The Prince of Tennis Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Prince of Tennis Synopsis
The rapid developments in the tennis sport of China have led to a tennis fervor in high school.
The tennis team of Yuqing High School, with veteran coach Qi Na as head coach, has had many successes.
It has also trained a lot of excellent tennis talents. However, in the current national tournament, Yuqing High School is facing the crisis of not being able to enter the national tournament.
Lu Xia joins the team as a transfer student, and he is determined to become the best tennis player.
After joining the team, he meets various tennis players and sees more possibilities.
With the help of everyone, Lu Xia learns the true joy of competitive sports.
In the process of playing in the national league, he feels the joy of team life and gets the strength from the group to lead the team towards the set goal, breaking through and pushing forward.
The Prince of Tennis Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On a bus ride to the Persimmon Tree Tennis Park for a match, Qi Ying encountered a self-important Huang Jing, a beginner tennis player, flaunting his grip, almost hitting her. Fortunately, Lu Xia intervened, expertly knocking Huang Jing's racket to the floor. Lu Xia corrected Huang Jing's grip before alighting at the next stop, with Qi Ying following. Huang Jing, engrossed in Lu Xia's words, missed his stop.
While waiting for her aunt, Coach Qi Na, Qi Ying again met Lu Xia. He directly asked for directions, and Qi Ying mistakenly pointed him left. Upon Coach Qi Na's arrival, Qi Ying realized her error and rushed to find Lu Xia, eventually discovering him asleep on the grass. Lu Xia explained that Qi Ying's wrong directions had caused him to miss his match and be disqualified.
Feeling guilty, Qi Ying offered to buy him a drink, but faced payment issues. Lu Xia stepped in, buying two drinks and giving one to Qi Ying. As Lu Xia and Qi Ying prepared to leave, they encountered Huang Jing, who blamed Lu Xia for missing his stop. Qi Ying attempted to intervene but accidentally spilled her drink on Huang Jing. Infuriated by his stained clothes, Huang Jing challenged Lu Xia to a match.
Huang Jing tried to cheat, declaring a ball out when it wasn't, but Lu Xia remained calm, continuing to play perfectly within bounds. In a desperate attempt to return Lu Xia's final shot, Huang Jing lost control of his racket, which struck Lu Xia. Qi Ying rushed to his side, but Coach Qi Na urged her to trust Lu Xia. Despite his injury, Lu Xia used his special move to win the final point, thoroughly intimidating Huang Jing.
Qi Ying, seeing Lu Xia's cool demeanor and incredible skill, developed a burgeoning admiration for him. Coach Qi Na then revealed to a captivated Qi Ying that Lu Xia was a legendary tennis prodigy who had won numerous youth tournaments. The next day at school, Qi Ying was surprised to find Lu Xia was the new transfer student in her class. The teacher, noting their acquaintance, assigned Qi Ying to show Lu Xia around the school.
Lu Xia, however, remained cold and reserved, showing little interest in anything beyond finding a place to play tennis. After school, A Mu, a member of the tennis team, tried to recruit Lu Xia, but Lu Xia walked away without a word. Qi Ying caught up to him, introduced herself, and attempted to show him around, but Lu Xia, though walking alongside her, only cared about suitable tennis locations.
Later, Lu Xia went to a tennis bookstore, briefly browsed, and then went home. In the locker room, A Mu accidentally spilled a drink, staining Huang Jing's jersey. Fearing Huang Jing's wrath, A Mu fled. Discovering his soiled jersey, Huang Jing went to the court and, seeing Lu Xia drinking a beverage, immediately accused him.
Just as Huang Jing intended to confront Lu Xia, the main players of the Yuqing Middle School tennis team arrived, their impressive presence momentarily distracting Huang Jing. Later, Huang Jing spotted Lu Xia's racket and hid it, then summoned Lu Xia to the practice room for a session. Upon Lu Xia's arrival without his racket, Huang Jing seized the opportunity to challenge him, providing Lu Xia with a damaged racket.
Despite the initial difficulty of controlling the ball with the broken racket, Lu Xia quickly adapted, demonstrating his extraordinary skill by effortlessly returning Huang Jing's shots, overwhelming him. Meanwhile, Qi Ying, eager for Lu Xia to participate in the school's internal ranking competition, presented Coach Qi Na with a hair tie as a "birthday gift" to subtly request Lu Xia's inclusion.
Coach Qi Na, already aware of the qualifier list and excited by it, directed Qi Ying to speak with the team captain, Mu Siyang. However, Mu Siyang coldly refused Qi Ying's plea. Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen occupied the tennis training court, refusing to let A Mu practice unless he passed their "test." A Mu, falling for Huang Jing's trick, ended up owing him ten drinks.
As A Mu angrily confronted Huang Jing, Lu Xia suddenly appeared, knocking over Huang Jing's bottle, further infuriating him. Huang Jing was about to settle past grievances with Lu Xia when Qiao Chen, a senior member of the tennis team, intervened, stopping them and sending Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen to the disciplinary office. Intrigued by Lu Xia's outer spin serve, Qiao Chen challenged him to a match, allowing Lu Xia to serve first.
After a few powerful serves, Qiao Chen discerned Lu Xia's formidable strength. At this point, Lu Xia switched to his dominant hand, prompting Qiao Chen to immediately concede. Qiao Chen realized Lu Xia had intentionally used his non-dominant hand out of consideration for Qiao Chen's leg injury, and felt relieved that they weren't grouped together in the ranking competition. Coach Qi Na officially returned to school, commanding great respect as the mentor of Yuqing's exceptional players.
She immediately reorganized the school team, personally taking charge of guiding the unruly Huang Jing. The school's ranking list was later released, with Lu Xia ranked first. Huang Jing, already reeling from being punished with a 2000-word self-reflection and cleaning duties, was further dismayed to discover that the "annoying old lady" he had previously offended was none other than Coach Qi Na herself. The ultimate blow came when he learned that Lu Xia, whom he despised, had secured the top rank in the school qualifiers, leaving him utterly dejected.
Episode 2 Recap
Qi Ying found herself growing fond of Lu Xia, secretly practicing tennis. Lu Xia, noticing her, coolly offered a few pointers, though Qi Ying initially struggled to understand his advice, especially regarding her long hair. Later, Lu Xia had a chance encounter with Zhang Baiyang, a senior from the tennis team. Meanwhile, the coach was addressing the school team members.
Qi Ying, with her friend Xiao Peng, excitedly rushed in, announcing their formation of a cheerleading squad to support the team, despite it only being the two of them. Qi Na, an authoritative figure, saw Qi Ying’s true intention was to cheer for Lu Xia but approved the idea, as a cheerleading squad was also trending. Separately, Lu Xia met Xiao Sha, a reporter interested in interviewing the school tennis team.
Qi Ying was astonished by Lu Xia's precision in practice, where every ball landed in the same spot. Lu Xia had little time to talk, as he was heading to school for a ranking match against Zhang Baiyang, a renowned senior. Although Zhang Baiyang, with his towering height, initially seemed to overwhelm Lu Xia, Lu Xia remained composed.
After a few rallies, Zhang Baiyang recognized Lu Xia's formidable strength and resorted to his signature move, the "snake ball," a technique known to severely drain an opponent's stamina. Given Lu Xia's younger age, it was expected he wouldn't last long. However, Lu Xia was unfazed; he managed to hold his own, even winning a game. As the match progressed, both players' stamina began to wane, risking a double loss.
Coach Qi (or Qi Na) watched from outside the court, where she met the reporter Xiao Sha, who intended to report on the young players' stories, particularly Lu Xia's. In a flash of inspiration, Lu Xia unexpectedly employed Zhang Baiyang's own winning technique, the "snake ball," which utterly defeated Zhang Baiyang, shocking everyone present. Despite his victory, Lu Xia didn't seem pleased.
Mu Siyang later remarked that Lu Xia would undoubtedly become a great player, but Lu Xia dismissed the idea, stating he fought so desperately only to get revenge on someone. This mysterious "he" remained unknown to all. Lu Xia's exceptional performance garnered the admiration of Mu Siyang and the approval of Coach Qi. Qi Ying, overjoyed for Lu Xia, eagerly sought him out. On the other hand, other tennis team members grew anxious.
Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen, who had both previously lost to Lu Xia, trained relentlessly, fearing another defeat. That evening, Qi Ying found Lu Xia on his way to school and clumsily engaged him in conversation, cautioning him not to let his guard down in the next match. Lu Xia remained aloof. Qi Ying then asked why he chose to play tennis. Lu Xia explained he had a goal: to defeat "him" fair and square.
Zhang Baiyang, upset by his loss, was even annoyed by the street vendor selling tiramisu. Yet, despite his tough exterior, he showed a softer side by taking a piece of cake to feed a stray cat, vowing silently never to lose again. The next day, Lu Xia faced Yan Zhiming, another formidable senior known for his obsessive passion for numbers. Yan Zhiming had meticulously analyzed Lu Xia's past performance and playing style, predicting his moves with uncanny accuracy.
In the first set, Lu Xia indeed struggled and suffered a significant loss. Yan Zhiming continued to utilize his precise algorithms in the second set, anticipating Lu Xia's every shot. Under such pressure, Lu Xia was forced to deploy his pre-trained footwork, specifically the basic shuffle steps, even audibly announcing his intention, which served as a subtle disruption to Yan Zhiming. Lu Xia’s reactions began to catch up to Yan Zhiming’s calculations.
Though Yan Zhiming could still predict the ball's landing point, he could no longer return them effectively, rendering his algorithms useless. Lu Xia also used unexpected moves like a high lob and even switched to serving with his right hand, hitting an external spin serve, which Yan Zhiming simply couldn't handle. Ultimately, Lu Xia won the match.
Following a series of intense matches, Lu Xia secured a spot as a main player on the school tennis team, now poised to compete in the city-level tournament. After school, Mu Siyang personally visited the classroom to deliver the main players' uniforms. Lu Xia had already left, so Xiao Peng took his uniform, promising to hand it to him.
Mu Siyang also took time to console Yan Zhiming, urging him not to be disheartened by his losses but instead to leverage his unique analytical skills to assist the other main players.
Episode 3 Recap
Lu Xia’s father, Lu Xiangqian, a jovial middle-aged man, enthusiastically supports his son’s tennis aspirations, having once been a player himself whose father didn’t approve. While Lu Xiangqian chats animatedly, Lu Xia diligently eats the elaborate meal his father prepared. Meanwhile, Qi Ying is also busy making a bento for Lu Xia’s upcoming match. The next day, Lu Xia trains at Mu Siyang’s father’s tennis court.
Their session is interrupted by Mr. Huang, a rude, middle-aged man who arrogantly refuses to warm up and insults Mu Siyang’s father. Mu Siyang wisely takes Lu Xia to another court, but they soon hear Mr. Huang’s continued arguing. Unable to tolerate the disrespect, Lu Xia steps forward and challenges Mr. Huang to a match, ostensibly to "learn." Mr. Huang, overly confident in his self-proclaimed professional skills, accepts.
Lu Xia quickly and effortlessly defeats the arrogant player, leaving Mr. Huang thoroughly impressed and willing to warm up as instructed. Soon after, Qi Ying arrives with her friend, Peng Xiang, bringing a spread of food. Though Lu Xia enjoys her cooking, his focus remains entirely on the court. Qi Ying hands Lu Xia a main team uniform, hoping he’ll try it on for her, but hesitates to voice her wish.
Sensing her unspoken desire, Lu Xia obligingly puts on the uniform, much to Qi Ying’s delight. Elsewhere, a late Qiao Chen, rushing to the court, accidentally crashes into Lu Xia’s father, Lu Xiangqian. Their initial dispute over compensation quickly dissipates as they discover a shared passion for pop star Hua Chenyu, instantly transforming into friends. Lu Xiangqian invites Qiao Chen back to his guesthouse, where they bond over Hua Chenyu videos and drinks.
During their chat, Qiao Chen, wanting to impress, exaggerates his influence, claiming to "cover" Lu Xia at school, a statement Lu Xiangqian amusingly believes. As Yuqing Middle School prepares for its first external match against Yuhang Middle School, Coach Qi Na and Mu Siyang discuss strategies, particularly the undecided third singles player between Lu Xia and Qiao Chen. Lu Xia and Qiao Chen decide to settle it with a direct match.
They head to a special court where only the strongest players can hold their ground. To secure the court for their match, they must team up and defeat all challengers. Despite clearing out the weaker players, they are suddenly challenged by Yuhang Middle School’s ace doubles team, Zhong Buchuan and Wu Quan. With no prior doubles experience or chemistry, Lu Xia and Qiao Chen suffer a humiliating defeat.
Mocked by their opponents, they have a crucial realization: instead of competing for a singles spot, they should focus on developing their doubles game. Following this revelation, Lu Xia begins seeking out books on doubles strategy. Around the same time, Qiao Chen encounters his middle school classmate, Xizi, at the court. Eager to impress her and avoid losing face, he treats her to a drink. Meanwhile, a reporter named Xiao Sha attempts to interview young tennis players.
During a break, she mistakenly enters the boys’ locker room. Later, she tries to interview Lu Xia, but he declines. Determined, she tracks him, eventually discovering his home address with Qi Ying’s unwitting help. Xiao Sha arrives at Lu Xia’s family guesthouse, where Lu Xiangqian is enjoying Hua Chenyu music videos while grilling. Hoping to get an exclusive on Lu Xiangqian’s reasons for leaving the tennis team, Xiao Sha tries to entice him with a Hua Chenyu autograph.
When he resists, she proposes a tennis match: if she wins, he must grant the interview. Lu Xiangqian agrees, even playing blindfolded, but still easily outmaneuvers Xiao Sha. He accepts her interview requests while they play. Xiao Sha later has an embarrassing encounter in the locker room with Ma Xiuwen, further complicating her reporting efforts. Back at the school, Coach Qi Na delegates much of the team’s training to Mu Siyang, who, recognizing Yan Zhiming’s capabilities, recommends him for co-management.
Yan Zhiming devises a strict and seemingly simple training regimen that proves incredibly difficult to execute. He also introduces his infamous homemade vegetable juice. Tang Jiale, initially confident and dismissive, volunteers to demonstrate. After a short while, burdened by the 1-kilogram lead weights on his ankles, he quickly falters, admitting his respect for Yan Zhiming. After his surrender, Tang Jiale is forced to drink a glass of the bitter juice.
He swallows it quickly but soon feels its unbearable bitterness, running off to vomit. One by one, other main players challenge Yan Zhiming’s methods, only to be defeated and forced to consume the bitter drink, collapsing from its effects. Only Zhuo Zhi appears to genuinely appreciate its unique taste. Xiao Sha, arriving to interview the "genius" players, is instead met with a scene of collapsed athletes.
She finds Lu Xia, who, too, has made a mistake and is compelled by Yan Zhiming to drink the juice, causing him to faint on the court. Despite the grueling training, Yan Zhiming’s analysis predicts a high 90% chance of Yuqing winning against Yuhang Middle School, leaving him confident in their prospects.
Episode 4 Recap
Lu Xia and Qiao Chen began to practice their doubles game. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, seasoned players who had formed a "golden pair" over two years despite initially being fierce rivals, taught them their unique rope-tying method. Tang Jiale had first partnered with Chi Dayong hoping to find his weakness, only to discover their incredible synergy.
They also shared the bitter memory of last year's match against Xingyao Middle School, where their coach, Qi Na, had controversially split them up, leading to their team's defeat and missing out on the championship. However, Lu Xia and Qiao Chen's initial attempts with the ropes were clumsy, resulting in them getting tangled together.
Despite this early training setback, their daily lives showed a different kind of shared understanding; for instance, they tacitly avoided eating the "dark cuisine" prepared by Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, even while lacking any real chemistry on the court. As the National High School League commenced, Yuqing Tennis Team faced off against Yuhang Tennis Team.
Mu Siyang was sidelined due to a hand injury, with Qi Na's decision leading many to believe he was preserving his strength for the next season. The unpolished coordination of Lu Xia and Qiao Chen in their doubles match surprised everyone, while Yuhang's Zhong Buchuan and Wu Quan scoffed at their opponents, confidently proclaiming themselves "geniuses" destined to quickly defeat Yuqing Middle School. However, their overconfidence led to early errors, allowing Lu Xia and Qiao Chen to score.
Lu Xia and Qiao Chen then began to use strange shouts as a secret signal to each other, a tactic they called the "Hum-Ha" strategy, which initially proved effective in surprising their opponents. As the match progressed, Zhong Buchuan and Wu Quan quickly deciphered Lu Xia and Qiao Chen's signals, exploiting their weaknesses and winning more points. From the sidelines, Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong cringed in embarrassment, hoping no one would realize these struggling players had learned from them.
Frustration mounted between Lu Xia and Qiao Chen, leading to mutual blame and further undermining their teamwork. At halftime, Qi Na sternly reprimanded the two, much to the amusement of Zhong Buchuan and Wu Quan, who continued to mock them. However, the taunts from their rivals spurred Lu Xia and Qiao Chen, who resolved to fight back. Qiao Chen, spotting Qi Ying's friend Xingzi cheering from the stands, felt an even stronger urge to win.
But his focus wavered when he saw Xingzi, leading to a mis-hit that struck Lu Xia, who then accidentally hit Qiao Chen back. Despite the blunders, Lu Xia and Qiao Chen devised an unconventional strategy: they divided the court in half, each defending their own territory. This "singles-within-doubles" approach dramatically reduced their errors while exposing Yuhang's weaknesses. Everyone watched in admiration as Lu Xia and Qiao Chen, against all odds, won the match with their unorthodox play.
Qi Na, though pleased with the victory, felt a mix of helplessness and embarrassment as a coach given their rule-bending method. As punishment, she gently pinched their faces and made them squat by the court to watch the rest of the matches, leading Lu Xia and Qiao Chen to jokingly complain they'd never play doubles again.
In the subsequent matches, Yuqing Middle School, with players like Zhang Baiyang whose powerful shout could disorient opponents and the skilled Zhuo Zhi, continued to dominate, winning every game and leaving Yuhang Middle School with no room to retaliate.
Episode 5 Recap
In the previous match, Yuqing Middle School emerged victorious against Yuhang, securing their advancement. However, the victory was bittersweet for Qiao Chen and Lu Xia, whose performance in doubles was subpar, feeling like a hindrance to the team. Anko approached Qiao Chen, suggesting he no longer play doubles. Yuqing's next formidable opponent was set to be Yufeng Middle School. Before the highly anticipated match, Coach Qi Na disciplined Qiao Chen and Lu Xia for their previous performance, benching them.
Meanwhile, Xiao Sha delved into the mystery of Yufeng Middle School's withdrawal from last year's tournament. She discovered that a conflict between a player, who is now Yufeng's captain Xu Ziping, and a referee (or the former coach, depending on the account) led to the team's pull-out. Xu Ziping later revealed to Xiao Sha that the previous coach and senior players at Yufeng had suppressed talented junior players, prompting him to fight the coach.
This incident, while disruptive, ultimately gave him the chance to rebuild the tennis team, making victory in this tournament crucial for their survival. On the day of the match, an air of tension filled the venue, though Lu Xia remained unusually calm. Qiao Chen, despite being a substitute, attempted to save face with Anko by claiming he was playing singles, only to be comically exposed by a public announcement preparing Zhang Baiyang for third singles.
The first match of the day was a doubles showdown featuring Zhuo Zhi and He Xinglong for Yuqing. Yufeng's captain, Xu Ziping, exuded an air of arrogance, initially showing little interest in the ongoing game. Yufeng's strength quickly became apparent, putting Zhuo Zhi and He Xinglong under immense pressure. Zhuo Zhi unleashed his signature move, "Swallow Returns to Nest," dramatically turning the tide in Yuqing's favor. However, their opponents were equally formidable.
Shi Tienan, a Yufeng player, unleashed a powerful "Wave Ball," a move that Xu Ziping had initially cautioned against due to Shi Tienan's unhealed old injury, but he ultimately urged him to make it count. As Zhuo Zhi hesitated, assessing the dangerous shot, He Xinglong bravely stepped forward, intercepted the "Wave Ball," and returned it with such force that his racket strings snapped. Yuqing narrowly secured the win for the point, but He Xinglong's hand was injured in the process.
