Chapter Twenty-Five: A New Plan for Buying a Car

After winning the championship, Mo Shu, now in love, once again lived out an old saying: “A joyful event lifts the spirit, but lingering worries bring drowsiness.” Lately, Mo Shu had been so invigorated that he rarely slept; on average, he managed only four to five hours a night. He rose before dawn and retired in the early hours. Concerned, his friends urged him to take care of himself and not to spend all his time at Wang Yining’s house doing those shameful things. No matter how much Mo Shu explained, no one believed him. But the truth was, aside from his romance, there was another “irresponsible” pursuit that consumed him.

His insomnia was not without cause; this new responsibility weighed heavily upon his pride. Ever since his victory at the GTCC Floating Harbor Grand Prix, Mo Shu’s fame in the automotive world had skyrocketed. Soon, companies began reaching out to the Star Racing Team, seeking to speak with Zhang Aimin about sponsorship and driver endorsement opportunities.

That was how Mo Shu landed the first endorsement contract of his career, and the team also arranged for him to shoot an online video commercial. According to the ad’s concept, he wasn’t just to showcase his driving skills; he would also act as the father in a family of three, with two other actors. The real test of his acting had arrived, and Mo Shu grew anxious. Night after night, he practiced his performance in front of the mirror, unable to tear himself away.

Seeing how tense Mo Shu was, Zhang Aimin comforted him, “The ad shoot is scheduled for after the next race—the third one—so there’s no need to stress now. I’ve already instructed Accountant Qian to advance your endorsement bonus. Take some money, do a little shopping, and relax.”

Money? Instantly, Mo Shu’s spirits lifted. He thanked Zhang Aimin and dashed off to the team’s finance department like a whirlwind.

“He’s a champion now, yet he still acts like a kid. Reminds me of myself back in the day,” Zhang Aimin chuckled, oblivious to his own hypocrisy.

Mo Shu burst into the finance office to find Accountant Qian seemingly prepared. With practiced efficiency, Qian handed him a bank card and explained, “Mo Shu, since you’re a new driver, the team didn’t negotiate too high a fee. This card contains your endorsement bonus—five hundred thousand, password is six sixes. Use it as you like; this is per General Manager Zhang’s instructions.”

“Uh... five hundred thousand...” Mo Shu had never held such a sum at once before, and his hands trembled a little. Yet a question nagged at him—he’d researched online and knew top domestic drivers earned endorsement fees in the millions, some even in the tens of millions. He considered himself a top rookie now; had the team lowballed his value?

Sensing Mo Shu’s hesitation, Accountant Qian adjusted his glasses and added, “In US dollars.”

What?!

Mo Shu was nearly moved to tears by joy—US dollars?!

Trying to recall the exchange rate, he was just about to ask when Qian clarified, “At today’s rate, that’s 3,294,950 yuan. Would you like me to exchange it for you right now?”

Eyes shining, Mo Shu nodded eagerly, marveling at his own shameless greed for money.

He ran downstairs at full speed, shut himself in his car, and turned the card over in his hands, giddy with plans for how to spend it. High-end phone? High-end computer? Luxury car?

No, the RT500 Zhang Aimin had given him cost much more than what was on this card.

Suddenly, a thought struck him. He silently berated himself, “Mo Shu, you heartless guy, all you think about is yourself.”

...

With a roar of the engine, the white RT500 sped out of Nanshan Racing Park, heading toward the test track where he’d once raced Ai Chixiang in a straight-line sprint.

It was just after 3:30 in the afternoon, peak hours at Nanzhong Auto Trade Park. Mo Shu circled twice before finally finding a parking spot. Watching the endless stream of car buyers and test drivers, he was filled with emotion. Just a few months ago, he hadn’t even dared to dream of joining their ranks.

Because he used to have no such aspirations, he was unfamiliar with the layout of the dealerships. It took several more rounds before he found his way into a quieter showroom.

“Good afternoon, sir, and welcome!”

The hostess was strikingly attractive—tall, poised, and impeccably professional. The showroom was spotless, brimming with lush greenery, and the polished show cars gleamed beneath the lights. Everything about the place declared it to be a high-end automotive brand’s dealership.

Mo Shu indicated politely that there was no need for formalities and began to browse on his own, soon strolling with interest toward the full-size SUV in the center of the hall.

“Impressive... My father’s taste wasn’t wrong,” he mused, recalling how, as a child, whenever this brand’s commercials aired on TV, his dad would click his tongue in admiration.

A 3.0T V6 engine, nine-speed automatic-manual transmission. Twenty-inch wheels, a wheelbase of 3.1 meters for immense space. Besides ABS and ESP, it also boasted an active braking safety system. Opening the door, he saw a center console bristling with every conceivable function.

At the front, the bold emblem declared the car’s prestige.

This design, this interior—it exuded luxury with a hint of sportiness, comfort with a touch of technology, and above all, an unmistakable sense of grandeur. Mo Shu closed the door, quietly impressed; he had all but decided to buy this car for his parents. Though fuel economy wasn’t its strong suit, his parents loved taking weekend drives into the countryside, seeking respite from the city.

He remembered his father had long wanted to trade up to an SUV. Their current compact car struggled with even the smallest bump. Yet his mother always worried about Mo Shu’s future expenses—buying a home, getting married—none of which came cheap. So the couple’s modest wish was postponed again and again, until their desires faded with the years.

Mo Shu saw this and felt a pang in his heart. He had promised himself he would repay his parents with an SUV, never expecting the day to come so soon, and starting from such a high point.

“Sir, are you interested in this car?” Someone interrupted his thoughts.

Mo Shu turned to find a tall, thin man with prominent cheekbones and a friendly expression—clearly another employee, his uniform a bit finer than the rest.

“Hello,” Mo Shu greeted politely.

“Sir, you have excellent taste. This is our flagship model,” the man said.

“Yes, it’s a great car, though the fuel consumption is rather high—not very eco-friendly,” Mo Shu replied.

“Oh? Such social responsibility! You must be a successful gentleman,” the man flattered him, making Mo Shu a little uncomfortable.

“If you’re not satisfied, I can recommend some other models. May I ask, what kind of car do you usually prefer?”

“I’m actually buying for my parents. They currently drive a small car, so this time...”

“Ah, your parents have such refined taste and a youthful spirit—enjoying high-performance hot hatches, I see,” the man interrupted again, piling on the compliments.

“No, no, just a domestic compact car, nothing fancy,” Mo Shu started to lose interest in the conversation.

“Domestic?!” The man’s tone shifted, the obsequious smile fading from his face.

“Is there something wrong with domestic cars? I look forward to the day when our domestic brands are popular worldwide,” Mo Shu said, already preparing to turn and leave.

“Sir, sir, I never said there’s anything wrong with domestic cars. Please don’t misunderstand...” The man tried to placate him, while signaling for the hostess to come over and quietly ask, “What car did this customer drive up in just now?”