With four-fifths of the race completed, Hunter entered the pit stop once more. Marcus was incredibly excited but sensed that Hunter was still unsatisfied. After leaving the pit, Hunter clocked his fastest lap time of the last five laps on the Suzuka Circuit.
Owen and Winston began a duel in the corner with Ciel chasing behind. Before entering the turn, he was surprised to see Hunter behind him.
“This guy, Penny… how did he get left behind by him!”
Ciel grinned, his cornering denying Hunter any chance. Exiting the Spoon Curve, Hunter pursued Ciel into the overtaking zone.
The young man behind remained so calm that Ciel was taken aback. Despite being a low-speed turn, Hunter showed bravery, delaying his braking until he was nearly at the edge of the track. The wheels of the two cars almost collided upon entry into the corner, leaving the audience breathless.
“Damn…” Marcus gasped.
Time itself seemed to stop.
As Ciel advanced out of the corner onto the track, the audience applauded and Marcus let out a sigh of relief.
Although the overtaking attempt this time was unsuccessful, the entire team was buzzing with excitement.
“This kid is amazing! He even dared to duel with Ciel!”
“This is the most serious challenge to our top driver!”
Ciel still couldn’t relax on the straight because he knew Hunter was behind him, searching for an opportunity to overtake.
“Dream on,” Ciel muttered as he raced towards the end of the straight into the last lap.
At that moment, Winston elegantly exited the Dunlop Curve and seized the position ahead of Owen.
In the same corner, Hunter attacked Ciel again, drawing the attention of almost all the commentators and spectators. The newly tuned car, with its superior balance, enabled Hunter to chase Ciel at the apex.
Ciel maintained his racing line and once again pulled ahead after the turn!
In this moment, whether it was Hunter’s decisiveness or racing line, or Ciel’s god-like cornering, it became one of the most thrilling duels of the race.
When Hunter crossed the finish line 1.2 seconds behind Ciel, everyone on Marcus’ Team hugged each other tightly.
Marcus stared at the screen in a daze, tears welling up. He turned to look at Shen Chuan, who had been calmly analyzing the data for quite some time.
“Thank you… Dr. Shen. Without you guys… Hunter would never have achieved fourth place…”
Fourth place was the best result ever achieved by a driver on Marcus’ Team.
As Hunter drove back, the whole team cheered him on.
Yet, in his heart, he remained very calm.
This time, he still failed to duel with Winston on the track.
That man still stood high, looking down at him.
Hunter removed his fireproof mask and pressed a towel to his eyes. Suddenly, he felt the urge to cry. The cheers around him seemed distant, unable to penetrate his mind.
Winston had won another consecutive Grand Prix victory.
As for Hunter… he couldn’t match that man’s glory. He wasn’t even Winston’s competitor yet.
“Hunter, give us some time… wait until our power unit is completed. You will definitely get a chance to compete with Winston.”
His heart ached. Hunter looked up and met Shen Chuan’s gaze.
He held Shen Chuan’s hand, determination in his eyes. “Thank you. I believe in you guys.”
The post-race press conference was about to start. Hunter sat quietly, drinking water and eating the food prepared by the nutritionist.
“Hey, Hunter! Flowers for you!”
“Oh… thank you.”
Hunter opened the card. The handwriting was completely unfamiliar: You ignited my eyes.
“Who sent this?” Hunter asked the team staff.
“It seems to be from the secretary of the Nicky Group’s board of directors.”
“Nicky Group?”
Hunter scratched his head. Could it be Vivian Nicky1the previous translator used “Weiwen Nicky” but this is more suitable?
Just then, Marcus hurried over to Hunter, hugged him, and planted two hearty kisses on his cheeks.
“Hunter! Hunter! Our baby!”
Hunter rolled his eyes. “If you call me baby one more time, I’ll smash your head into the wall!”
“Vivian Nicky, the major shareholder of the Nicky Group, just called us. He said he would support us! Nicky might become our team’s largest shareholder! More importantly, his backing could secure you the best racing car!”
“Nicky…” It really was him.
“Yes! He came to watch this race in person! Now he’s your biggest fan!”
Hunter was a little dazed.
Damn! Is Vivian Nicky so rich that his brain is fried? He went to a club dressed up as a woman!
At this time, Winston’s post-race press conference began. Audrey, Winston’s number one fan, was also there.
Winston calmly answered all the technical questions from the media.
However, Audrey’s question was, “Evan Hunter, your close friend, achieved his best career result. What are your thoughts on his performance in this race?”