Concerned for his teammate, Zhuo Zhi made the difficult decision to forfeit the match, trusting that their remaining teammates would carry them to victory. He Xinglong was then sent to the hospital for his injury. Next up for Yuqing's doubles was the confident duo of Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale, often referred to as Yuqing's "Golden Duo." They secured another win for Yuqing. Despite the loss, Xu Ziping displayed admirable leadership, praising his team for their efforts.
Coach Qi was particularly impressed by Xu Ziping's ability to inspire his players. During a break, Zhang Baiyang and Lu Xia encountered Yufeng's Shen Weiming and Sima Yiwu, who were openly discussing Zhang Baiyang in a dismissive manner. Incensed, Lu Xia intervened, disrupting their practice balls and declaring that they were still far from matching Yuqing's skill, effectively defending Zhang Baiyang. The third match was a singles contest between Zhang Baiyang and Shen Weiming.
Shen Weiming, known for his incredible speed, quickly gained the upper hand, dissecting Zhang Baiyang's "Snake Ball" technique and pushing him to exhaustion. At one point, in a moment of unconscious brilliance, Zhang Baiyang unleashed a "Snake Ball" that astonishingly wrapped around the entire court, rendering it unreturnable. However, Shen Weiming countered by increasing his already rapid ball speed, maintaining his lead in the first half.
During the mid-match break, Coach Qi admonished Zhang Baiyang, reminding him not to solely rely on his "Snake Ball" and to utilize his full range of skills. Recalling a previous defeat by Lu Xia, Zhang Baiyang had rigorously trained with Yan Zhiming to build unparalleled stamina. In the second half, he brought his enhanced physical endurance and diversified techniques to bear, steadily closing the score gap and pushing towards match point. Ultimately, Yuqing Middle School won the match against Yufeng Middle School with two doubles victories and three singles victories, ensuring their direct advancement in the tournament.
Episode 6 Recap
The tension was palpable as Shen Weiming and Zhang Baiyang battled it out, both determined to win. In the end, it was Zhang Baiyang who proved superior, securing another victory for the Yu Qing team. Shen Weiming was distraught after the loss, but Yu Feng's captain, Xu Ziping, comforted him, vowing that their team would emerge victorious in the next match. Next up was Lu Xia, a first-year high school student who had just returned to the country.
His opponents, including Sima Yiwu from the Yu Feng team, looked down on him because of his age and newcomer status. Unbeknownst to most, Lu Xia had made a promise to his father, Lu Xiangqian: if he could win this match, his father would play him with his true skill. Lu Xiangqian himself, disguised, was secretly watching from the stands, though he was spotted by Qiao Chen.
Lu Xia started with an aggressive Outer Spin Serve, immediately shocking Sima Yiwu and the rest of the Yu Feng team. He continued to dominate, easily winning the first half of the match and leaving Sima Yiwu frustrated. In the second half, Sima Yiwu retaliated with his own Outer Spin Serve, hoping to turn the tide. However, Lu Xia quickly found a way to contain him, preventing any counter-attacks, which worried Xu Ziping.
Despite Lu Xia’s strong lead, Sima Yiwu managed to score a point by using his unique Up-Down Spin Ball, which temporarily caused muscle paralysis in Lu Xia’s hand. Sima Yiwu used this move again, and as Lu Xia tried to counter with a spin of his own, his hand went numb, causing his racket to fly out. The racket hit the net post, broke, and rebounded, striking Lu Xia directly in his left eye.
Fortunately, Lu Xia's eye itself was unharmed, though his eyelid was injured and bleeding. Despite the obvious pain and impairment, Lu Xia adamantly refused to quit. Seeing that persuasion was futile, Mu Siyang lent Lu Xia his racket and gave him an ultimatum: he had ten minutes to finish the match and secure a win, or he would have to forfeit. Lu Xia returned to the court.
The muscle paralysis, combined with his impaired depth perception from the eye injury, caused him to lose several more points. Yet, incredibly, Lu Xia quickly adjusted, finding his distance and devising a strategy to counter Sima Yiwu's Up-Down Spin Ball. He began to force Sima Yiwu into quick serves, leaving less time for his opponent's deceptive techniques. Employing a Double Volley Technique and even switching hands, a move he mimicked from his father, Lu Xia pressed Sima Yiwu.
As the match reached its critical point, with only a minute left on Mu Siyang's clock and Lu Xia’s wound bleeding again, the crowd held its breath. In the final seconds, Lu Xia executed a powerful Reverse Spin Shot, winning the match and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Immediately after the match, Qiao Chen and the team rushed Lu Xia to the hospital, giving him no chance to refuse.
The doctor confirmed that the injury was not severe, though Qi Ying's concern was palpable; when the doctor asked Lu Xia if it hurt, Qi Ying instinctively answered for him, revealing her true feelings. Meanwhile, the Yu Feng players, though disappointed, apologized to Xu Ziping, who encouraged them not to dwell on the loss but to focus on the upcoming national league.
Later that evening, Tang Jiale organized a celebration dinner at He Xinglong’s father’s restaurant, inviting Qi Ying to join them. At the table, Tang Jiale slyly asked Qi Ying who she had been cheering for that day, causing her to blush and remain silent. Mu Siyang urged everyone to eat, and Qiao Chen, who had been a substitute for the day, heartily dug in, becoming the target of playful teasing from his teammates about his relationship with Xingzi.
As the playful banter continued, Qi Ying noticed Lu Xia had fallen asleep at the table from sheer exhaustion and gently urged everyone to quiet down. Seizing the opportunity, Qiao Chen mischievously poked Lu Xia's bandaged eye.
Episode 7 Recap
During a celebratory banquet, everyone pressed Qi Ying about who she was cheering for, leaving her shy and looking down in silence. Soon after, Lu Xia drifted off to sleep, and Qiao Chen seized the opportunity to write on the gauze covering Lu Xia’s eye, a prank Lu Xia remained oblivious to. After the festivities concluded, Lu Xia accompanied Qi Ying while she waited for her family, Qi Na, to pick her up.
Though Lu Xia remained cool and quiet, Qi Ying was visibly delighted. Before getting into the car, Qi Ying subtly slipped a gift into Lu Xia’s hand. Back home, Lu Xia opened the gift to discover a wristband, which his father, Lu Xiangqian, noticed. Lu Xiangqian was pleased but also expressed his firm opposition to Lu Xia engaging in early romance, rambling on before bringing out a specially prepared dish of "Mexican pork stew."
The next day, a peculiar atmosphere enveloped Yuqing School as a throng of people, armed with mobile phones, swarmed the campus, taking photos and documenting the tennis team’s training. Upon hearing Lu Xia had arrived, they rushed forward, but mistook Ah Mu for Lu Xia. To avoid the chaos, Lu Xia deliberately played along, allowing the misunderstanding to persist. This media frenzy severely disrupted the Yuqing players' practice, leaving them helpless.
Qi Ying approached Lu Xia, timidly asking if he liked the wristband she had given him. Lu Xia coldly stated he couldn't find it that morning, which visibly disappointed Qi Ying. Meanwhile, Qiao Chen gave Lu Xia a bicycle ride to a specialty store to purchase essential tennis gear, enduring Lu Xia's complaints about his slow pace. Inside the store, they unexpectedly encountered Sima Yiwu, an opponent.
Sima Yiwu felt a lingering guilt over the previous incident where he had injured Lu Xia's eye, even worrying that Lu Xia might be blind. Upon entering, he immediately attempted to test Lu Xia’s vision. Lu Xia, sensing Sima Yiwu's disbelief in his recovery, deliberately pointed in the wrong direction to tease him before confirming his vision was perfectly fine, though Sima Yiwu still seemed unconvinced.
As Qiao Chen arrived at the tennis court, he overheard news about Xingzi and quickly rushed into the court, calling her phone. To his surprise, Shen Weiming, a player from the Yufeng team, answered. Shen Weiming, who had previously looked down on Qiao Chen for being a substitute, grew arrogant upon hearing Qiao Chen affectionately call Xingzi's name. He challenged Qiao Chen to a match. Just then, they witnessed Ji Jingwu, the captain of Xingyao Middle School, mocking Xingzi.
Qiao Chen, angered, promptly challenged Ji Jingwu to a fight. Ji Jingwu and his teammate, Hua Chonghong, decided on a doubles match. Since Qiao Chen was alone, he partnered with Shen Weiming. Qiao Chen boastfully declared they would win, but they were defeated in a single shot by Hua Chonghong. After winning, Ji Jingwu casually asked Qiao Chen to convey his regards to Mu Siyang, a request Qiao Chen did not take seriously.
Once the dispute was resolved, Shen Weiming returned Xingzi's phone, and Qiao Chen realized Shen Weiming was merely the one returning the phone, unrelated to Xingzi, leading to a smug feeling of triumph. Mu Siyang received his re-examination results, confirming his arm injury had worsened. This forced him to seriously consider the selection of Yuqing's next captain. With only nine days remaining until the municipal preliminaries, the Yuqing team decided to adopt a more rigorous training method.
Yan Zhiming had urgently developed a new, highly concentrated, and incredibly bitter orange juice, which became the penalty for losing. The intense pressure of training, accompanied by the pervasive smell of the bitter juice, hung over the court as three players in quick succession succumbed to its "poison." Separately, Qi Ying sought out her aunt, Coach Qi (Qi Na), to accompany her to repair tennis rackets, but Coach Qi was busy and delegated the task to Lu Xia.
That evening, Lu Xia went to He Xinglong’s family shop to buy roast goose. He Xinglong was busy helping his father, who feared his son would be tired from matches and tried to do all the work himself. He Xinglong told Lu Xia he could simply message him directly for roast goose in the future.
Lu Xia assumed He Xinglong must be exhausted, but He Xinglong explained that cooking and playing tennis were his passions, so he never felt tired doing them. This sparked a question in Lu Xia’s mind about what it truly meant to love something from the heart. He waited outside for He Xinglong, who finished work late but still intended to practice tennis. Lu Xia accompanied him, and as they played, they chatted.
Lu Xia asked He Xinglong why he chose to play tennis, to which He Xinglong simply replied, "No reason, just because it makes me happy." They practiced until midnight, causing Lu Xia to miss dinner. Feeling apologetic, He Xinglong invited Lu Xia home and personally prepared a bowl of roast goose rice for him. Lu Xia found it so delicious that he completely forgot about Lu Xiangqian, who was left hungry and weak at home.
The next morning, Qi Ying meticulously prepared a cake, and at the same time, Lu Xia woke up early, ready to accompany Qi Ying to repair her racket. It was then that he discovered his lost wristband; a small cat had carried it away. Seeing it was dirty, Lu Xia asked Lu Xiangqian to wash it.
Lu Xiangqian, noticing the wristband was hand-embroidered and Lu Xia was heading out with Qi Ying so early, suspected early romance and decided to follow them. Qi Ying, rushing to finish the cake for Lu Xia, was late for their meeting and nearly ruined the cake after accidentally bumping into Xiao Sha.
When Qi Ying finally arrived, Lu Xia was coldly distant and told her to leave, making her feel uneasy and regretful that Lu Xia was unhappy about accompanying her to fix the racket, particularly because she had been delayed by baking the cake.
Episode 8 Recap
A comical pursuit began when Qiao Chen, disguised with a fake beard to get free burgers, unexpectedly spotted Lu Xia and Qi Ying. His hunger vanished as he hastily abandoned his meal and started trailing them. He soon ran into Lu Xiangqian, who was also secretly following his son. Their loud conversation nearly exposed them, forcing them to hide behind a trash can. Just then, Zhang Baiyang, having tracked Qiao Chen via his un-hung phone call, joined the duo.
The trio, filled with gossip, continued their clumsy chase, speculating whether Lu Xia and Qi Ying were dating, almost giving themselves away multiple times. Their pursuit led them to a bookstore where Lu Xia and Qi Ying had entered. Inside, they discovered a hidden door leading to Uncle Jiang’s home, revealing the true nature of the bookstore as a front for his skilled racket repair business.
Uncle Jiang, a fan of Lu Xiangqian, was watching replays of Lu Xiangqian's old matches, much to Lu Xia’s visible annoyance. Lu Xia, uncomfortable with the constant reminder of his father's tennis history, left early, with Qi Ying following close behind. Their departure was witnessed by Zhuo Zhi, who promptly called Tang Jiale to join the burgeoning group of curious onlookers. The gathering crowd grew even larger with the arrival of Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen.
Huang Jing, eager to get Lu Xia expelled from the school team to secure a main player spot for himself, planned to capture evidence of Lu Xia dating. However, Qiao Chen, Zhang Baiyang, and Lu Xiangqian overheard their plot and promptly threatened them, warning them against any actions against Lu Xia. Confronted, Huang Jing began to complain, narrating a fabricated tale of woe.
By this point, nearly everyone connected to the Yuqing team, including Lu Xiangqian and the growing group of trackers, had converged, quietly observing Lu Xia and Qi Ying's every move. Amidst the silent surveillance, Qi Ying decided to offer Lu Xia a cake she had made. To her embarrassment, the cake was squashed. She then tried to discuss Lu Xiangqian with Lu Xia, which only made him visibly displeased.
Feeling awkward, Qi Ying suggested Lu Xia didn't need to accompany her to retrieve her repaired racket and started to leave alone. However, Lu Xia, feeling apologetic, bought her a drink as a token of appreciation for the cake and then accompanied her. On the way, Lu Xia shared his struggles with tennis training and expressed his admiration for Qi Ying's diligent practice, implying that her hard work might have contributed to her racket's condition.
His words of encouragement brightened Qi Ying’s mood considerably. Meanwhile, Mu Siyang approached Coach Qi (Qi Na), proposing a match against Lu Xia. He explained that Lu Xia's presence had already inspired teammates like Qiao Chen to develop new playing styles and make significant breakthroughs in their skills. Therefore, he felt it was his duty to challenge Lu Xia to further ignite his potential.
Coach Qi expressed concern about Mu Siyang's old injury, advising him to prioritize recovery for the upcoming National Youth Tennis Tournament and his future professional career. However, Mu Siyang insisted that Lu Xia's current need for a breakthrough was crucial. Coach Qi, convinced that the match would benefit Lu Xia's progress, asked Lu Xia for his opinion and ultimately supported the challenge. Mu Siyang then met with Lu Xia to formally propose the match.
Lu Xia was thrilled, having long anticipated a challenge against Mu Siyang. Coach Qi later cautioned Lu Xia to be extremely careful, emphasizing Mu Siyang’s exceptional skill and his determination to play all out. Chi Dayong, upon learning of the match, strongly opposed it due to Mu Siyang's severe injury. Mu Siyang then took Chi Dayong to the hospital to show him his latest check-up results.
The doctor sternly advised Mu Siyang to minimize tennis training and, more specifically, to completely avoid his signature slice shot. Despite Chi Dayong's persistent pleas to cancel the match, Mu Siyang remained resolute. Lu Xia, eagerly anticipating the match, rigorously trained for their three-day pact. On the scheduled day of the match, both Lu Xia and Mu Siyang, along with Chi Dayong, were conspicuously absent from team training, having taken sick leave.
Their sudden disappearance sparked suspicion among the other main players. Simultaneously, Lu Xiangqian was deeply engrossed in a Hua Chenyu video when Xiao Sha arrived, bringing him a highly anticipated signed photo of the singer. Using the opportunity, Xiao Sha proposed a twenty-year retrospective report on Lu Xiangqian, which he promptly agreed to, swayed by the idol's autograph. At that very moment, Lu Xia and Mu Siyang were engaging in their highly anticipated match.
Episode 9 Recap
Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, accepted an interview with Xiao Sha, reminiscing about his youthful days and the admiration he received. Meanwhile, on the tennis court, Lu Xia was engaged in a match with Mu Siyang. Mu Siyang's incredible speed was a significant advantage, and while Lu Xia was slightly outmatched, he refused to give up. Though confidence was commendable, Lu Xia was still several years younger than Mu Siyang, who was Yuqing Middle School's top player.
Ultimately, Lu Xia lost. Mu Siyang questioned Lu Xia's true motivation for playing tennis. Lu Xia stated his goal was to defeat a specific person. Mu Siyang pressed further, asking what came after that victory, leaving Lu Xia without an answer, as he hadn't considered it. The next ball came fiercely, and after much deliberation, Mu Siyang deployed a powerful "zero-degree slice," a move that put significant strain on his existing injury.
The match concluded with Mu Siyang as the victor, yet he harbored no joy. With only two days left until the city preliminaries, training continued as usual, but Lu Xia and Mu Siyang were still absent from the court. Mu Siyang was at the hospital for a re-examination, where it was confirmed his injury had worsened considerably. This urgent situation fueled his desire to quickly nurture Lu Xia, grooming him as his successor.
Mu Siyang advised Lu Xia to break free from the constraints of the previous generation and develop his own unique tennis style. He later explained to his doctor that their ultimate goal in tennis wasn't merely to defeat individuals or become certain types of players, but to cultivate a new generation of tennis players, making his personal sacrifice worthwhile. Xiao Sha presented her interview with Lu Xiangqian to her editor, who was unimpressed, finding it dull.
Elsewhere, Zhuo Yu and Coach Guan Yue of Guozi Middle School were researching Lu Xia online. Zhuo Yu specifically aimed to defeat Yuqing's Zhuo Zhi, and Lu Xia's rising reputation naturally drew their attention. Lu Xiangqian, witnessing Lu Xia's dejection after losing to Mu Siyang, spent time playing with him, allowing him to vent. The day of the city preliminaries arrived. Lu Xia, having overslept due to his alarm not ringing, belatedly claimed he was delayed helping a pregnant woman.
The Yuqing players had arrived early, but Lu Xia was nowhere to be seen, risking disqualification. Mu Siyang managed to contact Lu Xia, who insisted he had left home early. Given the time constraints, the team had no choice but to enter the venue, with A Mu, who was similar in build to Lu Xia, attempting to impersonate him to get through registration. A Mu tried to blend in, hoping his deception wouldn't be discovered.
However, Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen spotted A Mu, initially mistaking him for Lu Xia. Upon realizing their mistake, Huang Jing encouraged A Mu to continue the impersonation in a crowded area. Unfortunately, A Mu quickly got into trouble by criticizing someone while posing as Lu Xia. The offended party demanded a match against "Lu Xia." Just as A Mu found himself in a predicament, Lu Xia finally arrived.
Taking on A Mu's identity, Lu Xia quickly dispatched his opponent, once again bringing fame to Yuqing. Despite Lu Xia's belated arrival, Mu Siyang was furious about his tardiness, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and telling Lu Xia to warm up and not play in the initial matches. The competition soon commenced with Mu Siyang taking the court first.
His formidable reputation alone was enough to intimidate many opponents, some even regarding it an honor to lose to him, and he secured a decisive 6-0 victory. Next, Zhuo Zhi and He Xinglong faced Jinqiu Middle School in a doubles match. Unbeknownst to them, Coach Guan Yue had secretly provided Jinqiu Middle School's captain with detailed information about Yuqing's playing styles. This insider knowledge initially caught Zhuo Zhi and He Xinglong off guard, putting them in a precarious position.
Despite the initial difficulty, their superior skill ultimately prevailed, and they secured the win. Later, in another doubles match, Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong also faced difficulties due to Guan Yue's interference, eventually winning 6-1 instead of a clean 6-0. During a halftime break, Lu Xia encountered Qi Ying, who noticed the wristband she had given him proudly displayed on his wrist, filling her heart with warmth.
Meanwhile, Yan Zhiming met with Guan Yue, who exuded confidence about his school's team being destined for victory. Guan Yue detailed his strategic plan for Guozi Middle School to eventually face Yuqing Middle School, and the current match results perfectly aligned with his predictions. Lu Xia won his match, securing another victory for Yuqing. After the matches concluded, Qiao Chen tried to persuade Lu Xia to watch Yufeng Middle School's match, but Lu Xia showed no interest.
Episode 10 Recap
In the world of competitive tennis, tensions run high both on and off the court. Yu Feng Middle School, having just triumphed over Fifty-Five Middle School, finds their victory tainted by a private match scandal. Yu Feng's Xu Ziping is furious to discover Shen Weiming played privately against Xing Yao Middle School's Ji Jingwu, a clear violation of team rules.
Shen Weiming himself is embarrassed by his loss to Ji Jingwu and is sternly reminded by Xu Ziping to adhere to regulations. Meanwhile, at Yu Qing Middle School, team captain Mu Siyang also learns of one of his own players, Qiao Chen, engaging in an unsanctioned match with Ji Jingwu. Though initially angered, Siyang acknowledges Xing Yao's formidable strength.
