Chapter 7

After leaving the meeting room, Lin Yushu went straight to the pantry.

The pantry had floor-to-ceiling windows facing the harbor, offering a view of the vast sea. It was a suitable place for relaxation and contemplation.

There were two cleaners chatting in the pantry, but when they saw Lin Yushu approaching, they consciously left the area.

Lin Yushu walked to the coffee machine and was wondering why the cleaners had left when he heard Shao Guangjie’s voice behind him. “How likely do you think Song Qiming is willing to be acquired?”

Coming to the pantry for a brief relaxation, Lin Yushu didn’t expect the boss to follow him here.

“Probably not very likely,” Lin Yushu turned around, facing Shao Guangjie while holding a coffee cup. “He certainly doesn’t feel the same sense of urgency as we do.”

Even if the acquisition ultimately failed, it wouldn’t have any impact on Song Qiming. If anything, he would just lose the opportunity to make S-power more accessible to the public. However, if Yong Xing Group failed to complete the acquisition, the consequences would be significant. The stock market has always been all about “confidence,” and Yong Xing couldn’t afford to suffer another heavy blow.

“But I think he has a strong desire to be acquired,” Shao Guangjie walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and turned his head to look at Lin Yushu. “I’ve been communicating with him over the phone, and I feel like he really wants to be acquired by Yong Xing.”

Lin Yushu took a sip of coffee and silently thought to himself: That’s just your perception…

However, it suddenly dawned on Lin Yushu why Shao Guangjie initially set such strict acquisition terms. It turned out that he believed it was Song Qiming who wanted to be acquired.

“Just think about it,” Shao Guangjie put his hands in his trouser pockets and turned his head to look at the distant coastline. “Why does his S-power only modify Yong Xing’s cars? Isn’t it a challenge to me? I can’t think of any other reason.”

Lin Yushu agreed with this point. Based on his shallow understanding of Song Qiming, he seemed to be a competitive person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have achieved such remarkable results at such a young age.

“Now that Yong Xing finally recognizes him,” Shao Guangjie said, retracting his gaze and looking at Lin Yushu, “how could he miss this opportunity?”

For a modification workshop to enter the commercial market, there were essentially two ways: either establish its own brand or attach itself to a major automaker.

From the beginning, Song Qiming had never intended to establish an independent brand; instead, he set his sights on Yong Xing. From this perspective, Shao Guangjie’s analysis seemed to have some truth to it.

The next day, during the weekend, when Lin Yushu was watching financial news at home, he became even more convinced of Shao Guangjie’s viewpoint.

Major financial headlines were all pessimistic about the acquisition, stating that the acquisition price offered by Yong Xing was hard to accept.

The employees on Yong Xing’s side wouldn’t leak such news to the media, so it could only be Song Qiming who bought the coverage.

He must be doing this to force Yong Xing to raise the acquisition price.

“It seems like you’re not that foolish,” Lin Yushu muttered to himself as he clicked the mouse.

So, did he still need to remind Song Qiming?

Just as Lin Yushu was torn, he suddenly heard the sound of the door closing outside, accompanied by several dog barks.

It seemed like the new neighbor had moved in.

Lin Yushu got up and went to the wine cabinet, taking out the bottle of white wine he had selected. However, when he opened the front door, he saw the elevator doors closing with the display indicating that the neighbor had already gone downstairs.

Most likely, they went for a walk with their dog.

Lin Yushu waited for a while but didn’t see the neighbor coming back. The next day, he knocked on their door, but no one answered. So he temporarily put this matter aside.

On Monday afternoon, Lin Yushu once again arrived at the Jingxin Villa.

Today, Shao Zhenbang seemed to be in a good mood, chatting casually with the servants.

Lin Yushu approached, took hold of the wheelchair handle, and asked, “Is there something that’s making you happy, old master?”

The servant took the initiative to continue the conversation, “Young Master Song came to visit the old master over the weekend.”

“That brat is becoming more and more like his mother as he grows up,” Shao Zhenbang waved his hand, dismissing the servant. “No one can control him.”

Although he complained, there was no trace of anger on Shao Zhenbang’s face.

In this way, the phrase “that brat” actually sounded like a term of endearment.

“old master,” Lin Yushu pursed his lips and couldn’t help but ask, “When Young Master Song came to see you, did he talk to you about this acquisition?”

Referring to Song Qiming as “Young Master” was somewhat uncomfortable for Lin Yushu, but since the man didn’t have an official title, it wasn’t appropriate to address him by just his name. Thus, he could only add those tWowords.

“And what if he did?” Shao Zhenbang snorted lightly. “He came to me seeking justice.”

“He’s not satisfied with the acquisition price,” Lin Yushu could almost imagine how Song Qiming would use various tactics to talk to Shao Zhenbang. “He even had so many press releases sent out.”

“Because I said I wouldn’t meddle and let him handle it himself,” Shao Zhenbang sighed softly, continuing, “If I show favoritism and help him, Guangjie will come to me for justice. I can’t please everyone. What am I supposed to do?”

Lin Yushu responded, “It’s difficult indeed.”

That’s why Shao Zhenbang wanted him to secretly control the direction of the negotiations. If Shao Guangjie found out, he would definitely go to Shao Zhenbang to demand an explanation.

