CYNTM CHAPTER 36

He recalled Winston’s words “action speaks louder than words” and suddenly felt that everything was incredibly terrifying.

 

“What?” Winston chuckled lightly, tapping his lower lip with his finger. “I’m sure you don’t remember how you bit me, do you?”

 

Ah…bleeding…

 

Just the thought of it is painful!

 

“Your skills in kissing still have much room for improvement. I don’t think you can give any woman a pleasant night.”

 

Winston turned his face to the side, stretching the line of his neck. From the side, Hunter saw a small deep red mark.

 

“This… this is from my bite?”

 

“Do you think I would bite myself?”

 

Winston’s lips carried an almost imperceptible smile, but his voice was chillingly cold.

 

Hunter suddenly felt overwhelmed with guilt, and he wished to kneel down beneath the slacks of the other person.

 

But it was already too late.

 

“For the next few days, I’ll trouble you, little Hunter, to behave yourself. See you on the racetrack.”

 

After saying that, Winston left.

 

Hunter stood there in a daze, still unable to digest everything.

 

“I’m doomed! I’m doomed!”

 

Originally, he couldn’t even make it into the top five for three consecutive rounds. At most, he would have just performed a striptease for Winston! Hunter had already made up his mind that, at worst, he would dance in his underwear.

 

But now… if this is the bet…

 

He didn’t want to be at the mercy of Winston… The stakes of this bet were too high…

 

Hunter felt like a fool.

 

Winston was clearly threatening him, putting pressure on him, hoping that he would take the race seriously. Hunter’s drunken antics during the season were definitely seen as unprofessional behavior in Winston’s eyes.

 

This guy may have strict self-discipline, but he shouldn’t impose that same strictness on a friend.

 

Oh, dear God, it would be better to just throw a hairdryer into the bathtub and electrocute himself right now!

 

At night, as Hunter went to sleep, Winston’s words of “If you can’t make it into the top five this round, I’ll shove it down your throat” kept echoing in his mind.

 

Hunter’s thoughts began to wander aimlessly… like how big exactly was little Winston? Or what exactly happened after he got drunk?

 

He only had vague recollections of being wild, tossing aside everything he cared about, felt embarrassed about, or found awkward, all because of alcohol. It was as if something was luring him, tempting him, and making him feel unlike himself.

 

Hunter pressed his head hard, realizing just how dangerous alcohol could be.

 

After waking up, it wasn’t just Hunter who felt mentally drained; it included the team manager Marcus, the driver Mackey, and the PR manager as well.

 

However, Marcus mustered up his spirits and held a meeting for everyone because a new Power Unit Director was joining the Marcus Racing team.

 

“Hey, Hunter, when you meet Dr. Shen, could you please be a bit friendlier? Don’t be so unwilling, alright?”

 

“Do I come across as unfriendly?” Hunter raised his eyes.

 

“You don’t come across as unfriendly, you just look dispirited.” Marcus sighed as he sat down next to Hunter. “Listen, I feel the same… like Japanese sake has been poured into my brain. But Dr. Shen is really important.”

 

Although Hunter admired the research and development team, he had never been able to connect with them. That Dr. Shen person would probably spout off data that he couldn’t understand either.

 

“I just want to know if this Dr. Shen can help me secure a top-five finish this round.”

 

“Well… perhaps he really can,” Marcus pondered seriously.

 

Hunter’s spirits rose, and he looked at Marcus, in disbelief.

 

“You’ve never been this confident in anyone before! You’re not just fooling me, are you?”

 

Marcus sighed. “Hunter, you should know that Formula One is no longer solely dependent on the driver’s skills, right?”

 

“Well… car performance comes first. Only geniuses like me can compete with the big teams while driving your cars!” Hunter couldn’t help but inflate his ego a little.

 

“Yeah,” Marcus admitted candidly. “Actually, last year, our Power Unit Technical Director had intentions of leaving. I managed to convince him to stay because of our long-standing relationship. But I’ve been searching for someone to replace him. However, experienced and capable individuals have long been snatched up by the major teams.”