He decides to take his team to observe Xing Yao's match, but their lightning-fast play ends too quickly for Yu Qing to gain any useful insights. Chi Dayong later recounts to Lu Xia Yu Qing’s past struggles against Xing Yao, revealing that Yu Qing had lost significantly, with Mu Siyang being the only one to secure a win in a singles match against Ji Jingwu, an effort that regrettably led to a debilitating hand injury.
Despite the past setback, Mu Siyang asserts Yu Qing’s newfound strength, vowing they won't lose to Xing Yao again. Elsewhere, Qi Ying, watching the match, contemplates whether Lu Xia would mind her wearing a wristband she embroidered, identical to his, much to the playful jealousy of her friend Peng Xiang.
Back at Yu Qing, a minor squabble erupts when Qiao Chen, indulged in his love for hamburgers in the locker room, accidentally dirties Zhang Baiyang's headband, which he used as a placemat. The two nearly come to blows but are interrupted by Chi Dayong, who summons them to a team meeting. There, coach Qi Na announces the lineup for their crucial match against Guozi Middle School.
Yan Zhiming explains the gravity of the situation: Guozi Middle School's strategist, Guan Yue, is an analysis expert who has meticulously studied all of Yu Qing's players, identifying their strengths and weaknesses to tailor Guozi’s strategies. Determined to gain intel, Yan Zhiming attempts to recruit Zhuo Zhi for a reconnaissance mission to Guozi Middle School, but Zhuo Zhi declines.
Yan Zhiming proceeds alone and encounters Guan Yue, who confidently boasts about his detailed knowledge of Yu Qing's tactics and vulnerabilities, certain that even Guozi's less skilled players can exploit them. Simultaneously, Zhuo Zhi coincidentally observes his brother, Zhuo Yu, practicing new, physically demanding serving techniques, which Zhuo Yu claims are superior to anything Zhuo Zhi taught him.
Zhuo Zhi is angered, realizing Guan Yue is manipulating his brother and teaching him dangerous methods, fueling Zhuo Zhi's desire to defeat Guan Yue on the court. It's revealed that Zhuo Zhi and Zhuo Yu, once close brothers who bonded over tennis, grew apart due to Zhuo Yu's insecurity. Zhuo Yu, feeling overshadowed and resented rumors that he only made the team because of Zhuo Zhi, became obsessed with proving himself, making him susceptible to Guan Yue's machinations.
Guan Yue, intent on a showdown with Zhuo Zhi, initially dangled the prospect of Zhuo Yu playing Zhuo Zhi to gain Zhuo Yu's trust. However, just before the match, Guan Yue deceptively claims to have misjudged Yu Qing's roster and manipulates Zhuo Yu into playing Lu Xia in third singles, reasoning that Zhuo Yu is better suited to face a left-handed player like Lu Xia, while believing Zhuo Yu cannot defeat Zhuo Zhi.
Both Zhuo Zhi and Zhuo Yu are left unsettled before the match begins. The highly anticipated match between Yu Qing and Guozi Middle School commences. Due to court limitations, two doubles matches are played concurrently, leaving reporter Xiao Sha unsure which to cover. The first doubles pair for Yu Qing is the unlikely duo of Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang. Their history of bickering makes the crowd, and even Guozi's opponents, Qin Yifei and Liu Zecheng, doubt their cohesion.
Qin Yifei and Liu Zecheng initially believe they have an easy win, but are quickly proven wrong as Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang, despite their constant squabbling, demonstrate surprising power and teamwork, taking an early lead. On the adjacent court, Yu Qing's "golden duo," Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale, face a tough challenge. They struggle in the first game, falling behind as Guozi successfully exploits their weaknesses.
Chi Dayong, ever the composed player, advises Tang Jiale to remain calm, even as Tang Jiale shows signs of distraction and fatigue from the targeted attacks. Guan Yue, observing the initial scores, instructs his players to continue exploiting Yu Qing's vulnerabilities, confidently believing the matches are unfolding as he predicted.
Episode 11 Recap
In the first half of the match, Guo Zi Middle School took the lead, causing some panic among Yu Qing's Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang. On another court, Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, Yu Qing's "golden partners," also found themselves falling behind. Tang Jiale's concentration began to waver, an unusual occurrence for him. His opponent, Qiao Ze of Guo Zi Middle School, employed a peculiar play style, hitting balls with extreme speed that created optical illusions.
Yan Zhiming observed that Qiao Ze's backhand shots caused Tang Jiale to experience hallucinations, and Tang Jiale's intense focus was ironically exploited by these illusions, leading to excessive mental fatigue. As Tang Jiale's condition deteriorated, Chi Dayong seized an opportunity when their opponents attacked Tang Jiale, executing the "Climbing Moon Intercept" to create a turning point for Yu Qing. Sensing this shift, Guan Yue, Guo Zi's coach, instructed his players to target Chi Dayong.
However, Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong responded by employing the "Australian Doubles Formation," effectively confusing their opponents with their high-intensity coordination, making it impossible for Guo Zi to break their strategy. Unable to decipher the "Australian Doubles Formation," Qiao Ze recalled Guan Yue's analysis of Tang Jiale's physical weakness and attempted to focus attacks on him, hoping to force his defeat. Yet, the seamless teamwork between Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong rendered this strategy ineffective.
Guan Yue then sent Liang Tian onto the court, leveraging his extensive tactical knowledge to identify the golden partners' weaknesses and predict their moves. Liang Tian immediately discerned their ball trajectory on Chi Dayong's first serve but hit the ball out of bounds due to excessive force. Meanwhile, Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang's match was also not looking optimistic. During the mid-match break, even their coach felt compelled to remind them about managing their stamina and coordination.
Guo Zi's players were arrogant, boasting that Guan Yue had already predicted Yu Qing's defeat. Qiao Chen, quick-witted, retorted sharply. Qi Na, observing Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang's double match, noted their utter lack of coordination, agreeing only on their mutual dislike for each other. However, once on court, their opponents' taunts surprisingly spurred them into a unique tacit understanding, making them determined to defeat Guo Zi Middle School.
As their game progressed, Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang's momentum improved significantly, suggesting a potential comeback. Down courtside, Yu Qing's cheerleaders, Qi Ying and A Mu, enthusiastically used drums and gongs to cheer on their team, but were eventually ejected from the venue for being too noisy. Back on the main court, Tang Jiale's body was giving out, especially after excessively identifying "Residual Phantom Shots," but he still bravely pushed through.
During the mid-match interval, Tang Jiale appeared completely drained, a sight that pleased Qiao Ze, who then intended to defy Guan Yue's script and end the doubles match with a 7-5 victory. Despite Tang Jiale's exhaustion, Chi Dayong bravely tried to hold on alone, almost falling into Qiao Ze's trap and losing the final point. Fortunately, Tang Jiale's stamina miraculously recovered just in time, allowing him to hit the crucial ball back, rekindling their hopes of victory.
With his renewed strength, Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong resumed their coordination and launched a counterattack. It was then that Guan Yue realized the golden partners had deliberately lost two games to conserve energy, admitting his miscalculation. Tang Jiale's recovery allowed them to fight back, drawing the score to 6-6 and forcing a tense tie-breaker in the decisive seventh game.
Zhuo Zhi was overjoyed to see the golden partners regain their strength and counterattack, yet he deeply resented Guan Yue for winning by exploiting others' weaknesses, leading him to worry about his brother, Zhuo Yu, being negatively influenced by Guan Yue. Ultimately, as Guan Yue had predicted, Yu Qing lost the first doubles match to Guo Zi Middle School with a score of 6-7. The first singles match also ended in a loss for Yu Qing.
In the afternoon, the second half of the matches began, with Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen again taking the court. Guan Yue was brimming with confidence, having prepared his players specifically for Zhang Baiyang's "snake shot." However, Guan Yue's predictions fell short, as his analysis, though formidable, failed to account for human adaptability. Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen, exhibiting impressive spontaneity, played unconventionally, catching Guo Zi Middle School off guard.
During their match, Guan Yue suddenly requested a timeout, ostensibly to clean the court, but primarily to mock Yu Qing and disrupt their rhythm, citing the unexpected turns in the previous matches. He had specially trained his team against Zhang Baiyang's "snake shot," even prohibiting them from hitting high balls to prevent Zhang Baiyang from counterattacking.
Qiao Chen, frustrated that Zhang Baiyang wasn't using his "snake shot," began to argue with him, but when facing their opponents, their coordination was exceptional. When Zhang Baiyang finally unleashed his "Spinning Snake Shot," Qiao Chen coordinated perfectly. Guan Yue, upon seeing Zhang Baiyang finally use his "snake shot," believed victory was assured, but Zhang Baiyang's special training allowed him to execute the upgraded "Spinning Snake Shot," catching Guan Yue off guard.
Liu Zecheng and Qin Yifei of Guo Zi Middle School then defied Guan Yue's instructions by hitting a high ball, giving Zhang Baiyang another opportunity to use his "snake shot." Qiao Chen, unwilling to lose to Zhang Baiyang, returned a ball that Guo Zi had already countered, but it accidentally struck Liu Zecheng in the eye. Liu Zecheng retired from the match due to injury, resulting in Yu Qing Middle School winning the second doubles.
With the third singles match about to begin, Zhuo Zhi attempted to advise his brother, Zhuo Yu, but Zhuo Yu, determined to be remembered for his own prowess rather than as "Zhuo Zhi's brother," ignored him. As Lu Xia and Zhuo Yu's match commenced, Zhuo Yu immediately employed the "Half-Volley" technique, taught by Guan Yue, to gain an early advantage, constantly putting Lu Xia on the defensive.
Lu Xia responded by hitting powerful spin shots with his left hand, forcing Zhuo Yu to counter with his "Super Half-Volley Intercept." Guan Yue watched with satisfaction as Zhuo Yu consistently maintained the upper hand, effortlessly countering all of Lu Xia's variation shots, confident that Lu Xia's signature moves would be suppressed.
Episode 12 Recap
The match between Lu Xia and Zhuo Yu intensified. Zhuo Yu, confident in his ability to counter all of Lu Xia's variations, soon found himself struggling against Lu Xia's growing power. Lu Xia, after testing Zhuo Yu, began to increase his ball speed to suppress him. Zhuo Yu, constantly overshadowed by his brother Zhuo Zhi, was determined to make a name for himself. He recalled how everyone only remembered him as Zhuo Zhi's brother, never by his own name.
To break free, he resorted to the "Sky Clear Kill Shot," a secret technique taught by Guan Yue. This powerful move, however, caused immense pain and stress to his arm. Seeing Zhuo Yu's struggle, Lu Xia subtly advised him to reduce the use of the Sky Clear Kill Shot, but Zhuo Yu misinterpreted this as Lu Xia being unable to break the shot and thus wanting him to stop. Lu Xia, too, was deep in thought.
He realized his initial drive to defeat his father, much like Zhuo Yu's desire to overcome his brother's shadow, had become a restrictive obsession. Once this realization dawned upon him, Lu Xia experienced a sudden insight, grasping how to play and immediately turning the tide. He unveiled a new technique, which initially went out of bounds due to a miscalculation, but he quickly mastered it, successfully executing his "B-ball" to take a temporary lead. Zhuo Yu's condition deteriorated.
He questioned his chances of winning, especially after transferring schools solely for tennis. During a break, Guan Yue suggested exploiting Lu Xia's recent left eye injury, believing it would create a psychological barrier and increase Zhuo Yu's chances of winning. However, Zhuo Yu found such a tactic too dishonorable and refused to act on it. Ultimately, Zhuo Yu lost to Lu Xia, much to Guan Yue's displeasure.
Following the match, Coach Qi Na confronted Guan Yue, condemning his teaching methods as detrimental to developing players like Zhuo Yu. She expressed her disappointment when Guan Yue showed no concern for Zhuo Yu potentially suffering permanent injury from the "Sky Clear Kill Shot." Zhuo Zhi, who had watched the match intently, could no longer stand by.
Filled with anticipation to thoroughly defeat Guan Yue for his harmful influence on Zhuo Yu, he stepped onto the court himself, preventing Mu Siyang, who was eager to play, from taking his place. Guan Yue, targeting Zhuo Zhi's perceived weaknesses, started strong, leading 1-0 and then winning two consecutive games. He smugly glanced at Yan Zhiming, confident that his analysis and tailored training were superior, signaling his intent to easily defeat the "genius" tennis player, Zhuo Zhi.
Zhuo Zhi allowed Guan Yue to win five consecutive games, causing widespread concern among the Yuqing team. Qi Na even urged Mu Siyang to warm up, but Mu Siyang remained steadfast, trusting in Zhuo Zhi's ability to prevail. After losing five games, Zhuo Zhi questioned Guan Yue about his insistence on Zhuo Yu practicing the harmful "Sky Clear Kill Shot."
He then exchanged his racket for the one he had bought with Zhuo Yu, aiming to symbolically reclaim Zhuo Yu's spirit through this match. Guan Yue, however, merely saw it as an attempt by Zhuo Zhi to turn the tide. Unaware of Zhuo Zhi's true intentions, Guan Yue continued to exploit what he believed were Zhuo Zhi's weak points. He deliberately hit several balls that he thought Zhuo Zhi was bad at, confident of a swift victory.
To his shock, Zhuo Zhi expertly returned every shot, revealing them to be his strengths, not his weaknesses. Zhuo Zhi had deliberately lost the initial games to lull Guan Yue into a false sense of security, planning to unleash his real power at the opportune moment to catch Guan Yue completely off guard. Guan Yue finally realized his prior assessments were entirely wrong.
Zhuo Zhi, having intentionally conceded five games to humiliate Guan Yue and exact revenge for Zhuo Yu, ultimately defeated him with a score of 7-5, securing victory for Yuqing. Guan Yue left the court dejectedly, treating Zhuo Yu coldly in his defeat. While Yan Zhiming could momentarily revel in Guan Yue's loss, Guan Yue retorted by mocking Yan Zhiming's "data tennis" for being useless and not even serving as a proper support for Yuqing.
The Yuqing and Guozi match concluded, making way for the next one: Star Yao versus Yufeng. Xu Ziping of Yufeng was the first to play, facing Star Yao's main player, Hu Liangliang. Before the match, Hu Liangliang arrogantly claimed he had never heard of Xu Ziping and that their captain, Ji Jingwu (who had yet to appear), was unnecessary for such an opponent.
However, Hu Liangliang was swiftly defeated by Xu Ziping within fifteen minutes, leading to him being immediately stripped of his official team member status by the strict Captain Ji Jingwu. In the aftermath, Zhuo Yu sought out Guan Yue to apologize and express his desire to play future matches based purely on his own abilities.
Episode 13 Recap
Xu Ziping fought fiercely against non-main players from Xingyao, his win determining his team's survival. The Yuqing team watched, recognizing his strong will and formidable skill as he quickly defeated his opponent. Zhuo Zhi later encountered Zhuo Yu, agreeing that if they both made it to the national competition, they would have a chance to play each other.
Zhuo Yu, initially believing Zhuo Zhi had used his full strength to defeat Guan Yue, inquired if it was due to Guan Yue teaching Zhuo Zhi a particular move. Zhuo Zhi clarified that defeating Guan Yue didn't require his full effort, which opened a conversation about playing all-out and mended the rift between the brothers. Zhuo Zhi lightheartedly offered Zhuo Yu braised pork at home, and after some playful back-and-forth, Zhuo Yu agreed to go.
Meanwhile, Tang Jiale, upset by his loss, retreated to a shipping container to reflect. Lu Xia and his teammates waited for him to treat them to a meal, only realizing he had left when the court emptied. Chi Dayong, familiar with Tang Jiale's habits, found him and helped him analyze his game. Zhang Baiyang, on his run, paused to care for a stray cat.
Mu Siyang returned to his office to diligently research their next opponent, impressing Qiao Na, who expressed concern for his still-recovering hand, urging him not to worsen his injury for the sake of the game. Qi Ying and Peng Xiang diligently practiced tennis, tying balls to their rackets and marking them. Qi Ying often found her thoughts drifting to Lu Xia. Lu Xia, passing by, spotted Qi Ying practicing and offered some pointers.
During their session, Shen Qianshi from City No. 3 Middle School approached, criticizing Lu Xia's technique. Lu Xia then effortlessly hit a shot left-handed, snapping the string of his racket and showcasing his true skill, impressing Shen Qianshi. Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, observing Lu Xia's interactions, believed Lu Xia was interested in Qi Ying but lacked social graces. He took Lu Xia shopping for clothes, hoping to help him.
Lu Xia reluctantly tried on clothes he disliked and, in an awkward moment, bumped into Zhuo Yu who was also trying on clothes. Zhuo Zhi joined them, playfully mocking Lu Xia's usual style. Lu Xia retorted by teasing Zhuo Yu, who admitted he was "forced" to try certain outfits. Lu Xia then cast a glance at his father, indicating his own predicament.
The next morning, Lu Xiangqian woke Lu Xia early, only to inform him he wanted Lu Xia to teach his friend's niece tennis. Lu Xia initially refused but conceded under his father's insistence, citing familial obligation. At the tennis court, Lu Xia discovered his students were none other than Qi Ying and Peng Xiang, which eased his reluctance. Under Lu Xia's guidance, Peng Xiang improved quickly.
Qi Ying, eager to do well, hit a powerful serve that flew into an adjacent court. As she went to retrieve it, Xiang Jing Tian from Yingcai Middle School deliberately stepped on her ball. Despite her polite request, he mischievously hid her ball and kicked over an entire basket of balls, forcing her to search through them. Lu Xia intervened by hitting a tennis ball directly at Xiang Jing Tian's face, provoking the Yingcai students.
A confrontation ensued, which Lu Xia proposed to resolve with a match to retrieve Qi Ying's ball. To his surprise, thirty Yingcai students showed up to challenge him. Undeterred, Lu Xia quickly overpowered all thirty "rookies," swiftly defeating them and reclaiming Qi Ying's ball.
Meanwhile, Yan Zhiming, visiting Yingcai School to assess their strength, saw the defeated players sprawled on the ground and mistakenly concluded they had undergone intense training, prompting him to plan a more rigorous training regimen for Yuqing. He Xinglong received a mysterious phone call that visibly flustered him. The next day, photos of him meeting a girl named Chen at a convenience store circulated throughout the school team, sparking rumors of a romance.
Tang Jiale had discovered them and taken the pictures. Lu Xia tried to cover for He Xinglong, claiming they met nightly for practice, leaving no time for dating. His words were partly true, but He Xinglong had indeed been repeatedly skipping their practice sessions to meet the mysterious girl. Qiao Chen and Tang Jiale continued to gossip about He Xinglong, with Yan Zhiming overhearing and taking their speculation seriously.
When Tang Jiale and Qiao Chen went to confront He Xinglong, they found only Lu Xia, who casually stated that He Xinglong had been meeting him for nightly practice. This statement temporarily quelled the team's gossip, but later that night, Lu Xia was stood up by He Xinglong and saw him with the girl again, confirming He Xinglong's true secret.
Episode 14 Recap
Shi San Middle School's Yajiu Xin single-handedly came to Yuqing Middle School to stir up trouble. He encountered Huang Jing and a couple of other rookies who tried to block his path. Yajiu Xin easily defeated them with three balls, knocking them all down and even injuring Ma Xiuwen in the process. As Yajiu Xin gloated about Yuqing's supposed weakness, Lu Xia appeared.
Yajiu Xin immediately challenged Lu Xia, expressing his desire for Yuqing to advance so they could have a proper showdown. Qi Ying, seeing the commotion, rushed to inform Lu Xia that she had alerted the security office. Yajiu Xin, unfazed, threw a can at Huang Jing's group. Lu Xia instinctively shielded Qi Ying, causing the contents of the can to scrape his face.
Yajiu Xin, feeling a pang of guilt for accidentally injuring Lu Xia, left with a warning for Lu Xia to tell He Xinglong not to meddle in his affairs. Lu Xia wanted to keep his injury a secret, but Ma Xiuwen and other teammates had already spread the news. Despite this, Lu Xia insisted he had merely fallen, refusing to admit he was injured by Yajiu Xin.
