Back home, freshly showered and wrapped in a towel, Peach Waves sat at her desk, gently blow-drying her hair. But her thoughts were still tangled in the afternoon's encounter with Nishino Flower.
"By the way… I earned some radish points. Let's see what I can pull."
She set down the dryer, brushed her bangs aside, and summoned the virtual light curtain. The carousel interface hovered before her, glowing softly. Her finger hovered over the single-draw button.
"Please don't be something useless…"
She tapped it.
The turntable spun, colors flashing. Her eyes locked onto the fan chart as it slowed… and landed on a green segment.
Congratulations! You've drawn: [Energy Candy]
Energy Candy: Restores full stamina when consumed during training. Not usable in official races.
A white flash lit up the desk, and a small purple box appeared. Inside, colorful candies shimmered beneath transparent wrapping.
"Looks ordinary… does it really work?"
She unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth. The moment it touched her tongue, it liquefied and surged through her body like a bolt of energy.
"Whoa—no flavor, just instant power!"
She clenched her fist, feeling strength return.
"Okay, that's legit. But… not allowed in competition, huh?"
She squinted at the fine print.
"So they don't want me cheating…"
Knock knock knock.
Longjing's voice called from outside.
"Peach Waves, dinner's ready! You must've burned a lot of energy today. So I made something special!"
"Coming, Grandpa!"
She stood up, then paused, hand on her stomach.
"Wait… does this candy make me full too? Should I still eat?"
Her dilemma was short-lived.
"There's honey roasted chicken! If you don't come down now, it'll get cold!"
"Roast chicken?! I'm coming!"
She dashed to the table, eyes sparkling at the feast. Just as she reached for the steaming chicken—
Smack!
Longjing's hand-chop landed on her head.
"Wash your hands first."
"Ugh… fine."
After a whirlwind meal, Peach Waves stood to return to her room, but Longjing stopped her.
"Tomorrow's your aptitude test. Be ready early."
"Got it, Grandpa."
Lying in bed, she stared out the window. The stars twinkled beside the moon.
"Can I really get into Central Tracen Academy? I shouldn't pin everything on one outcome…"
"If I don't make it, I'll find another way. Maybe set up a stall outside the race venue—more chances to trade with other horse girls."
She picked up her phone. A notification popped up:
Oguri Cap, the Monster, enters next month's G2 tournament.
Her eyes lit up.
"Oguri Cap?! That's a jackpot client! If I set up a stall there, I might earn enough radish points for a dozen draws!"
She bolted to the kitchen, where Longjing was washing dishes.
"Grandpa! Can I set up a stall at next month's tournament?"
Longjing blinked, then chuckled.
"You want to sell food at a race?"
"Yes! Please?"
He hesitated.
"Peach Waves… I can support you. The restaurant's doing fine. Why go through all that?"
She clasped her hands behind her back, gazing out the window.
Longjing paused, sensing something deeper.
"I'm the old man here—why are you the one sighing?"
"Grandpa… why do birds fly?"
The question hit him like a wave. He couldn't answer. It wasn't about birds—it was about freedom.
"...Alright. I won't stop you. But I'm sending Xiao Ning with you."
"Thank you, Grandpa!"
Relieved, Longjing wiped his brow.
"Don't scare me like that, child."
"Sorry, Grandpa. I meant it."
"So… what will you sell? Fried noodles?"
Peach Waves wagged her finger.
"Nope! Too basic. I'm going high-end."
"High-end?"
"Grilled cold noodles!"
Longjing raised an eyebrow.
"Grilled… cold noodles? That sounds contradictory."
"I'll show you tomorrow after the test!"
"Alright. Goodnight, Peach Waves."
"Goodnight, Grandpa!"
The next morning, Longjing woke her up early. They headed straight to the training ground.
"This test will take a while. Lots of segments. I'll grab snacks for you later."
He patted her head as she climbed into the car.
"No need, Grandpa. I already prepared."
Longjing laughed.
"You really are something else."