Chapter 505: Glory on the Track

The on-site broadcast host is announcing the final race results in German.

At the press area’s workstations, Five Star Sports host Duan Yong is still mic in hand, delivering live commentary amid an atmosphere brimming with excitement.

On the stands opposite, the crowd that came specifically to cheer for Xie Bingran waves national flags, turning the area into a roaring sea of fervor.

On the track.

A group of Black and White athletes is congratulating champion Xie Bingran, sharing hugs and introductions.

Joanna Hayes, the 2004 Athens Olympics women’s 100m hurdles gold medalist, is posing for a solo photo with Xie Bingran.

Off to the side beyond the finish line, Coach Cheng Hong and Bai Miao still hold their hands high, eyes brimming with tears.

National Athletics Team head coach Sun Mouping unfolds a bright red national flag and hands it to the approaching Xie Bingran.

As Xie Bingran drapes the flag and salutes the crowd at the storied Letzigrund Stadium, applause erupts throughout.

The applause honors the first Yellow person in history to claim the women’s 100m hurdles world championship.

Meanwhile, the young person who earlier mocked with ‘Yellow Banana’ from who-knows-which country has vanished, lost in the celebratory chaos.

On a section of the second-level stands, Akabane Kaoru from Japan and her coaching team have already risen to their feet.

They watch Xie Bingran on the field, applauding with serious and respectful expressions.

Su Rong and Wu Feifei tone down their excited screams, now quietly wiping away tears.

Xu Chen clutches the national flag in his arms, gazing from afar at Xie Bingran on the track, pursued by countless cameras.

“You’ve come so far…”

In his past life’s memories, Xie Bingran didn’t step onto the track until 2007; she won gold at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and then faded into retirement.

After rebirth, Xu Chen altered Xie Bingran’s timeline, but he never expected it to flip her achievements entirely.

She’s not just an Asian champion now—she’s a true world champion.

Xu Chen gathers his wandering thoughts, still feeling a sense of disbelief.

12.37 seconds.

That’s the time Xie Bingran just ran.

It unquestionably shatters her personal best and ties the 2004 Athens Olympics gold medal record.

This means at next year’s 2008 Beijing Olympics, Xie Bingran is set to reach the finals and has already secured a medal.

This likely exceeds everyone’s expectations and upends many assumptions.

A Yellow person as the women’s 100m hurdles world champion…

In the past decades, no one worldwide probably ever linked those ideas.

What is groundbreaking? What is history-making?

Xie Bingran’s name.

From today, it truly shines on the world stage.

On the large LED screen above the stands, the final race results are displayed.

Xie Bingran wins with 12.37 seconds, setting a new personal best and tying the previous Olympics gold record.

Silver goes to American star Lolo Jones, the popular Black athlete known for her striking looks.

Her time of 12.39 seconds is just a hair behind Xie Bingran.

In elite competition, that tiny gap can be an insurmountable chasm.

Bronze goes to Lopez Schlip from Canada, the ‘Real Hulk,’ who ran 12.40 seconds, matching her personal best from last year but not surpassing it.

Fourth place is Sally Pearson from Australia, and fifth is Brigitte Foster from Jamaica.

Damu Cheli from the USA takes sixth; this Black athlete, back after a drug suspension, didn’t secure a medal in her first major event.

Her tears reveal deep regret.

The previous Olympics gold medalist, American Joanna Hayes, finishes eighth without breaking 13 seconds.

Though her form has declined recently, she’s already claimed Olympic gold, so she waves farewell kisses to the crowd with grace.

Most of today’s competitors, including these Black and White athletes, will face Xie Bingran again at next year’s Beijing Olympics.

For them, a Yellow athlete in lane nine taking gold was completely unexpected.

In their pre-race plans, they probably never considered this Asian competitor a threat for medals.

Now, in the coming year of Olympic prep, they’ll have to treat this ‘dark horse’ Asian as their top rival.

At Huahai Normal University, Xie Bingran’s large posters are prominently displayed along the main campus road.

In countless classrooms, dorms, halls, and lecture rooms, a massive wave of cheers erupts all at once.

In Tiancheng, at Chenfeng Technology Park.

