The weather in the Kochi region hasn't been great lately, with continuous rain for a week before the race.

Due to the rain and other factors, the track surface was very wet and soft, commonly known as a heavy track.

Under these track conditions, the grip of the track would decrease, significantly affecting the Uma Musume's running speed and stamina.

However, Lu Jue had already explained to the Uma Musume how to run on this type of track during training.

Due to the remote location and it not being a weekend, Lu Jue didn't ask anyone else to accompany them; only he and Uralala went together.

...

The day before the race, Lu Jue and Uralala packed their bags and were ready to depart.

"Uralala, why are you carrying such heavy luggage?"

Her small frame was burdened with a bag, and the luggage's volume was almost larger than her own body.

Lu Jue quickly stepped forward to help her unload it and put it in the trunk.

"Because it might be too late after the race, so let's not drive back tonight."

"So this is... a tent?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Alright, but I've already booked a hotel there."

"Ah?" Uralala exclaimed in surprise, "Trainer, you're making Uralala look so silly."

"It's fine, just leave it in the car. You go ahead and get in."

"Okay~"

...

Since they left a day early, Lu Jue wasn't in a hurry and drove slowly.

"Uralala, is this your race outfit? You put it on so quickly." Lu Jue had wanted to ask before they got in the car, but he was busy helping Uralala with her luggage.

"Yes." Uralala adjusted her clothes, pinched the hem, and turned to face Lu Jue, "How does it look?"

Her race outfit was very simple, at first glance resembling ordinary sportswear, yet it had some unique features.

Source: Internet, will be deleted if infringing

Source: Internet, will be deleted if infringing

"If I had to say, it really matches your hair color and exudes a lively and confident aura."

And also, why is the upper body so conservative, but the lower body shows so much?

The benefits should be just for him, hahaha.

However, from Uralala's calves, one could also feel a certain sense of power.

"Really? Actually, Uralala didn't think that much; I just felt it was simple and clean, and easy to run in." Being praised by Lu Jue, Uralala felt a bit embarrassed.

"Isn't that enough?"

"Mm!"

...

Listening to the music playing in the car, Uralala's gaze lingered on the beautiful scenery outside the window, then she suddenly said:

"Trainer, actually, you don't have to take me. Kochi is very far, and it's just my debut race."

"If I didn't go, would you carry all that luggage yourself, take several hours of bus to get there? Then, after the race, pitch a tent and sleep outdoors?"

"Mm..." Uralala indeed had this thought; her idea was as simple and pure as her race outfit—she just didn't want to trouble anyone.

"Actually, Kochi isn't that far for Uralala; I might arrive after a nap." Uralala clasped her hands together, placing them between her legs.

As soon as she finished speaking, Lu Jue interjected, "But I'm not at ease."

It was a straightforward, direct sentence, and Lu Jue didn't even turn his head.

"And what do you mean by 'just a debut race'?" Lu Jue laughed as he said this, "Think about all those days you trained. Now I ask you again, what is our purpose in coming to Kochi?"

"Champion! Champion! And a damn... Champion!" Uralala raised her fist, her emotions instantly stirred by Lu Jue.

"Cough cough, it's good that you know." Lu Jue uncomfortably stroked his non-existent beard. She didn't learn the good things from him, but she picked up all his unintentional verbal tics.

"Uralala, it's still a long way. If you're tired, you can rest well first and save your energy."

...

They set off in the morning, and by the time they arrived in Kochi, the sun was already setting.

Lu Jue took Uralala into the hotel.

Kochi was a small place; one could see the location of the racecourse by opening the hotel window.

The racecourse was not large, fitting the standard perfectly.

And it seemed not many people paid attention; walking along, Lu Jue for the first time didn't find the racecourse crowded before a race.

"So... Uralala, what are you doing walking into my room?" Lu Jue closed the window, looking at Uralala, who was holding her luggage, and said speechlessly.

"Aren't we staying here?"

"Didn't you notice there's only one bed here?"

"I know." Uralala said innocently, patting the bag containing the tent.

"Uralala, are you too nervous?" Lu Jue gazed at Uralala with a focused look.

After all, it was a new place, and nervousness was inevitable.

Indeed, under Lu Jue's gaze, Uralala's nervousness gradually showed on her face.

She clasped her hands together and murmured, "Just a little nervous, just a tiny bit..."

If she were alone, she might be aimlessly staring in her tent right now.

But with Lu Jue by her side, she wanted to get closer to him, to rely on him.

"Nervousness is very normal. Just treat it as an ordinary training session. I'll be at the finish line cheering for you and timing you."

"But I'm still a little bit nervous."

"Mm... Then what does Uralala need me to do? Or how can I help Uralala?"

"Ugh..." Under Lu Jue's questioning gaze, Uralala took one of Lu Jue's hands and slowly placed it on her head, "Can you... can you pat Uralala, that would be good."

She slowly lowered her hands, bowed her head, and closed her eyes at the same time.

"Okay." Lu Jue stroked Uralala's head.

Upon their arrival, the weather in Kochi was still somewhat gloomy and damp, like a melancholic woman, giving off a sad atmosphere.

There had already been signs of continuous rain, so it would be normal for her to shed tears again.

But at this moment, a golden light seemed to quietly perch on the windowsill, silently watching the two people in the room.

"Uralala, you have to work hard; you're not alone." Lu Jue withdrew his hand and took something out of his backpack. "This is a four-leaf clover. I hope it brings you good luck. Xiao Te and the others wove it together. I originally wanted to give it to you tomorrow."

"Four-leaf clover..." Uralala held it precious in her hands, her eyes filled with surprise.

"You've cheered for them so many times; of course, they all remember."

"Before I even said I'd accompany you, they all actively asked me to go with you."

"Uralala isn't invisible; everyone cares about you. How could they bear to let you go so far all alone?"