Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen

"This is..."

Before she could finish her sentence, the car had already stopped at a large gate.

As they waited for the gatekeeper to lift the bar, Xu Qingqiu finally saw the words on the sign next to the gate.

"Yue Motion International Karting Hall? Karting?!"

Seeing Xu Qingqiu's surprised face, Chu Tian smiled and nodded.

"Yes, have you played before?"

"No, I've only heard about it but never actually tried it."

"Perfect, we'll have some fun today. You can try it, and if you don't like it, we can do something else."

"Okay! I'm really curious about how this works. I've heard it's thrilling, is that true?"

"Well... how should I put this? It's okay, I suppose. Kind of a basic racing game. It's easy to learn but not so easy to master."

Karting, even though initially developed for children, is still a legitimate form of motor racing. It's not easy to drive like a racing god; the knowledge and techniques involved are substantial. The main advantage is its significantly higher safety, which is why Chu Tian could bring Xu Qingqiu here.

"Welcome, both of you! Would you like the recreational track or the professional track? There's a race today you could join. We also have two-seater karts available on the recreational track. Which do you prefer?"

After listening to the staff's introduction, Chu Tian glanced at Xu Qingqiu and said, "Let's start with the recreational track."

This was mainly because Xu Qingqiu didn't know how to drive. He planned to teach her first, and then they could consider driving separately if she enjoyed it.

"Alright, please follow me this way. We need to go over some safety instructions first..."

After a brief safety briefing, Chu Tian and Xu Qingqiu settled into a two-seater go-kart.

"Both steering wheels can control the kart, but the left one is the main wheel. There are two pedals at your feet: the left is the brake, and the right is the accelerator..." The staff helped them buckle their seatbelts while explaining the go-kart's controls.

Chu Tian had played before, so a general overview was sufficient for him, but it was Xu Qingqiu's first time seeing one, so she listened very attentively with wide eyes.

"Alright, one last check on the safety gear. And let me repeat: no matter what, do not exit the kart. If you have any issues, remember to alert a staff member."

"When you see the flag waving, you can start. When you see the checkered flag again, your time is up. Slow down and pull over to the side."

After giving the final instructions, the staff member backed away, placing the whistle in his mouth.

"Are we... Are we starting now?"

Chu Tian glanced sideways at the clearly flustered Xu Qingqiu and gently patted her hands, which were gripping the steering wheel so tightly they were turning pale.

"Relax, I'm here, aren't I? I'm the racing god of Akina!"

Seeing his smug expression, Xu Qingqiu couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, Mr. Racing God, we're counting on you then!"

"Just you watch! I'll give you the thrill of pure speed!"

Despite his words, Chu Tian was no reckless youth. Most of the karts on the track carried couples, and since it was Xu Qingqiu's first time, safety was his top priority.

As the flag waved, Chu Tian slowly pressed his accelerator.

"Press the accelerator, the right one. Yes, press down, just like driving a car. Don't be nervous."

As Chu Tian gradually guided her, the speed of the go-kart began to increase.

"Ah~ It's so fast~"

"This is nothing! Keep pressing the accelerator, let's go faster!"

To let Xu Qingqiu enjoy the experience, Chu Tian didn't press his own accelerator too hard, allowing her to be more involved in controlling their speed.

"We're about to turn!"

"Easy, easy, there's plenty of time."

Even before they reached the bend, Xu Qingqiu was already anxiously turning the steering wheel. Luckily, since they were both controlling it, he quickly pulled it back. Otherwise, they might have crashed into the wall.

"Now, watch how I do it!" Chu Tian said. He then pressed the accelerator hard, releasing it as they approached the bend to let the go-kart coast on its inertia.

Entering the bend, he immediately turned the steering wheel sharply and then floored the accelerator.

With a ROAR, the go-kart executed a brief drift, eliciting an excited gasp from Xu Qingqiu.

"AAAH! Was that a drift just now?"

"How did you do that?"

"Do it again!"

Seeing the excited Xu Qingqiu, who no longer resembled the calm and composed woman from the office, Chu Tian felt especially happy.

After all, the Xu Qingqiu from the office was just wearing a mask; this was the real her. Who doesn't like to have some fun? Who wants to put on a stern face day after day?

"Just wait, we'll do it again!"

There was another bend up ahead. Chu Tian accelerated, ready to drift again.

"Ah, we were overtaken! They're going so fast!"

Seeing Xu Qingqiu's anxious face, Chu Tian almost burst into laughter.

Had she only just noticed? This was the second time they'd been overtaken—or more accurately, lapped. They'd only covered three-quarters of the track and hadn't even finished their first lap. The others were clearly skilled, young, and full of energy; it was only natural they'd want to show off a bit.

"Quick, Chu Tian, get them! They actually overtook us! Faster, faster!" Xu Qingqiu urged Chu Tian on while frantically stomping on her own accelerator, her whole body practically leaning over the steering wheel.

Even her eyes were straining as she kept her gaze fixed on the kart ahead.