Car Racing without Money

Chapter 729 - 294: Recognition from Schumacher

In 2010, a movie with very impressive box office results was released, titled "Kung Fu Dream." This was Jackie Chan’s last influential and commercially successful film in Hollywood.To boost the film’s box office, Jackie Chan promoted it globally during its release period, alongside other cast members attending local premiere events. Coincidentally, one of these stops was in South Korea, where he brought the young actor’s father, Will Smith, to watch the F1 Grand Prix.

As an international superstar at the pinnacle of action films, paired with Will Smith’s presence, there was no doubt they attracted far more media attention than the local Korean boy and girl groups, resulting in being surrounded by reporters.

However, Jackie Chan didn’t get too entangled with reporters; instead, he let Will Smith handle them and quickly made his way to the HRT Team’s pit box.

Since parting on Hong Kong Island, Jackie Chan hadn’t seen Chen Xiangbei, not even during the East Sea F1 Grand Prix.

"Big brother."

"Jackie Chan."

Upon seeing Jackie Chan arriving, both local and foreign members of the maintenance station excitedly greeted him, showcasing the influence of an international superstar.

Jackie Chan responded to each of them with a big smile, displaying a very affable demeanor.

After some brief pleasantries, Jackie Chan and Chen Xiangbei went to the driver’s lounge, where he expressed in a very emotional tone, "Xiangbei, I didn’t expect to meet again and see you truly become an F1 driver."

To be honest, Jackie Chan decided to sponsor Chen Xiangbei initially more out of an emotional stance as a compatriot and to support the development of Chinese racing, rather than from a rational consideration.

After all, F1 drivers are selected through a rigorous process, and even GP2 champions might not successfully secure a stable seat, let alone a Chinese rookie like Chen Xiangbei.

According to the mainstream opinion at the time, a driver who only started engaging with Formula racing at eighteen years of age was perceived to have no prospects.

But a driver entering F1 at nineteen suddenly had limitless potential!

"I’m very grateful to big brother Jackie Chan for your help at crucial times."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile.

"Even without my help, you would certainly become an F1 driver."

To this statement, Chen Xiangbei didn’t modestly deny it.

Indeed, given a second chance at life, he was destined to enter F1—a matter of sooner or later.

Then, Chen Xiangbei and Jackie Chan talked about some current affairs and changes. Jackie Chan even half-jokingly and half-seriously invited him to make a cameo in a movie.

However, Chen Xiangbei politely declined.

He knew he didn’t possess acting skills, making a cameo would be akin to a future’s idol celebrity making money off of his popularity and influence.

Of course, Jackie Chan was just teasing and being courteous.

Soon, he revealed his true intention, which was to plan another Jackie Chan Cup charity racing event, leveraging the racing heat and influence brought by Chen Xiangbei to raise funds for those in need.

"No problem, big brother, you can reach out to me anytime you need help."

Without hesitation, Chen Xiangbei agreed to this matter.

Nowadays, he considers himself a globally influential public figure. If he can use his talents to help more people, he undoubtedly should.

After finishing serious discussions, the two of them started talking about the Korean Grand Prix. Recently, Jackie Chan had seen media reports about Chen Xiangbei and offered advice from personal experience, "Xiangbei, I also had a reckless phase when I was young and offended quite a few people."

"No matter if it’s in the film industry or the racing world, to become a true superstar, you often need to repress your sharpness. Do you understand?"

Despite being from the martial arts scene, Jackie Chan shouldn’t be seen as simple-minded; he is actually very savvy in dealing with people and situations, always showcasing charm and gaining respect globally.

This is why Jackie Chan has countless loyal fans worldwide, with Facebook followers reaching seventy million.

Chen Xiangbei fully understood Jackie Chan’s goodwill. He also knew how to present a more appealing public image.

However, just as he expressed during a previous CCTV interview, there are already too many modest, kind, reserved, and moderate Chinese stereotypes. Chen Xiangbei wanted to set a different example for future domestic athletes.

Having strength and achievements should allow one to be unrestrainedly flamboyant. Even if he loses in the future, it’s better than living timidly forever.

Chen Xiangbei wasn’t suggesting that a kind image is undesirable, but more like the carrot and stick theory; carrot alone isn’t enough, hence a stick’s firmness is needed too.

Whether he can become a globally loved racing superstar, Chen Xiangbei isn’t sure.

But he knows being firm ensures he won’t be seen as a pushover.

Whether you like me or not isn’t significant—fear is enough.

"Big brother Jackie Chan, I would rather be myself."

On hearing Chen Xiangbei’s response, with Jackie Chan’s emotional intelligence, he instantly understood.

Everyone has different personalities, and there’s no right or wrong.

He merely wished for Chen Xiangbei to gain more recognition and acceptance.

"Xiangbei, then go ahead and do what you believe is right."

"Yes, thank you, big brother Jackie Chan."

At this point in the conversation, Lu Xiaoman opened the door to the driver’s lounge, informing Chen Xiangbei that the opening performance had concluded; it was the stage for the pre-race parade.

Seeing this scene, Jackie Chan stood up accordingly, patted Chen Xiangbei on the shoulder, and said, "Xiangbei, go prepare, I’m looking forward to witnessing your championship victory."