Hunter froze, still remembering that Shen Chuan had once said Shen Xi never joked.
“Do you… really want me to lift you?”
“Yeah! I want to know what it’s like to sit on someone’s shoulders, but my brother isn’t strong enough!” Shen Xi said, her tone tinged with regret.
Shen Chuan turned away helplessly.
Hunter smiled and clapped his hands at Shen Xi, “That’s no problem at all!”
Every racer was strong.
Hunter bent down slightly in front of Shen Xi and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. The girl was as light as a feather. Even though she ate snacks all day long, why didn’t she gain weight? Could her clever brain burn off all those calories?
Shen Xi happily hugged Hunter’s neck, looked at her brother, and then spread her arms wide.
“When she was little, I used to carry her like that. Look at you, you’ll spoil her.” Shen Chuan shook his head.
“Hehe, because Little Xi is adorable!”
“No way, when I said I wanted to strike you with lightning, you were scared to death. How could you find me cute?” Shen Xi, sitting on Hunter’s shoulders, pushed up her glasses and asked seriously.
Hunter paused, unsure how to continue the conversation.
Shen Chuan helped change the subject for him, “By the way, Hunter, there’s a dinner party at Emirates Palace1a fancy hotel in Abu Dhabi
tomorrow. Do you have a suitable outfit?”
“… Do I look like I have one?”
Hunter lowered Shen Xi from his shoulders.
“No worries. The PR manager probably anticipated this and prepared everything for you. Make sure to try it on tonight.”
“Got it!”
Hunter couldn’t sleep the whole night.
He was holding his phone, with a matching game open, but his fingers remained still. In this race, he not only secured fourth place but also got to compete with Ciel and Winston! With such significant progress and great achievements, how could Winston not call or text him?
The feeling of unhappiness grew stronger. He suddenly remembered the first time he secured fourth place, how he had rushed to Winston and that guy had picked him up…
Hunter missed the feeling of being lifted high by Winston.
“Stupid.” Hunter patted his head.
He adjusted his mood, and a wicked grin spread across his face as he sent a message to Winston: I got fourth place in this race! You’re in third place. This is the closest I’ve ever been to you!
Winston, oh Winston, I don’t believe you forgot our deal!
Striptease! Striptease!
Just thinking about it made Hunter roll around in his bed.
Winston’s reply came almost instantly: Congratulations.
Hunter felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.
That’s it? Congratulations? Who needs your congratulations?
Angrily, Hunter continued typing: What about my strip dance?
You’re not getting away with this!
Minutes ticked by, yet Winston’s message still hadn’t arrived. Hunter threw his phone on the bed and stared at it with his legs crossed, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.
“What happened?”
Meanwhile, Winston leaned against the stall door in the restroom of the interview room, head tilted back, his throat bobbing as if trying to suppress something.
“Winston! Are you in here? The interview is about to start!” the PR assistant called out.
Winston gritted his teeth, recognizing the vibration of his phone in his pocket. It was the special ringtone he had set for Hunter. Each time the message tone rang, the veins on his forehead became more pronounced. He stared up at the bright light bulb but his eyes seemed to drift somewhere far away.
“Winston… you’re not in here?” The sound of the PR assistant’s footsteps faded as he walked away.
When the restroom fell silent again, a low groan escaped Winston’s throat. As the overwhelming desire within him found temporary release, a new burst of energy erupted. He exhaled deeply, but his jaw remained clenched and his brow furrowed.
Hunter’s exclusive message tone continued to ring relentlessly.
After a dozen seconds, everything finally released.
He exited the restroom, calmly adjusting himself in front of the mirror, ready to face the curious and expectant eyes of countless media representatives.
This race had many highlights. Although Winston didn’t hold the championship again, his skills still commanded great respect from the media. Most questions focused on technical and strategic issues, along with comments on Owen and Ciel’s performances.
The journalists knew that Winston wouldn’t answer questions outside of the professional field. However, halfway through the interview, Audrey Wilson suddenly raised her hand, “In this race, you and your close friend Evan Hunter competed against each other eight times. Although Hunter didn’t succeed in overtaking you, he took a lot of risks each time. How did you feel at those moments?”
Winston’s rivalry with Ciel or Owen had been established since he entered the F1 world, but racing against Hunter was new. Every reporter showed extreme interest. At the same time, they knew Winston’s cold nature and his reluctance to speak much about other competitors.
Winston was silent for two seconds. The journalists braced for disappointment, except for Audrey Wilson, who stood still, waiting for his response.
“From a purely technical perspective, Hunter performed flawlessly. While his place in the standings didn’t improve dramatically over the last rounds, his control over braking timing and line choices elevated his skills to a whole new level.”
