I Appreciate Young People Like You

After asking this question, Saburo Kitajima suddenly sighed before Anjing Zhen could even answer.

"My apologies, that question was a bit much. After all... a race like a G1, how could one just win it whenever they please?"

The old man then began to ramble on.

"Haha, I won't hide it from you, Mr. Anjing, I am a long-time fan of the Shining Series myself.

"When I was young and tired from vocal practice, I would often listen to race broadcasts or find discarded newspapers to read the race recaps.

"Later, when I could afford tickets, I often went to watch in person.

"But as time went on, I found myself with less and less free time.

"The children of my siblings, friends, disciples, and students—some have already debuted and run in quite a few races.

"Yet, as an elder, I haven't been able to watch them in person very often; for many, I only found out long after the race had ended.

"It is precisely because of this that I understand that a G1...

"No, I should say that winning any Major Race is an incredibly difficult feat for these children."

Hearing this, Anjing Zhen nodded involuntarily.

In the Shining Series, the top five finishers in a race receive prize money, with higher rankings earning more.

Take Little Kita's debut race, for example; as the winner, she earned 6 million in prize money.

The winner's purse for this race was even higher, at 7.2 million.

However, none of these races were Major Races.

Take Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka, who had just left, as examples.

The former's retirement race was the G1 Arima Kinen, where the winner's prize was over 180 million.

The most prestigious victory for the latter was the Japanese Derby, one of the Triple Crown races, which carried a winner's purse of over 190 million.

Only races with prize money at this level are referred to as Major Races.

Correspondingly, the higher the prize money, the stronger the competitors, and the more spectacular the level of performance displayed in the race.

Simply put, only races at the G1, G2, and G3 levels are qualified to be called Major Races.

Across all of Japan, tens of thousands of races are held every year, yet there are only about 300 Major Races.

It can be said that, regardless of whether they win or not, just being able to participate in a Major Race already marks a Horse Girl as one in a hundred.

Once a Major Race is won, even if it is only a G3—the lowest level of Major Race—the prize money alone is enough to change everything for a Horse Girl and her Trainer, not to mention the fame and reputation that follow.

But for that very reason, winning a Major Race is by no means something that can be achieved just by talking about it.

Let alone the most prestigious of Major Races: the G1 level.

"So, as I said, just treat what I said about G1s earlier as the ramblings of an old man."

After saying this, Saburo Kitajima gave a self-deprecating yet comforting smile and waved his hand behind him.

"I'm not good at encouraging people, but I truly admire a spirited young man like Mr. Anjing."

As he spoke, a middle-aged man in a black suit approached, pulled a pitch-black card from his breast pocket, and handed it to Anjing Zhen with both hands.

Seeing Anjing Zhen accept the business card, Saburo Kitajima explained:

"This is my card.

"In your future training, if Mr. Anjing encounters any problems you cannot solve, you may take this card to Ono Trading Company.

"The people there will find a way to meet your needs."

Anjing Zhen accepted the card with both hands, feeling somewhat puzzled.

He vaguely remembered some details about Ono Trading Company.

This firm had only entered the Shining Series in the last few decades and had supported Horse Girls in competitions.

But whether due to bad luck or a lack of professionalism from those in charge of their racing division, it seemed that after all these years, the Horse Girls they supported hadn't won a single Major Race.

Hearing this now, it seemed Saburo Kitajima had some connection to Ono Trading Company; perhaps he was one of the investors.

This was not uncommon in the music industry, as many musicians held interests in various businesses.

What puzzled Anjing Zhen was that since such a firm existed and Saburo Kitajima was so supportive of his granddaughter, he had never heard Kitasan Black mention it before.

However, he did not ask, and after accepting the card, he nodded.

"Please rest assured, Teacher Kitajima, I will do my utmost to guide Little Kita and will not let you down."

"I am relieved to hear you say that."

With a gratified smile, Saburo Kitajima waved his hand.

"My apologies, I'm getting old and can't stand for too long.

"Besides, Mr. Anjing likely has things to attend to, so I shall take my leave."

Nodding, Saburo Kitajima walked toward the Winner's Stage, followed closely by the men in black suits who had been in charge of security.

After walking for a distance, the middle-aged man in the black suit who had handed over the business card earlier hurried forward.

"Father, what do you think of that Trainer...?"

Saburo Kitajima paused his steps, then continued walking.

"Very steady. That truly surprised me."

Pondering, the old man said slowly:

"To be honest, when I first discovered such a young Trainer would be responsible for Little Kita's training, I was not without my worries.

"Firstly, this is a matter of training, and we parents are laymen who shouldn't interfere recklessly.

"Secondly, the Academy President thinks highly of him and even called me personally. I had to give her that face, and I trust the judgment of a Horse Girl like her.

"Thirdly..."

He sighed.

"It's not as if you haven't seen the performance of the other children in the family, nor is it that we haven't tried to hire excellent Trainers for them, but the results...

"Sigh, I can only say that it is enough for our children to be able to run in races. As for how well they run...

"It depends on luck.

"Besides, famous Trainers are getting older and more rigid like me, and their training methods are becoming increasingly strict.

"Little Kita is so lively; how could I bear to see her do nothing but run every single day at her age?

"It is enough for her to grow up happy and cheerful.

"As for the races, as I said, it depends on luck.

"Moreover, being young is a good thing. He and Little Kita should have common topics to discuss, so the child won't become old and weary before her time because of training.

"Furthermore, regarding the races, young as he may be, his scores in the Trainer qualification exams are not fake.

"He is also much steadier than the average young person; he doesn't stutter when he sees me, nor does he panic and try to curry favor.

"When he heard about G1 and heavy rewards, he didn't even blink. Even if that is just the arrogance of youth, it is still far better than being timid and fearful.

"He is good.

"Let Little Kita stay with him, and we will deal with the rest later."

"I understand. Everything will be done according to Father's instructions."

The middle-aged man in the black suit, or rather, Saburo Kitajima's son, nodded, then added with concern:

"Then, if he takes Little Kita to the hot springs again... and what about the commotion caused by that song...?"

Saburo Kitajima paused his steps again, and this time, he stood still for a moment.

"It is of no consequence.

"His parents are both conventional and honest people, and his upbringing is quite decent.

"He has been steady and hardworking since he was small, with no bad habits.

"If I had to name a flaw, it would probably be his dislike of interacting with children his own age.

"That is not a problem; it is normal for talented people to have a bit of a temper.

"As for that hot spring inn, didn't I have you arrange for people to look into it?

"No need to worry too much, and don't do too much, otherwise, scaring Little Kita is not our intention.

"As for that song, issue warnings where necessary and handle it appropriately. Just remember not to make things difficult for the Association or the Academy.

"As for the rest...

"I didn't expect him to have that kind of musical talent.

"Sigh, it's a bit of a pity... but let him focus on coaching Little Kita."