Due to Lu Xia's injury, Tang Jiale offered to treat everyone to a meal, but only Lu Xia and Qiao Chen showed up. After dinner, Tang Jiale unexpectedly spotted He Xinglong with a young woman. Curious, the trio covertly followed them, only to witness Yajiu Xin joining their table. Yajiu Xin angrily poured a drink over He Xinglong's head, enraging the Yuqing players who were ready to intervene.
As Qiao Chen prepared to retaliate, He Xinglong cautioned him that Yajiu Xin was from Shi San Middle School, and physical altercation would lead to Qiao Chen's disqualification from the tournament. Qiao Chen reluctantly backed down. Yajiu Xin, appearing smug, started to leave, but Lu Xia intentionally tripped him, openly challenging him to a showdown in their next match.
After Yajiu Xin departed, Lu Xia and his teammates were astonished to discover that the young woman He Xinglong had been secretly meeting was none other than Chen Xiaomin, Yajiu Xin's mother. Her youthful appearance was a particular surprise. Chen Xiaomin had been seeking He Xinglong's advice because Yajiu Xin wanted to drop out of school, a topic that infuriated Yajiu Xin, as he vehemently disliked anyone meddling in his personal matters.
Yajiu Xin's arrogant demeanor only intensified the Yuqing players' desire to teach him a lesson. Later, during a training session, Mu Siyang arranged a highly anticipated match between Lu Xia and Zhuo Zhi, two prodigious players who had never faced each other. Everyone was eager to see who would emerge victorious. The match began with both players cautiously probing each other's strengths. Lu Xia eventually found an opening and unleashed his powerful B-letter smash, but Zhuo Zhi skillfully countered it.
As Lu Xia prepared another smash, Qiao Chen, from the sidelines, yelled a warning not to use it. However, it was too late. Zhuo Zhi's formidable "Bear Roar Dragon Cry" technique returned Lu Xia's smash with overwhelming force, completely nullifying its power. Undeterred by the "Bear Roar Dragon Cry's" might, Lu Xia repeatedly attempted his smash, determined to find a way to break through it. Zhuo Zhi, confident in his defense, believed his technique was impenetrable.
After several attempts, Lu Xia finally discovered a solution: he hit the ball to just graze the net, causing it to go out of bounds when Zhuo Zhi attempted to use his "Bear Roar Dragon Cry." This was the first time Lu Xia had forced Zhuo Zhi into an unforced error, leading some to attribute it to sheer luck. To prove it was not a fluke, Zhuo Zhi asked for a rematch.
Lu Xia executed the same strategy, once again forcing Zhuo Zhi to hit the ball out of bounds. Convinced, Zhuo Zhi acknowledged that Lu Xia had indeed cracked his technique. Just as Lu Xia achieved his breakthrough, a sudden downpour began. Despite the heavy rain, Lu Xia and Zhuo Zhi were unwilling to stop, determined to play until a victor was decided.
Coach Qiao Na, concerned for their health, promptly intervened, scolding them and sending them back to rest, emphasizing that it was only training and they shouldn't push themselves to the point of sickness. While Lu Xia and Zhuo Zhi were made to rest, the other players continued their training. Qiao Chen enthusiastically announced his readiness for a post-training match, only to discover his opponent was none other than Mu Siyang.
The match between Qiao Chen and Mu Siyang was brief, with Qiao Chen quickly losing. Mu Siyang pointed out Qiao Chen's fundamental issue: his reluctance to exert his full strength, stemming from the lingering effects of a past foot injury. Later, in the changing room, Mu Siyang and Zhuo Zhi had a brief conversation. Zhuo Zhi inquired if Mu Siyang had faced similar challenges when playing against Lu Xia previously.
Mu Siyang, in turn, questioned Zhuo Zhi why he was not playing with his full potential. To ensure academic performance didn't suffer, Coach Qiao Na introduced a new rule: every main team member must pass all subjects in their monthly exams to remain eligible for matches. This spurred all players to actively dedicate time to their studies. Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang, while studying, mused about the supposed advantages of Yan Zhiming not being around to oversee them. Coincidentally, Yan Zhiming appeared behind them and, observing their study habits and grades, promptly increased their homework load.
Episode 15 Recap
Yuqing team members diligently trained for their upcoming matches and also focused on their studies to ensure they passed their monthly exams. Yan Zhiming meticulously analyzed each player's academic weaknesses, which overwhelmed some, but they knew studying was essential. Lu Xia, though quiet, was anxious about his grades and secretly bought study materials.
Yan Zhiming later reviewed Lu Xia's transcript and discovered Lu Xia's issue wasn't just failing; having recently returned to the country, he fundamentally struggled to understand the material, leading to very low scores, including 145 in English but only 210 total, averaging 7-8 points per subject. To address the academic challenges, Mu Siyang arranged a study plan. Yan Zhiming was put in charge of supervision, while Zhuo Zhi and Chi Dayong were assigned as tutors.
Qiao Chen, Zhang Baiyang, Tang Jiale, and Lu Xia were identified as the main players with the lowest scores. During supervised study, Tang Jiale and Qiao Chen often got distracted, but Lu Xia worked earnestly, though he still only scored eight points on a full paper. Yan Zhiming initially moved their study sessions to He Xinglong’s shop, finding the school too noisy. However, He Xinglong's delicious roasted goose distracted Qiao Chen and Tang Jiale.
Lu Xia then suggested they study at his house since his father wasn't home and had good relations in the community. Zhuo Zhi, Chi Dayong, and Qi Ying (invited by the coach for her excellent grades) joined them, forming a comprehensive study group. After observing for a while, Yan Zhiming identified each person's study flaws. He even criticized Zhuo Zhi for being distracted, much to Tang Jiale's amusement.
Zhuo Zhi quickly retorted that he had passed all his subjects, silencing Tang Jiale. While Qi Ying tutored Lu Xia, an accidental remark by Lu Xia embarrassed Qi Ying, causing her to drink Yan Zhiming's special beverage and promptly spit it out, splattering Lu Xia's test paper. This messy incident, however, unexpectedly helped Lu Xia remember the problems Qi Ying had taught him. Lu Xia diligently followed everyone's study methods.
Before the exam, Mu Siyang gave Lu Xia an unbreakable pencil lead as a good luck charm. During the test, Lu Xia thought of Qi Ying and found the questions significantly easier, as if the answers appeared before him. Soon after, the exam results were released, and everyone passed, clearing the way for their upcoming match against Yingcai Middle School. Before Yuqing’s match, the preliminary game between Yu Feng and City Three Middle School was set to begin.
Xu Ziping and Xingzi waited anxiously as the Yu Feng players were late. It turned out that Shen Weiming and his teammates had been in a car accident but still bravely attempted to compete despite their injuries. Seeing his injured players, Yu Feng's coach, Xu Ziping, was deeply saddened.
He chose to forfeit the match to ensure his team received medical attention, prioritizing their well-being over the opportunity, hoping to secure a spot in the national league in a future match. Consequently, City Three Middle School advanced by default. Next, it was Yuqing's turn to face Yingcai Middle School. Yingcai, having previously suffered a defeat where Lu Xia single-handedly defeated 30 opponents, was eager for revenge.
However, upon seeing the Yuqing team enter, they realized they couldn't win any match. So, they collectively pretended to be sick and withdrew, giving Yuqing an uncontested victory. Witnessing Yingcai's withdrawal, Yajiu Xin from City Three Middle School scoffed at Yuqing, dismissing them as "useless" and claiming Yingcai didn't need to feign illness. Qiao Chen was enraged, but Lu Xia calmly reminded Yajiu Xin of their agreement and vowed to settle things on the court.
For the championship match against City Three Middle School, Qiao Na scheduled Lu Xia to play against Yajiu Xin. Mu Siyang expressed concern, knowing Yajiu Xin often injured his opponents, but Qiao Na remained confident in Lu Xia's abilities. The night before the match, He Xinglong sought out Yajiu Xin, pleading with him not to harm his teammates.
Yajiu Xin, however, arrogantly declared his dislike for He Xinglong's team's camaraderie and vowed to defeat Lu Xia the next day, ensuring he could never play tennis again. On the day of the championship match, Yuqing's main players reported to the court. Lu Xia was, once again, late, causing everyone to worry. Ah Mu stepped in to register Lu Xia, just as Lu Xia finally arrived.
Meanwhile, Tan Yitai, attempting to gather information on Lu Xia, coincidentally met him in person. Seeing Lu Xia in his Yuqing uniform, Tan Yitai struck up a conversation. He playfully pressed Lu Xia about his sensitive height, to which Lu Xia sheepishly admitted he was 1. 68 meters tall, prompting Tan Yitai to laughingly call him a "short winter melon." The championship match began, with Zhuo Zhi and He Xinglong playing the second doubles match. City Three Middle School's strong play put immense pressure on He Xinglong, who struggled under their suppression.
Episode 16 Recap
Lu Xia has a brief encounter with a young player from City Third Middle School who admires him. The first doubles match begins with He Xinglong and Zhuo Zhi. He Xinglong struggles with nervousness, a stark contrast to Zhuo Zhi's composure. City Third Middle School eventually wins the match, leaving He Xinglong feeling deeply apologetic for their loss. Next, the "Golden Pair," Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale, step onto the court.
They are facing the very same opponents who defeated them last year, causing Chi Dayong to feel a surge of anxiety. Meanwhile, City Third's Coach Tian engages in a provoking conversation with Youth's Coach Qi, highlighting City Third's strong singles players, particularly Yaguxin, and asserting Youth's relative weakness in doubles. However, on the court, Chi Dayong manages to overcome his apprehension. The "Golden Pair" executes a decisive victory over City Third, silencing Coach Tian and proving Coach Qi's earlier confidence.
The third match is a singles showdown between Qiao Chen and Shen Qianhshi. Shen Qianhshi displays an arrogant demeanor, even deliberately letting Qiao Chen serve first to underscore his perceived dominance. Qiao Chen, who usually has a playful attitude, transforms into a fierce competitor once he steps onto the court. He starts with an aggressive vertical smash.
Shen Qianhshi, initially surprised, soon reveals his strategy: he uses Qiao Chen's strong attacks to set up his own powerful "Tiger Roar" shots, executed with impressive agility and high jumps. Despite losing the first game and a few early points, Qiao Chen eventually manages to decipher Shen Qianhshi's "Tiger Roar," effectively turning the tables and disrupting his opponent's rhythm.
Just as Qiao Chen pulls the score even at 3-3, he suffers a painful leg cramp, a result of his intense physical exertion. Though concerned, Qiao Chen reassures Coach Qi. During the court change, Qiao Chen's leg pain intensifies. Despite his injury and Shen Qianhshi showing no mercy, Qiao Chen recalls Mu Siyang's words about overcoming the psychological shadow of injuries.
With his left leg cramped, he pushes through, using his right leg to execute a demanding "center of gravity vertical jump" and powerfully return the ball. Qiao Chen's resolve only strengthens with each point. Pushing past his physical limits, he ultimately breaks through Shen Qianhshi's defense, securing a hard-fought victory. Exhausted, Qiao Chen collapses onto the court. Shen Qianhshi humorously tells him that he won, startling Qiao Chen into jumping up to check the scores, realizing it was a joke.
Before his highly anticipated match against Yaguxin, Lu Xia goes to buy a drink and unintentionally gets two. He encounters Qi Ying, who has just changed into her cheerleading uniform, and offers her one of the drinks. Qi Ying blushes as Lu Xia leaves, only to be comically mistaken for a supermarket promoter by Tang Jiale, who quickly realizes his mistake and leaves awkwardly. Yaguxin makes his entrance, his intimidating aura sending shivers through the crowd.
He Xinglong cautions Lu Xia to be careful near the net. He Xinglong then tells Zhuo Zhi about Yaguxin's past, describing him as a naturally gifted player who enjoys crushing his opponents' spirits. He Xinglong expresses worry for Lu Xia, yet also hopes for his victory. Lu Xia immediately takes the offensive, surprising Yaguxin with a close-range "A-shaped shot," which he declares is his "repayment" to Yaguxin.
Episode 17 Recap
Lu Xia faced Yajiu Xin, who arrogantly believed he could easily defeat him. However, Lu Xia showed no regard for Yajiu Xin, immediately hitting the ball towards his face to avenge his teammates, specifically He Xinglong for a water-splashing incident and another grievance referred to as Jiao Huangjing's revenge, aiming to curb Yajiu Xin's arrogance. Yajiu Xin, in turn, began to take the match seriously.
The match between Lu Xia and Yajiu Xin became a stalemate, with both players proving to be formidable opponents. Yajiu Xin's exceptional talent quickly became evident, as he easily blocked Lu Xia's right-handed outer spin serve with a moving volley, drawing awe from spectators. Coach Tian even expressed gratitude to Qiao Na, acknowledging that Lu Xia's appearance had significantly changed Yajiu Xin.
Lu Xia struggled under Yajiu Xin's pressure, especially as Yajiu Xin constantly changed his shot direction, leaving Lu Xia scrambling. Yajiu Xin often taunted Lu Xia after missed shots, but He Xinglong's cheers only seemed to irritate Yajiu Xin. Lu Xia attempted to use his single-foot quick steps to increase his receiving speed, but Yajiu Xin's strong adaptability allowed him to change direction at will, preventing Lu Xia from scoring a point initially.
During one serve, Lu Xia deliberately delayed his response. Once the ball flew over, he hit it back to Yajiu Xin's side and swiftly dashed to the center of the court. Yajiu Xin attempted a smash, but Lu Xia surprisingly returned the ball, catching Yajiu Xin off guard and scoring a point.
Recalling Mu Siyang's words, Lu Xia clarified his goal in playing tennis, which helped him identify obstacles and counter effectively, suddenly allowing him to find a way to deal with Yajiu Xin's ever-changing ball trajectory. Lu Xia's potential began to unleash, with his ball speed increasing, consistently catching Yajiu Xin off guard just when he thought he could return the shot.
Earlier in the match, Yajiu Xin had hit a powerful smash that appeared to knock Lu Xia out, but it was a feigned injury, a risky move that nonetheless gained him a point. During a break, Coach Tian advised Yajiu Xin that tennis wasn't just about constant attack and suggested he try hitting slower balls, but Yajiu Xin, who typically regarded others' opinions as insults, initially dismissed the advice.
As Lu Xia's advantage became more evident, Yajiu Xin, desperate to win, begrudgingly listened to Coach Tian's suggestion, incorporating a mix of fast and slow attacks, which temporarily shifted the advantage back to him. The match entered a crucial phase, testing the players' endurance. Lu Xia drew renewed fighting spirit by remembering those Yajiu Xin had bullied. He remained energized, even creating a new mid-air smash. Yajiu Xin, succumbing to dual physical and psychological pressure, finally collapsed.
In the decisive final game, Lu Xia declared their unfinished business and unleashed a series of unpredictable and overwhelming moves, securing victory in the singles match and avenging He Xinglong and others. Upon his loss, Yajiu Xin immediately left the court, declaring he would never play tennis again, calling it boring. Coach Tian attempted to persuade him otherwise, but Yajiu Xin remained resolute.
He Xinglong, seeing Yajiu Xin's bitter defeat, pursued him, trying to convince him not to give up tennis. However, Yajiu Xin harshly rebuked He Xinglong, criticizing his cooking and tennis skills, asserting He Xinglong had no right to advise him, and nearly threw a punch.
After Yajiu Xin left, Tan Yitai also rushed to persuade him, but Yajiu Xin told Tan Yitai that aiming to be like him would ruin his life, urging him instead to make Lu Xia his goal.
Yajiu Xin's harsh words deeply affected He Xinglong, causing him to consider quitting the team to focus on his family business, feeling he should at least do one thing well, a sentiment echoed by his father who implied He Xinglong should help at the store only if he wasn't playing matches. Yuqing Middle School clinched the city tennis championship.
Other schools qualifying for the provincial competition included City No. 3 Middle School, Yingcai Middle School, Yufeng Middle School, and Xingyao Middle School. The mention of Xingyao Middle School immediately brought up Song Ci, who had defeated Zhuo Yu in just fifteen minutes. In school, Lu Xia's fluent English, a result of his time in America, surprised his teacher during an English conversation class, though his unconventional answers somewhat displeased the teacher.
Meanwhile, due to Yuqing Team's continuous victories, Peng Xiang's cheerleading squad saw a surge in new members. Peng Xiang and Mu Siyang initially faced ridicule when recruiting, but soon, a large number of eager students flocked to sign up, delighting them. The Yuqing Team, under the strict guidance of Yan Zhiming, continued their rigorous training, with no room for complacency. Elsewhere, Zhang Baiyang was seen frequently feeding a stray cat, developing an attachment to it.
Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong were surprised to witness his gentle side and approached him, but Zhang Baiyang immediately reverted to his usual unfriendly demeanor. Soon after, the cat's owner found it, leaving Zhang Baiyang deeply disappointed. Qiao Chen, flipping through a magazine, discovered someone who could eat hamburgers faster than him, which immediately fueled his desire to challenge the record, prompting him to go try a hamburger-eating contest himself.
Episode 18 Recap
After a strong performance in the city league, the Yuqing Middle School team was in excellent spirits. However, a significant concern loomed over captain Mu Siyang, whose left-hand injury, a chronic condition exacerbated by continuous training, had worsened. Despite this, Mu Siyang tried to reassure Coach Qi Na, claiming his injury was fully healed, even demonstrating his recovery by catching a ball from her.
Unbeknownst to Qi Na, Chi Dayong later received Mu Siyang's re-examination report, confirming the severity of the injury, and confronted Mu Siyang about continuing to train while concealing the truth. Meanwhile, team member Tang Jiale was constantly looking for shortcuts to avoid rigorous training. He was delighted when he thought Yan Zhiming wouldn't appear at the gym, only for Yan Zhiming to materialize and demand extra practice.
Jiale attempted to postpone, but Yan Zhiming threatened him with "Yan juice," forcing him to comply. Jiale even tried calling Chi Dayong for help, but Yan Zhiming answered the phone. Left with no choice, Jiale resorted to filming Zhang Baiyang's diligent training, specifically his feet, hoping to feign effort. However, Yan Zhiming, observing everything from the monitoring room, thwarted Jiale's attempts to slack off.
Jiale also wanted to learn Zhang Baiyang's "Snake Shot" technique and was meticulously recording Baiyang's every move. In an unexpected turn, Yuan Chi from Hai Guang Middle School accidentally found himself at Yuqing Middle School after falling asleep on the bus. Recognizing an opportunity, he decided to scout their rivals. Outside the tennis court, he encountered Xiao Sha taking photos and rudely accused her of being a paparazzi, leading to an unpleasant argument before she left.
Yuan Chi then boldly walked onto the court. Yan Zhiming and other team members immediately stopped him, questioning his identity. Yuan Chi defiantly declared himself a "spy." Before he could elaborate, Mu Siyang appeared, and Yuan Chi brazenly challenged him to a match. When Mu Siyang did not respond, Yuan Chi mocked his perceived cowardice. Enraged, Huang Jing hit a ball directly at Yuan Chi.
Yuan Chi returned the shot, knocking down A Mu and Huang Jing, who had just finished picking up balls. In the ensuing chaos, He Xinglong slipped on a loose ball and fell onto them, with the ball finally landing squarely on Zhang Baiyang's head. Incensed, Zhang Baiyang rose, ready to retaliate, causing Yuan Chi to flee in a hurry, even forgetting to return the ball until he encountered Lu Xia outside and handed it to him.
Later, during a resistance training session, Mu Siyang's arm flared up with pain again. He instinctively flinched but quickly composed himself, resuming his training when he noticed Qi Na observing him from a distance. However, Qi Na had already realized the extent of his injury. Taking decisive action, she assigned team affairs to Yan Zhiming and announced that Mu Siyang would temporarily leave the team for a detailed hospital examination.
Mu Siyang, concerned about the upcoming provincial competition, worried that his and the coach's departure would negatively impact the team. Qi Na, however, was unfazed and insisted on the check-up. Before leaving, Mu Siyang suggested that Zhuo Zhi and Zhang Baiyang partner up for doubles. Qi Na also specifically instructed Yan Zhiming to closely monitor the training results of Qiao Chen and Tang Jiale, making it a priority for her review upon her return. The team continued their training.
Zhang Baiyang and Zhuo Zhi began their new doubles partnership. Baiyang was incredibly dedicated, practicing from dawn till dusk, even during water breaks, which made Zhuo Zhi wonder if Mu Siyang had paired him with Baiyang for intensive training because of some dissatisfaction. Zhuo Zhi called Mu Siyang to ask, but before Mu Siyang could fully explain (only managing to say Zhuo Zhi wasn't "good enough"), Qi Na called him in for his examination.
