Lin Cong's voice made several people turn to look. The pressure made him instantly lose his nerve, but his mother didn't, clamoring, "Referee! I'm reporting him! There's definitely something wrong with his vehicle!!"
The mother and son's combined attack made Wu Shi sigh. 'Why bother?'
"Referee, you can perform a compliance check on my vehicle," he said coolly.
Lin Cong and his mother's expressions changed. Seeing how calm and composed Wu Shi was, they knew there was definitely nothing wrong with the kart.
The referee nodded, first having Wu Shi go to the weigh-in, then weighing the kart for inspection.
The result was obvious.
"Kart number 307 is normal and meets all standards. Driver Wu Shi has been inspected, and no abnormalities were found. The report is dismissed," the referee announced.
Seeing this, the few people who had just been chatting with Lin Cong and his mother all took a step back. To file a report just because you can't beat someone was simply too low.
Immediately after, the referee announced to the crowd, "The arbitration committee's investigation of driver number 315 has concluded: Intentional blocking was confirmed. A fine of 2,000 yuan will be imposed, along with a ban from this race weekend and one warning on his racing license."
Hearing the announcement, Wu Shi's expression was odd. 'This isn't the same as the racing regulations I remember.' He suddenly realized something and decided he had to check the internet after the race.
When the parent of driver 315 heard this, they shot a look at Lin Cong's parent. A warning on the racing license! This meant that any future issues could very well lead to a one-year ban due to license revocation!
Lin Cong's mother averted her gaze and said nothing.
Boss Chen was a shrewd man. Seeing the situation, he had his suspicions, but he didn't say anything to the race officials. Instead, he patted Wu Shi on the back and said, "Get some rest. Go for the win in the final!"
"Yeah, got it."
During the wait, other groups held their pre-finals. Unfortunately, karting just wasn't much of a spectator sport. Or rather, track racing in general wasn't always exciting.
Even F1 races could be quite boring at times, with the whole event just being cars whirring by.
This made some spectators secretly hope for an accident, or at least for a few equally competitive drivers to be on the track at the same time. Otherwise, it really was just a case of, "What's so great about F1? Isn't it just a bunch of cars driving in circles?"
During the wait, the sky over Peng City grew dark, looking like it was about to rain.
"Wu Shi, how are you at racing in the rain?" Martina asked.
"I'm... alright, I guess." Wu Shi recalled his previous life. His very first race as a rookie had been a Rain Battle, and he'd nearly gotten a podium finish by sheer grit. 'That should count as 'alright,' right?'
"Haha, if you say you're 'alright,' then you must be quite good," Martina laughed. In her eyes, Wu Shi was fundamentally humble and not one to boast or pick fights. While this seemed like a good personality trait, it was not one you wanted on the racetrack.
However, just moments before, Wu Shi had relied on his incredible skill to completely erase a five-second penalty. That driving style, pushing the absolute limits, made her understand that this kid did, in fact, have a powerful desire to win.
A successful driver should have their eyes fixed on victory! Not on so-called modesty.
According to the rules, the top eleven drivers from the pre-final advanced to the final. As a result, the field for the final looked much cleaner than in the previous race.
In the end, the gloomy sky didn't produce any rain. The NCJ-A group final started on time.
After witnessing Wu Shi's incredible skill in the pre-final, Zeng Tianyi's fighting spirit had already weakened.
Ling Kang, on the other hand, was full of fighting spirit! Starting in third, his opponents ahead were first Zeng Tianyi, and then Wu Shi.
After two formation laps, the green flag waved, and the final officially began.
As the race entered its third lap, Wu Zhenlin hurried over and asked Martina, "How's it going?"
"Incredible! His talent, skill, and mentality... it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the prodigy of the new generation. If he follows my plan, it's not impossible for him to become an F1 driver," Martina said.
"What? Your plan?" Wu Zhenlin was completely bewildered.
"Yes, Zhenlin. I was just about to ask you... let Wu Shi develop his career in Europe. Staying in Huaxia will only hold him back," Martina said seriously.
"No!" Wu Zhenlin shook his head without a second thought.
"Why? You should know that the country currently can't offer him a better environment for growth. The coaches, technicians, and even the level of competition... none of it can match his talent and progress!" Martina retorted.
"No, I can't go with him right now. You said it yourself, becoming a professional driver requires a lot of money, and I..."
Wu Zhenlin shook his head. He didn't want his son to go across the ocean alone at such a young age, but he couldn't just quit his job on the spot to go with him. After all, racing costs money!
In just the last two months, he had already spent nearly 70,000 yuan. An expense like that was terrifying.
If it weren't for his high-ranking position at the corporation, good salary, and considerable savings, there would be no way he could support his son's karting.
After a moment of silence, Martina spoke. "Zhenlin, let's get married then."
"What?" Wu Zhenlin was stunned.
"You're worried about Wu Shi, so let me—a mother—accompany him," Martina said.
"I... but... this..." Wu Zhenlin was at a loss for words. Finally, he shook his head and said, "Let Wu Shi race in Huaxia for one more year. How about next year?"
"Hmm?" Martina was puzzled.
"I'll try to get an overseas assignment next year. That way, I can go with him. I don't want Wu Shi to be without his father by his side." Wu Zhenlin glanced at Louise.
Martina nodded. She understood what Wu Zhenlin meant. Even when she traveled for business, she always brought Louise with her. Was it because she had no relatives back home to leave her with? No, it was simply because a mother didn't want to miss her own child's childhood.
A child who grows up with their parents by their side and a child who grows up without that constant companionship will ultimately develop completely different personalities.
"Alright, you've convinced me. So, what about the marriage?" Martina raised an eyebrow.
"It would be my honor, Lady Martina." As soon as the conversation shifted away from his son, Wu Zhenlin instantly transformed into a gentlemanly elite, bowing slightly with a standard posture and extending his right hand.
Martina broke into a happy laugh.
"Hey, hey! What are you two doing!" Louise, realizing what was happening, exclaimed in displeasure.
"Ehehe, I almost forgot little Louise was still here," Martina said, feigning surprise as she looked at her daughter.
"Mamu!" Louise puffed out her cheeks.
"Uncle Wu just proposed to me. You're not against it, are you, little Louise?"
Martina looked at her daughter expectantly. Although she had tested the waters with a joke yesterday, proposing it so formally still made her a little worried about her daughter's reaction.
Children generally don't like getting a new step-parent, and Louise was no exception. Even though Uncle Wu was very nice, humble, and doted on her, deep down she was still resistant.
"Oh my~ It looks like Wu Shi won," Martina said with a beaming smile.
"Eh?! So soon?!" Louise leaned over the railing, just in time to see Wu Shi's kart cross the finish line under the checkered flag.
"Yay! (＾－＾)V He won!" she cheered.
Martina gave Wu Zhenlin a helpless look. It seemed Louise was still not on board.
"It's okay. We can take it slow."
Wu Zhenlin smiled gently. Compared to the last time they broached the subject, Louise's reaction this time was quite calm. It seemed she was no longer staunchly opposed.