{Chapter: 107 I bet five Million!}
The horse wasn't exactly thin to the point of being sickly.
However, compared to the tall, majestic steeds in the stables, it was noticeably smaller. Lin Yuan had deliberately chosen this particular horse, even though many other more imposing ones were available.
Qiao Siying and Tang Bowen had selected the strongest and most muscular horses, yet Lin Yuan's choice seemed to be only about a third of their size.
The female steward couldn't help but voice her concern.
"Master Lin, this horse doesn't seem to be in the best condition. In previous races, it didn't perform very well. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? I can recommend a better one for you." She tried to persuade him with a hint of worry in her voice.
However, Lin Yuan interrupted her decisively. "There's no need. This one will do just fine."
As he spoke, his hand ran smoothly along the thin horse's back, his fingers pressing lightly as if examining its muscles. A glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
"Hmph, you'd better pick another horse!" Qiao Siying huffed from atop her chosen mount, folding her arms in defiance. "I refuse to accept a victory just because you decided to handicap yourself with a weak horse!"
She had lost to Lin Yuan too many times already, suffering both financial losses and bruises to her pride. This time, she was determined to win back not only her money but also her dignity.
However, Lin Yuan remained unfazed. With a casual smirk, he shot back, "This horse is more than enough to deal with someone at your level. Just don't start crying when you lose—again."
Qiao Siying's face twitched. She had no retort, knowing Lin Yuan would only bring up the times she had cried before. With a sharp "Humph!" she turned away in annoyance, arms still folded.
Tang Bowen, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke. "You're sure about that choice?" His eyes flicked toward Lin Yuan's seemingly unimpressive horse, but his tone remained neutral.
Unlike Qiao Siying, Tang Bowen wasn't too concerned with what horse Lin Yuan chose. He had already accepted that Lin Yuan and Qiao Siying were better riders than him. With Lin Yuan picking a weaker horse, it meant he had a decent chance of securing at least second place. Coming in last would be an embarrassment, so this development worked in his favor.
As Lin Yuan led his horse to the track, murmurs spread among the wealthy spectators.
"Is Lin Yuan really choosing that horse?"
"It doesn't make sense. He just showed us how skilled he is. How can he not tell that horse is weak?"
"Maybe he's doing it on purpose?"
"Or maybe he knows how to ride but doesn't actually understand horses?"
They can't seem to understand.
They whispered among themselves, confused by his decision.
But only Lin Yuan knew the truth.
This horse wasn't weak—it was lazy.
His god-level medical skills didn't just allow him to see through human conditions. He could also discern the true state of animals.
While this horse appeared thin and unremarkable, Lin Yuan could tell it was brimming with hidden energy. Its body was far healthier than it let on. In fact, Lin Yuan suspected it was a rather intelligent creature.
It must have figured out that the stronger and faster a horse appeared, the harder it would be worked. The more competent ones would be used relentlessly in races and training. Some would even be pushed to exhaustion, and the slowest would face the fate of being sold off or, worse, slaughtered.
So, to avoid drawing attention, this horse had adopted a careful strategy—eating less to appear weak and occasionally switching between fast and slow running to seem unreliable.
But Lin Yuan had seen through its act.
Glancing down at the horse, he noticed it was looking right back at him. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them.
The horse's gaze was filled with laziness, almost as if it were waiting for Lin Yuan to give up on it.
But Lin Yuan simply smirked. He reached out and patted the horse's side, discreetly inserting a few silver needles into its acupuncture points.
"Lu Lu Lu Lu!!!"
The horse suddenly neighed loudly, drawing the attention of everyone around them.
As Lin Yuan retracted the needles, he leaned in and whispered to the horse, "If you don't run as hard as you can, I will kill you."
The acupuncture points he had targeted were ones that stimulated blood circulation, ensuring that the horse's body would be operating at peak condition. With its natural strength peak, the horse would no longer be able to hide its true capabilities.
And Lin Yuan wasn't bluffing—if the horse still refused to give its best, he would buy it and dispose of it.
Sensing the ominous intent behind Lin Yuan's words, the horse's lazy demeanor vanished instantly. Its eyes, which had been filled with indifference moments ago, were now wide with fear. Its entire body tensed, and it let out several loud neighs, trembling slightly.
The wealthy spectators exchanged puzzled looks.
"What's wrong with that horse?"
"Didn't it look like it was half-dead just now?"
"Why does it suddenly seem so energetic?"
The horse that had appeared sluggish and uninterested was now practically bursting with life, stomping its hooves as if ready to charge forward. Even though Lin Yuan hadn't even pulled its reins yet, it was already eager to sprint.
Qiao Siying scoffed. "Hah! So what if it looks energetic? A thin horse is still an incompetent horse. You've already lost, Lin Yuan. Get ready to kneel and serve me tea when you lose!" She declared smugly.
Lin Yuan only smiled. "You should worry about yourself. Do you have the five million ready? If not, I hope you're prepared to pay with your body, Miss Qiao." He glanced at her meaningfully. "Though, knowing how much of a crybaby you are, I expect you'll be bawling your eyes out when you lose."
Hearing his words, Qiao Siying's face turned red.
She immediately covered her chest with her arms, her eyes glaring fiercely at him. "You… you shameless bastard! I'm going to make you cry instead!"
Lin Yuan ignored her as the three of them rode toward the starting line.
Betting Begins
As the participants positioned themselves for the race, the wealthy spectators wasted no time placing their bets.
"I'm betting on Qiao Siying for first place! She's experienced in cross-country horse racing, and her horse is obviously the strongest. I'm putting down half a million!"
"I think Tang Bowen has the best chance. His horse looks the most powerful. I'll bet 200,000 on him!"
"I'm betting on Master Lin Yuan! Even if his horse seems weaker, his riding skills are incredible. I trust him! I'll put down 100,000!"
"I'll bet 300,000 on Qiao Siying…"
The majority of bets were placed on Qiao Siying. She had a strong reputation in horse racing, and her chosen steed was visibly superior. Tang Bowen also received a fair share of wagers, with many believing his horse was the most reliable.
Lin Yuan, however, had the fewest backers. Despite his impressive equestrian skills, most people believed that in horse racing, the steed was the deciding factor.
However, at that moment, a cold, elegant voice cut through the chatter.
"I bet on Lin Yuan for first place. Five million."
Silence fell over the crowd as heads turned toward the source of the voice.
Everyone was stunned and looked back together, only to see that it was the young miss of the Yan family, Yan Ruyue who was as cold as frost.
Her face was indeed cold except when facing Lin Yuan. She would not melt her ice-cold image for someone else.
The banker, a rich young man, hesitated. "Miss Yan, five million is… a bit too much. I can't take that bet."
The banker is a wealthy second generation but he dares not to accept Miss Yan's bet.
If Lin Yuan wins, the banker will earn as much money as Yan Ruyue, but if Lin Yuan loses the race, he can't afford to pay the five million.
"Then make it one million," Yan Ruyue said coolly.
Relieved, the banker quickly accepted.
With all bets settled, the referee stepped forward, raising a flare gun.
3…
2…
1…
Boom!
The gunshot rang out, and Lin Yuan, Qiao Siying, and Tang Bowen—along with their horses—exploded forward from the starting line.
*****
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