Big Shots Gather

Chapter 137 Big Shots Gather
The September sun still carries the heat of midsummer, but in Maranello, located in northern Italy, one can already feel the approaching autumn. The morning breeze, in addition to the coolness of the dew, carries a hint of autumn gold, and the harvest season is already lingering on the street corners.

Frankie Penny tugged at her black blazer slightly and introduced the product with a beaming smile, “This is a little gift from Zhizhou from his hometown. I’m not sure if we’re making it the right way, because I watched him demonstrate once, and God, it didn’t leave any impression on me, I was just too amazed.”

That's Longjing tea. The tender green leaves unfurl in the boiling water, shimmering with a pale hue.

Wang Yang looked down at the tea leaves, attempting to comment and elaborate, but unfortunately, being from the north, he didn't usually drink tea. "Thank you very much for your warm hospitality. However, we believe in respecting local customs, and since we're already in Italy, how can we not try some espresso?"

Frankie Penny paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Well, you've come to the right place. This is our forte."

With the Italian Grand Prix over, F1 and F2 will continue their races, while GP3 will take a full month off. Nevertheless, Ferrari's Maranello facility remains busy as they prepare for the new season next year. Franchi Penny is also facing the aftermath of the Monza storm.

A constant stream of media, especially Italian media, filled the schedule.

Traffic surges not only on social networks, but also in real life. Frankie Penny is so busy that she takes calls and replies to emails during her lunch break. This is unimaginable for Italians. How can work interfere with lunchtime?

Amidst the clamor, media from Asia, especially mainland China, also formed a powerful force, with CCTV even scheduling a separate meeting—

It wasn't for an interview, but for project collaboration.

Before the face-to-face conversation, CCTV had already submitted a project proposal. They hoped to follow Lu Zhizhou, record the behind-the-scenes stories of the last two GP3 races and his preparations for the new season during the winter break, and produce a documentary to generate momentum for Lu Zhizhou's official entry into the paddock next year.

First and foremost, they need to obtain the consent of Ferrari and the ART team.

Wang Yang leaned forward slightly, switching back to Chinese instead of continuing in English, saying, "You have to understand, this is not an ordinary interview."

A professional translator immediately translated the conversation into fluent Italian.

Frankie Penny's smile remained. "Of course, we understand that this is an important project. The Chinese market is crucial to us, and we also attach great importance to Mr. Lu's public image."

“We plan to make a documentary about a person, not only about racing, but also about growth, dreams, honors, and the historical burden they bear.” Wang Yang paused and looked at the other person. “Just as Italy has always been looking forward to an F1 world champion, we have also been waiting for this day.”

"We need to go into the base to film, we need to go into the paddock to record behind-the-scenes moments of the competition, and we also hope that Lu Zhizhou can cooperate with off-site interviews."

Without a doubt, this is a big project.

Frankie Penny wasn't surprised at all; the proposal had everything clearly outlined, and she believed they had detailed arrangements. CCTV's position was beyond question, but Ferrari also had its own plans. "We're not sure yet whether we can get approval for this part."

"Ferrari currently has a unified plan for media activities for its drivers. We don't want young drivers, who have just joined the F1 project, to be over-exploited."

"The media environment can easily cause young drivers to... lose their way."

She specifically used the word "lost," speaking in a light tone, as if it were not a warning but a piece of advice based on experience.

Of course, marketing and media promotion are very important, and Frankie Penny knows this perfectly well, but everything else takes a backseat to Ferrari's goal of winning the championship.

Frankie Penny is well aware of the power of social media traffic today. It can propel an ordinary person to the top overnight, but it can also drag a high-ranking deity into the abyss in the same instant. Currently, Lu Zhizhou's shoulders already bear enough attention and pressure, and they need to stay clear-headed.

It's not just the Chinese media; the Italian and Brazilian media are equally fervent. Brazil has been waiting for the next Senna, and every time a young driver joins a major team's youth academy, things get restless. Ferrari has weathered countless storms over the years.

Giovinazzi is a living example right before our eyes. The last thing Ferrari needs now is to repeat the same mistake and ruin another genius.

Lu Zhizhou's arrival has already caused a huge stir within Ferrari. They need some time to process this and prepare for the new season. At this moment, what they need least is for the media to interfere, disrupt their rhythm, and create more noise.

Moreover, Ferrari doesn't like the media coming into their pit area to sniff around.

In this respect, Ferrari remains a very traditional and conservative team.

