Chapter 27: Father’s Job

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Father’s Job

The parents must have been worried about leaving the kids home alone. The front door was pushed open at just nine o’clock.

"Aunt Martina." Wu Shi’s voice caught in his throat.

"Oh! You two are watching TV together." Martina placed the fruit she’d bought on the table.

"Mhm, *Tom and Jerry* is really good!" Louise said with a happy nod.

"You never say things like that when you watch it by yourself," Martina teased.

"Mamu!" Louise’s face started to turn red again.

"By the way, Aunt Martina, didn’t my dad come back with you?" Wu Shi asked, seeing no one behind her.

"Oh! I took him to meet some clients from Italy today. They’ve nearly finished their negotiations, so he flew overnight to the factory up north to finalize the contract."

Martina paused, as if remembering something, then continued, "Little Wu Shi, do you know what the main business of your dad’s company is?"

"Not really," Wu Shi said, shaking his head.

"Composite material design and manufacturing," Martina said.

Wu Shi scratched his head, not understanding why she was telling him this.

"They supply materials for high-end car models and also provide the chassis for spec karts. When he took me to the Peng City Extreme Speed Racing Circuit at the beginning of the year, it was to see those karts."

"What? So, you’re saying the chassis of the kart I’m driving now is made by my dad’s company?" Wu Shi was shocked. He had no idea. Back then, Boss Chen had prepared everything for him.

"Of course. These are the chassis recommended by the CKC technical regulations."

"Then that agreement you mentioned with the clients from Italy... is it for...?" Wu Shi had a feeling he already knew the answer.

"That’s right. They’re partnering with some local manufacturers to supply chassis specifically for CIK-FIA (Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA) races," Martina said.

"..."

Wu Shi had to admit this was fantastic news. In this era, for a driver from Hua Country to break into the mainstream racing circuits of Europe and America, two things were essential: skill, and the backing of a major corporation.

Since his dad’s company traded racing components with Europe and America, it meant they held some influence when it came to recommending drivers. More importantly, it meant they would be very interested in sponsoring a driver from Hua Country.

"Judging by your expression, you seem to understand what this means?" Martina said, looking at him with curiosity.

"Yeah. Racing requires more than just talent. It also needs a lot of money and the backing of an influential company, especially if you want to get into formula racing," Wu Shi explained.

"Oh? And where did you learn all this?" Martina asked in surprise. A kid his age already knew so much.

"My dad bought me a computer, so I browse related news online," Wu Shi said.

"I see... Well, I have more good news for you. If this contract is signed, Zhenlin will very likely get a promotion," Martina said.

"That’s great!" Wu Shi nodded.

"However, he wants to go to Europe to be there for you as you grow up," Martina said.

"I..." Wu Shi hesitated only for a moment before stating his view. "My dad’s career plans shouldn’t be held up because of me. I’m independent enough; he doesn’t need to sacrifice his work to accompany me."

’Of course, he knew that sounded a bit harsh. But they had managed for so many years. Even if he wanted to change things now, he felt it was unnecessary, especially if it would interfere with other important matters.’

’He wasn’t really a child, after all. He wouldn’t become emotionally warped or grow to resent his father just because he missed out on a few years of paternal affection.’

’The adult world is full of things beyond one’s control; nothing can ever be perfect.’

"You’re the one who needs to tell him that," Martina said, her expression turning serious.

"I know. I’ll call him tomorrow," Wu Shi nodded.

"Alright, there’s one more thing I need to discuss with you two little ones." Martina’s relaxed, cheerful smile returned.

"Oh! I was starting to think Mamu forgot her daughter was still here," Louise pouted.

"Oh, of course not, sweetie. We were just talking about serious business," Martina said, sitting down on the adjacent sofa.

"So, what did you want to discuss with us?" Louise asked.

"Well... your Uncle Zhenlin..." Martina started, looking at Louise, then turned to Wu Shi. "...that is, Little Wu Shi’s father, and I are thinking about getting married. What are your thoughts on that?"

"In my opinion, that’s something for the two of you to decide based on your feelings for each other." Wu Shi had a very good impression of Martina and certainly wasn’t going to object.

"And what about you, little Louise?" Martina asked, turning to her daughter.

"Me... if you get married, does that mean he’ll be my brother?" Louise asked in Italian.

Martina was sharp enough to notice her daughter’s sudden switch in language and sensed that something had happened between the two children. She nodded and said, "Of course. He’s older than you, so he would naturally be your big brother."

Louise blinked and pressed her lips together, saying nothing, but the irrepressible smile fighting to form on her face gave her away.

"Is that a yes?" Martina asked with a smile. When she still didn’t get a response, she concluded, "I’m going to take that as a yes, then~"

With the important matter settled, Martina was overjoyed. Louise was happy too, though she tried not to show it, stealing glances at Wu Shi from time to time.

「The next morning」

Wu Shi got up and called his father. As a student, he really only had time to call in the morning or evening.

"Hey, Son. What’s up?" Wu Zhenlin’s voice sounded full of energy.

"Dad, Aunt Martina came home yesterday and told me about what’s happening at your company," Wu Shi said.

"Oh, that’s right! It’s great news. Your old man is about to sign a huge contract!" Wu Zhenlin’s voice was brimming with excitement.

"Congratulations, Dad! I’m calling because I wanted to tell you that your career should come first. Even if I go to Europe, I can take care of myself." Wu Shi was direct and didn’t beat around the bush.

"..."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

"Dad, if you get promoted to President of the European division, then coming to Europe to be with me would be a win-win. But if they offer you a different position, I hope you won’t turn it down on my account," Wu Shi said.

Wu Zhenlin was a workaholic. He didn’t just work to put food on the table; he had a clear goal—to get ahead in life. It was this drive that had propelled him from a farmer’s family into the upper-middle class.

"Did Martina put you up to this?" Wu Zhenlin asked.

"Dad! What are you thinking? Why would she ask me to say that? This is my idea! Look, I’ve been fine all these years. I know things are tough for you, and I never thought that you not being with me meant you didn’t love me.

"It’s because I know all this that I can understand and support you in doing what you want to do—just like how you’re willing to spend hundreds of thousands, even millions, a year to support my kart racing in Europe!"

Wu Shi spoke quickly. The moment he finished, another persuasive point came to mind, and he added, "Dad, racing is really expensive."

"I... I understand." Wu Zhenlin’s voice was a little heavy, but it quickly lifted with his next words:

"Son, I know you’re far more mature than other kids your age, so I won’t dismiss your words and decisions as childish nonsense. Thank you for your support and understanding!"

"Haha, I should be the one thanking you for your support and understanding, Dad," Wu Shi laughed.