The First Generation of Tycoon

Chapter 133 A Generation of Heroes

Lu Zhizhou had to admit that he hadn't read the Ferrari and ART contract carefully; the dry, unfamiliar technical terms were practically a hypnotic guide.

Fortunately, he had Nicholas to deal with external matters and Jiang Mo to handle internal ones. Moreover, Lu Zhizhou was still a minor, and everything required a guardian's signature. He felt at ease handing over all these complicated legal matters, becoming a hands-off manager and focusing all his energy on racing.

Moreover, when Jiang Mo joined the ART team, he gave him a one-year contract. Not to mention F1, it's uncertain whether there will even be a second year.

So, to be honest, Lu Zhizhou remembered that Ferrari's contract contained relevant restrictions related to F1, but he was somewhat unsure of the specific details.

However, that doesn't matter, because Lu Zhizhou doesn't intend to be led by the nose by Abbitbol; legal and brokerage matters will naturally be handled by Nicholas. What truly sounded the alarm was Abbitbol's proactive, unusually proactive approach.

Without a doubt, Lu Zhizhou was now surrounded by a cacophony of noise and excitement, dazzled and floating on clouds, as if the world was bowing down beneath his feet.

But is it really that simple?

Look at Norris, he even needs his own sponsors to participate in F2 races, and that's with the full support of the McLaren academy.

Then look at Leclerc, a GP3 champion and about to win the F2 championship. He showed a sweeping performance in the middle of the season. In every aspect, he is a prodigy from the academy. However, when he entered F1, he started from scratch. It also took him a lot of effort to join Sauber, which is currently at the bottom of the paddock.

But Renault, a French team that is in the middle of the paddock, one of the four major engine suppliers in the paddock, and the power center of racing, is showing such an attitude.
Everything was too dreamy and too perfect, which made it seem suspicious.

After a brief pause, Lu Zhizhou joked, "Wait, you mean all the drivers read the entire 300-page contract? And most of them didn't even graduate high school?"

“Haha.” Abbitbol burst out laughing. “Sorry, my mistake. I should have asked Nicholas.”

"In short, leave these things to us to worry about: super licenses, Ferrari contracts, and so on. That's our job. Your job is to get on the track, finish the race, and squeeze out all the potential from our cars."

"I hope you are ready. If it's fast, it's Malaysia; if it's slow, it's Japan. The opportunity will come soon."

As always, sweet words and vows of eternal love are truly captivating.

Lu Zhizhou had reason to believe that the French were indeed romantic, possessing a whole repertoire of seductive charms that could easily bewitch someone if they weren't careful.

To be honest, Lu Zhizhou really hadn't expected this—

An opportunity has presented itself, and he might even step onto the F1 stage before Leclerc.

Despite his excitement, Lu Zhizhou managed to control himself and immediately informed Nicholas. This time, Nicholas was not surprised.

Previously, he deliberately leaked information about McLaren to scare them off and see who would make the first move.

“…Trust Cyril’s words with only 30% of your confidence.” Nicholas was completely blunt. “He likes to make empty promises. He says nice things to your face, but forgets them as soon as he turns his back. Believe me, if we refuse him, he will pretend to be a victim and accuse us of being ungrateful and breaking our promises. But in fact, he is juggling multiple relationships and is not afraid of capsizing.”

Nicholas swiftly and decisively shattered all those beautiful bubbles of dreams.

Lu Zhizhou was mentally prepared and not too disappointed. "So, he was just saying it?"

Nicholas: "Not really. He's just casting a wide net."

"Palmer's performance has been absolutely terrible, a nightmare. They can't wait any longer. Either Palmer or Cyril will leave."

“Cyril will naturally not surrender without a fight, but will strike first and get Palmer out of here.”

"As far as I know, Cyril is currently in contact with at least four drivers: one who is not currently in the paddock, two who are currently active in the paddock, and you."

Lu Zhizhou raised an eyebrow slightly, "The variety and types are rich and diverse, taking care of all aspects."

Nicholas was amused. "You actually thought you were casting a net to catch fish?"

"At present, Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso is the closest to signing the contract, and they should have already entered the contract details negotiation stage."

Sure enough, in the hunting grounds, one cannot easily believe sweet words; if one is not careful, one may be led astray.

Lu Zhizhou calmed down. "So, I have no chance?"

Nicholas's tone rose slightly, a hint of curiosity in it. "What, you want to go to Renault?"

