Chapter 72: Chapter 69: Temporary Agent Substitute
Hearing this question, Liang Chi’s smile froze on his face, and the next second, he stretched out his foot to kick Chen Xiangbei’s butt.
However, Chen Xiangbei reacted too quickly, and even with a "Zero-Frame Start" advantage, the kick was still dodged.
Seeing this, Liang Chi could only say angrily, "Kid, can’t you speak properly? Would someone as upright as me do something like getting a fake license?"
"Hmph, the day you got your hands on the CFR2000, I already made preparations and got Old Zhang to get you a racing license!"
As he said this, there was a touch of pride in Liang Chi’s tone.
It’s a good thing I planned ahead, or it would have been a big mess!
"But Uncle Liang, this is a C-Class license, how did you get it?"
Chen Xiangbei was still a bit surprised; he knew very well the process of applying for and upgrading a racing license. Aside from the basic time restrictions, more importantly, you needed to have race experience and results.
Like this C-Class racing license, theoretically, you need to place in the top three in national races to advance.
Facing Chen Xiangbei’s inquiry, Liang Chi nonchalantly responded with a "tsk", lit a cigarette, and said.
"Huasi isn’t bankrupt yet; getting a racing license is no big deal. You’re already the 08 CKC (China Karting Championship) champion. Next time you’re free, have Old Zhang give you the trophy and certificate."
[You can do that?]
Chen Xiangbei was dumbfounded. Even with his previous life experience, he had never seen such an absurd operation. This 08 China Karting Championship probably had just him as the competitor, right?
With the hosting rights in hand, Huasi Sports can really do as they please!
"I’m convinced."
Chen Xiangbei nodded and said no more. Usually, others were convinced by him; now it was his turn to be sincerely impressed...
After discussing some important details, Chen Xiangbei returned to the dormitory to pack his things in preparation for departure.
Just then, he received a call from Qin Lianjie, who asked in a somewhat concerned tone, "Xiangbei, are you leaving in such a hurry because something happened at the Huasi base?"
"No, the Suzuka Racing School replied, and they asked me to go for the trial training as soon as possible."
"You passed the Honda assessment?"
"That’s fantastic, congratulations."
On the other end of the line, there were Qin Lianjie’s joyful congratulations. If Europe’s the world’s racing center, then Japan is Asia’s racing center.
Getting an invitation from the Honda Suzuka Racing School meant Chen Xiangbei was already stepping into the realm of the top domestic racers.
"Thank you."
"By the way, I just need to tell you something; I can’t participate in the East Sea underground race."
Even if Qin Lianjie hadn’t called to ask, Chen Xiangbei would have informed him proactively.
For Chen Xiangbei, participating in the East Sea underground race was just a means, not the goal.
Now that he received the invitation from the Suzuka Racing School and temporarily solved the funding issue, plus getting in touch with Peng Sheng to directly showcase his ability, the race had become meaningless.
"It doesn’t matter; it was just for fun anyway."
"How about this, Xiangbei—I’ll buy an ad spot on your racing suit’s chest for the 200,000 Yuan from Cao An. How does that sound?"
After Chen Xiangbei left, Qin Lianjie and Peng Sheng chatted for a bit and learned about their signing and sponsorship negotiations.
Since the East Sea underground race was a no-go, they might as well take advantage and sponsor an ad spot.
"Isn’t 200,000 a bit expensive?"
Chen Xiangbei jokingly replied, as currently, even top drivers in the country charged around this amount.
"No worries, Team An has money."
"Plus, didn’t you have a grudge against that show-off Hui? He’s such a sucker—bad and pretentious. When the time comes, you can squeeze some money out of him, effectively transferring wealth to you."
For this, Chen Xiangbei had no objections. That show-off Hui might as well have "dumb and rich" written on his face.
"Alright, it’s settled then; I’ll reserve an ad spot for your Light Point Team."
"Also, Xiangbei, I have an apartment in Suzuka. It’s just vacant anyway—I’ll text you the address and door lock code. You can stay there if needed."
Qin Lianjie added. Having studied in Japan, he frequently visited the Suzuka Circuit to watch races or race laps himself.
Since the Suzuka Circuit was some distance from Suzuka City and often as noisy as an airport, he conveniently bought an apartment in the city.
The apartment was currently vacant, and he thought Chen Xiangbei might make use of it.
"If I really need it, I’ll pay you rent."
"Cut it out, do I care about that little money?"
"Keep going, talk to you later!"
After Qin Lianjie finished talking, he hung up. Chen Xiangbei continued packing his luggage, and after finishing, took a shower and slept peacefully.
Heading to a foreign country wasn’t an uncommon experience for him in his previous life, so he wasn’t nervous or anxious.
Due to the impending departure, Chen Xiangbei had no training plans for the next day, but he still went to the gym for physical training.
When Lu Xiaoman saw him there, she couldn’t help but show a surprised expression—this guy was too self-disciplined!
"Xiangbei, are you still training today?"
"Is there a problem?"
This rhetorical question from Chen Xiangbei left Lu Xiaoman speechless. In theory, there was indeed no issue; practically speaking, how could an eighteen-year-old heading to Japan for trials not feel any pressure?
Yet, there wasn’t a trace of change in Chen Xiangbei.
"A racing machine without feelings..."
Lu Xiaoman muttered quietly, then walked over to help with some assisted exercises for Chen Xiangbei.
"By the way, Sister Xiaoman, there’s something I want to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"Do you know the process for being an agent?"
Most top drivers have an agent or agency to handle all daily affairs and business activities, including important tasks like contract negotiations.
Strictly speaking, Chen Xiangbei only became a professional driver yesterday after getting the racing license, so it wasn’t appropriate for him to have an agent or agency yet.
But now that he approached business sponsorships, he didn’t have enough time and energy to handle it himself. Among everyone he knew, Zhang Zhicong seemed the most suitable choice—being a professional manager.
The problem was, Zhang Zhicong, as a company president, dealing with a mere tens of thousands in sponsorship diminished his stature. Besides, Huasi Sports was facing a year-end bankruptcy liquidation with numerous pending affairs, leaving him no spare time.
After thinking it over, only Lu Xiaoman seemed free. After all, the sponsorship level wasn’t too difficult, and she should be able to handle it.
"No problem, I’m a pro in this area!"
"Your profession can also do this part-time?"
Although there were no other options, seeing Lu Xiaoman’s confident demeanor made him slightly skeptical.
Counting being an agent, Lu Xiaoman was already juggling four roles—could she really be that versatile?
"Hey, business negotiations are a family tradition, don’t worry."
Lu Xiaoman patted her chest and agreed with confidence. There was no exaggeration; her family was indeed involved in investment capital.
"Alright, I’ll give you the details and contact info for the negotiation."
While Chen Xiangbei was briefing the sponsorship matters, Liang Chi entered the gym and called out, "Xiangbei, Old Zhang called to say your visa and ticket are ready. I’m taking you to the airport now."
[That fast?]
"Sister Xiaoman, I’ll leave this matter to you then."
"Sure, good luck, Xiangbei!"
Lu Xiaoman clenched her fist in encouragement, confident that Xiangbei would achieve great results!
Chen Xiangbei smiled and nodded, then followed Liang Chi out of the gym.