The Prince of Tennis Episode 36 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis 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.
