(Three chapters today, but aside from this transitional chapter, the other two are supplementary setting chapters. They'll be posted at 6 PM; feel free to skip them if you're not interested.)
After the race, Cloudstream Flying Shadow headed toward the exit area. Luo Yong congratulated Zhang Jun and told him to go take photos first.
Zhang Jun walked over to Cloudstream Flying Shadow. The filly who had just won a Graded Stakes was still panting heavily, her breathing rapid, but she seemed to know she had won. Her ears perked up again, her head held high, and she looked radiant as her dark brown, watery eyes gazed at her owner.
"You worked hard." Zhang Jun stroked her neck, feeling the powerful pulse of the blood vessels beneath her skin. "You ran brilliantly."
Cloudstream Flying Shadow snorted and rubbed her head against Zhang Jun's hand.
Shan Yao excitedly thanked Zhang Jun. After hugging him, she removed the weights and equipment strapped to Cloudstream Flying Shadow and headed to the weighing room to confirm her weight.
Zheng Shan took the reins and led Cloudstream Flying Shadow on a slow walk. Once the weighing was complete, a staff member came over to inform them that the winning horse and relevant personnel should head to the parade ring for photographs.
This was Zhang Jun's second time taking photos in the parade ring—the first had been after Shadow Hunter's Debutant Race victory.
But this time felt completely different. This was a Graded Stakes victory, and its significance was immense.
Cloudstream Flying Shadow was led to the center of the parade ring. Shan Yao stood to her left holding the winning horse's number cloth, while Zhang Jun, Lin Zhi, and Zheng Shan stood in order to Shan Yao's left. Several Jian'an Racetrack executives stood on the right.
The photographer directed their positions. "Owner, please move a little closer to the center. Yes, smile a little. Good—"
The shutter clicked, freezing the moment in time.
After the photos, there was also a brief post-race interview because this was a CN3 Graded Stakes event.
Reporters from several horse racing papers gathered around, aiming microphones and recording equipment at Zhang Jun, Lin Zhi, and Shan Yao.
"Mr. Zhang, congratulations on winning the Jian'an Fillies' Championship. As a new owner, you've won a Graded Stakes in your first attempt. How do you feel?"
Zhang Jun thought for a moment, then thanked everyone involved. "I'm very happy, and very grateful. I'm grateful for Cloudstream Flying Shadow's outstanding performance, Trainer Lin Zhi's careful training and tactical arrangements, Jockey Shan Yao..."
"Cloudstream Flying Shadow transferred from central racing to local racing. Why did you decide to buy her in the first place?"
"I thought she was a horse with tremendous potential; she just hadn't found a racing style that suited her," Zhang Jun answered. "The facts have proven that, on the right track and over the right distance, she can display her true strength."
The reporters asked Lin Zhi several more questions about training and tactics, which he answered one by one.
When they questioned Shan Yao, she humbly gave the credit to the horse and trainer. At the same time, she thanked Zhang Jun again for giving her the chance to ride. As she spoke with growing emotion, tears slipped down her face once more.
The interview lasted only a little over ten minutes. Afterward, Zheng Shan led Cloudstream Flying Shadow to the wash area for a bath. Zhang Jun followed behind, smiling as he watched Zheng Shan rinse Cloudstream Flying Shadow with warm water.
Water streamed across her reddish-brown coat, washing away the white foam of sweat. Cloudstream Flying Shadow stood quietly, occasionally shaking her head and scattering droplets everywhere.
After the bath, Zheng Shan dried Cloudstream Flying Shadow with towels, then led her slowly back to the stable. Zhang Jun walked with them for a while before stopping short of the stable.
"Rest well for the next few days." He took out the carrots and sugar cubes he had brought and fed them to Cloudstream Flying Shadow. "You did incredibly well today."
Cloudstream Flying Shadow took the carrot and sugar cubes into her mouth. Her big, watery eyes looked at Zhang Jun as she voluntarily pushed her horse head into his arms and bobbed it up and down.
Zhang Jun smiled and used his free hand to stroke Cloudstream Flying Shadow's head and neck, then kissed her forehead.
After staying for a few minutes and waiting for Cloudstream Flying Shadow to finish the carrots and sugar cubes, Zhang Jun left the stable to let her rest properly. None of the horses in Lin Zhi's stable, nor Shan Yao, had races in the next three events, so Zhang Jun gathered them and Luo Yong for a celebratory dinner at the restaurant he had reserved.
Zheng Shan did not come. Last time, it had been early enough that he had time to celebrate after preparing Shadow Hunter's food. This time, there was not enough time, and he had to remain in the underground stables at the racetrack to prepare Cloudstream Flying Shadow's evening meal.
Everyone arrived at the restaurant and took their seats in a horse racing-themed private room. It was not large, but its decor was tasteful. Several ink paintings with horse racing themes hung on the walls, while potted green plants sat on the windowsill.
"My treat today. Order whatever you want." Zhang Jun ordered chicken puree, one of his favorites, then handed the menu to Lin Zhi.
