Chapter 699: Chapter 280: So What If I Dominate?

The Yonhap News Agency is South Korea’s largest news agency, akin to China’s Huaxin News Agency, and is considered the highest level national media.

Regarding Yonhap News Agency’s request for an exclusive interview, Chen Xiangbei wasn’t too surprised. From the moment he clinched the F1 Chinese Grand Prix championship, he was already considered Asia’s top racer.

The media spotlight is a matter of course.

Moreover, the "street fight" incident has stirred public opinion, Lu Xiaoman mentioned it yesterday, but Chen Xiangbei didn’t take it seriously at all.

His main focus these past two days has been on familiarizing himself with the circuit; he hasn’t bothered about the negative online discourse at all, or rather, Chen Xiangbei has become desensitized to such things.

When an outsider enters a field dominated by others, their identity is destined to be seen as a villain.

But as long as you reach the peak, you’ll become the protagonist.

This process is merely a matter of time.

After finishing his walk on the track and returning to the hotel, taking a shower and having dinner, Chen Xiangbei, under Lu Xiaoman’s reminder, went to the race’s media center next to the hotel to prepare for the exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency’s reporter.

While walking, Lu Xiaoman reminded, "Do you remember the online opinions I talked to you about yesterday?"

"Mm."

"This interview might not be that friendly, so hold back a bit."

"Regardless of being a world-class public figure now, you still need to be mindful of your impact."

Sometimes, fame comes quicker than imagined.

Just like Yao Ming entering the NBA draft and immediately becoming a globally famous sports star after getting a top pick.

Chen Xiangbei is the same now.

Being the first official Chinese F1 driver already garnered much attention.

However, in terms of fame, it’s not quite there yet, as there are many drivers who sign a year-long contract and hang around the airports, especially those paid drivers at the back of the grid who don’t get much camera time, easily forgotten.

But winning a championship changes everything dramatically!

No one will forget an F1 section champion in a short time, especially one who made history in Asia as the top racer.

Even decades later, as long as F1 events continue to exist, the name Chen Xiangbei will be inseparable from Asian racing.

Similar to how Yao Ming is synonymous with basketball, and Su Bingtian with sprinting.

An iconic figure of an era in Asia, being called a world-class public figure is not an exaggeration.

But precisely becoming a world-class public figure, many things can’t be as publicized as they used to be. Considering the impact on oneself and the country, this is the growing path for many famous individuals.

Listening to Sister Man’s advice, a smile appeared at the corner of Chen Xiangbei’s mouth.

"I will."

After speaking, Chen Xiangbei quickened his pace.

[Will he?]

Facing Chen Xiangbei’s response and the meaningful smile on his face, Lu Xiaoman felt things weren’t that simple.

This kid better not stage some shocking drama and end up becoming a "national enemy," which wouldn’t be good.

Arriving at the second-floor media center of the event, Chen Xiangbei pushed the door open and walked in. Inside, more than a dozen people were standing, with various lighting, audio, and filming equipment neatly set up, just waiting for Chen Xiangbei’s arrival.

Seeing Chen Xiangbei appear, the Yonhap News Agency interview host Kim Hohyun stood up and greeted him proactively.

"Hello, Mr. Chen Xiangbei, welcome to the interview with Yonhap News Agency. I am the host, Kim Hohyun."

"Hello, Host Kim Hohyun, thank you for the visit from your agency."

Courtly manners were exchanged, and Chen Xiangbei very politely returned the greeting.

After exchanging pleasantries, they sat face to face, and the live broadcaster nodded to Kim Hohyun, indicating the interview could officially begin.

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, the interview is about to start. Do you need to review the script in advance?"

For most media interviews, as long as the relationship isn’t torn apart, or the media isn’t trying to dig pits for sensational scoop, there tends to be a script review session beforehand.

Discussing what questions might be asked and how they should be answered, arriving at a baseline together.

Some public figures with strict control over their image even review the media content before release, preventing any discourse unfavorable to them.

A national-level media like Yonhap wouldn’t intentionally dig pits for sensationalism, so they asked Chen Xiangbei if he wanted to review the script beforehand.

"No need, let’s begin."

Chen Xiangbei straightforwardly refused; he isn’t interested in staging a "scripted" performance.

"Okay, then let’s officially start."

Upon Chen Xiangbei’s confirmation, the staff quickly set the scene, and both parties entered the interview mode.

"Mr. Chen Xiangbei, first off, thank you for accepting the interview with Yonhap News Agency. We all know you obtained the F1 Chinese Grand Prix championship last week, which is Asia’s first sectional win, having a landmark significance to some extent."

"This week, the F1 South Korean Grand Prix is about to start. What are your thoughts on the new track and sectional event, and what is your target for this round?"

Listening to the host’s inquiry, Chen Xiangbei hesitated for a while and replied.

"I love challenges. A brand-new circuit gives me a sufficient thrill and excitement. Besides, the Lingyan Circuit’s setup is comprehensive, and the scenery is quite good. If optimized, I believe it can become a decent track."

"As for the target, it’s undoubtedly aimed at the championship; no driver fights for anything less than the title, so I aim for a consecutive win!"

There is an old Chinese saying: "To speculate about others based on oneself."

Though Chen Xiangbei’s evaluation of the Lingyan Circuit is rather mediocre, especially after completing the walk, the semi-finished state left him quite speechless.