"I just didn't study hard enough. If I got serious, I'd be number one from the start!"
Zhang Xiaochu raised a hand and patted her shoulder, saying with a smile, "Girl, there's a big difference between a dream and wishful thinking!"
Bai Tang didn't argue but instead smiled and asked, "What's your dream? To beat Si Rui and shake off your fate of being the eternal runner-up?"
Zhang Xiaochu: "..."
If you didn't bring up that sore spot, I could still chat with you pleasantly.
Seeing Zhang Xiaochu's dark expression, Bai Tang's lips curved deeper, her smile growing wider.
Zhang Xiaochu's ears reddened, and he said irritably, "Beating Si Rui is just a matter of time, it's not even a dream!"
"Oh?"
Zhang Xiaochu cleared his throat, showing a rare hint of seriousness and gravity.
"My dream is to become a professional race car driver and a world champion!"
After saying this, Zhang Xiaochu felt the girl beside him staring at him in silence and couldn't help asking, "Don't you think I'm radiating brilliance right now?"
Bai Tang laughed. "Yeah, sure. Dreams and wishful thinking really are different!"
Zhang Xiaochu: "..."
Damn it!!!
Just as he was about to curse, Zhang Xiaochu felt a weight on his shoulder.
Turning his head to see the girl's hand resting there, he looked at her in confusion, only to meet her smiling eyes, which were filled with trust and blessing: "I believe that one day, you'll achieve your dream and become a world champion!"
Her voice was soft, yet it gave him an indescribable feeling.
It wasn't perfunctory—it was genuine belief!
Belief that he could do it!
Zhang Xiaochu's heart jolted. Years later, when he stood at that pinnacle, he would recall these words and realize that today's words weren't just her trust in him, but also all the help she had given him.
On the road to his dream, he had never been alone or helpless!
Bai Tang watched Zhang Xiaochu's stunned expression and said with a smile, "I was just saying it casually. Take it lightly, no need to be so moved!"
Zhang Xiaochu: "..."
Holy crap!!!
You're wasting my emotions!
"So, you look down on me?"
Bai Tang laughed. "I look up to you!"
As she spoke, Bai Tang couldn't resist reaching out to pat his head, but Zhang Xiaochu dodged.
"Don't mess up my hair!" Zhang Xiaochu warned.
He turned his head proudly, his gaze fixed ahead.
Bai Tang smiled and followed his line of sight, watching him glare fiercely at Si Rui. Her smile deepened. "Really want to take him down?"
"Sooner or later!" Zhang Xiaochu snorted.
Bai Tang didn't comment.
"Actually, there's another reason I came to compete today," Zhang Xiaochu said casually, shifting his gaze to another direction.
Bai Tang followed his look and immediately slapped him on the head. "Can't have me, so you're trying to steal my man? Nice one!"
Zhang Xiaochu: "..."
Damn it!!!
He wanted to hit her!
"Who the hell is trying to steal Sheng Qi? That big shot is someone I can afford to support?" Zhang Xiaochu snorted.
"Then why are you staring so blatantly?"
Zhang Xiaochu took a deep breath, holding back the urge to explode.
Would she be the death of him?
"I want to join his team!" Zhang Xiaochu said.
Bai Tang raised an eyebrow slightly. "Team? He has a team?"
"Yes!"
A glimmer of light flickered in Zhang Xiaochu's eyes, a look of longing. "Even though there are plenty of teams around here, Sheng Qi's team is one that many people want to get into."
"Because he's rich?" Bai Tang asked.
"Not just because of his background and influence!"
"What else?" Bai Tang asked.
"Sheng Qi himself!" Zhang Xiaochu smiled, a hint of admiration and respect in his eyes. "His charm as the God of Racing!"