A gust of mountain wind blew, and Lin Yushu tucked the blanket for Shao Zhenbang. “During the negotiation on Friday, I noticed something off about Young Master Song’s lawyer.”

Finally mentioning the issue that had been bothering him for days, Lin Yushu asked with a hint of unease, “Should I remind him?”

Shao Zhenbang didn’t like others asking him how to act. In his eyes, an excellent subordinate should be able to anticipate his intentions.

But Lin Yushu couldn’t make up his mind about this matter. By doing so, he would be directly choosing sides, and he didn’t know if that choice was correct.

“Xiaolin,” Shao Zhenbang said meaningfully, “Compared to your teacher, you still have a long way to go.”

Lin Yushu felt a sudden sting. It was true that Shao Zhenbang didn’t like this kind of question, and he shouldn’t have deliberately provoked him.

“You have to make your own decisions,” Shao Zhenbang continued, “If even for something like this, you still need to ask me, then can’t someone else handle your job?”

Lin Yushu moved his lips and said, “Understood, old master.”

Comparing him to a teacher with decades of experience was definitely unfair.

But did the boss care about fairness or unfairness? He only expressed his dissatisfaction. He wasn’t satisfied with this matter.

Lin Yushu rarely faced criticism in his work, which should have been a good thing. However, on the flip side, when he did receive criticism, he felt a heavier psychological burden than others.

After all, he was on the verge of promotion, and even a slight mistake could be magnified infinitely.

He returned to the company and worked overtime until seven or eight in the evening, but he wasn’t productive at all. Lin Yushu didn’t want to engage in mental conflicts anymore, so he decided to relax and give his brain a break.

From childhood to adulthood, Lin Yushu had two hobbies: making money and racing.

Although he had given up his dream of becoming a professional race car driver a long time ago, it didn’t stop him from treating racing as a hobby.

Driving his Civic, he left the city and the ring road, arriving at the Longma Race Track, which was thirty kilometers away from the city center.

He didn’t inform anyone in advance, so when he appeared outside the track, Lu Zibo looked surprised and exclaimed, “You’re here to watch the fun too?”

Lin Yushu was puzzled, “Watch the fun?”

The Longma Race Track is Lu Zibo’s family business. It is open to the public during the day and accepts reservations, but at night, it is closed and reserved for friends in the car enthusiasts’ circle.

Lin Yushu realized at this moment that the race track was bustling tonight. Many familiar wealthy young men from the circle were here, and the outside of the track was filled with flashy modified cars.

“Xiaolin ge, long time no see! What have you been busy with lately?”

Lin Yushu held the record for amateur drivers at the Longma Race Track and was somewhat of a celebrity in the circle. Many people came to greet him.

Now Lin Yushu was even more puzzled. Why were these people just chatting by the track instead of going up to race?

Soon, the sound of engines grew louder from a distance on the track. Just by listening to the roar, Lin Yushu felt it was extraordinary. He immediately followed the sound and caught a glimpse of a fleeting blue blur.

With its distinctive large wing and round taillights, at a glance, Lin Yushu recognized it as a Nissan GT-R with a Gulf Oil livery.

It was a new face in the circle.

Lin Yushu shifted his gaze and asked Lu Zibo beside him, “Whose GT-R is that?”

“Haven’t you seen the group messages?” Lu Zibo widened his eyes and said, “That’s Song Qiming.”

…So it was the person he had been agonizing over for days.

Lin Yushu had been busy with work lately and had no time to check the car enthusiasts’ group.

No wonder Lu Zibo said they were here to “watch the fun.” For the people in the car enthusiasts’ circle, Song Qiming was a legendary figure. Who wouldn’t want to come and watch when he brought his modified car to the race track?

The sound from the distance was getting more intense, and it stirred up the blood of the listeners. Perhaps there was some distance felt towards the “legend,” but none of the wealthy young men who were spectating by the track dared to go up onto the racecourse.

Lin Yushu also didn’t expect that after growing up in the birthplace of German cars, Song Qiming would drive a Japanese car upon returning to China.

It matched well with the perfume he used, both carrying an oriental charm.

Lin Yushu opened the door of his Civic and took out a bright red helmet. However, before he could pick it up, Lu Zibo grabbed his arm, looking shocked, and asked, “What are you doing?”

Lin Yushu adjusted the straps of the helmet and said calmly, “Going against him.”

“Are you planning to race your Civic against the GT-R? Are you crazy?”

Lu Zibo’s voice was loud, and everyone who was spectating turned their attention and started cheering.

“Is Brother Xiaolin going up?”

“Brother Xiaolin, show him what you’ve got! Give us some face!”

Lu Zibo nudged Lin Yushu with his elbow and whispered, “Wait, do you have a grudge against Song Qiming?”

In theory, when a rare new face appeared in the circle, they shouldn’t immediately try to assert dominance.

Besides, who was Song Qiming? Even if he was high-profile, why would anyone have a problem with him?

“You’re overthinking.” Lin Yushu put on his helmet, sat in the driver’s seat, and calmly replied, “Do I have any grudges with him?”

—I just got scolded by his grandfather, that’s all.