Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 281 So what if I'm being aggressive?
Yonhap News Agency is South Korea's largest news agency, similar in status to China's Xinhua News Agency, and can be considered a top-level national media outlet.

Chen Xiangbei was not too surprised by Yonhap News Agency's request for an exclusive interview. From the moment he won the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, he had already considered himself the number one motorsport driver in Asia.

It's only natural that they get media attention.

In addition, Lu Xiaoman also mentioned the public opinion surrounding the "street brawl" incident yesterday, but Chen Xiangbei didn't take it seriously at all.

He has focused all his energy on getting familiar with the track these past two days, and has no time to care about any negative online opinions, or rather, Chen Xiangbei has become desensitized to such things.

When an outsider enters a territory ruled by others, their identity is destined to be that of a villain.

But once you reach the top, you'll become the main character.

This process is simply a matter of time.

After finishing the race and returning to the hotel, Chen Xiangbei took a shower and had dinner. Then, at Lu Xiaoman's suggestion, they went to the race media center next to the hotel to prepare for an exclusive interview with a reporter from Yonhap News Agency.

During the walk, Lu Xiaoman asked, "Do you remember what I told you about online public opinion yesterday?"

"Ah."

"This interview might not be very friendly, so please try to be a little more reserved."

"Now that he's a world-class public figure, he still needs to be mindful of his influence."

Sometimes, people become famous much faster than they imagine.

Just like Yao Ming went to the NBA draft and won the number one pick, he immediately became a world-renowned sports star.

Chen Xiangbei is in the same situation now.

Being the first official Chinese F1 driver has already attracted a lot of attention.

However, they are still a bit lacking in terms of fame. After all, there are quite a few F1 drivers who sign a one-year contract and just make a brief appearance at the airport, especially those paid drivers at the back of the pack who don't even get any screen time and are easily forgotten.

But winning a race will change everything!
No one will forget an F1 championship anytime soon, especially someone who made history in Asian racing history.

Even decades later, as long as Formula 1 racing exists, Asian motorsport will always have to mention Chen Xiangbei.

Just as Yao Ming is indispensable in basketball, Su Bingtian is indispensable in sprinting.

A symbolic figure of an era in Asia, it is no exaggeration to call him a world-class public figure!

However, once someone becomes a world-class public figure, many things can no longer be as flamboyant as before. But considering their own impact on the country, this is an inevitable path for many well-known figures to take in their careers.

Listening to Xiaoman's advice, Chen Xiangbei smiled.

"I will."

After saying that, Chen Xiangbei quickened his pace.

【can you? 】

Faced with Chen Xiangbei's answer and the meaningful smile on his face, Lu Xiaoman felt that things were not so simple.

This kid shouldn't try anything outrageous again; it wouldn't be good if he became an "enemy of the state."

Upon arriving at the event media center on the second floor, Chen Xiangbei pushed open the door and went inside. There were already more than a dozen people standing there, with various lights, sound equipment, and filming equipment neatly arranged, waiting for Chen Xiangbei's arrival.

Upon seeing Chen Xiangbei appear, Yonhap News Agency interviewer Kim Ho-hyun stood up and greeted him.

"Hello, Mr. Chen Xiangbei, welcome to this interview with Yonhap News Agency. I am your host, Kim Ho-hyun."

"Hello, host Kim Ho-hyun, thank you for your interview."

The other party was polite, and Chen Xiangbei always treated people with courtesy, so he replied very politely.

After exchanging a few polite words, the two sat down facing each other. The on-site director nodded to Kim Ho-hyun, indicating that the interview could officially begin.

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, the interview is about to begin. Do you need to go over the script with us beforehand?"

In most media interviews, as long as the relationship between the two parties is not completely broken, even if the media wants to create a scandal to attract attention and boost ratings, there will generally be a pre-review of the script.

If there are any questions, how should they be answered? Both parties should agree on a bottom line.

Some public figures who are very strict about their personal image even have their articles reviewed before being published by the media to prevent any comments that are detrimental to them.

A national media outlet like Yonhap News Agency wouldn't deliberately create problems to attract attention, so they asked Chen Xiangbei in advance if they wanted to review the draft.

"No, let's get started."

Chen Xiangbei flatly refused, saying he had no interest in creating a "script" for both sides to perform.

"OK, let's begin."

After Chen Xiangbei confirmed, the stagehands immediately set the stage, and the two parties entered interview mode.

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, first of all, thank you for accepting the interview with Yonhap News Agency. We all know that you won the F1 Chinese Grand Prix last week, which is the first championship for an Asian driver and is of epoch-making significance in some respects."

