So after thinking it over, Qin Miao said, "I really don’t have time at noon. If it really doesn’t work, can you take the subway to my place?"

On the other end of the phone, sitting in the car, Zhou Guanyu rolled his eyes. Although his influence in the country isn’t as great as Qin Miao’s, he’s still a relatively well-known public figure. If recognized on the subway, the consequences could be a bit severe.

As if guessing Zhou Guanyu’s concern, Qin Miao said, "Cover up well, wear a mask, sunglasses, and a hat. No one should be able to recognize you. After all, when people take the subway these days, everyone’s looking down at their phones, and no one stares at the people getting on."

It’s not that I’m being inconsiderate, it’s mainly because Li Shufu asked me to lunch, and I’ve already agreed to it. I really can’t break the appointment now; if you had called me 10 minutes earlier, I would have gone to pick you up."

Zhou Guanyu, who had a bit of an attitude, felt his dissatisfaction and other emotions dissipate upon hearing Qin Miao’s explanation. He then eagerly asked, "Did President Li mention what he wants to talk to you about?"

Qin Miao thought for a moment, "I guess it’s still about seat issues. The other party entering F1 so eagerly surely wants to do well. Although they might not compete for the podium in the first year or win the team’s championship in the second, they definitely don’t want to stay in the Earth Group, which would be too lackluster."

Zhou Guanyu: ...

"How does your 36.7-degree mouth say such cold and cutting words?"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot you’re a member of the Earth Group. I’ll say it behind your back next time."

"You %@$*!"

"Anyway, Li Shufu is the boss of Geely, and since he invited me first, there’s no way I can break the appointment.

Plus, Pudong Airport is a bit far from where we’re having lunch. If you drive over now, you probably won’t make it in time for the meal. Although the subway is faster, still..."

Zhou Guanyu was actually a bit tempted, as he hoped to see Geely’s entry, and he understood his own situation best.

As the season entered its latter half, Alfa Romeo’s advantages were gradually caught up by other teams. Their lighter car advantage was slowly disappearing, and Alfa Romeo was about to return to the place that originally belonged to them.

There is definitely some reluctance, but there’s no choice. The team itself is an Earth Group team, and the strong performance at the start of the season was purely because all resources from last season were dedicated to developing this season’s car.

Plus, Alfa Romeo’s correct car development direction was to reduce the car’s weight to the minimum allowed by regulations.

So hearing Qin Miao’s words, Zhou Guanyu tentatively asked, "If I manage to make it, will President Li feel offended if I unexpectedly join you for lunch?"

"No, my reputation does have some use. Besides, I can guess the purpose of the meal; there aren’t many things to discuss, its main aim is to foster relationships and pave the way for the future."

"Should I head over now?"

"Hmm? How are you coming over? Flying a plane?"

"Don’t worry about that, just send me the address."

Qin Miao hesitated for a moment and added, "Also... I was just joking about the subway, don’t actually take it."

"I’m not stupid," Zhou Guanyu retorted with a tinge of annoyance.

After hanging up the phone, Qin Miao shrugged, grabbed a pair of sweatpants, put on a black vest with a jacket, and donned a black baseball cap and mask before heading out.

By the time Qin Miao arrived at the hotel lobby where Li Shufu had given him the address, it was already 12:30.

After entering the hotel and going upstairs, he was led by a waiter to a private room.

The room had a wooden square table that could seat four people.

Li Shufu was sitting alone, smoking a cigarette, and holding a phone as he watched.

Hearing someone push the door open, he looked over. Seeing that it was Qin Miao, his face instantly lit up with a bright smile, "Qin Miao’s here, please sit."

Li Shufu gestured to the seat beside him and then gave the waiter a look, signaling that the food could be served.

After Qin Miao sat down, he said to Li Shufu, "President Li, there’s something I need to tell you beforehand. Zhou Guanyu just came back to the country and called me as soon as he landed. I took the liberty to invite him along."

Li Shufu’s eyes gleamed, "Great, I was thinking of having a meal with Zhou Guanyu once he returned, so this saves me the trouble of finding someone to contact him later. Perfect for having a meal together."

"As long as you don’t mind my presumption, I’m already very grateful."

"Why would I mind! It’s just a meal, no big deal. Besides, I also have things I want to discuss with him."

Li Shufu waved his hand with a smile.

Then the two started chatting about the track while waiting for Zhou Guanyu in the private room.

Most of the time, Qin Miao talked about things inside the circuit, while Li Shufu listened like an audience, also gaining some understanding of how an F1 team operates from a driver’s perspective.

After about half an hour, there was another knock on the door of the private room, and Zhou Guanyu walked in.

Qin Miao waved to greet Zhou Guanyu, "Hey, you’re here."

But Zhou Guanyu directly ignored Qin Miao and, smiling, approached Li Shufu to shake his hand, "President Li, the reputation precedes you. I’m honored to finally meet you today."

Li Shufu stood up to shake his hand and said, "It’s my honor to meet F1 drivers like you who bring glory to the country on the track."