Chapter 41: How has Wang Xiaoming already left everyone in the dust when things have only just begun?

Every member of the Chinese swimming team present had watched Wang Xiaoming’s previous races. They all knew that Wang was a swimmer who gradually built up his momentum. Due to his rough technique during the start, he would inevitably be left far behind in the first 50 meters. Yet, at this moment, as he emerged from the water and they saw him already in third place, everyone let out sounds of disbelief.

"Zhanshuo, did you secretly train with Brother Ming during lunch?" Pan Zhanle was the first to think of Zhang Zhanshuo. After all, during lunch, their coach had originally intended for Zhang and Wang to practice together. "You went out while we were sleeping at noon, didn't you? You gave Brother Ming some special coaching, didn't you? How could you! You didn't even call me!" Pan Zhanle was furious. To have a chance to train one-on-one with an Olympic champion and have this guy not invite him—he felt betrayed by his good brother.

However, upon hearing Pan’s words, Zhang Zhanshuo responded in complete confusion: "Train what? I went out at noon to take a dump. That was only a few minutes; what kind of 'special coaching' could I possibly give?"

"You didn't go? Then how could Brother Ming..." Pan Zhanle looked toward their coach, Wang Mu, who was not far behind. Seeing the puzzled look on Pan’s face, Wang Mu naturally knew what he wanted to ask. But he was just as baffled. Wang Xiaoming hadn't approached him once all afternoon. He had actually been a bit upset, thinking the kid was being too stubborn. But now, it seemed Wang Xiaoming had secretly mastered some hidden trump card. He shook his head at Pan, indicating he didn't know either.

Pan Zhanle was stunned. But he wasn't the only one. The other international competitors were even more bewildered. Wasn't it established that Wang Xiaoming had a slow start? Wasn't it agreed that he was just a sacrifice in the first leg? Wasn't it supposed to be a sure win for them in the 4x100m? Why had the situation turned out like this?

The Chinese spectators at the venue were stunned for a moment before erupting into deafening cheers. In everyone's mind, Wang Xiaoming was supposed to be trailing during the first 50 meters. They expected him to begin his pursuit only after the first turn at the 50-meter mark. They had envisioned him falling behind early but catching up in the second half to build a lead. They never imagined he would deliver such a massive surprise, surging straight into third place right from the start—and he was still accelerating.

"This kid... has he been hiding his strength all along?" Wang Mu couldn't imagine any other explanation. "Man, this kid..." Just as he looked back at the pool, he was shocked once again.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Phelps was watching the 4x100m relay from his villa. Seeing Wang Xiaoming start slower than the others, he chuckled. The result was already predictable; he didn't even want to keep watching. However, while enjoying the services of a sexy woman, he suddenly noticed that upon emerging from the water, Wang Xiaoming had moved into third place!

"Damn, how is that possible!" Phelps jerked in excitement, gasping, "Oh... shit!" He was so startled by Wang’s performance that he lost his arousal. The woman serving him was baffled. "Oh! Baby, what's wrong?" she asked while continuing her movements. Slowly, Phelps’s nervous heart calmed down, and he began to enjoy himself again. The woman smiled knowingly and continued.

But just as Phelps was getting back into the mood, he suddenly jerked again. "Oh, shit!"

"What is wrong with you today?" the woman asked, confused. Phelps only stared at the TV, his eyes filled with disbelief. Having just reached third place, within just a few meters, Wang had already overtaken the swimmers in front of him to claim second place!

"How is this possible? How is he doing this? He must be doping! He must be doping!" Just as he prepared to vent his frustration, the doorbell rang.

"Who is it?"

"Hello, Mr. Phelps, we are the local police!"

"Police?" Phelps went to the door and opened it to find several American officers standing there. "Something wrong?"

"Hello, Mr. Phelps. We received a report that you are hosting a drug party in your home. We need to search your property!"

"Drugs? How is that possible? What are you talking about?"

However, the police looked past Phelps into the room. They saw a woman who had clearly overdosed, lying naked by the pool in a scene of scandalous indulgence.

"This... I don't know what's going on! I've been framed!" Phelps pleaded. The officers didn't listen. "Save it for the station, Mr. Phelps! We are arresting you for illegal possession of controlled substances. Please cooperate!"

"No, no..."

After Phelps and the visibly disoriented women were taken away, in a hidden corner of the villa, a woman pulled out her phone, logged into a website, opened a task, and clicked "Submit."

Back at the Olympic venue, the crowd was in a frenzy. Coach Wang Mu stared at Wang Xiaoming in the pool with his mouth agape. In the blink of an eye, Wang had surged into second place! "When did he overtake them?" Wang Mu felt as though he had only looked away for a second, yet the situation had turned completely upside down.

And that wasn't all. Wang Xiaoming’s speed was still increasing, and the gap between him and the leader was shrinking.

"My God, Wang Xiaoming is actually going to take the lead in the first leg!"

"I owe Wang Xiaoming an apology; I doubted him at the start!"

"To think that in just one lunch break, he overcame his greatest weakness!"

"He even developed an invincible acceleration capability. I don't know how to describe this scene! It’s just... it’s just..."

The CCTV commentator couldn't continue; he was completely captivated by the race. Wang Xiaoming was now only half a head behind the leader. And ahead lay Wang’s trump card: the 50-meter turn! The famous "Wang Xiaoming Special"!

"The 50-meter turn overtake!"

"Ah! He’s passed him! He’s passed him!" the commentator roared. "He passed one at 10 meters, another at 20 meters! Wang Xiaoming is now in first place!"