Car Racing without Money-Chapter 413 - 168: Do You Still Remember the Dreams of Your Youth?
Regarding the skyrocketing popularity domestically, Chen Xiangbei had somewhat anticipated it. After all, earning the title of China’s first official F1 driver in 2009 still carried some weight.
But when he witnessed it firsthand, he was still stunned.
November 13th, the eve of the official start of the ROC National Cup.
At Yanjing International Airport, Chen Xiangbei, wearing a mask and a baseball cap, discreetly exited the arrival gate alone, dragging his suitcase behind him.
Before boarding the plane to return home, Chen Xiangbei contacted Qin Lianjie and learned that Yanjing International Airport was now packed with reporters and racing fans. It wasn’t that they were there specifically to welcome Chen Xiangbei, but with the imminent start of the ROC National Cup, countless top drivers were arriving in Yanjing.
The media wouldn’t miss the opportunity for interviews, and as for the racing fans, they were eager to see their racing idols as soon as possible.
Chen Xiangbei hadn’t intended to hide so discreetly; after all, there’s a saying that wealth and glory unshared with one’s hometown is like a brocade garment worn at night.
Having made history by becoming China’s first F1 driver, he naturally wanted to experience being the center of attention and satisfy his small sense of vanity.
However, the last time he returned to Guangshen, the way he was picked up by Fatty Wang and Glasses Zhou had left him apprehensive.
If the media and fans at the airport weren’t there for him, but rather were waiting for King of Cars Schumacher, it would be an awkward and embarrassing scene...
To avoid a repeat of old scenarios, Chen Xiangbei disguised himself and moved forward discreetly.
As he stepped out of the arrival gate, Chen Xiangbei was instantly stunned by the scene before him.
The entire airport lobby was filled with rows and rows of human walls!
Yes, human walls!
Banners and posters were everywhere, and sure enough, many were about Schumacher, Alonso, and Raikkonen.
However, those welcoming Chen Xiangbei made up about "half of the territory."
He knew he would have fans and supporters, but he had never imagined the number would be so large or the scene so spectacular!
After all, even Zhou Guanyu in later years didn’t receive such treatment.
"Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~! Chen Xiangbei~~!"
"Warmly welcome China’s Racing God Bei!"
"China’s strongest driver, the world’s F1 driver!"
"Chen Xiangbei, the pride of China!"
As the stream of passengers getting off the plane appeared, banners waved and slogans roared.
In sharp contrast to the last time he returned home with only Fatty Wang and Glasses Zhou there to greet him.
Honestly, at that moment, Chen Xiangbei really wanted to take off his mask and hat to enjoy his own cheers. But he restrained the impulse, pretending to be an ordinary traveler mixed in the crowd, just pushing his luggage towards the parking lot.
Because Chen Xiangbei knew very well, he was far from the stage of "returning gloriously to his hometown."
He didn’t want to be too distracted by media and fan engagements; he wanted to complete the ROC National Cup event, and without delay, move into the F1 winter testing phase, which would prove the true speed of the TF110 by then.
Quietly arriving at the underground parking lot, Chen Xiangbei saw from afar Qin Lianjie’s conspicuous red Civic Type-R.
However, this time, Qin Lianjie wasn’t alone; there was another familiar figure standing next to him, none other than Han Han, who was also participating in the ROC National Cup.
Taking off his mask, Chen Xiangbei approached. When their eyes met, Chen Xiangbei wore a faint smile, while Han Han was overwhelmed with emotion.
He still remembered their first meeting at Guangshen High School’s auditorium, where Chen Xiangbei, dressed in a school uniform, listened to his lectures, his face full of youthful innocence.
In less than two years, meeting Chen Xiangbei again, the other person had already stood on the pinnacle of the world of racing.
F1 driver—an unattainable dream even for Han Han!
"Long time no see, Han Han."
Chen Xiangbei greeted proactively, extending his hand.
"Xiangbei, long time no see."
Han Han replied in a tone filled with emotion, and the two shook hands.
"Let’s not make it so formal and polite; we can talk more once we’re checked into the hotel."
"Chen Xiangbei is a celebrity now, and once people notice him here, it might be hard for us to leave."
Qin Lianjie had arrived at Yanjing International Airport half an hour early and witnessed Raikkonen being surrounded by fans, especially the female fans who almost tore his clothes off.
Thanks to the airport’s strong security, they managed to squeeze out a path, allowing him to escape.
To be fair, this kid Chen Xiangbei is quite handsome, and given his local driver’s edge, female fans should be abundant.
Raikkonen’s surrounded scene would probably repeat if they didn’t leave soon.
"Hmm."
Han Han nodded and turned to open the door of the parked Subaru Impreza next to him.
In 2009 he had left the Volkswagen 222 Team to join the East Sea FCA Team, competing full-time in rally events.
He switched from the Volkswagen POLO to the Subaru Impreza as his vehicle.
Looking at this familiar model, Chen Xiangbei felt a bit touched.
Uncle Liang was currently at the Lifield Technology Center, leading his team to familiarize themselves with the components of the TF110, striving to have a thorough understanding before the winter testing period. He really couldn’t spare the time to come to Yanjing to watch the competition.
Otherwise, if possible, bringing his modified Subaru Impreza STI here would have been a chance to relive past memories.
Realizing that Chen Xiangbei was staring at his Impreza, Han Han recalled their showdown at the Haizhu International Circuit, where Chen Xiangbei had driven a modified Subaru Impreza STI.
"What, getting sentimental at the sight?"
Han Han asked, smiling.
"Not really."
"Want to take it for a spin?"
Saying that, Han Han handed over the car keys.
"Forget it, it doesn’t matter who drives."
Chen Xiangbei shook his head; by now, he was past the stage of eagerly trying out performance cars.
As a man who had driven F1 cars, ordinary performance cars hardly sparked his interest or excitement anymore.
"Xiangbei, this is a Subaru Impreza modified for rally racing."
"Although you’re great at circuit driving, you might not necessarily adapt to a rally style."
Han Han replied in a "stubborn" tone.
As a senior and champion driver, even though he knew there was now a significant gap between himself and Chen Xiangbei,
he still didn’t want to admit defeat.
Winning in rally competitions remained Han Han’s last way of maintaining his pride.
Hearing Han Han’s words, Chen Xiangbei did not offer an explanation, directly taking a seat in the passenger seat of Qin Lianjie’s Type-R.
He was worried he wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to show off...
