Collei finally arrives at Arlecchino's house, parking the Eight Six and calling it a night. She steps inside, greeting Arlecchino with a casual "Good evening" before heading upstairs to her room. Just as she reaches the top, she remembers something and returns downstairs to deliver some news.
"I did what you asked... and you owe me a full tank of gas for tomorrow. Don't forget—you promised!"
Without waiting for a response, she heads back upstairs, leaving Arlecchino chuckling softly.
After Collei disappears into her room, Arlecchino closes her phone and walks outside to admire the Eight Six parked in the driveway. A small, proud smile spreads across her face as she gazes at the car.
"That's my girl. Couldn't be prouder... though, honestly, I'm not surprised."
Meanwhile, upstairs, Collei lies on her bed, phone in hand. She sends a group message to her friends, asking if they're free to join her for a trip to the seaside. The replies are almost instant—everyone's in. March even adds a cheerful note about how the weather will be perfect all day. Smiling at their enthusiasm, Collei puts her phone down, rolls over, and drifts into sleep.
At Yougou's iconic five consecutive hairpin turns, Keqing and Ningguang are busy analyzing the course. Ningguang kneels near the inside line of the critical corner, inspecting the area closely.
"Tell me, Keqing," Ningguang begins. "What exactly happened here during the race?"
Keqing sighs, crossing her arms as she recalls the scene. "I don't know. I drifted around the hairpins without issue, but the Eight Six… it hooked the inside and flew past me like I was standing still."
Ningguang's eyes narrow thoughtfully before she notices something: a gutter with faint tire marks and puddles of water still lingering inside. She motions for Keqing to come closer.
"Look here," Ningguang says, pointing at the gutter. "This is what decided the race."
Keqing examines the marks, her brow furrowing. "A gutter? What does that have to do with anything?"
Ningguang stands and dusts off her hands. "The Eight Six intentionally hooked its right wheels into this gutter. By doing so, it resisted the centrifugal force that normally pulls cars toward the guardrail. It's a technique that allowed Collei to maintain grip at an insane speed through the turn."
Keqing's jaw clenches. She turns and kicks the guardrail in frustration. "That little punk!"
Ningguang sighs, clearly unimpressed. "Are you done assaulting the guardrail? Because this tantrum isn't you, Keqing. Racing is about skill and tactics. You and the Eight Six were equally good, but this technique? It's something you didn't anticipate. Instead of sulking, take this as a chance to learn."
Keqing closes her eyes, letting the words sink in. She takes a deep breath and exhales, releasing her pent-up anger.
"You're right," Keqing admits. "I let my pride get in the way. I was so obsessed with beating her after that crazy drift she pulled a few nights ago that I forgot what matters most. And yet… I can't help but admire her. For someone her age, she's got real talent."
Ningguang nods in agreement. "Precisely. Talent recognizes talent. And sometimes, we older racers can learn a thing or two from the younger generation. Now come on—let's head home."
Keqing smiles faintly, nodding. The two make their way back to their RX7s and drive off, leaving the quiet hairpin turns behind as they return to Araumi.
The next morning, Lyney arrives at Arlecchino's home, wiping sweat from his brow as he steps inside.
"Arlecchino? You here? Damn, it's hot…"
Right on cue, Arlecchino descends the stairs, adjusting the laces on her heeled boots.
"Lyney! Perfect timing," she says with a smirk. "Mind giving me a lift to the Chamber of Commerce meeting?"
Lyney raises an eyebrow, feigning disgust. "Seriously? What am I, your personal chauffeur?"
Arlecchino laughs, brushing off his mock indignation. "Pretty much."
Time passes as Lyney drives them toward the meeting. Breaking the silence, he starts a conversation.
"I saw Seele, Beidou, March, and Pela drive by the gas station last night. They looked like kids in junior high—laughing and joking around."
Arlecchino shrugs. "Kids these days are impressed by anything. But it's not like she moved Yougou to a different mountain you know."
Lyney chuckles before asking, "Collei's one of them, right? She's got some serious skills for someone her age."
Arlecchino scoffs. "She only drives to help with the business. I forced her to learn years ago—there's nothing glamorous about it for her."
Lyney tilts his head. "Really? Doesn't seem that way after last night."
"She'll grow out of her dislike," Arlecchino continues. "Last night's race might've been the spark she needed. Give her time."
Lyney nods in understanding as they pull up to a red light. "Where is Collei, anyway? Took the Eight Six out today?"
Arlecchino glances at the sky. "She mentioned heading out for some fresh air. My guess? Ritou."
Far from Yougou, Collei leads a convoy along the seaside road to Ritou. March and Pela ride with her in the Eight Six, while Beidou follows in Seele's S30Z. The clear blue skies and ocean views make for a serene drive.
March lowers her window, letting the salty breeze blow through her hair. Collei follows suit, her eyes flicking between the road and the horizon. Her mind drifts to the race.
"That race was something," she thinks. "Chasing down that RX7… for some reason, I actually enjoyed it."
March taps Collei's shoulder lightly. "This is just what we needed, huh?"
Collei nods with a small smile. "Definitely. Nothing like the sea air to end the week."
Pela chimes in, "Clear skies, the ocean… and no engine troubles. Perfect."
Collei checks the time on the Eight Six's clock and has March call Seele. "Hey, let's grab some lunch. It's past noon."
Beidou responds from Seele's car, suggesting a seaside restaurant in Ritou known for its ramen and comfort food. Everyone agrees, and Collei signals for Seele to take the lead. Seele obliges, dropping gears and accelerating past with the turbo hissing sharply. The convoy follows, engines humming as they head toward their destination by the sea.