028 Took Its Carrot

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Caesar ran around the track, lap after lap, for a long time. Only when his speed finally slowed did Mu Qingcheng relent and let him rest.

“Good boy~ Otherwise, you’ll have more trouble ahead,” she teased.

Caesar snorted, his nostrils flaring as he tossed his head and neck, but even his neighs had grown much gentler. It was evident that this wild stallion, untamed by anyone, had at last been subdued by a young woman who had unexpectedly appeared.

After a while, Caesar trotted lightly to the front of the stables. Mu Qingcheng swung herself down in one smooth motion, landing nimbly on the ground. She glanced at Caesar, and from an angle no one else could see, her gaze blazed with intensity, full of pressure. Caesar shuddered again, lowered his head, and affectionately rubbed his muzzle against her cheek.

“Good boy~” Mu Qingcheng finally smiled, raising her hand to stroke Caesar’s mane as a reward. Then, with a mysterious air, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, “I have a white mare outside, with blue-gray eyes, beautiful as can be. She’s never bred before. Shall I introduce her to you someday?”

Caesar seemed to understand. He suddenly grew excited, pawing the ground, his demeanor entirely different from before—full of anticipation and delight.

Not far away, in the stable office, the owner was staring at the surveillance monitor, his brows drawn together in a frown. He turned to the man beside him, Si Bei, and asked in confusion, “What did she say to Caesar? How did that aloof creature get so excited?”

Si Bei was at a loss for words, and before he could reply, the owner continued, clicking his tongue, “Look at that—rubbing her face? Very well, deduct half a month’s carrots from Caesar.”

This time, Si Bei dared not utter a single word.

****

Because of Caesar’s sudden madness, the equestrian competition was forced to halt. The students were ushered into the nearby restaurant. As noon approached, the stables prepared exquisite meals. The students filed in one by one, but Mu Qingcheng remained where she was.

The staff member who usually cared for Caesar approached her, admiration in his tone. “Miss Mu, your skills are remarkable. Caesar has never let anyone ride him except our boss.”

“This is… Si Qingchen’s horse?”

“Yes.”

Mu Qingcheng recalled the cold-faced man she had seen earlier. There seemed to be a hidden power within him, dark and formidable.

“Miss Mu? Miss Mu?” Noticing that she had drifted off, the man waved a hand before her eyes.

“Ah… sorry.” Mu Qingcheng smiled awkwardly, her little face half-concealed behind her glasses, a hint of warmth spreading across her features. The man was momentarily stunned, a flicker of amazement and confusion crossing his heart. He quickly looked away, his voice slightly uneasy.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take Caesar down now.”

“All right.”

……

“Neigh, neigh~” But Caesar, ever unruly, began to protest again, his low whinnies refusing to let the man take his reins. He shook his head, his four hooves striking the ground impatiently.

“Caesar, be good. I’ll come visit you, all right?” Mu Qingcheng soothed him, gently stroking the mane on his forehead. Caesar immediately lowered his head, rubbing his face against hers.

For a long while, horse and girl comforted each other in this unlikely way. Eventually, the staff member managed to lead Caesar away.

……

By the time Mu Qingcheng entered the hall, everyone had already taken their seats. As she walked in, she was met with the same contemptuous and disdainful looks, tinged now with suspicion and curiosity. Mu Qingcheng shook her head and prepared to find a corner to sit in. Yet before she could move, a gentle figure approached.

“Mu, thank you for saving me earlier.”

“I…”

Almost at the same moment, before Mu Qingcheng could reply, footsteps sounded behind them. Someone spoke quietly:

“Miss Mu, my employer wishes to see you.”

Mu Qingcheng: “……”