Outside Fang Jun’s ‘bar,’ thunderous applause rings out.

Old Xu grins ear to ear, passing out cigarettes among Li Rui, Zhao Feng, and the rest of Bing Ge’s crew.

Wu Yue has arranged dinner, and ‘moneybags’ Fang Jun says flatly:

“I’ll cover the drinks tonight.”

At Tiancheng No. 1 High School, in the staff building.

Principal Huang Hua sends his wife and son out and locks the door.

He pours himself two shots of liquor and settles on the sofa to watch the race replay.

As he takes a big swig, the strong drink brings tears to his eyes.

In Shandong Province Sports Bureau, a large meeting room.

After the applause dies down, a senior official smiles and says:

“Director Zhu is at the General Bureau meeting right now—this time, we’ve really made a name for ourselves!”

Meanwhile, at Tiancheng Sports Bureau, Tiancheng Sports University, and Shandong Provincial Sports University, it’s like a holiday with waves of applause and cheers.

At 2 Sports Museum Road in Dongcheng District, Beijing, the National Sports Administration.

Officials from the administration and various bureaus congratulate Director Zhu Haifeng, who came from Shandong Province.

Zhu Haifeng smiles warmly:

“On behalf of Xie Bingran, I thank the administration’s leadership for their trust and guidance, and the national team’s coaching staff for their instruction!”

Olympic Committee Vice Chair Liu Zhili remembers something and grins at the senior leader beside her:

“For next year’s opening ceremony flagbearer, maybe it doesn’t have to be Yao Ming…”

Olympic Committee Chair Liu Qi pauses, then nods:

“We’ll look into it… But that’s a solid suggestion!”

At Shimen City in Hebei Province, Datuo Electric Vehicle Sales Company headquarters.

In the large conference room, Chairman Jiang Huaqin and his management team have just watched the race.

Jiang Huaqin lights another cigarette and says:

“Let’s pull back the other brands’ vehicles and put Chenfeng’s up front!”

He adds:

“Ask Guo Liang if we can create a special champion gold medal poster and add our ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ logo on it!”

“Great idea, boss! I’ll reach out to General Manager Guo right away!”

Jiang Huaqin takes another drag, looking thoughtful:

“President Xu has such sharp vision, betting early on a world champion endorser. Next year, with the Olympics, Chenfeng Technology is set to soar.”

In Pengcheng, at Xi Zhilang chairman’s home.

Li Yongjun is a bit troubled as his overexcited daughter Li Lizi is nearly shaking the villa’s roof.

Li Yongjun leans back on the sofa, his expression serious.

Watching the race replay on TV, he mutters to himself:

“This is way better than Zhou Jielun…”

He pulls out his phone and calls subordinate Kuang Lili:

“Did you watch the race?”

“How’s the signing going? Hurry and lock it in—the fees might rise if we wait!”

“Even if they do, it’s fine, but we can’t let competitors snatch her away…”

“Set the schedule and let me know—I’ll go to Shanghai to sign personally!”

In Shanghai, at Ran Bing Sports and East Morning Star Advertising.

Nana sets off some confetti cannons, filling the office with colorful ribbons.

Nie Fei celebrates with everyone but quickly pulls Jiang Yuze and Sun Lingfeng into the meeting room.

Amid the excitement, the three feel a subtle pressure, as Ran Bing Sports has more important work ahead.

Sun Lingfeng opens his computer and checks the data:

“Store traffic is surging naturally…”

“And Taobao’s operations just contacted me—they’re giving us official traffic boosts for the next week.”

Jiang Yuze looks troubled:

“For Ran Bing X’s launch, I don’t think I need to do anything…”

“Pre-order reservations have already topped 100,000.”

Nie Fei nods:

“Young Xu Chen just messaged me to create a new celebratory poster.”

In Zurich, at Letzigrund Stadium.

The International Athletics Grand Prix Zurich leg women’s 100m hurdles final awards ceremony is underway.

On the big screen above the stands, Xie Bingran stands on the podium.

The five-star red flag rises as the national anthem plays.

Xu Chen, Su Rong, and Wu Feifei stand in a line, their expressions solemn, hearts still racing.

