Chapter 51: Chapter 48: Reverse-Modified Impreza
Listening to Chen Xiangbei’s explanation, Zhao Yumei looked a little confused. She had never thought that racing could also lead to university.
"Xiangbei, tell me, why did you suddenly decide to go into racing?"
Zhao Yumei recovered from her shock and felt she needed to sort her thoughts from the beginning.
"It’s not sudden. I’ve always liked racing, which is why I chose to work part-time at Uncle Liang’s car repair shop."
"Uncle Liang was originally a racing engineer and once worked at Huasi Sports in East Sea. Their company currently has a cooperation with the Honda Racing Academy, and they have a few enrollment spots available. I want to try out for this opportunity."
Chen Xiangbei tried to explain the situation in a way his mother could understand.
Zhao Yumei was a bit surprised. Liang Chi’s repair shop had been open for almost twenty years, a familiar neighborhood business, but she didn’t know about this part of his past.
"That Suzuka International University, how does it rank by domestic standards?"
Zhao Yumei asked, feeling somewhat moved by her son’s words.
Chen Xiangbei’s academic performance was below average, unable to guarantee entry to a good university. If there’s an opportunity to study abroad with a recommendation, it would be an alternative path.
After all, in 2008, there was still some prestige in being an international student, unlike a decade or so later when returning students were everywhere.
"According to domestic standards, it’s a second-tier university, but counting the overseas experience, it’s close to a first-tier."
First-tier?
Hearing this answer, Zhao Yumei fell silent.
After thinking for a moment, she took out her phone and said, "I need to confirm this with Old Liang."
"Okay."
The call connected quickly, and since it wasn’t on speaker, Chen Xiangbei naturally couldn’t hear the conversation.
After a few exchanges, the call ended, and Zhao Yumei, looking serious, asked, "Chen Xiangbei, do you really have to race?"
"I do."
Seeing her son’s resolute expression, Zhao Yumei felt incredibly conflicted inside.
After a long pause, she slowly said, "Actually, I’ve known for a while that you are very interested in cars, otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to work part-time at a repair shop just to get a chance to be around them."
"As a mother, I don’t want you to engage in such a dangerous profession, but I also don’t want to hinder your dreams and future."
"Son, since you’ve already decided, then go for it."
By the end of her words, Zhao Yumei’s voice was choked with emotion.
Hearing his mother’s words, even the usually composed Chen Xiangbei couldn’t help but feel a twinge in his nose.
He simply wasn’t used to showing his emotions, so he gently hugged his mother, Zhao Yumei, said thank you, and then turned back to his room.
...
The next morning, Chen Xiangbei left home carrying his luggage to head to the repair shop.
He didn’t like the fuss of goodbyes, especially since he was just going to East Sea for karting trials, not something life-threatening; there was no need for all the drama.
The gate to the repair shop was open, but Chen Xiangbei didn’t see either Liang Chi or Zhang Zhicong. He peered inside through the window and found no one.
Just as he was feeling puzzled, he suddenly heard noises coming from the back warehouse. Upon checking, he discovered Liang Chi and Zhang Zhicong tinkering with the Subaru Impreza STI.
When Chen Xiangbei looked closely at what was happening, he was completely stunned.
The originally low-key luxury black carbon fiber parts were now covered with blue film, reverting to the Subaru blue style before the modification.
The sporty, competitive body kit was also replaced with the ordinary Impreza design, making it look rather understated. As for the iconic large rear wing, it was removed and set aside.
This wasn’t the top-of-the-line racing version of the Subaru Impreza WRX SRI any longer, but just a regular production model Subaru Impreza.
In modern internet slang, the "male leopard" had turned into a "female leopard," with no sign of its pure rally lineage.
Chen Xiangbei had seen all sorts of flashy car modifications, but he’d never witnessed such a reverse transformation by Liang Chi. Even pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger didn’t need to go this far.
"Uncle Liang, what are you doing?"
Hearing the voice, Liang Chi realized that Chen Xiangbei was already standing behind him.
"Modifying the car. The previous look was too flashy, not suitable for the road."
"Now it’s turned into a regular Impreza. You can drive it to East Sea."
At first glance, Chen Xiangbei thought it made some sense.
After all, East Sea is an international metropolis, and since Chen Xiangbei isn’t someone of influence who can handle everything, driving a highly modified Subaru Impreza STI on the road was indeed too conspicuous and likely to attract attention.
Now, transformed into a production model Impreza, it seemed ordinary in every aspect on the streets except for its niche brand. As long as no one looked closely at the details or revved up the engine intentionally, most people wouldn’t realize it was a heavily modified performance car.
"Uncle Liang, you are a real genius..."
Chen Xiangbei sincerely complimented, indeed this reverse modification approach was quite practical.
However, his words carried a bit of a sarcastic tone, and if not for Zhang Zhicong present, Liang Chi might have given the boy a kick.
Just then, Liang Chi noticed the suitcase behind Chen Xiangbei.
"Kid, efficient work, are you ready?"
"Yeah, we can head out today."
With the confirmation from Chen Xiangbei, Liang Chi smiled and lit a cigarette.
Then he spoke with a sigh, "Looks like my old repair shop is going to close again."
"Closing it is good, you shouldn’t be stuck in this small place fixing cars."
Zhang Zhicong chimed in. They were long-time friends; having different stands didn’t mean having different aspirations.
If possible, he still hoped to "fight side by side" with his old buddy.
Once deciding to leave, Liang Chi’s efficiency was equally high. He packed a few clothes, closed the repair shop’s gate, and set off with Chen Xiangbei in the Subaru Impreza, towards East Sea.
Perhaps he already foresaw today’s journey, which was why he and Zhang Zhicong spent the night modifying the Impreza STI.
While driving on the highway, Chen Xiangbei asked, "Oh, Uncle Liang, I wanted to ask, what did you say to my mom last night to make her finally agree to let me go racing?"
Faced with Chen Xiangbei’s question, Liang Chi flicked the ash from his cigarette.
"Nothing much, I just said your son is a racing genius, and there are two paths ahead of him."
"You can either let his talent shine and become the center of attention, or let him abandon his racing dream and blend in with the masses."
"Obviously, your mother chose the former. It’s that simple."
Hearing Liang Chi’s reply, Chen Xiangbei felt a mix of emotions. No wonder his mother had ultimately said she didn’t want to hinder his dreams and future.
Truth be told, most parents of this era couldn’t do what Zhao Yumei did — be so open and accepting. More often, they imposed their own will on their children, ensuring they follow the path they laid out.
Perhaps, like mother Zhao Yumei said, she saw her son’s persistence in working part-time at the repair shop over the past six months; she saw his passion and longing for racing, which finally led her to make this choice.
PS: Thank you all for your support and rewards, my heart feels warm. o(≧▽≦)o