Chapter 22: Thrilling Speeds 08

Chapter 22: Thrilling Speeds 08

When it was Pei Yi's turn, he got into the car and opened his live stream.

Now, the live stream was quiet. During his HL peak, he was the center of attention. Followers hovered around a thousand, with hundreds of hot comments and viewership around fifty thousand.

But now, charges, flower gifts, and comments had significantly dropped, with occasional visitors coming to watch his Black Tower replay.

And those who came to criticize him for hitting someone out of the blue, questioning what he thought he was doing opposing Lu ZaiChuan.

Most ironically, these were the majority.

"After the live stream of his life-and-death speed race began, viewership plummeted from an initial peak of around ten thousand to now just three hundred watchers. Currently, it's estimated to be less than a hundred online. From being incredibly popular to now cold, it's chillingly quiet with only a few sporadic comments."

"These days, Pei Yi hadn't turned on his live broadcast because he was tired of the arguments. An ordinary person suddenly facing so much abuse would definitely be unhappy. But not watching doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

"Is everyone here? Interested in watching me park?"

Immediately, people got excited.

"Pei, we've seen the thrilling part, what else can you perform?" asked the little milk dog from Qing Shui Street.

Pei Yi chuckled, "I haven't even started yet, how about another round?"

"...You're about to be eliminated. Speechless."

Since Pei Yi was the only one facing the live broadcast, the number of viewers began to climb, with some even charging him to hurry up and perform. But as he delayed, the audience got impatient, "If you're out of time, stop stalling."

"Come on, show us parallel parking! Brother wants to see you cry as you fall off a cliff (sinister face)."

Pei Yi responded, "Considering some say I'm showing off, I'd be letting myself down if I didn't. This one's for you. You all enjoyed seeing me in a tight spot in the second round, didn't you? Don't rush, now I won't let you laugh."

Saying this, Pei Yi turned the steering wheel with one hand and waved off the dashboard with the other, leaning forward slightly, his face flawless and stunningly handsome. The light flashed, and the vehicle started. The crowd was extremely disdainful, wondering what he was up to.

With only half a minute left, the vehicle started.

The sound of the car engine echoed in the quiet night sky, tires fiercely spinning on the ground, creating friction sounds. The vehicle found its groove as it heated up.

It gave the impression that Pei Yi wasn't just driving a private car, but racing. Just like that, the vehicle dashed on the spot for a while and then, to the astonishment of onlookers, flew straight out, landing back in the parking spot by the cliff like lightning.

"The steering wheel was turned just about once, with acceleration and braking done in an instant, astonishingly quick."

"What's most unbelievable is that this was done near a cliff edge, reversing at speeds of at least 80 mph. If it wasn't for the parking spot being so close, he would have sped up even more."

"Reckless as it may seem, it's also a display of sheer power."

"Is this the capability of a professional driver?"

"Such skill is terrifying!!"

"Pei Yi's live stream exploded once again. This was a godly parallel parking performance."

"Someone immediately explained, 'Professional drivers don't just park on cliff edges; if they choose to, they can stop wherever they want, press whatever line they aim for. Draw a tiny cross, and they can reverse exactly as you wish. Their precision is terrifying, especially since they do it at high speeds. Schumacher once spun 360° through a tunnel, as swift as a red saber! It's safe to say, Pei Yi possesses such terrifying skills! Respect!'"

"With this explanation, many realized just how incredible Pei Yi's driving was. Such formidable car skills!!"

"After everyone completed their attempts, Pei Yi led by 20 seconds, a gap that put him in a completely different league, at least a hundred times ahead. Without witnessing it firsthand, no one would believe someone dared to park like that."

"'He didn't do well in the first Q&A, then there was the fight and overconfidence. But I started liking him again in the revival match, who doesn't have flaws? Forgiven.'"

"'Good at driving, good at climbing, just needs to brush up on deduction skills, Pei Yi, hit the books, and we can achieve godhood.'"

"'I think his deduction skills aren't bad either, Pei Yi, I'm rooting for you!!'"

"As soon as the video of this revival race was released, Pei Yi once again made a name for himself in JC, with the video of his saber-like reverse parking swiftly spreading."

"But some say speed alone is pointless without any points awarded; it's just showing off. Besides, in JC, everyone has their special talents."

"JC games are diverse and unpredictable. Once the event changes, so does the champion."

"Facing these doubts, Pei Yi doesn't care. He aims for the current championship because he needs money and wants to return to reality. Yet, he's also someone with personality, unwilling to accumulate points in a conventional manner."

"[Congratulations, player Pei Yi, for ranking 1st out of 25 in the 'Cliffside Parking' revival race, 45th in Group A out of 100, and 734th in Area A out of 1000. You have successfully advanced to tomorrow's third race.]"

"Pei Yi: '734th? Is the qualification for the S1 league in the top 50 of Group A or the top 500 of Area A?'"

"[Qualification for the S1 will be determined after all races are concluded, with rankings to follow.]"

