At this point, Zheng Yu nearly dropped her phone.
What??? Song Yining wanted her to spread this news???
Sure, she shared a social circle with Liang Shen and the others, so passing it on wouldn't be difficult. But… she was already starting to worry about Song Yining's situation.
So blatant—was that okay??? Could Song Yining guarantee she'd make it into the top ten???
…
Thanks to Zheng Yu passing the word, Song Yijing did indeed find out. But he didn't take Song Yining's warning seriously at all, so he still went to discuss it with Liang Shen and the others.
Meanwhile, on Song Yining's side—apart from stopping by the factory to oversee the production of the necklaces and bracelets, she spent the rest of her time holed up in the repair shop, making some last modifications to her car in the two days before departure.
On the day she was set to leave, little Maomao tugged at the hem of her skirt.
Song Yining turned back, crouched down, patted his head, and asked, "What is it? Auntie will be back in just two days."
At this, the shy boy pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her.
Song Yining glanced down, and her eyes lit up—it was a childish drawing of a big ring. Messy, yes, but she could still see the talent hidden within.
"Safe return, Auntie," Maomao whispered nervously, clutching at his clothes.
"Don't worry." Song Yining hugged him before heading off with Zheng Yu and the others.
…
Shanghai, at the racetrack.
Song Yining drove her car slowly around the familiar track. At the starting line, a sharp-featured college-aged man sneered at Song Yijing:
"The one driving the Panamera—that's your sister??? Is she brain-dead? Did she even modify that car? And she dares to show up??"
As Liang Shen spoke, a memory suddenly flashed through Song Yijing's mind—Song Yijing nearly running him over with her car.
"She's not much to look at either. Honestly, she's not even qualified to be my opponent." Liang Shen turned to Song Yijing. "We're friends, sure, but I don't want to waste my time on someone like her."
Song Yijing didn't say much in response. In his mind, disdain was indeed the sharpest form of insult.
Most of the others present thought the same way. They saw no potential in Song Yining as a competitor. To them, she was nothing more than a joke—or worse, a clown trying to show off.
Still, the news that the Song family's eldest daughter, also known as Xu Jichen's ex-wife, was entering the race spread quickly, drawing plenty of attention.
But since the organizers had no rules banning women from competing, no one could force her out.
After running two laps and memorizing the route, Song Yining waved to Zheng Yu and suggested they go eat.
…
This race always attracted a lot of attention. Most participants were heirs of wealthy families, good-looking to boot, so every year there was live online coverage and plenty of media present.
Because of who she was, Song Yining did attract some extra attention—but most people were only there to watch her make a fool of herself.
When she got into her car, she noticed someone staring at her. She turned her head to see the person make a throat-slitting gesture toward her.
Song Yining guessed it must be Liang Shen. With that thought, she put on her helmet and flipped him the middle finger.
Liang Shen, who hadn't bothered to pay attention to her looks the day before, only saw a pair of strikingly bright eyes behind the visor when she did it.
"Hope you'll still be that cocky once the race starts," he sneered.
Song Yining ignored him, focusing on her preparations.
There would be two rounds: preliminaries and finals. During the downtime, she could already hear people muttering that she wouldn't even make it past the prelims.
By chance, she and Liang Shen ended up in the same preliminary group. The prelims weren't about direct competition—just finishing within the set time to qualify for the finals.
When the race began, Song Yining didn't push her car to the limit. She didn't want to show all her cards so soon—after all, being first in the prelims didn't matter.
To the spectators, though, she looked like she was barely holding it together. Even worse, when Liang Shen sped past her, the exhaust fumes seemed to mock her.
In the stands, people shook their heads. The Song family heiress had no real skill.
Unsurprisingly, Liang Shen finished first, while Song Yining just barely squeezed through on time.
When she stepped out of her car, Liang Shen was already waiting.
Running a hand through his hair, he smirked. "Big sis, with driving like that, you think you can flip me off??"
Song Yining took off her helmet. Her strikingly handsome, beautiful face was revealed, the bracelet on her wrist catching the light as it swayed. For a moment, Liang Shen froze, unable to speak.
Seeing him staring, she walked a step closer. Liang Shen suddenly tensed up, almost panicked, his ears turning faintly red.
"Young Master Liang, why are you staring at me so hard? Don't tell me you've fallen for me?" She leaned in, and he caught a whiff of light gardenia fragrance. For once, he was tongue-tied.
"Blowing all your energy in the prelims was stupid. Now I've seen all your tricks," she said, brushing back her hair with a casual glance at him before turning away.
Liang Shen's face flushed with embarrassment as he watched her slim figure walk off.
…
As soon as she left, Song Yijing rushed over, grabbing Liang Shen's arm and whispering, "Brother Shen, you showed her up! That bitch is no match for you!!"
"Isn't she your sister? And you call her that?" Liang Shen frowned, displeased.
Song Yijing blinked, thrown off. "Brother Shen, you don't have to be polite with that bitch. She's just here to show off! In the finals, you've gotta crush her!"
"Was her personality always that fiery?" Liang Shen asked suddenly, almost against his will.
Song Yijing didn't catch it and just looked confused.
Clicking his tongue, Liang Shen waved it off. "Forget it."
Damn it. How had he suddenly gotten interested in a divorced woman?? This was insane.