Leclerc forced a smile and nodded, "I think so."

"Dammit." Qin Miao couldn't help but curse upon hearing the news.

"This is quite a buzz online, why didn't you know?"

Qin Miao shrugged helplessly, "I've been busy with all kinds of interviews this morning, didn't have time to check my phone, so of course I didn't know."

"Now that you know, have you thought of a solution?"

"I'm not some genius, how could I come up with a solution immediately?" Qin Miao grumbled a bit irritably, then calmed down and said, "First, tell me, is the paddock discussing how I'm going to Ferrari, or is our conversation being leaked?

Everyone knows you asked me, but I refused."

"The former."

Qin Miao sighed, wanting to scratch his head, but remembering his hairstyle was specially styled by Qimeng, he reluctantly lowered his hand.

"You go in first; I'll call Toto."

"Are you sure about this? Won't you consult with Qimeng? This was an accidental leak, but I think it should hold some leverage for you, like negotiating with the team to raise your salary and improve your conditions."

Qin Miao thought Leclerc had a point.

Meanwhile, the rumor about Qin Miao joining Ferrari was spreading through the paddock, with various media outlets scrambling to report and speculate on its validity.

This news naturally reached Toto Wolff's desk as soon as possible.

Looking at the report, Toto rubbed his forehead in frustration. He had just returned to the UK yesterday, the office chair wasn't even warm, and now this mess.

But since Qin Miao is the future star of his team, Toto surely couldn't ignore the rumors.

With Qin Miao practically carrying the team this season, Toto felt it was time to boost Qin Miao's status within the team.

Although he couldn't kick Hamilton out immediately and let the rumored Crown Prince take over, Toto knew he needed to calm the fans, the team, and the drivers' emotions.

"Work never ends..."

With that sentiment, Toto picked up the phone to start handling it.

Meanwhile, after talking with Qimeng, Qin Miao returned to the entrance of Monaco Palace.

To Qin Miao's surprise, Leclerc hadn't gone in yet despite their 10-minute or so phone call, but was waiting at the entrance.

"Why haven't you gone in?" Qin Miao asked curiously upon approaching Leclerc.

"Waiting for you," Leclerc replied.

"Alright, let's go in together." Qin Miao nodded.

"Any progress with Qimeng?" Leclerc asked as they walked.

"Not much, she just acknowledged it and reminded me of some precautions before hanging up."

"Seems she already has a plan."

"How do you know?"

"Just a guess," Leclerc smiled slightly.

Qin Miao didn't delve into it further, and soon they were inside the venue.

Being public figures in Monaco, a place seldom coveted due to geopolitical reasons, the banquet's entry checks weren't strict; they didn't even need their invitations, just walked right in.

During the dinner party, naturally, there were exchanges of toasts, but Qin Miao wasn't quite accustomed to such an environment. Compared to the smooth Leclerc, Qin Miao felt more like an outsider.

Most of the time, it was local Monaco businessmen approaching Qin Miao for conversation, exchanging phone numbers, and discussing potential collaborations.

As the evening approached, the Monaco royal family, whom he met yesterday, appeared under everyone's attention.

Applause came, and the hosts joined the party.

Qin Miao was in a relatively inconspicuous corner.

Those interested in cooperating and making connections with Qin Miao had mostly met him earlier in the afternoon.

Now Qin Miao's suit pocket held seven or eight different business cards.

Thus, Qin Miao enjoyed some rare peace.

Soon thereafter, Albert II of Monaco led Prince Jacques over.

Spotting their approach, Qin Miao quickly wiped the food residue from his hands and mouth with a nearby wet towel, and greeted them smiling.

"Thank you for attending our dinner, Qin Miao. I noticed you haven't been mingling much, is there something making you uncomfortable?" Albert II asked, shaking hands with Qin Miao.

Qin Miao awkwardly laughed, "No, it's great here, the party is amazing, but Your Highness knows I'm not very good at socializing. Sky Sports even did a survey showing I'm the current F1 driver with the fewest ads and endorsements, so off-track, I prefer quiet environments, doing what I like."

"Of course, I completely understand. The main reason for coming over is this little guy wanted to meet you," Albert II looked at the little Prince Jacques he was holding.

Qin Miao was a bit surprised, looking at the young prince.

As on the podium, Qin Miao half-kneeled to meet Prince Jacques eye-to-eye before extending his hand.

"Prince, it's a pleasure to see you again; I thought we were already acquainted."