"Ha." Lu Zhizhou laughed directly. "No, I just want to drive an F1 car."

Nicholas, "Any teams?"

Lu Zhizhou: "Yes, any convoy."

Nicholas: "Oh, Cyril must be heartbroken. So Renault is just 'any team' in your eyes."

Now that they are more familiar with each other, Nicholas and Lu Zhizhou's communication has become noticeably easier. They joke around with each other and are more like friends.

Lu Zhizhou curled his lip. "Nicholas, I don't have a choice, do I? To others, there are big and small teams, fast and slow cars, and it seems like you can pick and choose; but F1 is F1. There are only ten teams and twenty seats in the whole world. Even Shire faces many challenges. How can I be an exception?"

Nicholas was taken aback.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Lu Zhizhou to be so rational and insightful. But thinking back, Lu Zhizhou was the same when he signed with the ART team, displaying wisdom beyond his years. This was the fundamental reason that drove him to take a gamble.

Looking back now, his all-or-nothing gamble paid off, didn't it?
“Zhizhou, you should have confidence in yourself. I am full of confidence right now.” Nicolas wasn’t good at sweet talk, a trait stemming from Jean Todt’s upbringing; he preferred to be more pragmatic.

"I'll talk to Cyril again. But don't get your hopes up too high."

"If Renault wants you to debut in Malaysia, there are too many difficulties. There's the super license, the Ferrari contract, and a short period of one month is too rushed. The possibility of it happening is really not high."

"Moreover, in October, you were under 18, which meant you were walking right into the FIA's line of fire. Things won't be that easy."

"My personal opinion?"

“I think they’re looking for a scapegoat to divert attention. Renault should have been competing for fourth place in the second group, but now they’re even losing seventh place, so Cyril needs to find a scapegoat.”

"If it were you, you could paint a rosy picture, paint a bright future for the board, get through the rest of the season, and focus on next year."

"But believe me, if you don't perform well, he won't cover for you."

The logic isn't difficult; you just need to find that crucial piece of the puzzle, and then the illogical becomes logical.

Lu Zhizhou's lips curled up slightly, "But what if I perform exceptionally well?"

Nicholas was worried that Lu Zhizhou would be unable to withstand the pressure and become an innocent scapegoat, but what if Lu Zhizhou withstood the pressure and proved himself?

Nicholas thought for a moment, and could picture a fantastical scene of everyone being humiliated, but he remained rational. "Cyril will say it's all his doing."

"Haha." Lu Zhizhou burst out laughing.

Nicholas: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

On the track, Lu Zhizhou delivered a top-notch performance, increasing his chances of success in the next phase. Off the track, Nicolas also needed to put on an excellent performance to further strengthen Lu Zhizhou's position. Instead of desperately begging for a seat, it would be better for the team to actively court Lu Zhizhou's favor.

Without stopping, Nicholas began to get busy in all aspects.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhizhou packed his bags to prepare for the next GP3 ​​race, but unexpectedly, he was greeted by an uninvited guest in Maranello.

……

A gentle breeze carries the chirping of birds, and even standing indoors, one can feel the warmth and brightness of the golden sunlight streaming through the window. The refreshing air of the green hills and valleys makes the body feel light, full of energy and vitality.

Just then, a voice called out from downstairs, "Zhizhou! Alfred's bread is fresh out of the oven!"

It felt like when he and Song Bo were playing in the courtyard of their apartment complex during their childhood. Every mealtime, Jiang Mo and Zhang Qiaomu would take turns standing at their door and shouting at the top of their lungs—

Without cell phones, we relied entirely on our voices.

The same applies to what's right now.

Alfred is the baker on their block and owns a private bakery.

Having lived in Maranello for almost a year, Lu Zhizhou has now fully adapted to life here. The best coffee, the best bread, and the best restaurants here are not those famous "tourist attractions," but rather the small shops run by local residents on street corners, offering authentic flavors.

Alfred's Bakery bakes fresh bread three times a day, absolutely delicious. In this tiny town, the residents are all too familiar with Lu Zhizhou's unique Asian face. Even when he goes out to take out the trash, he can run into a town resident who stops to chat for a while. They have even started to care about Lu Zhizhou's daily life.

Like family.

Lu Zhizhou called out from inside the house, "Thank you! Jia Siming! Let's call it a day!"

"That won't do. You have to eat breakfast. How can you travel on an empty stomach..." She muttered to herself, not waiting for Lu Zhizhou's response, and walked away into the distance.

