Leon really had no intention of going to the racetrack.
There was nothing to see there anyway—and you couldn't even run laps yet.
Going over would be a complete waste of time.
After taking Mia to the CF League Center to complete the registration procedures, he returned to the hotel.
The information for tomorrow's race, along with the track data, had already been sent to his phone by the League Center in the form of SMS messages.
Here overseas, old-fashioned credit cards were still used for most transactions.
Online payments weren't very common yet.
Naturally, this outdated text-message notification system was still the norm.
Ding-dong~
Another incoming message lit up his phone.
"All registered contestants are requested to gather at the Okura Hotel tonight for a pre-race social mixer."
"Over one hundred investors will also be attending the banquet. You may negotiate sponsorships freely."
The message was short—and entirely in Japanese.
If Leon hadn't traded for the Japanese language pack, he really wouldn't have understood any of it.
Perfect timing.
Just when he was planning to attract investment, and they came right to him.
Leon couldn't help curling his lips into a small smile.
Tonight was going to be interesting.
Just then, Mia came back in from outside.
"What's up? Something good happen?" she asked curiously when she noticed him smiling.
"Mm. We're getting money tonight."
"Uh… okay?"
Mia thought Leon wasn't hurting for cash in the first place.
"I checked around. There are five major teams worth paying attention to—Sugo, AOI, Schneider, United/Otomo, and the Key Team."
"These five are the strongest in the whole CF lineup. None of them are simple. All of them have corporate giants behind them. Money is the least of their concerns."
Of course, this was expected.
Without money, forget high-intelligence formula racing— even F1 would be out of reach.
"They're already in the paddock tuning their machines. What about our team?"
Mia sounded anxious.
The sun was about to set, and Leon still hadn't arranged for their team to enter.
The car was still sitting in the hotel parking lot, and not a single data calibration had been made.
How were they supposed to win the day after tomorrow?
"Relax. As long as people bring money to me tonight, everything will be solved."
Leon flashed a mysterious smile.
Night fell at eight, draping Eastern Japan in darkness.
Kyoto's lights glowed brilliantly.
The Okura Hotel—called the most beautiful hotel in Kyoto—had finally completed reconstruction after four years.
Two glass towers, newly reopened this September.
Just in time for the Olympics, meant to host national leaders, athletes, and distinguished guests.
The Okura Hotel, the Kyoto Imperial Hotel, and the New Otani together were known as the "Hotel Big Three."
It was one of Japan's most luxurious establishments.
The exterior mimicked an ancient Kyoto palace, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern Western architecture.
A serene garden, elegant tea rooms, kimono-clad attendants—
And most iconic of all: breathtaking ikebana arrangements radiating Japanese refinement.
As a top-tier hotel, its prices were understandably high.
A basic double room cost 70,000 yen a night—around 4,600 RMB or 650 USD.
A premium business suite, 200 square meters, went for 3 million yen a night—
About 200,000 RMB or 30,000 USD.
Enough to make anyone gasp.
Ordinary people wouldn't even think of staying here.
Leon stopped the car at the entrance and handed the keys to the valet.
The staff bowed respectfully as they took the keys and parked it properly—
Their service impeccable.
Stepping into the grand lobby, the atmosphere was rich with the essence of Japan's ancient architecture.
Inspired by Kofun-era designs, even the suspended lanterns had been recreated.
Hexagonal chandeliers, lattice-patterned windows, restrained floral arrangements—
All carrying the aura of 1960s Kyoto.
At the top-floor restaurant, panoramic windows showcased Kyoto's nightscape in full.
The warm lighting and neatly arranged tables created a refined, soothing atmosphere.
Many guests had already arrived.
Bleed Kaga.
Franz Heinel.
Hayato Kazami.
Asuka Sugo.
All of them were here.
They held wine glasses, chatting and laughing among themselves.
Asuka, with her sweet, gentle features, always carried a soft, warm beauty.
Her elegant black hair and pure aura made her no less stunning than Giselle—
A quintessential embodiment of Eastern femininity.
Tonight she wore a pale goose-yellow dress.
Fresh and delicate in color.
The asymmetrical off-shoulder design gave her a Greek-goddess vibe.
The slit hem was trimmed with light voile, adding a touch of fluttering elegance.
Then Leon walked in with Mia.
Tonight, Mia was breathtaking.
Her gown shimmered like starlight—
As if she had draped the entire night sky across her body.
White and deep-blue hues blended with glittering sequins, evoking a dazzling constellation.
The asymmetrical shoulder design and mesh details at the neckline made her look even more radiant.
As the two entered—
Two rivaling goddesses appeared at once.
Instantly becoming the center of attention.
The hall quieted.
All eyes turned toward the entrance in surprise—
Mia's foreign beauty stunned them.
Perhaps because they were more accustomed to Eastern aesthetics, Mia's exotic allure felt even more striking.
Naturally, Mia's presence also drew attention to Leon.
Recognizing the face they had seen online, many guests were shocked.
Just as the rumors said—
Leon had really come.
Hiyoshi Akira also noticed Leon's arrival.
He burst into loud, exaggerated laughter and stood up, pretending to welcome him.
"Well, well! Welcome, dear American guest! Traveling thousands of miles just to act as our background extra—what dedication! Truly admirable!"
Hiyoshi smirked.
His words made the entire hall erupt into laughter.
No one took Leon seriously.
No one believed he had any chance of winning.
Not even a top-five finish, in their eyes.
He was just here to embarrass himself.
"I heard he's just a street racer. No real experience."
"And he wants to compete with our teams?"
"Oh please, if he drove an F1 car he'd be dead last."
"His team didn't even show up during the day. Maybe he really came here driving a street-modded car?"
"A rookie is still a rookie."
Whispers spread like ripples.
Everyone pointed and gossiped about Leon, mocking him.
Their eyes full of ridicule.
The investors, already doubtful after seeing his team absent from the paddock, now lost what little confidence remained.
The race was almost here—
yet Leon hadn't brought in a team, hadn't tuned the car, hadn't even shown the vehicle.
Why would any investor believe in him?
Leon watched all of this calmly.
No change in expression.
No sign of anger.
He was unreadable.
He glanced faintly at Hiyoshi Akira.
"And who the hell do you think you are?"
Then, still holding Mia's hand, he walked straight into the banquet hall.
Such domineering arrogance stunned the room into silence.
~~----------------------
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