Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 129 The Journey to Hong Kong Island

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are adjacent to Hong Kong Island and the border crossing is very close. In addition, Chen Xiangbei had traveled to Hong Kong Island in his previous life and still had some impression of the border crossing process and route.

The entire journey took just over two hours, and Chen Xiangbei successfully arrived in Hong Kong Island.

As Chen Xiangbei walked out of the port building, he checked his phone. Qin Lianjie had replied with a message saying he would be there soon. Zhang Zhicong, however, hadn't replied; it was unclear whether he was busy or hadn't seen the message.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was hesitating whether to make a phone call, a classic Biscay Blue 08 Volkswagen R36 stopped in front of him. As the driver's side window rolled down, Zhang Zhicong's face came into view.

"Heading North, have you been waiting long?"

Zhang Zhicong asked with a smile, saying that he had rushed over as soon as he finished his business.

"No, I just arrived."

After speaking, Chen Xiangbei glanced at the Volkswagen R36 and said in an appreciative tone, "Uncle Zhang, I didn't expect you to be a wagon enthusiast. This car is very nice."

The Volkswagen R36 is undoubtedly a legendary car, a classic example of a car that "plays dumb to fool the enemy."

It looks like a simple family car, but in fact it is equipped with a 3.6L VR6 engine with 300 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds.

In terms of pure performance data, it is extremely close to Qin Lianjie's heavily modified Civic Type-R, and most Japanese performance cars cannot outperform it.

In an era where 0-100 km/h acceleration is generally around ten seconds, many people on the street who don't know much about this car might mistake it for an easy-to-bully little "van".

In fact, if you floor the accelerator in an R36, it's very likely you'll be left flying and unable to see the taillights.

This is why it has earned the nickname "pretending to be weak to eat tigers," and it has also attracted many enthusiasts. Before the arrival of the new energy era, its resale value was surprisingly high.

A slightly better-condition Biscay Blue version, even a 15-year-old car, can still fetch half the price of a brand new one.

"This car is quite practical, come on in."

Zhang Zhicong waved, explaining that the wagon had more space and was more suitable for family use.

Once inside the Volkswagen R36, Cheung Chi-chung drove it to his residence, while Chan Heung-pai looked out the car window at the street scene of Hong Kong Island.

To be honest, compared to my impressions from my previous life, many places haven't changed much; I can still vaguely recognize some familiar features. It's as if time has stood still in Hong Kong, lacking the rapid development of the mainland.

"Xiang Bei, I really didn't expect that in less than half a year, you would be able to participate in the Grand Prix."

During the drive, Zhang Zhicong couldn't help but exclaim that Chen Xiangbei's speed of improvement had overturned his understanding.

It seems that racing really is a sport that requires talent. Five years of Chinese racing have cultivated countless drivers, but they cannot compare to the results of Chen Xiangbei's six months of work!
"If it weren't for the Brawn GP team's recommendation, I wouldn't have gotten a spot in the race."

The Australian Grand Prix F3 race has very high entry standards for both teams and drivers.

Chen Xiangbei had considered skipping a level, after all, he was already an F2 level driver in his previous life and was standing at the threshold of F1. It would be a waste of time to upgrade step by step from Formula Renault.

But he never considered signing up for the Grand Prix.

The reason lies in his own professional resume and the current specifications of the Super Dream Racing Team, which do not meet the requirements for participating in the Grand Prix F3 race.

Only F1-level teams like Brawn GP can pass the FIA's registration review.

“Indeed, Staller did me a great favor, and I owe him a lot.”

Zhang Zhicong nodded, still feeling grateful and guilty towards Stagler.

To be honest, Zhang Zhicong hesitated for a long time even when he called to ask him to take care of Chen Xiangbei.

He was too ashamed to ask Stagler for help again; the lesson of Huasai Sports' failure was too painful.

"Uncle Zhang, if we're really talking about it, I owe you a lot too."

Chen Xiangbei turned around and, in a joking manner, said something that was true to his heart.

After Huasai Sports went bankrupt and was liquidated, Zhang Zhicong was disheartened and withdrew from the racing industry, but he still kept an eye on his friend thousands of miles away and tried to get help from his old connections.

A fine horse is common, but a discerning eye is rare.

