Peach Waves stepped off the train and was immediately struck by the sight before her—a sprawling seaside training ground, designed especially for horse girls. The terrain alternated between lush grass and compact sand, stretching wide under the morning sun. Scattered across the field, horse girls were already in motion—running, leaping, stretching with vibrant energy.
Though she didn't gasp or squeal like a child might, her eyes sparkled with quiet excitement.
"Alright, Peach Waves, lace up your shoes. Let's get started," Grandpa Longjing called out, waving her over.
"Coming, Grandpa!"
She stepped onto the grass, feeling the texture beneath her soles. It was soft, springy—alive. She began her warm-up, instinctively moving through stretches and drills.
Longjing, watching from behind the railing, raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm… her warm-up form is surprisingly solid."
Peach Waves blushed, pausing mid-stretch.
"W-Well, of course. Old habits die hard…"
She had been an athlete once. That part of her hadn't faded.
"Alright, once you're ready, run a lap. I'll be watching."
"Got it, Grandpa."
After observing the other horse girls, she chose an empty lane and began her run. But the moment her foot hit the ground, a sharp memory flashed—her ankle injury from her past life. Her eyes widened, and she nearly stumbled.
"Peach Waves! Are you okay?" Longjing called out, concern etched in his voice.
She steadied herself, forcing a smile.
"I'm fine. Just got a little too excited."
"Alright then. Take it slow."
She resumed her run, but her movements were cautious, almost guarded. Her pace lagged behind the other horse girls. Longjing watched closely, frowning.
"Her form… it's off. Too tense. She's holding back."
He murmured to himself.
"Horse girls are meant to run freely. This… this isn't it."
As she finished her lap, Peach Waves trotted over.
"What's wrong, Grandpa?"
"Peach Waves… are you afraid?"
"N-No, not really…"
"Come now. I've trained enough to see it. Your eyes are full of ambition, but your body's hesitating. Did something happen?"
She paused. The truth was hard to admit—but she knew he was right.
"I… I'm scared. Scared of falling again. Of ending up in a wheelchair. Of losing everything."
Longjing knelt beside her, placing a hand on her head.
"Don't be afraid of getting hurt. Fear makes you stiff—and stiffness leads to injury. Run boldly. If you fall, I'll be there. I'll protect you, no matter what."
His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
"Yes, Grandpa. I understand."
Just then, the sound of crashing waves echoed from the nearby shore. Peach Waves turned toward the sea, her expression shifting.
"Grandpa…"
"Hmm?"
"My parents… they were taken by the sea. I watched them disappear beneath the waves."
Longjing's eyes widened. He didn't know about her past life—but he pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"It's okay, Peach Waves. Grandpa's here. You're safe."
"They believed in me. Even when they rescued me, they had hope in their eyes. But I… I failed them."
"No, child. You didn't fail. You're still here. You're still running. Honor their hopes. Run with them in your heart."
The emotional exchange didn't go unnoticed. Trainers and horse girls nearby had paused, watching with quiet sympathy.
Peach Waves wiped her tears, her eyes regaining their sparkle.
"I will. I'll run."
Applause broke out around her. Embarrassed, she ducked behind Longjing, her ears turning red.
"Hahaha… Looks like everyone's cheering for you, Peach Waves. Go show them what you've got."
"Mm…"
She stepped back onto the track, adjusted her clothes, and took her position at the starting line.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind swept across the field as she launched forward. Dirt kicked up behind her. Longjing's eyes widened.
"That footwork… it's not ordinary."
Her stride was fluid, her pace swift. The sadness had transformed into determination. Horse girls and trainers watched secretly paying attention.
As she entered the final stretch, Longjing pulled out his stopwatch.
Da-da-da-da…
She crossed the finish line. He clicked the timer.
"Final 600 meters… 35.19 seconds."
Peach Waves bent over, catching her breath, unaware of Longjing's stunned expression.
A nearby person approached.
"Senior Longjing… that time. Is she fast?"