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

The green train was scorching hot from the midday sun.

The unique smell of the train, mixed with the sweat of the physical education students, fermented in the sweltering air into a restless atmosphere.

The line from Guangya No. 2 Middle School occupied almost half of the hard-seat carriage.

Blue and white school uniform jackets were casually draped on the luggage rack, sports bags with the school emblem were piled up in the aisle, and half of mud-splattered spiked shoes were sticking out.

The ordinary sports students spontaneously formed several circles.

Five or six boys were gathered around the window seats in the back row, playing a game of "Upgrading" with a crumpled deck of cards.

On the other side of the aisle, several girls were gathered together sharing music from their headphones.

At a small table in the connecting area between the carriages, Chen Zhou, Cheng Yanqiu, and Zhang Jilong found themselves in a quiet corner.

Chen Zhou was looking down at his phone, scrolling through the past results of the provincial track and field championships, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the edge of the handrail.

He was pondering how much of his strength he should bring to the provincial championship.

Zhang Jilong had great confidence in Chen Zhou, and said calmly:
"Don't worry, Chen Zhou. Just run at full speed. It's just a small provincial championship. No one can beat you."

Chen Zhou nodded with an awkward smile:

"Okay, teacher..."

Just then, the train's public address system suddenly announced that the train was about to arrive at the next station.

Shortly after.

The train suddenly let out a long whistle and slowly pulled into a station.

Chen Zhou looked out the window, where the sunlight shone directly on the electronic screen on the platform.

The three characters “Nanchang Station” are particularly eye-catching.

The commotion in the carriage gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes seemed to be focused on the platform that was getting closer and closer outside the window. The air was filled with tension and anticipation.

Chen Zhou knew that their battle was about to begin.

And he was the one standing at the very front.

……

The track and field stadium at the provincial sports center was scorching hot under the afternoon sun.

The check-in area for the 100-meter preliminary rounds was located in the passageway below the stands, where athletes dressed in various sportswear were crowded under the blue sunshade.

Chen Zhou, Cheng Yanqiu, and Zhang Jilong squeezed to the edge of the crowd.

He had just changed into his red racing jersey, with his bib number "073" pinned to his chest.

Cheng Yanqiu was helping him check if the spikes on his shoes were tightened, while Zhang Jilong, holding two bottles of sports drinks, stood like a gatekeeper, blocking the crowd.

"Group A check-in! Group A check-in! Athletes numbered 070 to 081, please assemble at the starting line!"

The check-in staff member's slightly hoarse voice, mixed with static, came through the loudspeaker.

Chen Zhou took a deep breath and handed the phone to Cheng Yanqiu:
"Hold it for me."

"take it easy!"

Cheng Yanqiu patted him on the shoulder:

"Just treat it as regular training."

"understood."

Chen Zhou grinned, turned around and followed the crowd toward the check-in area.

Two girls dressed as volunteers were sitting behind a table at the check-in counter, checking athletes' information.

As soon as Chen Zhou gave his number, he felt several eyes fall on him.

He subconsciously looked up and met the gaze of a tall boy.

The boy was wearing a black, tight-fitting sports vest, his arm and calf muscles were clearly defined, and he wore a silver cross necklace. He was scrutinizing Chen Zhou from head to toe with a critical look.

His number was 075, and the words "Provincial Sports School" were printed on his chest.

"Are you Chen Zhou?"

The boy suddenly spoke, his voice low and tinged with disdain:
"The one from Guangya No. 10 Middle School? The one who ran 46 seconds at the sports meet?"

Chen Zhou raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

The boy chuckled and tapped his bib number on his chest with his finger:

"My name is Li Wei. Remember my name."

It seems that sports students have quite a few information channels; their results from two weeks ago have already reached the ears of other schools.

However, it is indeed impressive that someone can reach the level of a master athlete in high school.

But being a champion is not the kind of strength Chen Zhou is prepared to demonstrate this time.

What he wanted was instant fame!
"Not interested in."

Chen Zhou said calmly.

Li Wei's face darkened, and he clenched his fists: "Don't let me leave you too far behind in the preliminaries."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the starting point, leaving Chen Zhou with a provocative back view.

Just then, the starter's voice came from the starting line:
"On your marks—"

Chen Zhou took a deep breath, stretched his shoulders, and walked towards the starting point.

The sunlight was even more dazzling, and the heat rising from the track blurred the view in the distance.

Chen Zhou walked to his track, squatted down, and gently stroked the scorching hot plastic surface with his fingers.

This is the venue for the provincial championship.

A gathering of masters, a place where hidden talents abound.

But he was destined to be the only dragon!

Chen Zhou's lips curled up slightly.

He was initially hesitant about how much of his strength to commit, but now it seems he needs to commit at least half of it.

"preparation--"

The starter's voice trailed off.

Chen Zhou held his breath and leaned forward, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

"boom!"

The starting gun fired, its crisp sound piercing the sweltering air.

The six figures shot out like arrows released from a bow.

The preliminary rounds of the 100-meter dash at the Provincial Track and Field Championships have officially begun.

The moment the starting gun fired, Li Wei's start was as fierce as a leopard's.

He practically sprang off the starting blocks, his strides were astonishingly long, and his black vest drew sharp arcs in the sunlight.

Chen Zhou's start was relatively smooth; he did not deliberately pursue extreme reaction speed.

Technical skills have always been where Chen Zhou falls short.

Upon seeing this, Li Wei couldn't help but snort coldly.

He had thought Chen Zhou was incredibly capable, but now it seemed he was nothing special.

But what he didn't know was.

Perhaps someone can beat Chen Zhou at the start, but once the start is over, it's his world.

Just then, Chen Zhou suddenly moved.

It's not just a simple acceleration; it's like a sports car shifting gears.

Speed ​​is of the essence in war, open fire!

His pace suddenly quickened, and his originally smooth movements instantly became sharp.

He transformed into a streak of red lightning, tearing a gash in the track.

The gasps from the audience had barely subsided when they were replaced by an even louder uproar:

"Number 75 is so fast!"

"What kind of divine start is this? Even Su Bingtian couldn't do better!"

"They've left everyone else in the dust!"

"..."

In an instant, Li Wei's starting advantage vanished, and he was immediately overtaken by Chen Zhou.

He watched Chen Zhou's retreating figure, trying to muster all his strength to catch up.

But it's beyond our reach.

He could only watch helplessly as Chen Zhou's figure receded into the distance.

Only then did he finally understand.

The difference between him and Chen Zhou is like heaven and earth.

The red figure grew farther and farther away, smaller and smaller, until it became a blurry dot, and then it was the first to cross the finish line.

"Beep—" The electronic timer rang out sharply.

Li Wei staggered a few steps, almost falling to the ground.

He was holding his knees, panting heavily, his vision blurred by sweat.

He looked up, his eyes fixed on the electronic screen above the finish line.

When that number popped up, Li Wei felt like his whole world had collapsed.

"9.98 seconds!" (End of Chapter)