Chapter 300 - Love You Forever And Always

As they settled their motorcycles at the starting point, Zoey turned her head to her left side as she heard the fully-geared Kenneth Bai. 

"Oy, are you sure you're using that?" Kenneth Bai pushed his visor up, tilting his head in the direction of Zoey's ride. "I can lend you the same brand as mine so that it's fair and square." He added in a matter-of-fact tone. 

Kenneth Bai just didn't want Zoey to blame her defeat because of the difference in their motorcycles. After all, although Kenneth Bai's ride wasn't the one he used during professional car racing, still, it was way better than Zoey's motorcycle... and much more expensive at that. 

Zoey just glanced at him, narrowing her eyes upon traveling her gaze to his motorbike. "Don't kill anyone." Meek yet audible, Zoey muttered as she raised her eyes again. 

"Tsk. Don't kill yourself." Kenneth Bai scoffed, shaking his head as the corner of his lips grew into a large sly grin. 

This was street racing, after all. It gave off a different kind of gusto than when he was preparing for a professional race on a race track. 

The dangers, the unspoken rules, and the risk of breaking the laws, all that was just exciting! Although his opponent was an amateur and a woman — which was disappointing — Kenneth Bai's mindset was to have fun during the race. 

"The rules are simple; the first person who will be the one to return here will be tonight's winner!" Rem shouted, standing several meters away from the starting point. 

Zoey and Kenneth Bai readied their stance, revving their motor engines subtly. Kenneth Bai closed the visor of his helmet while Zoey looked straight ahead and waited for the signal. 

"There will be people who will be on standby at some point of the routes..." Rem explained loudly. The veins in his neck protruded, shouting the instructions amidst the sound of the revving motorcycles and cheers from the crowd. 

"Ready!" When Rem shouted the first magical word, Kenneth Bai's jaw tightened as the expression beneath his helmet changed. 

Meanwhile, Zoey remained calm as she put her hundred percent focus on the race. She needed to win, she needed to win... her mind repeated those words inside her head. 

"Get set!" This time, not only Rem was shouting, but also the excited crowd had also joined him. Rem raised his hand in the air while Zoey and Kenneth Bai focused upon the drop of that hand. 

After three seconds, Rem finally shouted the green signal and swung his hand down. "Go!" 

Without further ado, both vehicles at the starting point revved up, accelerating at full speed. Dust caused by the force of their wheels fogged the air, yet the cheers from the lively audience grew louder as the two sped away. 

Matthew Xi who was watching the two speed away retained his poker face. 'I want to race too...' he unconsciously whispered internally. 

In his perspective, this was the first time in a long time he had seen Kenneth Bai that thrilled. Although his friend seemed annoyed at first, Matthew Xi noticed the change in his childhood's friends behavior the moment they'd arrived here. 

Still, Matthew Xi should be worried about Zoey, right? With Kenneth Bai's excitement about this race, he would surely bring home the bacon. However, Matthew Xi was not a bit worried. 

To be honest, Matthew Xi felt confident in the person he placed his bet on. Perhaps, it was Zoey's nonchalance or composure that reassured him that she was capable. 

Perhaps, that's the reason. Yet, Matthew Xi felt that it wasn't exactly that. His heart knew and was certain about it, but he couldn't just point it out. 

"Paul, send someone to close the roads in this map." Matthew Xi slowly pulled out a small map of the area that Zoey and Kenneth Bai would use. 

"It's an order." Matthew Xi didn't even need to glance at Paul Qian to see his shocked reaction. After all, this was a rare moment for Matthew Xi to take advantage of his influence with his connection. 

Was this because of Kenneth Bai? Was he doing this to avoid Kenneth Bai to get in trouble? Was that it? But, knowing Matthew Xi, Paul Qian was a little unconvinced. 

"Yes." Still, despite the overflowing questions Paul Qian has in mind, he didn't dare ask his boss the reason.

With that being said, Paul Qian accepted the map and left to execute the order. Meanwhile, Lucas Xi elbowed Enzo Li who was evidently worried from the start till now. 

"You look like my mother whenever she waits for my grade's result." Lucas Xi humored, chuckling at how Enzo Li stared at the now empty starting point. 

"Is this really fine?" Enzo Li didn't entertain his cousin's teasing, still staring at the direction Kenneth Bai and Zoey vanished. 

"Huh?"

"I mean this race... it's unfair!" Enzo Li ground his teeth, facing Lucas Xi with blazing eyes. "From their motor's engine and experience — everything is one-sided!" Enzo Li complained as it was obvious for everyone to notice. 

How could Zoey win if her motorcycle alone couldn't even compete against Kenneth Bai's? Not to mention, their experience. 

In his perspective, Zoey might know a thing or two in racing, but Kenneth Bai was a professional car racer! Obviously, Kenneth Bai had the upper hand.

"Enzo," After Enzo Li complained, Enzo Li heard Matthew Xi's cold voice that sent shivers down his spine. 

"Bi— big bro, I just don't want to be biased..." Slowly, Enzo Li turned around and faced the towering Matthew Xi. Although he stuttered, yet the determination in his eyes remained firm. 

"Ken offered her to use the other bike." Matthew Xi tilted his head to the direction where the same version of Kenneth Bai's motorcycle. "Racing is not all about the brand — it also needs trust in your ride. She didn't take the offer because she wasn't used to it. Meaning, her chances of winning would've lowered if she had switched her ride at the last moment." Matthew Xi explained as he stood and turned in the direction of the starting point. 

"Trust on your bet. Trust the risk she's making." For some reason, Matthew Xi was surprised at his own last remark. It just came out naturally, without him thinking of her words but thinking about Zoey's capabilities. 

Which made him wonder... Why does his heart trust that woman so much? Matthew Xi tried to understand his own feelings but nothing came to mind aside from a brief headache. 

'Love you always and forever…' As Matthew Xi held his head due to his sudden headache, his mind heard a woman's faint voice that bore pain and longing which clenched his heart.