A selfish esports player learns how to love and be a team player.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Notable Actors/Actresses
Zhang Jiong Min: Xiao Yi Chuan
Xu Ruo Han: Xiong Jiu Jiu
Hao Fu Shen: Chu Tian
Director
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] Men, how do you ruin your first impression in front of the person you like? Watch Ep 1 of our ML. Xiao Yi Chuan is an esports player, talented but stinks at teamwork. No professional team will sign with him. (No girl would want to date him either, especially not with the way he treated our FL.
[Ep2] For romcom reasons, and thanks to wingman Wang Bo Yu, Xiao Yi Chuan gets the chance to tutor Xiong Jiu Jiu (FL) on how to play. Xiao Yi Chuan is bitterly obsessed with her because three years ago they had an online relationship and he thought she cheated on him. She doesn’t recognize him (since it was online) nor does she know anything about this which means it was most likely a misunderstanding.
Somehow, due to more romcom reasons, Xiong Jiu Jiu becomes Xiao Yi Chuan's rumoured girlfriend. This rumour gets her a job. Dong Shi hires her as an esports team manager with the goal of recruiting Xiao Yi Chuan, her rumoured boyfriend. If Dong Shi’s name had “Zhang” at the end, then he’d be 董事長 (dongshizhang) = Chairman.
Epilogue Available.
[Ep3] Xiao Yi Chuan, the grump, refuses to sign.
[Ep4] There’s someone eager to sign: Chu Tian. He has a crush on Xiong Jiu Jiu. Meanwhile Dong Shi falls in love at first sight with Chu Tian’s sister (Chu Tian). Yes, the siblings’ names have the same pinyin with different intonation. He is Chu Tiān (= sky) and she is Chu Tián (= sweet). Chu Sister is worried that Chu Tian is choosing this career for (unrequited) love. He says he is interested in the sport.
Qin Zheng is recruited too (as a coach). He was Xiao Yi Chuan’s senior who has retired. He signs because he needs money for his marriage (and also for his passion? Yes?).
Xiao Yi Chuan finally agrees to sign. He narcissistically believes Xiong Jiu Jiu is in love with him and that she dirtied her clothes just to use his washroom and wear his clothes. He, who hates sharing his clothes, smugly lets her wear it. So delusional, lol. Too bad she only wanted his shirt to wipe her own shirt.
[Ep5] The esports team has formed and are living together. Members are Huo Ran, Qin Zheng, Chu Tian, and Hong Yan. 4 guys and 1 girl under one roof. Xiao Yi Chuan and Xiong Jiu Jiu fight for a room. Neither will give in. The next logical thing to do is to forcefully share the room. Cohabitation check! She takes the floor and he takes the bed. Gentleman check! While he’s showering, she replies to her online friend who ghosted her for three years. She thought he was mad because she was late to meet him. Now she sends a flurry of angry texts.
Epilogue: Watch Xiao Yi Chuan carefully place his “sisters” in cases and freak out when Xiong Jiu Jiu drops his “sisters” from 10cm. His precious sisters are his sneakers.
[Ep6] Xiao Yi Chuan lies to Xiong Jiu Jiu (via text) that to save a little girl, he got into a car accident and was recovering for three years. She’s gullible enough to believe that! Through texting, he gets to know her thoughts better and that she does care about him (as Xiao Yi Chuan) even though he’s been nothing but rude to her. His petulant behaviour improves and he gives her the bed. Carrying scene check!
Epilogue: Xiao Yi Chuan asks “Tablet, tablet, who is the most handsome?” The answer is Chu Tian. I only hear gunshot sounds, I don’t know how he got his answer, lol. Then he asks “Tablet, tablet, who is the most suitable for ‘her’?”. Again, the answer is Chu Tian. Hong Yan overhears and smirks. He thinks he knows something something ~ Hahaha.
