Guangzhou and Shenzhen are very close to the border with Hong Kong Island, and since Chen Xiangbei had traveled to Hong Kong Island in his past life, he has some impression of the border crossing process and routes.
In just over two hours, Chen Xiangbei successfully arrived within Hong Kong Island's borders.
Exiting the customs building, Chen Xiangbei checked his phone and saw a reply from Qin Lianjie saying he would be there soon. As for Zhang Zhicong, there was no reply; it's unclear whether he was busy or had not seen the message.
Just as Chen Xiangbei was hesitating about whether to make a phone call, a classic Biscayne Blue 08 Volkswagen R36 stopped in front of him, and as the driver's side window rolled down, Zhang Zhicong's face appeared in his view.
"Xiangbei, have you been waiting long?"
Zhang Zhicong asked with a smile, having rushed over immediately after finishing his business.
"No, I just got here."
After saying that, Chen Xiangbei appraised the Volkswagen R36 and said admiringly, "Uncle Zhang, I didn't expect you to be a Wagon enthusiast; this car is very nice."
The Volkswagen R36 is definitely a legendary car, a classic example of hiding its true power.
Its exterior looks modest like a family car, but it is equipped with a 3.6L VR6 engine, with a stock power of 300 horsepower, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, capable of accelerating to a hundred in five seconds.
In terms of pure performance data, it is extremely close to Qin Lianjie's extensively modified Civic Type-R, and generally, Japanese performance cars can't surpass it.
In an era when zero to hundred acceleration typically takes around ten seconds, many people unfamiliar with this car's details would mistakenly think it is a small "van" easy to bully when they see its appearance.
In fact, the R36 can take off so quickly that you might not even see its taillights.
For this reason, it earned the nickname "hidden dragon," and attracted many enthusiasts. Before the arrival of the new energy era, its value retained astonishingly well.
A slightly well-maintained Biscayne Blue version, after fifteen years, is still worth half of its new car price.
"This car is quite practical; hop in."
Zhang Zhicong gestured, noting the wagon's larger space was more suitable for family use.
After getting into the Volkswagen R36, Zhang Zhicong drove it to his residence, while Chen Xiangbei gazed at the street scenes of Hong Kong Island through the window.
Honestly, comparing to his past life impression, not much has changed in many places, and he could vaguely recognize some familiar landmarks. It's as if time on Hong Kong Island had stagnated at a certain stage, lacking the rapid development seen on the mainland.
"Xiangbei, I really didn't expect you to participate in the Grand Prix racing in less than half a year."
As he drove, Zhang Zhicong couldn't help but exclaim; Chen Xiangbei's speed of improvement overturned his perception.
It seems that racing truly requires talent, as Huasi Sports produced countless drivers over five years yet couldn't compare to Chen Xiangbei's half-year accomplishments!
"If it weren't for the Brawn GP team recommendation, I wouldn't have been able to secure an entry."
The Australian Grand Prix F3 event has high entry standards for teams and drivers.
Chen Xiangbei had considered skipping grades; after all, in his past life, he was already an F2-level driver, standing at the F1 threshold. Progressing step by step from Renault Formula does seem like a waste of time.
Yet he hadn't considered entering the Grand Prix racing.
This was due to his career history and the current specifications of the Super Dream Team, which didn't meet the requirements for participating in the Grand Prix F3 event.
Only a team like Brawn GP, at the F1 level, could pass the FIA's entry audit.
"Indeed, Staler helped considerably; I owe him a lot."
Zhang Zhicong nodded, always feeling grateful and guilty towards Staler.
Honestly, he hesitated for a long time even just to call Staler to take care of Chen Xiangbei.
He felt embarrassed asking Staler for help again; the lessons from Huasi Sports' failure were too harsh.
"Uncle Zhang, truthfully, I owe you quite a bit too."
Chen Xiangbei turned back, saying sincerely yet playfully.
After Huasi Sports' bankruptcy and liquidation, Zhang Zhicong, disheartened, withdrew from the racing field but continued to care about him from afar, using various connections hoping to provide support.
Talents are common, but mentors are rare.
Without Zhang Zhicong, Chen Xiangbei's career progress wouldn't have reached today's pace.
"No, Xiangbei, you don't owe me."
"Actually, in a certain sense, both I and Old Liang have pinned our former dreams and hopes on you."
Zhang Zhicong never felt there was any debt between him and Chen Xiangbei; helping Chen Xiangbei was, to some extent, fulfilling his own "dream."
As long as Chen Xiangbei continues to fight in the arena, Huasi Sports hasn't completely fallen!
After saying this, Zhang Zhicong changed the subject, "By the way Xiangbei, this time you'll participate in the Grand Prix F3 event at your own expense; are funds tight?"
"I've helped you connect with several potential sponsors in Hong Kong; they may go to Australia to watch the race. You need to perform well in this competition."
Before his engagement with Huasi Sports, Zhang Zhicong worked for twenty years in investment and as a professional manager.
In this line, plenty of things are missing, but connections are abundant.
However, whether capital will genuinely support you depends on the results and potential you showcase, the decisive factor lies with Chen Xiangbei himself.
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