who have amazing chemistry (plus, if you love dramas that show supportive friendships, then you will find exactly what you're looking for in "Love 020”). Lastly, "Love 020" has a refreshingly positive take on online relationships, and the drama does a good job of showing how the connections that form virtually can be just as genuine and meaningful as offline relationships. With its high production quality, beautiful visuals, and fun glimpses into Chinese university life, "Love 020" lives up to the hype!

Ranking first in ratings (even hitting a viewership rating of over 1%, which is incredibly high given China's population) and being the most searched and discussed topic as it was being released, "Love 020" is one of the most famous C-Dramas—and I can understand why! With the title directly translating to "A Slight Smile is Charming," "Love 020" was based on a novel of the same name. As a drama, this story captivated me with its upbeat take on romance and the intertwining of the virtual and real worlds, especially as Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang bring a unique charm to their characters, Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei, making their on-screen chemistry really believable. Plus, Xiao Nai’s initial attraction to Bei Wei Wei’s gaming skills rather than what she looks like sets a unique tone for their relationship, putting the focus on intelligence and capability rather than surface-level traits—which I thought was really nice to see in a youth drama. As I mentioned before, I really liked how this drama has a real focus on a supportive and respectful relationship, especially as the development of Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei's relationship throughout the drama felt natural and organic, with each character bringing out the best in the other. Overall, I found the characters’ dynamics to be refreshing, making "Love O2O" one of the standout C-Dramas that I've watched recently

 So, diving into "Love 020" (or "A Slight Smile is Charming"), it's clear why this Chinese drama has charmed fans around the world. With its refreshing blend of romance and online gaming, the drama offers a unique and modern take on relationships that flourish both in virtual and real-life settings. The chemistry between Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei, played by Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang, the relatable characters, and the lighthearted, feel-good story all contribute to an engaging and heartwarming watching experience. Who is your favorite character in the drama? What is another show that fans of "Love 020" should tune into?