[Ep7] Xiao Yi Chuan slowly changes. He’s warming up to Chu Tian, who reminds him of himself when he started the profession, always training, and always working hard. He also softens up to Xiong Jiu Jiu (finally), texting her that perhaps the dude [himself] who bullies her actually likes her and that she’s special to him, but the dude doesn’t know how to treat her. It’s an indirect confession ~
[Ep8] Xiong Jiu Jiu is bullied by this jealous girl from another esports team. Chu Tian and Xiao Yi Chuan take revenge for her. *Smirks*. This duo is awesome together! Oh no, but they’re going to be love rivals too. D: Chu Tian finds Xiao Yi Chuan's tactics nasty. But he likes it. Hehe.
Wang Bo Yu tells Xiong Jiu Jiu that Xiao Yi Chuan is so innocent that for three whole years, he never recovered from being dumped by his online ‘girlfriend’ and that’s how Xiong Jiu Jiu discovers her online friend is Xiao Yi Chuan ~ ~ ~ The truth is out so fast.
Epilogue: Hong Yan overhears Chu Tian saying this: “Xiao Yi Chuan, you really are nasty, but I like it.” LOL. Hahaha.
[Ep9] Xiong Jiu Jiu learns Xiao Yi Chuan knew about her identity on the first day at the airport when she was carrying the bear (xiong) that he gave her. Before she angrily stomps away, he reveals that he was hurt because his first love crashed. She smiles a little and clarifies that she wasn’t dating. That boy was Chu Tian whom she views as a brother. As he’s closing in, he notices she’s red. She’s blushing. Dude asks if she’s lacking oxygen. Dude. The one time when mouth-to-mouth is appropriate and you lost it bro. Now she’s (really) angry and ignores him for the next few days.
Hong Yan overhears more juicy soliloquies. He’s now convinced Xiao Yi Chuan likes Chu Tian too. Hahahahaha.
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| Where to buy a dinosaur for my head too? |
Xiao Yi Chuan writes cute messages (calling himself Chuan Chuan) and slips it under her door. He also lets her hit him in the game. His efforts are rewarded. She forgives him! Once he finds out that she added him back, he’s flooding her with messages.
Then Xiong Jiu Jiu utterly embarrasses herself when she’s drunk. She sings and hugs and cries and slaps. There’s sexual harassment too. Did she kiss Xiao Yi Chuan?
Epilogue: Hong Yan and Dong Shi witness Xiao Yi Chuan burning with jealousy as he stares at Xiong Jiu Jiu and Chu Tian. At least Dong Shi knows that our ML likes our FL, hahaha.
[Ep10] Another almost kiss!! But the dude values his “sister” more than the kiss. Xiong Jiu Jiu is stepping on his precious sneakers. LOL But uh oh, there’s something more concerning: his right hand. He had surgery before and it seems there’s complications. Ah, right, this is why he isn't training. He’s in recovery.
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| Chu Tian’s smile LOL |
Epilogue: For PR purposes, Xiao Yi Chuan and Chu Tian need to upload a friendly picture of themselves to prove that they’re on good terms. They’re too shy about it, particularly Chu Tian. Giddy Hong Yan volunteers to help them take the bromantic picture.
[Ep11] Xiao Yi Chuan wants to play alongside his team despite the pain. It’s ill-advised. Wang Bo Yu was against it, but when he saw his determination, he reluctantly supported his buddy. And now the competition starts! But their teamwork sucks.
[Ep12] Our JR (Just Right) squad remarkably improves. The coach (who had this really suspicious convo with Huo Ran (the jerk our FL rejected in Ep1)) pinpoints everyone’s weaknesses to help them improve on the spot. Xiao Yi Chuan demonstrates his leadership. Unfortunately, his injuries are worsening. He's risking his future for this one competition but Xiao Yi Chuan sees value in his team and Chu Tian’s potential. Ultimately, they win and make it to the nationals. However, Chu Tian performed poorly. To cheer him up, Xiao Yi Chuan takes him out for a date. Aw. A group date. Eh.
Epilogue available.
Xiong Jiu Jiu and Qin Zheng learn of Xiao Yi Chuan’s hand injuries. They all agree on training Chu Tian to be the commander (without Chu Tian knowing).