Meanwhile, Qiao Chen and Tang Jiale continued to seek ways to slack off, while Chi Dayong trained diligently, hoping his efforts could compensate for Tang Jiale's physical shortcomings. Yan Zhiming, however, believed Chi Dayong's improvement required Tang Jiale's cooperation. Chi Dayong, learning about new training protocols from Yan Zhiming, called Tang Jiale, only to discover him still shirking his duties, prompting Dayong to go find him. Lu Xia noticed that He Xinglong's performance was significantly subpar.
He Xinglong confided in Lu Xia about his internal struggle, feeling torn between helping with his family's roasted goose business and pursuing tennis. He admitted he felt he was no longer suited for tennis, especially after consistently losing whenever he partnered with Zhuo Zhi, believing he was holding Zhuo Zhi back. He Xinglong later returned home to see his exhausted father, feeling a pang of guilt.
At the hospital, the doctor informed Mu Siyang that his injury was not yet critical, but it would worsen if he continued to use his left hand for training, potentially preventing him from even picking up balls in the future. Despite the imminent major competition, Mu Siyang desperately wanted to avoid leaving a regret. Understanding his resolve, the coach suggested he try practicing with his right hand. Qi Na, after much persuasion, also encouraged Mu Siyang to consider abandoning his left-handed play and offered to design a new right-handed training regimen for him.
Episode 19 Recap
Yan Zhiming brought Tang Jiale a cup of Yan juice. Tang Jiale protested in dissatisfaction, displeased that Yan Zhiming was punishing them in this way. Just as Yan Zhiming was about to argue with Tang Jiale, He Xinglong came directly, snatched Tang Jiale's Yan juice and drank it, because he also hadn't met his training goal. Upon hearing He Xinglong's words, Yan Zhiming immediately wanted to change the plan for He Xinglong.
He knew it wasn't easy for He Xinglong to still be busy with store affairs, but He Xinglong refused. After He Xinglong refused, Yan Zhiming brought another cup of Yan juice to Tang Jiale, completely preventing Tang Jiale from getting away with it, which made Tang Jiale very helpless. Chi Dayong gathered everyone to explain their training results.
Tang Jiale, however, due to Chi Dayong wearing the wrong clothes, showed complete disrespect for Chi Dayong, the interim captain, which made Chi Dayong very angry. Chi Dayong reprimanded Tang Jiale, but Tang Jiale showed no restraint at all. He stepped forward, wanting to help Chi Dayong change his inside-out clothes, unexpectedly, Chi Dayong angrily pushed him away, causing him to fall to the ground.
Chi Dayong saw Tang Jiale fall and wanted to go help him up, but Tang Jiale, angry at how Chi Dayong treated him, ignored Chi Dayong. He Xinglong wanted to ease the conflict between Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale, so he specifically invited them to his home to eat roast goose.
Lu Xia, however, was temporarily called away and didn't have time to go to the restroom, so he could only hold it in and see if he could endure until He Xinglong's shop. On the way, Tang Jiale accidentally bumped into Lu Xia, who was holding his pee, causing Lu Xia to really be unable to hold it in. He had to temporarily run into a tennis club to borrow a restroom.
While Lu Xia was borrowing the restroom, Tang Jiale and his companions saw that it was a tennis club inside, so they wanted to go in and take a look. Unexpectedly, they encountered Feng Zhiyuan and You Shixing, the doubles players from their sworn enemy, Xingyao. Feng Zhiyuan and You Shixing unhappily provoked Tang Jiale. Tang Jiale then angrily challenged them to a match, wanting to show them the strength of the Golden Duo, and was particularly smug about it.
When Chi Dayong started playing, he reminded Tang Jiale not to underestimate the opponent, but Tang Jiale didn't listen. Coupled with the argument, he didn't cooperate with Chi Dayong from the beginning, leading to their service game being broken. Only when Tang Jiale was down 0-2 against Xingyao did he start to get into form and cooperate with Chi Dayong, but his physical strength was already insufficient, making it not easy to win against Xingyao.
Just as Xingyao was playing the last game, preparing to win against the Golden Duo, Ji Jingwu appeared and stopped the match. He penalized Feng Zhiyuan and You Shixing by making them do frog jumps, while Tang Jiale defiantly threw out a tennis ball. Ji Jingwu immediately swung his racket and hit it back, which made Lu Xia really want to play a match against Ji Jingwu.
Ji Jingwu, however, stated that only Mu Siyang was his opponent, and no one else was worthy of playing against him. Tang Jiale unhappily ate at He Xinglong's shop, vowing solemnly that he knew it was his physical strength issue that caused them to lose. Chi Dayong, however, stated that the fault was not Tang Jiale's alone. Tang Jiale then declared that he would definitely compensate for his lack of physical strength.
Chi Dayong was very unhappy to hear Tang Jiale's words. He believed that Tang Jiale always said he knew, but completely failed to realize his mistakes and make improvements. Tang Jiale, on the other hand, thought Chi Dayong was too nagging, so he didn't want to listen to him at all, and the two consequently had another very unpleasant argument.
Zhuo Yu had his tennis training suspended due to poor exam results and could only call Zhuo Zhi to ask him to sign for him. Zhuo Zhi knew that Zhuo Yu's poor grades made him afraid to tell his parents, and that he still wanted to continue practicing tennis. So, he decided not to sign for Zhuo Yu, requiring Zhuo Yu to stop training first and catch up on his studies to improve his grades.
Zhuo Yu didn't understand Zhuo Zhi, believing that Zhuo Zhi didn't understand him or his urgent desire to undergo tennis training, and thus blamed Zhuo Zhi for not signing for him. Yan Zhiming and Chi Dayong announced a new group training plan and also proposed developing a power player, which immediately made Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen start vying for it upon hearing.
From the first day of school, Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen had always found each other disagreeable, competing over everything they did. Therefore, they had also trained themselves rigorously to compare their physical strength. So, when they were vying, Yan Zhiming agreed to let them both be candidates. After Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang became candidates, they began to continuously train their physical strength, abandoning the group training tasks, which left Lu Xia unable to find anyone to train with.
Zhuo Zhi went to find the lazy Tang Jiale, blaming him for always slacking off and not training his physical strength, relying on Chi Dayong to cover for him. However, Tang Jiale was indifferent to this. Zhuo Zhi wanted to persuade Tang Jiale to train, so he questioned Tang Jiale whether he wanted to split up with Chi Dayong, but stated that he would never partner with Tang Jiale.
As soon as Tang Jiale heard Zhuo Zhi's words, he mistakenly thought the team was planning to make them split up. He immediately nervously asked Zhuo Zhi whose idea it was to split up. Zhuo Zhi blamed Tang Jiale for caring about his partnership with Chi Dayong but still refusing to train seriously, forcing Tang Jiale to train properly with him. A box of balls was placed on the court, with "Do not lift" written on it.
Zhang Baiyang and Yan Zhiming looked at it as if facing a formidable enemy; one was eager to lift the box and take a look, while the other was rationally analyzing who had placed the balls there. The two thus remained in a stalemate, not touching the box of balls. After Yan Zhiming analyzed for a long time, Zhang Baiyang finally couldn't resist lifting the box to take a look.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he lifted it, all the balls inside fell out. Qi Ying cautiously walked onto the court only after the balls had scattered, questioning them why they lifted the box when it said "Do not lift."
Episode 20 Recap
Yan Zhiming and Zhang Baiyang cautiously open a box, revealing it to be filled with tennis balls belonging to Qi Ying, who cheerfully enters. The two quickly and awkwardly help Qi Ying gather her balls. Meanwhile, Qiao Chen purchases dozens of burgers, inviting a chubby boy to eat with him, though Qiao Chen consumes most of them. He Xinglong grows increasingly concerned for his aging father, whose back troubles due to the booming business of their roast goose restaurant.
He Xinglong considers leaving the tennis team to assist his family. Lu Xia heads to the training court but finds it deserted, with several teammates injured. As he prepares to leave, Mu Siyang appears, expressing dissatisfaction with the team's lax attitude and decides to personally train with Lu Xia. Later, Mu Siyang contacts Xu Ziping, hoping for his assistance in igniting the main players' fighting spirit and making them aware of their shortcomings.
That evening, at He Xinglong's restaurant, he drops a bombshell, announcing his decision to quit the tennis team. The news devastates everyone, especially as He Xinglong is the team's sole power player. Yan Zhiming tries to persuade him, which irks Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen. Tang Jiale, already dejected after a previous loss to Xingyao (as revealed by Lu Xia), angrily suggests everyone quit the team.
Qiao Chen doesn't understand Tang Jiale's frustration, and Chi Dayong blames himself as the interim captain. Tang Jiale, enraged, curses Chi Dayong before storming off. Lu Xia, furious at their lack of fighting spirit and desire to "desert," scolds them for disappointing their captain and returns home without eating. At home, Lu Xia sees his father eating roast goose but has lost his appetite due to the team's struggles. His father then suggests Lu Xia call his mother.
During the call, Lu Xia learns his father has already discussed with his mother for him to move to her club and leave Qingxue Middle School. He Xinglong, passing by the tennis court, internally reaffirms his decision to give up tennis, convinced he can never meet expectations. The next day, team morale is low.
Suddenly, Xu Ziping arrives with the Yu Feng Middle School team, challenging Qingxue to a match, with the stipulation that if Qingxue loses, their main players must surrender their uniforms. Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang immediately accept the challenge, followed by others. Mu Siyang appears, declares it a friendly match, and finalizes the roster with Xu Ziping. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong are paired for doubles.
Tang Jiale sarcastically complains about partnering with Chi Dayong, while Chi Dayong states he never considered a different partner and tries to encourage Tang Jiale to compensate for his stamina issues. Tang Jiale blames Chi Dayong for a lack of trust, which he believes hinders their double's synergy. Zhuo Zhi plays singles against Xu Ziping.
Xu Ziping's intense focus forces Zhuo Zhi, who initially intended to play casually, to take the match seriously, internally grumbling at Mu Siyang for involving him. During a fierce rally, Xu Ziping hits a powerful, fast ball directly towards Zhuo Zhi's eye. Zhuo Zhi narrowly dodges it. This moment triggers Xu Ziping's past trauma of accidentally injuring an opponent's eye, causing him to lose concentration and forfeit the match.
The results show Yu Feng winning all matches except the one Xu Ziping forfeited. Qingxue accepts their defeat, removing their team uniforms. Mu Siyang also removes his own uniform, vowing they will reclaim them through their skill. Mu Siyang expresses his deep concern over their complete loss, scolds the team, and orders them to gather at Qingniao Terrace station in two days for an off-campus joint training camp with Yu Feng, arranged by Qi Na.
Episode 21 Recap
Mu Siyang gathers the team, delivering a heartfelt speech about their recent low morale and thoughts of quitting, emphasizing the responsibility of making it to the national league. He announces an off-campus training session with Yu Feng at Qingniao Station. Each team member reflects on their commitment; Tang Jiale regrets his tension with Chi Dayong, Qiao Chen struggles with responsibility, and Zhang Baiyang pushes himself physically.
Meanwhile, He Xinglong is preoccupied with his family's roast goose business, avoiding thoughts of returning to tennis. Mu Siyang personally visits He Xinglong's father, revealing He Xinglong's departure from the team and urging the father to persuade him to join the training. Upon arriving at Qingniao Station, Mu Siyang is initially disheartened to see only a few players, fearing others have given up.
However, he soon discovers the team has already arrived and is diligently cleaning the court, having lost a bet to Yu Feng—a loss that means they must eat only plain rice. This initial defeat, and the subsequent plain rice diet, ignite a strong desire to win within the team, leading Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen to commit to increased training. Mu Siyang, whose right hand is unusable, secretly trains his left hand.
Zhuo Zhi discovers this and, guessing the severity, agrees to keep it a secret. Tang Jiale, despite a leg injury, volunteers for intense leg training and wins against a Yu Feng player, though he is in pain. Chi Dayong, observing Tang Jiale's struggles, attempts to offer support, revealing he has been secretly training to be Tang Jiale's backup. Tang Jiale initially spurns his efforts, feeling looked down upon.
Later training matches against Yu Feng also result in losses for Yu Qing, forcing them to continue eating plain rice, leading to frustrations and arguments, particularly between Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang. He Xinglong's father, under the pretense of a delivery, brings He Xinglong to Qingniao Station, leaving his tennis bag behind, encouraging him to pursue his passion. Yu Xiao Gang also visits He Xinglong, subtly pushing him back towards tennis.
Coach Qi then initiates a new training exercise: a search for a legendary "winning secret manual" located on a large tree deep within the vast mountain near Qingniao Station. As the team ascends, some players get lost. He Xinglong, also searching for the team, encounters a lost Qiao Chen, who has sprained his ankle. He Xinglong helps Qiao Chen and joins the quest. Elsewhere, Zhang Baiyang injures his leg after taking a wrong path.
Yan Zhiming finds him and insists on carrying him down the mountain, explaining the risk of infection, leading to a moment of reluctant gratitude from Zhang Baiyang. Huang Jing also gets into trouble, falling into a pond while searching for the manual, confirming its rumored existence.
Episode 22 Recap
Yan Zhiming carries an injured Zhang Baiyang down the mountain, planning his route carefully. Meanwhile, Tang Jiale, initially running off despite Chi Dayong's pleas (and revealing he was secretly training to alleviate pressure on Chi Dayong), resolves his conflict with Chi Dayong, realizing the latter's apologies stem from a desire to reconcile. Zhuo Zhi and Lu Xia's group, with Lu Xia appearing indifferent, eventually converges with the others.
After Yan Zhiming and Zhang Baiyang arrive, the coach tends to Zhang Baiyang's wound. The team begins searching for the "championship secret manual," complaining about the vastness of the mountain. Coach Qiao Na insists they must find it. During their search, Tang Jiale playfully throws dirt at Zhuo Zhi, but in doing so, accidentally uncovers a buried box. Led by Tang Jiale, the team makes a wish before opening it.
Inside, they find not a conventional manual, but personal items, notes from each player, and a photo of Yu Qing's predecessors. Coach Qiao Na explains that these represent the predecessors' unwavering determination, as they were not a strong team but fought hard to become national champions, establishing Yu Qing's tennis legacy. Inspired by their predecessors' spirit, Lu Xia suggests they create their own "winning manual" for future generations.
Everyone contributes cherished personal items into the box along with heartfelt messages, including Lu Xia's favorite drink, Qiao Chen's hamburger (much to Zhang Baiyang's chagrin), and He Xinglong's roasted goose shop coupon, symbolizing his renewed commitment to the team. Back at the Qingniao training ground, He Xinglong calls his father and, realizing his love for Yu Qing, decides to rejoin the team. That evening, Yu Qing and Yufeng players gather for a joint celebration, joined by Anko and Qi Ying.
Qiao Chen immediately gravitates towards Anko, even having a minor squabble with Shen Weiming over a seat next to her. During a game of truth or dare, Shen Weiming asks Anko about an old photo on her phone. Anko shows the picture, revealing a vibrant young man who Qiao Chen immediately recognizes as Xu Ziping, the Yufeng captain.
Surprised by his uncharacteristically cheerful appearance, Anko recounts Xu Ziping's story: once fearless, he accidentally injured an opponent's eye in a match, leading to deep guilt that changed him and burdened him after joining Yufeng. Moved by Xu Ziping's story, Yufeng players express their resolve to win with him, while Mu Siyang ignites the Yu Qing players' fighting spirit, uniting both teams in their pursuit of championship titles.
Later, Anko playfully teases Qi Ying about her feelings for Lu Xia, which Qi Ying shyly denies. Over the next few days, everyone's spirit dramatically improves, and they display remarkable dedication in training. Qiao Chen and Lu Xia observe He Xinglong training intensely at night, unwilling to be a burden.
He Xinglong is even seen secretly practicing his "Wave Ball" in the woods after the party, a behavior that Qiao Chen and Lu Xia later discover when they follow him after he leaves cleanup duty early. On the final day of training camp, Coach Qiao Na concludes with a challenging mountain endurance run, further cementing the team's newfound resilience and determination.
Episode 23 Recap
After dinner, Lu Xia, Qiao Chen, and He Xinglong clean up. He Xinglong leaves early, prompting Qiao Chen and Lu Xia to follow him to a dark court, where they discover him diligently practicing tennis—a necessary habit due to his family responsibilities, allowing him enough time to train. The final day of training begins with a grueling long-distance run to build stamina, which everyone endures. Immediately following, they are made to practice serves without rest.
A sudden downpour forces them to seek shelter. Qi Ying, attempting to deliver umbrellas to them, falls on the way due to a spinal injury from recent assistance, gets drenched, and develops a high fever. Lu Xia, learning of her efforts, rushes back to find her, carries her back to the camp, and she is later sent to the hospital by Qi Na. That night, a power outage plunges the camp into darkness.
To combat boredom, Zhuo Zhi proposes they practice tennis with flashlight beams, turning the room lively as Xu Ziping and others watch enviously. The next morning, the rain stops, and the temperature drops. Despite the cold, a rising sun lifts spirits as Yuqing prepares for their match against Yufeng, aiming to reclaim their team uniforms. Mu Siyang leads the team to watch the sunrise, where they each vow to become an unbeatable team, giving their all in every match.
In the first doubles match, Tang Jiale intends to showcase their "golden duo" power, but Chi Dayong feels unwell, forcing Tang Jiale to forfeit. The second doubles match sees Zhang Baiyang and Yan Zhiming team up. Despite their differing personalities, they cooperate exceptionally well and secure a victory. Qiao Chen, facing his old rival Shen Weiming in singles, adapts to Shen Weiming's rhythm and wins, though Shen Weiming remains unbowed.
Xu Ziping plays a singles match against Mu Siyang but loses due to his lingering past trauma; Mu Siyang urges Xu Ziping not to live in the past. In the fourth game, He Xinglong faces his master, Shi Tienan. He Xinglong unleashes the full power of his "fluctuating ball" and even a "jumping fluctuating ball," demonstrating his immense strength and winning the match.
After his victory, He Xinglong formally requests to rejoin the team, to which Mu Siyang warmly responds that he never truly left. Yufeng concedes, returning Yuqing's uniforms. As Yuqing dons their uniforms, both captains exchange words, vowing not to lose in future encounters. Qi Na concludes the training with a celebratory group photo.
Upon returning home, He Xinglong informs his father of his return to the tennis team, much to his father's delight, who urges him to commit to his decision. Lu Xia also decides against going abroad with his mother, opting to stay with Yuqing to pursue the national championship.
His father, Lu Xiangqian, is pleased by Lu Xia's good relationship with the Yuqing team but cautions that winning the national championship will be a significant challenge, though Lu Xia remains confident in his team. On Sunday, Yuqing's main players spontaneously gather at the training ground to prepare for the upcoming provincial qualifiers. Lu Xia, arriving, jokingly questions if it's a rest day, but Tang Jiale's enthusiastic response highlights their growing team synergy.
While waiting for Qiao Chen, Lu Xia encounters Kui Jian from Sixth Middle School. As Kui Jian inquires about a vending machine, Qiao Chen nearly drops a cake, and both Lu Xia and Kui Jian instinctively use their tennis rackets to catch it, leading Lu Xia to notice Kui Jian's unique racket.
Kui Jian, learning Lu Xia is from Yuqing, challenges him to a match, which Lu Xia is eager to accept, but Qiao Chen intervenes and takes Lu Xia away. Meanwhile, Yuqing's rival, Sixth Middle School, intensifies their training for the national competition. The atmosphere is tense at the draw ceremony for the provincial qualifiers, attended by representatives from various schools, including Mu Siyang, Xu Ziping, and the arrogant Xingyao Middle School.
Episode 24 Recap
""Recap 1"" Reporter Xiao Sha interviews a player from Hai Guang Middle School, who confidently states their chances for the national competition, pointing out Yuan Chi, a skilled senior brought back to their team. Meanwhile, the draw ceremony begins. Yu Feng is drawn into Group A, position 3, and Yu Qing into Group B, position 3. This means Yu Qing will likely face Xing Yao Middle School.
