Chapter 12

Lin Yushu shifted gears, stepped on the accelerator, and the engine roared to life. A strong sense of acceleration pushed him back into his seat.

Indeed, one could only truly understand the characteristics of a car by driving it. After driving for a few hundred meters, Lin Yushu already felt what it meant to have masterful tuning.

Compared to the Civic, the driving feel of the GTR was more stable. However, due to the heavier front end of the car, Lin Yushu almost lost control a few times while taking high-speed corners.

Some kind of psychological factor was at play. Lin Yushu didn’t want to perform poorly in front of Song Qiming. Occasionally, when driving other people’s cars, it wouldn’t matter much if he didn’t handle them well. But today, he focused his attention and quickly resolved the issue of losing control.

Unfortunately, joy is always short-lived, and before long, they arrived at the mountaintop observation platform.

“How does it feel?” Song Qiming got out of the passenger seat, walked around the front of the car, and stood next to Lin Yushu at the railing.

Beyond the railing was a lush mountain scenery, with a bustling cityscape in the distance.

“It’s not as easy to drive as my Civic,” Lin Yushu replied, placing his hands on the railing and turning his head to look at Song Qiming. “But it’s not bad either.”

“Just not bad?” Song Qiming turned around and leaned against the railing, crossing his arms over his chest. “You have high standards.”

“Just joking.” Lin Yushu had a faint smile on his lips and candidly said, “You truly live up to your title as a master.”

Song Qiming seemed satisfied with the praise and asked, “How long have you been into modified cars?”

“Since I became an adult,” Lin Yushu said, gazing into the distance. “When I was studying abroad, I would often visit racetracks during vacations. Now that I’m busy with work, I’m lucky if I can go once or twice a month.”

“And how long has it been now?” Song Qiming’s question seemed a bit unrelated, and it took Lin Yushu a second to realize that he was asking about his age.

“I’m half a year younger than you,” he replied.

“You seem to know a lot about me,” Song Qiming looked at Lin Yushu’s profile, “Including my birthday.”

“I told you, it’s work-related,” Lin Yushu shrugged casually, “I also know Shao Guangjie’s birthday.”

“Since you mentioned him,” Song Qiming turned around again, facing the scenery beyond the railing, “let’s talk about work.”

Lin Yushu couldn’t help but smile. “Did you hold it in all the way here?”

“Yeah,” Song Qiming admitted frankly, “I wanted to talk as soon as we set off.”

“What do you want to talk about?” Lin Yushu asked, “If you’re trying to gather information about Yong Xing’s bottom line from me, there’s no need to talk. I won’t tell you.”

“Then let me tell you my bottom line.” Song Qiming, seemingly unaware of negotiation tactics, didn’t hesitate to share, “Based on Shao Guangjie’s intention, he wants to make S-power a department of Yong Xing Motors. But my idea is to establish S-power as a subsidiary company, with me holding the majority of the shares.”

“That’s impossible,” Lin Yushu immediately frowned, “Shao Guangjie won’t let you have any shares.”

“A subsidiary company’s shares wouldn’t have any impact on Yong Xing Group,” Song Qiming responded.

“But you would have more bargaining power,” Lin Yushu said. “If S-power’s sales perform well in the future, you would have sufficient reason to edge out Shao Guangjie.”

“So, between me and him,” Song Qiming paused and looked at Lin Yushu, “you still choose to help him, right?”

This statement contained a lot of information. Song Qiming not only acknowledged that he saw Shao Guangjie as a rival, but he also admitted Lin Yushu’s speculation that he wanted to edge out Shao Guangjie.

“You moved back to China before the acquisition was finalized,” Lin Yushu’s thoughts gradually became clear. “You truly came back to fight for the family fortune.”

Regarding this acquisition, many people speculated that the reason why Song Qiming was so willing to undertake it was that Shao Zhenbang didn’t have much time left to live. Song Qiming could conveniently return to Shao Zhenbang’s side and lay the foundation for the future inheritance battle.

“Don’t think of me that way,” Song Qiming said. “I moved back to China early because I believe the acquisition can be settled. But I didn’t expect Shao Guangjie to resort to such low tactics. What reason do I have to be polite to him?”

That was true. If Lin Yushu were in his shoes, he wouldn’t appreciate being played for a fool either.

“But the conditions you mentioned, Shao Guangjie won’t agree to them,” Lin Yushu said. “If you expect me to whisper in his ear, I can tell you it won’t work. He’s afraid of inviting wolves into his home. It’s already good enough that he let you become the Chief Engineer. When you asked me earlier about whose side I’m on, of course, I’m helping Shao Guangjie. He’s my boss.”

“Oh, really?” Song Qiming casually asked, “Who was it that made me switch lawyers?”

The deep voice entered Lin Yushu’s ears, making him inexplicably uneasy.

“I just don’t want this matter to be handled disgracefully,” Lin Yushu cleared his throat uneasily. “Also, your grandfather doesn’t like family discord. If you really want to fight for the family fortune with Shao Guangjie, I won’t let you succeed…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Song Qiming suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the railing.

Turning his head, Lin Yushu noticed a group of motorcyclists rushing past, taking corners without reducing their speed, almost crashing through the railing.

