Huo Ren instinctively took the woven basket and saw the ostriches saddled and ready.
This kind of activity had become popular in African zoos and was gradually introduced to China. As long as participants followed safety regulations and had professional guidance, it was generally not dangerous.
Apart from the corn, the basket contained various fruits that ostriches loved to eat, obviously intended to guide and control the mounts.
In the neighboring group, two children pushed Xie Lianyun to the front.
“Xie-ge, give it a try!”
Long Jia, naturally adept with animals, was busy petting the heads of three ostriches in turn.
As Xie Lianyun was pushed forward, the ostrich that stood two meters tall perked up instantly and entered battle mode.
“I knew it,” Xie Lianyun said lazily. “You two go and have fun; I’ll stay right here.”
Due to his unusual aversion to animals, he had encountered odd situations while taking pictures of animals today. Squirrels that had been cuddling and grooming each other on the pine branches suddenly scattered in fear when they saw Xie Lianyun approaching, abandoning their partners and offspring.
Stray cats could play for a long time with Xiao Chi and Yao Yao, but the moment Xie Lianyun got close, they arched their backs and hissed.
“It’s probably because I’ve killed too many druids in the arena,” Xie Lianyun said nonchalantly. “This is my retribution.”
According to the rules, each team had to send at least two members onto the field, with the remaining member responsible for assisting from outside the barrier, using bait sticks to disrupt the competition, and so on.
Chi Yao and Long Jue entered the field with proper protection, ready to mount the ostriches in the narrow square enclosure.
“Please be aware,” the trainer cautioned, “that during the race, hold the ostrich’s wings tightly to maintain balance. When chasing, twist their heads to change direction. Please do not hurt or injure them.”
“Three, twoโ”
Before the trainer could finish, all four gates opened simultaneously, and the ostriches shot out like rockets.
These creatures, which appeared docile with their long eyelashes, were like madmen once they started running, accelerating like flying monkeys, and bouncing wildly. The four of them had initially imagined a stable and speedy race like riding horses, but once they were on top, it felt like they were dancing in mid-air.
“I-I-I can’t sit still! My butt hurts!” Mei Shengyao, holding the ostrich’s neck, stumbled around the track. “How do I hit the butt? It’s so itchy!”
“Long… slow down… slow down!!” Chi Ji was struggling to stay balanced.
Within three minutes, Chi Ji had quickly mastered the essentials, found his balance, and overtook others with ease. When he passed Mei Shengyao, who was frantically holding onto the ostrich’s neck, he smoothly swiped the bamboo hoops from his hand and tossed them back at Long Jia. “Whoosh!”
“Chi Ji, well done! You almost got a hit!” Xie Lianyun quickly handed him over thirty-odd bamboo hoops. “Start with Bo Jue!”
At this moment, Bo Jue was still struggling to maintain his balance, holding a radish in his hand and searching for the others’ positions.
Huo Ren dangled the corn stick and swept it across the track. The ostrich Mei Shengyao was holding onto suddenly sprinted towards them.
Meanwhile, Chi Ji had thrown four or five bamboo hoops in a row, and the last one accidentally caught Long Jia.
“Long Jia is out!”
The other three continued their chaotic running around, making more noise than car horns.
Mei Shengyao finally managed to ride the ostrich steadily and learned to turn. He received four radishes from Xie Lianyun and made a sudden turn.
“Jue-ge, let’s take down Xiao Chi!”
Preparing for one versus two, Bo Jue, who was under great pressure, was stunned, โHuh?โ
Chi Ji, who vaguely saw victory, was stunned, โHuh?โ
Xie Lianyun, who had just supplied ammunition for the enemy, couldn’t believe it. “Whoa!”
Mei Shengyao swiftly commanded the ostrich and charged towards Chi Ji. With a quick motion, he threw a small white radish like a dodgeball.
Chi Ji dodged the radish and brought his ostrich to a sudden halt, turning to say, “Mei Shengyao, I misjudged you!”
“Brother, why are you running away?”
“I’m going to die!!!”
Bo Jue, who had been bouncing on the ostrich, was nearly decapitated. He wished he could install shock absorbers on this ostrich. He was gripping the wings with one hand and holding his neck with the other. “Be careful! Watch your safety!”
“Brother, please go faster,” Mei Shengyao said, now in a leisurely mood. “You’re so slow. Are you deliberately going slow to let me catch up? If not, I can come over and ride with you.”
“No! Way!”
“Then beg me,” Mei Shengyao grinned mischievously. “Beg me, and I’ll play with you a bit longer.”
Xie Lianyun let out a deep sigh. How did this little traitor become even more mischievous? Who taught him all these tricks?
Chi Ji played a challenging fifteen minutes against both of them before being shot by Huo Ren.
As he left the field, he felt somewhat wronged. “Can’t we play a bit longer?”
“Long Jia, we won!” Bo Jue jumped off the ostrich and rushed to Long Jia, his face filled with a smile. “We finally won the third roundโ”
He hadn’t even removed his wrist guards and knee pads when he realized something was amiss.
“Wait a minute…” He took a step back. “Long Jia, you’re… the spy?”
“Yeah,” Huo Ren rubbed his forehead. “I didn’t even realize it.”
Long Jia nodded but didn’t mention how Huo Ren had helped Bo Jue by blocking the bamboo hoops.
Bo Jue, who had initially been ecstatic about their victory, suddenly had a belated realization. He faced Huo Ren in front of the cameras and asked, “You… You’ve been lying to me all day today?”