Winston’s expression was calm, but the reporters were surprised. It was the first time Vann Winston had so clearly expressed his admiration for an opponent.
“Did you feel any pressure when he was chasing after you?” Audrey asked another question.
“Hunter has never brought pressure to me. He excites me.”
Once again, the journalists were stunned, including Audrey. She stared at Winston in disbelief. His face remained indifferent as if the word “excites” had nothing to do with him.
The press conference ended, and Winston took out his phone, finding several more messages from Hunter: Hey! Why aren’t you answering me? Are you scared?
Hunter: Striptease was your own bet. Are you embarrassed now?
Hunter: Why aren’t you answering my messages? Did you lose your phone?
Hunter: … If you don’t want to strip, just buy me a drink.
Hunter: If drinking is out of the question, then take me on a short trip again!
Winston lowered his gaze, texting quickly with one hand.
This was the first time his assistant Anne, walking beside him, saw him texting so much.
At that moment, Hunter was sitting on the toilet playing the matching game when a message popped up. He tapped to read it and saw it was from Winston: You want to see my body that much?
Hunter’s shoulders shook and he nearly dropped his phone. He immediately replied: Who wants to see your body!
Winston’s message came quickly as if he had anticipated Hunter’s response: Then when I strip for you, you must close your eyes and not look.
Hunter felt his internal organs tremble: Of course, I have to look! That’s my right!
Winston responded: Since when did looking at my body become your right?
Hunter’s ears turned red. Luckily Winston couldn’t see it, otherwise, he’d be even more smug!
Hunter exhaled and angrily retorted: I’ve made it to the top 5 in three consecutive races, watching you strip is my right!
Winston’s reply came at lightning speed: So, what color underwear do you want to see me in?
Hunter suddenly remembered the time at the Noboribetsu hot spring inn, when he accidentally grabbed that area of Winston… His fingers felt like they were electrified and he nearly dropped his phone again.
Hunter gritted his teeth and replied: Rainbow colored. Do you have any?
Winston replied: Little liar. You clearly like me in black.
Hunter tilted his head: Why black?
Winston answered: Strongest visual impact.
“Visual impact? What impact…” When he understood Winston’s implication, Hunter almost threw his phone. Even though he won the bet, why did he still feel at a disadvantage? Not happy at all! Not happy!
Two seconds later, Hunter smirked and replied: Black doesn’t create the strongest visual impact, but not wearing anything does.
If you dare, say you’ll strip completely for me to see!
Unexpectedly, Winston replied: OK, I got it.
“OK? You got it? Got what!”
Hunter really hated the way Winston spoke!
At this moment, another message from Winston came: Breakfast together tomorrow?
Hunter read this message countless times. He had been angry a moment ago, but now he felt a warmth inside.
He replied: Sure. Are you still in the interview?
Winston replied: The interview ended over ten minutes ago.
Hunter rolled his eyes. If the interview ended, why had Winston been texting so long instead of calling!
The next morning, Hunter uncharacteristically didn’t sleep in. He dressed in a sweatshirt and jogged to the hotel restaurant where Winston was staying. Having breakfast here while bidding farewell to the Yas Marina Circuit was the best choice.
When Hunter entered the restaurant, he instinctively looked towards the spot where he and Winston had eaten last time. He saw Winston’s arm around Audrey Wilson’s waist.
Hunter stood frozen as Winston leaned in and whispered something to Audrey, causing her face to flush.
Someone approached Hunter and said knowingly, “Being pursued by an outstanding woman for so long, any man would be tempted, unless he’s not straight.”
It was Lawrence Owen. This guy seemed to be staying at the same hotel as Winston.
For some reason, the last person Hunter wanted to see now was him.
“Haha… yeah…” Hunter forced a smile.
“Your smile is hideous.” Owen snorted, “Imagine one day, Winston having breakfast with someone else, traveling with someone else, sharing his joys and sorrows with someone else. Can you still smile then?”
“Hey! Don’t talk… as if… as if I like Winston!”
Hunter’s heart pounded fiercely.
Owen was joking, playing tricks. This guy had always liked to mess with people.
“Don’t you like him?” Owen’s gaze slanted towards him. “You were looking for Winston, right? Do you know, your expression was exactly like my first love looking for me at the park entrance on our first date?” Owen’s voice carried a mix of teasing and mockery.
“You’re so boring.” Hunter frowned.
Hopefully, this guy wouldn’t say any nonsense in front of Winston!
Owen put his hands in his pockets and leaned closer to Hunter, “Actually, if you really like him, I can teach you how to win him over.”
Just then, Audrey moved away from Winston. She looked up with an awkward expression and stiffly walked towards the exit. When she accidentally saw Hunter, she immediately turned her face away, which surprised Hunter.
Winston also saw Hunter then. He frowned and took long strides towards him. Before Hunter could react, Winston stood between him and Owen.
