Chapter 43 - 43: Competition
Qin Fen led a group of people to a private restaurant, and Zhou Chao could tell from the grand decoration that those who came here were no ordinary individuals.
As Qin Fen and Zhou Chao entered a private room, they began to chat as if they had known each other for a long time. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, leaving the others hesitant to interrupt.
Before long, a waiter from the restaurant arrived with a delightful array of dishes, each more tempting than the last. As Qin Fen gazed at the feast before them, he turned to Zhou Chao and remarked, “The culinary artists here are truly exceptional. The head chef’s skills rival those preparing state banquets. You should all definitely indulge.”
With their chopsticks in hand, everyone began to savor the meal. The irresistible charm of the delicious cuisine left no one untouched. As they took bites, Qin Lang and the rest subtly wrinkled their brows, though they refrained from voicing any concerns. However, Qin Fen’s keen observation didn’t miss this detail.
“What’s wrong with you guys? Is the taste not right?” Qin Fen asked, looking at Qin Lang and the others.
“Brother, it’s not that. The food is indeed delicious, but compared to Zhou Chao’s culinary skills, it falls a bit short,” Qin Lang said helplessly.
Qin Fen looked at Zhou Chao in shock, momentarily questioning if someone as wealthy as him could really possess state banquet-level culinary skills. He found himself doubting life for a moment. “Is that true? Zhou Chao, I must taste your cooking sometime. You can’t refuse!”
Zhou Chao nodded in resignation, “Alright, let’s arrange it later. I’ll give you a call in advance. Is that okay?”
As they chatted and ate, it was past 1 o’clock in the afternoon when they finally left the private restaurant. Qin Fen then led the group back to the Modu Metropolitan Yacht Club.
Inside the lounge, everyone gathered around a tea table, sipping tea and chatting. Zhou Chao opened a topic, “Keting, 1 heard you went to Macau recently. How did it go?”
“All, Brother Chao, don’t mention it. I was there for three days, lost nearly 20 million. When I came back, 1 got an earful from my family,” Yin Keting said with a dejected tone.
The others were intrigued by the topic. After all, the wealthier people tended to enjoy such excitement. They all asked for details. Yin Keting summarized, “The worse I am, the more I play. I always feel that 1’11 win the next round, but I keep losing.” Laughter erupted among them.
“Zhou Chao, would you like to race a few laps on the track?” Qin Fen asked.
“Sure, I’d like to experience the speed of a professional track.”
“How about you two race against each other?” Qin Lang chimed in.
“I don’t mind. Your call,” Qin Fen looked at Zhou Chao, who nodded in agreement.
Exiting the venue, the group made their way outdoors. Qin Fen proceeded directly towards his Koenigsegg. After a brief pause, Zhou Chao accepted the Poison’s key from Lin Wu and settled into the car.
Soon, both of them were at the starting line, revving their engines. As the starting pistol fired, Zhou Chao stepped hard on the accelerator, and his racing car shot forward like an untamed horse. Qin Fen’s Koenigsegg followed closely behind. As they approached the first bend, Qin Fen began to slow down.
He noticed that Zhou Chao’s speed ahead hadn’t diminished at all. Unable to help himself, he felt a twinge of nervousness for him. Then, he witnessed Poison execute a graceful full-speed drift around the bend, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye. In a hurry, Qin Fen caught up, but as he navigated the curve, all he could do was watch Zhou Chao’s car disappear into the next bend from a distance.
Seeing this scene, Qin Lang and the others were left gaping, wearing expressions of disbelief. No one had any idea that Zhou Chao’s racing skills were this exceptional. Soon, Zhou Chao completed a lap, just as Lin Wu rushed over in the nick of time.
Qin Lang and the rest knew that this serious-looking man was a regular bodyguard and driver. Curious, they asked as he approached, “What’s going on?”
“Almost broke the record,” Lin Wu said.
“How fast was it?” they inquired.
“1 minute 33.54 seconds,” he replied.
Hearing this, everyone was left in awe. If Zhou Chao were to race in Fl, he might even clinch a podium. While they were still exclaiming in astonishment, Zhou Chao had already exited the track. Shortly after, Qin Fen also returned.
Zhou Chao and Qin Fen approached the group with smiles. Qin Fen looked at them and asked, “What were you all discussing? You look so surprised.” “Brother, you won’t believe it. Zhou Chao nearly broke the track record here in Modu City. He was less than two seconds short.”
“How is that possible?” Qin Fen’s expression mirrored the group’s astonishment. He had been involved in racing for years and had competed with many professional drivers, but none had ever been as fast as Zhou Chao. He looked at Zhou Chao with disbelief.
“Holy cow,” Qin Fen unusually let out a curse. “Not only are you better looking than me, your culinary skills are on par with a state banquet chef, and now you’re a world-class racer too. Zhou Chao, just how many talents are you hiding?”
Hearing Qin Fen’s words, Zhou Chao replied playfully, “You’ll find out in due time.”
At 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the internal competition organized by the SSCC club officially began. Initially, Zhou Chao wanted to participate, but Qin Fen immediately rejected the idea. If Zhou Chao joined, who could possibly beat him? Unable to compete, Zhou Chao had to watch the races from the spectator’s area with Lin Wu.
This race comprised ten laps, with speed as the key factor. Soon, over twenty cars sped off, and Qin Fen secured his spot at the forefront. After all, although his skills weren’t on par with Zhou Chao’s, he was among the best within the club. He maintained the lead throughout the competition.
The race’s purpose was to strengthen relationships among SSCC club members and facilitate business and cooperation between them. Of course, this had nothing to do with Zhou Chao.
After Qin Fen finished the race, they each drove their own cars and left. Originally, Zhou Chao planned to head home to rest, but Qin Fen insisted on accompanying him. Reluctantly, Zhou Chao led the group back to The Palms Residence.
Lin Wu brought out a platter of sliced fruits, and people lounged in the chairs by the swimming pool.
“Zhou Chao, you sure know how to live the good life. If a few more pretty ladies were here, it would be even better,” Qin Fen said while munching on watermelon.
“Let’s organize a pool party sometime,” Qin Lang chimed in.
“I’m not really into that kind of atmosphere. If you guys want to have fun, you can do it on the Dragonfly,” Zhou Chao suggested.
“Dragonfly? What’s that?” Qin Fen asked curiously.
“It’s a super luxurious yacht. Brother, how about we organize a yacht party in a few days?” Qin Lang suggested with a mischievous grin.
“Let’s see. Right now, I’m more interested in going to Macau. Zhou Chao, would you be interested in going there for a visit?” Qin Fen turned to Zhou Chao.
“Sure, just let me know when you’re planning it. i’ll join you.”
“Great, it’s settled then. I’ll head to Macau in a few days,” Qin Fen decisively concluded..