 

“Yeah, you can’t afford that salary.” Hunter pointed at himself, indicating that his salary was at the bottom.

 

Marcus chuckled. “You think I don’t know that Red Bull Racing is willing to pay you 750,000?”

 

Hunter blinked. “How did you know that?”

 

“You’re quite a cheeky little brat, staying calm even when there are offers to poach you. You didn’t even use it as leverage for a salary raise.”

 

“Well, if you actually had money, I’d discuss a salary raise with you! If you can’t even afford pants, discussing a salary raise with you would be like forcing you to take medication!”

 

“What medication?”

 

“Medication for treating neurosis!” Hunter had a nonchalant expression on his face.

 

Marcus restrained the urge to punch him. “Don’t worry, if you can continue to perform like this, your bonus will definitely surpass a million.”

 

Hunter widened his eyes. “Really?”

 

“Really… hey, we weren’t talking about you, we were talking about Dr. Shen!”

 

“Then let’s get back to talking about Dr. Shen, continue discussing him!”

 

Upon hearing that money wouldn’t be in short supply at the end of the season, Hunter suddenly became very spirited.

 

“He’s a Chinese man who came to the United States with his sister to pursue a doctoral degree. Dr. Shen shared some of his Formula One design concepts with me, and he told me that these ideas had been brewing in his mind for many years. He has been a Formula One fan since his high school days! At that moment, even though the aura of MITian was dazzling, and his numerous research papers made me think he was more inclined towards theoretical aspects rather than practical Formula One…”

 

“So what’s the point?”

 

“So, I felt the need for a face-to-face meeting! It was during the Montreal Grand Prix in Canada when I was sitting in the hotel restaurant, having a conversation with Dr. Shen. Suddenly, I realized that many of his ideas not only aligned with our racing needs but were also practical and feasible, not just conceptual theories. But I was still hesitant because the salary he asked for was similar to what our current Power Unit Director receives.”

 

“Oh… so you’re reluctant because of money again?” Hunter sighed.

 

“Hey—this is a reasonable consideration, you little brat!”

 

“Fine, even… if reasonable consideration… So did Dr. Shen lower his salary requirement?”

 

“No, he didn’t lower his salary requirement. I agreed to his salary.” Marcus raised his head and let out a sigh. “Because at that time, Winston happened to be at the hotel reception. He said that Ferrari would offer three times the salary to hire him.”

 

“Do you believe what Winston said?” Hunter tilted his head and looked at him.

 

“Isn’t he more trustworthy than you?” Marcus retorted.

 

Hunter looked helpless. If you knew what he said to me when he left my room this morning, would you still find him trustworthy?

 

“I genuinely feel like I hit the jackpot now! Dr. Shen managed to complete the adjustments to the power unit in just one month. When Lucas tested the car, the steering speed improved by 0.1 seconds, and that’s not all… Did you know that Dr. Shen’s sister is also a doctoral student in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at MIT?”

 

“I had no idea.”

 

“She’s now our suspension system engineer! Do you know how incredible the active suspension systems were back then?”

 

“I know! They were so incredible that they made Formula One lose its competitive meaning and were directly banned by the FIA.”

 

“The newly proposed variable suspension system she submitted has already been officially confirmed by the FIA. It solves the front-end dive issue during braking by utilizing brake torque and is considered part of the suspension system rather than an aerodynamic package.”

 

“Really?” Hunter was a bit bewildered.

 

“Really! You need to experience it during the practice session. You have no idea how envious Lucas is of you and McGrady!”

 

Hunter suddenly felt revitalized at that moment!

 

If there was an improvement in car performance, maybe he could truly make it back into the top five.

 

Just then, the sound of a suitcase being dragged could be heard in the hallway outside the room.