The media turned their focus to Winston. He rarely answered questions unrelated to racing, let alone commenting on other drivers.
“He’s not my friend.” Winston’s voice was cold.
These words left the media with expressions of regret, and some people whispered whether Hunter would be embarrassed if he heard it.
“He is more important than a friend. So, regarding his performance this time, I feel regretful because I still haven’t been able to compete with him.”
“But he’s getting closer to you,” Audrey said with a smile.
“Yes,” Winston nodded.
The reporters there suddenly racked their brains, coming up with various headlines like “Winston Predicts: Hunter Will Overtake Ciel to Become His Ultimate Rival” or “The Era of Winston and Hunter Is Coming”.
That night, Ciel drank heavily in despair, with Owen sitting beside him.
“Hey! Why do you think you couldn’t defend the championship? And let Vann Winston take it again!”
“Come on, come on! Why bother caring about those juniors!” Owen stroked Ciel’s head as if comforting a child.
“And that damn kid Hunter! Thinks he can overtake me easily?”
“No way!” Owen nodded and raised his hand to order another glass of wine for Ciel.
“Do you think I’m a child?” Ciel glanced at Owen.
“How could that be?” Owen laughed.
“Then why are you acting like this?”
Owen sighed and gave Ciel a thumbs up. “Let’s make a deal. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will show those two brats how awesome we are.”
Ciel pressed his finger against Owen’s. “Then explain why you sent my wife a picture of me drinking at the bar!”
“You want a divorce but your wife doesn’t, right? I’m just giving you a hand!” Owen narrowed his eyes and smiled.
“Help my ass! She’s going to take half my fortune!”
“You deserve it!”
“I want to punch you to death right now!”
“Ouch! Don’t hit me in the face!”
Meanwhile, Marcus’ Team received so many interview requests that Marcus couldn’t sleep. Hunter’s performance at the post-race press conference put the PR team at ease. He was like a mischievous prince who suddenly matured. He answered all the media’s questions with a smile, employing the “official answers” the PR team thought Hunter hadn’t paid attention to. In an instant, the reporters developed a fondness for this polite young man.
But Hunter declined all the interviews after the press conference, saying he was tired and wanted to rest. Marcus noticed that his mood wasn’t as good as they had expected, so he didn’t force him.
When Hunter returned to his room, he received an unknown call.
“Hello, this is Evan Hunter.”
“Hello, I’m Nicky. I’m waiting for you at the rooftop restaurant of the hotel. I wonder if I could treat you to dinner.”
“Nicky? Are you the Nicky I met at the club?” Hunter was surprised.
“Yeah. If you refuse my invitation, I will tell Mr. Marcus that I will cancel the sponsorship of your team.” Nicky joked with a sly tone.
Hunter paused before asking, “Are you wearing a dress and high heels today?”
“Why?”
“If so, I’m not going.” Hunter was still downhearted recalling how he had been tricked.
“Today I’m wearing a suit and tie because I’m meeting you for dinner. I made sure to look my most handsome.”
“Alright, I’ll be right there. Don’t ever tell Marcus that you’re withdrawing your sponsorship.”
Sponsors were the lifeblood of Marcus. Besides, Hunter really wanted to meet the real Nicky.
The rooftop restaurant was fancy, prompting Hunter to change into a suit. He hastily tied his tie before exiting the room.
The restaurant’s ceiling was a vast glass panel, creating the sensation of lying beneath the stars. In the middle of the restaurant, Hunter noticed a young man rising from his seat. He had short, light brown hair tucked behind his ears, revealing his forehead. His features were delicate. Hunter wasn’t sure if it was Nicky, but the other person was definitely looking at him.
“Nicky?” Hunter tilted his head.
The other person smiled, and his eyes confirmed to Hunter that it was Nicky.
“When I saw you in the club, I thought you were cute, but after watching your race, I find you quite manly.”
“Thank you.” Hunter scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“How about me? Is there any difference between me now and the person you met at the club?” Nicky chuckled, resting his chin on his hand.
“You look more pleasing to the eye now,” Hunter said.
“Haha, liar. It’s clear you liked me more that day.”
“If you dress like that and trick me again, I’ll give you black eyes. I don’t care if you still support Marcus’ Team.” Hunter said seriously.
“Not even at your birthday party?”
“That’s acceptable.”
The two laughed.
In fact, Nicky wasn’t feminine at all. On the contrary, when he spoke about the decision to support Marcus’ Team and strategies related to other public companies, he appeared decisive and thoughtful. Hunter felt like a child in his presence.
