Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Really Didn’t Treat Him Like an Outsider

“Of course, you’re welcome, welcome!”

Having a little idol to watch his competition, Ling Yu suddenly felt invigorated during training. He asked Xu Ying, “When I start simulation training, could you help me time it?”

“Sure!”

Xu Ying nodded briskly and added, “You and the Little Ear Foxes go ahead and warm up. I have something to take care of first!”

With that, Xu Ying jogged over to where the Vultures were gathered.

The Vulture Matron was currently nesting on a dune not far from the rescue station, ready to lay eggs at any moment.

Seeing Xu Ying arrive, they were all very enthusiastic, and the young vultures flapped their wings to welcome her.

[Little Station Master, what’s up?]

“Vulture Brothers, are you busy right now, and could you help by being the coach?”

The vultures exchanged glances. They were raised by humans and had seen enough TV to know what a coach was: [Coach? How on earth are we supposed to be coaches?]

Xu Ying glanced at Ling Yu, who was warming up not far away, and whispered her plan to the vultures.

“When he’s about to start running, here’s what I need you to do…”

After listening, the vultures all got excited.

These days, with the caretaker feeding them, they didn’t have to hunt for food constantly and were quite bored, so they were glad to find some entertainment—oops, to give back to the humans.

After setting this up, Xu Ying went over to Ling Yu’s RV.

Ling Yu was in the middle of unloading the hurdles from the car. Ten hurdles were needed for the 110-meter barrier, and with each hurdle spaced 9.14 meters apart, setting them up was quite a task.

After Xu Ying helped Ling Yu unload one hurdle, she realized it was too slow. She then said, “I’ll call in an animal friend to help. Don’t be scared when it arrives.”

While Ling Yu was still puzzled about who she meant, a tall and mighty Gobi Bear sauntered over at Xu Ying’s call.

As a long-time viewer of the live stream, Ling Yu wasn’t frightened by the Gobi Bear. After watching numerous cut videos, it felt like an old friend.

Observing Ling Yu’s reaction, Xu Ying smiled, knowing she was right not to enlist the Gobi Bear as a coach—Ling Yu wasn’t scared.

Ling Yu eyed the bashful bear curiously, “This…this doesn’t look like the one that carried you, does it?”

Xu Ying seemed amused by Ling Yu’s perceptiveness toward animals, “Exactly! This one’s a bit more introverted but really thoughtful and reliable!”

Ling Yu greeted the shy bear, while the towering Brother Bear sheepishly hid behind Xu Ying, making it quite a comical sight as her petite frame offered little cover.

Ling Yu chuckled. Spending time with this group of friends genuinely felt much more relaxing.

With the Gobi Bear’s help, the hurdles were quickly set in place.

Once the hurdles were positioned and secured, Ling Yu checked everything over to confirm the distances were correct and started his first timed training.

Five little foxes clung to Xu Ying—each now had a ’reserved seat.’

The eldest lay atop Xu Ying’s head, acting as a warm fur hat, while the second and third draped like scarves on her shoulders. The fourth and fifth nestled in her arms, shielding against the wind and providing warmth.

Xu Ying held a whistle in her mouth, waiting for Ling Yu to get ready.

Ling Yu had already shed his hoodie, revealing a jersey with the national team emblem.

Indeed, donning the uniform made a difference; Xu Ying thought he looked so much more spirited.

His shoulders were broad and strong, his arms and chest muscles firm and well-defined, and his legs long and straight, resembling a cheetah poised to pounce.

She blew the whistle signaling readiness. Ling Yu’s lips curled slightly, his chiseled jawline tightening, signaling his tension.

As he moved in response to the whistle, the hem of his jersey lifted slightly, exposing a taut waist and abdomen.

His tan skin shimmered healthily under the setting sun.

Xu Ying’s expression paused momentarily, then she quickly ducked her head, pretending to smooth the fox cub’s fur.

This was extraordinary—truly the best of the national sports team!

Seeing Ling Yu ready, she blew the starting whistle.

Ling Yu dashed out like an arrow released from a bow!

The approach, the hurdles—completed in one flowing motion.

As he crossed the finish line, Xu Ying clicked the stopwatch.

Ling Yu raced over to check his result: 13.48 seconds.

To secure first place in a world-class competition, running under 13 seconds was essential.

13.48 seconds placed him around sixth or seventh, not enough for the top three, whereas Ling Yu’s world record-breaking time was 12.88 seconds.

Ling Yu seemed accustomed to this outcome and wasn’t discouraged: “Let’s practice, go again.”

Even after five more timed trials, the first one was the best.

After reviewing his own data and videos taken by Gobi Bear as a bear-shaped phone stand, Ling Yu remained silent, with furrowed brows.

Xu Ying comforted him, “It’s sandy here, it must be affecting you.”

Ling Yu shook his head with a neutral expression, already familiar with the countless monotonous results of being stuck in a plateau.

Plateau phases are always stifling, casting doubts and sapping hope.

Ling Yu intended to rest a while before proceeding with strength training, “Today is just the first day, let’s see how it goes from here.”

“Although there are no changes in training yet, I feel a lot more open-minded being here.”

Xu Ying noticed the vultures creeping closer.

She suggested, “Take a break and try once more.”

“I have an idea that might help you break through this plateau, but you need to be mentally prepared. Would you like to give it a shot?”

Upon hearing this, Ling Yu’s eyes lit up, “Do you really have a solution? My coaching team is already pulling their hair out.”

“I’m not sure if it works better than what your coach uses, but it’s definitely something your coach has never tried!”

Xu Ying ushered him back to the starting line, blocking his view from behind, “Come on, come on, get ready!”

With the signal whistle, Ling Yu quickly assumed the start position.

But as he looked down, all the criticism, disappointment, confusion, and imagery from withdrawing from competitions… pressures surged like a raging tide.

He closed his eyes briefly, yet nothing could shake these shackles off—they tangled around him like seaweed.

Just then, an unusual sensation came from behind.

When Ling Yu turned his head, he found a vulture that looked like a marauder had somehow appeared behind him, its sharp hooked beak lightly touching his rear. At that moment, a shiver sparked through him, instantly dispelling all his troubles, leaving his mind fixated on the vulture’s beak that resembled a dagger.

And in the next instant, the vulture’s neck arched slightly backward, seemingly ready to peck down!

“Oh my God!!”

Xu Ying seized this opportunity, blowing the whistle. Ling Yu’s mind hadn’t reacted yet, but his body instinctively sprang from the starting line.

Faced with humanity’s most primal instinct for survival, all worries were cast aside.

With adrenaline surging, Ling Yu’s sole thought was to protect his rear end!!

He had told Xu Ying not to treat him like an outsider; little did he expect she wouldn’t even treat him like a person!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep