After parting with Guanyu Zhou, Alex Sun carried the trophy back toward the Prema pit bay. His pace wasn't hurried, but it was steady.
The moment he pushed the door open, someone rushed toward him and wrapped both arms around his.
It was Rebecca Lin. She had been waiting there the whole time.
"Alex Sun! You were amazing!" Her eyes were shining, excitement spilling out of every word. "I stayed glued to the screen the entire race. Every overtake had my heart in my throat. I didn't breathe properly until you crossed the line. You absolutely deserve this trophy."
Seeing the concern on her face, the tension he had held onto all race finally eased.
"Thank you for waiting," he said softly. "Glad I didn't let you down."
Before they could say more, Mark walked over quickly with a data sheet in hand. As his race engineer, he had monitored every detail throughout the race and compiled the key numbers immediately after the finish.
"Alex Sun, congratulations. You exceeded our projections," Mark said, unable to hide his satisfaction. "Your fuel and tire consumption are still lower than the rest of the field. Even with all the overtakes in the race, you maintained a seven to eight percent advantage. Best in the field. Keep that trend going in the sprint race this afternoon."
He tapped the data sheet, his tone turning firm.
"Most importantly, watch Turn 1 at the start. No incidents."
"If you drop to the back again like this morning, you'll have to fight through the field all over again. That costs both resource management and physical endurance. Keep the start clean."
Alex Sun listened carefully, then glanced around the garage and smiled.
"Don't worry. I transferred the bad luck to Guanyu Zhou. He volunteered."
Mark rolled his eyes. "You actually believe that nonsense? Focus on Turn 1. Protect your consumption advantage. That's what matters."
Alex Sun nodded. "Got it. I'll keep the launch clean and hold the resource management advantage."
Just then, René Rosin approached. As Prema's team principal, he carried a calm authority. His gaze swept across the busy garage before settling on Alex Sun.
"Congratulations," René Rosin said steadily. "Right after the morning race, I had the car fully inspected. Tires, brakes, engine—every core component is in perfect condition and fully compliant. No issues."
He added, "The technicians are finishing final checks and will monitor everything closely. There won't be any oversights."
"This afternoon, don't worry about the car. Focus on the start and your track tactics. I'll handle the rest."
Alex Sun met his eyes, gratitude clear in his expression.
"Thank you. With you overseeing everything, Mark handling real-time strategy, and the team backing me up, I feel completely at ease. I'll hold the rhythm and make it count."
After a few more words, Rebecca Lin handed him a cup of warm water.
"Drink. You're soaked."
Mark moved to the simulation console, reviewing the morning data again while refining the real-time command plan for the sprint race. Every detail was checked twice.
René Rosin spoke quietly with the technicians near the car, coordinating logistics and ensuring every step was seamless.
Leaning back in his chair, Alex Sun ran his thumb over the edge of the trophy and looked around the garage. Mark focused on tactics. René Rosin managing the big picture. The mechanics working in rhythm.
The sense of security settled warmly in his chest.
With Rebecca Lin's support, Mark's strategic guidance, and René Rosin's coordination, he had every reason to push hard later while maintaining his resource management advantage and stabilizing his start rhythm.
The lunch break was short. An energy meal prepared for the drivers was brought in—light, balanced, enough to replenish what the morning race had taken out of him.
He finished quickly, wiped his mouth, and stood.
"Team Principal, Mark, I'm stepping out for a bit," Alex Sun said, glancing between René Rosin and Mark. "I'm going to settle something with Leclerc. I'll be back soon."
René Rosin waved him off. "Don't go too far. Mark will review the morning stint with you and finalize the afternoon strategy. Focus on start rhythm and consumption control."
Mark added, "We'll go through the command points once more when you're back. Especially the Turn 1 line and your track tactics."
"Won't delay anything," Alex Sun replied, grabbing his Prema cap and heading out.
He walked down the corridor, still mildly annoyed. After all, Leclerc's offhand "jinx" had come true in the first-lap incident.
Not far ahead, Leclerc was leaning against the barrier, chatting with staff.
Without warning, Alex Sun walked up and smacked him on the backside.
Leclerc jumped, startled, then turned and relaxed when he saw the familiar grin.
"What's wrong with you? What are you, some weirdo? Why are you always slapping people?"
Alex Sun straightened his face.
"As a dignified man, how could I? I was actually hoping you'd introduce me to some beautiful women."
Then he instantly switched expressions, looking wounded.
"I thought we were close. Didn't realize brotherly affection could be so misunderstood. You've deeply hurt me."
Leclerc hurried forward, flustered. "No, that's not what I meant. I was going to—"
Before he finished, Alex Sun hooked an arm tightly around his shoulder, his expression flipping again.
"Cut it out. What did you mean yesterday? Your words dragged me straight into disaster. I had to fight through fifteen cars!"
He held up his hand dramatically.
"Fifteen! They wouldn't even fit on one short straight!"
Leclerc stared for a moment before laughing helplessly.
"You were messing with me, weren't you?"
"I had no idea it would actually happen. You know I'm the last person in the paddock who wants an accident."
Alex Sun let him go, amused.
"I know. That's why I passed the bad luck to Guanyu Zhou. He wasn't scared at all."
He leaned closer.
"But you still owe me. After this round, you're joining us for online racing."
Leclerc sighed, smiling. "Fine. I'm in."
After a few more casual words, Alex Sun remembered the debrief and headed back.
...
Back in the garage, everything was ready. Mark and René Rosin sat down with him for a detailed review.
Mark broke down the morning's racing lines and braking points, explaining the key tactical instructions for the sprint race in detail. René Rosin listened from the side, occasionally reminding Alex Sun to balance aggression with proper resource management.
During a pause, Alex Sun glanced at his phone.
A message from his parents popped up on his phone:
"Son, that race was incredible. Congratulations on the podium. Stay calm this afternoon and stay safe. We're always with you."
A quiet warmth rose in his chest.
"Don't worry. I'll give it everything," he replied before putting the phone away.
After the debrief, he rested briefly to conserve Physical Endurance.
By evening, preparations intensified.
In the garage, René Rosin coordinated final details while Mark tested the TR system, ensuring communication would be seamless.
At 5:40 PM, the signal sounded. Pre-race procedures began.
Alex Sun adjusted his race suit and glanced once at the trophy before clearing his mind and walking toward the car.
As he passed the rest area, Rebecca Lin stood and gave him a firm thumbs-up, her eyes full of encouragement. He nodded back with a steady smile.
He climbed into the cockpit, secured his belts, and pulled on his helmet. The moment his hands wrapped around the steering wheel, Mark's voice came through the TR, confirming everything was online.
"Copy," Alex Sun replied calmly.
René Rosin caught his eye and gave him a small nod.
Alex Sun returned it, then fixed his gaze on the track ahead.
Hands tight on the wheel, breath steady, he prepared for the sprint.
The race was about to begin.
...
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