While others see a significant strength gap, Yu Qing is confident and determined to avenge last year's loss. Yan Zhiming's precise analysis confirms the inevitable match against Xing Yao. To achieve their goal, Yu Qing begins rigorous training. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, especially affected by last year's defeat, train exceptionally hard, vowing to win. Yan Zhiming devises a new training regimen for them, personally overseeing their practice.
However, Chi Dayong struggles with declining stamina but hides it to avoid burdening his teammates. At home, Lu Xiangqian prepares a meal for Lu Xia. Coach Qi had called him, praising Lu Xia's potential but warning against excessive imitation, which could stifle his development. Lu Xiangqian, aware Lu Xia tries to emulate him to surpass him, advises Lu Xia that his own unique style is best and some things must be discovered independently.
The next day, after a training session, Chi Dayong asks Yan Zhiming about his progress. Yan Zhiming commends Tang Jiale but notes Chi Dayong's increased error rate. Chi Dayong awkwardly attributes it to Tang Jiale's rapid improvement. Elsewhere, Lu Xia mysteriously disappears after receiving a challenge at Lingxi Tennis Court. He goes alone to uphold the team's honor. Upon arrival, Lu Xia and A Mu are surprised to find an elderly man with a formidable aura waiting as the challenger.
Lu Xia eagerly prepares to face him. " "Recap 2"" Reporter Xiao Sha interviews Hai Guang Middle School, who express no fear of Yu Qing, confident in their own strength and the addition of talented newcomer Yuan Chi, aiming for a third consecutive championship. During the draw ceremony, Hai Guang and Xing Yao, as last year's champions and runners-up, are seeded A1 and B1 respectively.
Mu Siyang asks Chi Dayong to draw for Yu Qing, who unfortunately lands in Group B, guaranteeing a future match against Xing Yao. Yu Qing's first opponent is Sixth Middle School, with Xing Yao as a potential subsequent match. Despite this, the Yu Qing team remains unconcerned, believing they are stronger than last year and will not lose again. During Yan Zhiming's formation analysis, Lu Xia questions him on which school they must defeat for the championship.
Yan Zhiming quietly answers "Hai Guang Middle School," which deflates everyone. Lu Xia, observing their fear, wonders if Hai Guang is truly that formidable. Tang Jiale and others affirm Hai Guang's strength. Qiao Chen boastfully claims Yu Qing's strength due to his own good looks and skill, immediately sparking an argument with Zhang Baiyang. Lu Xia mocks their bickering, stating they are far from good, which unites them against him. Coach Qi Na enters the office, halting their quarrel.
She emphasizes the strength of their upcoming opponents and announces the start of "devil training," ordering everyone to the court. Qi Na pushes the team to exhaustion, yet they become increasingly motivated, eager for the upcoming provincial matches, leading Qi Na to add more training. Observing Lu Xia's increasingly similar playing style to Lu Xiangqian's, Qi Na worries it might limit his full potential and calls Lu Xiangqian.
Lu Xiangqian is surprised by her call but becomes concerned after learning it's about Lu Xia. Chi Dayong experiences nervous gastralgia, causing stomach cramps under pressure, which severely impacts his training. During doubles practice with Tang Jiale, Yan Zhiming advises Chi Dayong to occasionally let Tang Jiale take the initiative. Chi Dayong heads to the locker room for medication for his stomach cramps.
Seeing Tang Jiale training diligently upon his return, he feels even greater pressure, fearing he cannot keep up with Tang Jiale's progress. Lu Xia returns home to find Lu Xiangqian has prepared strange new dishes, ruining his appetite, and he rushes to his room. Lu Xiangqian stops him, asking him to make steamed buns together, using the opportunity to advise Lu Xia that his own true style is what suits him best.
Lu Xiangqian then worries if his words were too abstract but believes Lu Xia will understand. Back at school, Lu Xia finds a letter in his locker mentioning "rocket tennis" and "cupcakes," which piques his interest in the specified Lingxi Road Tennis Court. Chi Dayong and Tang Jiale play doubles against Yan Zhiming and Zhang Baiyang. Chi Dayong's ongoing stomach cramps due to pressure frequently hinder his coordination with Tang Jiale, leading to their losses.
After the defeat, Chi Dayong feels even more pressured. He specifically asks Yan Zhiming for his training data, only to learn his improvement rate is below standard, while Tang Jiale's has surprisingly met the goal. While retrieving a ball, Qiao Chen accidentally tears his pants and hides in a corner of the court, waiting for Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen to bring him new ones.
Huang Jing and Ma Xiuwen inadvertently discover Lu Xia's discarded letter and decide to check out Lingxi Road Tennis Court. Lu Xia, seizing an opportunity when no one is watching, slips away from the training grounds to Lingxi Road Tennis Court. A Mu, unsure of Lu Xia's intentions, follows him. Qi Na discovers Qiao Chen's absence and, misunderstanding, assumes he is slacking and plans extra training for him.
When Qiao Chen explains his situation, Qi Na realizes many players are missing from the court and decides to give all absentees extra training. Just as Qi Na gives the order, Mu Siyang finds the letter and informs Qi Na that Lu Xia has gone to Lingxi Road Tennis Court. Qi Ying and Peng Xiang overhear this and immediately rush there to watch Lu Xia play. Upon arriving at the tennis court, Lu Xia discovers his challenger is not a high school student, but Grandpa Liu from Sixth Middle School.
Episode 25 Recap
When several team members—Lu Xia, Qiao Chen, Zhang Baiyang, Tang Jiale, and Chi Dayong—are absent from training, Mu Siyang informs the coach of their whereabouts at Lingxi Tennis Court. There, Lu Xia encounters a mysterious old man with a tennis racket and challenges him to a match. Qi Ying and others arrive, initially disbelieving Lu Xia would play an elder.
The old man proves to be an exceptionally skilled player, easily predicting Lu Xia's moves and giving him a significant challenge, showcasing his knowledge of Lu Xia's playstyle. A young man then reveals the old man to be their coach. The match is cut short by the arrival of the person Lu Xia was waiting for, Kui Jian, leaving Lu Xia frustrated and eager to continue.
Later, it's revealed this old man is the "Sixth Master" and also Lu Xiangqian's former enlightenment teacher, who guided him into tennis. Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, recognizing his son's struggles, plays a match against Lu Xia while blindfolded. He explains this allows him to use all his senses and not hold back, aiming to teach Lu Xia a crucial lesson: "technique should not surpass consciousness."
Lu Xia is surprised by his father's precision but initially struggles to grasp the profound meaning. Meanwhile, team dynamics evolve. Tang Jiale's performance improves significantly, contrasting with Chi Dayong's struggles with mental blocks and errors, making him feel like a burden to Tang Jiale. Yan Zhiming, the team's analyst, takes initiative. He thoroughly analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of team members like Qiao Chen, Zhang Baiyang, Tang Jiale, and Chi Dayong, though notably not Mu Siyang.
He also analyzes their rival, Sixth Middle School, whose peculiar rackets the Sixth Master was seen using. Yan Zhiming proposes new, less conventional training methods for Lu Xia, urging him to trust the process and break free from his limitations, hinting at unexpected gains. Lu Xia remains troubled by his loss to the Sixth Master, who could effortlessly read his every move.
Qi Ying, observing Lu Xia's somber mood, offers comfort and advises him to change his perspective, illustrating with a stuck vending machine that yields two drinks when approached differently. Lu Xia tries to buy a drink, but it gets stuck. Qi Ying then demonstrates the "different angle" by getting two drinks out, explaining that persistence and a change in perspective can solve problems.
A turning point for Lu Xia comes when he attempts to guide Qi Ying on her serving technique at school. Through this process, he has a sudden realization: his own playing style is an over-imitation of Lu Xiangqian's, making his shots predictable and easily countered. This epiphany helps him finally understand the cryptic advice from both his father and the Sixth Master: he needs to find his "own" unique tennis style, rather than merely mimicking his father's.
Determined to grow, Lu Xia, feeling his mind opening, begins training with intense, almost manic energy, surprising his teammates. Chi Dayong, feeling increasingly inadequate compared to Tang Jiale, redoubles his own efforts in training. Lu Xia seeks further guidance from a bookstore, where the owner advises him not to rush his journey. Yan Zhiming continues to support Lu Xia, discussing his philosophy of tennis and urging him to find a style that integrates his natural talent.
Overwhelmed by his new understanding, Lu Xia decides to restart his tennis journey from scratch, studying foundational concepts and practicing basic swings, a puzzling yet serious commitment that worries his teammates, who are unsure how to help him.
Episode 26 Recap
Yan Zhiming thoroughly analyzes Sixth Middle School, noting their players' exceptional execution and their legendary coach, "Grandpa Liu," who uses a uniquely designed long racket. Yan Zhiming even fabricates a dramatic story about Grandpa Liu's past to emphasize his mystique. Meanwhile, the "Golden Partners" Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong face a crisis as their signature telepathy seems to vanish. Tang Jiale senses the shift, but Chi Dayong tries to hide it.
Coach Qi Na observes their poor performance in practice, especially when they lose to the newly paired Qiao Chen and He Xinglong. Concerned, Qi Na decides to split the "Golden Partners." Tang Jiale protests, but Chi Dayong, after hearing Qi Na's reasoning, reluctantly agrees. An announcement confirms Tang Jiale will now partner with Zhuo Zhi.
Chi Dayong retreats to a solitary space to reflect, while Tang Jiale reassures him that their bond as "golden partners" remains eternal despite the temporary separation. The team atmosphere grows solemn, prompting everyone to intensify their training. Lu Xia struggles with his powerful shots, finding himself unable to meet his goals despite changing his style. Zhang Baiyang's continuous use of his stamina-draining "snake shot" also raises concerns.
He Xinglong pushes himself relentlessly, refusing to rest, valuing every remaining opportunity to compete. The Provincial High School Tennis League commences with the highly anticipated match between Yuqing and Sixth Middle. Despite Yuqing's initial cool demeanor upon entry, Sixth Middle's vibrant energy slightly overshadows them, prompting Qi Na to urge her team to maintain full focus.
Qiao Chen and He Xinglong play first in the second doubles match, quickly forming a strong partnership and securing Yuqing's first victory, an "opening red." Next, Tang Jiale and Zhuo Zhi take the court for the first doubles. As Tang Jiale's stamina wanes, Zhuo Zhi executes a seemingly impossible "Flying Swallow Returns to Nest" shot, providing Tang Jiale with crucial time to recover.
They ultimately win the match, further intensifying Chi Dayong's self-doubt about his ability to provide such strong support. Zhuo Zhi later comforts Chi Dayong, explaining that the true strength of a partnership lies in mutual belief, not just tacit understanding. Before the singles matches, Lu Xia encounters Grandpa Liu again at a vending machine. Grandpa Liu takes Lu Xia's chosen drink and offers him another, subtly advising Lu Xia to be open to new attempts and experiences. Zhang Baiyang prepares for his singles match against a quirky and highly energetic Sixth Middle player known for his pre-match backflips.
Episode 27 Recap
Zhang Baiyang's intense singles match against Kui Jian of Sixth Middle School begins. Despite Kui Jian's reputation as an agile, all-around player with no obvious weaknesses, Zhang Baiyang remains confident. Zhang Baiyang's repeated use of his "snake ball" technique initially worries Yan Zhiming, while Sixth Middle School's coach scolds Kui Jian for deliberately losing the first four games to self-impose pressure. In the fifth game, Kui Jian unleashes his full power, surprising Zhang Baiyang with powerful counterattacks.
Yan Zhiming, having researched Kui Jian's history of strategic early losses and comebacks, realizes the match is precarious. Remembering Yan Zhiming's words, Zhang Baiyang adapts, changing his usual "snake ball" return to a short drop shot, catching Kui Jian off guard. During a crucial return, Zhang Baiyang accidentally hits his head on the net pole, causing a bleeding injury.
Undeterred, he quickly wraps his head with a bandana and continues playing with fierce determination, ultimately winning the match and securing Yuqing's spot in the provincial semifinals. Despite their loss, Sixth Middle School's team celebrates their efforts, which puzzles Lu Xia, but Kui Jian approaches Lu Xia, expressing admiration and a desire to play him in the future. The next day, Yuqing prepares for their confrontation with Xingyao (Starry).
They observe Xingyao's match, noting their formidable strength and the arrogant demeanor of their captain, Ji Jingwu. Haiguang Middle School, including Yuan Chi, is also present, with Yuan Chi provoking Lu Xia, while Qiao Chen defiantly declares Haiguang won't achieve a three-peat this year. Mu Siyang gathers his main players, encouraging them before sending them to rest and prepare.
He later takes Lu Xia aside to discuss the heavy responsibility of leading Yuqing, urging him to convert this burden into motivation and adjust his state for upcoming matches. Mu Siyang's words hint at his own severe injury; he wishes to participate in the national competition, but doctors have warned that playing again could lead to permanent damage and end his career. Qi Ying stays by Lu Xia's side, observing his pensive mood and subtly guiding him home.
Lu Xia's form remains unrecovered as the Xingyao match approaches in nineteen days, drawing criticism from teammates like Huang Jing. Tang Jiale works hard to rekindle his "golden partnership" with Chi Dayong, but Chi Dayong struggles to match his pace and jovial spirit. Concerned about Lu Xia's state, the coach suggests he stop training to rest and readjust, but Lu Xia, feeling time-pressed, refuses.
As the coach tries to persuade Lu Xia not to blindly push forward, Lu Xia receives a frantic call from Lu Xiangqian claiming to be in a car accident. Terrified, Lu Xia rushes to the hospital, his mind reeling with past memories and fears of losing Lu Xiangqian. Upon arrival, he finds Lu Xiangqian perfectly fine, his hand merely bandaged, jovially chatting with nurses. Lu Xia, initially enraged by the false alarm after being scared senseless, eventually feels immense relief that Lu Xiangqian is safe, expressing his deep fear of having truly lost him.
Episode 28 Recap
Lu Xia is greatly relieved to find his father safe. Meanwhile, Mu Siyang seeks out Zhuo Zhi, discussing why Zhuo Zhi avoids playing seriously against him. Zhuo Zhi reveals his fear of winning and being pressured into captaincy, a role he doesn't want, then lightheartedly suggests he also fears losing. Lu Xia encounters Kui Jian, a player from Six High, who invites him to a unique training session the following day.
This event, organized by Grandpa Liu, involves playing tennis with drums. Initially frustrated by his unfamiliarity and wanting to quit, Lu Xia is spurred on by Grandpa Liu's challenging words about the ease of giving up. Lu Xia persists, cooperating with Kui Jian, and through this unconventional practice, he not only overcomes challenges but also uncovers his tennis deficiencies and experiences a breakthrough.
Grandpa Liu later inspects Lu Xia's racket, offering to fix it, and advises him to reflect on the deeper meaning of his actions, emphasizing the joy in the process of playing. As the match between Youth Academy and Starry Academy draws near, reporter Xiao Sha attempts to interview Starry Academy players. Ji Jingwu, a Starry Academy player, confidently offers his photos to Xiao Sha.
Former Starry Academy captain Ji Ruo, who had lost his position after a defeat, seeks to rejoin the team. While the coach initially refuses, Ji Ruo's teammates, and eventually Ji Jingwu, are moved by his plight and vouch for him, securing his return. Concurrently, Hu Liangliang, a current main player, fiercely fights to retain his spot against the coach's intention to replace him with Ji Ruo.
After intense training and even cutting his hair to demonstrate his resolve, Hu Liangliang earns Ji Jingwu's support, and is granted another chance. Ji Jingwu then sends a message through Xiao Sha, vowing to challenge Mu Siyang in the upcoming match. At Youth Academy, Mu Siyang posts the internal ranking competition results, crucial for selecting main players for the Starry Academy match.
Mu Siyang himself secretly trains, but his hand pain intensifies, reminding him of a severe injury he desperately wants to overcome to participate. Lu Xia, assigned to Group D for the rankings, frequently skips training, causing concern among some teammates, though others trust he's developing new strategies. He is, in fact, secretly practicing. Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, attempts to engage Lu Xia in a match, but Lu Xia, concerned for his father's injured hand, refuses.
His teammates then surprise Lu Xia with a picnic, offering support and encouragement. Later, Lu Xiangqian continues to guide Lu Xia, helping him realize the deeper meaning behind the advice given by Mu Siyang and Grandpa Liu.
Episode 29 Recap
Lu Xia is in a slump, unable to commit to returning to the team, but his teammates comfort him, reminding him that defeat is common. At home, Lu Xia's father advises him to think like a master, comparing it to understanding fish in a pond – one's true opponent is oneself. This wisdom resonates with Lu Xia, who continues to ponder it in class, leading to a distraction where his teacher threatens to seal the window opposite him.
Later, while buying study materials, Lu Xia spots Qi Ying mesmerized by goldfish in a bookstore, stating her fondness for fish is simply without reason. The upcoming ranking match, crucial for joining the main roster, looms. Mu Siyang meticulously plans the lineup for the anticipated match against Xingyao, with Zhuo Zhi staying late to discuss strategy. Zhuo Zhi also probes Mu Siyang with a hypothetical question: what if they were opponents instead of teammates, given their shared genius?
Their conversation is cut short by heavy rain, reminiscent of a previous mountain climb, prompting Zhuo Zhi to suggest they re-climb it on the next clear day. Meanwhile, Yan Zhiming stubbornly insists on playing doubles with Zhang Baiyang, despite Zhang Baiyang's preference for singles. Tang Jiale and other teammates engage Lu Xia in a game of "I Draw, You Guess" to understand his inner thoughts.
When "National Competition" is the answer, Tang Jiale passionately describes the team's shared struggles and perseverance, moving Lu Xia to correctly guess. This encourages the team to persuade Lu Xia to participate in the ranking match, to which he offers a noncommittal response, though everyone knows he will join. Qi Ying, following her teacher's advice to seal Lu Xia's window, spots and buys a beautiful racket, feeling a sudden connection. On the day of the ranking match, Lu Xia oversleeps.
His teammates are already gathered on the court, along with reporter Xiao Sha, whose interview request Mu Siyang politely declines. Lu Xia rushes to a shop to repair his racket, where the owner's simple advice – "tennis isn't complicated, just hit the ball back" – provides Lu Xia with a sudden epiphany. Despite his newfound clarity, Lu Xia arrives late, much to Mu Siyang's anger, who disqualifies him from the competition.
While his teammates advocate for him, Lu Xia accepts the punishment, vowing he will never give up and will fight with his teammates to the very end. Mu Siyang, in fact, had intended this action as a means to motivate Lu Xia. As the ranking match proceeds, the players put in their best effort. Zhuo Zhi defeats a struggling Chi Dayong. Qiao Chen, however, loses his match to a much stronger Yan Zhiming, consequently becoming a main substitute.
Later, Yan Zhiming meets up with Liu Lian from Hai Guang Middle School, a childhood friend and future rival. Both share an analytical approach to the game. They recall an unfinished match from their past and agree to complete it when they meet again in the provincial league. Qiao Chen, despondent over his loss and becoming a substitute, reflects on his performance. Anko approaches him and challenges him to a match.
Qiao Chen initially underestimates Anko but is surprised by her skill, realizing his own tendency to judge by appearance and his lack of competitive drive. Meanwhile, Lu Xia's Chinese language grades significantly improve, earning him an award from his pleased teacher. In a separate development, Qiao Chen accidentally overhears Qi Na expressing frustration over Mu Siyang's disregard for his doctor's orders regarding training.
Episode 30 Recap
Lu Xia, having shown improvement in his Chinese, is rewarded by his teacher with a goldfish. He promptly gives the goldfish to Qi Ying, knowing she is fond of them, much to her delight. Meanwhile, Coach Qi Na is strategizing for the upcoming match against Xingyao, who have been featured in a magazine special. She solidifies Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong as the first doubles pair, initially teasing Tang Jiale before confirming the pairing, which makes him overjoyed.
The second doubles position is more challenging, as Yan Zhiming, Zhang Baiyang, and He Xinglong are all strong singles players, but two are needed for doubles. Yan Zhiming proposes that he and Zhang Baiyang team up, believing their dynamic play would effectively suppress Xingyao's second doubles pair, Hu Liangliang and Feng Zhiyuan. Coach Qi Na agrees to his strategic suggestion. During subsequent training, Tang Jiale appears relaxed, while Chi Dayong struggles, feeling Tang Jiale's strength now surpasses his own.