Then, there was a knock at the door, and Lu Zhizhou reflexively looked over, "Jia Siming..."

Slightly taken aback, Lu Zhizhou scratched his head. "Sorry, I thought Jasmine had come up. Mr. Marchionne."

Standing at the apartment door was Marchionne.

This powerful figure stood at the door, smiling broadly as he looked in and politely asked, "May I come in?"

Lu Zhizhou chuckled and joked, "If Mr. Marchionne was planning to come over, then today is not convenient. I was just about to head out."

After speaking, Lu Zhizhou gestured to the luggage he was packing.

Marchionne's lips curled into a wide smile. "Preparing to head to Monza?"

Lu Zhizhou's smile widened. "I heard that's Ferrari's holy land, so I'm emptying my suitcase as much as possible to bring home a bunch of souvenirs."

Returning from the summer break, with no rest between the Belgian and Italian Grand Prix, the races will be held for two consecutive weeks. Despite this, Lu Zhizhou remains busy, returning to Maranello to test his car, staying for two short days, before heading to Monza, the mecca of Italian motorsport, to prepare for the next race.

Monza, located 30 kilometers north of Milan, is Italy's motorsport mecca. In 1950, the first Formula 1 race was held here, and it has been one of the regular races ever since. It is undoubtedly a track that carries historical glory and legendary moments.

The journey from Maranello to Monza is 200 kilometers, connected by the E35 highway, and takes about two hours. Although Ferrari has its own test track, the Fiorano circuit, in Maranello, the Monza circuit remains one of Ferrari's official test tracks.

That is why the Monza circuit holds special significance for Italian motorsport fans; it's not just their home track, it's a sacred place.

It's often said that it doesn't matter if Ferrari doesn't win the world championship; as long as they win at Monza, it will be a successful season for Italian fans.

While this statement may be somewhat exaggerated, it may not be entirely untrue, which demonstrates the special status of the Monza circuit.

Marchionne's smile also brightened. "You'll love it there. There's no track in the world that can compare to Monza."

Lu Zhizhou joked, "Including silverstone?"

Marchionne burst out laughing. "Yes, including Silverstone." He paused, then added, "Before we set off, do you have time to take this old man for a walk?"

One doesn't visit a temple without a reason.

Lu Zhizhou wasn't surprised. He made an inviting gesture and followed Marchionne out of the dormitory. Standing in the corridor, he called out to his right, "Charles, I'm going out for a bit, I'll be right back."

Leclerc did not show himself, but simply replied from inside the house, "Understood."

Marchionne understood, "You two drive there together?"

Lu Zhizhou shrugged. "I don't have a driver's license, so I hired a driver."

Marchionne was taken aback, then suddenly realized what he meant and burst out laughing. Looking at Lu Zhizhou more closely, he realized that almost a year had passed. The teenager had grown up like a scallion, seemingly far removed from his youthful appearance. This made the aging Marchionne sigh with emotion.

"So, how does Ferrari's car feel next year? Is it still competitive?" Marchionne didn't seem to be in a hurry. He came to visit today purely for casual conversation.

Lu Zhizhou didn't rush to disrupt the rhythm. "Yes, it's very competitive. But there's still room for improvement. The whole team is working together, and it seems that our rear suspension still faces many problems."

Marchionne gently raised his chin. "Looks like we have a dream team. So, how's life in Maranello? Do you enjoy racing?"

Lu Zhizhou turned to look at Marchionne, but Marchionne seemed very generous, letting Lu Zhizhou look at him.

“I like it,” Lu Zhizhou said, “but it’s not everything in life.”

Marchionne: "Oh? If it's not racing, what are your plans for the future? You should be going to university next year, right?"

Lu Zhizhou chuckled lightly, "Still exploring. It's possible to go to my father's auto repair shop and deal with automotive mechanics, which would be quite interesting; or perhaps to study engines and machinery. I suddenly had an idea the other day: building a spaceship would be a very interesting thing."

Marchionne wasn't surprised at all. "Pushing the limits?"

Lu Zhizhou nodded.

Marchionne: "You always like to challenge the limits and explore the unknown. The universe is full of mysteries, and humanity is still small in the face of the universe. There are still many unknowns waiting to be explored."

Lu Zhizhou: "Humanity has always been like this. First we explored the continents, then the oceans, and then the skies. We are always challenging limits and breaking free from constraints. Isn't that a very interesting and challenging thing?"

Marchionne: "Is it the same with racing?"

