The sky was overcast, with dark clouds hanging low, as if the entire world was enveloped in a damp, grayish haze.
Suddenly, a drop of rain landed on the windshield, followed by a second and a third. The raindrops gradually became denser, transforming from sparse droplets into continuous rain lines that pounded the racetrack with sharp, crisp sounds.
The track became exceptionally slippery, and the racing wipers worked at full speed, yet they still struggled to clear the obstructive water accumulation.
Through the blurred windshield, Jing Yi focused intently on the road ahead, her hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, feeling the subtle feedback of the car in the rain.
The voice of the chief mechanic analyzing the current vehicle and track conditions echoed in her ears.
Rainy days showcased a racer's true skill, but they were also a significant factor in frequent accidents. Every turn, every acceleration point, Jing Yi had to be even more cautious. A single misstep could lead to a loss of control.
As the race reached its midpoint, the enthusiasm of the spectators in the stands remained undiminished.
Jing Yi adjusted her driving strategy, maintaining a steady speed on the straightaways and avoiding flooded areas as much as possible. She felt every friction between the tires and the slick surface, closely following the black sports car in front.
That was the car of the bearded man from earlier. Since the start of the race, this black car had been appearing near Jing Yi's vehicle, attempting to disrupt her focus.
The rain showed no signs of letting up; instead, it intensified, and water began to accumulate in the low-lying areas of the track.
Entering a turn, she gently pressed the brake, controlling her speed to ensure the car didn't skid. The black car ahead still firmly held the inside position.
He accelerated, and Jing Yi didn't panic. She increased her speed and followed suit.
Suddenly, the black car sharply turned left, overtaking the white car in front. Jing Yi's heart raced, and time seemed to freeze.
In that critical moment, Jing Yi quickly made a judgment, decisively adjusting the steering wheel and focusing on the throttle and brake.
The red racing car slid to the right, its body almost parallel to the ground, emitting a piercing screech of tires. Her car narrowly grazed past the slowing white car.
It was a close call—just a hair's breadth away from turning into a pile of shattered metal!
Everything happened in an instant, but the lingering adrenaline made her heart race, cold sweat dripping from her forehead, her palms damp with tension.
But Jing Yi had no time to dwell on the near-disaster. She quickly adjusted the steering wheel, stabilized the car, and continued to push forward, aiming straight for the black car.
That black car had been deliberate. With limited visibility in the rain, Jing Yi couldn't see the white car that had slowed down.
He had intentionally led her into the trap. If she hadn't reacted in time, both cars would have ended up as wreckage!
Jing Yi was furious, her cold gaze sharp, her almond-shaped eyes flashing with icy fury. All her previous worries vanished in that moment, replaced by a fierce determination to surge ahead.
Her hands gripping the steering wheel turned white with tension, like a predator ready to pounce.
Meanwhile, those who had witnessed Jing Yi's near-collision, including Jing Zeyou and others, were still recovering from the shock.
Gu Lin frowned, looking at the black car ahead of Jing Yi, his voice tinged with anger. "That car was deliberate."
Hearing Gu Lin's words, the others turned their attention to the black car.
Jing Zeqian widened his eyes in disbelief. "What do you mean?" He had been so focused on Jing Yi's red car that he hadn't paid attention to the others.
Gu Lin analyzed the black car's movements. "It was trying to lure Jing Yi into danger." Though uncommon, he had seen such dirty tactics before.
Shen Huaichu pursed his lips, his expression darkening, while Jing Zeqian exploded in rage, cursing loudly.
The room's atmosphere grew tense.
Jing Zeyou's expression was cold and stern. "Get someone to review the footage," he said, his voice laced with displeasure.
He hoped it wasn't as Gu Lin had suggested.
Jing Zeqian calmed down and immediately made the necessary arrangements.
...
Jing Yi and the black car were about to enter a turn when the rain suddenly intensified, further blurring visibility and making the road even more slippery.
Jing Yi's grip on the steering wheel never wavered. After the straightaway, her red car showed a tendency to move to the left, as if preparing for an inside overtake at the upcoming turn.
The bearded man had been closely monitoring Jing Yi's movements. Seeing the red car's intention to overtake, he immediately adjusted his steering to take a defensive position.
His lips curled into a sneer. "Think you can overtake me? Go play house with the kids."
At that moment, the red car abruptly shifted to the outside, catching the bearded man off guard. With the outside position secured, Jing Yi had a better exit speed. She pressed the accelerator, spraying a layer of water mist onto the black car's windshield.
Jing Yi successfully overtook the black car, leaving it behind. The on-site commentators were equally excited.
"A perfect overtake! The 52nd Bugatti moves into second place!"
The overtaken man hadn't expected Jing Yi's feint. In his panic, he misaligned the steering wheel, causing his car to skid and crash into the barrier below the stands.
Jing Yi was unaware of the incident behind her. She was focused on chasing the car ahead, determined to secure the championship of this leg of the race.
Only by doing so could she ensure her qualification for the final race!
The leading car, trying to prevent Jing Yi from overtaking, frequently changed lanes to block her path.
Entering the final long turn, Jing Yi's eyes lit up. She decisively pressed the accelerator, instantly boosting her speed.
She closed in from the inside, the two cars side by side, tracing a graceful arc.
At the exit of the turn, Jing Yi slightly leaned to feel the tilt of the car and the friction of the tires on the wet surface. She precisely controlled the balance of the car, even sensing its tail gently swaying.
Jing Yi successfully overtook the leading car!
She crossed the finish line first.
The stands erupted in thunderous cheers, the audience waving flags and spontaneously chanting Jing Yi's name, the entire racetrack instantly boiling over.
"Jing Yi! Jing Yi! Jing Yi!"
Female racers were rare on this track, let alone one who had won a GT Super Cup leg. Even a leg victory was enough to garner significant attention.
Jing Yi was still immersed in the bewilderment and joy of winning the leg championship, until she heard her name reverberating across the racetrack and stepped out of her car.
She waved to the crowd in gratitude, her eyes slightly red, her smile radiant. The cheers grew louder.
Jing Yi turned to look at the other side of the stands, where the VIP viewing room of Mountain Racing was located. They were all there.
Tiny raindrops blurred her vision, but Jing Yi could see a row of figures standing by the window, watching her. She smiled, waving vigorously.
She knew they could see her!
The rain gradually subsided, the dark clouds dispersed, and the sky began to reveal a faint blue hue.