“Owen, I thought you had left Yas Marina.” Winston’s voice had a coldness that Hunter hadn’t heard in a long time.
“I still like this place a lot. But don’t worry, I won’t disturb your breakfast time with Little Hunter.” With that, Owen turned and left contentedly, but his words “I can teach you how to win him over” echoed like a devil’s whisper in Hunter’s mind.
“You still talk to Owen. Aren’t you afraid he’ll play tricks on you?” Winston asked.
“I just ran into him. I saw you talking with Miss Wilson, so I didn’t come over. What were you two talking about? Another interview appointment?” Hunter quickly changed the subject.
“Nothing. Let’s have breakfast.”
Winston’s expression revealed nothing, but Hunter felt disappointed. Even though Audrey Wilson always approached him to discuss similar topics, it still wasn’t “nothing.”
Besides, he even embraced her…
Meanwhile, Audrey had entered the elevator, hugging her arms, and sighed deeply. Today, she had intentionally come to this restaurant for breakfast to “bump into” Winston. The Winston of today was entirely different from the Winston who faced the media. He held a newspaper in his hand while turning the pages, his eyebrows softening. Occasionally, he would look towards the restaurant entrance as if waiting for someone.
She deliberately wore high heels and walked past him, then pretended to twist her ankle and fell towards him, successfully landing in his arms. His arms were steady, giving her a deep sense of masculine strength and security. But when his icy voice rang out, Audrey knew things wouldn’t go the way she had hoped.
“Did you use this trick to get Hunter to hold you?”
“I…”
Winston’s blunt words left Audrey speechless.
“On the surface, Hunter seems childish, but he’s a true gentleman. I’m not like that.” Winston pushed her away without hesitation. “Don’t approach me using the same tricks you use on Hunter. You’re an experienced journalist, you should maintain your professionalism.”
Audrey’s face flushed red. “I’m sorry.”
She hurried away as if escaping. When she saw Hunter entering from the door, she felt incredibly ashamed.
Despite being slightly upset, Hunter’s mood brightened when Winston picked the German sausage out of his spaghetti and placed it in front of him. He eagerly chatted about the upcoming banquet at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
“I heard that hotel is often used to host heads of state! Is it super luxurious?” Hunter asked curiously.
“The hotel is large, just don’t get lost.” Winston calmly took a sip of fruit juice.
“How could I get lost!”
As Winston’s lips touched the rim of the glass, the juice trickled into the corner of his mouth, making Hunter’s heart skip a beat.
“What are you looking at?” Winston asked.
“N-nothing… just thinking about what juice you were drinking.” Hunter found a random excuse.
Hunter realized he increasingly liked looking at Winston. Perhaps there were many women in the world with more delicate features, more grace, and allure, but Winston’s unique aura always drew him in.
As Hunter hurriedly lowered his head to eat his spaghetti, the man sitting opposite suddenly handed over his glass and said in a voice as gentle as the morning sunlight, “Try it and guess what flavor it is.”
His beautiful fingers held the glass, and his elegant wrist movements made Hunter suddenly feel the urge to keep them to himself. With his other hand supporting his chin, Hunter felt a warmth despite Winston not smiling. Hunter opened his mouth and took the rim of the glass. Winston extended his hand further, tilting the glass so the juice flowed into Hunter’s mouth.
The taste was both sour and sweet, and Hunter found himself reluctant to part with it.
“What juice do you think this is?” Winston’s voice echoed.
“Uh… I can’t guess.” Even though Hunter tasted apples, he intentionally didn’t say it out loud.
Winston chuckled softly, “You even have a dull sense of taste.”
“That’s not true! All fruit juices taste sweet and sour. Let me try another sip!”
Winston took another sip, and Hunter gawked at the corner of his mouth, as if his thoughts also turned into the juice, flowing between Winston’s lips and lingering on his tongue.
“Alright.” Winston patiently extended his hand again, and Hunter leaned towards him. Although he could have taken the glass himself, he pretended his hands were busy with the knife and fork so that Winston would have to feed him the juice.
“Can you taste it now?” Winston asked.
“Apple juice! And a hint of papaya!” Hunter said, smacking his lips.
And it also tastes like you.
“Maybe. I’m not a big fan of papaya,” Winston said.
“Then let me drink it.”
“You want to drink juice?” Winston asked.
“Why can’t I drink it?” Hunter retorted.
He just wanted the glass.
“I’ll order another one for you,” Winston said.
“What will you order for me?”
I don’t want another glass, I want yours!
Winston raised his hand, and a waiter approached, “One cherry juice, please.”
“Why cherry juice?” Hunter asked, feeling dissatisfied.
“Don’t you think the pronunciation of ‘cherry’ sounds like ‘cherish’?” Winston said.