Wang Yang gave a polite smile, "We understand his pressure, but that's precisely why we hope to use a gentle lens to record his journey to F1."

“Gentle?” Frankie Penny raised an eyebrow, her smile widening, but her gaze remained unwavering. “You just mentioned dreams and honor. These two are not always gentle.”

Wang Yang also realized the thorny nature of the situation—

The reasons why it is so difficult and arduous for Asian drivers to enter the paddock are numerous and complex. One reason is that the major teams and capital are all from Europe, making it a game for insiders. Outsiders find it extremely difficult to break in, and North and South America are no exception.

That's why the domestic media weren't too excited when Zhou Guanyu and Lu Zhizhou emerged; there were still many mountains to climb ahead.

What's more, it's a Ferrari.

The conference room fell into a brief silence.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, then Frankie Penny slowly put away the proposal. "I will submit the request for discussion, but the final decision must be confirmed by our board of directors."

"but."

After a pause, he added, "If the project collaboration begins, we need to make it clear that all shooting content and editing processes must be synchronized with ours."

The situation is a bit tricky.

“We can discuss the editing issue separately.” Wang Yang avoided the trap and left room for maneuver. “We hope to preserve authentic images, not just a spokesperson for one side.”

Frankie Penny glanced at him, her lips curving into a bright and enthusiastic smile. "At Ferrari, every driver's image represents the color of Ferrari."

Inside the base, a power struggle is unfolding around Lu Zhizhou; meanwhile, outside the base, another storm is brewing for Lu Zhizhou.

Two people, one fat and one thin, were looking around like the fat and thin monks in "The Deer and the Cauldron," searching for Wei Xiaobao.

"...Have you been to Maranello before?" Qian Jun was slightly tense, swallowing repeatedly, even though he had no idea why he was nervous.

Beside her, Shi Yiying appeared much calmer, without any extra expression or movement. She only looked up abruptly at Qian Jun's voice, revealing her deep thought and absent-mindedness. After a pause, her mind caught up, "Hmm, but that was in the past, the Schumacher era..."

Before she could finish speaking, Shi Yiying paused again, her mind wandering and unable to concentrate. She couldn't even recall whether she had ever been to Maranello during Vettel's era.

The sweltering heat surged towards Lu Zhizhou, and according to what Shi Yiying had heard, over thirty media outlets in China had attempted to interview him, and more than one hand was prepared to produce a documentary about him. The next step would be for everyone to use their unique abilities to achieve their goals.

Literally, everyone wants a piece of the pie.

Before setting off, Five Star Sports was full of confidence. They came from Shanghai, Lu Zhizhou's hometown, and had a natural advantage, so they were sure to seize the initiative.

But as time went by, their confidence was waning. They heard that Tencent Sports was contacting Lu Zhizhou's parents, trying to find a breakthrough there; and CCTV, with its official advantage, beat other media outlets to the punch and made contact with Maranello. Everyone was using their best skills.

The situation... is not good.

At one point, Shi Yiying couldn't help but doubt herself: was this really the right thing to do? Perhaps they should take a step back and give Lu Zhizhou enough space, instead of wolfing down his personal space, they should focus on his performance on the track and look forward to him continuing to bring surprises.

When everyone is caught up in a frenzy, all they see is a topic, a gimmick, an opportunity. The "Ferrari" label makes everyone lose their minds. So, how many people see the true nature of Lu Zhizhou, this seventeen-year-old boy?

Or, to put it another way, is the documentary that Five Star Sports is trying to make simply a phenomenon or a hot topic, or is it truly capturing the dream of a young driver?

My conflicting thoughts are pulling me in different directions, and I can't calm down at all.

Just then, Qian Jun's voice came from the side, "Sister Ying! Sister Ying!"

This brought Shi Yiying back to reality. Her feet touched the ground, and she abruptly stood up. In the distance, she could see Lu Zhizhou approaching, his brow beaded with sweat—

The clear sunlight shone on his damp, short black hair, the sweat on his forehead reflecting the light and sparkling. The upturned corners of his mouth exuded vitality, and the bright and cheerful aura of youth danced merrily in the air, easily catching the eye and making one want to take another look even as they passed by.

"...What should we do? What should we do? Create a chance encounter?"

Qian Jun was a little flustered. He was just a photojournalist, and this kind of thing was really not his forte.

At this point, Shi Yiying had no time to explain in detail. She specifically brought Qian Jun along, hoping that he would break the deadlock and naturally act as a matchmaker.

