Chapter 105: This Man Is Truly Terrifying! (Please Subscribe)

[Riding Proficiency LV2: 202/500 (Intermediate)]
Sumu fully utilizes the 200 proficiency points gained from the mystery box.
Immediately, an itching sensation spreads all over his body, especially around his legs, waist, and the crease between his buttocks—these areas feel particularly intense.
He understands this is his body adapting to the new experience gained from those 200 sessions.

Soon after, a staff member leads out a sturdy black horse with a glossy mane.
He hands Sumu some feed—a customary ritual before mounting. Usually, one must feed or spend some time with the horse first, allowing it to become familiar with you before riding.
This practice prevents the horse from perceiving you as a threat and reacting unpredictably out of stress.

The staff, still somewhat worried, watches Sumu feed the horse and cautiously advises him:
“Mr. Sumu, maybe you should reconsider. Lightning Bolt isn’t like the horse you rode yesterday. This one’s much faster and won’t be running in a small arena. If you ride it, you’ll have to go out to a larger field. If you fall, we can’t be held responsible.”

Sumu smiles confidently and replies, “Don’t worry, I’ve taken out insurance myself.”

The staff is left speechless.
They had more to say but ultimately remain silent—one, knowing they can’t change his mind; two, because the money provided by Qian Jida is simply too generous to refuse.
So, resigned, they repeatedly emphasize the riding essentials to Sumu and discuss potential situations he might encounter.

Sumu nods attentively, taking notes.
After changing into proper attire, he begins to try riding.
Without the additional 200 proficiency points, he might not have controlled the horse well.
But with the experience gained, though still somewhat awkward, his habitual adjustments gradually help him synchronize with Lightning Bolt’s rhythm.

Clip-clop, clip-clop!
Lightning Bolt accelerates.
The wind whistles past Sumu’s ears.
He can clearly hear the powerful pounding of the horse’s hooves against the ground—far stronger than the horse he rode before.

[Riding Proficiency +1… +1…]
[Skill Points +0.01… +0.01…]

…

At the film crew’s shooting location, everyone in Yuan’s stunt team wears looks of astonishment.
“Is he really here? No way… he can still keep going?”
“I just came back from over there—I saw it with my own eyes. He’s even riding a fast horse now!”
“What? Riding a fast horse? Without falling off?”
“No, although he’s still a bit unsteady, it looks like he’s getting the hang of it.”
“What’s the use of riding a fast horse? Can he even perform stunts on it?”
“Do you really think he’s Master Yuan Lang? When he arrives, we’ll show him what a real stunt star is.”

Most actors in the stunt team still doubt Sumu’s ability to handle the role.
From every angle, mastering all of Yuan Zheng’s requirements within a few months seems extremely difficult.

Yet Sumu pays no mind to these doubts.
In the days that follow, aside from meals and necessary rest, he spends all his time on horseback.
He rides relentlessly for an entire week, finally pushing his riding proficiency LV2 to a perfect 500 points.
He advances into LV3—the rank of an Outstanding Craftsman.

Naturally, his riding skills improve day by day.
Every time the staff sees him arrive, they are stunned.
Having worked in the stable for many years, they’ve seen horse lovers who feed daily, and others who like to take horses out for walks.
But they’ve never seen anyone ride continuously for so many days without growing tired.
Though the stable masters themselves ride daily, they at least care for the horses’ well-being—they wouldn’t want to exhaust the animals.

Lightning Bolt, by nature, is a lively horse—fond of running and frolicking at speed.
But now, whenever it sees Sumu each day, it refuses to eat its feed.

In the stable, the staff says with concern, “Mr. Su, maybe we should give the horse a day off. Horses have moods too. Or perhaps you could switch to another horse—Lightning Bolt might really be ill if it’s not eating or drinking.”

Sumu looks over and asks, “Are you sure it’s sick?”

The staff replies hesitantly, “Um… psychological illness counts as sickness too.”

Sumu holds the feed in his hand.
Suddenly, tears glisten in his eyes.
He looks at Lightning Bolt with genuine sincerity.
“You silly guy… if you don’t eat your feed, I’ll have to take you for sterilization, you know.”

