Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 902 - 903: Test Drive

Chapter 902: Chapter 903: Test Drive

After spending a day at the Su Family Courtyard, Lin Shu and Zhong Chuling were quite happy. Such a large courtyard, filled with beautiful scenery, each corner offering unique artistic effects if one looks closer. If an artist were to visit, they might need a whole month to truly appreciate the intricate beauty of the garden.

But Zhong Chuling, rarely having a chance to visit, still wanted to see her father. After breakfast, Zhong Chuling said to Song Xiaodong, "Uncle, we want to go to the hospital today."

Song Xiaodong replied, "I happen to need to go to the hospital as well. Let’s go together."

"Sounds great, sounds great!" Lin Shu immediately jumped up in excitement.

Song Xiaodong didn’t call for a driver to pick them up. The three of them walked directly to the parking lot. Lin Shu looked at the luxury cars, her eyes suddenly lighting up with a longing expression.

Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "Are you itching to drive your own car?"

Lin Shu stuck out her tongue and said, "I got my driver’s license after taking the college entrance exam, but I’ve hardly driven since then. I really want to give it a try."

"Then go ahead and drive," Song Xiaodong encouraged with a smile.

"Really?" Lin Shu exclaimed in delight.

"Of course! It’s your car, so you can drive it whenever you want."

"Okay, okay!" Lin Shu nodded repeatedly, like a pecking chicken.

Zhong Chuling, however, said nervously, "Xiao Shu, are you sure? This car is so expensive—what if something happens?"

Lin Shu hesitated for a moment.

Song Xiaodong chuckled, "Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on things for you. As long as you don’t drive too fast, it should be fine."

Lin Shu immediately grinned and said, "Then I’ll dare to drive!"

"Oh, but what about me?" Zhong Chuling’s face darkened. The newly bought Maserati only had two seats—how could three people fit?

Lin Shu blinked mischievously and said, "You silly, you can sit on Uncle’s lap!"

"What?" Zhong Chuling’s face instantly turned bright red.

Lin Shu chuckled and said, "Uncle, you wouldn’t take advantage of Xiao Ling, would you? She’s already scared."

Song Xiaodong knew this little girl was trying to tease him, but he still smiled and said, "Alright then, let’s do it. Otherwise, I’m sure you’d be itching so much to drive that you wouldn’t stop pestering me. Xiao Ling, come on."

Zhong Chuling was a mix of surprised, happy, and embarrassed as she stammered, "Ah... Uncle, this..."

Lin Shu gave Zhong Chuling a little shove and scolded, "You silly! I’m giving you an opportunity and you don’t even know how to seize it." Then she ran over and pressed the car key. Even though she hadn’t even driven it yet, just carrying the keys for the past two days had made her feel like she truly owned a Maserati. That feeling alone was incredibly thrilling.

The doors of the sky-blue sports car swung upward like wings. Only then did Lin Shu realize which car it was. She burst with excitement, running around the car and shouting, "Xiao Ling, look! This car is so gorgeous!"

Even Zhong Chuling was captivated by the car. Forgetting her embarrassment, she quickly ran over and circled it as well, nodding repeatedly and saying, "It’s truly stunning. When will I ever have one of my own?"

Lin Shu giggled and said, "Don’t you have one right now?"

Zhong Chuling froze for a moment, then couldn’t help but smile and say, "It still feels unreal."

"Then hurry up and get in so you’ll feel it for real," Lin Shu said eagerly as she climbed into the car, urging Song Xiaodong and Zhong Chuling to get in.

Song Xiaodong willingly took the passenger seat. Zhong Chuling hesitated briefly before shyly climbing in, ending up seated on Song Xiaodong’s lap.

Lin Shu closed the car door, and the three of them were immediately enclosed in a tight space. Since it was a two-seater sports car, the area between the seats was quite spacious, though slightly lower in height. Song Xiaodong was semi-reclining, while Zhong Chuling was practically lying on top of him.

"Buckle up your seatbelt," Song Xiaodong reminded.

Lin Shu stuck out her tongue, having completely forgotten in her excitement, and quickly pulled on her seatbelt to fasten it. Zhong Chuling also buckled in, but that only made her press even closer to Song Xiaodong.

"Hehe, I’m starting the car now!" Lin Shu, lost in excitement, was entirely focused on driving, ignoring the situation between Song Xiaodong and Zhong Chuling.

Song Xiaodong didn’t forget to advise her, "Take it slow. Gradually ease into the accelerator. This car has a lot of power, and too much on the gas can make it surge forward."

Lin Shu nodded, released the brake, and gently pressed the accelerator.

For a novice driver, mastering the accelerator isn’t something that comes instantly. Even seasoned drivers take time to adjust to a new car’s gas pedal.

Lin Shu’s initial push on the gas appeared minimal, but it was still too much. The car roared and surged forward instantly.

"Ah!" Zhong Chuling screamed in surprise, her body leaning back against Song Xiaodong.

"Ease up!" Song Xiaodong quickly reminded her.

Lin Shu immediately let off the gas but accidentally stomped on the brake. The car screeched to a sudden stop.

Zhong Chuling jolted forward but was held in place by the seatbelt. Her face had turned pale. Catching her breath, she said, "Xiao Shu, are you sure you can handle this?"

Lin Shu, equally pale with fear, grimaced and said, "This car’s power is too strong—it’s completely different from what I’ve driven before."

Song Xiaodong, however, remained composed. His right hand supported Zhong Chuling’s stomach while his left hand disengaged the handbrake. Earlier, he had helped pull the handbrake to ensure a quick stop.

"Don’t worry. The key to driving is controlling the gas. Go slow and try again."

Zhong Chuling said, "You’re still letting her drive?"

Song Xiaodong smiled, "Life is full of firsts. If you don’t go through them, there won’t be a next time."

Lin Shu nodded and said, "Uncle is the best, always encouraging me. Okay, I’ll give it another shot."

This time, Lin Shu drove much more cautiously. While the car still lurched forward a little, it was within controllable limits.

After a few tries, the car finally moved smoothly.

"Don’t be tense. Just take it slow. Let’s circle the courtyard a couple of times to get familiar with the car," Song Xiaodong continued to encourage.

Lin Shu responded affirmatively, focusing intently on driving. It has to be said—young people pick things up quickly. Lin Shu was inherently bright, and after two laps, her control of the gas pedal was much better. The car didn’t leap forward anymore.

"Okay, now drive out of the courtyard. The roads outside aren’t busy, so it’s a great chance to practice," Song Xiaodong said.

The car exited the Su Family Courtyard, and Lin Shu continued to drive smoothly. This put both Zhong Chuling and Song Xiaodong at ease.

Song Xiaodong was fine, but as Zhong Chuling relaxed, her face turned red. She realized how tightly she was pressed against Song Xiaodong. This warm embrace felt indescribably comforting. If only she could stay in his arms forever—how wonderful would that be?