Chapter 28: Sakura’s Ambition—Dragging Wang Xiaoming Down, Even at the Cost of Her Own Ruin!

The moment Wang Xiaoming hit the water, all eyes were fixed upon him, whether from the Chinese audience or those abroad.

When they saw that Wang Xiaoming was still trailing the others, a collective sigh of relief rippled through the international spectators.

"I thought there would be some amazing display, but is that really all he’s got?"
"Tch, talked a big game before the race, only to get crushed!"
"He always claims to be fierce, but every time, he runs into someone even fiercer."
"Boring. I was hoping for a real challenge to put pressure on our athlete so he could break the record."
"Is that it? I doubt our guy even feels the need to accelerate."

Meanwhile, the Chinese audience clenched their fists. They knew that Wang Xiaoming’s strength didn't lie in the initial plunge, but seeing him start a full body-length behind still made anyone nervous. Countless Chinese viewers silently cheered him on, praying for him to pick up speed.

Sitting on the sidelines, the swimming team coach let out a heavy sigh. "This Wang Xiaoming, he has everything going for him, but he’s just too arrogant. If only he could be a bit more humble, he definitely wouldn't be trailing so far at the start!"

However, Pan Zhanle, sitting nearby, reassured him: "Coach, why the panic? This is an 800m race; Brother Ming hasn't even started pushing yet!"

"Pushing? Do you think he's the only one who can push? I admit, his acceleration is incredible! But that 50m race might have been a fluke where others let their guard down. Now that they're prepared, how could they possibly let him pass so easily?"

Hearing the coach’s words, Pan Zhanle immediately felt it made sense. Simply put, the coach believed Wang Xiaoming had "snuck" his way through the 50m sprint—and nearly succeeded at it. But what about this 800m race? Every competitor had watched his previous performance and would undoubtedly be more vigilant. Once they felt him accelerating, they would surely push themselves to the limit to ensure he didn't get a single chance.

Inside the Chinese Ministry of State Security, Chen Xiao also gripped his hands tight. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt such tension and passion. He had felt deeply regretful over Wang Xiaoming's loss in the 50m, and for today's 800m, he had even given everyone an hour off to watch the race together.

The leader sitting in the center was equally agitated. "Chen Xiao, do you think this kid can win?"

Chen Xiao shook his head, then nodded. "I... I don't know!"

"You don't know? Wasn't he the one you recruited?"

"I only knew he was a crack shot when I brought him in! I had no idea he was this beastly at swimming!"

The leader shook his head. "After the race, coordinate with the Cyber Department to monitor all online discourse. Regarding someone like Wang Xiaoming, who brings honor to China, I don't want to see a single smear against him, even if he loses this swimming race!"

"Of course, Chief. Even if you hadn't said it, we would have kept a close watch throughout these Olympic Games!"

"Hmph! Keep a watch? Don't you remember how the 'Flying Man' was harassed by internet trolls back in the day?"

"Back then, we didn't attach such importance to the internet, did we? Don't worry, Chief. This time, we will strictly regulate the entire network!"

"Good. Someone like Wang Xiaoming, who wins glory for the country, must never be allowed to suffer the slightest grievance!"

"Understood, Chief!"

Carrying the expectations of everyone, Wang Xiaoming had begun his 800m journey. This time was different from the 50m, and he wasn't afraid of a slow start because he had his secret weapon.

The CCTV commentator raised his voice accordingly. "Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let’s look at Wang Xiaoming in Lane 8! He has started behind the others again, but this time, who knows if he’ll find a turning point? As everyone knows, Lane 8 is an incredibly awkward position; the lack of a reference point on one side puts significant psychological pressure on the athlete. How will Wang Xiaoming handle this? Let’s wait and see!"

Wang Xiaoming was in the eighth lane, currently in last place. He was still nearly a body-length behind the leader, and even compared to the Japanese swimmer next to him, he was lagging significantly.

"We see that although Wang Xiaoming is trailing, there is no need to worry. We all know it isn't time for his big push yet! Alright, it's starting! Wang Xiaoming has begun his classic chase! The acceleration is coming, it’s coming!"

"Water is splashing everywhere like a dragon breaking free! After the frustration of the 50m, he is determined to take it all back in this 800m!"

Shortly after entering the water, Wang Xiaoming began to accelerate. Living up to expectations, from the audience's bird's-eye view, his acceleration was indeed rapid, and he was closing in fast on the seventh-place swimmer.

However, as Coach Wang Mu had said, the others hadn't been prepared during the 50m race. But now, they had studied him thoroughly. They wouldn't just let him pass easily!

Sure enough, the swimmer directly ahead of him was the Japanese competitor in the seventh lane. Sensing the powerful wake from beside him, the Japanese swimmer knew Wang Xiaoming was accelerating. He certainly wouldn't give him a chance to pass. Having studied Chinese military strategy before the race, his coach had told him: swimming and running races are about momentum—once it’s exhausted, it’s hard to recover. If you can withstand Wang Xiaoming's first wave of acceleration and prevent him from catching up instantly, his morale will crumble. Two more waves of this, and his spirit will be broken! In that case, Wang Xiaoming was destined to be a loser.

"Oh no, it seems his opponent won't give him a chance to close the gap! The Japanese swimmer realized Wang Xiaoming was accelerating and is matching his pace!"

"Is he crazy? Is he going to exhaust all his energy just because of Wang Xiaoming? There are still over 700 meters to go!"

The Japanese swimmer kept his coach's words in mind: he might not be able to win the whole race, but he would make sure the Chinese athlete, Wang Xiaoming, didn't place either! He was determined to drag Wang Xiaoming down with him.

But would Wang Xiaoming be dragged down so easily? Impossible!

Just as he finished his first burst of acceleration, he reached the 50m mark to touch the wall. He turned, and with an explosive push off his legs—

"Boom!"

"He passed him! He passed him!"

"Wang Xiaoming used the 50m turn to overtake the Japanese swimmer in one go! He’s in seventh place now, seventh! And he’s still accelerating, he’s still accelerating!"