Tang Jiale, puzzled by Chi Dayong's behavior, seeks clarification from Zhuo Zhi, who remains equally confused, though Tang Jiale incorrectly concludes that Chi Dayong needs to stand alone and overcome pressure. Separately, Mu Siyang is helping Huang Jing practice his serves. However, Lu Xia consistently catches every ball Mu Siyang hits from behind Huang Jing, much to Huang Jing's frustration.
Enraged by Lu Xia's constant interference and forgetting his own limitations, Huang Jing impulsively challenges Lu Xia to a match, which Lu Xia calmly accepts as a warm-up. Their teammates clear the court. Despite Huang Jing's significant recent improvement, and Lu Xia intentionally holding back at first, Huang Jing manages to win an initial point but ultimately cannot match Lu Xia's skill.
Witnessing Huang Jing's desperate effort, Lu Xia eventually ups his game, defeating Huang Jing and earning his grudging respect. Mu Siyang, pleased to see Lu Xia's form restored, nonchalantly assigns them both five laps as punishment. Later, in the locker room, Qiao Chen devises a plan to confirm Mu Siyang's suspected hand injury. He deliberately pretends to strain his hand while holding heavy equipment, forcing Mu Siyang to assist with only his right hand.
Just as Qiao Chen observes this, Zhuo Zhi enters. Mu Siyang, aware of their presence, attempts to pick up the equipment with his left hand to conceal the injury, but both Qiao Chen and Zhuo Zhi realize the truth. Zhuo Zhi, deeply concerned about Mu Siyang's injury, recalls their shared past as "tennis prodigies" entering the Yuqing team together, which fostered a close bond. He discreetly arranges a match with Mu Siyang, hoping to persuade him to avoid further injury.
Despite Mu Siyang's evident struggle due to his hand, which prevents him from playing at his full potential, he refuses to concede. Zhuo Zhi, fearing permanent damage, stops the match, urging Mu Siyang not to jeopardize his health, even for the sake of the team. Mu Siyang confesses that he is driven by a desire to cherish every dwindling opportunity to play alongside his teammates.
Unable to keep the secret, Qiao Chen confides in Lu Xia about Mu Siyang's hand injury, explaining that it might prevent him from playing against Ji Jingwu of Xingyao. Shocked by the news, Lu Xia and Qiao Chen immediately confront Zhuo Zhi, seeking more answers. Unbeknownst to them, Coach Qi Na receives a phone call confirming that Mu Siyang's application for overseas study has passed its initial review. If the final review is successful, Mu Siyang could be leaving the country within a month.
Episode 31 Recap
The Yuqing High School tennis team prepares for their crucial match against Xingyao High, with only two days remaining. A major concern looms over the team: Captain Mu Siyang is suffering from a severe hand injury. Qiao Chen, after learning Mu Siyang and Zhuo Zhi were secretly training together, reveals the extent of Mu Siyang's injury to Lu Xia, noting his unsuitability to play against Xingyao's Ji Jingwu.
Despite the coach's efforts to arrange overseas treatment for his injury, Mu Siyang firmly refuses, determined not to abandon his teammates or their shared dream of entering the national league, especially after their defeat to Xingyao last year. The team, initially hesitant, confronts Mu Siyang, hoping to persuade him to prioritize his recovery.
However, Mu Siyang inspires them with his unwavering resolve, pledging to lead them to victory and promising to play no more than thirty minutes if necessary, to protect his hand. Moved by his determination, the team vows to secure the win before Mu Siyang even needs to step onto the court. In preparation, Zhang Baiyang and Yan Zhiming refine their doubles strategy, displaying a growing unspoken understanding despite their surface-level disagreements.
Tang Jiale, having matured, apologizes to Chi Dayong for past pressures, reinforcing Chi Dayong's confidence in his progress. Recognizing Lu Xia's potential, substitute Huang Jing selflessly offers his spot to Lu Xia for the team's benefit, a decision Mu Siyang eventually approves. On match day, the atmosphere is electric. The first match is the second doubles, featuring Zhang Baiyang and Yan Zhiming against Xingyao's Hu Liangliang and Feng Zhiyuan. Xingyao's players start strong, their unexpected tactics nullifying Yuqing's practiced serves.
Zhang Baiyang employs a deceptive tactic, feigning an argument with Yan Zhiming to buy time for Yan Zhiming to collect crucial data on their opponents. Although they manage to mount a strong comeback, Yan Zhiming's unwavering integrity leads him to honestly call out a borderline out ball, requesting a replay, which ultimately leads to their defeat. Despite the loss, their spirit and sportsmanship are highly praised.
A sudden emergency strikes when Chi Dayong injures his wrist while helping a pregnant woman, rendering him unable to play. Coach Qi Na quickly reorganizes, pairing Qiao Chen with Tang Jiale for the next doubles match. Tang Jiale, initially apprehensive, finds renewed confidence seeing Chi Dayong's wristband on Qiao Chen's hand.
Episode 32 Recap
Feeling uneasy after parting ways with his partner Chi Dayong, Tang Jiale enters the court alongside Qiao Chen, resolved to do their best. Xingyao's Ji Jingwu is confident, believing their temporary pairing will fare worse than last year's "golden duo" against his team. The match begins, and Xingyao's players, You Shixing and Yue Yang, prove formidable, their power and high jumps negating Tang Jiale and Qiao Chen's advantages.
Tang Jiale's form is off, Qiao Chen's playstyle unusual, and Yuqing's team shows clear "lag." Qiao Chen's kill shots are repeatedly returned. Xingyao dominates the first half. During halftime, Tang Jiale calls Chi Dayong, but he doesn't answer. The second half starts with heightened difficulty. Determined not to disappoint his captain and coach, Qiao Chen decides to employ a "secret technique." This begins to yield results, showing signs of a comeback.
It's revealed that before the match, Chi Dayong had written Tang Jiale's playing habits, dubbed the "secret technique," on Qiao Chen's wrist, assuring him it would guarantee victory. After coming off the court, Tang Jiale discovers this "secret technique" and, inspired, devises an even better plan. They switch to the rare and challenging "Australian formation," which offers a high chance of success. In the second half, both players maintain intense pressure, catching Xingyao off guard, and their coordination visibly improves.
Meanwhile, Chi Dayong, having helped a pregnant woman, is rushing to the arena, eager to join Tang Jiale on court. On the court, Tang Jiale sacrifices himself, paving the way for Qiao Chen to unleash his full potential, resulting in seamless teamwork. As Yuqing edges closer to victory, the cheerleading squad erupts in excitement. Chi Dayong arrives at the court, offering silent support to Tang Jiale with his gaze, encouraging him to continue.
On the other side, Xingyao's players, especially Yue Yang, start to tire. You Shixing tries to turn the situation around, but Qiao Chen counters by feigning a vertical smash, allowing Tang Jiale to execute Chi Dayong's signature "Climbing Moon Interception," catching their opponents completely off guard. Qiao Chen and Tang Jiale clinch the victory. Chi Dayong immediately steps onto the court, apologizing to Tang Jiale. Tang Jiale, overjoyed, embraces Chi Dayong, much to Qiao Chen's playful jealousy.
Tang Jiale then hugs Qiao Chen, and the entire team embraces in celebration. With the team score tied at 1-1, He Xinglong's singles match becomes the crucial decider. He Xinglong is visibly nervous due to his recent break from training, and everyone in the arena shares his tension, their cheers growing louder in support. His opponent, Xingyao's Hua Chonghong, is also a powerful player who can instantly mimic opponents' playstyles, making everyone apprehensive.
Ji Jingwu stands courtside, directing Hua Chonghong's shots, making it feel like a two-on-one match against He Xinglong. However, He Xinglong is a formidable opponent. He unleashes the "fluctuation shot" with both hands, a technique he learned, winning the first set. Despite the win, concern remains for He Xinglong's playstyle. After hitting two consecutive fluctuation shots, his hand visibly trembles. Hua Chonghong intensifies his play, and the two are evenly matched. He Xinglong's racket is eventually knocked from his hand, indicating he's struggling to hold on.
Episode 33 Recap
The intense match between He Xinglong and Chonghong began with He Xinglong's "fluctuating shots." While onlookers found his play impressive, those who understood the game recognized its unsustainable nature. Chonghong, with his strong mimicry skills, quickly adopted He Xinglong's technique. His powerful strikes broke He Xinglong's racket, allowing him to catch up in the score.
Despite his stamina dwindling and risking severe hand injury, He Xinglong's will to win was unwavering, fueled by the desire to advance to the Nationals and the presence of Ya Juxin. He unleashed his full power, resorting to hitting fluctuating shots with one hand. His strategy was to intentionally exhaust Chonghong, who eventually lacked the willpower to continue. With his hand trembling uncontrollably, Chonghong forfeited the match, securing the win for Yuqing.
Afterward, everyone felt a mix of admiration and sadness upon seeing He Xinglong's swollen wrist. Coach Qi Na, heartbroken, personally took He Xinglong to the hospital, requesting a temporary coach. Qiao Chen and others attempted to persuade Lu Xia to take on the role, but he refused to move. Next, Zhuo Zhi faced Song Ci from Xingyao. Song Ci, a comical character, initially appeared nonchalant, even sleeping before the match.
Zhuo Zhi, a genius player, started with a powerful and unexpected serve, unleashing a "cyclone shot" that seemingly vanished, causing Song Ci to miss. Song Ci, while praising Zhuo Zhi's strength, seemed to feign a lack of seriousness, subtly defending his miss and perhaps lulling others into underestimation. However, when it was Song Ci's turn to serve, he revealed his true skill with net interceptions, quickly closing the score gap.
Zhuo Zhi, recognizing Song Ci's ability, effortlessly countered his tactics and pulled ahead again. Song Ci then became serious, striving to hold his service game, but Zhuo Zhi countered with his ultimate technique, the "White Whale"—a powerful shot that made the ball return automatically without the opponent touching it. Zhuo Zhi dominantly won the match 6-1.
Despite the loss, Song Ci was not disheartened; instead, he was filled with admiration for Zhuo Zhi and eagerly sought his contact information for future matches. When Song Ci declared Zhuo Zhi the strongest, Zhuo Zhi simply looked towards Mu Siyang, signaling an even greater talent. Soon after, players from Haiguang Middle School arrived, having come specifically to witness the highly anticipated match between Mu Siyang and Ji Jingwu, a clash destined to be legendary.
As the cheerleaders roared, Mu Siyang's heart grew heavy with the immense pressure and uncertainty of victory. Ji Jingwu, handsome and skilled, exuded arrogance, initially dismissing Mu Siyang. Ji Jingwu immediately showcased his powerful serves, causing Mu Siyang's hand excruciating pain, making it difficult to return shots, and even causing his racket to slip. Mu Siyang, a genius, countered with his "Absolute Domain," aiming to deplete Ji Jingwu's stamina, but Ji Jingwu's all-around play made it a grueling challenge.
As Mu Siyang fought to level the score, Ji Jingwu noticed the severity of Mu Siyang's hand injury. Chi Dayong then revealed the full extent of Mu Siyang's long-standing injury, which had resurfaced after last year's match with Ji Jingwu. He explained that Mu Siyang, who wished to reach the Nationals with Chi Dayong, had deliberately used his weaker right hand against senior players to avoid offending them.
One day, a senior discovered Mu Siyang was left-handed, mistakenly perceived it as arrogance, and angrily struck Mu Siyang's left hand with a racket, leaving a permanent injury. Despite the immense burden and chronic pain, Mu Siyang's unwavering love for tennis and Yuqing propelled him forward. He bravely endured his injury, leading the first set against Ji Jingwu, inspiring everyone to cheer for him with renewed vigor.
Episode 34 Recap
The match continued with Mu Siyang's "Zero-Degree Drop Shot," giving Yu Qing a slight lead. During a break, Mu Siyang's hand injury became apparent to everyone, including his opponent, Ji Jingwu, who then deliberately targeted the injury with high lobs, hoping to force Mu Siyang to concede. Both players were fiercely determined. Mu Siyang, growing fatigued, pushed for a quick win, eventually scoring a crucial point that impressed the spectators. His coach returned, deeply concerned about his condition.
As the third showdown began, Mu Siyang declared Yu Qing's inevitable advancement to the national tournament, provoking Ji Jingwu to play without restraint. Ji Jingwu unleashed his ultimate move, "Symphony of Victory," but Mu Siyang, despite his worsening hand injury, remarkably returned the ball. With Yu Qing just one point away from victory, Mu Siyang's pain became unbearable, causing him to collapse, clutching his arm.
His coach and teammates, including Qiao Chen, rushed to his side, pleading with him to stop, fearing permanent damage to his hand. However, Mu Siyang, acknowledging this was his final opportunity to compete in the national tournament before leaving next year, resolutely refused to give up. He was determined to fulfill his promise to the team and ensure Yu Qing's entry into nationals. Zhuo Zhi and Lu Xia understood the depth of his sacrifice.
The match progressed into a decisive tie-break. Mu Siyang's hand became almost incapacitated, but his sheer willpower kept him in the game. Meanwhile, Lu Xia, unable to watch Mu Siyang's struggle, went to an unoccupied court to practice, soon joined by Qiao Chen. Ji Jingwu, deeply impressed by Mu Siyang's unyielding spirit, played with all his might.
In the critical final point, Mu Siyang unleashed another "Zero-Degree Drop Shot" with all his remaining strength, but it agonizingly missed by the smallest margin, ceding the victory to Xing Yao. Despite the loss, Mu Siyang was celebrated by the crowd, who cheered his immense effort and indomitable will; he had truly lost with honor. Ji Jingwu extended his hand in a gesture of profound respect.
Witnessing Mu Siyang's monumental effort, Lu Xia's determination to win his upcoming match intensified, fueled by his desire to become Yu Qing's pillar, as Mu Siyang had envisioned. Xing Yao's ace, Ji Ruo, their next captain candidate, stepped onto the court to face Lu Xia in the second singles match. Distracted by thoughts of his own ambition to usurp Ji Jingwu's position as captain, Ji Ruo was jolted into focus by a swift return from Lu Xia.
Episode 35 Recap
In a crucial match against Xingyao, Lu Xia, a burgeoning talent, faces Jinuo, a candidate for Xingyao's next captain. Lu Xia starts strong, even employing a "Zero Degree Drop Shot," a technique he replicated from Mu Siyang, aiming to fulfill Mu Siyang's wishes and intimidate Xingyao. Jinuo, angered by Lu Xia's play, intensifies his efforts, quickly catching up. During a break, Qi Na advises Lu Xia to focus on the ball, not the opponent's style.
Lu Xia has an epiphany, recalling advice given to him, and starts to truly enjoy tennis. This newfound enjoyment allows him to release his bottled-up emotions, develop his own unique style, and ultimately overpower Jinuo, winning the match 6-4. Yu Qing celebrates their victory, securing their spot in the National Tournament. Lu Xia confidently tells Jinuo he still has much to learn. Immediately after the match, the team rushes Mu Siyang to the hospital for his hand injury.
While waiting for the results, Chi Dayong confides in Tang Jiale, apologizing for not playing and expressing his fear of becoming a burden due to Tang Jiale's rapid growth. Tang Jiale reassures him, emphasizing that they are partners, a "golden combination," and he wants to rebuild their partnership. Mu Siyang initially reports that his hand is fine, merely an old injury acting up, bringing relief to the team.
To celebrate their victory, He Xinglong invites everyone to his shop for roast goose. Coach and Qi Na deliver enthusiastic speeches, which the hungry team humorously tries to ignore as they secretly devour the food. However, the celebration is cut short when Mu Siyang receives a phone call from the hospital; the deeper examination results are not good, and he needs to return the next day.
Later that evening, Qi Ying and Lu Xia walk home and spot a shooting star, with Qi Ying wishing for Yu Qing to win the National Championship. Zhuo Zhi, sensing Mu Siyang's distress, accompanies him home and likely makes a silent wish for his recovery. The next day, the coach announces the grim news: Mu Siyang must leave the team immediately for surgery in Germany, otherwise, he may never play tennis again.
Mu Siyang privately explains to Zhuo Zhi that he has no regrets, believing the team's significant growth since the start of the competition allows him to leave with peace of mind. The teammates, including a secretly worried Lu Xia who checks hospital routes, plan a tight schedule to visit Mu Siyang. Yan Zhiming prepares quick meals so they can finish training promptly.
On their way, they encounter the Hai Guang Middle School team, but no words are exchanged as they prioritize their visit. Upon arrival, Yan Zhiming instructs them to maintain a cheerful demeanor to lift Mu Siyang's spirits. However, they find Mu Siyang's room empty, as he has gone for a walk in the garden. In the garden, Mu Siyang unexpectedly meets Bai Shiting, the captain of Hai Guang Middle School, who is also hospitalized.
Despite being potential future rivals, they connect over their health issues and wish each other a swift return to the court. Later, Ji Jingwu calls Mu Siyang to apologize for inadvertently contributing to his injury recurrence and informs him that he has arranged Mu Siyang's hospital and accommodation in Germany, eagerly anticipating a fair match upon his return.
Episode 36 Recap
Mu Siyang, preparing for his departure abroad for medical reasons, harbors deep concerns for the Yu Qing team's future. He worries about He Xinglong's injury, Chi Dayong's melancholy, Zhang Baiyang's stubbornness, and especially Lu Xia's development, entrusting Chi Dayong with guiding the team. Before leaving, Mu Siyang subtly arranges a meeting with Lu Xia through his father, Lu Xiangqian. Lu Xiangqian warmly invites Mu Siyang for hotpot.
He then tries to convince Lu Xia to practice at home, but Lu Xia insists on training with the team, stating it makes his captain feel at ease. The next day, Lu Xiangqian feigns a stomach ache from the hotpot to trick Lu Xia into going fishing alone, only for Lu Xia to find Mu Siyang waiting there. Mu Siyang asks Lu Xia why he joined Yu Qing.
Lu Xia admits his initial goal was to surpass his father's record and gain his acknowledgment, but his perspective has shifted; he now genuinely loves tennis and finds fulfillment and joy in striving alongside his teammates. He expresses a desire to become a pillar of Yu Qing and seeks Mu Siyang's guidance. Mu Siyang, smiling, agrees to help Lu Xia achieve this, even suggesting a match to help Lu Xia find his "pillar."
They then train together, with Mu Siyang expressing full confidence in Lu Xia. Meanwhile, Huang Jing, having observed that successful tennis players often have hobbies outside the sport, decides to take up painting to enhance his game. He even enlists Ma Xiuwen as his model, humorously threatening to draw Lu Xia as a villain in his manga if he loses to him again, though he soon realizes his lack of artistic talent.
In the tennis lounge, Lu Xia is watching a match when Qi Ying arrives to pick up a package for her aunt, Qi Na. She decides to stay and watch with him, and Lu Xia, noticing she's cold, offers her his school jacket. Qi Ying seizes the opportunity to clarify a previous misunderstanding, having overheard Lu Xia and Qiao Chen discussing a girl and mistakenly thinking Lu Xia had a crush.
She is greatly relieved to discover Lu Xia was referring to Mu Siyang, not a romantic interest. Mu Siyang receives confirmation that all arrangements for his overseas trip are finalized. He entrusts the team's ongoing development to Chi Dayong, outlining each member's individual challenges. Although Coach Qi suggests a proper farewell for the team, Mu Siyang opts for a silent departure.
At the training grounds, overwhelmed by memories of their shared efforts, he issues a final training command for them to run. As they run, he quietly slips away, leaving "Yu Qing Will Win" written on the whiteboard, conveying his hopes for them without an emotional goodbye. In Mu Siyang's absence, the team struggles to adapt.
While Coach Qi and reporter Xiaosha find themselves deeply integrated and growing with the young players, the team members, despite their serious training, often appear somber and miss their former captain. With only seven days until the provincial finals, Yan Zhiming warns them that Hai Guang is their likely opponent, urging them not to be complacent.
Qiao Chen attempts to slack off during training, claiming their qualification for the national tournament means the next match is inconsequential, but Zhang Baiyang pulls him back into serious practice, emphasizing the continued need for their dedication.
Episode 37 Recap
Mu Siyang's departure left the Yu Qing team disheartened, though they hoped for his swift recovery and return. Yan Zhiming diligently gathered intelligence on Hai Guang Middle School, a formidable two-time national champion team, anticipating them as Yu Qing's main rival. Despite the pressure, Yan Zhiming felt a strange sense of anticipation, meticulously researching Hai Guang's players and their equally skilled friend, Liu Lian.
