Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 48 Reverse Modification of Impreza
Listening to Chen Xiangbei's explanation, Zhao Yumei looked a little confused. She had never thought that racing could allow her to go to college.

"Xiangbei, tell me why you suddenly decided to go racing?"

Zhao Yumei recovered from her shock and felt like she needed to sort out her thoughts.

"It wasn't sudden. I've always loved racing, which is why I chose to work part-time at Uncle Liang's auto repair shop."

"Uncle Liang was originally a racing engineer and previously worked for Huasai Sports in Donghai. His company currently has a partnership with the Honda Racing Academy and has several enrollment slots. I'd like to try this opportunity."

Chen Xiangbei tried his best to describe what happened in words that his mother could understand.

Zhao Yumei was a little surprised after hearing this. Liang Chi's auto repair shop had been open for almost twenty years, and they were considered old neighbors. She really didn't know that he had such an experience.

"That Suzuka International University, what tier is it according to domestic standards?"

Zhao Yumei asked, she was now somewhat persuaded by her son.

Chen Xiangbei's academic performance was below average, so there was no guarantee he would be admitted to a good undergraduate program. However, if he had the opportunity to study abroad, it would be another option.

After all, at this stage in 08, international students still had some halo, unlike more than a decade later when returnees were everywhere.

"According to normal domestic standards, it's a second-tier university, but taking into account my overseas study experience, it's close to a first-tier university."

One copy?
After hearing this answer, Zhao Yumei fell silent.

After thinking for a moment, she took out her phone and said, "I want to confirm with Lao Liang."

"Ah."

The call was connected quickly, but since the speaker was not turned on, Chen Xiangbei naturally could not hear the content of the conversation.

After chatting for a few words, the two hung up the phone. Zhao Yumei then asked seriously, "Chen Xiangbei, do you really want to race?"

"must."

Looking at her son's determined look, Zhao Yumei felt extremely conflicted.

After a long pause, she slowly said, "Actually, I've known for a long time that you're interested in cars. Otherwise, you wouldn't be working part-time at a repair shop just to get a chance to touch those cars."

"As a mother, I don't want you to work in such a dangerous industry, but I also don't want to hinder your dreams and future."

"Son, since you have made your decision, go ahead."

When she spoke to the end, Zhao Yumei's voice was choked with sobs.

Hearing his mother's words, even Chen Xiangbei, who was usually very calm, couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat.

But he was not used to showing his emotions. He gently hugged his mother Zhao Yumei, said thank you, and turned back to his room.

……

The next morning, Chen Xiangbei walked out of the house alone with his luggage and went to the auto repair shop.

He also didn't like fussy farewells, especially since he was just going to the East China Sea for a karting trial, not a life-and-death farewell, so there was no need to be so pretentious.

The door to the repair shop was open, but Chen Xiangbei did not see Liang Chi or Zhang Zhicong. He went to the window sill and glanced into the house, only to find that no one was inside.

Just as Chen Xiangbei was feeling puzzled, he suddenly heard a noise coming from the warehouse behind him. He walked over and saw Liang Chi and Zhang Zhicong tinkering with the Subaru Impreza STI.

When Chen Xiangbei carefully saw what was going on, he was stunned where he was.

The originally low-key and luxurious black carbon fiber parts are now covered with a layer of blue film, returning to the Subaru blue style before the modification.

The sporty sports surrounds were replaced with the standard Impreza style, which looked rather ordinary. As for the iconic large rear spoiler, it was simply removed and placed aside.

This isn't the top-of-the-line racing Subaru Impreza WRX SRI anymore; it's been transformed into a regular production Subaru Impreza. To use a later internet jargon, the "male leopard" has been transformed into a "female leopard," completely losing its rally pedigree.

Chen Xiangbei had seen all kinds of fancy car modifications, but he had never seen Liang Chi do the opposite. There was no need to be so thorough in pretending to be a pig and eating a tiger.

"Uncle Liang, what are you doing?"

Hearing the voice, Liang Chi noticed that Chen Xiangbei was standing behind him.

"Modify the car. The previous appearance was too high-profile and not suitable for road use."

"Now it's a regular Impreza. You can drive it to the East China Sea."

When Chen Xiangbei first heard it, it seemed to make some sense.

Donghai is an international metropolis after all, and Chen Xiangbei is not a powerful person who can handle everything. Driving a modified Subaru Impreza STI on the road is indeed too conspicuous and easy to be checked.

Now transformed into a mass-produced Impreza, it appears ordinary on the street, except for the niche brand. Unless you pay close attention to the details and don't deliberately step on the accelerator to increase the revs, most people will not realize that this is a modified performance car.

"Uncle Liang, you are such a genius..."

Chen Xiangbei sincerely praised that the reverse modification method is indeed very practical.

But when he said this, there was a sense of yin and yang. If it weren't for the fact that Zhang Zhicong was watching here, Liang Chi really wanted to kick this kid in the ass.

Just as he turned around, Liang Chi noticed the suitcase Chen Xiangbei had placed behind him.

"Boy, that's pretty efficient. Are you ready?"

"Well, we can leave today."

After getting Chen Xiangbei's confirmation, Liang Chi smiled, took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

Then he said with a sigh: "It seems that my old auto repair shop will have to close again."

"It's better to close the shop. You shouldn't be stuck in this little place repairing cars."

Zhang Zhicong next to him added that they were old friends for many years and that different positions did not mean different ambitions.

If possible, he still hopes to "fight side by side" with his old friend.

Liang Chi was equally efficient after deciding to set off. He simply packed a few sets of clothes, closed the door of the repair shop, and drove the Subaru Impreza with Chen Xiangbei towards the East China Sea.

Maybe he had anticipated today's schedule, which is why he and Zhang Zhicong worked together to reverse-modify the Impreza STI overnight.

Driving on the highway, Chen Xiangbei asked, "By the way, Uncle Liang, I want to ask you something. What did you say to my mom last night that finally made her agree to let me go racing?"

In response to Chen Xiangbei's question, Liang Chi flicked the ash from his cigarette.

"Nothing. I just said your son is a racing genius, and now he has two choices."

"Do you want him to let his talent shine and become the center of attention? Or do you want him to give up his racing dream and eventually become obscured by the crowd?"

"Obviously, your mother chose the former, it's that simple."

After hearing Liang Chi's answer, Chen Xiangbei felt mixed emotions. No wonder his mother said at the end that she didn't want to hinder his dreams and future.

To be honest, most parents in this era cannot be as open and tolerant as Zhao Yumei. They tend to impose their own will on their children and let them follow the path they have arranged.

Maybe it's just as his mother Zhao Yumei said, she saw her son's persistence in working part-time in the auto repair shop for the past six months, and saw his love and yearning for racing, so she finally made such a choice.

PS: Thank you for your support and tips, it makes me feel warm. o(≧▽≦)o
(End of this chapter)