Ping Pong Episode 29 Recap
> Ping Pong Recap
During the World Table Tennis Championships finals, Yu Kenan was competing against a Japanese player. After a poor performance in the first game, he received harsh criticism from Mr Zheng, who questioned his focus and strategy. Mr Zheng urged him to buck up in the next round, telling him not to embarrass the team and to defeat his opponent. Yu Kenan, whispering to himself, found the constant shouting annoying.
Commentators observed that Yu Kenan's initial defensive play in the first game was a calculated move to assess his opponent's weaknesses. In the second game, he found his rhythm, executing brilliant, strategic shots that left his opponent struggling. Yu Kenan reflected on his journey, how he had distanced himself from family, given up friendships, and neglected his lover, Zhang Caiwei, all for his ambition to become a world champion.
He also recalled past arguments, including one where he told Xu Tan he didn't need him to teach him what to do, and another where he argued with Xu Tan about the national team's choices, implying that Xu Tan had abandoned their joint effort to change coaches, while he himself chose the opportunity to play. Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the Chinese audience, Yu Kenan ultimately stood on the world champion podium, his victory infecting everyone present.
In a post-match interview, he was congratulated on winning his first World Table Tennis Championships men's singles title and earning the nickname "Tiger Yu Kenan." When asked whom he wanted to thank, Yu Kenan expressed gratitude to many people, including team leaders, teammates, Mr Fu Chuanzhi, Mr Teng Biao, his parents, and his girlfriend, Zhang Caiwei.
He then stated that he also wanted to thank a very important person, without whom he wouldn't be where he was today, believing that person was watching and would understand – this person, as the plot reveals, was Xu Tan.
When pressed if this important person was his coach, Mr Zheng, Yu Kenan conspicuously replied, "No." Later, when directly asked if he had anything special to say to Mr Zheng, Yu Kenan stated that Mr Zheng had deeply influenced him, but he couldn't remember the details. Meanwhile, other coaches, Mr Fu and Mr Gong, discussed Yu Kenan's interview behavior, with Mr Gong suggesting Mr Zheng needed to adapt to how he dealt with young players.
While Yu Kenan celebrated, Xu Tan was in a boxing gym, working out intensely to release his pent-up frustration. He imagined himself as a champion, standing on the world stage, wishing to exhaust himself to stop overthinking. This blow was heavy, and Xu Tan, while not minding Yu Kenan's choice, was disappointed by his dishonesty.
His teammates, Yu Zhenxin and Xia Ke, had discussed how Xu Tan's request to change coaches was serious, possibly leading to his expulsion from the team. Later, Mr Fu Chuanzhi called Xu Tan in and offered him a choice between Lvteng Sport University and Lvteng Normal University, emphasizing that both were good schools and nobody in the national team could do as they pleased.
Xu Tan tried to argue that he could adjust and even offered to return to the provincial or second team, but Mr Fu reiterated that Xu Tan had many personal issues and needed to stop training and readjust, implying that despite the choices, the decision for him to leave the national team for university was firm. Xu Tan asked if this was because he wanted to change coaches, to which Mr Fu affirmed his need for a training suspension.
Resigned to the situation, Xu Tan signed the application form for Lvteng Normal University and quietly left the national team. Yu Kenan tried to intercept Xu Tan as he left, calling his name and making a familiar gesture of camaraderie, a signal they used when battling opponents like Xia Ke and Yu Zhenxin, but Xu Tan, still harboring resentment over Yu Kenan's earlier decision and disappointed by his dishonesty, did not respond.
Back home, Xu Tan's mother, who had always opposed his ping-pong career, unexpectedly offered comfort. She admitted she had opposed his playing out of fear of his suffering, but now, seeing his perseverance, she believed his university placement might not be a bad thing, encouraging him to view the situation from a new perspective. She reassured him of her unwavering support, whether he chose to continue his studies or return to ping pong.
Before, Xu Tan was always submissive, never resisting anything around him, facing all bad things with a smile, but this setback stole the young man's smile and friendliness. His father also offered encouragement and provided him with a laptop for his studies. Both parents drove him to the university, reiterating their support and advising him to rest when tired but to persist if he truly loved the sport.
Liu Shi, worried about Xu Tan, tried calling him repeatedly but couldn't reach him. He confronted Yu Kenan, asking what happened to Xu Tan and why he was suspended. Yu Kenan was dismissive, telling Liu Shi to do as he wished.
Shortly after, Mr Zheng confronted Yu Kenan about his interview, warning him of the consequences of his comments and admonishing him not to become arrogant just because he won a championship, using Xu Tan's current situation as a cautionary tale for those who don't trust his training methods. Later, Mr Zheng received a phone call, which suggested a follow-up related to Yu Kenan's relationship announcement.
Meanwhile, Zhang Caiwei called Yu Kenan, angry that he had publicly disclosed their relationship in the interview without consulting her. She argued that she was also an athlete and did not want to be known merely as "the champion's girlfriend," feeling that he didn't understand her perspective. Yu Kenan, dismissive of her concerns about media attention, suggested she return from playing commercial matches in Germany.
Zhang Caiwei retorted by asking him to put himself in her shoes, but Yu Kenan simply stated he wouldn't stay there. Yu Kenan continued to win championships, and although he no longer argued with Mr Zheng, they remained irreconcilable, and he never thanked Mr Zheng in interviews. Zhang Caiwei disliked being labeled as the champion's girlfriend, and their relationship became increasingly fragile. Xu Tan arrived at Lvteng Normal University to register as a sophomore transfer student.
It was raining, and Wang Siheng, the enthusiastic manager of the university's table tennis team, offered to guide him to his dormitory with an umbrella. However, Xu Tan, now withdrawn and cold, politely declined her help and walked alone through the rain. He settled into his dorm, which was largely empty except for his new roommate, Xiao Sa, who was immersed in a noisy video game. That night, Xu Tan was disturbed by Xiao Sa's loud gaming.
After some hesitation, Xu Tan finally spoke up, asking him to quiet down. Although Xiao Sa initially retorted, he soon acknowledged Xu Tan's need for sleep and logged out of his game. In class the next day, Xu Tan continued his old habit of standing up to answer questions, taking copious notes, and habitually clapping at the end of class, drawing curious glances from his peers.
His professor kindly informed him that university was different from high school and that while notes were fine, it was more important to follow the lecture. Feeling out of place and isolated, Xu Tan gathered his books at the end of class, reflecting on his new and unfamiliar environment.
