Little Kita, I heard you've been in some trouble lately?

"Ah!"

Kitasan Black's face flushed even redder. She stomped her foot in embarrassment, her stride faltering for an instant. "Don't make fun of me!"

"How is that making fun of you?" Anjing Zhen laughed, mischief in his eyes, though his tone was utterly sincere. "I mean it."

"You're still laughing! I, I—" Kitasan Black glared at him indignantly. After holding it in for ages, she finally managed, "I'm angry!"

"Okay, okay. I won't laugh, I won't laugh."

Anjing Zhen obediently reined in his smile, but the amusement in his eyes was still nearly overflowing.

The atmosphere fell into a strange silence for a few seconds, leaving only the sound of their footsteps and breathing.

Yet the slight awkwardness brought by that blunt declaration was quickly melted away by the tranquility unique to a morning run and the Tacit Understanding between them.

After another half lap, Kitasan Black had calmed down and naturally picked up the conversation again. "By the way, A-Zhen, Tenno Sho Spring is next, right? What are the specific arrangements? It feels like time is a little tight."

At the mention of business, Anjing Zhen's expression returned to its usual calm professionalism. "The initial plan has already been drafted. Time is indeed not particularly generous, but given your current condition and recovery speed, as long as we proceed step by step with targeted strengthening training, we'll make it in time.

"More importantly, you've already won it once. That's your greatest advantage."

He paused, his tone growing heavier with an unquestionable firmness. "Your job is to focus on running, focus on recovering, and get your body and condition into their best possible state. Leave everything else to me, including scheduling, opponent analysis, and tactical details."

"Mm!"

Kitasan Black nodded vigorously, without hesitation.

She turned her head to look at