Ping Pong Episode 13 Recap
> Ping Pong Recap
To facilitate Yu Kenan's return to training, Teng Biao sought out Fu Chuanzhi, who made it clear that the decision was not his to make. Since Yu Kenan had been assigned to the women's team, his reinstatement required the approval and signature of Mr. Wang, the women's team coach. Fu Chuanzhi also stressed the importance of ensuring Yu Kenan truly learned his lesson.
Following this, Teng Biao feigned repairing his bicycle chain outside the women's team quarters, orchestrating a "chance" encounter with Mr. Wang. He then asked Mr. Wang to sign the form for Yu Kenan, hoping for a swift approval. However, Mr. Wang insisted that Yu Kenan first prove himself as a competent training partner. He decided to consult his female team members for their assessment of Yu Kenan’s recent performance. The female team members enthusiastically voiced their complaints about Yu Kenan.
They described him as frequently late, disrespectful, constantly talking, and making disparaging remarks about their skills. Zhang Caiwei concurred, stating that Yu Kenan simply did not understand how to properly act as a training partner. Hearing this, Teng Biao grew angry and told Yu Kenan he could only discuss his return to the men's team once he had earned the women's team’s genuine recognition. Meanwhile, Lei Cheng approached Fu Chuanzhi to discuss Xu Tan’s return to training.
Fu Chuanzhi reiterated that Xu Tan’s punishment was a unanimous team decision and could not be arbitrarily changed, emphasizing that adherence to rules was paramount. He also reminded Lei Cheng that a player's progress is measured by concrete data and performance metrics, not merely confidence.
Undeterred, Lei Cheng made a solemn agreement, vowing that if Xu Tan failed to achieve good results in the upcoming promotion and relegation match—which was less than six months away—he himself would also resign from the national team. Fu Chuanzhi questioned his certainty, but Lei Cheng stood firm in his commitment. Still frustrated in the women's team, Yu Kenan practiced alone, defiantly declaring he could train by himself just like Xu Tan.
Mr. Wang called him over, reprimanding him for his poor performance as a training partner. Yu Kenan complained that the top players in the women’s team refused to train with him. Mr. Wang then assigned Zhang Caiwei to train with Yu Kenan, explaining that Yu Kenan’s strong backhand was crucial for her to prepare for similar opponents in the Asian Cup. He sternly warned Yu Kenan that any further misbehavior would be reported directly to Fu Chuanzhi.
During their practice, Yu Kenan actively coached Zhang Caiwei, offering advice on her technique. Later, Yu Kenan sought Zhang Caiwei’s objective assessment of his performance, even asking for a comparison to Xiao Jun. Zhang Caiwei admitted she could not beat him in an eleven-point game. However, she candidly pointed out that while his strengths were evident, his weaknesses were equally exaggerated, bluntly calling his attitude "a jerk."
She specifically highlighted that despite his powerful backhand, he lacked skill in "winning shots," identifying this as his greatest vulnerability in high-stakes matches. Yu Kenan, in a rare display of humility, asked her for advice on how to improve his winning shots. When Zhang Caiwei appeared uncomfortable and unwell, Yu Kenan, unaware of her specific situation, urged her to voice the problem so they could resolve it. Eventually, an embarrassed Zhang Caiwei asked him to buy sanitary products for her.
Yu Kenan awkwardly headed to the supermarket, attempting to hide from other male teammates he encountered, who nevertheless noticed his discreet black bag and teased him about it. Upon his return, he handed Zhang Caiwei the items and, noticing a stain, quickly offered his jacket to help her cover it before shyly retreating. Later that night, Zhang Caiwei was seen washing Yu Kenan’s jacket.
Her teammate playfully hinted at a romantic connection, but Zhang Caiwei clarified the situation, though her teammate remained impressed by Yu Kenan's unexpected kindness. Separately, other male players teased Yu Kenan about using sanitary pads, but he quickly deflected, claiming they were for shoe inserts to protect his feet. Teng Biao met Mr. Wang again, who confirmed he had signed Yu Kenan’s form.
Mr. Wang revealed that Zhang Caiwei and her teammates had actually complained about Yu Kenan and requested his immediate removal, indicating that his signing was merely a "favor" to his team. Realizing that Yu Kenan still needed more discipline, Teng Biao requested that Mr. Wang keep Yu Kenan in the women's team for a longer period, aiming to instill order and prevent future problems. Mr. Wang agreed, acknowledging Yu Kenan as a "top-notch seedling" with a powerful backhand.
He also noted Yu Kenan's diminished arrogance and diligent training with Zhang Caiwei, deeming the extended "favor" worthwhile. Mr. Wang then subtly hinted that he had seen through Teng Biao's earlier pretense with the bicycle. Eventually, Yu Kenan officially returned to the men's team. Teng Biao, observing his growth, presented him with a new training plan. Yu Kenan, having internalized Zhang Caiwei's advice, specifically requested to add "winning shot" practice to his regimen.
He admitted that his emotions were easily affected when he fell behind in points and proposed practicing by starting from a deficit, with the opponent holding the serve. Observing Yu Kenan’s focused practice on winning shots, Mr. Zheng warned Fu Jingchun that Yu Kenan would be his "greatest opponent." He underscored that there was only one top position in the national team, urging Fu Jingchun to maintain his relentless efforts to stay ahead.
Meanwhile, Fang Yue and Kang Ning returned from the Belgium Championship, having secured gold and silver medals for China. They brought back Belgian chocolates, distributing them to their teammates. Mr. He, in a cheerful mood due to their success, granted Xu Tan a rare fifteen-minute break. Xu Tan eagerly grabbed a chocolate from Fang Yue and immediately rushed off.
Puzzled by his hurried departure, Fang Yue was informed by another teammate that Xu Tan was currently under punishment and training with Mr. He. Liu Shi once again approached Qin Zhen, requesting him to become his personal coach. Qin Zhen, however, dismissed his previous encouraging remarks as "drunkard's words" not to be taken seriously, and refused. Undeterred, Liu Shi then sought help from Mr. Zheng.
But Mr. Zheng flatly rejected the idea, disparaging Qin Zhen as merely an assistant coach and unsuitable for a personal coaching role. That evening, Xu Tan meticulously admired the chocolate he had received. Ma Chuan approached, apologizing for his past behavior and attempting to persuade Xu Tan to share the treat, but Xu Tan firmly refused. During lunch, Fu Chuanzhi spoke with Mr. He, who confirmed Xu Tan’s significant progress.
Mr. He noted that Xu Tan, initially appearing "weak from the inside," was profoundly motivated by Fang Yue’s story and now displayed the intense "ping-pong fanatic" spirit that Fang Yue once had in the equipment room. Fu Chuanzhi, who was also Xu Tan's father, then personally visited Xu Tan in the equipment room to administer a test.
He set up a challenge, asking Xu Tan to hit a ball through a small gap created by tape and then strike another ball positioned behind it. This time, Xu Tan successfully executed the shot on his first attempt, demonstrating his marked improvement. Fu Chuanzhi advised Xu Tan that to control a game, one must first control the opponent, and to control the opponent, one must first control oneself, emphasizing that robust physical stamina was fundamental to achieving this control.
He then informed Xu Tan that his punishment was rescinded and he could officially return to the team the following day, instructing him to thank Mr. He and to feel free to use the equipment room whenever he wished to train there.
