Just Don't Puke

The two cars behind them quickly caught up and parked right behind the M8.

After parking, a man and a woman got out of the two cars and walked toward the M8.

Su Yang and Zhuang Mengli didn't get out; they sat perfectly still, waiting for them to approach.

A few seconds later, the pair reached the driver's side window and leaned in to say hi. Hello there, handsome, gorgeous. I just noticed you've got a nice ride. Mind if I ask if you're interested in racing?

I knew it, Zhuang Mengli said flatly.

Don't misunderstand, beautiful. We aren't just looking for a simple drag race. We're talking about hitting the mountain roads for a proper, organized race.

Hearing this, Su Yang asked from the passenger seat, There are mountain roads in Shanghai?

Yeah. The mountain isn't very high, but there's a five-kilometer winding road that's perfect for racing. Lately, we've been going around the city every night looking for fellow racing enthusiasts to come compete.

Whoa, aren't you guys bold. Not afraid of breaking the law?

Of course not. It's legitimate racing, and we only go up there at night when the mountain roads are closed off.

Is that so? Su Yang smiled.

Yes, handsome, the red-haired woman said, shooting Su Yang a flirtatious wink.

I think I've heard of your little group, but why should we race you? Zhuang Mengli said, getting ready to drive off.

The guy outside hastily added, Don't rush off, beautiful! You won't be racing the two of us. We're just recruiters. You'd be racing other amateur enthusiasts, and there's a prize if you win.

Oh? A prize, you say? Let's hear it.

It's a five-kilometer mountain circuit, 1v1, one lap decides the winner. The prize money depends on the car model, the better the car, the higher the payout. It ranges from 50,000 to 500,000.

That's not a small amount. Is it really that straightforward? Su Yang asked.

Yep, straightforward as can be. Even though anyone driving a car like yours isn't hurting for cash, it definitely makes things more interesting than racing for nothing.

True enough. But... I have a question.

The red-haired woman, who had been staring at Su Yang, smiled. Ask away, handsome.

What's the point of you guys organizing this? Let me rephrase: you don't race yourselves, you just find enthusiasts to race, and you pay out when they win. How do you make a profit?

Uh... well, don't worry about that, handsome. All you need to know is that we're legit!

Legit? If you don't explain clearly, we're not going.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded. The guy spoke up, Alright, I'll tell you the truth. It's actually a street king challenge started by a wealthy beautiful woman. Her goal is to find a top-tier racing master. We were just hired to help her scout for talent. We're basically her employees.

Anyway, her goal isn't to make money; she just wants to find a folk racing master.

Hearing this explanation, Su Yang and Zhuang Mengli looked at each other. Su Yang said, Find an amateur racing master?

Right.

How long have you been running this event?

Two or three months.

And in all that time, she hasn't found an expert she's satisfied with?

No, the two outside the window shook their heads.

Alright, I believe you. But I have one last question.

Ask away.

Su Yang thought for a moment and said, This woman you mentioned, what exactly does she plan to do if she actually finds an expert she's satisfied with?

That, we genuinely don't know. She only told us what we just told you; she didn't mention anything beyond that.

Su Yang nodded. Fair enough.

At this point, Zhuang Mengli smiled and asked, Is this woman you're talking about pretty?

Gorgeous! The guy nodded like a woodpecker. He glanced at Zhuang Mengli and added, Almost as gorgeous as you, beautiful.

Oh? There's someone almost as pretty as me? Is she really that pretty? Zhuang Mengli asked, sounding unconvinced.

The guy continued nodding. Yes.

Well, I'd quite like to meet this person. How old is she?

Probably in her twenties. Very young, anyway.

Having gotten her answers, Zhuang Mengli turned to Su Yang. Should we go?

How are your driving skills? Su Yang asked.

Me? They're okay, but I've never raced.

Su Yang scratched his nose and said, It could be fun to check out. But if we go, I'll drive.

Meaning you're a good driver?

I'm okay.

Hearing this, Zhuang Mengli's eyes lit up. Su Yang's okay probably meant he was incredibly good.

Life was getting boring anyway, so it wouldn't hurt to go have some fun. She had never played such an exciting game before.

Zhuang Mengli turned back to the two outside the window and said, Alright, we're in. Are we going now?

The guy shook his head. No, no, no, it's almost 2 AM. We usually start at 9 PM and finish around midnight.