Concerned about the team's low morale without Mu Siyang, Chi Dayong realized their current state was unsustainable. Lu Xia even worried about the team losing to Hai Guang, fearing their captain might attribute the defeat to his absence. To avoid such a scenario, everyone trained hard. Unexpectedly, Ji Jingwu of Star Glory Middle School arrived with his team, mocking Yu Qing's poor condition and challenging them to a rematch.
The Yu Qing players immediately accepted, and though the results were mixed, Star Glory eventually left. Soon after, a few eccentric players from Talent School also appeared, but Zhang Baiyang quickly chased them off. The team found these frequent challenges perplexing until their coach revealed Mu Siyang had orchestrated them all. Starting from then, different school teams would come daily to practice with Yu Qing, helping them maintain peak performance.
Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen were deeply moved, realizing that even though Mu Siyang was gone, his heart remained with them. Meanwhile, Mu Siyang called Ji Jingwu, asking about Yu Qing's recent situation. Ji Jingwu sighed, admitting the team wasn't doing well, prompting a sigh from Mu Siyang as well. Yu Qing began a grueling series of continuous matches, exhausting but crucial for the upcoming National Competition. News soon arrived of Yu Feng's crushing defeat to Hai Guang, losing badly.
Yu Qing's next opponent was this formidable Hai Guang team, yet the Yu Qing players remained unafraid. Yu Feng agreed to practice with Yu Qing, arriving late, and their captain Xu Ziping and Xingzi were absent. Yu Feng played seriously but lost again to Yu Qing, though they accepted the defeat gracefully. Still, their recent loss to Hai Guang weighed heavily on their minds. Yan Zhiming quickly adjusted the training plan, specifically tailoring it to counter Hai Guang.
Everyone was curious about what exactly had happened between Yu Feng and Hai Guang to leave the usually unyielding Yu Feng so dejected. Regardless of the challenges ahead, they were determined to face Hai Guang. For now, they focused on finding joy in their struggles, training hard, and adjusting their mindset. That evening, while watching TV during dinner, they saw a report on Hai Guang Middle School.
They learned that Hai Guang's captain also couldn't participate due to illness, which somewhat balanced their spirits. The report also mentioned Hai Guang trained with other schools every weekend. The Yu Qing players expressed interest in observing, believing that 'knowing your enemy' was key to victory. Yan Zhiming agreed. The next day, the players donned sunglasses and set off to scout Hai Guang. However, Tang Jiale and Qiao Chen were called back by the coach for training.
A few hours later, Yan Zhiming returned, and the eager duo immediately questioned him about Hai Guang's strength. Yan Zhiming showed them the information he had gathered. Indeed, Hai Guang's players each possessed unique and formidable skills, and their desire to win was incredibly strong, indicating a fierce resolve for the championship. Mu Siyang's departure had left the Yu Qing team feeling utterly dejected, a state that concerned everyone.
Yan Zhiming, after analyzing all the data, concluded that Yu Qing had a slim chance of winning against Hai Guang, which further diminished the team's confidence and affected their training. Following Mu Siyang's instructions, Ji Jingwu brought his Star Glory team to Yu Qing's court, provoking and challenging everyone to a friendly match. Ji Jingwu's words infuriated Lu Xia and the others, eager to play against Star Glory, and he watched as the court erupted into a vigorous game.
Before a victor could be decided, Ji Jingwu ended the match, stating that Yu Qing was not yet strong enough and they would resume the game once Yu Qing had grown sufficiently powerful. After Ji Jingwu left, Guan Yue arrived to provoke the Yu Qing players, questioning Zhuo Zhi's title as a genius and explaining that their challenges were meant to ignite their fighting spirit for an upcoming friendly match, making it more exciting.
The next day, Zhang Baiyang and the team encountered players from Talent School on the court and angrily drove them out of Yu Qing. Qi Na then explained to all the players that from that day forward, Yu Qing would engage in friendly matches with tennis teams from various middle schools, revealing it was Mu Siyang's arrangement before he went abroad. She urged them not to betray Mu Siyang's good intentions.
During his break, Mu Siyang called Ji Jingwu to inquire about Yu Qing's situation. Ji Jingwu, in turn, constantly asked about Mu Siyang's adjustment abroad and the progress of his injury. As various middle schools came to play friendly matches with Yu Qing, including Ya Juxin and "Sixth Master" who came to cheer them on, the Yu Qing players grew exhausted from the constant battles, yet their desire to win was powerfully ignited.
News arrived that Yu Feng had suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat against Hai Guang. Xu Ziping, Yu Feng's captain, was injured during his match with Yuan Chi and was unable to come to Yu Qing for their friendly match. Qiao Chen, underestimating Hai Guang's strength and thinking little of losing to them, couldn't help but taunt Yu Feng when they arrived, looking dejected after their severe defeat.
After Yu Feng left, Yan Zhiming analyzed the situation for Qiao Chen, explaining that Yu Feng, a dark horse team, had been severely beaten by Hai Guang, which was a significant blow to their pride, hence their despondent state. The other players were very curious about the Hai Guang-Yu Feng match, as they had never seen Hai Guang play and didn't know the extent of Yu Feng's defeat.
Qiao Chen remained unconcerned about Hai Guang's strength, still believing that losing was no big deal. After hearing some of Yan Zhiming's insights, he naively declared that Yu Qing would definitely win, making Qi Na laugh, though she also felt it was fine for Qiao Chen to maintain a winning spirit on the court, as everyone was equal in a match.
Yan Zhiming treated the players to a big meal at He Xinglong's shop and then offered them his "Yan Juice" to cut through the richness. Tang Jiale immediately pulled out Vitamin C, stating he didn't need the "Yan Juice." After dinner, Yan Zhiming suggested scouting Hai Guang to gather information. Qiao Chen and the others agreed and set off in plain clothes, but they were unexpectedly called back by Qi Na just as they reached the entrance.
Yan Zhiming had managed to collect some information, which he shared with Qiao Chen and the others, informing them of the formidable strength of Hai Guang's "Big Three" and every other player, emphasizing that they were not to be underestimated. Meanwhile, Chi Dayong spent a long time at the container, pondering whether to re-form the "Golden Pair." This reflection brought back many memories with Tang Jiale, strengthening his resolve to rebuild their partnership, and he immediately called Tang Jiale.
Episode 38 Recap
The bond between Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, known as the Golden Duo, faces challenges. Initially disheartened about not playing alongside Chi Dayong in the Xingyao match, Tang Jiale eventually inspires Chi Dayong to commit to their partnership. Chi Dayong decides to revive the Golden Duo, but Tang Jiale, after an intense discussion and a match where he defeats Chi Dayong, asserts his desire to forge a new, upgraded, and eternal partnership, rather than simply reverting to the old one.
Meanwhile, Yan Zhiming, Team Yuqing's coach, implements a rigorous new training plan based on an analysis of their data compared to rival Haiguang Middle School. Lu Xia is the first to undergo this intense regimen, training with Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, with a focus on countering Haiguang's star player Tian Zilong by working with He Xinglong for this specific purpose.
Tang Jiale is pitted against Zhang Baiyang, Zhuo Zhi, and Qiao Chen to enhance his speed, with the added pressure of facing Yan Zhiming's infamous "Yan Juice" for the losing side. Zhuo Zhi also undergoes specialized training, using a serving machine calibrated to match Yuan Chi's powerful serves. Amidst the demanding training, Lu Xia's racket breaks.
Yan Zhiming instructs him to run ten kilometers to a sports store for repairs, and Chi Dayong further burdens him with weights, turning it into additional physical training. En route, Lu Xia encounters two arrogant players from Haiguang Middle School, including Yuan Chi, who insult Yuqing. Incensed, Lu Xia challenges them to a match. Concurrently, Haiguang's Tian Zilong visits his partner, Bai Shiyan, in the hospital.
Bai Shiyan is unable to participate in the National Tournament due to illness, and his surgery is scheduled for the day of the finals. Tian Zilong promises to win the championship swiftly as a tribute to Bai Shiyan. In his impromptu match against the Haiguang players, Lu Xia, despite his younger age and height disadvantage, holds his own. Yuan Chi resorts to a dirty tactic, intentionally hitting the ball at Lu Xia's leg, causing significant pain.
Despite the injury, Lu Xia refuses to yield. Tapping into his hidden potential and utilizing his ambidextrous skills, Lu Xia manages to defeat Yuan Chi. However, the exertion proves too much, and Lu Xia collapses from exhaustion. He later wakes up in the team office, where his coach expresses concern over his overexertion, but Lu Xia remains determined to find a way to overcome Haiguang.
Episode 39 Recap
Lu Xia collapses from intense training. His father, Lu Xiangqian, arrives, relieved his son is alright, but his hands-off parenting style regarding Lu Xia’s tennis development draws criticism from his coach and Qi Na. Lu Xiangqian believes some lessons Lu Xia must learn on his own. Later, Lu Xia seeks advice from his father on how to win while maintaining his unique style, and Lu Xiangqian emphasizes adaptability and facing challenges head-on.
Meanwhile, Zhuo Zhi is affected by a conversation with Zhuo Yu and channels his emotions into training. Tang Jiale, ever the cheerful one, helps uplift Zhuo Zhi’s spirits. To thank other teams for their support, Yuqing hosts a barbecue event before the Nationals. The team holds an eating contest, which Qiao Chen wins with an impressive display.
During the festivities, Tang Jiale devises a prank involving Yan Zhiming's special "Yan Juice," leading to a hilarious incident where an unsuspecting player drinks it and faints. As the teams depart, they offer words of encouragement, stressing that Yuqing represents all who have fallen to Hai Guang. With the Nationals just days away, both Yuqing and Hai Guang enter a period of intense preparation. Hai Guang also faces internal concerns, including a sick player, Bai Shiyan, and Tian Zilong's anxieties.
Yan Zhiming meticulously analyzes Hai Guang’s past match videos, including a crushing defeat suffered by Xu Ziping against Yuan Chi, emphasizing the need to understand their powerful opponents to avoid a similar fate. Qi Na agrees, making the Yuqing team watch the footage to grasp Hai Guang's formidable strength, while also reassuring them not to feel overwhelmed. Yan Zhiming reveals that through their rigorous training, Yuqing's probability of winning against Hai Guang has risen to around 5. 5%.
Despite the low odds, the team is determined to give their all, with Tang Jiale rallying everyone to fight for that slim chance. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong also experience a moment of sadness upon discovering their secret base is slated for demolition, but they declare their "golden partnership" will remain strong. The night before the match, the team members are restless. Zhang Baiyang, Qiao Chen, and He Xinglong diligently continue their training.
Lu Xia escorts Qi Ying home, sharing his realization about the passion she spoke of, now enjoying the process of tennis, and hoping she continues to pursue her own path. Yan Zhiming subtly signals Hai Guang's Liu Lian that Yuqing is ready for the challenge. Match day arrives, with other teams flocking to support Yuqing.
Chi Dayong, leading the team, humbly shakes hands with Hai Guang's players, stating Yuqing is there to learn but also to win, urging Hai Guang not to underestimate them. Qi Ying and her cheerleading squad attempt to boost Yuqing’s morale, but Hai Guang's overwhelming presence quickly dampens their efforts. The first match is doubles, featuring Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen. From the outset, Hai Guang, having thoroughly researched Yuqing's players with Liu Lian as their strategist, dominates the court.
Hai Guang's Ke Jie expertly employs a "snake ball" tactic, deliberately making Zhang Baiyang freeze in shock after a devastating return. Qiao Chen bravely continues to fight, but in his determination to return a difficult shot, he accidentally injures his leg. Seeing Qiao Chen hurt, Zhang Baiyang snaps out of his daze, immediately removes his prized headband, and uses it to bandage Qiao Chen’s wound. Though Qiao Chen playfully feigns disgust, he accepts the gesture, then whispers a new strategy to Zhang Baiyang, rekindling their fighting spirit.
Episode 40 Recap
In a tense match against Haiguang Middle School, Yuqing's ""Qiao Chen"" and ""Zhang Baiyang"" faced off in the first doubles. " "Qiao Chen"" devised a plan for ""Zhang Baiyang"" to use snake shots to tie up Haiguang's Ke Jie, aiming to break down their opponents individually. Despite ""Zhang Baiyang""'s dwindling stamina and a desperate effort, they managed to win a game, sparking hope among their teammates, even though they ultimately lost the match after their final shot went out.
Back on the sidelines, ""Mu Siyang"", who was recuperating abroad, called Huang Jing, requesting live updates or videos of the match. Next up, the "Golden Duo" of ""Chi Dayong"" and ""Tang Jiale"" entered the court. The match started poorly when ""Tang Jiale"" was hit in the head by an unexpected shot from Haiguang's Lu Sheng, causing him to faint.
As he was being carried off, ""Tang Jiale"" was roused by thoughts of his promise with ""Chi Dayong"" and dramatically jumped off the stretcher, determined to continue the fight, inspiring everyone present. Empowered, ""Chi Dayong"" and ""Tang Jiale"" initially took the lead, but Haiguang's Lu Sheng and Wang Yaren quickly countered with their "Laser Beam Shot" and high-speed balls, closing the gap and pulling ahead.
Despite ""Chi Dayong"" and ""Tang Jiale"" switching positions, employing an "Australian combination formation," and changing their tactics against the "Laser Beam Shot" after encouragement from Qi Na, they eventually lost the match, failing to return a crucial high-speed ball. " "Mu Siyang"" was watching the live stream when Huang Jing's phone died, leaving him anxious about the outcome. With two doubles matches lost, immense pressure fell on ""Zhuo Zhi"" and ""Lu Xia"" for the upcoming singles matches.
The afternoon's first singles match featured ""Yan Zhiming"" against his old friend, Liu Lian, a highly anticipated battle between two players with similar analytical styles. " "Yan Zhiming"" began with high-speed serves, leveraging his "data tennis," and initially gained several points. However, Liu Lian, who had originally taught ""Yan Zhiming"" data tennis, consistently countered and disrupted his data-driven approach, causing ""Yan Zhiming"" to become flustered and make errors.
Realizing his data tennis was proving ineffective, ""Yan Zhiming"" made a desperate decision to abandon his reliance on data and play purely on raw skill. This unexpected move allowed him to temporarily take the lead. As the score tightened, ""Yan Zhiming""'s glasses broke, and Liu Lian managed to pull ahead.
Episode 41 Recap
Yu Qing's matches continue to be intense. Yan Zhiming faces Liu Lian, initially appearing defeated and disheveled, even losing his glasses. During a break, his teammates, including Lu Xia, rally around him with thumbs up, restoring his confidence. Yan Zhiming returns to the court, revealing his renewed strategy isn't abandoning data tennis, but rather a way to settle a long-standing bet and compensate Liu Lian for past events.
He quickly ties the score and, after a brief exchange about their past, uses an evolved data tennis style to win the tie-break, securing Yu Qing's first victory of the day. Meanwhile, Tian Zilong is furious with Liu Lian for losing, as he wanted a win to bring good news to Bai Shiyan before his surgery. He scolds Liu Lian, who apologizes. The next match pits two genius players, Yuan Chi and Zhuo Zhi, against each other.
Yuan Chi confidently boasts he'll finish the match in thirteen minutes, but Tian Zilong warns him against underestimating Zhuo Zhi, especially after Yuan Chi's previous loss to Lu Xia. Zhuo Zhi enters the court with a fierce determination, having recognized Yuan Chi as the one who intentionally injured Lu Xia and Xu Ziping. Driven by a desire for revenge, Zhuo Zhi starts aggressively, quickly gaining a lead.
Yuan Chi, unable to secure a quick victory, becomes enraged and intentionally hits Zhuo Zhi's head with a powerful shot, causing severe dizziness and temporary visual impairment. Despite the injury, Zhuo Zhi refuses to give up, remembering his promise to Mu Siyang to never cease fighting until he has given his all.
He struggles with his impaired vision, feeling as though he is in a dark court, but an inner voice urges him to persist and feel the ball with his heart. He Xinglong considers requesting a match stoppage, but Qi Na refuses, knowing every player has faced similar challenges and overcome them. Zhuo Zhi makes a resolute decision, closing his eyes to rely purely on his senses and intuition.
He finds his rhythm, remembering Mu Siyang's words that grant him immense strength. Leveraging his temporary blindness to filter out distractions, he fiercely suppresses Yuan Chi, who becomes increasingly panicked. Yu Qing ultimately wins the match. Zhuo Zhi walks off, still disoriented but exhilarated by challenging himself, and soon discovers his vision has returned. Finally, Yu Qing faces Hai Guang in the last match, with Lu Xia taking on Hai Guang's ace, Tian Zilong.
Despite Tian Zilong's intimidating stature and power, Lu Xia remains fearless. From the outset, Lu Xia unleashes an array of unique and irregular techniques, catching Tian Zilong off guard and demonstrating his exceptional skill. Stunned, Tian Zilong realizes he has underestimated Yu Qing. He then counters with his formidable ultimate move, "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain," a technique no one has ever broken, causing concern among spectators.
As Tian Zilong takes a lead, Lu Xia instinctively works to find Tian Zilong's ball. He then innovatively combines the ultimate moves of Sima Yiwu and Shen Weiming, causing Tian Zilong's arm to go numb and creating scoring opportunities. Tian Zilong, desperate to finish and attend Bai Shiyan's surgery, struggles to suppress Lu Xia, whose unpredictable shot trajectories keep everyone on edge. However, Lu Xia's intense play takes a toll, leading to extreme physical numbness and rapidly declining stamina.
As he nears collapse, Qi Ying encourages him, reminding him that he plays tennis out of love for the sport, not obligation. Inspired, Lu Xia attempts a final shot, but his racket is flung away.
Episode 42 (Ending) Recap
Lu Xia, clearly exhausted, struggles during the match against Tian Zilong. At the same time, Sea Wide High School calls for a timeout, sending their teammates to the hospital to accompany captain Bai Shiyan during his surgery, while Tian Zilong remains to continue the match. Despite Tian Zilong's relentless attacks, even knocking Lu Xia's racket away, Lu Xia recalls his father Lu Xiangqian's words: his only opponent is himself.
He realizes he needs to overcome his own limitations and begins a "crazy offense" to force Tian Zilong to use his ultimate move, "Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain." Against all odds, Lu Xia impressively returns a ball, breaking through Tian Zilong's "Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain." The Sea Wide team waits anxiously at the hospital, trusting Tian Zilong to fulfill his promise to Bai Shiyan and secure their third consecutive championship.
Simultaneously, Youth High's players erupt in support, cheering for Lu Xia to become the "pillar of Youth High," a wish long held by Mu Siyang. Just as the score is tied, Tian Zilong scores a precise lob, taking the lead. Lu Xia returns the ball with all his might, then collapses on the court, ultimately winning the match and achieving an impossible miracle. Three months later, life returns to a calmer rhythm for the team.
Zhuo Zhi celebrates his brother Zhuo Yu's birthday. Qiao Chen diligently pursues Xingzi, often thwarted by Zhang Baiyang's mischievous interference, leading to comical chases. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, the golden duo, are engrossed in mobile games, playfully bickering about splitting up but always remaining partners. He Xinglong persistently tries to convince Ya Juxin to continue playing tennis, unaware that Ya Juxin, despite his cold facade, has never truly given up.
Yan Zhiming and Liu Lian engage in lengthy debates over minor details in their studies. Lu Xia, ever the prankster, cleverly tricks Qi Ying into leaving when another student tries to confess to her. Mu Siyang returns to China, his surgery a success, a fact his teammates learn from the Xingyao players. They excitedly plan a surprise for him. Upon his arrival at Youth High, Mu Siyang finds the tennis court empty, save for Qi Ying.
She leads him to the lounge, where a video of Youth High's matches, successes, failures, sweat, and tears, including Lu Xia's triumphant win against Tian Zilong for the provincial championship, plays on the screen. Mu Siyang is deeply moved, his eyes welling up with tears as he reflects on the team's journey and his absence from their victory.
He chastises them for the surprise but then acknowledges their efforts, prompting the entire team to emerge from hiding, shouting "Captain, welcome home!" They embrace warmly. The team now faces their biggest challenge yet: the national tournament, where they will compete against top teams from across the country.
Before the tournament, Lu Xiangqian takes Lu Xia to meet Uncle Jiang and the owner of a bookstore, where Lu Xia discovers the owner is a former national champion, sparking his desire for a match.