Lu Zhizhou: "That's right. Racing is about breaking physical limits through mechanics and pursuing the ultimate speed, while the driver is the master, combining humanity and machinery to explore. Theoretically, 300 kilometers per hour should not be the upper limit of speed."

Marchionne: "Calm down, Mustang, calm down, the FIA ​​won't like to hear that."

Pushing the limits of speed also means danger, and the FIA ​​has been limiting the speed of Formula One cars for years.

Lu Zhizhou and Marchionne exchanged a glance and smiled, their understanding unspoken.

Marchionne then asked, "So, Zhizhou, would you be willing to race for the Ferrari F1 team next year?"

The world quieted down; birds sang, a gentle breeze caressed the face, and the lazy sunlight streamed down, but the roar in one's ears was surging and tumultuous.

In that brief moment, the world seemed incredibly quiet, so quiet that you could catch every tiny sound in the air, rushing towards your heart.

In the gentle breeze, a voice came from afar, "Zhizhou! Take these breads with you on your journey. You are all growing, so you mustn't go hungry. If Rosana says you can't eat them, tell her to come to me. We grew up eating Alfred's bread, so why can't we?"

Jasmine appeared, carrying a large brown kraft paper bag stuffed full of bread, which he shoved into Lu Zhizhou's arms without a word.

"Ah, there's also a portion for Ciel. You all can have it together."

Her fluent Italian flowed out enthusiastically, giving Lu Zhizhou no chance to refuse. She patted Lu Zhizhou's arm heavily, and then left, just like that... gone...

Lu Zhizhou was a full two beats slow to react before finally calling out, "Jia Siming, thank you! Please give my regards to Roberto!"

Without turning his head, Jasmine raised his right hand and waved it casually before walking away.

Standing nearby, Marchionne's eyes shone with a broad smile. "It seems you're adapting very well to Maranello. There's nothing to worry about."

Lu Zhizhou let out a soft breath, "The pace of life here is not difficult to adapt to. Of course, the friendly residents make it even easier."

After a slight pause, Lu Zhizhou looked at Marchionne with a natural and generous demeanor, and took the initiative to bring the topic back on track, "Mr. Marchionne, were you serious just now?"

“Of course.” Marchionne nodded without hesitation. “I never joke about work, otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

"but."

A turning point: "Nothing is certain yet, but the only certainty is my determination, my belief, and that I have a plan."

"However, the incident at the youth training academy is still vivid in my mind, as is the ART team. Although I now talk about those incidents as jokes, it was not a pleasant experience at the time."

"I don't want to formally extend an invitation only to be rejected, making it public knowledge. I'd rather lose face than Ferrari would be embarrassed."

"Those old guys in the paddock who have long disliked Ferrari will definitely kick us while we're down, and we may be facing a very serious public relations crisis."

"Therefore, before the news leaks out, I need to ask for your opinion, not Nicholas's, but yours."

Light, humorous, and with a playful, teasing tone.

It was clear that Marchionne was in a good mood, but the focus and seriousness in his eyes were genuine and pure; he was definitely not joking.

Along with this, Lu Zhizhou's lips curled up slightly, his mind churning with thoughts.

Marchionne did not pause, seemingly not intending to wait for Lu Zhizhou's reply, but continued chatting casually. The difference was that just now they were chatting about Lu Zhizhou's life, and now they were chatting about him.

"Ferrari hasn't won the world championship in a long time, a long, long time. It all seems like yesterday, but ten years have passed in the blink of an eye."

"After I took over Ferrari, I always hoped to restore Ferrari's glory, but this was more difficult than I imagined because it was not a commercial project, not a project that could be achieved simply by making detailed plans and laying out the overall layout. I was used to mastering the blueprint and code of commercial projects, but I never found the trick in this matter."

"To be honest, I feel a bit frustrated."

Marchionne chuckled self-deprecatingly.

“Now, this has become my dream, a challenge.” Marchionne turned to look at Lu Zhizhou. “You should be able to understand this feeling very well.”

Unconsciously, Lu Zhizhou also chuckled softly.

"I've been thinking about what exactly is the missing piece of the puzzle in Ferrari's championship blueprint?"

"Funding? Technology? Drivers?"

"Now I understand, the root of the problem lies in arrogance."

“We have always clung to the glory of the past, firmly believing that we are a top team with championship pedigree. We refuse to keep up with the times, refuse to lower our standards, and refuse to reform and change. After entering the hybrid era in 2011, we continued to follow the old system, immersing ourselves in our own world. On the surface, we seem to be keeping up with the times, but our essence has never changed.”