Then when do we go?

Do you have time tomorrow night?

Tomorrow night? Yes! Zhuang Mengli nodded.

Then tomorrow night at nine?

Sure, give me the address.

Outside the main gate of Wushan in Songhai District.

Can we drive any car?

Most cars are fine. We'll match you with an opponent based on your car model.

Great. We'll be there right on time at 9 PM tomorrow.

Awesome. Is it convenient to get your contact info? the guy asked.

Su Yang pulled out his phone. Add me.

Will do.

Soon, the two added Su Yang's contact and turned to leave, looking satisfied.

Zhuang Mengli stepped on the gas and continued driving toward her place.

I thought you wouldn't be interested in this kind of stuff, Su Yang said.

Not at all. I actually really like doing things I've never done before. It's all about the novelty.

So we're really going tomorrow night?

Of course we are! I've only ever seen scenes like that in movies. I love cars anyway, so I want to experience a real mountain road race for myself.

Alright then. In that case, I'll go win a round for you tomorrow and show you a good time.

Sounds good. I'll ride shotgun.

Just try not to throw up.

I'm a martial artist; you think I'd get carsick and throw up?

Su Yang laughed. Don't talk big just yet. You'll know how intense it is once we start racing.

Tch. If I throw up, I'll transfer you 500,000.

Deal. If you don't throw up, I'll transfer you a million.

You're on!

Chatting away, the two soon arrived at a luxurious residential compound along the Pujiang River.

Su Yang rolled down his window and asked, A luxury flat?

Yeah.

I thought you'd be living in a villa too.

Compared to villas, I prefer large flats. The views are great, the amenities are complete, and ordering takeout is much easier.

How much is a square meter in this compound? Su Yang asked curiously.

Around 300,000.

So how big is your place?

Over five hundred square meters.

Hearing this, Su Yang gave her a thumbs-up. As expected of the rich. A single apartment easily costs over a hundred million.

If you want one, I can tell my dad to gift you one.

No need, I can afford to buy one myself.

Oho, wouldn't have guessed it. I heard from my grandpa that your family's financial situation was just average, yet you've managed to make so much money at such a young age. Pretty impressive, Zhuang Mengli said, tilting her head with a playful smile.

Just good luck, that's all. Can't compare to a major family like yours.

Don't be so modest. You're already amazing.

As they spoke, the car had already driven into the luxurious underground garage of the residential complex.

Zhuang Mengli parked the car in her designated spot. Su Yang opened his door, stepped out, and glanced at the cars parked next to the M8.

There was a McLaren 720S, a Ferrari SF90, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and a Bentley Continental GT.

"Are all these cars yours?"

Zhuang Mengli nodded. "Yeah, see any you like?"

Su Yang shook his head. "Nope. Compared to your dad's, they fall far short."

"Tch, even if you wanted one, I wouldn't give it to you. Let's go, head upstairs."

The two took the elevator to the 28th floor. The complex Zhuang Mengli lived in was considered one of the top luxury residences in the Magic City. Situated right by the Huangpu River, it featured an exclusive layout with two elevators serving a single apartment.

A single unit here easily cost over a hundred million. The world of the rich was just that unpretentious.

Su Yang followed Zhuang Mengli into her luxury apartment. The lights flicked on automatically the moment they entered. Past the massive foyer was an incredibly spacious open-plan living room.

To the right of the living area was an expansive panoramic balcony of equal length. Standing there, one could overlook the bustling nightscape of the Magic City. The scent of money was everywhere.

"This place is pretty nice!" Su Yang walked over to the balcony and gazed out.

Down below was the Huangpu River, and across the water was the glittering night view of the Bund.

This view and this nightscape are so much better than my Senhai Manor, he thought to himself. Looking at it makes me want to get a place here too.

"It's alright, isn't it? More comfortable than staying at my dad's hotel, right?" Zhuang Mengli walked over holding two bottles of water.

"Of course. The interior design is pretty nice too. I really like this modern minimalist style."

"Hehe. Here, have some water."

"Thanks." Su Yang took the water, opened it, and took a sip.

They walked over to the sofa and sat down. The moment they did, Zhuang Mengli suddenly turned to look at Su Yang. "Come on."

"Come on what?" Su Yang was a bit dumbfounded by the inexplicable remark.

...