Leveling Up With My Pet



The following day, Liu Yong and his three companions boarded the plane for their home journey. However, Chen Hu's return was scheduled for two days later, as he would stay abroad until he and the track and field team completed all the events. 

Liu Yong sat comfortably in the luxurious first-class cabin, accompanied by Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang. As they waited for the plane to take off, the three friends exchanged glances, sharing a knowing smile.

Their tranquillity was soon interrupted by the booming voice of a middle-aged man speaking loudly on his phone nearby. His conversation reverberated through the cabin, allowing Liu Yong and his companions to catch every word.

["Quick, make sure to get in touch with Chen Hu as soon as possible. We must persuade him to endorse our products..."]

Chen Hu had risen to fame after breaking three records and winning three gold medals. As expected, numerous individuals, including prominent business people and entrepreneurs, sought to establish contact with him. Their aim was clear: to secure Chen Hu's endorsement for their products and companies.

Observing this scene unfold on the plane, Liu Yong, Kang Zhenggang, and He Qiang burst into laughter. They understood the significance of what they had just heard.

Meanwhile, back in China, the biggest news of the day centred around Chen Hu's extraordinary achievements. His triumphant performance in the Diamond League, where he shattered three records and claimed three gold medals, dominated the headlines of major news websites, newspapers, and TV stations. The nation was filled with thrill, celebrating the realization of a forty-year-old dream. 

Expressions such as [ " feel elated! " ] and [ " forty years of dream come true! " ] were frequent in news reports. Chen Hu had become a household name, surpassing the fame of any other celebrity in China.

However, Chen Hu was besieged by a flurry of phone calls before his return. Requests for exclusive interviews, endorsement deals, invitations to various events, and more bombarded him incessantly. Chen Hu's fame had skyrocketed, and his reputation now eclipsed that of any other athlete in the country.

Chen Hu and his entourage finally settled on Chinese soil two days later. As they disembarked from the plane, they were greeted by a swarm of reporters and a sea of flowers. It was a grand reception befitting returning heroes. 

After a brief exclusive interview, Chen Hu gracefully slipped away from the public eye. He embarked on a well-deserved month-long vacation, relishing the treatment befitting a hero. Among the entire Yanguo track and field team, Chen Hu was the sole recipient of such a privilege—30 days of rest, the envy of every other athlete.

Su Lei harboured a longing for a substantial break as a fellow sprinter. Though he had only been granted five days off, he summoned the courage to approach the head coach, Jiang Xiang. Aware of Jiang Xiang's good mood and hoping for a more extended reprieve, Su Lei made his request.

[ " Mr. Jiang, I have a lot of matters to attend to. Five days of vacation is truly too short. Can you grant me a half-month break? " ]

Jiang Xiang smiled, his understanding of Su Lei's innocence evident. [ " Su Lei, five days off is already sufficient. Taking more time might adversely affect your competitive state and performance. " ]

Jiang Xiang's response left little room for negotiation. Su Lei's face fell, disappointment evident on his features. He couldn't help but voice his discontent. [ " But, but Chen Hu gets an entire month off, and it doesn't affect his competitive state. " ]

Observing Su Lei's lingering dissatisfaction, Jiang Xiang chuckled, his amusement palpable. [ " He is Chen Hu. Even if he's not at his competitive peak, he can still win championships. " ]

With a sigh of resignation, Su Lei realized he couldn't compare himself to Chen Hu. Chen Hu was an extraordinary talent, capable of effortlessly breaking world records. Su Lei quietly acknowledged his limitations and reluctantly accepted his meagre five-day respite.

Leaving Jiang Xiang's office with a dejected expression, Su Lei contemplated his situation. 

Meanwhile, Liu Yong was engrossed in catching up on the latest news, browsing a random website. The dominant headlines revolved around Chen Hu's record-breaking feats and gold medal triumphs in the Diamond League. Although several days had passed since the event concluded, news reports concerning Chen Hu's achievements still held a prominent place on the website's homepage.

At that moment, a knock on the office door interrupted Liu Yong's reading. Assuming it was Qiu Yang or Hu Shijun, Liu Yong remained seated in the Boss's chair and shouted, [ " The door isn't locked, come in. " ]

To his astonishment, Chen Hu walked through the office door. Overwhelmed by surprise, Liu Yong quickly rose from his seat to greet him. [ " Chen Hu, it's you! " ]

Despite winning three championships and attaining nationwide fame, Chen Hu remained as humble as ever. [ " Boss, the competition is over, and I have a month-long vacation. I'll continue to be your driver and bodyguard. " ]

Liu Yong promptly declined, stating, [ " No, no. Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang are already here. " ]

Chen Hu persisted, saying, [ " Boss, compared to being an athlete, I still prefer the feeling of being your bodyguard. " ]

Respecting Chen Hu's choice, Liu Yong agreed with a smile. [ " Well, as you wish. " ]

Setting that matter aside, Liu Yong warmly invited Chen Hu to sit down. The two engaged in a lively conversation that extended into the afternoon, discussing training and competition experiences.

Chen Hu took the initiative as the workday drew close and suggested, [ " Boss, let me treat you to dinner. Shall we go out together? " ]

Longing to catch up with Chen Hu after their prolonged separation, Liu Yong readily accepted. [ " Okay, let's also call Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang. " ]

The four friends and two cars left the company, with Chen Hu resuming his role as the driver and bodyguard, guiding the Cullinan while Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang followed suit in the big G.

After a 20 to 30-minute drive, they passed by the street where Liu Yong had rented a house before his fortune. On both sides of the road, they noticed a family-run food stall thriving in the darkening evening. The ambience was perfect for indulging in street food.

Witnessing this familiar scene reignited memories in Liu Yong's heart, prompting him to issue a command. [ " Chen Hu, see if Fatty Li's food stall is still there near the university. Let's stop and have a meal there. " ]

Chen Hu was slightly taken aback by the request but complied, parking the car nearby. Stepping out of the vehicle, Liu Yong loudly addressed the stall's owner. [ " Give us a dozen beers, two plates of beef tendon, two plates of small octopus, and a dozen oysters. " ]

Liu Yong expertly placed their order in one breath. Chen Hu, Kang Zhenggang, and He Qiang quickly grasped the situation—the Boss intended to have some fun. 

Laughter filled the air as they relished the savoury kebabs and indulged in copious amounts of drinks.

Seated around the makeshift table, they engaged in lively conversation amidst bites of food. [ " Look at us, driving luxury cars like the Cullinan and Big G, yet here we are, enjoying street food. " ]

[ " Yeah, even if we're so wealthy, we still crave these simple pleasures. " ]

[ " We truly don't understand the world of the rich. " ]

Onlookers couldn't help but cast curious glances at Liu Yong and his companions, marvelling at their unexpected choice of dining location. One individual noticed Chen Hu's familiar face and observed them more intently, eventually recognizing him with a slightly trembling voice. [ " Look, isn't that Chen Hu? " ]

The crowd gradually grew, and more people discreetly observed Chen Hu, confirming his identity. The excitement spread, and someone exclaimed, 

[ " He is Chen Hu ! " ]