Chapter 22: Debunking.

Han Lingshi and Maria led the from while Hao Ren walked behind the two of them keeping a low key. One thing he learned in his classes was, observation is the key to finance. Just because this project was being run by Han Lingshi's subsidiary, it did not mean he will push his money for a loss.

He did like Han Lingshi but it was not the extent where he would throw away logic. For some people it took time to brew the emotions, and one must know the more time they brew the thicker they become.

The traversed through the premise and came to a temporary office of the race track. Hao Ren could tell that this racing car project was a boot strap project. He has been a race car enthusiast in his past life and this obsession had carried on to this life too, so he could tell the difference.

Han Lingshi and Maria were too big players worth in billions, however, they were somewhat restrained when they moved around the racetrack facility. The reason? They did not own this place. So, they must have rented this place for test runs. After all, where else could they go to perform comprehensive tests on a prototype?

Soon, they reached the office, dug out where a group of people were clamoring. A middle-aged man saw them coming and quickly said, "Stop it, President Han is here. You all be a little civil."

The crowd calmed down, Hao Ren counted fifty people. He pursued his lips but did not say anything. After all, from what he knew this group was not even close to the size of a pit crew that he has seen. Some teams even had more than eight hundred crew members.

Han Lingshi sighed and asked, "What is the issue now? Director Kim, do I have to run over here every time something comes up? If so, then what is the use of you as a project head?"

Her aura was so commanding and dominating that people fell silent in just a blink. Hao Ren raised his brow and realized, 'So, this is how president Han looks like. Well, she does have a spark.'

Director Kim, Hao Ren knew this man, he has launched many vehicles that Chariot automobile has developed. So, the young man had a impression of this person. Director Kim said, "President, I did not wish to call you but the chief engineer does not wish to speak with anyone but you."

Han Lingshi nodded and called for the guy. Hao Ren found a middle-aged man with grey sideburns, he looked very mature and steady. However, the flash in his eyes as soon as he saw Han Lingshi, it set off an inbuilt radar in Hao Ren's mind.

He looked at Maria and sure enough the guard dog was here. He was sure that this guy has made advances towards Han Lingshi. Best friends did give away a lot of crucial information if only one is careful and observant.

The middle-aged man smiled and said, "President Han, long time no see."

The crew members made a face, they were simply tired of this guy being a love struck fool. Han Lingshi clenched her fist and asked, "Mister Dillon, can you tell me what is the issue that makes you want to quit the team?"

The man nodded and said, "President Han, as you know that we have all been working really hard on this car, but none of the drivers have agreed to come here to test it. I suggest that we go along with the drivers who were with us in the initial stages."

Han Lingshi asked, "Was it not you who said that they do not have the technique needed to control the vehicle on the track? After all, there are many rules involved in racing and it is not just about making laps around the track."

Dillon nodded and replied, "Yes, what you said is true, but if we do not move for the initial test driver, how will we get ready to show case this in the qualifier race?"

His question made Han Lingshi frown, at this moment, Hao Ren sighed and said, "Mister Dillon, you are the chief engineer of the team, right? Can I ask you a few things?"

Mister Dillon and the rest of the people were surprised. Maria wanted to stop Hao Ren when Han Lingshi gestured her to stop. Maria did not like Dillon but she hated Hao Ren. This guy came out of no where and got to play husband with her best friend, this was too much.

Dillon furrowed his brows and asked, "Who might you be?"

Hao Ren smiled and replied, "I am also an investor in this project now, you can ask Miss Han about it. Now if you do not mind, may I ask if you have confirmed everything else about the vehicle? Such as the safety grade, and weight restrictions. What safety measures are there in case of a car crash? Do you have all these in place?"

Dillon looked at Hao Ren as if he was look at a clown and said, "Without those we would not get the permission to test it on track. Would we?"

Hao Ren nodded and said, "If you say so, then the issue lies in one out of three things."

Director Kim asked eagerly, "Sir, what are those issues?"

He was more worried than anyone because it was his job on the line here. Hao Ren replied, "The mediators who are responsible for contacting the drivers. If they are not presenting the obvious data and causing the drivers to feel unsafe, then it is there fault."

Director Kim shook his head and said, "Sir, I guarantee that none of the people responsible in this would make such a mistake. We know what is at stake here."

Han Lingshi was gazing at him, Kim did not have the guts to lie. His job will be gone along with his prestige, his president was not an easy person to handle.

Hao Ren said, "Then it could be the benefits that we are offering the drivers. Chariot is a good commercial brand, but in terms of racing world, they are not on the grid yet."

Han Lingshi shook her head and said, "I offered the drivers twenty million in Hawk currency for one race, Carlos was offered thirty million. That's twice his fee. I don't know why they back off in the last moment. They all have tried the vehicle and only one lap is all they need to say no."

Maria was gazing at Hao Ren as if she was going to tear him apart, but then the guy said something that shocked everyone, "Then the problem is internal."

A crew member said, "The car is fine. What do you mean by internal problem?"

Hao Ren smiled and said, "Sir, I trust that you all are true to your craft, but humans are selfish. If someone wishes to betray something out of their reach, what do you think they would do?"

Everyone realized what Hao Ren was talking about. Dillon replied snappily, "Do you mean we have a traitor? Who do you think you are to come here and speak like that to us?"

As he said, he inched forward and grabbed Hao Ren's collar. Everyone was shocked, but Hao Ren stood there calmly, his gaze turned cold and he said, "Either you let go of me or I will make you let go."

Han Lingshi looked at the guards and snapped, "What are you looking at? Arrest him."

The guards were still hesitating when everyone saw Hao Ren grab Dillon's throat with his hand. The engineer was not as strong as Hao Ren who had been working out daily and gained attributes from the system. His grip was strong enough to make Dillon let go of his grip and struggle to breath.

Everyone was shocked, they all thought Hao Ren would kill the chief engineer. The guards rushed over, but Hao Ren did not let them close to him. He shoved Dillon at them and said, "Useless. If you do not want to work here then feel free to leave. We do not need idlers."

His eyes spewed fire but his voice was calm. This sent chills down the spine of the people. Han Lingshi was pissed off as well, and surprisingly the one who came forward was Maria. She picked up the intercom on the side and called for the race track security team. The three of them were sure that Dillon was acting fishy.

Hao Ren looked at the rest of the crew and said, "Did you guys do any tune ups on the car?"

The people shook their heads and Hao Ren said, "Good, prepare the car, I am taking it for a drive."

Director Kim and the rest of the people were surprised, when Han Lingshi sighed and said, "Do it. I want to see if something is wrong in the car as the people say."