“Unless we can abandon this pride, we cannot compete with our rivals. Red Bull and Mercedes-Benz are not teams with championship pedigree and heritage. They are challengers who have broken through and innovated with a grassroots mindset in the new century and new era. They are different from us.”

“Look at McLaren, then look at Renault and Williams. We old guys from championship teams are all the same. Whoever can let go of the past first will be able to embrace the future first.”

"So I approached Jean Todt, hoping that this old guy who once drastically changed the team's culture could once again bring insightful and sharp perspectives."

He gave an answer.

Silently, Marchionne turned to look at Lu Zhizhou—

The answer is self-evident.

In fact, Jean Todt's real answer was "to destroy and then build".

Todd, who has managed a racing team and still leads a large organization, knows how difficult change is. They can't simply replace everyone; even if they could, without fundamental change, replacing everyone would be the same.

Todt's initial suggestion was to change the team principal, much like a football team changing its coach, which could indeed bring immediate results. However, Manchester United, a Premier League powerhouse, serves as a stark example.

In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and the team underwent frequent coaching changes, but completely lost its way, changing coaches three times in four seasons and falling into unprecedented turmoil.

If the helmsman lacks a clear strategy and blueprint, and arbitrarily changes course, just like the Titanic, catastrophic disaster may await them.

From another perspective, only by truly changing the team culture and addressing the root causes can Ferrari's predicament be reversed.

Then, Lu Zhizhou appeared.

A seed takes root, sprouts, and grows strong; a small change becomes a lever, and a brand new atmosphere is on the horizon.

Ferrari has always sought "strength" from the outside, with Schumacher, Vettel, Raikkonen, and others all being drivers nurtured by other teams. Perhaps now, Ferrari should look for internal strength, seeking the vibrant energy and vitality of the new generation, thereby changing the internal atmosphere and beliefs.

Starting with the seeds might bring a pleasant surprise—

For example, youth training.

With Lu Zhizhou and Leclerc, Marchionne truly saw hope.

In comparison, Leclerc is still somewhat green and inexperienced. He is exceptionally talented but needs further development, and his mental state is not yet fully mature.

Lu Zhizhou was not a perfect option either. Marchionne knew all his shortcomings and deficiencies, but he trusted his intuition.

Just as he risked allowing Lu Zhizhou to join the Ferrari youth academy, Marchionne once again demonstrated his ruthless decisiveness.

Those who achieve great things must dare to take risks; otherwise, if they are hesitant and indecisive, they will forever remain stagnant and eventually be eliminated by the times.

Everything was decided after the first F1 free practice session at Spa-Francorchamps. Lu Zhizhou’s boldness, vigor, and passion were exactly what Marchionne had been searching for, and also the power to change the culture and essence of the team from within, like wild grass.

Resilient, wild, and full of life.

Once he made a decision, Marchionne no longer hesitated or wavered, and acted swiftly and decisively.

But what people might not believe is that the biggest obstacle to Marchionne's entire plan was actually Lu Zhizhou himself. He needed to persuade Lu Zhizhou before moving on to the next step.

So Marchionne took matters into his own hands.

If necessary, I would gladly visit Zhuge Liang three times.

When making decisions, he is ruthless and decisive; however, when standing in front of Lu Zhizhou, he is gentle and kind.

Clearly, Marchionne knew how to achieve his goal.

Marchionne's warm and gentle gaze fell on Lu Zhizhou, like sunlight shining on seedlings, silently nourishing his heart.

Interestingly, Lu Zhizhou is also an extraordinary person.

Even standing in front of Marchionne, Lu Zhizhou remained calm, trying to stay composed. "You mean, Mr. Todd specifically sought me out from the streets of Rome, and from that moment on, he believed I was the 'chosen one'? So, this is what it's like to be a superhero?"

A joke made Marchionne burst out laughing. "No, he proposed an idea, and you made that idea a reality."

Lu Zhizhou gently raised his chin. "So, this idea might also belong to someone else?"

Marchionnedo glanced at Lu Zhizhou and nodded. "Yes. It could be Leclerc, it could be Alesi, or it could be Zhou Guanyu."

"Nothing is taken for granted. You need to compete and constantly prove yourself; otherwise, change wouldn't be so difficult."

If Marchionne had denied it and continued to spout sweet talk and make empty promises, Lu Zhizhou probably wouldn't have cared. But Marchionne didn't.