The adorable Su Rong belts out the anthem along with the music.

And louder than Su Rong is Five Star Sports host Duan Yong nearby.

The ceremony ends.

Journalists from the press area, as if following some unified cue, grab their cameras and recorders and rush to the interview zone beside the podium.

This includes CCTV Sports Channel’s anchor Yu Ning and the still-excited Five Star Sports’ Duan Yong.

Wu Feifei turns to Xu Chen:

“Can we slip in and join?”

Xu Chen smiles: “No rush, Coach Cheng told us to wait here—she has something else planned.”

Su Rong hugs Wu Feifei’s arm: “Okay, okay! We’ll stay put and wait!”

On the big screen, it cuts to the interview area where reporters swarm around the striking Xie Bingran.

Clearly, ‘Bing Ge’ isn’t one for words, so she leaves the main talking to head coach Sun Mouping.

Xie Bingran stands beside him, looking poised yet cool.

A few departing Black athletes pass by and stop to say goodbye to Xie Bingran.

Coach Cheng Hong reaches Xu Chen’s group.

She calls them over from behind the barrier since she can’t enter.

Whether from a quick jog or the lingering thrill of the race, she’s still catching her breath.

“Bing Ge can’t join you for lunch—the ambassador from the Swiss Federation is here and needs to meet with her and Coach Sun.”

“There might be Swiss sports officials too…”

Xu Chen smiles: “Meeting the ambassador is more important—we’ll wait patiently!”

Cheng Hong adds with a hint of helplessness:

“After the interviews, there’s an indoor media group session.”

“It wasn’t on the schedule, but with Bing Ge’s gold, the organizers added it.”

“Plus, there’s a brand event—Li Yue specifically messaged me to make sure we attend.”

Xu Chen knows this must be Omega’s arrangement.

The Swiss watch brand Omega is the official partner of the International Athletics Grand Prix and is discussing potential commercial deals with Li Yue for Xie Bingran.

With Xie Bingran’s win in Zurich, that partnership seems locked in.

For Xie Bingran, adding an international luxury watch endorsement is a big boost to her image.

Xu Chen: “We’re in no hurry—let her handle her business first.”

Cheng Hong smiles: “There might be a short break, maybe just a minute or two.”

“I’ll sort it out for you!”

Before Xu Chen can respond, Su Rong chimes in excitedly: “Sounds great!”

Eager as ever to see Bing Ge.

Ten minutes later, Xu Chen gets a call from Coach Cheng and leads Wu Feifei and Su Rong toward the back.

Following Cheng’s instructions, they pass through the entrance, around two corridors, and reach the corner of passage B14.

After a short wait, they see three figures approaching.

Coach Cheng Hong leads, with Xie Bingran and Bai Miao following.

“You’ve got one minute—just a quick hello!”

Cheng Hong says with a mischievous grin, “I know it’s been a while.”

Su Rong and Wu Feifei spot Bing Ge and suddenly feel shy.

When Xie Bingran smiles at them, the two girls brighten up and step forward.

“Bing Ge, you’re amazing! Congratulations!” Wu Feifei says.

Su Rong blinks: “Bing Ge… I missed you so much…”

Xu Chen suppresses a chuckle and greets Bai Miao first.

Bai Miao: “Heard you were here, so I came to say hi.”

Wu Feifei and Su Rong, having met Bai Miao in Doha, politely say, “Hi, Bai Miao senior!”

Xu Chen seizes the moment and smiles at Xie Bingran.

He slips off his backpack, pulls out a elegant brown box—the chocolates he bought yesterday at Paradeplatz.

Opening it reveals sixty-four unique, exquisite chocolates.

He holds it out: “Champion picks first!”

Xie Bingran blinks, seriously selecting one—a ‘lava’ chocolate from the side.

Xu Chen clears his throat: “Ladies, help yourselves!”

Su Rong: “We can too?”

Xu Chen: “Of course, share and share alike!”

The four women light up—who can resist tempting chocolates?

So, in a narrow passage at Letzigrund Stadium, amid the distant roar of the crowd…

Xu Chen, Xie Bingran, and the other three women gather, happily dividing the box of chocolates.