Yi Ming went to see Gray Tiger alone on the training grounds, where Gray Tiger was the only one left.
The competition had ended, and the other contestants had all returned to their respective cities. As to why Gray Tiger chose to stay behind and not leave, the reason was unknown to anyone.
It seemed like he had been waiting for Yi Ming in the training grounds for a long time.
Yi Ming was dressed casually today, wearing a pair of white sneakers, a blue and white top, and khaki cropped pants. With his youthful and handsome appearance, he was a stark contrast to the heavily tattooed Gray Tiger in the corner.
When Gray Tiger saw him, he seemed to be smiling, yet also let out a cold snort: "You're here."
Yi Ming looked at him calmly and nodded.
"Mm."
"No wonder all those young girls who watched the competition liked you. In casual clothes, you're quite a handsome young man."
Gray Tiger's opening remark caught Yi Ming off guard.
"Oh, brother... Shouldn't your character be cold and sinister?"
Yi Ming sighed with a wry smile and waved at Gray Tiger. "Whether I'm attractive to young ladies, I don't know. But I know... you must have quite an interest in me, Gray Tiger. Since you agreed to meet me, I think it's best we speak frankly, so as not to waste each other's time."
"Alright."
Gray Tiger stood up from the bench, his burly and muscular physique making him appear nearly twice as wide as Yi Ming.
"Since you're able to stand before me again, it must be because you're blessed with good fortune. So I have to give you this chance to meet me... At least, to make it clear to you."
Yi Ming raised his brows slightly, looking at him with a faint smile.
"Why did you sabotage my bike?"
Although the question was asked with a smile, the tone was cold.
"Because you shouldn't have won first place."
Gray Tiger bared his teeth in a sinister grin.
"How old are you? You've only been in the sport for a few years. Look at you, all delicate and soft-looking. You don't look like a real racer at all."
Yi Ming chuckled lightly: "There's no rule that says the champion has to look like you, does there?"
"What do you mean, 'like me'?"
"Like a bear."
Yi Ming said nonchalantly, the corners of his mouth curving up in a wicked smile.
"You!"
Gray Tiger's eyes widened, and he took a few steps towards Yi Ming. The group of Yi Ming's "confidants" waiting outside were about to rush in, but they heard Yi Ming suddenly say, "Secretly manipulating things to prevent me from winning, isn't that just bear-like behavior? We're all men, if you have thoughts, you can put them out in the open. But doing it this way is not very honorable."
Gray Tiger was fuming, his chest heaving.
His temper was naturally fiery, and Yi Ming's words had infuriated him, leaving him choking on his anger. Gray Tiger spat on the ground and said, "Yi Ming, don't think that just because you have some natural talent, you're something special. I've long been disgusted by your defiant and unruly attitude. That's just a gift the heavens have bestowed upon you."
Yi Ming's previously lazy gaze suddenly sharpened.
"Have you met me before?"
He narrowed his eyes, the playful smile fading from the corners of his mouth.
"Not just met, but known."
Gray Tiger snorted coldly.
"Why don't I recognize you?"
Standing there in his tall stature, Yi Ming sighed helplessly, "You've never looked down on me."
"I'm looking down at you now, aren't I?"
Gray Tiger puffed out his chest, glaring up at him.
"...You're doing it on purpose! You must be doing it on purpose! You know full well that's not what I meant!"
Yi Ming: "...Okay, big brother, let's not play word games anymore. Let's just talk straight, I'm getting hungry."
Yi Ming let out a yawn, speaking lazily.