The harsh reality before him made Lu Zhizhou feel a sense of authenticity.

"Zhizhou, the pressure is there, the difficulties, obstacles, and challenges are all there. I won't say it's an easy thing, otherwise the championship wouldn't be so precious, right?"

"In the racing team. In the paddock. Not only that, but also the media and the fans, I know how ugly, monstrous, and repulsive they can be."

"Skipping from GP3 to F1 with a completely blank resume is even more extreme than Max Verstappen's situation. I really can't imagine what kind of pressure you will face when you enter the paddock next year, but I know it will definitely be more severe than Verstappen's."

"In the paddock, everything is judged by success or failure, because racing is all about numbers."

"Crashing a car costs money; losing a point costs money. People don't like Verstappen, not because of what he said or did, but because his recklessness caused real losses, which are all in real money."

"At that time, you will also face the same situation. The pressure from capital will make us all feel like ants, with no ability to resist."

Then, pause for a moment.

"but."

"I believe you."

"Nothing special," Marchionne said, without any force or conviction, but it was precisely that understated tone that made it all the more convincing.

"I believe you can handle these situations well. If you can't, that's okay too, because it's my decision and I'm willing to take responsibility for my choice."

"There's only one thing I need you to maintain: keep pushing your limits, keep chasing speed, and let all the rules go to hell."

"Can you do it?"

Marchionne gazed at Lu Zhizhou without uttering any grand words, but Lu Zhizhou couldn't help but feel his heart surging and his blood boiling.

A smile crept onto his lips, and a surge of ambitious passion welled up in his chest. Lu Zhizhou slightly raised his chin. "Continue to be yourself?"

“I can do that.”

"Haha." Marchionne was in a good mood and laughed heartily. "I sincerely invite you to join the Ferrari family and pursue the limits."

Do you know about the Iron Buddha Temple?

Tifosi is an Italian word meaning "a fanatic," especially a football fan. Italy is a country that is crazy about football, and the fanaticism of its fans is no less than that of other countries.

Later, Ferrari's outstanding performance sparked a Ferrari craze worldwide, especially Schumacher's legendary performance, which swept the world. "Tifosi" thus evolved into the exclusive name for Schumacher fans, highlighting the madness of Italian car enthusiasts.

Gradually, after Schumacher's retirement, the term evolved further and is now the exclusive name for Ferrari fans, officially recognized by Ferrari and F1.

"Tifosi," pronounced correctly as Tifosi, has earned the nickname "Iron Buddha Temple" in mainland China due to the die-hard, enthusiastic, and crazy nature of its fans.

Marchionne brought up the matter on his own initiative, and Lu Zhizhou was taken aback, not understanding the connection between the topics.

Marchionne continued, "In Monza, you'll truly experience the passion of the Iron Buddha Temple and truly join our Ferrari family."

"The old Ferrari is a thing of the past. I hope that starting with you, we can create a completely new culture where drivers become part of Ferrari, not just for the championship."

"Of course, winning the championship is very important, but beyond the championship, there is also challenging yourself and pushing your limits, as well as glory and pride, and perseverance and belief."

"Just like Jasmine and Alfred, we are all family."

A feeling of being moved flowed gently through my heart.

Lu Zhizhou could understand that the real reason he chose to stay in Maranello was not only his interest in racing, but also the prize money. But in the blink of an eye, ten months had passed, and he had already made a living in Maranello. The kindness and enthusiasm of his neighbors were tangible and vivid.

What was once a dream is now becoming a reality.

Perhaps this is fate, guiding him step by step to arrive here, and then to become a member of Ferrari.

From McLaren to Renault, Lu Zhizhou's future was plunged into unprecedented chaos, but he never expected that his position at Ferrari would open a window of opportunity.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhizhou was about to agree, but a thought popped into his mind, and his expression became slightly awkward. "I need to ask my mother."

"She... uh, she doesn't agree to me racing because of my ART contract. She only allowed me a year. If I want to continue, I still need to convince her."

“I’m sorry, Mr. Marchionne.”

Marchionne spread his hands. "See? I knew it. You've always been the one to give me a hard time. Sure enough, my actions today couldn't have been wiser."

For once, Lu Zhizhou scratched his head awkwardly.

Seeing Lu Zhizhou's expression, Marchionne finally laughed with satisfaction, "So, you yourself are willing to join Ferrari?"

Lu Zhizhou nodded solemnly.

