mijobooks Chapter 159 First Racing Experience
Chapter 159 First Racing Experience
Chapter 159 First Racing Experience
A driving school test center in Setagaya Ward.
"pass!"
The examiner looked at the near-perfect driving record sheet in his hand, then glanced at the young girl sitting in the driver's seat, wearing a mask and a baseball cap, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Are young people these days so amazing? They did it on the first try? And the precision of their reverse parking is as if it was measured with a ruler."
Several students waiting to retake the exam were even more dumbfounded.
They clearly remembered that this girl named "Sachiko Kamachi" had hardly appeared at the driving range in the past month, except for the day she registered.
"Could this be the legendary genius?"
Quanshui took the driver's license and lowered his hat brim somewhat embarrassedly.
genius?
of course not.
For the past month, she practiced driving every night on the vacant lot in an abandoned factory in Chiba Prefecture that Kitahara Shin had rented for her. Kitahara Shin was like the strictest coach, teaching her step by step how to cut corners, how to control the throttle, and even how to drift.
Although she didn't know why an actor would know so many racing skills, the feeling of having his hand in hers and feeling the vibration of the steering wheel did indeed help her improve rapidly.
"Thanks."
She bowed politely and turned to leave.
Holding the still-warm driver's license in her hand, Quanshui's heart was beating a little fast.
She took out her phone and sent a message to her agent, Daejeon.
"Mr. Ota, thank you for your help. I'd like to go pick up that car."
An hour later, at a car modification shop.
Quanshui stood in front of the dark blue sports car and took a deep breath.
This is "Demon Z".
After top-notch restoration and modification, this former scrap metal has been completely transformed. The deep blue paint gleams with an eerie yet captivating sheen under the lights, and the streamlined body resembles a cheetah poised to pounce. Hidden beneath the hood is a reinforced L28 twin-turbo engine, ready to unleash a terrifying roar with just a touch of the accelerator.
"Is this car really suitable for beginners?"
The car dealership owner wiped the grease off his hands, looking at the spring with some concern. "The horsepower is too high; it's easy to lose control."
Quanshui opened the car door and sat in the highly supportive racing seat.
"It's okay."
She gripped the steering wheel, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes that was quite different from her usual gentle demeanor: "I will control it well."
Because this is his car.
It was also the key for her to access his world.
The engine roared.
A deep blue phantom glided out of the garage and merged into the traffic of Tokyo.
At the entrance of Green Mountain Film Studio.
Kitahara Shin stood by the roadside and glanced at his watch.
Today's filming went smoothly, and we only need two more climax scenes to wrap up. Daejeon just texted to say he'd arranged a private car to pick him up, but he didn't expect this "private car" to be so special.
"boom-
'
A deep, powerful engine sound came from the engine.
A dark blue Fairlady ZS30 pulled up in front of him.
The car window slowly rolled down.
She revealed her clean and delicate face. She wasn't wearing makeup today, only a touch of light pink lipstick, but her cool and pure temperament was more captivating than any elaborate adornment.
She gripped the steering wheel nervously, turned her head to look at Kitahara Shin, and said softly, "I've come to pick you up."
At that moment, Kitahara Shin felt that this scene was more beautiful than any movie scene.
He opened the passenger door and got in.
Congratulations on getting your driver's license.
He turned to her side, adjusted her seatbelt, and casually pinched her cheek. "Where are you planning to take me next, my personal driver?"
Quanshui blinked, the tension in her eyes slowly fading, replaced by an eager excitement: "I want to take you for a drive. Just like—like the last time you took me."
"OK."
Kitahara Shin leaned back in his chair, relaxing his body. "But it's getting a bit late. Where should we go for a drive? As long as we don't leave Earth, I'm happy to go with you."
Izumi: "Shall we take the highway? I want to drive faster. And—isn't tomorrow Monday? You promised to take us to see Nanako's performance. We can drive straight to Chiba tonight, and then go there tomorrow morning, which will be convenient."
Kitahara Shin glanced at her with some surprise.
This girl actually planned out her entire trip? And she dared to drive long distances on the highway right after getting her driver's license. She's got some nerve.
Are you sure?
Kitahara Shin pointed to the dashboard. "This car's horsepower is far beyond what you'd find in a driving school car. Is it really okay to drive this aggressively all at once?"
"It's okay."
Quanshui gripped the steering wheel tightly, turned to him, and gave him a bright smile: "Because you're here."
As long as he's there, there's nothing to be afraid of.
Kitahara Shin paused for a moment, then smiled helplessly.
"Alright. Let's go then."
The car drove out of the city and arrived at an intersection near the south entrance of the Oi-minami Road leading to the Metropolitan Expressway.
red light.
The car came to a steady stop.
Just then, a piercing engine roar came from the side.
A flashy, bright yellow Mazda RX-7 was parked in the adjacent lane. Its body was covered in exaggerated decals, and its exhaust pipe was modified to be deafeningly loud—it was clearly the kind of street-racing stunt driver that only cared about causing a ruckus.