"The F1 Korean Grand Prix is ​​about to begin this week. What are your thoughts on the new track and the race, and what are your goals for this race?"

Hearing the host's question, Chen Xiangbei hesitated for a moment before answering.

“I love challenges. The new track will give me plenty of excitement. In addition, the Lingyan track has a comprehensive layout and the scenery is also very good. If it is further optimized, I believe it can become a great track.”

"As for my goal, there's no doubt about it. No driver doesn't fight for the championship, so I want to win back-to-back titles!"

There is an old Chinese saying: "Judge others by yourself."

Although Chen Xiangbei's evaluation of the Lingyan track was so-so, especially after completing the track, the unfinished state of the track really left him speechless.

But he was well aware of what hosting an F1 race meant for a country weak in motorsport. The other side clearly expected to hear some praise and recognition to satisfy their national pride.

When you're out and about, there's no need to constantly stir up hatred and belittle others; you still need to have some emotional intelligence.

“Mr. Chen Xiangbei, after the last race, many drivers have listed you as their main rival, especially Hamilton, who was knocked off the track. He publicly declared to the media that he would seek revenge.”

"As the youngest F1 champion, do you think you have the ability to defeat the youngest world champion in F1 history again on a completely new track?"

"of course."

Chen Xiangbei gave an extremely affirmative answer and added a sentence.

"By the way, if I become the world champion, then the title of the youngest person in F1 history will change hands."

Arrogant!

Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's answer, those two words immediately came to mind for the host, Jin Haoxian.

As expected of the arrogant Chinese lad described by foreign media, Chen Xiangbei not only demonstrated his determination to defeat Hamilton, but also hinted at his ambition for the world championship and F1 records.

Having just won a points title, they're already eyeing the World Championship? Do they really not take the super talent Hamilton seriously?
"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, you don't seem to be afraid of Hamilton's strength?"

"fear?"

"I'm never afraid of anyone, and besides, I think I'm stronger!"

Chen Xiangbei didn't bother to hide anything or be modest; Hamilton is indeed one of the most talented and talented drivers in F1 history.

But in the 10 season, he was not yet worthy of being called the strongest driver in the paddock.

At least Alonso, Vettel, Webber, and even Button, Massa, and Rosberg are all qualified to go toe-to-toe with him.

If Schumacher hadn't been affected by injuries and hadn't experienced a "last gasp" in his form, then we'd have to add him to the list.

If you're afraid of even Hamilton, how can you beat drivers who are better than you?
"OK, let's move on to the next question."

Kim Ho-hyun was somewhat speechless; the Chinese newcomer was being a bit too arrogant. "Mr. Chen Xiangbei, a few days ago there were rumors online that you were involved in a fight in Itaewon. What are your thoughts on that?"

Host Jin Haoxian finally got to the point, interviewing Chen Xiangbei about his views on the track and his own goals and expectations.

Yonhap News Agency believes in the South Korean people and wants to know the truth behind the "street brawl"!

"I have already emphasized that this was not a street fight, but self-defense."

"But many people saw you strike first and use racist slurs."

The host, Kim Ho-hyun, began to press for answers, his tone becoming noticeably agitated.

Putting aside his professional ethics, he is also a South Korean.

The word "stick" is unacceptable!
"Everything should be based on evidence, not on rumors."

"As for who started the fight, I think you need to correct your point of view. It was clearly Mr. Briatore, the HRT team manager, who was being chased and attacked by a group of people, which led to this incident of legitimate self-defense!"

"With so many people present hearing it, isn't that evidence?"

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, sophistry can never cover up the truth!"

At this point in the conversation, the South Korean host's inherent obsession was revealed, and his words became aggressive.

"Since so many people heard it, they should know what the Korean said. Wasn't the shopkeeper's statement also a racist remark?"

Chen Xiangbei had initially taken Lu Xiaoman's advice to heart, thinking that he was, after all, a public figure.

Even if you don't consider your personal image, you represent the image of your country when you're abroad.

But at this moment, Chen Xiangbei instantly realized that the South Korean host in front of him was not looking for the truth at all, but was purely trying to take sides and use words to force him to admit his "mistake".

Chen Xiangbei has always been someone who responds better to gentle persuasion than force. He initially thought the other party was quite polite and planned to conduct the interview in a respectful manner.

Since the other party is being ungrateful, Chen Xiangbei is going to take advantage of their kindness!

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, you also have no evidence to prove that you said that."

"But the fact remains that people were injured in the conflict!"

