Umamusume's days are numbered

Episode 321 Does she actually like me?

Putting everything else aside, disregarding the astronomer's utterly terrible personality, her filthy soul, and finally her twisted and abstract character, at least the astronomer's beauty is exactly like that of her sisters—it's clear that the Hai Du sisters' parents had good genes.

At around 1.7 meters tall, she's considered tall for a girl. Unlike the enviable physique of someone like Qi Yiguang, who achieved it entirely through self-discipline and daily training, the astronomer's body was at its peak during her active career, and her condition declined immediately after retirement.

There's nothing we can do about it. Her peak physique during her active career had nothing to do with her own abilities; it was all thanks to the grueling training in Haidu City. After retiring, she was free to do whatever she wanted since no one was watching her anymore.

Of course, even so, the foundation won't simply disappear. Astronomers, overall, still look pleasing to the eye, and the extent to which they can proudly display their abs is a stark contrast to the rapid weight gain they experienced during their active careers.

Judging by appearance alone, are the astronomers in the platinum's good ball zone?

The concept of a "good zone" is inherently vague. Everyone's tastes may differ, but the general standard of beauty is the same. In short, if you say someone isn't in your "good zone," it means they're not attractive enough.

Astronomers are good enough.

As for personality... it doesn't seem that unbearable?

Astronomers are just a bit lazy, slow at work, and prone to drinking. Her ability to become a famous racehorse girl speaks volumes about her skill and talent.

In other words, if astronomers really want to pursue their own goals... it doesn't seem like it's impossible.

Platinum glanced back at the astronomer again, this time finding even her peacock-like smile more agreeable.

If Li Yuelongmen knew that Bai Jin now views astronomers through a filter, she would definitely want to kill herself for saying that.

No, no, Platinum—even though Rudolf Symbol has clearly rejected you, isn't your heart still with the Chairman? You're going to fall for someone else so easily? The Chairman only rejected you a few months ago. Compared to Rudolf Symbol, the Astronomer is far inferior, okay?

But astronomers are the first to pursue their own! The first time in history, since the beginning of time!

To be honest, even if Bai Jin already has someone he likes, it's hard for someone to be aloof towards a beautiful girl who's pursuing him. Especially since she's the first one.

Tsk, don't overthink it, Platinum. It was just a joke about leaping over the dragon gate. Is a joke really enough to make you overthink and feel anxious? Although the astronomer is acting really strange today, what if she just forgot to take her medication? If you make that assumption in your mind and define a person like that, it makes you seem a bit arrogant and frivolous.

More importantly, if a blunder occurs, how will we get along in the future? I'll be so ashamed that I'd want to run away to Venus.

Well, even if we take a step back and assume, hypothetically, that the story of the carp leaping over the dragon gate is true, and that all of this wasn't a misunderstanding caused by my biased perspective or by my own arrogance, let's just say that the astronomer really did want to pursue me.

Do I need to agree to it?

Platinum thought about it and decided to forget about it.

Because she truly didn't have that kind of heart-fluttering feeling towards the astronomer. For example, so far, the only people who have truly given Platinum that kind of heart-fluttering feeling are Rudolf Symbol and New Universe—just these two. Among them, New Universe is because he is her soulmate; the only one she truly harbors romantic feelings for is Rudolf Symbol.

Being pursued by a beautiful girl made Bai Jin happy, but that was about it. When it came to whether or not to accept, Bai Jin felt it was best to think carefully.

Especially when you haven't even finished running the classic Triple Crown, making promises lightly is simply irresponsible.

Not to mention, the probability of an astronomer pursuing her isn't actually that high. Platinum felt that perhaps the astronomer's attitude towards all girls was the same, leading to her misconception. Thinking about it that way, the astronomer truly deserved the title of "central air conditioner"—such a guy is so annoying!

Thinking about this, Platinum felt at ease. Regardless of whether anyone liked or disliked her, or wanted to pursue her, her answer was always "no." Except for the symbolism of Rudolf.

In other words, my current feelings are nothing more than the vanity of thinking, "Oh, I might have girls who want to pursue me," and the joy of having my appearance and personality recognized.

"Platinum, are you done?" the astronomer called out from afar. "Let's continue, we still have a lot to do."

"Understood," Platinum replied, then walked back onto the treadmill to face the astronomer.

The only question now is whether the astronomer's unusual feelings for himself are a joke, wishful thinking, or something real.

If that's not the case, then it's a happy ending for everyone. But if it is... Platinum will have to find a way to reject the astronomer's advances without hurting him. Ideally, she should make the astronomer give up and politely decline without revealing her feelings; that would be better for everyone.

Actually, it's quite simple. Just casually mention that you already have a girlfriend, and let the astronomer overhear. Consider it a convenient excuse.

If we're talking about using Rudolf as a shield, then let him be the symbol. That's what she deserves.

Well, it seems I've learned a bit from spending all my time in the student union watching the president and various departments negotiate! Platinum felt a little smug thinking about how quickly and logically she could organize her thoughts now.

