Chapter 113: Greetings, Senior

Fu Ziyang stroked his chin, gazing at Xie Cheng's earnest expression, unable to suppress a faint smile. His youthful brows still carried a trace of boyish naivety, complemented by a mischievous, devil-may-care grin that was irresistibly charming.

"Xie Ge, serious?" Fu Ziyang teased lightly.

Xie Cheng responded nonchalantly, "Only a worthy challenge makes it interesting."

Fu Ziyang pursed his lips, neither agreeing nor denying. "What challenge? It looks to me like you two are evenly matched opponents."

When Xia Kelan looked at him, her gaze mirrored exactly how Xie Cheng looked at a beautiful woman—clear evidence that two masters were crossing paths, each vying to outwit the other.

Xie Cheng raised his defined brow, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips: "That depends on whether she's truly capable."

Fu Ziyang glanced at Xie Cheng's game-over screen and shook his head softly. "Maybe you should focus on winning this round first. Honestly, I doubt you're even his backup plan."

Confident as ever, Xie Cheng shot back, "Rest assured, my strength isn't just talk."

Yet as time passed, the smile on Xie Cheng's face gradually faded, replaced by growing seriousness, then tension, and eventually frustration. Fu Ziyang took a sip of his drink and glanced sideways, noticing how harshly his teammate was being berated.

"Xie Ge, want me to help?"

"No need!" After a flurry of moves, Xie Cheng exclaimed, "Damn! Dead again!"

"This isn't how the game felt yesterday!" he muttered, "At least Xia Kelan isn't yelling at me like the others…"

Unbeknownst to him, Xia Kelan was teetering on the edge of fury. As the game neared its end, she could no longer contain herself and angrily activated her mic.

"With your skills, you dare to lead a girl? Who gave you that confidence?"

"I'd wager my phone's chickens play better than you!"

"You're slower than any Meituan delivery guy!"

"Useless!"

"Goodbye, never again!"

Su Wanwan heard the outburst and glanced at Xia Kelan's flushed, angry face. She pounded the sofa like a restless kitten, then picked up her phone. Soon, the sound of an Alipay notification rang out.

"Ten thousand yuan received."

Xia Kelan was stunned.

Su Wanwan said coolly, "A large taro boba milk tea, half sugar, extra taro. Spicy crayfish with signature duck neck, plus six dragon claws and hotpot noodles to go."

Xia Kelan's eyes sparkled as she threw herself into Su Wanwan's arms.

"Sis! I love you! Mwah mwah!"

Su Wanwan pushed her away with feigned disdain, but her eyes gleamed with amusement. "Alright, alright, let's get back to the game."

"Roger that!"

Meanwhile, Xie Cheng tossed aside his phone and silently downed a large cup of liquor. Fu Ziyang looked at his 0-15-3 record and laughed until he could barely stand.

Taking a deep breath, Xie Cheng snatched his car keys and stormed out of the bar, dialing Xia Kelan's number.

"Hello?" came Su Wanwan's cold voice.

Xie Cheng paused, confirming he dialed correctly. "Are you with her? Send me the address, I'm coming over."

"Why?"

"To discuss racing and hand her the bag."

He glanced at the meticulously wrapped LV purse on the passenger seat.

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.

"Xia Kelan?"

Su Wanwan sniffed the heavy scent of alcohol on him and stepped aside. "She's eating."

Curious, Xie Cheng changed shoes and entered, greeted by an enticing aroma that immediately whetted his appetite.

"This is a crime!"

"If that's wrong, may the law punish me—just don't let me see this!"

He washed his hands and sat on the carpet before the sofa.

"Go away, don't steal my food!"

Xia Kelan suddenly shielded her share.

"Brothers share everything."

Xie Cheng calmly picked up a duck neck.

Xia Kelan slapped his hand. "You're an old man and I'm a girl—we're not in the same league! Get lost!"

"Respecting elders is a cherished tradition, besides, I didn't come empty-handed. I brought some small cakes you'll like—"

Xia Kelan cut him off excitedly, "Ah! Wanwan loves these! Give them to her!"

At that moment, Xie Cheng felt rather unnecessary.

"She probably can't finish so many; I bought five or six."

He neatly arranged the delicate little cakes.

"Want to try some?"

Xia Kelan swallowed, "No, thanks. I have a small appetite and dainty mouth."

"Don't be so polite."

As Xie Cheng reached to cut a piece, Xia Kelan beat him to it, popping a petite triangular cake into her mouth.

Clatter — Xie Cheng's fork dropped onto the table.

"Truly a dainty eater…"

Su Wanwan, used to their antics, watched the pair with amusement.

"The racing event you mentioned—is it the same one Fu Ziyang talked about?"

Xie Cheng was surprised, "You know about it too?"

"I'm just a spectator."

Realization dawned on Xie Cheng. "I ran into Xia Kelan on the road that day, thought her driving was impressive, and figured this would be a good opportunity to try."

Su Wanwan nodded leisurely, "Sounds great."

Xia Kelan snorted at Su Wanwan.

What's so great? It's just that Su Wanwan is too modest and dislikes boasting. Otherwise, who among those racers could possibly compete with her?

Suddenly, Su Wanwan's phone vibrated. A message appeared from someone she hadn't contacted in two months:

"Senior… are you there?"

"Yes."

A video zipped over with the note:

"Could you help me understand why my speed isn't as fast as theirs?"

Su Wanwan opened the video to see two race cars on the track; during a bend, one car fell noticeably behind.

The sender was a longtime online acquaintance whom she had met years ago after stumbling into a racing group recommended by Xia Kelan. After a casual tip or two, he had become persistently inquisitive, occasionally seeking her expert advice.

"Braked one second too late entering the braking zone."

He quickly replied, "Thanks, Senior."

His rough fingers lightly swiped over her cartoon avatar, back and forth.

They'd known each other six years yet he had no idea what she looked like. But through his words, one sensed a taciturn, reserved woman.

A trace of regret flickered across the man's mature, steady face as he slowly donned his helmet and started his car.

If only he could one day meet this woman—but he never dared ask.

The race cars sped along the Ring Road No. 2 circuit, kicking up dust relentlessly.

Two graceful figures stood among the spectators, excitedly pointing at one of the cars.

"Nian Nian! Look! That's my big brother!"

"How is it? Isn't he amazing behind the wheel?"