[Ep14] Chu Tian undergoes gruelling training from Coach and Xiao Yi Chuan (without knowing the reason, but he’s a good student). He asks for one day off so that he can celebrate Xiong Jiu Jiu’s birthday with her. He knows he’s in an unrequited love but he keeps trying. *Sniffle* Boy, don’t do this to me. Just when he’s about to confess, Xiao Yi Chan enters with a bang. In the end, Xiao Yi Chuan is the one celebrating with Xiong Jiu Jiu. She is happier with him. Poor Chu Tian.
[Ep15] Xiao Yi Chuan hasn’t forgotten the brokenhearted Chu Tian! I’m loving the friendship between this pair of ‘love rivals'. Xiao Yi Chuan learns of Chu Tian’s pure and devoted love. Chu Tian also knows Xiong Jiu Jiu’s heart is with Xiao Yi Chuan.
The team is facing disbandment (because of Huo Ran’s scheming). This doesn’t break the team but makes them stronger. Dong Shi’s determination receives approval by his father (a real chairman). Xiong Jiu Jiu and Xiao Yi Chuan receive better offers, but reject them because of their love and faith for the team and their dreams.
Chu Tian confesses to Xiong Jiu Jiu, but his love will end here. He says goodbye to his (first) love. *Pat pat pat*
Epilogue available.
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| Hahaha |
At least the night is theirs. They share the bed! Bed is big, though. Can fit two more people (their size) between them. He once again swims his hand over to her side, but retracts. Instead, he tugs her sheet upwards to keep her warm. He’s surprised she's already asleep. She’s also a fighter in bed. He resorts to the floor.
A problem in the relationship! Nothing to do with sleeping on the floor. Xiong Jiu Jiu thinks it’s her fault Xiao Yi Chuan joined their team and now his future is in jeopardy. He makes it clear to her that it’s his desire to stay. Through this team, he learned about teamwork. Although she understands, he means so much more to her than just a “teammate” now. She wants his future to be successful without any burdens (e.g. herself). He smiles. He calls her silly. She’s not a burden. They’re walking on the same path together. This team is theirs. If money is a problem, then he has it. Dude, should have said so earlier! Then he properly says his “I like you”. They’re officially, officially, officially together. A satisfying romance.
[Ep17] Coach caves into Huo Ran’s temptation. Good thing Xiao Yi Chuan is there to bring him back to his senses. Three years ago, it was because of his retirement that Xiao Yi Chuan changed his playing style (= selfish). Now Coach will not abandon the team anymore.
Xiao Yi Chuan writes “I love you” on both of their hands. He takes a picture and updates his status, announcing to the world he’s in a relationship. They’re officially officially officially officially together. He gives her a proper kiss peck on the lips. All his fans are supportive. They were rooting for this CP all along. Even Chu Tian personally congratulates them. Awww! As for Wang Bo Yu, he was singing sad love songs all night long. LOL! Aw, I neglected this boy’s love for Xiao Yi Chuan. There’s also Hong Yan. His eyes are swollen from crying because his ship sank. Hahaha!
Xiong Jiu Jiu goes cutesy (= sounding like a kid when kids don’t talk like that) on Xiao Yi Chuan so he’ll let her wear a short little black dress. He orders her to speak properly. Ahahaha,. But nothing will make him change his mind. Dude. Just let the girl look good.
Chu Tian has improved! Xiao Yi Chuan’s hand, though. Aiyah.
Epilogue Available.
[Ep19] Xiao Yi Chuan’s hand injury is so bad, he can’t even tie his shoes. He needs surgery asap. If he still wants his right hand, he cannot participate in the competition. Chu Tian was livid that he wasn’t practicing until he realized Xiao Yi Chuan couldn’t play.
Chu Tian sends a message: To the 20-year-old Xiao Yi Chuan, I am the 20-year-old Chu Tian. Your dream, I will achieve it for you. He’s so shy that he can’t even look at Xiao Yi Chuan. Cute.
[Ep20] Coach Qin Zheng will substitute Xiao Yi Chuan who is preparing for his surgery. Chu Tian is giving Coach tips, and so is the rest of the team xD. However, Qin Zheng’s fiancée accepted a bribe from Huo Ran. Huo Ran also has Qin Zheng’s weakness: a recording of him accepting the deal to lose the game three years ago. And now Huo Ran is using the recording to threaten Qin Zheng to lose again.