“!!!”

[Expression Proficiency +1]
[Emotional Proficiency +1]
[Skill Points +0.01…]

A miracle happens.
The listless Lightning Bolt seems to understand Sumu’s heartfelt words.
It immediately stands up and devours the feed eagerly, tears streaming from its eyes.

Sumu pats the horse’s face with relief.
“Good boy, you’re moved by what I said. Don’t cry, don’t cry. Usually, there’s no problem that can’t be solved—sometimes it’s just a matter of communication. No more sulking next time, okay?”

Lightning Bolt: “!!!”

After comforting the horse, Sumu turns to the staff and says,
“I want to rent this horse. I’m planning to ride it back to the hotel. Whatever the price, I’ll pay.”

The staff hesitates, “Ah? Well…”

…

The next morning, at the film crew’s shooting location, the entire core team of Yuan’s stunt crew gathers, awaiting the arrival of their star senior brother.
Surrounded by the crowd is a well-proportioned man with a dignified appearance, embodying the aura of a senior brother.

Yuan Lang was once an apprentice of Yuan Zheng under a different surname.
Following tradition, he changed his surname to Yuan upon officially joining the school.
He grew up accompanying Yuan Zheng on film sets and gradually made a name for himself, becoming a respected stunt star in the industry today.
Many stunt performers in the troupe look up to him, hoping one day to be discovered and recognized, and to become a sought-after stunt star themselves.

However, the reality is harsh.
Martial arts films have ceased to be mainstream, so the demand for stunt stars has dwindled.
Once, sheer perseverance and blood, sweat, and tears could carve out a brilliant path in show business.

Now, without exceptional opportunities, the best one can hope for is a frequently seen but nameless supporting role or stunt double.

At this moment, Chen Anzhi and Yuan Zheng step out of the studio.
Upon seeing them, the crowd disperses.
Yuan Lang steps forward to greet them.
They exchange some pleasantries.

Yuan Zheng smiles, “You’re late. I was hoping to wait and have you try for the lead in Anzhi’s new drama, but now you’ll have to settle for other roles.”

Yuan Lang smiles without concern, “Oh, I heard the role was given to Sumu. Though I haven’t met him, I’ve often seen him online. I even watched his performance in ‘Wild Rush’—he’s a good actor. I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

Yuan Zheng replies, “Meeting him won’t be hard. He’s already here at the crew. You can help teach him the basics.”

Yuan Lang laughs heartily, “No problem. But where is he?”

Chen Anzhi says, “Oh, I told him early this morning. He should be here soon. Everyone, get ready to meet him.”

Just as Chen Anzhi finishes speaking, a sudden cheer comes from behind them.
Then, the sound of hooves—clip-clop, clip-clop!

Hoofbeats?

Chen Anzhi, Yuan Zheng, and Yuan Lang turn around, utterly stunned.

In the distance, a man spurs his horse on, riding with extraordinary flair, wearing sunglasses, and galloping a tall, majestic horse at full speed!
Behind him, a van follows closely.

“!!!”
“???”

Everyone present is dumbfounded.
Riding a horse to arrive—is that even acceptable?
And Sumu had only just learned to ride!
Now he’s daring enough to ride out on the road?

Before they can finish their thoughts, Sumu rides straight up to the group.
With a sharp tug on the reins, Lightning Bolt rears up, front legs off the ground, side-tilted in a dazzling display!

Everyone freezes, captivated by Sumu’s incredibly cool move.

“!!!”
“!!!”

The stunt team begins to question their own beliefs.
Weren’t they told he’d be thrown from the horse, breaking bones and bruising his backside?
Yet here he is, less than two weeks later, confidently riding on the road?
Damn it.
I didn’t get my driver’s license this fast!

[Riding Proficiency +1]
[Skill Points +0.01]
[Task Completion: (1/20)]

Sumu dismounts, leads Lightning Bolt over to Chen Anzhi and the others, and greets them with a smile:
“Good morning, Director Chen, Director Yuan. Sorry for being late—there was some traffic on the way.”

Chen Anzhi: “...?”
Yuan Zheng: “...?”
Yuan Lang: “...!”

(The chapter ends)