Chapter Summaries

Geng Shuai resisted Niu Linjun’s repeated high-ball strategy, used a timeout to disrupt Niu’s rhythm, and shut him out in the third game. By winning the pressure test, Geng Shuai felt that his competitive instincts had returned, while Niu quietly questioned his admiration for Fang Yuan.

• Wang Chao explained to Fan Xiaoxian that Geng Shuai’s earlier breakdowns had come from poor timing and fading focus, not fragility.
• Niu Linjun followed Fang Yuan’s instructions and kept lobbing high balls, but Geng Shuai smashed each one and reached 7:0.
• Geng Shuai pinched his palm to stay focused, then called a timeout to further disrupt Niu Linjun’s rhythm.
• After play resumed, Niu Linjun lobbed one ball out, then served short backspin; Geng Shuai returned it with a powerful flick that sent Niu tumbling.
• Fang Yuan called another timeout and told Niu to return to the high-ball tactic, while Niu privately wondered whether Fan Xiaoxian was nicer than he had thought.
• Geng Shuai finished the game with another heavy smash, shut out Niu Linjun, and felt that he had come back to life as a competitor.

Wang Chao defeated Li Huashan 3-0, putting Spade Q ahead 2-0 as Jingyuewan prepared for doubles. Fang Yuan had planned to target Tian Zhengguang, but Spade Q unexpectedly fielded Gao Ming alongside Wang Chao, leaving her suspecting Fan Xiaoxian had devised a trap.

• Brother Da Ma explained why Jingyuewan had moved Sun Yuanqiang to third singles, predicting the club could lose its first two matches but win the next three.
• Wang Chao beat Li Huashan 3-0 in fifteen minutes, and Li Huashan vowed to reclaim the loss in doubles.
• Fang Yuan told Sun Yuanqiang and Li Huashan to target Tian Zhengguang in the third match, while both Jingyuewan players expressed confidence.
• The referee announced Wang Chao and Gao Ming against Sun Yuanqiang and Li Huashan, surprising the stadium and unsettling Fang Yuan.
• Fang Yuan met Fan Xiaoxian's smug gaze and suspected that Wang Chao had helped her devise a tactical surprise.

Spade Q fielded Gao Ming alongside Wang Chao in doubles against Jingyue Bay, relying on Gao Ming’s defense to hold the line. After calming Gao Ming’s nerves, Wang Chao opened the match with a spectacular return that gave Spade Q the first point.

• Fan Xiaoxian planned for Jingyue Bay and kept from Wang Chao that Niu Linjun naturally countered Geng Shuai.
• Wang Chao proposed replacing Tian Zhengguang with Gao Ming, whose defensive ability could frustrate Jingyue Bay’s doubles pair.
• Gao Ming took the court nervous but resolved to seize what might be his only chance to help Spade Q.
• Wang Chao served short to Sun Yuanqiang, and Gao Ming pushed the return back to Li Huashan.
• Li Huashan flicked sharply toward Wang Chao, who reacted instantly and returned the ball past Sun Yuanqiang to make the score 1:0.

Wang Chao and Gao Ming took an early lead against Jingyue Bay through Wang Chao’s precise attacks and Gao Ming’s improved serve returns. Sun Yuanqiang and Li Huashan adapted to Wang Chao’s habits and scored, leaving the doubles match at 2:1.

• Wang Chao used a deceptive wrist adjustment to send the ball to the sideline, putting his and Gao Ming’s pair ahead 2:0.
• Fang Yuan and Niu Linjun discussed Wang Chao’s individual skill and noted Gao Ming’s short placements.
• Wang Chao reminded Gao Ming of their serve-return training as Sun Yuanqiang prepared to serve.
• Gao Ming instinctively read Sun Yuanqiang’s Sneak Long Serve and returned it, but Li Huashan attacked with a heavy topspin.
• Sun Yuanqiang anticipated Wang Chao’s shot toward the deep backhand corner and redirected it toward Gao Ming, who pushed the ball high off the table.
• Sun Yuanqiang and Li Huashan won the point and cut the score to 2:1.