Without Zhang Zhicong, Chen Xiangbei's career would not have progressed at the pace it has today.

"No, Xiang Bei, you don't owe me anything."

"In a sense, Lao Liang and I both embodied our past dreams and hopes in you."

Zhang Zhicong never felt that he owed Chen Xiangbei anything; helping Chen Xiangbei was, in a way, fulfilling his own past "dream."

As long as Chen Xiangbei is still fighting in the paddock, Huasai Sports has not completely collapsed!

After saying that, Zhang Zhicong changed the subject and said, "By the way, Xiang Bei, you paid for the entire Grand Prix F3 race yourself this time. You must be under a lot of financial pressure."

"I've contacted a few potential sponsors for you in Hong Kong Island. They might come to Macau to watch the game live. You need to perform well in this match."

Before joining Huasai Sports, Zhang Zhicong had worked as an investor and professional manager for a full twenty years.

This industry may not have much else, but it certainly doesn't lack connections.

However, whether Chen Xiangbei can secure real financial support depends on his performance and potential.

Zhang Zhicong could only play a facilitating role; the decisive factor lay with Chen Xiangbei himself.

"Uncle Zhang, who did you contact?"

Chen Xiangbei asked a question out of curiosity.

"You'll know then."

Zhang Zhicong left things in suspense, saying that many things were still uncertain and it was best not to have too high expectations for Chen Xiangbei.

Soon, R36 arrived at the front of a small villa in the Central and Western District. This area is a traditional wealthy area on Hong Kong Island. A little further up is the Mid-Levels villa area, which is often mentioned in TV dramas.

The two entered the villa's courtyard, where a middle-aged woman of about forty years old stood in front of the door. Chen Xiangbei estimated her identity and immediately greeted her politely, "Hello, Auntie."

"Alright, head north, you must be tired from the journey."

Aunt Zhang greeted him with a big smile, her husband having been praising Chen Xiangbei to the skies lately.

As the saying goes, "love me, love my dog," she also had a very good impression of this young man.

Chen Xiangbei followed him into the house. The villa was actually not very big; the two floors together were probably less than 200 square meters.

However, given its location on Hong Kong Island, and being in a wealthy area, it definitely falls into the category of luxury homes.

It can only be said that during this period of rapid economic development, the income in the financial industry was truly staggering, which allowed Zhang Zhicong to accumulate a substantial fortune.

After entering the house, Chen Xiangbei immediately took out the gifts he had prepared from his backpack, which included some specialties and souvenirs he had brought from the UK.

Seeing Chen Xiangbei's actions, Aunt Zhang's smile never faded. It wasn't that the gift was particularly valuable, but what elder wouldn't like a well-behaved and polite younger generation?

No wonder Lao Zhang values ​​Chen Xiangbei so much; he truly has exceptional qualities.

"Xiang Bei, you came here to compete, why did you bring so much stuff?"

Zhang Zhicong said something with a hint of helplessness.

Chen Xiangbei isn't here to visit relatives; his immediate priority is to fully focus on the competition.

"It's my first time visiting, so I can't come empty-handed."

"And also, just a little something, Uncle Zhang, Auntie, please don't laugh at me."

Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's words, Aunt Zhang replied with some emotion, "Old Zhang, if only our Xu'er were half as sensible as Xiangbei."

"Why bring this up? Xiang Bei hasn't even sat down yet. Go check if the soup pot is ready."

Zhang Zhicong waved his hand, clearly indicating that he did not want to discuss his family matters.

"Then you can sit and watch TV for a while, and I'll let you try my cooking at noon today."

"Okay, thank you, Auntie."

Chen Xiangbei nodded, then sat down on the sofa with Zhang Zhicong. The sports channel on TV was broadcasting the WRC rally.

"Hey north, I just remembered something. Staller told me a few days ago that you actually know rally racing techniques?"

"what?"

"Oh, I was just playing around."

Chen Xiangbei realized what was happening and gave a perfunctory reply.

It seems that she told her grandfather, Starr, about driving the Emily Fox RS and doing a rally race that day.

“According to Staller, you’re not just playing around; you’ve reached the standard of a professional driver,” Zhang Zhicong said with a hint of amusement.

The fact that Chen Xiangbei could solve equations had already greatly impressed him.