Marchionne patted his chest and let out a slightly exaggerated sigh of relief. "Phew, what a relief. Thankfully, my long speech today wasn't a waste of time, otherwise Jean Todt would be laughing his head off."

"Of course, you should ask your parents for their opinions. I know this is not an easy task. Parents worry about their children, which is in our nature. You are still young, and your family is your haven and your support. Asking your parents for their opinions is only natural."

Marchionne was neither depressed nor frustrated. In fact, he valued family very much, and as a father, he liked Lu Zhizhou's attitude.

Amidst the uproar and bizarre clamor, this only highlighted Lu Zhizhou's down-to-earth, calm, and clear-headed nature; he was not blinded by the commotion.

As Marchionne carefully examined the child before him, he grew increasingly satisfied.

"How about this, you go about your business, and I'll do mine. Let's get all this done as soon as possible, okay?"

Although Marchionne did not elaborate, his brief remarks made Lu Zhizhou realize that there must be disagreements within Ferrari, and not everyone agreed with Lu Zhizhou's joining the team.

Thinking about it carefully, it's not surprising. A complete novice who has been involved in Formula racing for less than a year is about to sit in a Ferrari.

How humorous.

It's obvious to anyone with a brain that the opposition is so strong and intense that even Marchionne couldn't force it through; it will be a battle of wits.

After letting out a long breath and saying goodbye to Marchionne, Lu Zhizhou walked back to his dormitory. After thinking for a moment, before calling Nicholas, he dialed Jiang Mo's number instead.

It was not yet 3 PM in China, during working hours. The phone rang for a short while before Jiang Mo answered, "Hmm, Xiaozhou, what's up?"

Lu Zhizhou, who is usually bold and courageous, hesitated slightly. He even thought about whether he should organize his thoughts and words, find another time to sit down and talk with his family via video call, or edit a text message to clarify the ins and outs and his inner thoughts and send a long article to start the communication.

But in the end, Lu Zhizhou forced himself to calm down and face the difficulty head-on. "Mom, do you have time? There's something I need to discuss with you."

There was complete silence on the other end of the phone.

In a moment of hazy clarity, an illusion arose, as if Lu Zhizhou was speaking into a tree hole and receiving no response, which made Lu Zhizhou slightly uneasy.

He thought that perhaps he should send a longer text message, organize his thoughts, and clearly and logically explain the whole story and his own ideas.

Then, Jiang Mo's voice came, pulling Lu Zhizhou's thoughts, which were drifting in space, back to reality, "Xiaozhou, are you really mentally prepared?"

Calm, gentle, rational, as always.

Jiang Mo said calmly, "During this time, Mom has also learned more about racing. If you think racing is just sitting in the driver's seat and driving, then you're wrong."

"Racing is a sport, a sport that challenges limits. The challenges are everywhere, both physical and psychological."

"Moreover, it is different from other sports."

"In the world of football, everyone blames Messi for Argentina's inability to win the World Cup, including Messi himself, because they can decide the outcome through physical confrontation."

“But racing is different. You may be excellent, you may really have talent, but if racing is not good, then it is not good. Even if you are a genius, you are still trapped in racing and helpless.”

"What I mean is that the sense of powerlessness and frustration in this sport is probably more intense than in any other sport. In other sports, you can change the outcome of a race through your own efforts and hard work, and leave no regrets after giving it your all; but in racing, you can't, there are really too few things you can change."

"so."

“You will face more pressure and more setbacks. You may not be able to win as consistently as GP3. You may give it your all but still not be able to change the game.”

Are you really ready?

He spoke in a gentle and earnest manner, with deep concern.

Lu Zhizhou's emotions gradually calmed down, as if he were sitting face to face with Jiang Mo, having a long talk.

He thought for a moment, "Mom, do you know, sitting in a race car and pushing the speed to its limit, for a moment, it feels like flying, becoming one with the wind, breaking through the physical limits. That feeling is fascinating."

"I love racing, not just because I like winning, but more because I love chasing speed and pushing the limits."

“That’s how street racing used to be. I know you don’t like my street racing, but… I like chasing speed.”

"Now, racing in the paddock, winning and championships are fascinating, but standing at the top of the world and challenging the limits is even more attractive, that's the most interesting thing."

"so."

"Mom, I'm ready."

Gently yet firmly, Lu Zhizhou's lips curled up into a smile.

"Of course, it would be even better if they wrote me a huge check that would make our family rich overnight. Then you and Dad would never have to work again, and you could pursue your dreams."

