Chapter Sixteen: Everyone Has Secrets

Inside the modification workshop of the Star Racing Team, the overhaul of the new cars was in full swing. Two flashy, dramatically styled race cars were undergoing their final performance tests.

The boss, Zhang Aimin, had made his decision: since they were entering the super mass production group, they had to build two brand-new race cars. As the saying goes, "To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools."

“Mo Shu, what do you think about our new cars?” Wang Yining had already adopted the demeanor of a team captain.

“The race committee has strict regulations on the modifications allowed for participating vehicles,” Mo Shu replied seriously. “They especially limit the intake diameter. In terms of performance, all teams will be more or less the same. As long as the strength of each component holds up, the competition will come down to our individual skills. So…”

“So the two of us being able to use the system’s team function to enter the race gives us a considerable advantage right from the start,” Wang Yining, despite being new to the system, had adapted quickly.

Mo Shu nodded in affirmation. Wang Yining continued, “Do you think we should give our team a name?”

“Hmm… Good idea. It’ll also strengthen our unity.”

“What should we call it?” Wang Yining furrowed her brow.

“Shu… Ning… Both our names have the ‘wood’ radical. How about…”

“Hmm hmm hmm… What?”

“How about ‘Twin Demons of Opposite Genders’?”

“Pfft, what does that have to do with ‘wood’?” Wang Yining’s mouth twitched in disdain. “No way, that sounds awful!”

“Hehe, just kidding. Since we’re part of the Star Racing Team, let’s pick the brightest supergiant from the stars as our team name. What do you think?” Mo Shu almost couldn’t resist giving her a playful pat on the head, seeing her mock anger.

“Supergiant… Super Star… Not bad, not bad. From now on, we’ll be the Supergiant Squadron!” Wang Yining’s eyes curved with delight.

“Ahem… Superstars, would you like to try out the new cars?” came a voice.

“Oh, Wang Yu?”

Wang Yu appeared suddenly, startling Wang Yining. She remembered the awkward encounter she and Mo Shu had had with Wang Yu and his uncle, and felt a little embarrassed.

“Hello, sister-in-law!” Wang Yu, quick-witted as ever, not only sensed Wang Yining’s subtle feelings but seized the moment to tease her.

“Wang Yu… Don’t talk nonsense!” Wang Yining thought she’d have to avoid Wang Yu from now on.

“Alright, Wang. If you keep teasing your sister-in-law, I’ll get angry!” Mo Shu took the opportunity to play along.

“Mo Shu!!” Before he finished speaking, Wang Yining’s little fist landed on Mo Shu’s side.

“Alright, alright, my mistake! I’m sorry!” Mo Shu quickly begged for mercy, dodging her blows as he addressed Wang Yu, “Wang, I need to discuss something with Yining. You go ahead.”

“Alright, you two talk. I’ll leave you be,” Wang Yu replied with a meaningful glance, his eyes full of mischievous intent.

When Wang Yu had gone, Wang Yining ceased her assault, eyeing Mo Shu warily. “What do you want to discuss?”

Mo Shu gave his classic mysterious smile and said softly, “Let’s take a walk and talk.”

…

The temperature difference in Nanshan City was minimal; the climate was comfortable year-round. On days without races, the Nanshan Racing Park was deserted, tranquil, and serene.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting mottled shadows on the blue-gray asphalt. A gentle, fresh breeze swept through, refreshing the spirit.

Wang Yining closed her eyes against the breeze, savoring this rare “dereliction of duty.”

Mo Shu and Wang Yining strolled side by side, scarcely exchanging words, as if neither wished to disturb the other’s peace.

After all, their work and lives always revolved around speed. This rare moment of slowness was precious to both.

After some time, Mo Shu broke the silence.

“Beautiful girl…”

“Mm…”

“I have a gift for you…” Mo Shu was visibly nervous, his hand trembling slightly as he handed over an exquisite brown box.

“…”

Unexpectedly, Wang Yining was even more nervous than Mo Shu. Her face flushed crimson, lips pursed as she looked down, carefully accepting the gift.

“My goodness… This is…”

She opened the box to find a pale violet ring gleaming before her.

“This was crafted from the metallic sphere last night, wasn’t it? You managed to finish it in just one night…” Wang Yining noticed the unusual, intricate patterns, clearly related to the sphere.

Mo Shu smiled but said nothing, unexpectedly taking Wang Yining’s delicate hand.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, only to find the pale violet ring already slipped onto her right middle finger.

In an instant, a faint purple glow flashed, the peculiar patterns extending from the ring onto her smooth white skin, the glow flowing along the markings.

Wang Yining recoiled in shock.

“Strange! Did something enter my body?” she asked anxiously.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a transfer of energy,” Mo Shu reassured her.

“Are you certain? Did the system tell you?”

Mo Shu gave her a “Would I ever harm you?” look, raising his left hand to show her an identical ring.

“Last night, the system guided me to create these two rings. They’re supposed to be useful in the future. For now, let’s call them our team tokens,” Mo Shu explained.

Wang Yining felt a little put out, muttering, “Putting on someone else’s ring without understanding it, it feels like being bound.”

Unable to help himself, Mo Shu reached out and gently ruffled her silky hair, smiling. “Seems you won’t escape now.”

“Hey! Are you tired of living? When did you become so cheeky, daring to tease the captain?” Wang Yining feigned outrage, raising her fists to strike again.

Mo Shu dodged, retreating as he replied softly, “Silly girl, I’m not being frivolous—just couldn’t help myself.”

Wang Yining paused, then quickly blushed, shouting, “…Shameless! Rogue! You’re disgusting!”

The two continued to frolic and banter as they walked through Nanshan Racing Park.

To outsiders, they were unmistakably a pair of sweethearts, shamelessly showing off their affection.

When they grew tired, they found a patch of grass and sat down, finally catching their breath.

Mo Shu’s thoughts stirred as he ventured, “Let me ask you something—but don’t get mad. Why did Ai Chixiang seem afraid to provoke you at the celebration, and Black Mirror seemed to have some connection with you?”

Wang Yining’s joy instantly vanished, her expression sour. “Mo Shu! Why bring them up? You’re ruining the mood!”

“Uh, sorry. I was just curious. If you don’t want to talk, that’s fine,” Mo Shu sensed trouble.

Girls’ moods could change in a flash. Wang Yining’s face turned cold; she sprang up and strode briskly back toward the team.

“Don’t follow me, and don’t ask! That’s my business!”

Mo Shu stood there stunned, mouth agape for a long time before he managed to close it.

“Did I say something wrong? How baffling…”