The smile remained on Lebac's lips, his expression barely changing, but a seriousness entered his eyes. He had switched into work mode.
"Of course, I'm very grateful for our encounter last night. But right now, representing Richard Mille, I have a position to maintain. Please forgive my directness."
He didn't wait for Lorenzo or Kai to exchange pleasantries. The topic shifted abruptly, and though the smile remained, the warmth was gone.
"So, what capital do you have that can move Richard Mille?"
His gaze landed squarely on Kai.
Kai, who had just sat down, adjusted his posture slightly. "Whew. Is this a job interview?" he quipped.
Lebac chuckled softly. "Welcome to the world of money."
Kai lifted his chin, a look of understanding crossing his face. "If I were you, I wouldn't sign me."
Lebac: ???
Lorenzo was equally startled, nearly choking on his own spit. But seeing the usually elegant and composed Lebac showing such a rare expression of confusion, he couldn't help it. The corners of his mouth twitched up, and he relaxed, slouching back into the sofa to watch the show.
Only Kai remained unchanged.
Calm, smiling, he continued at an unhurried pace.
"A driver with a completely blank resume, relying solely on a single GP3 double-header win... it lacks persuasiveness."
"Who knows? Maybe Barcelona was a beautiful accident. Maybe the ART car was just leagues ahead. Maybe he just capitalized on the element of surprise, exploiting the fact that no one knew him to sneak a win. There are too many uncertain factors. Only time will tell."
Openly and honestly, Kai laid out his own shortcomings. Whether he said it or not, the facts were right there. There was no point pretending they didn't exist.
Lebac was only caught off guard for a moment. He quickly recovered, looking at Kai with interest. "So, this meeting is over?"
Kai met Lebac's gaze. "But Richard Mille isn't me, right? Otherwise, this meeting would never have happened, even with Lorenzo pulling strings."
Lebac savored that statement for a moment, then glanced at Lorenzo. Does Kai not know who Lorenzo really is?
In today's meeting, Lorenzo played a key role. It would be more accurate to say Lebac was here for Lorenzo, not Kai.
Lorenzo noticed the look. He kept smiling, maintaining his carefree facade, and didn't respond.
Lebac looked back at Kai, waiting for him to continue.
Kai noticed the exchange of glances, but he didn't have time to delve into it. He continued on his own rhythm.
"Investment works like this: if you wait until everything is set in stone, the risk-to-reward ratio shrinks. Richard Mille didn't choose Lewis Hamilton, or Sebastian Vettel, or even Max Verstappen. Isn't that why?"
"They've already proven themselves. When sponsors seek them out, the cost is much higher, and the return isn't guaranteed to match the investment."
"Every investment carries risk. Richard Mille chose Charles Leclerc. Just like today's meeting, you've already made a choice. You're prepared to gamble on young drivers."
Lebac tilted his chin up slightly but didn't discuss the details of Leclerc's contract. "But as you said, there are too many uncertainties with you. If Richard Mille wants to sponsor young drivers, we have plenty of options. Russell, Albon, Aitken..."
"But none of them are me," Kai interrupted.
A playful glint appeared in Lebac's eyes. "Who gave you that courage? The Asian market?"
"Ha." Kai laughed, his eyes and mouth full of mirth. "No. Actually, you did."
Lebac was genuinely intrigued now. "Oh?"
Kai looked straight into Lebac's eyes with absolute confidence. "Richard Mille. An adventurer, a rebel, an explorer. An innovator who dares to break the mold."
"When you first appeared, people mocked you for overestimating yourself. No, to be precise, people didn't take you seriously at all. Because you were overturning the traditions of the watch industry. Like an ant trying to shake an elephant, no one believed you could succeed."
"Even now, Rolex still disdains to stand on the same level as you. They have their pride and reserve, refusing to roll in the mud."
"So, when you look at me, I believe Mr. Richard Mille sees himself."
Richard Mille, the founder, who had used his own name to build a global brand.
"Yes, everything is unknown. Everything is uncertain. There are too many risks right now. Even I didn't expect this meeting to happen. But precisely because we are sitting here talking right now, you have given me courage."
"You want to take risks. You yearn to break the shackles. That is the brand image of Richard Mille."
"So, why don't we collaborate? Let's explore together. Let's see just how far I can go. Let's take this uncertain journey hand in hand."
Calm. Frank. Yet blood-boiling.
Lorenzo, sitting on the side, let out a low whistle, beaming, making no attempt to hide his excitement.
Lebac was about to speak, but the whistle interrupted him. He gave Lorenzo a look of slight exasperation but didn't say anything, turning back to Kai. "And if you fail?"
Kai smiled, brilliantly and brightly. "To be honest, if I fail, the only loss is mine. Richard Mille won't lose anything."
Lebac didn't hide his surprise. Interest flashed in his eyes as he gestured for Kai to continue.
Kai didn't refuse. "If I fail, I disappear. The racing world won't be sad, because there's an endless stream of drivers behind me. Richard Mille can always seek partnerships with other young drivers. But Richard Mille won't lose anything. You will have demonstrated your brand value."
"Adventure. Breaking the game. Breaking free from shackles. Even if it means failure. More than success or failure, Richard Mille's brand value lies in constantly trying, daring to try, breaking through the self and reaching the limit in continuous adventure."
"So, regardless of my outcome, Richard Mille is in an invincible position. You always succeed in establishing your brand image."
Eloquent, sweeping. Even though the noise outside continued, reminding them that the F1 qualifying session was approaching, none of them were distracted. Not just Lebac; Lorenzo turned to look at Kai, his eyes filled with admiration.
And awe.
Logic dictated that the rhythm and initiative of the conversation should be in Lebac's hands. The "sugar daddy" should be the protagonist. But quietly, the spotlight had shifted, locking firmly onto Kai.
Bathed in that gaze, Kai was completely unruffled. His calm eyes held a powerful strength.
"Mr. Lebac, trust me. You don't want to miss this opportunity."
~~----------------------
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