 

“They’re here!” Marcus, as if being awakened from a sake-induced haze, rushed to the door, flung it open, and tightly embraced the young man with black hair standing at the doorway. “Oh… you’re finally here! I thought you might miss the practice session!”

 

“How could I miss it? I wanted to hear from Hunter himself, whether he likes mine and Xiaoxi’s debugging.” the young man replied.

 

This was Hunter’s first meeting with Shen Chuan. He appeared as a young man with black hair, gentle eyes, and a wise but not sharp smile.

 

He was dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, showing no signs of the stiffness or overly serious demeanor often associated with research and development personnel.

 

Hunter took the initiative to stand up and extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Evan Hunter… a driver from Marcus Racing Team.”

 

“Hello, I’m Shen Chuan, the newly appointed Power Unit Director. This is my sister Shen Xi.” Shen Chuan smiled and stepped aside, revealing a petite girl standing behind him.

 

With one hand supporting her suitcase, she tilted her head and looked at Hunter. Despite wearing a conservative pair of black-framed glasses, her eyes sparkled brightly.

 

“Hello, Hunter. My brother and I watched your race at Silverstone. It was such a pity.”

 

So adorable! So adorable!

 

Hunter widened his eyes. The girl in front of him seemed small enough that he could easily lift her onto his shoulders. Her big earnest eyes reminded him of the cartoon character “Arale” from his childhood!

 

“Yeah, I had a flat tire!” Hunter said.

 

“After that, you were almost lapped, but you managed to catch up and finish in eighth place. Your driving skills are unquestionable. If you were driving the car designed by my brother and me, you probably could have reached seventh or even sixth place,” the girl named Shen Xi lifted her glasses slightly.

 

“Xi really likes you. After watching the race at Silverstone, she said she wanted to become your race engineer. I also admire you. I’ve asked myself countless times if I were in your position, would I have persisted and chased until the end despite starting from an unfavourable grid position and facing a flat tire? The answer is, I would. I believe we are similar in that regard. I hope that one day you can drive our car and win the championship.”

 

Hunter looked into Shen Chuan’s eyes and realized that he was different from those who spoke empty words. He was sincere, and every word he said was genuine.

 

“Alright, then you’re my brother!” Hunter extended his fist towards Shen Chuan. He initially thought Shen Chuan might not react in time, but to his surprise, Shen Chuan lightly bumped fists with him.

 

From lunch to dinner, Hunter and Shen Chuan discussed various potential issues during cornering transitions to the acceleration needed for overtaking on straightaways. Shen Chuan not only listened patiently but also explained complex principles to Hunter using the simplest and most vivid analogies, without any trace of an elitist engineer attitude.

 

“Do you think… I can really make it into the top five this time?” Hunter asked them earnestly.

 

“I never realized you were this lacking in confidence. Or maybe you just lack confidence in us?” Shen Chuan chuckled.

 

“No, this question is important. If I can’t make it into the top five, I’d rather be struck by lightning!”

 

“Even if you really can’t make it into the top five, the probability of being struck by lightning is very low…” Shen Xi, who had been focused on studying the structure of a fruit waffle, spoke up.

 

“You’ll know when you experience the practice session,” Shen Chuan patted Hunter’s shoulder reassuringly.

 

For some reason, Shen Chuan’s words were always calm and convincing.

 

“However, if we upgrade the car completely and you still don’t make the top five, I’ll build a machine that directly attracts lightning to strike you,” Shen Xi said as she cut the waffle with a knife and the strawberry sauce poured out like blood.

 

“Haha, your sister has quite a sense of humor!”

 

“No, my sister never jokes. She only speaks the truth,” Shen Chuan nodded.

 

Hunter was stunned… he couldn’t understand the thinking of geniuses!

 

A few days later, the first practice session began at the Suzuka Circuit.

 

On the straights, Hunter couldn’t fully feel the advantages of the upgraded car, but it was undeniable that the center of gravity of the entire car was more balanced.