"..." So, it's Area A then, which still puts him in a precarious position. The further he goes, the harder it gets to earn points, as the competition intensifies."

"Returning to his room, he finds Lu Zai Chuan waiting there, arms crossed and leaning against the wall, lashes lowered as if deliberately waiting for him. Pei Yi walks past without looking."

"Pei Yi." Lu Zai Chuan calls out.

Pei Yi turns, "Thinking of conceding?"

"If you really fell off the cliff, you might've been in mortal danger, with brain cells dying off, affecting your awakening. Even if you're playing with your life, there's no need to risk yourself that much, right?"

"Pei Yi: 'Maybe I'm just that skilled. You should worry about yourself, careful not to be overtaken by me.'"

Lu Zai Chuan chuckles, "Impossible. I admit, your racing skills are impressive, but you don't yet know how to play JC. Maybe you'll break some of my records with good luck and quick thinking, but the ultimate champion will be me. At your current level, not only surpassing me, but reaching the top ten would be an achievement. Even though Group A only has a little over a hundred people, everyone is fiercely competing for points. Chen Mo, who debuted with you, and Lin Mo, who took second in HL, are not to be underestimated. — Only you would consider them as newcomers."

"So, in the end, I'm the only fool?"

"Lu Zai Chuan looks at him, 'Pretty much, and you're too proud. Your unwarranted aggression has made you a target. Whether it's provoking JC friends or trying to appease them, it does you no good.'"

Pei Yi was infuriated. This guy seemed well-intentioned with his reminders, but his words were anything but helpful. Was he just trying to provoke Pei Yi? Thinking this, he pinned the man against the wall with one hand, staring intensely:

"Who's trying to show off? Are we close enough for you to be pointing fingers at me?"

Lu Zai Chuan looked at him calmly, then suddenly exerted force, shoving Pei Yi away, "I just hope you don't die in an ugly way. I’ve said before, I had high hopes for you, and I don’t want my judgment to be wrong. But now it seems unnecessary. You're only focused on defeating those J-friends and regaining your pride, not earning points. Thanks for refusing to join the castle. Goodbye."

He straightened his collar, ready to leave,

Pei Yi stepped forward to grab his arm, but Lu Zai Chuan dodged and threw a punch. Pei Yi hadn't expected Lu to be a trained fighter; he took a hard hit to the face, grimacing in pain.

"Damn." His punch was solid. Alright, he had underestimated him.

Lu Zai Chuan said, "Am I the only one who can fight? Am I the only one who's been trained?"

Pei Yi touched his lip, tasting a faint metallic flavor of blood. What had he done to deserve this? Lu had provoked him without reason, and now Pei Yi, infuriated, charged at him.

Before he could advance, a kick came flying in. Pei Yi crossed his arms in defense, chuckling coldly at the skilled move, "Impressive."

"I know things you don't," Lu Zai Chuan said coolly, his expression distant and indifferent, exuding confident ease.

Pei Yi took off his black jacket, revealing a black sleeveless vest that accentuated his well-built muscles from chest to waist, "Let's spar freely. Whoever cries first can't complain to the system."

Lu Zai Chuan responded, "I won't fight you. It's unnecessary. I have a match tomorrow. If you want to fight, go ahead by yourself." With that, he turned to leave.

"Don't you dare walk away!" Just as Pei Yi was about to forcefully stop him, Lu Zai Chuan suddenly pulled out a handgun from his pocket, pointing it at Pei Yi’s head.

Pei Yi froze, hands raised, and said coldly, "If you dare, shoot me."

"I’ve said there's no need. I won’t be childish like you. Besides points, I have no interest in anything else."

"Alright, alright, I get it. Where did you get that gun? Does the system allow guns?"

Lu Zai Chuan didn't respond, but moved to his own door, unlocking it with his bracelet. With a click, the door opened.

"I’ll leave you to it."

Just as he was about to holster his handgun and leave, Pei Yi suddenly lunged forward, head-butting Lu Zai Chuan forcefully, causing him to stagger, nearly falling. Pei Yi then bit down hard on Lu Zai Chuan's arm, not releasing until he drew blood.

While doing this, Pei Yi snatched the handgun from Lu Zai Chuan's grasp, his knee striking Lu's groin. Lu Zai Chuan, initially refusing to let go, was overpowered by the intense pain and Pei Yi’s assault, pinned to the ground with the safety of the gun disengaged and pressed against his forehead.

Pei Yi sneered, "Now I have it, I can just snatch it, right? I'll confiscate this handgun for now. I'll return it depending on how you behave in the future."

In pain, Lu Zai Chuan’s teeth chattered, thinking Pei Yi nothing short of a robber, "...you'll regret provoking me."

"Who provoked who first? You think lecturing me makes you happy? What the hell, I was just standing there quietly. Why the hell were you hovering around me? You're asking for it. And another thing, cut out the 'you' and 'me' talk. From now on, when you see me, you call me Brother Pei."

Lu Zai Chuan glanced over defiantly. Pei Yi forcefully turned his handsome face towards him, speaking indifferently:

"Do you hear me?"