Shi Yiying nudged Qian Jun's shoulder, and then she heard Qian Jun's stiff voice, "Hey, Zhizhou, what a coincidence, you're out for a run too?"

Shi Yiying: ...Completely speechless, utterly despondent.

After Qian Juncai finished speaking, he curled up his limbs and felt his scalp tingle. He wished he could crawl into a hole in the ground. He couldn't believe what stupid thing he had just said and stood there dumbfounded.

"Hahaha." Lu Zhizhou approached, making no attempt to hide his laughter, speaking without restraint. "Qian Jun, are you waiting here to create a chance encounter?"

"Ahem," Qian Jun cleared his throat, "So, naturally?"

Lu Zhizhou stopped ahead, smiling broadly, "The acting world shouldn't suffer too much loss."

Even with a lighthearted remark, Qian Jun couldn't help but say, "I thought it was because of my appearance, but now I can finally give up completely."

The laughter was completely released.

With his act exposed, Qian Jun relaxed and regained his composure. "Zhizhou, this is Sister Shi Yiying, from Five Star Sports."

"Sister Ying, this is Lu Zhizhou."

Shi Yiying, who had been standing to the side with a smile, extended her right hand and said, "I'm so glad to finally meet you. Sorry we're late."

Lu Zhizhou shook hands politely, his gaze shifting back and forth between Shi Yiying and Qian Jun. "So, this wasn't a coincidence?"

Qian Jun: "...Zhizhou, stop making fun of me. It's my embarrassing past, my embarrassing past."

The three of them burst into laughter.

Shi Yiying stepped aside. "Do you have time? Just fifteen minutes will do. I hope it won't disrupt your daily life."

Lu Zhizhou glanced at Richard Mille on his wrist. "I need to head to the test simulator in a bit, but fifteen minutes shouldn't be a problem."

"A simulator? Is it for next year?" Shi Yiying immediately seized on the key phrase. "Or is the tech team planning to adjust the configuration according to your personal style?"

Lu Zhizhou looked over with a smile, "Has the interview started now?"

Looking at the vibrant young man before her, Shi Yiying saw that he had clear eyes and a bright, open face. He should be riding high at the peak of his career, but he was neither arrogant nor servile. He was not overwhelmed by the turmoil and fervor of the outside world, which perfectly matched the qualities he displayed on the racetrack.

“Sorry, it’s an occupational hazard.” Shi Yiying waved her hand. “In my early years covering news in the paddock, I was always used to going up against the drivers and trying to uncover more.”

"But we're not here for an interview today. We at Five Star Sports hope to follow you for a while, documenting your daily life and training in Maranello, the end of the GP3 season, and your preparations for the upcoming F1 season, including your long winter break training."

Lu Zhizhou was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise on his face. A smile crept onto his lips, and although the urge to make a sarcastic remark was already on his tongue, he managed to control himself.

Focus on the key points.

"You should contact my agent about this, and you should also ask Ferrari." In other words, the decision was not in his hands.

However, Shi Yiying did not think so.

"Of course, we need to consult the agent and Ferrari, that's the procedure, but, Zhizhou, we want to focus on you."

"Not the first Chinese F1 driver to make history, nor the Ferrari rookie who was promoted from GP3 to F1, but you, a seventeen-year-old driver who is chasing his dreams and challenging speed."

Lu Zhizhou raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You mean, none of that matters?"

Shi Yiying shook her head. "No, I won't lie and say they're unimportant. These labels are the reason you entered the public eye, and they're also the reason we're here."

After hesitating for a moment, Shi Yiying gritted her teeth inwardly, "To be honest, Qian Jun approached us before, hoping to follow your GP3 life through a project, but we refused. Now it seems that we made a wrong decision. It is precisely those achievements that made us realize our arrogance and ignorance."

"So those achievements are very, very important. But we know that thanks to these achievements, traffic will come in droves, and people will still only see these labels; we don't want that, we want to get rid of these labels and see the real Lu Zhizhou."

Before heading to Maranello, Shi Yiying had been pondering what advantages Five Star Sports possessed amidst this surging tide, and what its core competitiveness was.
Even though they are both documentaries, feature reports, and focus on Lu Zhizhou, differences in theme, core, and organization of materials can result in drastically different works.

Perhaps their thoughts are completely unimportant; amidst all this noise and commotion, Lu Zhizhou's voice is the only one that matters.

A real Lu Zhi Zhou.

