Chapter 297 - Worthy To Break The Law

As Zoey sped her way towards the meeting place for the race, images of Matthew Xi — the thirty-year-old and the younger version — flashed across her head. The Matthew Xi she met today was akin to a completely different person. 

It didn't appear obvious on the surface but Zoey knew him from inside and out. Matthew Xi was a bit more carefree than his older self from seven years later. He was more decisive and aggressive — he knew what he wanted.

Perhaps, this was what he had mentioned earlier. After this night, he lost trust in everyone as he was drugged and forced to sleep with a woman. 

Recalling their previous life, Matthew Xi had kept his safe distance from Kenneth Bai, Lucas Xi, and Enzo Li. He might be a bit more lenient towards them, but Zoey had often noticed that invisible gap. 

If that was the case, did that mean Zoey unconsciously changed something? Does that mean that the future Matthew Xi would be a little different from the one she used to know? Not that her feelings towards him would change. 

It was just that, Zoey wasn't certain if she could keep her priorities straight if Matthew Xi was this flirtatious. She might give in even before he could try harder!

"Goddamnit!" Zoey ground her teeth. The more she thought about her heedless actions, the more she grew frustrated about it. 

She only realized that every small change would also impact the future. For example, stopping Matthew Xi from drinking that drug would displease him and had his doubts towards Kenneth Bai. However, his behavior wouldn't change gradually. 

'Well, f*ck it, Zoey! Focus on this race and get a free car!' Zoey lightly shook her head sideways, refocusing her attention back on the road as she accelerated her speed. 

Indeed, since Zoey only used rented cars whenever she had a meeting, she usually got discriminated against. For a businesswoman to not own her own car was quite laughable. After all, she was aiming for a big shot company to have a break. 

She was cost-cutting, and she couldn't afford buying a car at the moment. Therefore, owning a car without making her bank accounts shed tears was her first step towards the greater cause.

****

Meanwhile, outside the nightclub...

"Brother Matt, are you sure you're coming?!" Lucas Xi gasped in disbelief, peering at Matthew Xi from head to toe as he waited for his driver to fetch him. 

Currently, everyone in the party received an announcement about the race. Even Matthew Xi received one and was invited to watch the race. 

It was an abrupt invitation, but it came from the host for the night. Therefore, everyone was thrilled knowing Kenneth Bai was the one who was racing.

Yet, the main attraction of the event was the bettings. Everyone in the private room that Zoey first checked were all parts of the elites. Thus, making huge money for such an event while having fun was quite a thrill for them. 

"I am." Matthew Xi didn't even glance at Lucas Xi as he answered. Well, he didn't plan to watch at first.

He actually planned on going home to confront his mother about her favor towards Kenneth Bai. However, after hearing that Kenneth Bai would race against a lady, Matthew Xi instinctively knew that the woman was Zoey. Hence, the only reason he was inclined to watch this race. 

"But..." Lucas Xi's words trailed off as Matthew Xi's vehicle stopped in front of them. Matthew Xi didn't waste a second as he hitched inside the back passenger seat. 

"Do you want to place a bet with me?" When Matthew Xi hitched inside, he rolled down the window and proposed to the two gentlemen standing outside. 

"Ah?" Both confused, Lucas Xi and Enzo Li knitted their brows as their surprise for the day surpassed its limits. 

First, Matthew Xi seemed to be in a good mood after the whole ordeal with that unknown girl. Secondly, Matthew Xi was coming to see this childish or rather 'one-sided' battle since Lucas Xi perceived that Kenneth Bai would win. 

Lastly, Matthew Xi proposing a bet?! Was this the actual reality? Was this the Matthew Xi they used to know? Lucas Xi could not tell anymore!

"I'm betting 350 thousand yuan on the underdog." Matthew Xi arched his right brow, smirking as he didn't bat an eye while staking a huge amount of money for a single bet!

"Wait, what?" Lucas Xi gasped; even the timid Enzo Li widened his eyes at the price. To be fair, they weren't surprised by the amount of money as it wasn't considered hefty enough for the three of them. 

But, Matthew Xi was known for not wasting his resources on menial things. He wouldn't place money on something he wouldn't benefit in any way. Hence, the shock across their faces. 

"I'm placing my stakes." Matthew Xi answered in a matter-of-fact tone. "Want to bet with me, Enzo?" He then turned to Enzo Li, who snapped from his trance. 

"I, uhm... I'm betting on the woman." Enzo Li cleared his throat, stuttering midway upon seeing the deadly glint flickering across Matthew Xi's russet eyes. 

"Why?" This time, Matthew Xi's confident tone bore nothing but coldness. "Do you know her?" He studied Enzo Li's expression thoroughly, seeing every little change in his expression. 

"Uhm, no. I just think Ken is a gentleman enough to let a woman win." Enzo Li felt a cold chill run down his spine with how his cousin stared at him. For some reason, Enzo Li felt terrified because by the looks of it, Matthew Xi would take him as his enemy if he answered wrong. 

For a good ten seconds, Matthew Xi didn't say anything before he nodded. "How about you?" He then shifted his gaze towards Lucas Xi. 

"Damn..." Lucas Xi mumbled, as he couldn't believe that the two of them had placed their fate on Zoey. "I'm on Ken's side, okay? I'll get more people to bet!" After a long, deep sigh, Lucas Xi grumbled. 

"See you there." Matthew Xi nodded his head in understanding before he bid his farewell while rolling the window up. Without further ado, the car he was in, sped away to the location of the race. 

"Young Master, are you sure you want to participate in an illegal betting on a street race?" On the road, Paul Qian inquired with surprise in his front, glancing at the chuckling Matthew Xi through the rear mirror. 

"Mhmm," He hummed a delighted tune, staring outside of the window. "I want to know if she's worthy for me to break the law.. " The corner of his lips curled into a meek smile.