Zhou Yuang swore that, to an outsider, only Takamine was more outrageous than Maruzensky.
But thinking of Takamine gave Zhou Yuang a slight headache.
After all, that Uma Musume was taking him home.
"If you're interested, I can tell you where to buy them."
"No, no, there's really no need. I just thought you were very passionate about racing, sir."
"Haha, is that so?"
The old trainer spoke as though he were chatting with a granddaughter, making it hard to dislike him. After a few more words, Maruzensky nudged Zhou Yuang's arm with her elbow.
Fortunately, it was Maruzensky. If certain less restrained Uma Musume had done that, the elbow might have split the seam of Zhou Yuang's clothes.
"Do you need them too, young man?"
"Sorry, sir, but we have other matters to attend to. We won't keep you."
Zhou Yuang declined politely, then took Maruzensky by the arm and led her away.
Despite the physical contact, Maruzensky didn't object at all.
Zhou Yuang wasn't the only one who struggled to talk to an old man like that. She did too.
She could discuss culture and customs with a group of elderly people, or even last century's fashions and trends. But being treated like a child was another matter.
She felt as though she and Zhou Yuang were using the same strategy as certain Uma Musume: fleeing. Maybe they were even Front Runners.
"Haha."
Watching the door swing shut behind them, the old trainer gave a dry chuckle. Then his kindly smile slowly faded. He stared at the door for a moment before turning toward one of the many sand tables.
"What exactly is Rudolf planning? Having the famous outsider Maruzensky work with a young trainer who hasn't even been on the job a year... Hmph."
Something unknown seemed