The car window rolled down.
A familiar face appeared.
-
Yamamoto.
He's the rich kid who got taught a lesson by Kitahara Shin in his Corolla on the highway last time.
This time he had obviously changed to a new car, and there was a new, energetic young woman in the passenger seat, chewing gum and playing on her phone with a bored expression.
Yamamoto was revving the engine and showing off when he suddenly caught a glimpse of the dark blue old car next to him out of the corner of his eye.
"Um?"
He frowned.
This car—this model—looks familiar?
Although the color has changed and the modifications are more professional, he still feels that the aura is familiar.
"Hello!"
Yamamoto leaned half his body out of the window and shouted, "Hey over there! Could you roll down your window?"
Izumi glanced nervously at Kitahara Shin.
Kitahara Shin gave her a reassuring look, then pressed the window button.
The car window rolled down.
Yamamoto peeked out and saw that the driver was a beautiful woman wearing a hat, and the passenger was a man who looked quite professional.
"Is there something you need?" Kitahara Shin asked casually.
Yamamoto stared at Kitahara Shin for a few seconds, and the more he looked, the more familiar he seemed. Although Kitahara Shin was wearing sunglasses that night, and the car was going too fast to see him clearly, that calm yet infuriating aura was exactly the same.
"that----"
Yamamoto asked hesitantly, "This car—was it red before? About two months ago, on the highway near Yokohama—"
Kitahara Shin raised an eyebrow.
Surprisingly, this rich kid has a pretty good memory.
"Right?"
Kitahara Shin didn't deny it, and smiled, "It seems like that's true. What? Want to have another match?"
Upon hearing this, Yamamoto's eyes lit up instantly.
It really is that amazing person!
"It really was you!"
Yamamoto was so excited he almost jumped out of the car window. "I knew it! That kind of drifting cornering technique, no one else can do it but you! Master, I admit defeat last time! This time I got a new car, and I even modified the rotary engine. How about we play another round?"
Kitahara Shin shook his head: "Not interested. We need to get going."
"No!"
Yamamoto grew anxious. "Here's what we'll do! There's a gathering tonight at Dahei Wharf, it's all car enthusiasts. If you'd be so kind as to come and race around, I'll give you this amount regardless of whether you win or not!"
He held up one finger: "One million! One million yen! Consider it my appearance fee! How about it?"
One million.
In this era, it's a huge sum of money for ordinary people. But for a rich kid like Yamamoto, it's just a month's allowance. He just wanted to prove in that circle that the person he lost to last time wasn't an ordinary person, but a true master.
Quanshui tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
She stared at the traffic light ahead, saying nothing. But a longing flickered in her eyes.
That's the rebellious spirit in the bones of rock singers, and also their instinctive yearning for speed.
Kitahara Shin noticed her emotions.
He turned his head, looked at the spring's profile, and asked softly, "Spring, do you want to go?"
Normally, he would definitely refuse. After all, it's dangerous driving, and Quanshui is a public figure.
But now, he has the Midnight Ghost, the Ring of Life, and a bunch of trump cards to save his life.
Most importantly, he could sense that the spring wanted to go.
That wildness, which has always been suppressed beneath a well-behaved exterior, needs an outlet.
The spring water turned its head and looked at him.
"—May I?"
Her voice was soft, but her eyes were bright. "If it were you—would you let me go?"
"You can do it if you want to."
Kitahara Shin smiled and reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear: "I'll be watching you. Nothing will happen."
The spring took a deep breath and nodded vigorously.
I want to go.
Kitahara Shin turned his head and looked at Yamamoto, who was still waiting anxiously over there.
"Lead the way."
"Okay!!"
Yamamoto roared excitedly, slammed on the gas, and sped off. "Follow me! It's just ahead!"
Dahei Wharf.
This is the mecca of Tokyo's underground racing culture. Under the massive overpasses, all sorts of modified cars are parked.
GTR, Supra, RX-7—the brightly colored cars shimmered under the streetlights, and the air was filled with the smell of gasoline and burning tires.
Yamamoto led them to park the car at the edge of the gathering area.
-
"Master! Over here!"
Yamamoto jumped out of the car and ran over enthusiastically, "There are probably more than twenty cars participating tonight, all of them running the Metropolitan Expressway."
The rules are simple: whoever runs a lap and returns here first wins.
Kitahara Shin got out of the car and took out two face masks and two pairs of non-prescription glasses from the trunk.
"Put it on."
He handed the spring water, saying, "Even though it's nighttime, it's best to keep a low profile."
Spring Water, wear it obediently.
Kitahara Shin's thoughts stirred slightly.
[Mind Equipment: Guardian's Oath - Ring of Life (Purple) Target: Izumi Sakai]
A soft purple light entered the spring.
The third spot in the Ring of Life has been filled.