“Why did you invite me to take a photo with you?” Long Jia asked, looking at him with a smile. “You were focused on leading the team today, so you probably didn’t notice.”
“But… But,” Bo Jue suddenly had several emotions tangled together, his eyes turning red. “I originally wanted to win and treat you all to ice cream… Shouldn’t we be together?”
“We shouldn’t,” Long Jia helped smooth out his messy hair. “Take Yao Yao out for ice cream. Have a great time together.”
The assistant director turned to the executive director and asked, “Can we use this segment?”
“Why can’t we?” The older man looked confused. “Isn’t it just a display of teamwork among teammates?”
“Oh, right. You’re correct.”
On the return journey, Huo Ren slept soundly, not even aware of who was sitting beside him. He had expended a lot of energy during the day, and as he drifted into deep unconsciousness, he snuggled into the embrace of the person next to him. The members of Corona had been together for more than six years, and there were no inhibitions between them, often helping each other out with back rubs.
When he woke up again, the nanny van was driving on the highway, and rain was drizzling outside the window. The cool breeze of late spring seeped through the cracks in the window, delicately touching his skin like spider silk.
Wrapped in a pure wool blanket, Huo Ren felt peaceful and content.
When he woke up once more, he noticed an open book beside his cheek. Snuggled in the blanket, he sniffed the familiar scent of oceanic cologne. A quick glance to the side revealed Pei Ruye, who was also looking at him.
At this moment, the night was dark, the rain was heavy outside, and the car was quiet and tranquil inside.
Xie Lianyun was sprawled across Mei Shengyao’s lap, snoring away.
Huo Ren blinked his eyes, still trying to piece together what was happening.
From the age of fifteen or sixteen, he had been accustomed to sleeping on car rides leaning against his teacher.
Now, Pei Ruye was not only his teacher but also a warm and trustworthy presence.
Admiration, longing, affection – a mixture of emotions had formed between them, creating a perfect balance of distance.
A little distance always made him miss and want to get closer to the other person, making it somewhat addictive.
With a slight distance, there was always a sense of longing and closeness, making it somewhat addictive.
Huo Ren maintained his position snuggled against Pei Ruye’s chest and spoke with a slightly hoarse voice. “Boss Pei, I’m really thirsty.”
Pei Ruye, also looking at him, raised an eyebrow.
This kid was daring to flirt with him after getting a good night’s sleep.
“Get up,” Pei Ruye said as he helped him stand up, pushing him away discreetly. “Sit on your left side.”
Huo Ren obediently shifted his position, lowered his head, and took a sip of water.
There was silence for a while, and Pei Ruye continued reading without looking at him.
“Teacher, I twisted my wrist during the recording today,” Huo Ren whispered. “It’s still a bit painful.”
Pei Ruye still didn’t look up from his book.
“When we get back, find the team doctor.”
Huo Ren nodded silently and gingerly massaged his own wrist.
After a couple of rubs, his right hand was gently pulled away by another hand. It was a warm hand with calluses on the fingertips, pressing on his smooth skin, creating a faint warmth.
The man’s palm was soft, yet his fingertips were strong, and the pressure applied on his wrist was just right.
He massaged slowly, with a hint of helpless affection, but he still refused to meet his gaze.
Huo Ren didn’t push it further and, after his right hand was finished, he extended his left hand.
“This one hurts too.”
Pei Ruye finally glanced at him, calmly.
The young white wolf was playfully testing the boundaries of danger.
“Boss Pei,” Huo Ren drawled with a long tone. “How about massaging this one too?”
He rarely used such a nickname.
Calling him “Teacher” was like placing them at different heights, with one always looking up to the other.
But some barriers could be broken.
After a long silence, Pei Ruye accepted Huo Ren’s left wrist and continued to massage it without a word.
Huo Ren’s fair and smooth skin gave him a delicate and fragile impression, quite different from his usual demeanor.
Huo Ren leaned closer, extending his wrist, and kept his eyes fixed on him.
Just being like this was already wonderful.
Seeing each other regularly, occasionally joking around, not being too distant from each other, was enough to make his affection grow and continue like this.
Even without kisses or hugs, he didn’t feel lonely or want to withdraw.
Pei Ruye extended the massage session without saying anything more, and they continued their conversation in a business-like tone.
“Two days from now, we’re starting the recording for ‘The Idol’s Code.’ The auditions and second rounds for the amateurs are finished, and all four teams will compete together.”
“Alright, during tomorrow’s rehearsal, let’s run through the routines a couple more times.”
“The cultural test involves Spanish lessons for everyone, with a live exam and scoring broadcast. You, along with Bo Jue and Xiao Chi, are within the prohibited area for this test.”
“But there’s still plenty of room for improvement in the physical test.”
Pei Ruye had grown accustomed to his role as the temporary manager and handed him a document.
“How about a 3v3 basketball match?”
Tennis had its entry barriers, and some contestants might struggle without the right skills. Last-minute training could also be seen as unfair.
Basketball, on the other hand, offered intense competition, a chance to showcase physical abilities and charm, making it a perfect opportunity for Corona to shine.
“Sounds good. I’ll warm up with Long-ge and the others in advance.”
Huo Ren’s words trailed off as he suddenly noticed the rose brooch on Pei Ruye’s chest, right above his heart. The brooch had been hidden by the blanket earlier, but now it was exposed.
Even though Huo Ren knew that he had given it to Pei Ruye, seeing him wear it still made his heart skip a beat. It was as if he was being tempted all over again.
“Are you looking at this?” With Huo Ren staring at the brooch, Pei Ruye leaned in and kissed the delicate crimson petals.
“I really like it.”
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