"Director Xiao, the car is ready," a staff member reported.
"Let's talk as we go," Xiao Liji said with a smile, then turned to the younger man standing at attention nearby. "Xiao Fei, you've seen your father, and you're not even going to say hello?"
Song Jinhui merely glanced at his father, Song Commander, and said nothing.
Commander Song gave a wry smile and shook his head at Xiao Liji, signaling that he didn't mind. But the disappointment in his eyes was unmistakable.
Zhuifeng immediately sensed the tension and stepped forward to defuse it. "So, are you the one who saved me, Big Brother Song?"
"You are… the Young Master?" Song Jinhui asked, startled.
Zhuifeng rolled his eyes. "You know, in today's society, the term 'Young Master' is basically synonymous with spoiled brats. Do I really give off that vibe? I don't think I've done anything to deserve that reputation."
"You!" Xiao Liji, knowing her son's personality well, burst out laughing. "Most people would give anything to earn that title, and you're still complaining about it?"
With her laugh, the awkward atmosphere dissipated.
"Big Brother Song, thank you for helping me back then. Without you, I don't know what would have happened," Zhuifeng said earnestly, looking at him with genuine gratitude.
"Young Master, I really didn't do much. If anyone deserves thanks, it's Miss Xiao and someone named Liu Tang, I think? All I did was stand on the sidelines," Song Jinhui replied, visibly more relaxed.
Zhuifeng grinned. "How can you say that? You're the 'God' of Beijing's racing scene. If someone else called you a mere bystander, they'd be asking for a scolding from your fans!"
"Haha, I'll take that as a compliment, then. But honestly, standing next to the legendary 'Wind God,' I feel a bit unworthy of my title," Song Jinhui joked.
Watching the younger men banter, Xiao Liji and Song Commander exchanged smiles.
"Alright, alright. You two can chat about cars later. Let's go eat first," Xiao Liji said, steering the conversation back to the present.
***
"Feng'er, slow down. No one's going to steal your food," Xiao Liji chided gently as she dabbed at the sauce on Zhuifeng's cheek with a napkin. Her tone was filled with motherly affection.
Struggling to swallow his bite, Zhuifeng gave an embarrassed grin. "The roast duck is just too good, Mom. Can I order another plate?"
Sighing, Xiao Liji signaled for the waiter and muttered, "Anyone watching you eat would think I've been starving you."
"Hehe, how could that be? Mom treats me the best," Zhuifeng said with a cheeky grin, casually swiping a piece of food from Song Jinhui's plate. "Big Brother Song, where's your racing base? I want to check it out later."
"Racing base?" Song Jinhui blinked in confusion.
"You know, the place where you race," Zhuifeng clarified.
"Oh." Song Jinhui nodded in understanding. "Why, Young Master? Planning to challenge me on my home turf?"
Zhuifeng smiled bitterly. "Why would you think that? If I wanted to challenge you, I wouldn't sneak around—I'd make a big show of it."
"Fair enough," Song Jinhui chuckled. "But if you ever did show up unannounced, my reputation might not survive. You'd probably have the whole crowd cheering against me."
"Well, I do have my title to live up to as the 'Wind God.' But enough of that—my food's here." He eagerly grabbed the newly arrived plate of roast duck and focused on eating, leaving the others shaking their heads in amusement.
Watching the cheerful interactions between the younger generation, Song Commander sighed. "Director Xiao, seeing these two bond over their shared love of racing makes me wonder if I've been too rigid all these years."
"Old Song, are you finally softening up?" Xiao Liji teased as she handed a glass of water to Zhuifeng. "Racing isn't as bad as you think. Thanks to the Nüwa Cup's influence, even underground racing is becoming more organized and professional. Xiao Fei's racing scene, for example, has developed quite well—it's practically a model for the movement."
"Mom, you've been to Big Brother Song's track?" Zhuifeng asked, his mouth full of roast duck, his eyes wide with surprise.
Xiao Liji shot him a disapproving look. "Swallow your food before you speak! Do you want Commander Song to laugh at you?"
"Oh." Zhuifeng turned to Commander Song with mock seriousness. "Uncle Song, would you laugh?"
"Hahaha, of course I wouldn't laugh," Commander Song replied, chuckling nonetheless. "But you should still swallow your food first—choking would be no laughing matter."
The warm, harmonious atmosphere carried them through the meal. By the time they stepped out of the restaurant, it was nearly 2 a.m. Looking at the bright neon lights and the bustling streets, Zhuifeng couldn't help but marvel.
"Beijing really is something else. I didn't expect so many people to still be out at this hour," he said with a sigh.
Xiao Liji explained, "Originally, strict security measures were planned during the Olympics. But with the national team's incredible performance, people's excitement overflowed, and many took to the streets to celebrate. We couldn't possibly shut them all down, so we simply increased security to ensure everything stays safe."
"Mom, are you tired?" Zhuifeng asked suddenly, his gaze lingering on the lively streets.
"I'm not. Why?"
He looked at her with pleading eyes. "I want to visit Big Brother Song's track. Can we go?"
"Racing?" Xiao Liji immediately shook her head. "No, you…"
"Mom…" Zhuifeng clung to her arm, his tone tinged with sadness. "I just want to look. I won't drive. I've been stuck in bed for so long, and even after waking up, I've been subjected to endless medical tests. I miss that world so much. Please, Mom. You'll be there with me—I promise I won't do anything reckless. Please?"
"Feng'er…" Xiao Liji's voice caught in her throat as she looked into his pleading eyes. Unable to refuse, she finally relented. "Alright, but you're not allowed to drive. If anything happens to you, what will I do?"
"Yay! Thanks, Mom!" Zhuifeng cheered, running toward Commander Song and Song Jinhui to share the good news.
But as he turned, he noticed tears glistening in his mother's eyes. His heart ached, and after a moment of deliberation, he resolved to share the secret that Big Brother Wang had told him before his departure. It was time for her to know the truth.