The astronomer on the other side hesitated for a moment, watching Platinum start stepping on the treadmill again, before speaking.

"I've been staying at the youth training base these past two days, watching the construction teams outside, and I'm getting tired of it."

"What I mean is... after today's training, how about we take the island-looping train together and go sightseeing? This resort is really overrated."

Was it the restless, free spirit of an astronomer at play, or was it that her love could no longer be hidden? Platinum couldn't tell yet, but this time she didn't refuse.

"Okay."

Episode 322 I Promised

boom!

With a violent tremor, Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate's fist slammed heavily onto the dining table. Fortunately, the table at the youth training base was sturdy enough; otherwise, it might have cracked from Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate's impact.

Even so, the whole table bounced—it really bounced, along with the plates on it, just like a scene from a Disney animation.

The girl, with excellent manners, covered her head and covered her ears with both hands, as if afraid that the leaping over the dragon gate had hit her head: "Ah Li, Ah Li, calm down... don't get so excited, let Bai Jin finish speaking..."

The three of them were sitting around a dining table. The astronomer was nowhere to be seen, while Hai Du City and Hai Du Star were enjoying their lunch by themselves—although Hai Du Star seemed to want to continue eating with Bai Jin and the others, Hai Du City jokingly grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and pulled her away.

Even if a couple's relationship is progressing well, they should still respect each other's personal space. If Haidu Star were to pounce on them again, things would get chaotic at the dinner table.

Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate's fist trembled slightly as it pressed against the table. It was unclear whether this was due to anger or the pain from the hard surface. She lifted her trembling face, looking kindly at Platinum before her: "So... how did you respond?"

Bai Jin scooped up the macaroni in her bowl with a spoon, oblivious to You Yu's desperate winks at her, and answered without thinking, "I said yes."

Upon hearing Bai Jin's answer and looking at her innocent face devoid of any evil thoughts, Li Yuelongmen opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word; he felt a sudden darkness engulf him.

Excellent qualities quickly grabbed her from behind to prevent her from fainting and slipping under the table.

"Don't rush, don't rush, don't rush." ​​Excellent qualities whispered in Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate's ear, "Platinum only agreed to go out with the astronomer, not to get a marriage certificate with him, why are you so excited?"

Excellent Qualities is a bit confused about the complex relationships between these people. Does the astronomer really want to pursue Platinum? Judging from the way the carp leaps over the dragon gate looks like it's facing a formidable enemy, and the astronomer's attitude of asking Platinum out alone, it's probably true.

The problem is, the astronomer could invite Platinum out, and so could the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate." Of the four people who came to Hawaii together, Platinum was the one who was invited, the astronomer was there as a coach and team leader, and "Excellent Quality" was someone Rudolf symbolically included in the variety show to help Platinum alleviate public pressure... Only "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" was someone Platinum requested to be included.

Platinum is clearly on your side, so why are you in such a hurry? Why didn't Platinum ask Ibuki and Kagura to come with her?

Despite having a significant advantage, and with Platinum simply going out with friends... it was as if she had encountered a crucial point in her life, causing her to jump three feet high.

Although I wasn't familiar with Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate before, every time I saw her back then, she was always considerate, delicate, and courteous, making people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze. She was like a Hong Kong version of a Yamato Nadeshiko. Now, however, I've become so insecure... Platinum really does have magic.

But then again, when Platinum and Rudolph symbolize arguing, they also look like burnt-out dried fish... Rudolph symbol also has a lot of magic.

No, it should be said that love makes people blind.

Overwhelmed by her excellent qualities, she seemed to have become a great philosopher at that moment.

It's clear now that Fuji Koji also has some feelings for the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate," and the carp leaping over the dragon gate, Ibuki Mai Kagura, and the astronomer are all determined to get the platinum. But looking further back, the platinum, Mejiro Mt. Hakata, and Tokai are naturally vying for the Rudolf symbol. What a mess!

How did our Treson College become like this?.jpg

With the help of her excellent manners, Li Yuelongmen managed to stand up. She swayed and pressed her head, forcing a smile on her face: "Excuse me... I'll go first."

With that, the carp leaped over the dragon gate and left the dining table without looking back.

Bai Jin watched the figure leaping over the dragon gate and leaving, and asked You Yusu with a puzzled look, "What's wrong with her?"

Who knows what his outstanding qualities are? Maybe he's off to knock some astronomers' heads off.

The carp leaping over the dragon gate certainly didn't knock the astronomer's head off; she didn't even leave the restaurant. She simply changed tables and sat down.

"Did you know that the astronomer is going out with Platinum today?" Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate said to the two people at the table, taking a deep breath.

"Is that so?" Hai Dudu stirred the tender beef in his bowl and answered casually.

Sitting at this table are Hai Du City and Hai Du Star.

The carp leaping over the dragon gate is not very clear-headed, but it is very clear-headed in some ways.

Although the Astronomer and the Star of the Sea are sister stars, they should logically team up to deal with each other first. However, there is only one Platinum Star, and the two sisters cannot simply take turns using equal days or odd-numbered days.