Wang Chao and Gao Ming fell further behind in their doubles match as Gao Ming’s fear kept him from carrying out his role. After Gao Ming’s failed serve, Geng Shuai confronted him for forcing Wang Chao to take reckless attacks, leaving Gao Ming questioning his worth.

• Gao Ming struggled against Sun Yuanqiang’s shots, and Wang Chao’s attempt to surprise the opponents with a long serve failed when Li Huashan smashed it for a point.
• Gao Ming asked Wang Chao to attack directly because he could not handle receiving, and Wang Chao agreed.
• Wang Chao attacked repeatedly, but Black Spade Q Club fell behind as Gao Ming failed to support him and the score reached 10-3.
• Gao Ming served a short backspin into the net, then fled to his teammates as the crowd laughed.
• Geng Shuai grabbed Gao Ming and accused him of forcing Wang Chao to take the blame for their failing play.
• Gao Ming could not explain himself and wondered if he really was a worthless player.

After Geng Shuai’s harsh encouragement, Gao Ming found the resolve to face Jingyue Bay’s players head-on in the doubles match. He opened the second game with two bold returns, and Wang Chao set up a difficult attack for Gao Ming to handle.

• Geng Shuai berated Gao Ming until he agreed to try returning both serves and attacks in the second game.
• Gao Ming attacked Li Huashan’s first sneak long serve, giving Spade Q an unexpected 1–0 lead.
• Gao Ming used his serve-reading technique to attack Li Huashan’s next sneak long serve and drew cheers from the crowd.
• Sun Yuanqiang chopped Wang Chao’s return deep, and Wang Chao pushed the ball back to create a chance for Gao Ming to face Li Huashan’s attack.

Gao Ming’s relentless defense helped Wang Chao and Spade Q take the second game against Jingyue Bay, tying the match at 1:1. In the third game, Gao Ming returned Sun Yuanqiang’s chops more steadily while Wang Chao’s attack took over.

• Li Huashan attacked with a heavy topspin, but Gao Ming blocked it back and set up Wang Chao to score.
• Gao Ming defended relentlessly through a long deuce, and Spade Q won the second game 14:12 with two decisive flicks from Wang Chao.
• The match stood tied at 1:1, and the Spring City Sports Arena fell silent as spectators reacted to Spade Q’s performance.
• Gao Ming received Sun Yuanqiang’s chops more consistently in the third game, allowing Wang Chao to unleash his powerful attacks.

Wang Chao led Spade Q to a 3:0 team victory over Jingyue Bay, then discovered that Luo Jiu had narrowly lost to Bay Island rookie Lin Zijun at an international tournament. The chapter left Wang Chao assessing the news as less disastrous than the headline suggested.

• Wang Chao and Gao Ming defeated Li Huashan and Sun Yuanqiang 11:4 in the third game, giving Spade Q a 2:1 match lead.
• Wang Chao and Gao Ming won the fourth game 11:5, and Spade Q completed a 3:0 team sweep of Jingyue Bay.
• Gao Ming stepped out of the spotlight after the victory, but Wang Chao recognized him as a hero and drew attention to his contribution.
• Li Huashan and Sun Yuanqiang forced Wang Chao to drink and eat cicada pupae and balut, but Wang Chao enjoyed the food and foiled their attempt to disgust him.
• Wang Chao read that Luo Jiu had lost to rookie Lin Zijun in an international tournament, then learned Luo Jiu had made progress after changing his rubber.

Lin Zijun made a spectacular international debut at the Kangaroo Country World Tour, defeating Luo Jiu before losing the final to Sun Tianlong. He left with a silver medal and Bay Island’s best world-event result in nearly a decade.

