Outside the window, the roar of engines and the laughter of the crowd mixed together. The city was packed, shoulder-to-shoulder, preparing for its annual carnival.
However, Lebac was not distracted. His attention was entirely on Kai. Thoughts raced through his mind as the image of the young man bathed in sunlight before him merged seamlessly with the mature, composed figure from the crisis at the harbor last night. It was impossible to look away.
Lebac was serious. Private matters were private; business was business. They shouldn't be mixed.
Kai had saved his life. That was a fact. But he refused to sacrifice his career to repay a debt. That was also a fact. He wouldn't let last night's events sway his professional judgment.
But now, Lebac felt he should adjust his perspective slightly.
Last night was an accident, a crisis. But the qualities Kai had shown in that crisis were undeniably part of who he was as a driver.
From his composure last night, looking back at his performance in Spain, and then reviewing the conversation they'd just had... everything left a trace.
Yes, Kai had popped out of nowhere. He lacked experience and data. He was shrouded in fog, full of uncertainties.
But was that really true?
A true talent scout can spot a thoroughbred precisely because they catch the details others miss, digging up the potential hidden beneath the surface.
After a brief pause, his thoughts surging, Lebac looked up. "Do you want to go to F1?"
Kai smiled. "Isn't that decision in your hands? After all, in the racing world, skill is important, but capital is even more important."
Lebac tilted his head slightly. "Wait. The subtext of that sentence is... you have absolute confidence in your skill, and now you just lack the capital?"
Kai shrugged lightly, his face calm. "In the paddock, are there few stories of drivers with lesser skills entering F1 because of financial backing? And there are more and more of them."
"But yes, your understanding is correct."
The confidence flowing from his understated words made Lebac pause. A smile crept onto his lips, blooming fully until it reached his eyes.
Richard Mille sponsored Leclerc because they saw his future potential, certainly, but the key was Ferrari standing behind him. Kai was different. Although Ferrari was still important, Lebac saw more possibilities in him.
This potential even exceeded the attraction of Ferrari. It made Lebac feel a genuine admiration.
However, admiration was just admiration. Lebac remained rational. Business was business. Richard Mille wasn't going to go all-in, betting everything on Kai. It would still depend on his performance. A driver ultimately had to speak through their results on the track; otherwise, it was all empty talk.
But Lebac had a premonition. Kai's brilliance would soon be seen by the whole world.
"I like you," Lebac said, making no attempt to hide his appreciation.
Kai didn't look ecstatic. "Personally, or professionally?"
Was Kai... roasting him?
Lebac's smile widened. "Both. Both. I'm very happy we met yesterday, and that we could meet again today."
He paused, then asked, "So, we should talk about the contract. Lorenzo?"
Lorenzo, who had been happily watching the show from the sidelines, heard his name and didn't hide his regret. "It's over already? Oh, I wasn't done watching."
Amidst laughter, Lorenzo said, "No, I'm not his manager."
Kai took over. "My manager is Nicolas Todt."
Lebac paused, then chuckled. "Oh, a familiar face. It seems everything is destined."
During the Lunar New Year, when Lu Cheng and Jiang Mo visited Maranello, something else had happened. Nicolas Todt had personally visited them, sitting down for a long, heartfelt talk with Kai's parents, formally recommending himself and expressing his desire to be Kai's manager.
Jiang Mo didn't agree immediately. After seeing Nicolas off, she conducted her own investigation, researching Nicolas's work in detail, including his management company and the ART team. She also asked around the Maranello base, gathering information indirectly to understand the racing industry deeply.
Nicolas was persistent. He not only visited Jiang Mo once more during her stay in Maranello but also kept in touch by phone after they returned to China.
It wasn't until the end of February, when Jiang Mo's investigation was complete and after a two-hour phone call with Nicolas, that she finally nodded in agreement.
And so, Nicolas officially became Kai's manager.
In fact, Nicolas had been laying the groundwork, scouting for sponsors for Kai. But he hadn't planned to rush it. One race didn't provide enough data. There was no need to show his hand so early. He hadn't expected Lorenzo to intervene and disrupt his plan.
When Nicolas received the call from Lebac, he thought Richard Mille had spotted Kai's potential with their own sharp eyes. After learning the full story, he was a bit helpless and amused, but he showed his professionalism, entering negotiations with Richard Mille to finalize the sponsorship contract.
Later, Nicolas communicated with Kai, telling him that for such occasions, there was no need for Kai to appear personally; he could handle it. "This is my job. You don't need to convince the sponsors. Let me handle it. You just focus on training and racing."
"Of course, if necessary, I will bring you along. Some sponsors prefer to see the driver in person before making a choice."
"Judging by Lucien's feedback, he was clearly completely won over by you. It seems you'll be my hidden ace in the future."
Surprise aside, Nicolas did an excellent job, reaching a consensus with Richard Mille and signing Kai's first personal sponsorship contract.
It was a "2+1" contract, signed for two years, with Richard Mille holding the option to renew for a third, providing comprehensive sponsorship for Kai.
The sponsorship amount was 500,000 euros, mainly used to increase Kai's competitiveness in GP3—in other words, securing his seat at ART.
Of course, if Kai could advance to F2 next year, the sponsorship amount would increase, and Richard Mille would actively help Kai secure a seat.
Next, the Richard Mille logo would appear on Kai's helmet and race suit, and they would begin promoting Kai's image on social media, tying their brand to him, strategically building his brand image step by step.
Everything early.
Kai was just emerging, his image not yet fixed. Richard Mille's appearance was perfectly timed. They were ready to join forces with Nicolas to start the blueprint for building his brand.
With this, Kai's first personal brand sponsorship was settled. He had his first heavy chip in the money-dominated world of racing.
However, he never expected that it wasn't over. The thing that truly surprised Kai came next.
"Lorenzo, what are you saying?"
~~----------------------
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