After walking out of the airport, Huang Chong experienced for the first time what it meant to be surrounded by a sea of people and a deafening roar of voices.
Countless cycling fans had been kept on either side of the passage by airport security, but the instant they saw him emerge, they erupted into wild cheers.
"Huang Chong!!! You're freaking awesome!!!"
"Huang God, go for it! Take another title at the Tour of Guangxi!!!"
"Huang Chong, you're so handsome!!!"
"Huang God, I love you! Please give me an autograph!!!"
Waves of voices came from men and women alike. Huang Chong glanced around and found that practically every fan present had their eyes fixed on him.
In the past, he had never understood why so many fans went to airports to greet celebrities.
Now, at last, he understood a little.
So this was the impact of competing on home soil. Not only were countless eyes focused on him, but everyone's hopes rested on his shoulders as well.
Faced with such a frenzied reception, Huang Chong honestly felt rather nervous.
When he raced in Europe, Chinese fans came to support him at every event, but their numbers could never compare with this.
Especially knowing that so many fans had traveled all this way just for him, his heart raced even faster than when he sprinted against Pogačar at the finish. Still, nervous as he was, he was no longer a green rookie. He could at least keep his expression calm.
So he simply kept smiling, showed everyone as much warmth as he could, and waved in greeting. In the limited time available, he also did his best to sign autographs for fans on both sides.
Of course, there were simply too many fans present for him to sign something for everyone.