• Lin Zijun reached the semifinals after fighting through the qualifiers and defeated Luo Jiu 4:2 with rapid attacks and adaptable tactics.
• Lin Zijun’s victory over Luo Jiu drew widespread acclaim, while Luo Jiu’s performance was praised despite his loss.
• Sun Tianlong defeated the Swedish player to reach the final against Lin Zijun.
• Sun Tianlong overcame Lin Zijun 4:1, ending his winning streak and claiming the Kangaroo Country title.
• Lin Zijun took silver and set Bay Island table tennis’s best world-event result in nearly a decade.

Wang Chao studied Poseidon Club and Bingcheng Pharmaceutical ahead of Spade Q’s upcoming match, recognizing that his team would need Geng Shuai to win both singles points. Geng Shuai refused to practice with Wang Chao so he could build confidence for the match, then asked Tian Zhengguang to train with him.

• Wang Chao watched Lin Zijun’s matches and researched the First Division standings, Ma Angxing, and Poseidon Club’s strengths.
• Fan Xiaoxian and Spade Q wrote a sarcastic couplet for Fang Yuan before leaving Jingyuewan for Bingcheng City.
• Spade Q arrived at Bingcheng Pharmaceutical’s home city and began training separately from its players before the teams exchanged greetings.
• Wang Chao assessed Bingcheng Pharmaceutical’s veteran lineup and feared its long-dominant doubles pair would deny Spade Q a point.
• Geng Shuai told Wang Chao he would not practice with him until after the match, explaining that he wanted to nurture his conviction to win.
• Geng Shuai asked Tian Zhengguang to practice with him so he could build confidence for the upcoming singles matches.

Cai Guodong and Zhu Zeshi arranged for He Jingping to defend Luo Jiu’s technical overhaul publicly and shift the criticism away from him. Cai also accepted responsibility himself, while Qin Huachang’s detailed report backed giving Luo Jiu another chance.

• Cai Guodong told He Jingping that the national team needed an explanation for Luo Jiu’s three losses to non-Chinese associations, and He offered to take responsibility rather than let Luo suffer again.
• Cai asked He Jingping to give Huashi Sports Channel an interview, explain Luo Jiu’s overhaul, and make bold promises about his future; He agreed and vowed Luo would win the Olympic singles championship and a Grand Slam.
• After He Jingping left to train Luo Jiu, Zhu Zeshi revealed that he had arranged the conversation with Cai Guodong to give He a target for his frustration.
• Cai read Qin Huachang’s report, which argued that Luo Jiu’s overhaul had a high chance of success and recommended giving him another opportunity, potentially by having Lin Li yield his October Asian Cup slot.
• Cai delivered a signed Letter of Guarantee to the General Administration of Sport, accepting full responsibility for any mistakes concerning Luo Jiu’s overhaul or supervising coach.

Brother Da Ma previewed the day's table tennis matches and compared Shaved Head Youth with Hu Buming, then recounted the rise and fall of former Six Little Dragons player Qiu Yinong. He revealed that Qiu Yinong was now the strict head coach of the Western Sichuan Province women's team.

• Brother Da Ma explained that Xiang River Club's coach Zhou Xiangshu had promised to sweep Duck Head Club as a challenge aimed at Spade Q.
• Brother Da Ma compared Hu Buming's rapid improvement with Shaved Head Youth's unbeaten run and judged Shaved Head Youth more likely to win a head-to-head match.
• Brother Da Ma discussed other rising young players, including Lin Zijun and Zhang Benkuang, and said Shaved Head Youth might show his true strength against Poseidon Club.
• Brother Da Ma described how Qiu Yinong rose to prominence by defeating Hans Bayer at the World Table Tennis Championships after coming back from two games down.
• Brother Da Ma said Qiu Yinong's repeated rule-breaking led the coaching staff to send him back to his provincial team, after which he eventually retired and became a coach.
• Brother Da Ma revealed that Qiu Yinong was now the Western Sichuan Province women's team head coach, known as Iron-Faced Qiu for his strict treatment of players.