Therefore, Shi Yiying took a risk, exchanging sincerity for sincerity, putting Lu Zhizhou before Ferrari and his agent, frankly admitting that Five Star Sports had missed out, and sincerely inviting Lu Zhizhou to join the project and make his voice heard.

Not only sincere, but also steadfast.

Shi Yiying met Lu Zhizhou's scrutinizing gaze with composure.

She had a gut feeling that the seventeen-year-old boy before her had his own thoughts and beliefs, which would not be easily swayed even amidst the surging tide of events. If they treated him with flattery and lies, he would respond with full vigilance and meticulous calculation; but if they chose to be frank and honest, perhaps they would see an equally sincere Lu Zhizhou.

To be honest, Shi Yiying hadn't felt this much pressure in a very long time, and her scalp tingled.

That silence, that gaze, pressed heavily on Shi Yiying's chest, causing her to involuntarily slow her breathing and all distracting thoughts to vanish from her mind.

then.

Lu Zhizhou's smile subtly broke the silence. "Are you sure? My daily life is dull and boring. The speed and passion on the track are all an illusion. My daily life outside the track is basically a monotonous routine. You'll probably be disappointed; you won't be able to edit anything worthwhile." Shi Yiying took a breath, her mind slightly relieved, but she didn't rush to speak. Instead, she turned to look at Qian Jun—

Qian Jun has a complete plan for the documentary.

After all, he should be one of the first professionals in the hunting grounds to truly observe Lu Zhizhou up close and perceive his potential.

Qian Jun leaned forward slightly, "These are the things we want to film."

"The most authentic things are simple as they are, and boring as they are. What may be a trivial daily routine for you is a gateway to the world beyond the racetrack for the audience. We want... no, I need to know these things."

"For ordinary people, racing is just like driving a car, only a little faster. However, you can't really feel the speed in the live TV broadcast, so they think that F1 is just going around in circles on the track, which is so boring that they fall asleep. They simply can't understand this sport."

"But anyone who knows a little about racing knows that it's not like that. A difference of 0.1 seconds can mean going from the front row to tenth place. You can't see it on the live broadcast, but you're all pushing the limits. Racing has never been that simple. The challenges and tests this sport brings are far beyond imagination."

Qian Jun's eyes were shining, as if he could see the stars and the sea. His face, like that of Lu Zhishen, was filled with enthusiasm and passion.

"Actually, for you, going from GP3 to F1 is also a challenge, right?"

"It's not just about increased speed."

"When you graduate from GP3 and enter the highest hall of the racing world to challenge the limits of human beings, you are not only chasing your dreams, but also chasing speed and the limits. You are also eager to try and stand in front of a brand new challenge, ready to go all out."

"What we want to capture is this kind of moment, allowing us and millions of viewers to follow in your footsteps and chase the limits of speed together."

There are no set routines, only genuine emotions; there's no need to organize your thoughts, they just flow freely from your mind.

Clearly, it wasn't just now; Qian Jun had been conceiving this special report for several months, and now that he finally had the chance to speak, he was extremely excited. His words flowed freely, to the point that... he accidentally drooled.

Qian Jun, "Ah!"

She gasped, hurriedly covering her mouth and wiping it, "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, I was too excited."

Before Lu Zhizhou and Shi Yiying could react, Qian Jun clutched his head and howled to the sky, "Ah!"

The shrill, sorrowful cry made the two people next to them exchange glances, and they couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Lu Zhizhou almost laughed until he cried, not knowing whether it was tears or sweat. He wiped his eyes, finally regained his composure, and took a deep breath.

"I'll consider it."

……That's it?
Shi Yiying and Qian Jun talked at length, but Lu Zhizhou's reaction was only this?
Looking at the two people in front of him who were unable to react and could not hide their disappointment, Lu Zhizhou smiled.

"To be honest, everything happened too fast, and I haven't sorted out my thoughts yet. Even if you're planning to shoot a documentary, a day or two won't make a difference, right?"

Shi Yiying gazed quietly into Lu Zhizhou's eyes; that sincerity could not lie. She nodded gently. "Of course." She took a deep breath and repeated, "Of course."

"You just said you were going to the test simulator, so we won't keep you any longer. You should go back and wash up first."

Lu Zhizhou looked himself up and down, then grinned. "Sorry, I'm all sweaty today. I hope I haven't been rude. I'll try to be as clean as possible next time we meet."

After saying that, Lu Zhizhou stood up, walked past the two people, and continued towards the dormitory apartment.