"Are you saying that whoever is more pitiful is right?"

Chen Xiangbei directly countered with a question.

Upon hearing this, Kim Ho-hyun was stunned for a moment, and then, just as he was about to defend himself...

Chen Xiangbei then added, "There's a Chinese saying: 'If you're wrong, admit it; if you get hit, stand up straight.'"

"Remember this, don't be a sore loser!"

When Chen Xiangbei said this, his gaze was no longer directed at Jin Haoxian, but directly at the camera next to him.

After saying that, he got up and left without any politeness, leaving Jin Haoxian sitting in his seat, staring at his back with a livid face.

To be honest, the ultimate goal of this interview was, on the one hand, to uncover trending topics.

On the other hand, Jin Haoxian hoped to use media pressure and politically correct means to force Chen Xiangbei to apologize, in order to quell the raging public opinion and vent his anger.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Xiangbei didn't buy it at all!
Especially the final statement, which can be considered a blatant provocation against the South Korean people!
In the corridor outside the media center, Lu Xiaoman was sitting there leisurely listening, thinking that Chen Xiangbei's interview would take at least an hour or two.

However, just ten minutes later, this guy pushed open the door and came out, and his whole body seemed to be filled with a "murderous aura".

Upon seeing this, Lu Xiaoman instantly realized that the negotiations had definitely fallen through.

"Xiang Bei, what's wrong?"

Lu Xiaoman went up to her and asked a question.

"Those Koreans are such damn hypocrites!"

Chen Xiangbei couldn't help but utter a harsh complaint.

Even if I cursed, so what? Didn't the other person curse too?
Whether it's bystanders at the scene, online opinions, or the Yonhap News Agency interview just now.

It was as if this group of people had collective amnesia, completely forgetting what happened before Chen Xiangbei kicked out.

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiaoman could roughly understand what had happened.

She put one hand on Chen Xiangbei's shoulder and teased him in a playful tone, "Are you angry?"

Chen Xiangbei was initially a bit angry, but upon seeing Lu Xiaoman's expression, he instantly calmed down.

"Fortunately, the Koreans are so weak that they don't even have the ability to provoke me, except for words."

Among the three East Asian countries, if Japan has a complete racing industry and system, China is a latecomer with a partial focus, and South Korea doesn't even qualify to be on the table.

No matter how bad Chinese motorsports are, at least they still have a voice in the Formula system, having produced an F1 driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As for South Korean drivers, apart from the mixed-race Han Se-ryong, there is no other one!
Furthermore, Han Shilong only drove one race for the Williams team; he wasn't even a third substitute driver, let alone a full-fledged one.

What kind of class do they have that they dare to make me angry?
"Very good. Don't let outside opinions affect your emotions easily. Maybe Yonhap News Agency is just trying to do that."

"Then why did you still ask me to do this exclusive interview?"

Chen Xiangbei unexpectedly asked, "Sister Xiaoman seems to know what the Korean host would ask."

"Because I know you won't be bullied."

"And I prefer to see situations where people dislike you but can't get rid of you."

"It's great!"

Hearing this answer, Chen Xiangbei was speechless.

After a long pause, he quietly uttered a sentence.

"Xiaoman, you're going a bit perverted..."

The Yonhap News Agency interview did not cause much of a stir. After returning to his room that evening, Chen Xiangbei opened his laptop and marked and annotated the corners of the Yeongam Circuit based on the actual conditions of the track he had traversed during the day.

As the saying goes, a bad pen is worse than a good memory; every marker helps Chen Xiangbei better remember the characteristics of the track.

Furthermore, Perez returned from the repair shop very late, and his gaze towards Chen Xiangbei was incredibly complex.

You can only understand the difficulty of many things by experiencing them yourself.

If he was previously shocked by Chen Xiangbei's adaptability and wondered if this guy was some kind of gifted monster?

Perez can now confirm that Chen Xiangbei will definitely become a superstar in the F1 world.

I'm not just behind by three games, but by an unimaginable talent gap!

Of course, recognizing his own weakness does not mean that Perez is willing to "submit".

If you don't even have the courage to take on challenges and show your strength, then don't become an F1 driver; you'll never reach the highest podium in your life.

That's why Perez comes back so late; he also wants to improve through his own efforts!

Friday arrived overnight, the day of the F1 Korean Grand Prix.

The Yeongam Circuit was packed with people, with over 100,000 racing fans from all over the world, the majority of whom were local South Korean spectators.

They came here not only to watch the game, but also to let the Chinese boys experience the power of South Korea!
(End of this chapter)