"Who knows, maybe Dad can get back on the track,"

puff.

Jiang Mo's laughter came from the other end of the phone, "You kid, what nonsense are you talking about?"

After pausing and taking a deep breath, Jiang Mo said, "Okay. I understand."

Lu Zhizhou was stunned, all his thoughts coming to a standstill. "Mom, you mean..."

Jiang Mo: "I agree. But on the condition that..."

Lu Zhizhou exclaimed, "Ah!" and then covered his mouth, jumping up and down in place, overjoyed.

Jiang Mo looked slightly helpless, but the corners of his mouth still turned up. "However, you need to promise me that you will still finish your final year of high school, get your diploma, and take the college entrance examination."

“I know that these things may seem unimportant now, and you no longer need to worry about financial difficulties, but believe me, they are still important, Xiaozhou.”

Taking a deep breath and then exhaling heavily, Lu Zhizhou nodded, "Okay, Mom, I promise you. I mean what I say."

“But, Mom…” Lu Zhizhou drawled, “Now that I think about it, why do you seem so unsurprised? You believed in my abilities, right?”

Even over the phone, Jiang Mo could imagine Lu Zhizhou raising his chin, seeking praise. "Actually, Mr. Marchionne came to visit."

Cough!

Lu Zhizhou choked on his own saliva. "What?"

Jiang Mo: "Sergio Marchionne, right? I remember that's the name. He came to our house in person, accompanied by Rosana and a translator."

Lu Zhizhou: ? ? ? "When did this happen?"

Jiang Mo: "Sunday. We'll watch your sprint race together at home."

Marchionne not only visited them in person, but he also made thorough preparations.

He explained in detail Ferrari's plans for Lu Zhizhou, stating that it wasn't just a momentary impulse, but a genuine belief that Lu Zhizhou could shoulder the future of Ferrari.

If those words might have been flattery and sweet talk, then when Marchionne spoke of Lu Zhizhou's dedication to his studies, his rationality in the face of opportunities, and his efforts to balance work and life in Maranello, both Lu Cheng and Jiang Mo could sense that it was definitely not just empty talk.

Because Marchionne understood Lu Zhizhou's situation at home, the first step in his overall plan was to personally visit and persuade Lu Cheng and Jiang Mo.

Furthermore, Marchionne did not press the issue; after persuading everyone, he stayed in Shanghai for two days before leaving, leaving ample room for reflection.

Actually, Jiang Mo had already made a decision before Lu Zhizhou called today.

However, Jiang Mo was not in a hurry. He still tested Lu Zhizhou and finally nodded after confirming it several times.

Although Jiang Mo was still uneasy and unsure what challenges Lu Zhizhou would face after entering F1, she knew that she was willing to accompany her child to meet those challenges.

After hanging up the phone, Lu Zhizhou stood there in a daze, his thoughts surging. He never expected that Marchionne had actually kept a secret.

To say I wasn't moved would be a complete lie.

"...Zhizhou, are you alright?"

A sound came from the doorway. Leclerc had just heard Lu Zhizhou's strange cry and rushed over. Looking at her good friend, who was standing dumbfounded in the middle of the apartment, she looked worried.

Lu Zhizhou waved his hand, "No, it's nothing, it's nothing, everything is fine."

However, it lacks any sense of realism—

So, is this a dream? Why can't he remember the beginning of the story?
"Ciel, pinch me, am I dreaming?"

Without hesitation, Leclerc pinched Lu Zhizhou, gritting his teeth and using all his strength, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light.

"Ah! Ciel! Have you gone mad?"

Leclerc looked completely unfazed. "How can you be like this? I offered to help, okay? So, is this a dream or not?"

Lu Zhizhou paused for a moment. He knew he should remain calm, he knew he should keep the secret, but—

After Leclerc signed with Sauber, the first thing he did was tell him, didn't he?
“Xia Er, it’s just an invitation right now, nothing’s confirmed yet, let alone contract negotiations, but,” Lu Zhizhou paused, “a team just formally invited me to join them.”

Leclerc's eyes lit up. "Who?"

Lu Zhizhou moved closer and whispered in his ear, "Ferrari."

Leclerc's jaw nearly dislocated; he could have swallowed an egg. His eyes were filled with shock and disbelief, and for a brief second, it seemed as if his soul had left his body.

Lu Zhizhou nudged Leclerc on the shoulder. "Sorry, Prince, I've already achieved my dream before you."

(End of this chapter)