 

During cornering and braking, the stability of the car pleasantly surprised Hunter. Even without timing, he could clearly feel that his steering was faster and smoother.

 

When the practice session ended, he couldn’t wait and rushed towards Shen Chuan, who was looking at his tablet with his chin resting on his hand.

 

“Man, I love you!”

 

Shen Chuan immediately extended his arm to cushion the impact from Hunter, but he was still pushed back a big step and almost stumbled to the ground.

 

“We love you too,” Shen Chuan said helplessly.

 

“So, you really like this car, huh?”

 

Shen Xi, who was nearby, walked over while biting a Snickers bar. In that moment, Hunter thought of the little squirrel bouncing on his windowsill when he was a child.

 

“I really like it!”

 

“We’re also satisfied with the data from today’s practice session. So, if you don’t make it into the top five this race, I have a hundred ways to make sure you get struck by lightning,” Shen Xi said before turning around and walking away.

 

Shen Chuan snapped his fingers near Hunter’s ear and laughed, “Just a friendly reminder, what Xi said is true.”

 

Hunter suddenly felt twice as much pressure on him.

 

The second practice session was scheduled for the afternoon, and Hunter hummed “London Bridge is Falling Down” as he walked into the restroom to wash his hands.

 

Just as he entered, he coincidentally bumped into Winston walking out.

 

Unlike the anticipation he felt when he saw him before, Hunter wanted nothing more than to disappear at this moment.

 

He’d worked hard to forget the stupid things he’d done to Winston while drunk, and of course he still couldn’t remember most of it. He was genuinely embarrassed.

 

Just as he was about to pretend to pass by the restroom entrance when Winston called out his name, “Hunter.”

 

Hunter cried inwardly, but he had to put on a “I’m fine, not awkward at all” expression on his face.

 

“Haha… Winston! You’re going to the restroom too! We’ve never gone to the restroom together before!”

 

What the heck, Hunter! Did your brain get twisted? What kind of nonsense did you just say!

 

“Sure, let’s go together,” Winston tilted his head to the side, gesturing for them to enter together.

 

“Y-You… didn’t you already finish?” Hunter stuttered.

 

Who the hell wants to go to the restroom with you!

 

“Your requests have always been a priority for me,” Winston’s lips curled into a smile that only Hunter had seen before, leaning towards him naturally.

 

Hunter could tell by his smile that this guy was still angry.

 

Hunter instinctively swallowed and quickly waved his hand, “No need to bother! I don’t feel like going to the restroom now!”

 

“Then why are you here? To coincidentally meet me in the restroom?” Winston took another half step forward, his face almost touching Hunter’s cheek.

 

“How could that… we…”

 

Before Hunter could finish his sentence, he felt a force pressing down on his shoulder, forcefully pinning him against the wall of the restroom corridor.

 

“Damn it…” Hunter nearly hit the back of his head.

 

In the next moment, his cheek was held by Winston, forcing him to tilt his head back.

 

Hunter furrowed his brows, only to meet Winston’s icy blue eyes.

 

His gaze lowered as if tracing the contours of Hunter’s lips, teasing his tongue, gradually and irresistibly delving deeper.

 

Hunter’s heart felt constricted, and his blood seemed to freeze.

 

For the first time, Hunter felt an inexplicable fear of this man.

 

After a few seconds, Winston released his grip, and Hunter angrily pushed him away, rubbing his cheek that had been sore from Winston’s grasp.

 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing!” he shouted, masking the unease in his heart.

 

“I just wanted to take a look at your mouth,” Winston replied calmly.

 

“What’s wrong with my mouth?” Hunter became alert. Could it be that this guy was seeking revenge because Hunter had bitten Winston’s lower lip while drunk?

 

“I’m afraid it won’t fit.”

 

Winston lowered his gaze, his face still wearing that barely perceptible smile, but Hunter could sense the chilling aura.