Brother Da Ma revealed that the previous Six Little Dragons member Fan Pingnan had been left paralyzed after an accident and had quit table tennis. In the match between Geng Shuai and Yang Yingzi, Yang Yingzi deliberately risked a humiliating bagel by repeatedly lobbing high balls, leaving Geng Shuai ahead 1–0 as the story highlighted the veteran’s willingness to prioritize the team’s victory over appearances.

• Brother Da Ma said Fan Pingnan had passed the test but was paralyzed in a training accident and later withdrew from table tennis.
• Geng Shuai opened the first singles match against Yang Yingzi in sharp form and quickly took an 8:0 lead.
• Yang Yingzi repeatedly lobbed high balls despite Geng Shuai smashing each one, choosing to test whether he could provoke Geng Shuai’s inner demons.
• Geng Shuai won the first game 11:0 in four minutes, while Wang Chao praised Yang Yingzi’s veteran resolve.

Geng Shuai used a blind smash to defeat Yang Yingzi and give Spade Q the first match, despite the strain the high-ball tactic put on him. As Lu Jia faced Liu Qiwen in the second match, Wang Chao and Geng Shuai realized Liu Qiwen had likely sprained his ankle, presenting Spade Q with an unexpected opportunity.

• Yang Yingzi kept sending high balls, and Geng Shuai closed his eyes to land a blind smash before winning the game 11:6 and the first match for Spade Q.
• Geng Shuai returned exhausted, and Wang Chao worried he might not withstand further high-ball attacks in later matches.
• Lu Jia attacked freely against Liu Qiwen, scoring five points in the first game and seven in the second despite losing both.
• Wang Chao noticed Liu Qiwen was moving slowly and passing up chances to attack with his forehand.
• Wang Chao and Geng Shuai concluded that Liu Qiwen had sprained his ankle, and Wang Chao wondered whether Spade Q should take advantage of it.

Wang Chao gave Bingcheng Pharmaceutical the first serve so he could arrange for Ma Hui to receive his serve, then used Lu Jia’s body-shot strategy to score against Liu Qiwen. The match was tied 1:1, while Fan Xiaoxian still could not understand Wang Chao’s tactic.

• After Lu Jia lost the second match, Wang Chao told him to focus on hitting body shots at Liu Qiwen.
• Wang Chao gave up the right to serve, letting Ma Hui serve first so he could choose the sides and ensure Ma Hui received his serve later.
• Ma Hui opened with a surprise long serve that caught Lu Jia off guard and gave Bingcheng Pharmaceutical a 1:0 lead.
• Ma Hui served long again, and Liu Qiwen attacked Lu Jia’s return, but Wang Chao counter-looped straight back instead of changing the line.
• Ma Hui and Liu Qiwen misread Wang Chao’s shot, and the ball struck Liu Qiwen’s chest, tying the match at 1:1.
• Fan Xiaoxian watched the point but still could not understand Wang Chao’s tactic.

Spade Q exploited Liu Qiwen’s hidden ankle injury to take control of the doubles match against Bingcheng Pharmaceutical. The team eventually won 3:2, though spectators questioned whether their victory was fair.

• Lu Jia and Wang Chao repeatedly targeted Liu Qiwen’s body, exposing his injured ankle and helping Spade Q take an early lead.
• Geng Shuai explained to Fan Xiaoxian that Liu Qiwen had injured his ankle during extra training and that the doubles return order shaped the match’s outcome.
• Wang Chao’s tactics restricted Ma Hui’s attacks and forced Liu Qiwen to move, allowing Spade Q to win the first game.
• Spade Q and Bingcheng Pharmaceutical alternated game wins before Spade Q claimed the deciding fifth game, finishing the match 3:2.
• Spectators booed Spade Q, while Brother Da Ma defended the team’s tactics as legal and consistent with sportsmanship.

Black Spade Q defeated Bingcheng Pharmaceutical 3-2 after Wang Chao overwhelmed Yang Yingzi in the deciding match. The team arrived in Bin City to face Poseidon Club, whose impressive hospitality and local presence set the stage for their next challenge.

