I'm a senior in high school, and the Emperor Development System has arrived!

Bai Qianqian had also mustered up the courage to step forward, but upon seeing the scene before her, her steps seemed to be nailed down, and she silently took a few steps back.

Chen Zhou looked at the water offered by the two girls on his left and right, took it from both at the same time, and then said:
"Thanks! One bottle isn't enough!"

Upon seeing this, Lu Mi couldn't help but purse her lips.

Just then, a system message popped up in front of Chen Zhou's eyes:

[His Majesty personally led the expedition, achieving a great victory in the first battle against the enemy. Imperial Prestige +300]

[Imperial Might: 1200]

The morning sun was quite hot, and students from all classes gathered in the rest area to eat and rest.

Jiang Yutong came over carrying a large bag of oranges. She saw Bai Qianqian sitting alone in the corner, reached out and handed her two oranges, and asked gently:
"Qianqian, do you have any projects today?"

Bai Qianqian was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook her head and whispered:
"No...no, I...I just came to see."

Judging from her appearance, she's not exactly athletic.

"Oh, I see," Jiang Yutong smiled. "It's okay, just relax and watch the game."

Just then, Lu Mi walked over carrying a delicate dessert box, a sweet smile on her face:
"Senior Qianqian, here, have some. Senior ran so fast just now, it was like he was flying!"

She deliberately tried to get closer to Bai Qianqian, attempting to find common ground and win her over.

Bai Qianqian took the cake, thanked them softly, then lowered her head and whispered in response:

"Hmm...he...he runs very fast."

She seemed somewhat at a loss for words when Lu Mi showed her goodwill.

……

Generally speaking, there are multiple groups in the 100-meter race.

After all group matches are completed, the top eight teams will advance to the finals.

To ensure fairness, the procedure for the school sports meet is that the results are posted on the bulletin board after each group's competition.

This way, everyone will know which class's contestants have the best chance of advancing to the finals.

It's worth mentioning that as long as you make it to the finals, you'll earn extra points for your class in the sports meet.

At the end of the sports meet, the school will rank each class according to their points.

At this moment, a group of people gathered in front of the 100-meter results display board.

Li Bin was squeezed at the very front. When he saw the results of Chen Zhou's group's 100-meter preliminary round, he felt as if the pause button had been pressed.

Stephen Chow was squeezed at the back and couldn't come in. He urged Li Bin:

"Damn it, you're just sitting around doing nothing. Hurry up and tell me what your grades are, Zhouzi!"

Li Bin snapped out of his daze and opened his mouth wide in disbelief.

A few seconds later, he turned around and burst into a deafening shout:

"Holy crap! 10.46 seconds! Zhou Ge ran 10.46 seconds!"

The shout was like a stone thrown into a lake, instantly creating ripples.

The surrounding chatter abruptly ceased, and everyone's attention was focused on the glaring number on the report card.

10.46 seconds? This...this is a time that a high school student can achieve?

"Isn't the school record 10.69 seconds? This breaks the record by almost 0.25 seconds!"

"The national master-level standard is 10.50 seconds, right? His time... exceeded that!"

"Holy crap! This guy's a poet?!"

"..."

Chen Zhou's 100-meter record spread like wildfire throughout the entire sports student community.

In a corner of the training area, Wang Rui and Zhu Zhou were looking at the newly updated results on their phones, their expressions identical—

stunned.

"10.46 seconds..."

Wang Rui muttered to himself, the mineral water bottle in his hand becoming deformed from being squeezed:

"My best time is only 11.12 seconds... the gap is huge..."

Zhu Zhou also looked stunned, repeatedly refreshing the page images as if trying to prove that the phone was malfunctioning:
"This...this is from a completely different dimension...he really only trained for two months?"

They originally thought Chen Zhou was quite talented, and that it would be impressive if he could run under 11 seconds.

However, the number 10.46 seconds has completely exceeded their understanding of the upper limit of high school sprinting.

While they were training hard for two years, they were still striving for Level 2.

