Chen Xiangbei didn't pay much attention to the classmates' discussions in the hall; at that moment, he was more ignited by Han Han's words, fueling his fighting spirit.
This is what a pure racer should say, even if the opponent is a high school student; standing on the track, they are an opponent.
If you want to win, rely on skill!
Han Han's speech ended amid an uproar, and the focus of the hall's students on Chen Xiangbei didn't last long. The majority, taking advantage of the dismissal moment, rushed to the podium to grab the books with Han Han's autograph.
After all, for high school students, the title of underground racing is merely a topic of conversation and rarely intersects with their lives.
As for a goddess like Dong Yuanxi, she remains out of reach; it's better to indulge in a little fantasy, but obtaining Han Han's autographed book is a more realistic choice.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, Han Han noticed Chen Xiangbei waiting not far away. He gave some instructions to the staff around him, then walked over and extended his hand, saying, "Hello, Chen Xiangbei."
"Hello, Han Han."
The two greeted each other and even shook hands rather formally.
"Liang Gong said you are the most talented driver he's ever seen, even surpassing Cheng Congfu, who races in Formula. To be honest, I'm curious and looking forward to seeing how fast you can race on the track."
The reason Han Han regarded Chen Xiangbei with the standards of a racer rather than a high school student was because Liang Chi had talked to him about Chen Xiangbei's racing talent.
Han Han might doubt others' words, but Liang Chi, being a former racing engineer at Huasi Sports, has professional integrity and wouldn't exaggerate a high school student's abilities just to get him to race.
Undoubtedly, Chen Xiangbei's skills must be exceptional.
Regarding surpassing Cheng Congfu's racing talent, Han Han still doesn't believe it; while there are talented drivers, there aren't so many.
Upon hearing Han Han's words, Chen Xiangbei smiled and replied, "You'll only know after racing; can we set a specific time?"
"I'll be training at Haizhu International Racing Circuit this week; you can come over and race anytime."
Haizhu International Racing Circuit is one of only two top tracks in the country built to FIA Formula standards.
Before East Sea International Circuit was constructed, domestic professional drivers mostly trained at Haizhu International Racing Circuit, gradually forming a "base camp" atmosphere.
Even though Han Han signed with East Sea Volkswagen 222 Team, he would still occasionally come to Haizhu International Racing Circuit to race, especially when the winter temperatures are low.
For Han Han, he always has time to accompany.
"Then let's set it for this Saturday."
Chen Xiangbei set the time; he is only off school on Saturday and weekends, but the track is often open to the public on weekends, making it inconvenient to clear the venue for a race.
Saturday is the best racing time.
"Alright, Saturday it is."
After agreeing on the time, Chen Xiangbei waved his hand and turned away, leaving directly.
His cocky demeanor brought a smile to Han Han's face; it was as if he was seventeen or eighteen again.
Drivers are destined to have personality.
Back in the classroom, Ma Minghan and the others were still indignantly discussing why Han Han would challenge Chen Xiangbei and why Dong Yuanxi sat beside him.
At that moment, Shaiming Hui felt a kick at his chair leg and turned to see Chen Xiangbei standing behind him, who casually said, "Saturday at Haizhu International Racing Circuit, let Car King Quan know to come and race."
After saying this, Chen Xiangbei turned away with his hands in his pockets.
Only then did Shaiming Hui react, surprised, "Damn, what's with Chen Xiangbei's attitude? He's being so arrogant!"
Shaiming Hui's group was somewhat the bullies of the class; they had never been spoken to like this, and Chen Xiangbei's actions were out of the ordinary.
Nearby, He Zhendong nodded in agreement, "This guy is getting more arrogant lately, relying on his car skills as if he doesn't regard us."
"Ma Shao, what do you say, Chen Xiangbei seems to be stepping over us!"
Another buddy looked at Ma Minghan, thinking that if they swallowed this insult, they would lose face in class or school.
"Don't rush; I want to play big. If we beat Chen Xiangbei now, and he doesn't race, what then?"
Ma Minghan, usually face-focused, remained the calmest at this time.
After all, he had been publicly humiliated by Chen Xiangbei twice; you get used to some things over time...
"True enough."
Shaiming Hui nodded; he was almost begging to have Chen Xiangbei race this time.
If the opponent doesn't race, they would have shamed themselves for nothing.
Ma Minghan's lips curled into a cunning smile.
"Heh, is this guy feeling inflated by Han Han's words, planning to race with a professional driver? He probably won't even know how he lost!"
Logically, Chen Xiangbei, an "amateur" racer, racing against Car King Quan is like competing with his weaknesses against the opponent's strengths.
But fortunately, Chen Xiangbei didn't hear this; otherwise, he might laugh out loud.
A top Formula driver wouldn't be clueless on a racing circuit?
Despite knowing Ma Minghan's tricks, Chen Xiangbei confidently accepted this race because he had long planned to race.
With absolute skill dominance, Car King Quan doesn't even have the chance to use tricks.
A crushing defeat, that's all!
Back at his seat, Wang Yidong, witnessing the scene, seriously said, "Xiangbei, I need to lose weight and get fit."
"Why?"
Chen Xiangbei was puzzled by Fatty Wang's sudden words.
"I feel the way things are going, we might have to fight Ma Minghan's group sooner or later. We're brothers; we can't let you suffer alone."
From the front row, Zhou presumably turned his head and firmly said, "Exactly, I need to work out too; we'll go at them together when the time comes!"
Honestly, Chen Xiangbei found it amusing yet touching; student friendships often have the purest emotional bonds unaffected by interests.
Though if a fight broke out, Fatty Wang might not be much help, the intention was appreciated.
"Sure, both you guys, one fat, one thin, need to exercise more."
"I've just made a workout plan recently; you can both take a look."
With that, Chen Xiangbei handed over his fitness routine.
Seeing the detailed training regimen, Wang Yidong and Zhou were stunned; they thought Chen Xiangbei was joking but were met with a real fitness schedule.
"Xiangbei, you're really something, sticking to such an intense fitness plan; no wonder you're so skilled!"
Wang Yidong hadn't understood how Chen Xiangbei had become so capable.
Now he did; Chen Xiangbei's relentless fitness had set the foundation for everything.
"Persistence is key; follow the schedule, and even if you can't beat Shaiming Hui's crew, fleeing should be no problem."
"What if we can't keep up?"
Wang Yidong asked skeptically; the regimen's timeframe and intensity seemed excessive.
"It's fine, as long as I'm quick enough."
Saying this, Chen Xiangbei's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Seeing this smile, Wang Yidong instantly understood that if Chen Xiangbei ran fast enough, it would be them left behind.
Damn, this guy's unbrotherly, and I'm the one considering fitness training to back him up in fights.
"I'm going to lose weight and outrun you!"
Wang Yidong grumpily took the fitness plan, challenging who would be faster.
"No problem, beat me to it."
Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile; he sincerely hoped Fatty Wang and Zhou would train a bit—in case he later built a racing team, they'd need to be competent even as tire technicians.
PS: Thanks for the support; the second recommendation is circulating. Standard updates will release two chapters at 9 AM, with additional updates at noon or afternoon for more enjoyable reading.