Chapter 105: Xiao Qiang

Rousseau and Xiao Qiang’s acquaintance was quite... well, eventful.

You could say they truly got to know each other through conflict.

During the 60-meter dash at Quancheng Station, Xiao Qiang, with a strong competitive streak, mocked Rousseau a few times, scoffing at his claim of being a “Hexagonal Warrior.”

In response, Rousseau activated the “Intimidate” option from his status menu—a feature he had never used before. The result was immediate: Xiao Qiang’s mindset faltered, and what should have been a second-place finish plummeted to fourth, failing even to qualify for the 60-meter finals.

This was Rousseau’s first time using “Intimidate” in competition. Compared to “Provocation,” which could improve one’s own performance, “Intimidate” only appeared when the user held a clear advantage, and it seemed capable of shattering an opponent’s mental state outright.

The power of “Intimidate” was far beyond expectations.

Perhaps it was also because Rousseau’s 60-meter times were so exceptional that he could so easily rattle his rivals.

But then, what’s the point if it only works on the weak?

After the race, Xiao Qiang was dissatisfied and challenged Rousseau to a fight. They agreed to meet in the restroom, but their coaches intervened. Xiao Qiang warned, “Wait for me in the 400-meter race.” Rousseau replied, “I’ll be waiting.” In the end, Rousseau came in second, and Xiao Qiang first.

Following the race, Rousseau took the initiative to approach Xiao Qiang and said, “You’re really impressive. I was wrong to mock your starting posture in the 60 meters, but you do have some issues with your start—your center of gravity shifts too early.”

Rousseau felt apologetic for having used “Intimidate” to break Xiao Qiang’s concentration; it was his first time employing that tactic, and had he known its potency, he would have been more cautious.

So, Rousseau shared the observations he’d gleaned from his status menu with Xiao Qiang.

Faced with Rousseau’s apology, Xiao Qiang showed a shy smile. This sturdy man from the Northeast was tough but not hardheaded, and from that moment, the two grew closer.

It was then that Rousseau finally understood what the “Hexagonal Warrior” nickname he’d heard so much about truly meant.

It turned out it had originated from the internet.

One had to admit, the slogan devised by Little Fish for Rousseau was quite catchy and eye-catching. In Little Fish’s mind, Rousseau was destined to become the undisputed number one in the country, but others didn’t see it that way.

If Rousseau dominated all indoor events—60 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters—and all outdoor events—100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters—where would that leave everyone else? Trailing behind him, merely breathing in his wake?

“So that’s how it is... The Hexagonal All-Around Warrior. I like it. Who came up with such a thoughtful title?” Rousseau didn’t mind at all. He liked the nickname; even if it didn’t fit perfectly now, it could serve as motivation and encouragement.

“You’re still far from the 400 meters,” Xiao Qiang told Rousseau.

“I’ll beat you sooner or later,” Rousseau said.

“You need to manage your energy better,” Xiao Qiang advised.

“Hmm? Care to elaborate?” Rousseau asked.

“You’re using too much force at the start. I’ve got some insights...” Xiao Qiang began to explain.

...

Xiao Qiang was formidable in the indoor 400 meters.

He had taken first place at both the Capital Station and Rongcheng Station.

His outdoor 400 meters was equally strong, ranking among the very best nationwide.

But the 400 meters didn’t receive much attention, so the gap between domestic and international standards remained vast. As a result, Xiao Qiang’s consecutive victories hadn’t attracted much notice. Instead, it was Rousseau’s repeated breaking of the indoor 60-meter record over three events that was becoming headline news.

Though Xiao Qiang was a burly man, he was only three years older than Rousseau, and psychologically, he seemed somewhat fragile. During the 60-meter preliminaries, Rousseau’s single sentence had shattered his mental state, preventing him from reaching the finals. Rousseau felt deeply sorry for this.

Yet Xiao Qiang bore no grudge. He patiently shared his 400-meter insights with Rousseau.

The key issue was how to distribute one’s energy.

The indoor 400 meters consisted of two laps around a 200-meter track; the technical aspects were similar to the 200 meters, but energy distribution was an entirely different challenge. Rousseau had no real grasp of this until Xiao Qiang’s explanation brought him sudden clarity.

Many athletic skills were honed bit by bit through running, jumping, and competition. This was why athletes often transitioned smoothly into coaching roles. Domestic coaches might lack theoretical knowledge but were outstanding in practical experience.

Rousseau expressed heartfelt thanks for Xiao Qiang’s generosity.

Xiao Qiang smiled warmly. “You taught me how to run the 60 meters too.”

They exchanged techniques.

A gentleman’s friendship.

For the first time, Rousseau felt the pure camaraderie that could exist between athletes.

It was like ancient swordsmen who, recognizing each other’s worth, passed down treasured skills. Such precious knowledge, honed over years and tempered through trials, deserved to be shared with worthy rivals and trusted confidants—it was the true reward for a decade of sharpening one’s blade.

...

Two days later.

South Guangdong Provincial Newspaper Editorial Office.

The editor-in-chief was reviewing the article to be published the next day.

He frowned as he read the sports piece signed by Guan Zhaoyue. After rereading it carefully, he took off his glasses, picked up the phone, and dialed Guan Zhaoyue’s number.

“Old Guan, come see me,” he said.

Guan Zhaoyue arrived and, seeing the article in front of the editor-in-chief, frowned. “Is there a problem with the article?”

“Not a big one, just need to change the title and some content. It’d be best to split it into two articles,” the editor said with a smile.

“So that means changing the whole thing?” Guan Zhaoyue’s voice rose immediately.

“It’s not that bad. Old Guan, look at this title: ‘Sports Know No Borders; The Moon Is Not Always Round Abroad—A Comparison of Pan Kai and Rousseau’s Performances.’ The title is too pointed, don’t you think?” The editor smiled wryly. “We’re a provincial paper; we can’t take sides.”

“This is just stating facts. All domestic media are hyping Pan Kai’s achievements, but the Thailand Athletics Open is only a second-tier league. How valuable is Pan Kai’s 100-meter championship? The competitors are mostly second-rate international athletes. Rousseau, on the other hand, has broken the national indoor 60-meter record multiple times and is closer to world championship level!” Guan Zhaoyue argued.

“I don’t know much about sports...” The editor shook his head. He oversaw all sections of the paper but wasn’t as familiar with athletics as Guan Zhaoyue.

Guan Zhaoyue was the sports editor and had only recently focused on sprinting because of Rousseau. So he had concentrated his attention on him.

This article was the result of extensive research, aiming to correct the blindly enthusiastic praise of Pan Kai, but the editor’s criticism had surely upset him.

“But the Sports Administration has objections,” the editor said, tapping the article on the desk. “This won’t pass.”

“The Sports Administration controls our South Guangdong newspaper? That’s absurd!” Guan Zhaoyue was even more furious.

“It’s a cultural bureau directive,” the editor explained.

“What exactly won’t pass? Is it that we can’t promote Rousseau or can’t criticize Pan Kai? I stated facts—why can’t I write this?” Guan Zhaoyue remained defiant.

“Old Guan, just make the changes. Otherwise, it won’t get published. Your article is too flattering toward Rousseau. Even Rousseau himself would blush. After all, an international champion is an international champion—we can’t write it like this.” The editor coaxed him until he reluctantly agreed to revise it.

“Corrupt!” Guan Zhaoyue muttered, holding the article outside the editor’s office.