Chen Zhou has only been training for two months and he has already reached the master athlete level?

The feeling is like you're still struggling to learn how to ride a bicycle, while others have already sped away in a rocket.

"..."

Wang Rui gave a bitter smile, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

It's laughable that he just wanted to compete with Chen Zhou; now he realizes he's only humiliating himself.

After finishing the competition, Chen Zhou relaxed and returned to the classroom area.

Just then, He Lili came running over in a flurry of activity, her skin under her sports vest glowing with a healthy rosy hue from running.

She slapped Chen Zhou on the shoulder, her tone exaggerated:

"Zhou-ge! You're going to be amazing! 10.46 seconds! A national champion! Should we start calling you Champion Chen from now on?"

Her voice was clear and loud, attracting the attention of many people around her.

Before Chen Zhou could respond, Jiang Yutong walked over, holding the newly compiled class score sheet, a genuine smile on her face:
"Chen Zhou, congratulations! Not only did you get first place in your group, but you also broke the school record, which added a lot of points for your class! Good luck in the finals tomorrow."

"A piece of cake."

Chen Zhou replied with a smile.

Immediately after, Jiang Xia walked over with a can of ice-cold cola, a hint of smugness on his face, as if to say, "I knew you could do it."
"Looks like my encouragement this morning wasn't for nothing. This result is enough to shut up those who doubt you."

Chen Zhou took the cola and thanked him.

Despite the constant exclamations and discussions around him, Chen Zhou maintained a calm demeanor despite the smile on his face.

10.46 seconds?

Breaking school records? National-level athlete?

For him, it was just a casual thing to do.

Today on the track, he only used his own physical strength and speed, without even activating the "speed is of the essence" technique.

If we activate "Speed ​​is of the essence"...

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Chen Zhou's lips.

Let alone breaking the 9-second barrier, it seems that even breaking the 8-second barrier is achievable.

However, even in this small sports meet, the national champions are already quite formidable.

If a student breaks the 10-second barrier at the school sports meet, Guangya No. 2 Middle School will be on the national headlines the next day.

Needless to say, most of the comments questioned the timing.

Because the phenomenon of hidden masters among ordinary people is almost impossible to find on a 100-meter track.

The afternoon sun, with its lazy warmth, shone on the noisy playground.

The aftershocks of the 100-meter preliminary rounds had barely subsided when another announcement came over the loudspeaker:

"Athletes participating in the men's 200-meter preliminary round, please proceed to the check-in area for check-in."

Chen Zhou was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, resting. Upon hearing this, he slowly opened his eyes.

"Brother Zhou, it's 200 meters! Time for you to show off!"

Li Bin excitedly nudged him.

Chen Zhou stood up and stretched his limbs.

After the morning's 100-meter preliminary rounds, he has now become the focus of the entire Games.

Wherever he goes, he always attracts countless stares and whispers.

"Chen Zhou! Keep it up!"

"Chen Jianjiang! Another outstanding achievement!"

Cheers and shouts of encouragement rose and fell.

Wang Rui and Zhu Zhou also followed.

Wang Rui handed him a bottle of water:

"The 200-meter race is different from the 100-meter race; rhythm is very important, so don't be careless."

After the shock of the morning, Wang Rui's attitude towards Chen Zhou has now completely changed to that of a pure teammate and supporter.

Zhu Zhou nodded as well:
"Yes, cornering technique is crucial."

Chen Zhou took the water and smiled:
"Do not worry."

Just then, a discordant voice broke in.

"Hmph, it's just good luck. The 200 meters isn't just about explosive power."

It was Lin Feng who spoke.

He also participated in the 100-meter preliminary round, but his performance was mediocre, and he didn't even make it to the final.

Seeing Chen Zhou being treated like a star, the flames of jealousy in her heart burned fiercely once again.

Chen Zhou glanced at him, too lazy to bother with him. Engaging with such a clown would only lower one's own standards.