 

“Fit what…”

 

When Hunter realized what Winston meant, anger surged through his veins, and he glared at him.

 

Then, his old problem resurfaced.

 

His tongue stiffened, unable to curl up normally for speech. He could only tightly press his lips together and use his gaze to convey to Winston that he was genuinely angry.

 

“Hunter, are you angry?”

 

Winston’s hand reached out, but Hunter immediately turned his face away to avoid it.

 

“As an apology… if you make it into the top five this time, I’ll use my mouth to help you get it out.”

 

Winston looked at Hunter, devoid of the previous playful smile, as if making an important agreement between them.

 

But Hunter knew that the guy’s malicious side was acting up again. Winston was angry, and this time, Hunter was genuinely unsure of the reason behind his prolonged anger.

 

“Hey, what’s the matter with you? If it’s just because of my poor drinking habits, you know it wasn’t serious. Why are you still angry?” Hunter couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t just about him kissing or biting Winston’s lip. There must have been something else that had happened, something that had been bothering Winston all this time. But what exactly happened?

 

“Hmm?” Winston’s voice rose, causing Hunter’s heart to skip a beat.

 

“I… I don’t want that!” Hunter forcefully pushed him away, but Winston maintained his position, leaning towards him without moving an inch.

 

The mark on his lower lip from when Hunter had bitten it had already scabbed over, appearing slightly darker than his usual lip color. The distance between them allowed Hunter to see it clearly.

 

How exactly had he bitten Winston’s lip? What position were they in at that moment?

 

Will it be possible that I accidentally bumped into him when I fell?

 

If that’s the case… Did Winston hold him?

 

Countless images that Hunter didn’t dare to imagine flooded his mind, like endless possibilities.

 

Suddenly, he became flustered.

 

What if he had accidentally bumped into Winston when he fell? Did Winston hold onto him?

 

Various unimaginable scenarios raced through Hunter’s mind.

 

In a sudden panic, Hunter felt a surge of adrenaline. Despite his strength, he hadn’t been able to push Winston away, which wounded his pride. So, he gathered all his strength and pushed him again.

 

This time, Winston finally stumbled back a little.

 

Seizing the opportunity, Hunter tried to leave, but to his surprise, Winston extended his arm and blocked his path once again.

 

“Are you sure you don’t want this?” There was no hint of a smile in Winston’s eyes, instead, there was a hint of warning.

 

Hunter’s heart felt as if it was being squeezed, a sudden inexplicable fear washing over him.

 

“No, I don’t!” Hunter’s neck turned red as if it was about to burst.

 

A sense of impending danger descended upon him, and Hunter just wanted to retreat immediately, to return to a safe zone.

 

Hunter tried to forcefully move Winston’s arm, but Winston suddenly bent his arm, appearing as if he was about to embrace him. Reacting swiftly, Hunter squatted down, attempting to slip away. However, Winston’s reflexes were incredibly sharp. He quickly lowered himself and enveloped Hunter in his arms.

 

Hunter’s cheek almost collided with Winston’s chest, and in his mind, he cursed: “Damn it, what the hell do you want!”

 

At that moment, a whistle sounded.

 

Hunter looked up and saw Owen from the Red Bull team, with his hands in his pockets, smiling as he watched them.

 

The look in his eyes clearly said, “Oh, I’ve stumbled upon something interesting, haven’t I?”

 

He still hadn’t with settled the scores this guy for the last time he duped him!

 

Hunter glared at Owen, but Owen walked right past them, saying, “Hunter, if you’re so desperate for a one-night stand… How about if you win against Winston this time, I’ll take you to enjoy it?”

 

Author has something to say: Banter Time:

 

Winston: He says one thing but means another.

 

Hunter: What?

 

Winston: You clearly fantasize about me helping you with that while lying alone, yet you tell me you don’t want it.

 

Hunter: How…how did you know?

 

Winston: I didn’t know at first, but your reaction now confirms my suspicion.

 

Hunter: …