Chapter 1227: Continue the competition in 1226

“Are you still going to continue in the competition this afternoon?” Tao Zhi didn’t really want Tan Rou to participate, since he had already figured out those people’s purpose, he couldn’t put Tan Rou in danger.

Tan Rou was determined to participate, but this time her goal wasn’t to win the championship, but to directly identify those who were sabotaging from inside. She believed that there would definitely be problems in the women’s 3000-meter race.

Tao Zhi respected Tan Rou’s decision, “Okay, I’ll keep an eye on the organizing committee on your behalf. If they make any move, I will use my power to pressure them.”

After all, the state’s investment was a small part, and the real prizes were provided by these sponsors. Although Tao Zhi’s sponsorship amounted to only forty percent, he had also provided many service robots. If he decided to withdraw his funding, it would create big trouble for the organizing committee, perhaps even halting the sports meet altogether.

If the people at the organizing committee didn’t want to offend Tao Zhi, they would need to think twice before making their move.

At 2 p.m., the women’s 3000-meter race officially began. Each time, there were about twenty-five people in the race, and with close to a hundred participants in this event, it had to be divided into four races, just like the men’s division that morning.

Each race took about half an hour to complete; otherwise, the committee wouldn’t have set aside a whole day for the long-distance races.

Tan Rou was placed in the second group, and she was quite satisfied with this grouping because while the first group was racing, the members of the second could wait around the field, which made it convenient for her to spot those who were there to cause trouble.

The expressions of those who came to sabotage the race were different from those who came to compete. Every competitor was full of confidence, moving their muscles to get ready for the race.

But those who were there to mess with the race were also stretching, yet their movements were very casual, and their eyes continuously wandered over the other athletes, as if assessing their levels.

“Are you a student from Capital University?” A girl wearing a red vest and black shorts came up to Tan Rou, smiling brightly, “I didn’t expect Capital University students to join the competition too!”

Tan Rou wore a specially designed Velcro logo from Capital University for this race, so she wasn’t surprised that the girl recognized her school. However, she still didn’t quite understand what she meant by “Capital University students also come to compete,” as her school sent participants every year, didn’t they?

“Can’t Capital University students participate in sports meets?” Tan Rou responded without much warmth.

The girl’s smile stiffened, then she apologized, “I’m sorry, I misspoke. I meant I thought Capital University students were only good at academics; I didn’t realize you were also good at sports.”

As she spoke, many people around them turned to look, and Tan Rou, noting some of their glances, said loudly, “I didn’t want to come either, but my advisor forced a registration form on me, claiming that if I didn’t attend, he would dock my credits. Don’t worry, I’m just making up the numbers. I can’t even run 800 meters during physical tests, how could I possibly run 3000 meters?”

The girl seemed skeptical and asked, “If you can’t run 3000 meters, why did you agree to come?”

Tan Rou glanced at her, “My advisor randomly wrote names, and mine was drawn. Even if I don’t want to come, it’s not an option. When it’s my turn to go on the field, I won’t run; I will just walk to the finish line.”

After hearing Tan Rou’s explanation, the girl smiled and said, “Oh, have fun then.”

Afterward, Tan Rou noticed that those who had been watching her had vanished. She immediately understood that this girl was just probing; she asked the questions while others observed, eliminating those with no chance of winning. Those left would be closely watched, and then eliminated on the field.

The first race had already started, and indeed, an athlete fell on the track. Since it was a 3000-meter race, it was normal for some to not endure, so other people didn’t find anything amiss.

However, Tan Rou and her team had known about the underhand dealings inside, so they kept a close watch on the field and asked the cameraman to take more videos, as evidence.