Rossi finished reflecting and immediately nodded. "You're right. I was limited by past experience.
The 2022 season is already being called the ground effect era—floor development has to come first. Looks like I let the fixed mindset of the aerodynamics era blind me."
He switched to Matteo's slide and continued, "Matteo's only concern is R&D autonomy. Top-tier technical talent values independent space. I suggest granting him full authority over the chassis and aerodynamics development lines, as long as he stays within FIA compliance and completes the foundational adaptation before the summer break."
Alex Sun sat back down, his fingertips pressing lightly against the tabletop as he replied decisively, "No problem. Give him full R&D autonomy. You personally oversee compliance and progress.
Draft a formal offer email first—include salary, relocation package, and authority details. Then arrange an online video meeting. I'll speak with him directly."
Rossi stood at once and hurried back to his workstation to handle the email. Half an hour later, he returned to the conference room with a tablet, signaling that everything was ready.
Alex Sun raised a hand to straighten his collar and connected the video call. Matteo's composed figure soon appeared on the screen, with the faint outline of equipment from Alfa Romeo's former R&D facility visible in the background.
Rebecca Lin quietly moved to a corner, her fingers flying as she recorded the meeting. Her gaze occasionally drifted toward Alex Sun, the admiration in her heart deepening, a subtle and unfamiliar emotion stirring before she quickly refocused on her work.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Matteo's eyes sharpened as he went straight to the point, his tone carrying the caution of a top technical expert.
"Boss, thank you for the recognition. But I'm curious—most teams in the paddock are scrambling for aerodynamics personnel right now. Why did you choose me specifically? We're all part of the R&D system. I focus on chassis and floor tuning, while they emphasize aerodynamic package development."
Alex Sun leaned back in his chair, his voice calm and assured as he cut to the heart of the matter.
"Mr. Rizzo, after the 2022 ground effect regulations came into force, 80% of downforce has been coming from airflow effects generated by the floor and diffuser. The paddock's development focus has already shifted. Legacy teams are constrained by their existing aerodynamic R&D structures and find it difficult to quickly reprioritize.
"We're a new team. We don't have historical baggage. We can build our entire development system around the floor from the start. That's our advantage—and it's exactly why I came to you."
He tapped the table lightly, his tone candid. "What I need isn't ordinary tuning skill. I need your ability to anticipate and solve issues like floor airflow oscillation and ground-effect adaptation.
When you were at Alfa Romeo, you proposed an optimization plan targeting floor airflow separation, but it was never implemented because the team shifted resources toward aerodynamics. That's precisely the core technology we need most right now."
A flicker of surprise crossed Matteo's eyes. He leaned forward slightly, clearly not expecting the other side to be so familiar with his unrealized research, and his regard for Alex Sun deepened.
Seizing the moment, Alex Sun clarified responsibilities to remove any remaining doubts.
"Going forward, you'll lead chassis development, with the core focus on floor tuning and its power integration with the Ferrari engine. Prioritize high-speed corner grip and stability, and make sure the basic model iteration is completed before the summer break.
Team building and technical direction are entirely up to you. I only care about results—I won't interfere with R&D details."
Matteo's expression relaxed as he nodded slowly. "Your understanding of the regulations and your willingness to grant authority put me at ease. I accept the offer. I'll fly to Shanghai tonight with my core deputy. The rest of the team will follow shortly."
After the call ended, Rossi was the first to report. "Matteo's team has booked flights arriving in Shanghai at 1:00 a.m. Pickup, accommodations, and R&D facilities are all arranged.
His deputies for engine integration and aerodynamic tuning can immediately connect with the initial core work. No additional hires are needed."
Rebecca Lin promptly organized the meeting notes and stepped forward to hand them to Alex Sun, her eyes filled with admiration for his precise judgment and commanding presence.
She then handed over a tablet and added, "Boss, Matteo's team salaries and relocation expenses have been fully verified with Alice and strictly comply with the 2022 F1 budget cap. Wind tunnel reservations and technical documentation archiving for the R&D facility have been synchronized with Rossi.
Your flight to Baku and the hotel near the circuit are confirmed. The vehicle and driver are booked and will be waiting downstairs at your residence tomorrow morning to take you to the airport. You can review the detailed itinerary on the tablet."
She lowered her gaze slightly, quietly pressing down the unusual emotion born of admiration. Alex Sun took the tablet and scanned the neatly organized arrangements. A faint, almost imperceptible stir passed through his heart.
In his previous life, as an ordinary person, he had never been cared for so thoroughly in every detail. He quickly finished reviewing the schedule and casually handed the tablet back, his tone carrying natural approval.
"Good. Everything's been arranged very well."
The next morning, the driver arrived downstairs at the residence. Rebecca Lin was already waiting. When she saw Alex Sun approach, she immediately took his carry-on case, carefully stowed it, and then gestured for him to get in.
