She very cleverly avoided the host's question. Maruzensky slowly looked at the audience in the stands. With a vibrant, enthusiastic smile, she responded to the supporters present:
"I just want to say, right now I am only focused on the victory in front of me, so please watch carefully!!!"
This passionate and incredibly confident attitude infected the audience, who also offered their cheers and applause in support.
The sound waves were much higher than those for the previous contestants.
It could be seen that Maruzensky, as a competitor, was already a seasoned veteran who had experienced many battles.
The brief interview segment ended. As per custom, before leaving the paddock, contestants had to walk a lap around the circular area to wave to the people who came to support them.
As she passed the stands where the two were, Maruzensky "accidentally" noticed the two standing in the stands. And as she turned to leave, she subtly waved in their direction and secretly winked.
Kazutomi was sure she was waving to this side, but definitely not to him, after all, he had only met her once… So the answer was obvious—
Maruzensky must have been waving to his friend beside him… "Maruzensky is cheerful and lively by nature, and can get along with anyone. Actually, we are good friends in private."
Sure enough, he turned his head and saw Hayakawa also waving back to her. Probably realizing what Kazutomi was thinking, Hayakawa preemptively explained.
"So that's how it is? No wonder…"
Kazutomi nodded as if enlightened. Indeed, from the first impression, Maruzensky did seem like a gentle, intellectual, older-sister type who was easy to get along with. But thinking about it, wasn't Hayakawa, the Secretary-General, also such a person?
Both of them must be very beloved by their juniors in the academy.
While Kazutomi was still pondering, Hayakawa continued, "Actually, she often asks me to go racing with her on holidays."
"Racing?"
This was a bit beyond Kazutomi's scope of knowledge. He had only touched bicycles and electric scooters in his life… "Rather than saying we race together, it's more like she often drives me around…"
Hayakawa said while touching her cheek with a wry smile, "To be honest, I'm not very good with motor vehicles either; I just simply sit beside her."
"But… Maruzensky is still a student, right? Can she drive?"
"Isn't her ancestry British? Although she grew up in Japan, she often goes back to her hometown to live. She told me that in the UK, you can get a provisional driver's license at 16, and since she's 17 now, she's already passed the international driver's license exam."
Is this the disparity of the world?
Kazuo was still scrambling to make a living, even his mode of transport was an old-fashioned bicycle with a frame, bought from the second-hand market. Yet, these students already had their own sports cars… Although not exactly envious, Kazuo couldn't help but sigh at the disparity between people.
Everyone has their own way of life, and the path they choose is their own. So there's no need to envy others too much; being content with one's lot and living in the present is enough.
Hayakawa also added, "However, a girl's age is a forbidden secret, Asama-kun, so try not to cross that red line too much, okay?"
It was clearly advice for Kazuo, meant for the absent Maruzensky, but the oppressive feeling made Kazuo swallow the question he wanted to ask Hayakawa. He could only nod honestly in understanding.
Following Hayakawa through the entrance to the third floor, after the tickets were checked and they passed through, Hayakawa continued to explain:
"This is the passage to the reserved seats, so you need a ticket stub to enter. However, in recent years, it has gradually switched to electronic tickets, and the viewing mechanism for Horse Racing events is slowly improving."
Kazuo agreed, walking beside her. As the two walked further in, they didn't know that the two people queuing behind them could only watch helplessly as they walked further and further away.
How could they possibly have reserved designated seats in advance? Moreover, for a G1 event like this, all designated seats were snatched up a week ago. The two were completely helpless now, only able to be stopped outside and head to the general viewing stands to watch the race.
Kazuo had no idea that his beloved Xiao Hai Wan was right behind him, nor did he know that his devoted Daijin was beside Xiao Hai Wan.
At this moment, he was enthusiastically discussing the Fuchu Racecourse with Hayakawa.
"We are in A designated seats, with a very open view. The commentary booth is at the top. Unlike the commentary seats seen in the academy, the actual commentators are in a commentary booth, which is somewhat like a glass enclosure. Our designated seats are equipped with desktop displays, connected to real-time high-speed mobile cameras, allowing for a more detailed view of the competitors' status during the race."
"Of course, our seats themselves also offer an open view, allowing us to take in the entire track. A and S designated seats can only be purchased after being selected through a lottery."
"However, for Trainers, JRA will specifically provide them with smart tablets. During races, through the tablet, they receive more professional camera angles from the track, and even provide individual competitor camera positions for the entire race, allowing for a more detailed observation of the competitor's status and running style during the race."
"That amazing!?!"
Kazuo was a little surprised, but after she said that, Kazuo remembered that his colleagues did seem to have a black leather-covered rectangular object that they often held... Was it a tablet computer after all?
If it were as Hayakawa said, if Kazuo had such equipment back then, he wouldn't have had such a hard time watching Daijin's race replays.
After all, those were panoramic camera positions. Kazuo often had to watch frame by frame and record data when Daijin wasn't in the frame. If there had been a dedicated camera position for Daijin back then... Of course, that was hindsight, as Daijin was only in a local school team at that time, and there wouldn't have been a Central mechanism like this.
"That's right, because after each Trainer passes the assessment and obtains the qualification certificate, the official side will have a record and issue corresponding accounts to the Trainers. Through the issued tablet, logging into a dedicated platform, not only race replays, but also information on various competitors, race schedule announcements, relevant decisions, and Trainer bonuses are all issued there."
Hayakawa then smiled and said, "Of course, Asama-kun will still need to pass the exam and get the qualification certificate to experience these firsthand."
"Hmm, you're right..."
Kazuo followed her towards the end of the passage,
Hoping that the next time he came here—
His status would have changed.