Seeing that Chen Zhou ignored him, Lin Feng's face flashed with annoyance, but seeing that everyone around him was looking at him like he was an idiot, he had no choice but to shut his mouth and slink away.

"Ignore him."

Wang Rui patted Chen Zhou on the shoulder.

Chen Zhou smiled but didn't say anything.

At the check-in counter, Chen Zhou gave his name and number.

The teacher in charge of registration saw the name "Chen Zhou" and her eyes lit up immediately. She looked him up and down, her tone filled with curiosity and anticipation.
"You're Chen Zhou, the one who ran 10.46 seconds?"

Chen Zhou nodded.

"Good! Good!"

The teacher nodded repeatedly:

"Run the 200 meters well and try to create another miracle for our school!"

Several other contestants in the same group looked somewhat uncomfortable upon hearing this.

Being grouped with Chen Zhou was absolutely terrible.

One of the boys was tall with very defined muscles, but his eyes were full of fighting spirit.

He is Zhao Lei, a high school sophomore specializing in physical education. He was the champion of the 200-meter school sports meet last year and also holds the school record with a time of 22.37 seconds.

When Chen Zhou broke the 100-meter record in the morning, he was training in shot put and did not witness it.

He was resentful of this suddenly appearing "Chen Zhou".

"Being fast in 100 meters doesn't mean you'll be good in 200 meters."

Zhao Lei watched Chen Zhou's retreating figure, muttered something under his breath, his eyes filled with a sense of challenge.

He felt that Chen Zhou was just a sprinter with strong explosive power, and that the 200 meters required stronger endurance and cornering skills, which was precisely his strength.

He will defend his honor on the 200-meter track.

Soon, the check-in was completed, and the athletes were led to the starting line.

The 200-meter track has a bend. Chen Zhou was assigned to lane four, a good lane.

Zhao Lei was in the fifth lane, right outside Chen Zhou.

Their eyes met by chance while they were warming up.

Zhao Lei raised his chin provocatively, while Chen Zhou remained expressionless, as if he hadn't seen it.

The atmosphere in the stands was even more enthusiastic than during the 100-meter preliminary rounds that morning.

"Look! It's Chen Zhou! He's participating in the 200 meters!"

"I wonder how fast he can run 200 meters? Will he break the record?"

"He definitely can! I bet he can do it in under 23 seconds!"

"The person upstairs is being too conservative. I think he can run 22.50 seconds!"

Li Bin and Zhou Xinglun were so excited that they stood on their chairs, holding up a homemade sign with the words scrawled on it:

"When Brother Zhou goes to war, not a blade of grass will survive!"

Jiang Yutong looked at them helplessly, shook her head, but a smile remained on her lips.

He Lili and Jiang Xia also stared intently at the familiar figure on the track, their eyes filled with anticipation.

In a corner of the crowd, Bai Qianqian clutched the hem of her clothes tightly, her heart beating even faster than when Chen Zhou ran the 100 meters that morning.

Her gaze was fixed on Chen Zhou, as if she didn't want to miss a single moment.

"On your marks—get set—"

The starter's voice rang out, and the entire stadium fell silent instantly.

Chen Zhou took a deep breath, leaned forward slightly, and assumed a starting position.

He could feel the intense fighting spirit emanating from Zhao Lei on the outside, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

"Want to challenge me? Then I'll show you what a real gap is."

"boom!"

The starting gun fired, like a thunderclap from a clear sky!
The eight contestants shot off like arrows released from a bow!
Chen Zhou's starting reaction was still incredibly fast; he sprinted off almost the instant the gun fired.

But this time, he didn't go all out from the start like he did in the 100-meter preliminaries; instead, he held back.

He wasn't aiming to break any records, but rather to easily take first place, and incidentally...

Let's teach some arrogant fools a lesson.

Zhao Lei also got off to a fast start, closely following behind Chen Zhou, almost running side by side with him.

Seeing that Chen Zhou didn't seem to be using his full strength, Zhao Lei was secretly pleased:
"As expected! His stamina is lacking!"