As the lingering fragrance of the music faded, Shi Yiying sat in her chair and couldn't help but sigh, "He... is not what I imagined."

Qian Jun chuckled softly, "I thought I knew him well enough, but it seems I still don't."

To remain so calm and clear-headed amidst such a frenzy, to go from obscurity to being at the center of the world's attention and caught in the storm almost overnight—this is something that even seasoned veterans like them, let alone a seventeen-year-old, might not be able to do, let alone someone who has been in the workforce for many years.

The two exchanged a glance and both burst into laughter.

Shi Yiying stood up again, ready to pay the bill. "Let's go, we also need to talk to Ferrari, they're a problem too."

To their utter surprise, the portly coffee shop owner said that Lu Zhizhou had already paid, leaving Shi Yiying and her companion dumbfounded.

Maranello has been unusually lively lately. Although the town is usually bustling because of Ferrari, it has been especially so recently, with crowds of people coming and going.

Before Lu Zhizhou could discuss the documentary with Nicolas in detail, Maranello welcomed another group of guests, quite a grand affair.

Lu Zhizhou had already gotten used to it, but he hadn't expected the base staff to be so unusually lively. They weren't inexperienced newbies, and Lu Zhizhou was quite puzzled. After asking around, he finally understood—

The FIA ​​has sent people.

Lu Zhizhou was puzzled. "Doesn't the FIA ​​often send people over?"

Every now and then, he would inspect the factory, the vehicles, the data, and so on. He even came during the summer break. Maranello was already used to it.

"No, this time it's different. We're going straight to Sergio's office."

After getting the answer, Lu Zhizhou finally understood the reason for the commotion. He went straight to find the highest-ranking leader. The scene was indeed different, and he could clearly feel a wave of heat in the air.

Something seems off.

Before Lu Zhizhou could come up with a solution, news came from the office, requesting him to come over, and the atmosphere instantly became tense and heated.

Wait... could it be that there's a problem with the super license?

Indeed, Ferrari's signing of Lu Zhizhou will bring a fresh look to the driver lineup in 2018, but this is only a team decision, not the final result.

"Baby driver" is more than just a nickname, because in fact, Lu Zhizhou is indeed under eighteen years old and has been in Formula racing for less than a year. Whether the matter can be carried out depends on the FIA's attitude. If the FIA ​​does not issue a super license or give the green light, then Ferrari is helpless.

Furthermore, things aren't that simple. Mercedes-Benz and Red Bull have remained so quiet; who knows if they're stabbing us in the back?

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If it were Ferrari, Wolff and Horner would probably be willing to team up briefly and give Arrivabene a hard time.

Therefore, as long as the super license is not obtained, things are still subject to change, and the underlying power struggles are beyond the reach of ordinary people.

If it were before the summer break, and he could have simply turned away without a trace, Lu Zhizhou would have had no regrets or lingering feelings, because it was his own choice.

But now the situation is completely different. The opportunity to realize one's dream is already in hand, but to become a victim in the struggle for interests and have that opportunity taken away is a different matter altogether. It's really hard to swallow this insult.

In a short time, countless thoughts raced through his mind, but Lu Zhizhou took a deep breath and composed himself. The key to dealing with unexpected situations was to remain calm, which was the right way to take control of one's own destiny.

knock knock.

Lu Zhizhou knocked on Marchionne's office door, and before he could get a response, laughter came from inside, creating a cheerful and light atmosphere.

"Come in!"

Lu Zhizhou pushed open the office door. Marchionne's not-so-spacious office was bustling and crowded, like a small bar preparing to watch a game.

Lu Zhizhou paused slightly, thinking he had gone to the wrong place. Then he saw an unexpected figure with a prominent beer belly sticking out his head, revealing a big smile, and waving at Lu Zhizhou.

"Zhizhou, here I come!"

Isn't that... Zach Brown?
Lu Zhizhou was somewhat confused as to why McLaren's CEO was in Marchionne's office and even took the initiative to greet him.

However, Marchionne could be seen standing behind with a smile on his face, seemingly unconcerned that Brown was stepping in to take control of the situation.

"James, Sean, this is Lu Zhizhou, the young man who inspired Sergio to break the rules and carry out a complete overhaul."

A middle-aged man with black hair and a black beard, whose hairline had receded all the way to the back of his head, revealing a receding hairline, stood in stark contrast to his messy beard, which looked as if the thick hair had grown in the wrong place. He chuckled and looked at Brown, "And also the kid who broke your heart?"

