Hao Ren had just entered the dressing room when his mind rang with a notification from the system, *Ding: Task complete, Han Lingshi is pleased with the result. Issuing rewards. Host you have acquired 'Optimal reflexes', congratulations.*
A warm current gushed through his body. Hao Ren trembled from this sensation, and let out a groan. After a few moments, he took off the driving suit and entered the shower room as he asked, 'System, why did you not give me something like godly car driving?'
*Ding: Host, Optimal Reflexes is a skill that allows you to reach the peak of hand-eye coordination and execute movements as quickly as your body can sustain. This skill will keep increasing as your body grows stronger.*
Hao Ren moved his hand through his wet hair as he stood under the shower. He exclaimed internally, *Isn't this akin to being a super human? What if I play with a gun now, wouldn't I be a gun expert?"
However, just when his dreams were taking him to fly through dreamland, the system said, *Ding: Host, please do not have such stupid dreams. You might be able to avoid the attack, but mastering a gun has a lot more to it than just hand-eye coordination.*
Hao Ren understood what the system meant and nodded. He changed back in his clothes from earlier. When he came outside in the dug out, the crew members were all back to work, they were scrutinizing the car data, and Han Lingshi was talking to Andy on the side.
Hao Ren did not know if he would be able to provide any help to the car crew any further because of his limited skill. It was not easy to handle a vehicle that could reach 330 kmph with his temporary boost, how would he help them now. With a doubtful thought he approached the trio.
Han Lingshi noticed his arrival and smiled as she said, "Andy had just sent the video of the car to a professional driver, Markulla. The latter has agreed to come over."
Hao Ren raised his brows and asked, "You mean, Marcel Markulla?"
Andy was surprised and asked, "Do you know him?"
Hao Ren smiled and said, "Who does not know the prince of corners? However, didn't he retire a few years ago?"
Andy nodded and said, "He did, but he wants to make a comeback. The sport has changed and it has become very competitive. He said as long as the car is good, he won't even charge any fee to race for us."
Hao Ren thought for a moment and said, "Miss Han is the major investor I will follow her lead, but I hope that we can have a contract with him to stay with us for this year. Otherwise, we might end up rescuing the tiger only to send it back to the mountains."
Andy nodded and said, "I have told the same to Miss Han. She said they will first sign the contract that could not be broken for a year. Or Markulla would have to pitch in the entire funding for his races on his own. Even if he is rich, he would not be able to afford."
The people spent a couple of hours discussing the situation, before it was evening and they decided to head back. Hao Ren, Han Lingshi and Maria walked through the facility, heading to the parking.
Hao Ren wanted to ask Han Lingshi if she would like to ride with him, but recalling how scared she was earlier, he did not know how to start. Suddenly, Maria's phone rang, and looking at the number the lady furrowed her brows. She answered the call and said, "Hello, yes, Mister Beck. Oh, well, alright. I will see you there."
She disconnected the call and clenched her fists. Han Lingshi sighed and asked, "Another marriage prospect meeting?"
Maria nodded and said, "You know what, I have had enough, I am going home first and deal with the old lady. She thinks we are still living in feudal times. I am going to have a showdown."
Han Lingshi raised her brow and wanted to say something, when Hao Ren said, "Sister, you need to stand fast, I support you. Do not fall prey to this forced marriage thing. Take your time, you are young, beautiful and strong, there is still time to give up the hope of love."
Maria was surprised but then she nodded and quickly rushed to her car and in a blink, she drove away. Han Lingshi was surprised, Hao Ren patted his back because he used the Soothe-Sayer skill. Maria felt empowered and liberated, so she headed to face the enemy.
Han Lingshi turned her head to glare at him only to find him smiling sheepishly. She said, "You deliberately fanned the flames, didn't you?"
Hao Ren's expression faltered and he stood up straight as he nodded and said, "That was the only way to spend more time with you without being looked down upon by her."