• Xiang River Club beat Duck Head Club 3-1, while Black Spade Q defeated Bingcheng Pharmaceutical 3-2 to extend its winning streak to ten matches.
• Geng Shuai lost the fourth match to Ma Hui, leaving the tie between Black Spade Q and Bingcheng Pharmaceutical level at 2-2.
• Wang Chao beat Yang Yingzi decisively in the fifth match, securing Black Spade Q's victory as the spectators gave both players a standing ovation.
• Bingcheng Pharmaceutical's coach urged Fan Xiaoxian to lead Black Spade Q to victory over Poseidon, and Yang Yingzi warned Wang Chao that Zhu Ding was exceptionally strong.
• Black Spade Q traveled to Bin City, where Poseidon Club provided comfortable accommodations and the team saw how thoroughly table tennis was woven into the city around the club.
• Fan Xiaoxian said Black Spade Q needed to defeat Poseidon, win the autumn championship, and earn promotion to build a presence comparable to theirs.

Wang Chao defeated Geng Shuai in their first game, but Geng Shuai warned that Zhu Ding was still stronger and revealed he had been holding back to protect Geng Shuai’s reputation. As Black Spade Q prepared for its match against Poseidon, Luo Jiu unexpectedly called Wang Chao and introduced himself as his senior brother.

• Wang Chao beat Geng Shuai 11:9, ending Geng Shuai’s two-month advantage over him in the opening game.
• Geng Shuai explained that Zhu Ding had deliberately held back for six years and estimated Wang Chao had only a forty-percent chance against him.
• Wang Chao and Geng Shuai trained against each other, each using the other’s pressure to prepare for the match against Poseidon.
• Poseidon coach Wang Shou announced his team’s lineup publicly and challenged Black Spade Q to arrange its lineup around Zhu Ding.
• Fan Xiaoxian handed Wang Chao her phone, and Luo Jiu called to introduce himself as Wang Chao’s senior brother and club senior.

Wang Chao spoke with Luo Jiu, who dropped his refined persona to ramble, warn him about Zhu Ding, and offer advice for defeating him. Luo Jiu shared tactical details and urged Wang Chao to play with more passion, leaving Wang to consider how much further his talent could take him.

• Wang Chao answered Luo Jiu's call and discovered that the legendary player was a shamelessly chatty, eccentric man rather than the noble gentleman he had imagined.
• Luo Jiu told Wang Chao not to let Qin Huachang poach him and declared that he would defeat Sun Tianlong at the Asian Cup in five days.
• Luo Jiu urged Wang Chao to defeat Zhu Ding mercilessly but refused to explain their complicated history.
• Luo Jiu taught Wang Chao Zhu Ding's preferred and feared placements, explaining that he had studied Zhu Ding for five years after Zhu Ding studied and challenged him.
• Luo Jiu advised Wang Chao to shout during matches and play with greater passion, saying his talent surpassed anyone he had ever seen.

Black Spade Q Club faced Poseidon Club in a highly anticipated match, with the lineup making the fourth and fifth matches especially uncertain. Geng Shuai opened against Zhu Ding, and after both men resolved to fight without pretending, Geng Shuai took the first point with a risky net-cord attack.

• The match between Black Spade Q Club and Poseidon Club began before a packed crowd, while viewers debated whether Black Spade Q could last until a deciding fifth match.
• Brother Da Ma predicted that the Shaved Head Youth would want to challenge Zhu Ding, but worried that Black Spade Q might not reach the fifth match.
• Geng Shuai recognized that Zhu Ding was determined to fight seriously, and both men set aside the old pattern in which Zhu Ding let Geng Shuai win the opening game.
• Geng Shuai chose to gamble against Zhu Ding rather than attempt a head-to-head contest, and opened with a forceful attack that clipped the net and gave him a 1–0 lead.