Chapter Forty-Six: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

A golden championship trophy stood quietly at the center of the podium, radiating brilliance. Beside it, a massive black bottle of champagne proclaimed both the proud traditions and the vibrant passion at the heart of motorsport.

Off to the side, the post-race scrutineering was still ongoing, tense and meticulous. The cars driven by Mo Shu, Wang Yining, and Geng Hua were being rigorously inspected one by one by the officials. Meanwhile, the three drivers, having taken first, second, and third place respectively, lined up in order before the podium, awaiting the final results.

The members of the Stellar team, along with crews from other teams—save Kunsheng Racing—crowded around the podium. They were already shaking hands with and embracing Yu Wang, still down below, exchanging congratulations and pleasantries. Beyond the team members, a dense sea of spectators pressed forward—fans who had come to witness the race in person. Every year, at the final moment of the GTCC season, the organizers allowed fans onto the track to join in the podium ceremony, giving everyone a chance to meet their idols up close.

With a bang, an official snapped shut the hood of Mo Shu’s car. An older official, hair and beard flecked with white, gathered the other scrutineers. They bent together, whispering in low voices. All those waiting drew in a collective breath; the final verdict was imminent. No one could hear what was being said, but from the officials’ grave, focused expressions, and the way they jotted notes and conferred, it was clear every detail was being weighed.

At last, their faces lit with assurance and they nodded to one another. The white-haired official patted his colleagues on the shoulder, straightened his uniform, cleared his throat, and strode toward the podium. The time had come.

Expectation was written on every face. The Stellar team clung to one another, arms around shoulders or gripping sleeves in anticipation.

“I hereby announce,” the official proclaimed in a clear voice, “that the top three drivers and their cars at the 2017 GTCC Qingcheng Grand Prix have all passed inspection—today's results are valid!”

A wild cheer erupted before he had finished. Hats, jackets, gloves, balaclavas, flowers, tickets, and glow sticks—anything at hand that wouldn’t hurt someone—were flung into the air. Laughter, celebration, and joy thundered skyward, a tidal wave of sound that sent many young fans clapping their hands over their ears.

And as the cheers reached their peak, the sweet golden champagne rained down in sparkling showers! People lifted their hands, squinting, mouths open in delight, letting the sweetness flood their taste buds, hungrily sharing the joy and the drink reserved for GTCC champions.

Golden champagne! Golden titles! A golden moment! Golden radiance!

Wang Yu, Mo Shu, and Wang Yining now stood together atop the highest step of the podium, spraying champagne on one another in celebration. Sunlight caught the flying droplets, each one agleam like golden stars, bathing them in glory. In just one year, they had claimed both the team and driver championships—a feat their defeated rivals could only describe as miraculous.

Among the Stellar crew, none could tell whether the liquid streaming down their faces was champagne or tears of joy. They had never imagined that the young man with the enigmatic smile, in so short a time, would bring their equally youthful team an unrivaled championship trophy.

Mo Shu and Wang Yining, overwhelmed with emotion, embraced and kissed passionately. Another wave of thunderous cheers swept the crowd. Amid the jubilation, there was also envy on many faces—surely, this was the happiest moment in the world.

“I miss Uncle Zhang. Shall we go to the hospital now?” Wang Yining murmured, her tearful eyes pressed to Mo Shu’s chest.

“Yes, let’s go at once! His dream has finally come true!” Mo Shu replied, brushing her nose affectionately, his gaze full of love.

A microphone was thrust before Mo Shu, the organizers perfectly timing the gesture.

“My dear friends, I have a few words I’d like to share!” Mo Shu announced, seizing the opportunity to let his voice reach every corner of the world via the broadcast.

The crowd fell silent.

“First,” he began, “I must thank some very important people: my most respected Mr. Zhang Aimin, my team, my partners, and all the fans who support us. Without you, there would be no champion here today!”

Roars of approval followed—cries of “Mo God! Mo God!” rose from the crowd. Mo Shu motioned for silence so he could continue.

“Secondly, I want to thank my rivals, and those conspirators who hid in the shadows plotting schemes against us. Without you as well, I could not have grown so quickly.”

This remark drew sarcastic laughter and disdain from the crowd, most of it aimed at the absent Kunsheng Racing.

“Lastly, I have an announcement. I’m sure you’ve all heard about the acquisition of the Stellar Group. So, while this is our first GTCC championship, it may also be our last. Regrettably, we cannot prevent the hostile takeover, and thus we have no choice but to withdraw.

“All members of the Stellar team reached a consensus a few days ago. From today, I, Wang Yining, Wang Yu, and all current members officially resign from the Stellar team following the acquisition. Though it pains us deeply, we hope you understand our reasons. We’re sorry!”

Mo Shu quickly handed the microphone back to the stunned official, bowed deeply to the crowd, and, taking Wang Yining’s hand, left the stage.

From jubilation to heartbreak in an instant—the fans at the track, in front of TVs, computers, and phones were all left in shock. Was this emotional whiplash meant to drive them mad?

Had Mo Shu, just after reaching godhood, become an outcast again?

Online, chaos erupted. Fans flooded the internet with crying and angry emojis. Some opportunistic fake fans declared they were unfollowing and quitting the fandom.

“Irresponsible—abandoning his fans!”

“Everyone should unfollow—Mo Shu is history now!”

“He has no ambition, no drive—he’s probably made his money and is leaving to take it easy.”

“No perseverance, no sense of responsibility! My kid liked him for nothing!”

But some observant, loyal fans noticed that Mo Shu’s online profile had changed from “Stellar Racing Driver” to “One of the Four Main Gods.” Wang Yu’s had changed from “Stellar Team Manager and Track Engineer” to “Protector of the Main Gods.”

Fans were baffled. What did these new titles mean? Was this some kind of mythological story?