With this, even if the car is completely destroyed, the spring water will remain unharmed.
"Um—we still need to sign a liability waiver."
Yamamoto took out a piece of paper and said somewhat embarrassedly, "After all, it's an underground activity, and nobody wants to take responsibility if something goes wrong."
Kitahara Shin took the pen and signed "Ota Shoichi" (his manager's name) on it in a flamboyant manner.
Anyway, Daejeon is the perfect scapegoat.
"Give."
Yamamoto readily handed over a check. "This is the promised one million. Win or lose, it's all yours."
Kitahara Shin accepted the check and put it in his pocket.
"Let's begin."
Ten minutes later.
Twenty modified cars lined up on the starting line.
The roar of engines rose and fell, like the howls of wild beasts.
Quan Shui sat in the driver's seat, his palms slightly sweaty.
She was surrounded by racing cars that looked incredibly fierce, while she was just a new driver who had just gotten her license.
-
"Don't be afraid."
Kitahara Shin's voice rang out from the side.
He reached out and gently covered the hand that was gripping the gearshift.
"Close your eyes and take a deep breath."
The spring obediently closed its eyes.
A slight thought.
[Mind Equipment: Midnight Ghost (Car God Possession) - Activated]
[Equipment Effect: Shared Driving Skills]
In an instant.
A strange feeling welled up in the spring's mind.
The once unfamiliar clutch engagement point became crystal clear, and the previously vague sense of the car's width became as precise as her own skin. The knowledge about optimal cornering lines, heel-and-toe maneuvers, and inertial drifting was etched into her muscle memory like instinct.
She opened her eyes.
Those clear eyes now burned with an unprecedented confidence and wildness.
"3, 2, 1————GO!!"
The flag in the starting girl's hand was lowered.
"boom!!!"
Twenty vehicles launched simultaneously.
Yamamoto's RX-7 took the lead, and the high-revving advantage of the rotary engine was fully demonstrated at the start.
But what followed closely behind was a deep blue phantom.
As Quanshui stepped on the gas, the feeling of being pushed back into her seat made her blood boil instantly.
Shift gears.
Separation and disengagement.
Add oil.
The movements were fluid and natural, without a trace of a novice's awkwardness.
The first bend ahead.
Yamamoto opted to slow down and cut inside.
But the spring water—she did not slow down.
"Hurry up."
She silently recited a sentence in her heart.
The steering wheel jerked sharply, the handbrake was lightly pulled, and the accelerator was pressed down.
"Zi—"
'
The dark blue car body slid sideways across the road, its tires screeching sharply, carrying an unstoppable momentum as it slid right past Yamamoto's outside line!
Drift overtake!
Sitting in the passenger seat, Kitahara Shin watched this scene with a smile playing on his lips.
This girl learns really fast.
Or perhaps—is this the talent of a rock lead singer? That feeling of controlling the rhythm of the entire stage has been perfectly transplanted onto the racetrack.
The next ten minutes became a personal showcase for the spring.
She weaves through traffic, dancing around bends. Every gear shift is like stepping to the beat of a drum, every turn like singing the highest note.
Yamamoto chased after it with all his might, almost flooring the engine, but the dark blue Z was like a ghost, always maintaining an insurmountable distance in front of him.
That was an absolute technological crushing victory.
"We won!"
The moment the car crossed the finish line, Quanshui couldn't help but shout.
Her face was flushed, and her eyes shone like stars. The adrenaline rush put her in a state of extreme excitement.
The car came to a stop.
She turned her head and looked at Kitahara Shin.
He didn't speak.
She rushed over, hugged him tightly, and then kissed him hard on the cheek.
"Thank you! That's amazing! This feels so good!"
Kitahara Shin smiled and hugged her, feeling her rapid heartbeat.
"As long as you're happy."
A few minutes later, Yamamoto's car arrived.
He jumped out of the car, ran over breathlessly, glanced at Izumi on the driver's seat, then at Kitahara Shin, looking utterly bewildered.
"Wow, was that girl driving just now?"
Kitahara Shin nodded.
Yamamoto swallowed hard, then gave the spring a thumbs-up: "I'm impressed! Utterly impressed! As expected of a master's woman, her skills—I deserve to lose!"
"Could I leave you my contact information? I'd love to come visit sometime!"
Kitahara Shin waved his hand.
"No need. See you again someday."
After he finished speaking, he gestured for Quanshui to roll up the car window.
The deep blue Devil Z started up again, and with a low growl from its engine, it disappeared at the end of the overpass like a true urban legend.
Yamamoto was left standing there alone, staring at the taillights, unable to come to his senses for a long time.
"That's awesome!"
He muttered to himself.
After tonight, the legend of Dahei Wharf will be further enriched by a mysterious pair of "male and female demons".
As for spring water...
This night was more than just a car chase.
It was also a different kind of feeling she found—the feeling of freedom—by being with that man.