However, Song Qiming didn’t need to protect Lin Yushu. Although these motorcyclists seemed to be driving dangerously, the chances of actually crashing into them were minimal.

After the motorcycles departed one after another, the surroundings became quiet again.

“Is it necessary to be so ruthless?” Song Qiming released Lin Yushu’s arm, slightly bent over, and rested his elbows on the railing. “Don’t you have any thoughts of standing by my side?”

Lin Yushu initially wanted to say “no,” but perhaps it was the act of Song Qiming protecting him just now that made him change his mind involuntarily. “What benefits could I have by standing by your side?”

“You can name your conditions,” Song Qiming said. “I won’t let you lose out.”

Lin Yushu wouldn’t end up on the losing side. As soon as there was a sign of that, he would slip away faster than anyone else.

However, on second thought, it wouldn’t hurt to help Song Qiming a little. If things didn’t go well, he could always make his escape.

With these thoughts in mind, Lin Yushu pursed his lips and didn’t immediately agree. “I’ll think about it.”

On the way back, it was Song Qiming who was driving.

Just as they descended from the mountain, Lin Yushu received a call from the property manager, informing him that they had gathered information about his new neighbors.

Lin Yushu couldn’t help but feel speechless. If only this call had come earlier, he wouldn’t have unknowingly stepped onto Song Qiming’s ship like this.

After a brief expression of gratitude and hanging up the phone, Lin Yushu discreetly glanced at Song Qiming, who was focused on driving. He couldn’t help but feel that he had gained a better understanding of Song Qiming now.

Initially, he only intended to secretly help Song Qiming a bit, without expecting to do more for him. But when Song Qiming realized that his position wasn’t so firm, he immediately took the initiative and showcased his wolf-like nature to the fullest.

Lin Yushu couldn’t help but think about the future, in case he had to choose between Shao Guangjie and Song Qiming…

Perhaps, Song Qiming would be a decent choice.

The roar of the engine interrupted Lin Yushu’s thoughts. They had now reached the urban expressway, and a BMW M4 was leisurely following them, sometimes slowing down and sometimes revving, clearly provoking their GTR.

“What are you waiting for?” Lin Yushu frowned and asked.

“What should we do to him?” Song Qiming asked.

“Teach him a lesson,” Lin Yushu replied, annoyed. “If you won’t, I will.”

Song Qiming chuckled. “You have quite a fiery temper.”

Though he said that, Song Qiming suddenly stepped on the accelerator, leaving the BMW behind.

Returning to their residential compound, Song Qiming parked the car in its original spot, next to Lin Yushu’s Civic.

The two of them took the elevator upstairs. Just as they reached their respective doorways, Song Qiming called out to Lin Yushu, “How long will you consider?”

“I don’t know,” Lin Yushu opened his door. “Don’t rush me.”

This matter required careful consideration. While Shao Zhenbang did intend for Lin Yushu to assist Song Qiming, he couldn’t go overboard and risk Shao Zhenbang thinking he lacked discretion. Furthermore, Lin Yushu couldn’t let Shao Guangjie know about his involvement. If Shao Guangjie ran to complain to Shao Zhenbang, the blame would fall on him for being ineffective, and his chances of promotion might be jeopardized.

Although Lin Yushu admitted that he indeed admired Song Qiming more compared to Shao Guangjie, he wouldn’t joke around with his own future.

The incident of reminding Song Qiming to change lawyers had already made him feel uncertain about how well he handled it. If he had to further assist Song Qiming, he needed to consider it even more.

“Oh, by the way,” Lin Yushu stopped Song Qiming, who was also opening his door, “wait a moment, I have something for you.”

“What?” Song Qiming paused in the act of opening the door.

“Take it,” Lin Yushu pulled out a business card from his pocket. “This lawyer can be relied upon.”

Song Qiming took the business card, his eyes filled with surprise. “You had this business card with you before leaving?”

“Yeah.”

Whether it was a premonition or not, Lin Yushu always felt that Song Qiming taking him to see the car was not just about the car itself. So he made preparations in advance.

If he could resist the temptation, then his help to Song Qiming would end there, and it wouldn’t matter whether Song Qiming could find a reliable lawyer or not.

If he couldn’t resist the temptation—which turned out to be the case—then as an exchange, he would introduce a lawyer to Song Qiming, which could be considered fair and just.

“Then what are you still considering?” Song Qiming raised the business card in his hand, clearly misunderstanding Lin Yushu’s intention. “Weren’t you willing to help me?”

“That’s different,” Lin Yushu said. “This business card is a thank you for taking me for a ride today.”

“I see,” Song Qiming said thoughtfully. “So, it’s a rare occasion for me to let someone touch my beloved car, and you’re dismissing me with a business card.”

“What else can I do?” Lin Yushu walked into his own room. “You’re the one who wanted me to drive it. I’ve been generous enough. Anyway, up until now, we’re even. I don’t owe you anything.”

After saying this, Lin Yushu slammed the door shut.

“Tsk,” Song Qiming looked at the business card in his hand, smiled helplessly, and muttered, “Cunning little fox, you’re quite calculating.”