He increased the swing of his arm, attempting to accelerate and overtake Chen Zhou on the curve.

A gasp of surprise erupted from the audience:
"Zhao Lei is going to surpass him!"

"What's wrong with Chen Zhou? He doesn't seem as fast as he was this morning?"

Bai Qianqian's heart jumped into her throat, and she was so nervous that she almost stopped breathing.

Just when Zhao Lei thought he was about to surpass Chen Zhou.

As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Chen Zhou adjusted his steps slightly, and his speed increased again in the bend!

The feeling was like a sports car that was traveling at a constant speed suddenly having its accelerator pedal pressed!

"Shh!"

Chen Zhou's figure moved like a ghost, instantly widening the distance between him and Zhao Lei!
Zhao Lei's smile froze, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He felt like he was chasing a phantom, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't close the distance between himself and Chen Zhou.

"This...how is this possible?"

Zhao Lei felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart tightly, and a deep sense of powerlessness welled up inside him.

Enter the straight section!

Chen Zhou's speed increased again!

His stride was so fast it was dazzling; each step seemed precisely calculated, full of power and rhythm.

He was like a black lightning bolt, speeding across the red plastic track, leaving a trail of afterimages!
"My God! That speed! He definitely wasn't going all out!"

"This is terrifying! Is this even human? He's practically a superman!"

"Zhao Lei has been left behind by almost two body lengths!"

The audience erupted in cheers!

Exclamations, shouts, and screams rose and fell, creating a sea of ​​sound.

Bai Qianqian looked at the figure forging ahead on the track, and her tense mood was instantly replaced by an inexplicable excitement and joy.

Her eyes sparkled, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly. She whispered, yet with unwavering determination, "..."
"Chen Zhou... Keep it up!"

The finish line is getting closer and closer!
Chen Zhou even had the leisure to glance back at Zhao Lei behind him. Seeing the other man's dejected appearance, the smile on his lips deepened.

"Since you're so eager to win, I'll give you a little more 'hope'."

Chen Zhou deliberately slowed his pace, seemingly exhausted.

Seeing this, Zhao Lei's eyes flashed with struggle and unwillingness. He gritted his teeth and used his last bit of strength to try to catch up.

Just when he thought he could close the gap a little, Chen Zhou accelerated again and easily crossed the finish line!
After crossing the finish line, Chen Zhou even had the leisure to wave to the audience.

The numbers on the electronic timer stopped at 21.88 seconds!

Another amazing achievement!

The school record was 22.37 seconds, and Chen Zhou improved the record by nearly 0.5 seconds!
Although this result was much slower than his full-fledged performance, it was still considered a god-like performance by everyone!
"21.88 seconds! A new record! Another new record!"

"My God! Is Chen Zhou a human or a god? He broke the records in both the 100m and 200m!"

"The national standard for the 200-meter dash is 21.35 seconds, right? It's a pity I was just 0.5 seconds short!"

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible! I declare Chen Zhou the sprint god of Guangya No. 2 High School!"

The audience went absolutely wild! Li Bin and Zhou Xinglun hugged each other excitedly, jumping and skipping around.

Jiang Yutong, He Lili, and Jiang Xia were all so excited that their faces turned red, and they clapped enthusiastically.

After crossing the finish line, Zhao Lei collapsed on the track, panting heavily.

He stared blankly at the numbers on the timer, his face filled with despair.

His prized 200-meter dash proved utterly ineffective against Chen Zhou.

The feeling of falling from heaven to hell nearly broke him.

[Your Majesty has once again defeated the enemy, your might shakes the four seas, Imperial Prestige +400]

[Imperial Might: 1600]

The system notification sounded in Chen Zhou's mind.

Chen Zhou's lips curled up slightly.

It seems that choosing track and field was the right decision.

If a small school sports meet can bring so much prestige, imagine what it would be like at city, provincial, national, or even world-class events.

How much imperial power should be bestowed upon us? (End of Chapter)