“Wanna go for another drink later tonight?” When dinner was over, Nicky winked and asked.
Hunter was about to respond when he felt someone lean on the back of his chair. A cold voice, like the night, cut through his thoughts.
“Excuse me, Nicky. Hunter and I have something to talk about.”
Realizing it was Winston, Hunter’s heart skipped a beat.
“I am about to break up with this guy, so we have nothing to talk about. Come on, let’s go for a drink.” Hunter was about to get up, but the person behind him pressed down on his shoulder firmly.
Nicky smiled, “Alright, Hunter. We’ll talk next time.”
“Wait a minute.”
As Nicky walked past, Hunter instinctively grabbed Nicky’s wrist. “Are you afraid of Vann Winston?”
“I wanted to say I wasn’t afraid, but he looks like he’s going to kill me. Besides… we have some business together.” Nicky made a throat-cutting gesture.
His reaction made Hunter wonder if Nicky and Winston knew each other from the start.
Winston’s hand slid from Hunter’s shoulder down to his wrist. Hunter wondered if his wrist would be crushed by the tightening grip, so he had no choice but to let Nicky go.
Nicky left with his hands in his pockets.
At the exit, he turned around and winked at Hunter, mouthing, “Stay alive.”
Winston’s voice rang in his ear, “Let’s go. I’ll have a drink with you.”
Hunter turned his face away. “I’m sleepy. I’m going back to rest.”
“I thought you’d be thrilled with fourth place and you’d come to me saying you don’t want to break up anymore.” Winston’s expression remained unchanged.
Are you playing childish games with me?
“Do you think breaking up is something you can say casually? Or do you think breaking up is a condition that can be negotiated?”
Hunter stood up, not even glancing at Winston, and strode towards the door with a cold expression. He knew Winston was following him, so he quickened his pace out the door and pressed the elevator button. Once inside, he immediately hit the close doors button.
But just as the doors were about to close, Winston suddenly reached out and held them open, causing the elevator to shake with his force. Hunter instinctively took half a step back.
Winston walked in, and the elevator doors closed behind him.
Though his demeanor seemed calm, Hunter felt the pressure.
“Hunter,” Winston called his name in that flat voice.
Hunter turned his face away, not looking at him. “We broke up.”
Last time you had the final say, this time I have the final say.
When the elevator door was about to open, Hunter moved past Winston. As he attempted to exit, Winston abruptly pulled him back, and Hunter stumbled into his arms.
Hunter was about to push him away, but the elevator doors closed. Winston tightened his embrace, causing Hunter’s bones to ache from the pressure.
“You know that if you really break up with me, I will resort to force.” Winston’s voice turned icy cold.
Hunter suddenly remembered Owen’s warning from a few days prior: don’t reject Winston, or he’ll use force.
“What kind of force?” Hunter tensed, staring at the elevator’s floor, ready to break free and escape at any moment.
“Hunter, you broke your promise to me first.”
“What promise?”
“You said you’d do all the dangerous things with me.”
“What dangerous thing did I do?”
“You were drunk, Hunter.”
“Is being drunk considered dangerous?”
The elevator doors opened again, and several guests were about to enter. Winston’s eyes swept over them like a cold wind, and no one dared to step in.
The elevator resumed its ascent.
“It’s certainly dangerous.”
Hunter contemplated struggling free, but Winston’s arms tightened until his veins were visible. Hunter didn’t dare to move recklessly anymore because he had trouble breathing.
“Ridiculous! We were all drinking together. Why am I the only one who did something dangerous!”
“Hunter, do you remember… what you did to me after you bit me?”
“What indecent thing did I do?”
“You grabbed my wrist and pressed me down on the bed. You treated me like a woman, tore my shirt, kissed my neck…”
Hunter’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets.
What? What had he done?
Just thinking about that scene, Hunter felt he had exceeded the limits of his understanding.
“You… you’re lying…”
“I’m not lying.”
“You’re so strong… how could I hold you down!” Hunter exclaimed.
The elevator doors opened. It was Hunter’s floor.
Winston let go of Hunter and walked out, lifting his chin as he said, “How about we reenact it right here?”
“Reenact… reenact what?”
“You were so strong back then and sat on my lap, looking all smug.”
Winston walked to Hunter’s room and leaned against the door, staring at him. This caused Hunter’s brain to falter. He was imagining himself pushing Winston down… the other party staring at him in shock, messy hair spread on the pillow… It couldn’t be sexier than this.
