Speed ​​God

Chapter 97: Distinguish between public and private matters
The smile remained on Lebak's lips, and his expression seemed unchanged, but his eyes revealed a seriousness as he entered work mode.

"Of course, I am very glad to have met last night, but on behalf of Richard Mille, I have a position to stand on, so please forgive my rudeness."

After saying that, before Lorenzo and Lu Zhizhou could exchange pleasantries, LeBark changed the subject, and the smile that had been on his lips was gone.

"So, what is it about you that you can impress Richard Mill?"

Their gazes fell on Lu Zhizhou.

Lu Zhizhou had just sat down when he adjusted his posture slightly and joked, "Phew, is this what an interview is like?"

LeBark chuckled. "Welcome to the world of money."

Lu Zhizhou raised his chin, revealing a knowing look. "If I were you, I wouldn't sign the contract."

LeBark: ? ? ?

Lorenzo was also startled by Lu Zhizhou and almost choked on his saliva. But seeing the usually elegant and composed Leback showing such a rare expression, he couldn't help but smile. He relaxed and slumped on the sofa to watch the show.

Only Lu Zhizhou was an exception.

He remained calm, still smiling, and continued speaking at a measured pace.

"A driver with a completely blank resume is not convincing just because of his performance of winning two GP3 championships in one weekend."

"Who knows? Maybe the Spanish Grand Prix was a beautiful accident, maybe the ART car pulled away from the crowd, or maybe he just took advantage of the novelty and unfamiliarity and took advantage of others' lack of knowledge about him to win a victory. There are too many uncertain factors, and only time will tell."

With composure and confidence, Lu Zhizhou faced his shortcomings with equanimity. In any case, whether he said it or not, the facts were there, and there was no need to pretend not to see them.

LeBak was only caught off guard by the attack and quickly regained his composure, looking at Lu Zhizhou with great interest, "So, shall we end today's meeting here?"

Lu Zhizhou met LeBark's gaze. "But Richard Mill is not me, right? Otherwise, today's meeting would never have happened, even if Lorenzo had helped to make the connection."

LeBark pondered for a moment, then glanced at Lorenzo. Did Lu Zhizhou not know Lorenzo's identity?

Lorenzo played a crucial role in today's meeting; LeBark came for Lorenzo rather than for Lu Zhizhou.

Lorenzo noticed, a smile playing on his lips, maintaining his usual carefree and unrestrained demeanor, and offered no response.

LeBak withdrew his gaze and looked at Lu Zhizhou again, waiting for what was to come.

Lu Zhizhou noticed the subtle exchange of glances, but there was no time to delve deeper. He continued speaking at his own pace.

“Investing is like this: if you wait until everything is finalized and settled, the ratio of effort to return will be compressed. Isn’t that why Richard Mill didn’t choose Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, or even Max Verstappen?”

“They have proven themselves, and when sponsors seek to work with them, they have to pay a higher price, without being sure if they will get the expected return.”

“Every investment carries risk. Richard Mir chose Charles Leclerc, and just like today’s meeting, you have made your choice and are prepared to take risks with young drivers.”

Leback slightly raised his chin, but did not delve into Leclerc's contract sponsorship. "But as you said, there are too many uncertainties surrounding you. Richard Mille wants to sponsor young players, and we have many options: Russell, Albon, Han Se-yong..."

“But none of them are me,” Lu Zhizhou interrupted Lebak.

LeBak's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Who gave you the courage? The Asian market?" "Ha." Lu Zhizhou laughed, his eyes and mouth brimming with smiles. "No, actually, it was you who gave it to me."

Lebak became genuinely interested. "Oh?"

Lu Zhizhou looked confidently into LeBark's eyes, "Richard Mill, an adventurer, a rebel, an explorer, an innovator who dares to break free from constraints."

"When you came on stage, people laughed at your overestimation of your abilities. No, to be precise, people didn't take you seriously at all, because you were shaking up the traditions of the watch industry like ants trying to move an elephant. Nobody believed you could succeed."

"Even now, Rolex still disdains to compete with you on the same level. They have their own pride and dignity and refuse to wallow in the mud."

"So when you see me, I believe Mr. Richard Mille sees himself."

The brand's founder is Richard Mille, who named the brand after himself and made it famous worldwide.

"Indeed, everything is unknown and uncertain. There are too many things to take risks at this stage. Even I did not expect that today's meeting would happen. But it is precisely because we are sitting here talking at this moment that you have given me courage."

“You’re trying to take risks, you’re eager to break free from constraints—that’s the Richard Mille brand image.”

"Then why don't we cooperate, explore together, see how far I can go, and complete this uncertain journey hand in hand?"

Calm and composed, yet exhilarating.

Lorenzo, sitting next to him, whistled and beamed with joy, making no attempt to hide his excitement.

LeBak was about to speak when he was interrupted. He glanced at Lorenzo with a hint of helplessness, but didn't say anything more. He looked at Lu Zhizhou again and asked, "What if we ultimately fail?"

Lu Zhizhou smiled, a smile that was exceptionally bright and cheerful. "To be honest, if we fail, the only loss will be mine. Richard Mill will not suffer any loss."

LeBak didn't hide his surprise, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes as he gestured for Lu Zhizhou to continue.

Lu Zhizhou did not refuse. "If I fail, I will disappear. The racing world will not be sad at all, because there are always new drivers coming up. Richard Mir can always seek cooperation with other young drivers. However, Richard Mir has not lost anything either. You have demonstrated the brand value."

"Adventure. Breaking the deadlock. Breaking free from constraints. Even if it means failure, Richard Mille's brand value lies more in continuous experimentation and daring to try than in success or failure. It is about pushing oneself to the limit through constant adventure."

"So, regardless of my outcome or success, Richard Mille remains undefeated, and you will always be able to establish the brand image."

Despite the continued hustle and bustle outside the window, constantly reminding them that the F1 qualifying time was drawing ever closer, none of them were distracted. Not only Leback, but Lorenzo also turned his head to look at Lu Zhizhou, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

There was also praise.

Originally, LeBark should have been in control of the conversation and the initiative, with the sugar daddy as the main character; but quietly, the spotlight shifted, and the gaze was firmly fixed on Lu Zhizhou.

Despite being within sight, Lu Zhizhou remained completely calm, his composed eyes radiating a powerful strength.

“Mr. LeBark, believe me, you don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

　Second update today.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)