[Ep21] Qin Zheng doesn’t betray the team! The crowd cheers for Chu Tian (who’s using Xiao Yi Chuan’s signature technique). But they failed to advance to the finals. As they leave the stage, Qin Zheng makes a confession on national television. He admits he cheated. He needed the money for his mother’s surgery. He apologizes to his old team-mates, including Xiao Yi Chuan.
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| Watching our couple throwing “dog food” xD |
[Ep23] Guess what. There’s a snobby white dude team (Mars). Show gotta show that China glory and defeat Mars! = Fast forward. Our squad is struggling. Qin Zheng is here to save the team! They had given him a ticket and now JR is just right. The coach believes the Martians have studied every member, but since Chu Tian is a rookie, they have no information on his game style. Coach wants Chu Tian to be the hidden commander, their secret weapon.
[Ep24] I don’t have enough capacity to understand what Chu Tian did at the end, but he sacrificed himself and that looked cool. Chu Tian is a hero. He gave Xiao Yi Chuan the opportunity to take down the martians. The other Chinese member left is Wang Bo Yu (who’s on the SIK team).
Now the fight for the championship is between Yi and Bo. (Wang) Yi Bo couple?! LOL. They take off their equipment and go for a clean shot. JR wins the round. Don’t know how it worked. Is it who shot first? Anyway, that was still fun to watch! Wang Bo Yu is happy for his buddy. I’m so in love with him right now. I wish there were more episodes of him!!!! Overall though, JR places 4th and SIK wins the championship¹. Xiao Yi Chuan is no longer Mr. Second with his MVP trophy, which he gives to his girlfriend. Okay, can we get that hand surgery now.
One year later.
Chu Tian is an MVP. Our JR team leader won another championship. Xiong Jiu Jiu is a director (managing managers). Our couple is still going strong, so strong that Chu Tian feels bad for Xiong Jiu Jiu because Xiao Yi Chuan is way too clingy. Lol! All is happy, but Xiao Yi Chuan is no longer playing as a member. He's a coach/professor. His hand can’t play anymore. Despite that, he still has a passion for the sport and he truly loves teaching. Omg. Such a realistic ending. T_T. But it’s happy! He really does enjoy teaching ever since he found Chu Tian..
Epilogue: It’s behind-the-scenes mostly for the action parts. This makes me regret not paying attention to the shooting scenes. There seems to be a lot of effort there. :P
The end.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-8)] The ML makes me giggle. He’s so stupid about love. He’s mean about it too. Good thing this actor’s narcissism is funny. There’s a reason he’s rude: he thinks he had an online relationship with our FL, but when he went to visit her, he misunderstood her for “cheating” on him. Boy was scorned from love!
Our ML is also in dire need of help. He’s in a team sport and he can’t teamwork for his life but that will all change in his newbie team. I’m adoring the budding friendship between the guys, especially Chu Tian and Xiao Yi Chuan's. I’m cheering for them (and the team)!
This is a drama I find easy to like. There’s romance and teamwork (and cute boys too).
[Actors/Actresses] The guy from My Fantastic Mrs. Right meets the girl from Perfect and Casual. I find Zhang Jiong Min handsome with his big eyes, big nose, and big lips, haha. I’m a little bummed that Xu Ruo Han is dubbed; her voice is too distinctive. I hope these two find more success because I like their acting.
For those who love Hikaru no Go, Hao Fu Shen is in this too. He had a scandal, which I believe is the reason why this drama dumped all its episodes, that and the last esports drama was brutally lambasted for its esports component). Anyway, he plays a similar role here where he’s the 2ML, focused on improving his game. This time there’s romance and he’s pining for the FL too. Hopefully, the boys will still be cute with each other.
[Glossary]
董事長 Dǒng shì zhǎng – Chairman (Ep2)
[Ending] Happy.
[A Highlight] For whatever reason my memorable scene is..... Hong Yan’s epilogue in Ep8 “Nasty, but I like it.”
[Review & Rating]
[Review & Rating]
[Footnotes]
1. Correction in Ep24.
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