From start to finish, Alex Sun didn't need to worry about a thing. Upon arriving at the airport, Rebecca Lin had already coordinated the VIP channel, efficiently completing all procedures and guiding him into the private lounge to wait for boarding. He had barely taken a seat when his phone began to vibrate.
Seeing that it was Guanyu Zhou calling, Alex Sun leaned against the armrest of the lounge sofa and answered.
"Well, if it isn't Zhou! Haven't gone wheel-to-wheel with you in days—miss me already?"
Guanyu Zhou laughed and cursed back dismissively. "Get lost. Why would I miss you?"
He then lowered his voice, curiosity creeping in. "I just heard from an old paddock friend that a new team has landed in Shanghai. When I dug a bit deeper, it turned out to be connected to you. What's going on?"
Alex Sun chuckled lightly and replied frankly. "The company that's been sponsoring me decided to enter F1. The team's based in Shanghai, and they made me the team owner. Honestly, it's exhausting."
He rubbed his temples and added, "The engine is tentatively Ferrari. We just finalized Matteo Rizzo's team for R&D—they're flying to Shanghai tonight. From here on out, engine negotiations and technical adaptation are fully handled by Rossi."
His tone relaxed a little. "I'm flying to Baku now to prepare. I won't get involved in R&D details—just keep an eye on results. Once we're at the circuit, we can talk more about Baku racing lines."
"Holy shit, you actually became the boss?" Guanyu Zhou blurted out. "Are you messing with me? You, a team owner?"
His voice shot up. "You'd better be lying. Believe it or not, I'll have Cornflake bite you."
Alex Sun moved the phone slightly away from his ear, then replied casually after Guanyu Zhou finished ranting. "Just a tiny little hamster. I'll deal with it when the time comes.
I'm serious—if you've got connections, send them my way. I really need them."
Guanyu Zhou sighed dramatically. "Damn it, I can't believe you're living the good life now. Matteo is a floor tuning ace, specializing in adaptation and optimization. Your judgment hit the core of the regulations dead on."
After a brief pause, he lowered his voice again. "I know an engineer in Ferrari's power unit department. Want me to introduce you? It could save a lot of back-and-forth on adaptation data—and help the team establish itself faster."
A warmth rose in Alex Sun's chest. He stopped tapping his fingers and replied sincerely, "Thanks. I'll reach out once we hit a data bottleneck. Baku's long straight and Old City corners are tough. When you get there, run the simulator first and send me your line data as a reference."
"No problem!" Guanyu Zhou replied readily. "See you at the track. Here's to the team getting stronger and stronger!"
Alex Sun smiled, hung up, and slipped his phone back into his jacket.
Rebecca Lin, who had been standing by, stepped forward and handed him a tablet, her tone respectful and composed. "Boss, the fitness coach's Baku preparation plan and the dedicated shuttle arrangements between the hotel and the circuit are confirmed.
On the Shanghai side, I've coordinated task division with Rossi and Alice. I'll be monitoring progress remotely."
Alex Sun skimmed the tablet, tapped the neck-training module twice, and looked up. "Everything's in order. Shanghai operations are under your lead. Keep a close eye on the engine negotiations with Rossi—data access permissions are the bottom line. Once Matteo's team arrives, initiate R&D immediately. Alice will control budget compliance and avoid crossing the cap."
"Send me daily briefings at fixed times. Focus on key milestones and issues—no need for detailed process reports."
Rebecca Lin nodded firmly. "Rest assured, boss. I'll coordinate everything properly, ensure information is synchronized with no omissions, and never delay progress."
Satisfied, Alex Sun returned the tablet to her. Watching her consistently meticulous demeanor, he felt a slight stir in his heart.
The boarding announcement sounded. Rebecca Lin lifted their carry-on case and led Alex Sun through the VIP channel toward the gate.
As they walked, Alex Sun spoke softly. "You've been working hard behind the scenes lately. Once our team successfully enters F1, you can ask me for any reward you want."
Rebecca Lin's steps faltered for just a moment. Her fingers tightened subtly around the handle, a faint flush rising at the tips of her ears. She lowered her gaze to hide the flicker in her eyes, then looked up again.
"You're too kind, boss. This is simply my responsibility. If we're talking about a reward, then once the team officially enters F1, I'd only like a hug."
Her tone was calm but resolute, without the slightest hint of impropriety.
Alex Sun paused, then chuckled and nodded. "Alright. I promise. Organize the Shanghai task breakdown on the way and send it to me after we land in Baku."
"Yes, boss," Rebecca Lin replied.
At the boarding gate, Alex Sun gestured for her to go ahead, his tone gentle. "I'll be relying on you for both Shanghai and Baku."
Rebecca Lin nodded. "I'll keep everything under control and report promptly. Wishing you smooth preparations in Baku."
Alex Sun nodded back and boarded the plane. At the same time, Matteo's team departed from Europe. In Shanghai, R&D preparations were steadily unfolding under Rebecca Lin's remote coordination—and that quiet promise about a "hug" became a small, unspoken bond between the two of them.
...
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