Hunter’s heart felt as if it were grasped by Winston’s beautiful fingers.
“I’m… I’m not a girl! What’s there to cherish!” Hunter shouted as if trying to hide something.
“To cherish our present. This is the first time I’ve ordered cherry juice for someone. So…” Winston looked directly into Hunter’s eyes, “If I find out you order cherry juice for someone else…”
“What then…” Hunter suddenly felt guilty as he remembered the time he had smoked with a woman outside a bar in Montreal. He had imitated Winston’s manner to flirt with her, only to be caught red-handed by Winston. Although Winston didn’t say anything, Hunter always felt embarrassed about it.
“I’ll have my way of dealing with you.”
“And how will you deal with me?”
“Why don’t you try and see?”
“Well… never mind…” Hunter replied, backing down.
“Have you prepared your outfit for tonight?” Winston asked casually.
“The PR manager is taking care of it. They might also do something with my hair.”
“What a pity.”
“What’s a pity?”
“They’ll definitely use gel on you.”
“… But just using water isn’t enough; my hair would lose its shape.” Hunter touched his bangs. His hair had grown long since he hadn’t cut it in a while. “Hey, do you remember? At the Ferrari event, you styled my hair!”
“Yes, I remember. Your hair was very soft.”
“Really?” Hunter raised his hand to grab his hair, “I was just thinking about getting a buzz cut.”
“It’s fine as it is. If it’s too short, it will poke my hand.”
Hunter laughed, “Poke your hand? Sounds like you want to rub my head every day.”
Winston didn’t reply.
Hunter winked and leaned closer to him, “Don’t forget your striptease!”
Hunter had expected to see some reaction on Winston’s face, but to his surprise, Winston’s expression didn’t change at all.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
“That’s it? Aren’t you embarrassed at all?” Hunter was disappointed.
Winston imitated Hunter and moved closer, “If I get embarrassed, I lose.”
Hunter, with his mouth full of spaghetti, looked up and saw Winston with his eyebrows lowered and a slight smile on his lips.
After breakfast, Hunter and the team left Yas Marina and headed to the Emirates Palace Hotel. This eight-star hotel was nestled on the Arabian Gulf, boasting a private beach over a kilometer long, with comprehensive amenities and an interior that exudes unparalleled luxury.
Hunter felt like his eyes were blinded.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the PR manager had Hunter try on his outfit. Marcus even hired a makeup artist.
“I only have a few freckles… is this really necessary?” Did they plan to put a whole layer of powder on his face?
“Hunter! My Hunter! Don’t you realize you’re now among the elite racers?” Marcus looked at him and exclaimed.
“… I’ve always been a top racer, never changed.” Hunter shrugged.
“Well, four months ago, you were a ‘top racer’ from the bottom up. Your name couldn’t even be found on the leaderboard! But now you’ve become a racer who can compete with Winston and Ciel! Most importantly, you’re not even twenty yet! You have to pay attention to your image!”
Hunter’s eyes lit up, “I am a racer who can compete with Winston and Ciel now!”
“Yes! This gala is hosted by the FIA. There will be many F1 sponsors! They need to see you at your best!”
Hunter pretended not to hear Marcus and continued to marvel, “I am a racer who can compete with Winston and Ciel now! But my annual salary is only 250,000 euros!”
Marcus covered his eyes with his hand and sighed, “Hunter! We clearly signed a supplementary agreement before the Abu Dhabi race! Now, after deducting the commission, your annual salary is 2.5 million!”
“Oh! Really?” Hunter laughed.
The next race is in the US, and he’ll go buy his father’s house back!
At this moment, the assistant returned, asking Hunter to take off his T-shirt and put on a custom-made shirt and evening suit. Hunter walked to the mirror nonchalantly, and upon seeing himself, he couldn’t help but sigh, “I’m so handsome…”
“Of course you’re handsome! Do you know fans have created a website dedicated to you? Did you know Audrey Wilson’s interview will be broadcast on TV tonight? I watched the sample footage, you’re so adorable! I’m sure tons of women are going to fall for you!”
“Sample footage is out? It will be on tonight! Can I stay here to watch?”
“No!” Marcus firmly refused.
“I hate galas… Please don’t auction anything… it’s so boring…”
“Yep, there is indeed an auction at tonight’s gala. The proceeds go towards research on environmentally friendly fuels.”
Hunter let out a long sigh, “What are you planning to auction from my stuff?”
“Underwear.”
The author has something to say:
Hunter: Hehe, what style of underwear would create the strongest visual impact?
Winston: Not wearing any.
Hunter: … I didn’t expect to discuss this with you seriously…
Winston: I gave you a serious answer.
![The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image_2021-09-11_143139.png "The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao")