Brown clutched his chest. "James, you're hurting me."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Bathed in the spotlight, Lu Zhizhou didn't rashly speak or presumptuously try to control the situation, since he was completely unaware of the truth at the moment.

However, she did not appear flustered, panicked, or at a loss. Instead, she calmed down and gracefully met those gazes, remaining patient and composed without being humble or arrogant. Her calm and collected demeanor made the black-bearded man take another look, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Brown noticed.

So, seizing the opportune moment, the introduction naturally unfolded: "This is James Guy Reese, a producer from All-Around Pictures."

Lu Zhizhou raised an eyebrow slightly.

Rhys didn't miss it, staring straight at Lu Zhizhou, "What, you've heard of us?"

Lu Zhizhou's lips curled up. "So your favorite midfielder is Yaya Toure?"

Rhys was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Box-To-Box" is not a simple translation of the name. It is a football term that can be understood as moving from one penalty area to another. Even a strong player who excels in both offense and defense is a versatile midfielder with all six sides.

No further explanation is needed; it's immediately apparent that this is a film company specializing in producing works related to competitive sports.

Lu Zhizhou understood immediately; it seemed that it wasn't a matter of the super driver's license. But at the same time, more questions arose: were they, like Five Star Sports, also preparing to shoot a documentary?
Rhys looked at Lu Zhizhou, "You like football too?"

Lu Zhizhou shook his head. "I only glance at it occasionally in sports news. My knowledge of Yaya Touré is limited to 'Box-To-Box'."

Reese's eyes widened as he turned to Brown. "He is indeed an interesting guy."

Brown raised his chin smugly. "I told you."

Beside him, Marchionne coughed twice to clear his throat.

Brown spread his hands. "Sergio, we all know he's with the Prancing Horse. You don't need to remind me. Can't I even have my eye on him?"

Marchionne remained calm. "No, I'm worried that if you continue to covet it, you'll still end up empty-handed, and your already broken heart might suffer a second blow."

Brown: I'm hopeless.

Hahaha, laughter erupted completely.

There was another person in the office, with silver hair neatly combed into a slicked-back style. His receding hairline, resembling an "M," was clearly visible, yet it did not diminish his elegant and dignified demeanor. His thick eyebrows reminded one of the Golden Lion King from martial arts novels, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

He stood by the side the whole time, never losing focus, observing Lu Zhizhou's every move like a cheetah.

It wasn't until then that he noticed Lu Zhizhou's confident and poised gaze. Without waiting for Brown to introduce him, he gave a subtle smile and stepped forward, saying, "Sean Blatchez."

Simple and clear.

Lu Zhizhou grasped the other man's right hand. He looked to be over sixty years old, but his handshake was still strong and powerful. "Lu Zhizhou."

Brown took a small step forward and reminded him, "F1 Commercial Operations Director."

Once a title is presented, its significance is immediately apparent; clearly, this is not a casual chat or gathering.

Lu Zhizhou showed a hint of surprise, not hiding his astonishment, "Sergio, please tell me, this isn't a scene where someone is summoned to the principal's office for causing trouble."

By subtly conveying two messages in a single sentence, the author uses humor to defuse the atmosphere while simultaneously engaging in direct dialogue with Marchionne, thus highlighting his status as a Ferrari protégé. In a gathering of industry leaders, the author calmly and skillfully demonstrates his adept and astute personality, a move that is truly remarkable.

Laughter erupted instantly.

Marchionne's eyes lit up with a hint of joy. "Relax, Zhizhou. They just want to see what makes you so appealing that you'd don our red jersey."

Lu Zhizhou spread his hands. "Sorry, I guess you'll be disappointed. When I checked last time, it still had two eyes, one nose, and one mouth."

Reese and Brown laughed heartily, but Blatches squinted and said, "I'm a little surprised. You're just as mischievous and frivolous as Daniel Ricardo."

His hidden sharpness was quietly revealed, and Brown's smile became slightly stiff. He wondered whether he should help him out, but he was also worried about overstepping his bounds, so he couldn't help but steal a glance at Marchionne.

Brown was taken aback to find Marchionne remarkably calm and unfazed.

Then, Brown heard Lu Zhizhou's calm and composed voice with a hint of a smile, completely devoid of any tension, "Standing in front of you gentlemen, no matter how composed or mature I am, I am still a child. There's nothing wrong with being a little mischievous and frivolous."

The air froze—

Wait, is Lu Zhizhou complaining about Blatches... being old?

(End of this chapter)