Who would have thought that this young man could pull the traction at a professional level!
It's important to understand that there's a fundamental difference between circuit racing and off-road racing. Even if a Formula One driver has an all-around foundation, they won't be too bad at driving any type of race car.

However, reaching the level of a professional driver right away is still a very difficult thing to do.

Where did Chen Xiangbei learn his pulling skills?
"Hehe, that's an exaggeration. It's just that I drive a lot in Nanyun Mountain, so I'm quite familiar with drifting."

Zhang Zhicong was somewhat skeptical of this answer.

While Stahler isn't a professional driver, his years in the racing industry suggest he's unlikely to exaggerate. Furthermore, his granddaughter Emily is a Ford Rally junior driver, lending considerable credibility to her assessment of Chen Xiangbei as a professional driver.

Can you become familiar with rally racing techniques just by drifting on mountain roads?

But there's no way to prove this, so Zhang Zhicong could only say, "Xiang Bei, if you really have a high talent for rallying, you could consider getting more familiar with it. Maybe you can participate in this year's ROC National Cup in Yanjing."

This was the second time Chen Xiangbei had heard the name ROC National Cup, and his answer remained the same.

"Uncle Zhang, let me start by working on the equations."

For Formula One drivers, the results of the ROC Nations Cup are merely icing on the cake and do not play a decisive role.

"Of course, developing the right formula is a prerequisite."

"However, heading north, the ROC National Cup has brought more than just results; it has also brought honor and national recognition."

"There are many deeper things that you young people may not be able to understand."

Just as Zhang Zhicong finished speaking, Aunt Zhang happened to come out of the kitchen.

"Xiang Bei, come and eat."

Hearing Aunt Zhang's greeting, Chen Xiangbei and Zhang Zhicong got up and came to the dining table. In the middle was a Cantonese-style soup pot, and around it were seven or eight plates of dishes, making it a full table.

"Xiang Bei, make yourself at home, don't be shy."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Auntie."

Chen Xiangbei smiled and replied, then sat down and began to eat.

He had planned to grab a breakfast at the entrance of the residential area this morning, but he ran into Hu Lingfei and forgot about it. Now he's actually a bit hungry.

At the dinner table, Chen Xiangbei ate heartily, while Zhang Zhicong and Aunt Zhang kept putting food into his bowl.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was about 70-80% full, his phone rang in his pocket. He took it out and saw that it was a text message from Qin Lianjie.

The text message said that he had already crossed the border and arrived in Hong Kong Island, and also included his current address.

"Xiang Bei, is something the matter?"

“A friend of mine came to Hong Kong Island. He is quite familiar with the Guia Circuit and can offer me some experience and advice.”

"Are you planning to actually 'walk' the racetrack?"

"Ah."

Formula drivers “walking” the track is standard practice; street racing is just a bit special.

Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's reply, Zhang Zhicong immediately handed over the R36 key.

"It's inconvenient not having a car, you can use it for now."

"Thank you, Uncle Zhang."

Chen Xiangbei didn't mince words about it; he genuinely needed a car for transportation and to familiarize himself with the track.

After finishing his meal, Chen Xiangbei didn't linger, considering that Qin Lianjie was already waiting.

After saying goodbye to Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang, he drove his R36 directly to the location indicated in the text message, and saw Qin Lianjie sitting at the entrance of a tea restaurant from afar.

Just like in Hong Kong dramas, he was eating while elegantly reading a newspaper.

I was worried that Qin Lianjie would keep me waiting, but this kid really knows how to enjoy life...

The Volkswagen R36 pulled over to the side of the road. Chen Xiangbei didn't get out of the car; he simply rolled down the window and shouted something to Qin Lianjie.

Upon seeing Chen Xiangbei appear, and that he was driving a Volkswagen R36, Qin Lianjie was clearly taken aback for a moment before getting up and walking over.

"Not bad, you got a car as soon as you arrived in Hong Kong Island, and it's a Volkswagen R36 wagon. Professional drivers are really efficient!"

"You seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit, being able to sit here sipping tea and reading the newspaper."

"I'm not taking it easy; I'm gathering intelligence."

After saying that, Qin Lianjie opened the passenger door and got in, handing the newspaper he had been reading to Chen Xiangbei.