They had already become familiar with one another, so Lin Zhi did not stand on ceremony. He took the menu and ordered several signature dishes: lychee pork and sweet-and-sour ribs. Luo Yong added a pot of corn and rib soup, while Shan Yao ordered two vegetable dishes. After handing the menu to the waiter, they began chatting about the race.
As they talked, the dishes arrived one after another. The fragrance of the chicken puree instantly filled the room, its sesame oil glistening golden beneath the lights. The lychee pork was crisp on the outside and tender within, while the rib soup steamed invitingly.
"Come on, let's have a drink first—to celebrate our big win today!" Zhang Jun raised his glass. They were drinking fruit wine brewed by his late father, Zhang An. Because of Zhang An, Zhang Jun did not like beer or baijiu, so he had simply brought fruit wine up from the basement for today. It tasted excellent.
Zhang An had also left behind the recipe for the wine in his study. Zhang Jun planned to buy some fruit and brew a batch according to the recipe over the next few days. Once he brewed enough, he would register a wine company named after Zhang An and sell it, which could also be a way for Zhang An to continue existing in this world.
They clinked glasses, and the atmosphere was lively.
After dinner, Zhang Jun packed up the leftovers. He also specially ordered a rice bowl for Zheng Shan and asked Lin Zhi to bring it over. Then he rode his little electric scooter back to the villa, where he received calls that night from Luo Heng and Luo An.
Like Zhang Jun, Luo Heng was studying remotely and now spent all his spare time helping at the ranch. He had called with Luo Fei and Liu Li to offer congratulations. Luo An, meanwhile, had gone to the capital to prepare for the Founding Celebration Series during the National Day holiday because of racing matters, so he had called separately.
The next morning, Zhang Jun first went to the training center at Jian'an Racetrack.
Cloudstream Flying Shadow had already been transported back and was resting in her stable.
Zheng Shan said she had slept soundly the previous night and had a very good appetite that morning, eating a third more feed than usual.
Zhang Jun entered the stable. Cloudstream Flying Shadow, who had been lying down and rolling around inside, immediately got to her feet and walked over to the railing.
"Good morning, Miss Champion." Zhang Jun jokingly said as he handed her a carrot.
Cloudstream Flying Shadow took the carrot in her mouth and chewed slowly.
Her eyes were bright and lively, and she was in excellent spirits. There was no sign that she had just gone through an intense race yesterday.
Zhang Jun patted her head and spent half an hour playing with the horse toys he had brought today.
Once Shadow Hunter returned from training and had finished her bath, Zhang Jun took out new horse toys and played with her for another half hour. Finally, he fed each of them some carrots and sugar cubes before leaving the stables and taking the high-speed rail to Mindu to see the two young fillies.
It was two in the afternoon when he arrived at the ranch. The autumn sunlight was warm but not scorching, spilling over the expansive pastures and coating everything in a layer of gold.
Luo Heng was already waiting in front of the main building. The moment he saw Zhang Jun get out of the car, he ran over.
"Brother Jun!" He hugged Zhang Jun. "I watched the livestream of yesterday's race. Cloudstream Flying Shadow ran amazingly."
As they chatted, the two headed toward the yearling development area. When they arrived, they happened to see ranch staff carrying out desensitization training.
Desensitization training was an important part of a foal's growth. Its purpose was to gradually familiarize horses with all kinds of stimuli that might frighten them, such as unfamiliar sounds, objects, and movements, so that they would not panic and cause accidents once they entered future training and races.
Wind-Chasing Hound's training task today was getting used to the sound of plastic sheeting. A staff member stood at a distance, shaking a large blue plastic sheet and making a loud rustling sound.
Wind-Chasing Hound was a little nervous at first. Her ears pinned back, and her body tensed.
But she did not run away. Instead, she stepped in place, her eyes fixed tightly on the plastic sheet.
"Good girl, don't be afraid." The staff member soothed her in a gentle voice while slowly approaching.
After a few minutes, Wind-Chasing Hound gradually relaxed. When the staff member reached her and lightly touched her body with the plastic sheet, she only gave a slight shudder without any intense reaction.
"She's improved a lot," Zhang Jun remarked.
"Keep training every day, and there'll always be results," Luo Heng said.
After Wind-Chasing Hound's training ended, it was Lightning Chaser's turn.
Her training involved getting used to sudden noises—the staff would clap or knock on objects nearby when she was not paying attention.
Lightning Chaser's performance surprised Zhang Jun somewhat.
Though this timid filly still startled at sudden noises, she quickly calmed down afterward and did not panic. Her improvement was extremely obvious.
After training, the staff led the two young horses to the railing. Zhang Jun took out the carrots and apples he had prepared.
Wind-Chasing Hound was still as shy as ever. She watched warily for a while before cautiously taking a carrot, then backed away several steps to eat it.
But she was already much better than she had been a month ago—at least she was willing to eat in front of Zhang Jun now.
Lightning Chaser, on the other hand, was completely different. She eagerly came over and rubbed her head against Zhang Jun's hand, then unapologetically took the apple and devoured it right in front of him.