“I had to pin you down with my knees, and you nearly toppled off the bed. When I pulled you back, you said you wanted to party with me until dawn, and then asked me where my bunny ears were?”
Winston’s serious expression and vivid recollection made Hunter feel he had truly acted indecently.
“I told you this wasn’t a bunny girl party, and I wasn’t a bunny girl but Vann Winston. So you got angry and said… you hated me, hated that I attracted more women than you, hated that compared to me, you were like a child, hated that I was sexier and more mature than you, hated my personality, hated everything about me.”
Hunter locked eyes with him but looked away in less than three seconds.
That wasn’t hate.
That was jealousy.
Subconsciously, he wanted to be like Winston—a mature man with charisma and credibility in front of everyone.
Even though Winston was young among the many F1 drivers, he and Winston were worlds apart.
“I said to you, ‘I’m sorry, Hunter. Don’t be mad at me. You will become more outstanding, and more people will appreciate and like you.'”
Winston’s gaze was profound. Hunter had yelled that he hated him, yet this guy comforted him in return.
“But you said ‘Even if I become outstanding, I can never catch up with you! I will never be confident when I’m with you! I hate you! I want to end our friendship!’”
Winston looked calm now, but Hunter knew he had hurt him because Winston always treated him differently from others.
“You can’t take what I said when I wasn’t sober seriously! I just… I just…”
“Just what? Aren’t the words spoken when drunk the truest thoughts in your heart? Even if you were drunk, your expression was so serious that you must hate me.”
So that was why Winston said that Hunter tortured him all night.
Not because Hunter was drunk and acting out, but because Winston kept thinking about why Hunter hated him and wanted to break up with him.
“When I said I was going to break up with you before the qualifying match, you almost cried, didn’t you?” Winston asked softly.
“Yes… because I was so angry… so angry… so sad… You said that if I didn’t make it into the top five, you would shove that thing of yours into my mouth. I just thought you were angry, thought you hoped that I would be more serious about the race if I had some pressure… But when you said you were going to break up with me, it wasn’t the same! I was just drunk! You can be angry that I was drunk and did something bad, but you can’t say you’re going to break up with me because you’re angry!”
Hunter’s throat tightened, his nose stung. This feeling was like when he saw his mother arguing with his drunk father, and he could only helplessly watch them grow further apart, sitting on the bed alone, hugging his knees and crying.
Then one day, his mother dragged her suitcase out of that house completely.
Now he wanted to raise his head because he knew his tears were about to fall.
He understood. Even though he said he hated Winston, even though he said he wanted to break up when he was drunk, if the words he said hurt the other person, then it was still hurtful.
When his father was drunk, he would scold him. Even though he knew that wasn’t his father’s true feelings and knew how much his father loved him when he was sober, he was still hurt.
The same went for Winston.
“But my feelings at that time were the same as yours. Even though I knew you were drunk, you could still easily say those words. When I’m not around, do you often think this way?” Winston asked.
“I don’t!”
Hunter looked at the other person immediately. The moment he met Winston’s eyes, his heart ached as if pricked by a needle.
“When you talked about the reasons why you hate me, it was really smooth, as if you had said it hundreds or thousands of times without me knowing.”
“Because I… because I envy you. You’re the kind of person I want to be. You’re decisive but reasonable. If you were me… maybe you wouldn’t have lost your dad. You would use your mature ways to solve everything… but I can’t. I could only watch my parents fight fiercely over debt… over trivial matters… I could only watch my father take my prize money to buy the most expensive wine, then snatch the bottle from his hand and fight… I’m not telling you this because I want your pity… but because I want to be you… But being you is not easy, so I hate your perfection…”
Hunter lowered his head. He knew he couldn’t hold back anymore and big tears fell.
He didn’t dare to wipe them away as he didn’t want Winston to see his tears.
Because that was a symbol of weakness.
But Winston reached out and gently held the back of Hunter’s head, pressing his head onto his shoulder, letting Hunter’s tears fall on him.
“Dummy, if you truly think I’m perfect, then there’s no need for you to try to become me. I’ll always be by your side and do all the things you’re not good at. So why go through all this trouble to become someone like me?”
The author has something to say:
Hunter: What things am I not good at that you can do well for me?
Winston: Hugs, kisses, and making you feel good.
Hunter: …
Translator’s note:
By the way, I don’t have a set upload schedule. I’ll just post new chapters whenever I finish them! But I’ll try to post 2-3 ch per week ☺️
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