Time passed quietly.
Lu Jue continued his two-point-a-line routine between assistant Trainer and teacher.
However, Silent Suzuka would soon have her next race.
After Silent Suzuka left the team, she could no longer participate in the team training of "Rigil."
Therefore, Lu Jue naturally took charge of her training.
The day before the race, Lu Jue was still analyzing the opponents' data for Silent Suzuka.
"There aren't any particularly strong competitors tomorrow; you can win if you perform normally."
In the anime, Silent Suzuka won this race with a significant lead, so Lu Jue wasn't overly worried.
But he didn't dare to follow the anime plot entirely, as his arrival had already caused a butterfly effect, and being cautious was always beneficial.
"Mm-hm." Silent Suzuka nodded, watching Lu Jue intently analyze the data with his head down, a sense of peace welling up within her.
Although it was her own racetrack, she gradually no longer felt lonely.
"I've nailed the horseshoes for you, and checked the condition of your shoes." Lu Jue placed Silent Suzuka's shoes on the chair.
The surface was smooth and clean, reflecting the light, looking as if they had just been polished.
"Thank you." Silent Suzuka carefully took them, feeling as if they weighed more than usual.
This wasn't the first time; during training breaks, she had also seen Lu Jue helping her clean her shoes and secure the horseshoes.
However, when she was with "Rigil," she had never seen Lu Jue do this for anyone else.
"Will you wear your Winning Live outfit for tomorrow's race?"
Silent Suzuka shook her head, "No."
"Alright, then just wear your normal sportswear."
Lu Jue wasn't entirely sure of the race's level, but he could infer a bit from Silent Suzuka's attitude.
It's worth mentioning that this race marked the beginning of the anime's plot.
He estimated that he would meet the Uma Musume "Special Week" from the countryside tomorrow.
"And the strategy?" Lu Jue paused, a smile on his lips, "Just choose what you think is most suitable."
"Um... Lu Jue-jun, why do you value me so much?"
Even if Lu Jue was a Trainer, she felt he was doing too much.
In the teams she had been in before, no Trainer was so thorough.
"That's because you're my Uma Musume! Of course, I have to be responsible for you!"
"Who's your Uma Musume..." Silent Suzuka muttered under her breath, her gaze drifting to the shoes.
"You promised to join my team later, don't even think about running away."
Silent Suzuka scoffed softly, "Then if I win, is there a reward?"
"A massage?"
At the mention of this, a blush crept onto Silent Suzuka's pretty face.
The scenes from last time, and the time before that, still bothered her.
"You're not allowed to be so rough again, otherwise... I won't give you massages anymore."
That was a somewhat ineffective protest.
But seeing Silent Suzuka's embarrassed expression, Lu Jue's face also turned red.
......
: No, why are you blushing like a teapot?!
Author: Everyone, please understand, Little Lu is not only a virgin but has never been in love.
: Oh~ I see, I understand.
Lu Jue: But I've had many admirers.
Author: *Hiss*... Everyone, no need to understand anymore. Those with grudges, take revenge; those with kindness, forget it.
......
"That's because you threatened me..."
"Lu Jue-jun, are you still blaming me?" Silent Suzuka showed a harmless smile.
"Ahem, Silence Suzuka, let's continue talking about the reward." Lu Jue wondered when he could secretly delete that recording.
"I also want a celebration feast."
"A celebration feast? That's not impossible." Lu Jue thought for a moment and decided, "We can invite everyone from 'Rigil' then, so everyone can celebrate with you."
"Um..."
"What's wrong, Silence Suzuka? Do you have any other requests?" Lu Jue looked at Silent Suzuka suspiciously; he felt she wasn't as happy as he imagined.
"Nothing, I've only thought of these for now." Silent Suzuka replied, coming back to herself.
Actually, the celebration feast she mentioned didn't mean inviting others.
She was just craving those delicious foods and didn't want to share them with anyone else...
"Mm, that's right, can't be so stingy." Silent Suzuka emphasized to herself in her mind.
"Then there's nothing else. Get a good rest tonight, and don't be nervous."
Lu Jue felt that this race was still meaningful, hoping that winning would help Silent Suzuka regain some confidence.
When they parted, Silent Suzuka seemed hesitant, as if she had something on her mind.
"Lu Jue-jun." She called out to Lu Jue.
"What's wrong?"
"Will you come to see tomorrow's race?"
Silent Suzuka's hands were behind her back, unconsciously twirling.
But isn't it natural for a Trainer to watch his team member's race? Moreover, Silent Suzuka was currently Lu Jue's only team member.
She didn't know why, but she just asked.
There were many unconscious things, like how she just called Lu Jue "Lu Jue-jun" instead of "Lu Jue-sensei."
"Of course, I'll be there to see your victorious figure and your Winning Live."
Winning Live performance, meaning after an Uma Musume wins, she will perform on a magnificent stage, showcasing her talents.
This is also a very important segment, and Teresen Academy specifically trains Uma Musume for it.
However, generally only the top three are eligible to perform on this stage.
So in this world, famous Uma Musume are like idol stars, possessing a lot of popularity and fans.
"Lu Jue-sensei, you don't seem to have guided me on my Winning Live performance yet." Silent Suzuka narrowed her eyes, looking at Lu Jue.
"Uh... you'll have to figure that out yourself. My guidance might only make you embarrass yourself on stage."
Lu Jue said, scratching the back of his head with a laugh.
He could sing, but dancing was out of the question, though he could rap and play basketball.
"Alright, I won't trouble you then."
"Mm-hm." Lu Jue's mood gradually calmed, "Silence Suzuka, good luck."
......