Han Lingshi was experienced the tickling sensation in her heart again. She took a deep breath and said, "Maria does not look down on you, she is just protective of me."
The young man scoffed and asked, "Miss Han, have I even harmed you in the most remote manner? What is the use of protectiveness when you cannot even trust someone after their sincere effort?"
Han Lingshi sighed and said, "Hao Ren, I get what you mean, but that is her nature. I cannot do anything about it."
Hao Ren nodded and said, "Miss Han, I do not have the right to ask you of anything, nor do I intend to say anything bad about your best friend, but while you cannot do anything about her behavior, please do not expect me to like her. I respect and maintain cordiality but I do not like her. If she crosses the line, then I do not mind retaliating."
Han Lingshi nodded silently, she knew that Maria was an acquired taste, not many people liked her. She was straight forward and lacked empathy. So, she did not have any problem with Hao Ren's words. After all, he confessed it straight to her face, unlike others who bitch and avoid Maria.
The two of them got in the car, and Han Lingshi held onto the handrail. Hao Ren chuckled and said, "I will drive slow."
He did keep his promise and moved at moderate speeds. Han Lingshi saw that Hao Ren was really keeping his word and relaxed a little, suddenly she thought of something and asked, "Can I ask you something?"
Hao Ren replied, "Yes."
His gaze did not move from the road ahead. Han Lingshi asked, "Why are you so nice to me?"
The young man was surprised but then he replied with a faint smile, "Would you believe it if I said that I have waited for you my whole life?"
Han Lingshi rolled her eyes and turned to look outside the window as she coldly said, "If you don't want to give me an answer then you don't have to feed me with these sweet nothings. I hate this."
Hao Ren turned to look at her and said, "Miss Han, I apologize, I did not mean to upset you. The thing is, ever since that day you married me. My life took turn for better. It was as if the goddess of fortune held my hand and pulled me in the office to change my fate. I never had high aspirations, just wanted to be something more than average.
Yet, here I am driving a multi million dollar car with the most beautiful woman in the world. So, why shouldn't I be nice to someone who changed my life?"
Han Lingshi looked at him and said, "So, just because your life took turn for better you are nice to me? Is this some sort of payment?"
Hao Ren could detect some chill in her voice, and he shook his head calmly. He took a deep breath, "Lingshi, the moment I saw you my heart skipped a beat. The moment I signed my name on that registration form, I signed away my life to you. I am not saying all this for the sake of it. I have told you earlier, you are like that light at the end of the tunnel. However, you are not the end of my life, but the beginning of it.
There are many things that I like about you. I like the way you smile, and your eyes blink when you are flustered. I also like the cold president who can put people in their places. However, beyond all this, under all the gilded curtains, there is a girl who loves to shove food and gorge it like a beast. The girl who would blush at the smallest compliment. I like all those more than I can explain.
I would not say that it is a love you to moon and beyond, but if I got a chance, I would like to love you for the rest of the life and beyond that."
After saying that he fell silent, and drove silently. From the corner of his eyes, he could see that Han Lingshi was looking at him with watery eyes. He did not say anything extraordinary but only what he truly felt. Han Lingshi was undoubtedly touched by his words. Her heart was akin to the engine of the car, but she did not say anything.
Silence lingered in the car for a few minutes, before Hao Ren said, "You do not have to give me any answer, I do not expect one, after all, you are way out of my league at the moment. The difference is too much, but one day, I will earn the answer from you, Miss Han."
Han Lingshi had calmed down but suddenly felt a sting when he called her Miss Han. She looked out of the window and said, "You can call me, Lingshi. Putting aside the matters of love, I hope you would not let these emotions mess up the friendship we have. As for the future, let the nature take its course."
The young man smiled and said, "Aye, aye!"
They both knew that Hao Ren was too immature and weak compared to the people behind Han Lingshi, this was not a refusal but a delay to give him the chance to grow up into a strong man who could protect himself in face of trouble. The two people drove with dreams in their eyes.