In the end, only one person could stay by Platinum's side.

So the carp leaping over the dragon gate is a gamble, a gamble that the astronomer acted on his own initiative, wanting to abandon his sister and himself and run away with the trophy, and a gamble that this was not authorized by Haidu City!

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

"Aren't you worried at all?" Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate gritted its teeth.

"The astronomer is my sister, and I encourage her to bravely pursue love. Does she have to report to me for everything she does?" Hai Dudu continued stirring the beef in his bowl at a leisurely pace.

Haidu City sees things more clearly. Relying solely on Haidu Star would be difficult to overcome the challenge of the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate. Given its long-standing companionship, the Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate undoubtedly holds the highest place in Platinum's heart.

Even though she's his friend's sister, if it were really Jinqiang Liushi who came in person, Haidu City would definitely side with his sister.

Let's deal with the conflict between the two sisters later; it would be too ugly if outsiders stirred up trouble between them.

"Besides, now that you've told me this, do you expect me to stop Galileo?" Hai Dudu spread his hands at Li Yuelongmen. "She's a big kid, and she's never listened to me properly. If she could really listen to me, she wouldn't be here now."

Haidu Star simply listened to the conversation between Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate and Haidu City, without making any attempt to interrupt.

A subtle glint flashed in Hai Dushi's eyes.

Besides, even if astronomers were given this opportunity... Hai Du City doesn't believe she could succeed.

Haidu City knows astronomers all too well... Tonight, Galileo might suffer an unprecedented defeat.

(Please accept this, it's my last bonus chapter!)

Long-term leave certificate

At the end of January, I confidently said that I could finish writing this book in February, but reality gave me a heavy slap in the face.

I'd like to apologize to all the readers first, as a problem with my outline prevented me from finishing the book. There are only about thirty or forty chapters left until the end, a small volume more than expected—and that's after adding extra chapters in February.

I'll be starting to prepare for my postgraduate entrance exam soon, so this book will have to be updated irregularly. Thank you all for your continued support.

However, I promise I will definitely give this book an ending; I'll write it slowly. This leave request will remain until the book is finished, or until I finish my postgraduate entrance exam.

O while I live to be the ruler of life, not a slave.

This is a message to myself and to all the readers. Because of you, I love life, and I hope this book can be a source of enjoyment in your lives.

Up! (?oωo?)?

Episode 323: Everyone Talks Their Own Talk

After arriving on the island, faced with a resort that was completely unfinished and a solitary youth training base, Platinum once asked himself a profound question: how would the workers' catering problem be solved?

In fact, the Hawaiian Islands have ample transportation options. With ports, airports, and roads and buses on every island, a vacation here won't make you feel like you've returned to the Stone Age—after all, that's not a vacation, that's survival.

Not far from the resort under construction, on the same island, lies a small tropical town, just a short, drowsy drive along a straight road. As for why the youth training base had to be built separately, that remains a mystery.

Platinum is now in the heart of this small town. A red sun is already beginning to set, and the hottest part of the day is just beginning. But after a while, as the sun sets, the weather will become relatively cooler. The atmosphere here is more laid-back than in Honolulu. You can see old wooden houses, coconut trees planted along the streets, and most of the pedestrians are wearing swimsuits with a jacket over them. A middle-aged man wearing sunglasses leans against the door of a jeep, a cigarette dangling from his lips. The jeep's trunk is wide open, revealing a pile of cassette tapes and CDs, with jazz from the Elvis era flowing from the car's stereo.

Bai Jin wasn't watching the middle-aged man with a stubble and his CDs by the roadside, nor was she interested in listening to the music. She was in the tavern behind the jeep, a two-story wooden building with a crooked signboard that tirelessly flashed neon lights even in daylight.

Platinum sat at the bar, absentmindedly holding a glass.

I should have known long ago where astronomers could lead me.

Sigh, I was so naive to still harbor a sliver of hope for her romantic and sentimental side. I should have realized that for astronomers, the only interesting places are movie theaters and bars...

Is this reasonable? Look at this! Twice in a row! Where are you taking these minors?

Platinum glanced at the astronomer sitting next to him. "You wasted an entire afternoon of training just to bring me here?"

Of course, Platinum didn't order any alcoholic beverages this time. Last time was truly an unexpected situation.

The astronomers were completely unaware of this. She sat sideways next to Platinum, still wearing the same waterproof jacket and flip-flops, and with her camera hanging around her neck, chattering away to Platinum.

"I checked with the local female riders beforehand; this place looks old, but it's actually not young at all. Because North American female riders come here every summer for training camps, they even have special low-alcohol drinks for them..."

"Ah."

"Wow, can you hear what music is playing outside?"

"I am not very sure."

"Wow, they're playing Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock.' That's really old. The music here is really decades behind... Elvis is typical black music sung by white people; his style is actually inherited from the blues that originated from black people..."

"Oh...I see."

"By the way, let's go to the beach to take some sunset photos when the sun goes down. I just happened to bring my camera."

"Wasn't this already filmed?"