The newspaper article focused on this year's Grand Prix, with the highest-level Formula 3 race taking center stage on the front page. Besides the usual descriptions of the track's history and past results, it also promoted the key seeded drivers for this year's race.

Unfortunately, Chen Xiangbei was not among them...

The three drivers most anticipated by Hong Kong Island this year are their local driver Fong Chun-yu, last year's defending champion Kyoto Kunimoto, and Motara from the Japanese Toyota team TOM's.

Coincidentally, Chen Xiangbei was quite familiar with all three drivers.

Because of his status as a Hong Kong Island driver, Fang Junyu is not very familiar to mainland racing fans. Many people first heard of him when he was teammates with popular celebrity Wang Yibo in the GTCC (China GT Championship).

In fact, Fang Junyu is quite famous in the Chinese Formula racing world. He is the second Chinese driver to obtain a super license after Ma Qingye, and the third is the more famous Zhou Guanyu.

He also signed with the Lotus F1 team in 2015 as a test driver, and like Ma Qingye, he almost had the chance to compete for the title of China's first F1 driver.

At this time, Fang Junyu had just arrived in Germany to prepare for F3 racing. He had no idea that one day he would get an F1 driver's license and have the opportunity to drive a real F1 car.

There's no need to overemphasize Kyosuke Kunimoto; his F3 championship at the Grand Prix is ​​proof of his ability.

As for the Italian driver, Motara, he is also a celebrity. He was the first driver to successfully defend his title in the Grand Prix F3 and also transitioned to touring cars, winning the Australian GT Championship four times in a row. He is known as the "King of the Australian GT"!
If there are local bullies in Australia, then Modena is undoubtedly the biggest one.

Despite being an Italian citizen, he actually grew up in Australia and began his professional career in Japan, having completed the Guia track.

His results in other events were only average, but he had an absolute dominant position in the Grand Prix!
"See these seeded players? Your opponents this year are not to be underestimated."

"Which opponent was easier?"

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile, "The F3 in Australia has never lacked hidden talents."

Take the Grand Prix drivers in recent years as an example. Among the future F1 drivers who crashed, there is Bruno Senna, the nephew of racing legend Ayrton Senna, Robert Kubica, the man known as "driving an F1 car with one hand", and Sebastian Vettel, the historical genius who won four championships!

If Bruno Senna lacked talent and entered F1 thanks to his uncle, the racing legend Ayrton Senna, it's not surprising that he didn't achieve good results.

Kubica at his peak was capable of competing for the championship in the F1 paddock.

As for Vettel, needless to say, his quadruple title win is the best proof.

As a result, even a driver of this caliber still crashed in the Australian Grand Prix, proving that sometimes even a strong competitor can't overcome a local one.

"You're right, every opponent is formidable."

Qin Lianjie agrees with this point, saying that the Australian Grand Prix is ​​precisely because of its difficulty and challenge that it has earned the title of King of F3 racing.

"Shall we go to Macau now?"

Chen Xiangbei asked a question.

"Let's go to my modification shop first; it's inconvenient without a car."

After Chen Xiangbei arrives in Australia, he will join Liang Chi and his crew, and their attention will be focused entirely on professional racing. Qin Lianjie can't keep picking him up and dropping him off like he does now.

"Okay, tell me the way."

After a brief reply, Chen Xiangbei lightly pressed the accelerator and drove forward.

Soon the Volkswagen R36 arrived at Kai Cheung Road in Kowloon Bay, where a modification parts shop was located. A huge signboard read "Extreme Speed" in traditional Chinese characters, with an English translation below.

Chen Xiangbei didn't know how big the store was until he went inside, but the storefront alone was at least five times the size of Liang Chi's old Deng Auto Repair Shop!
Chen Xiangbei did not pull over to the side of the road and get out of the car. Under Qin Lianjie's instructions, he drove directly into the underground private garage.

As the roller shutter door slowly opened, a white two-door sports car appeared inside. Its streamlined, low-slung body and classic Japanese pop-up headlights all highlighted the car's sportiness and history.

Chen Xiangbei had seen this car before at the Suzuka Circuit; it was the Mazda "Rotary King" RX7 FC driven by Naotaka Yamamoto of the Kuo-Kuang Racing Team.

Chen Xiangbei never expected that Qin Lianjie also had one in his collection.

(End of this chapter)