Chapter 138: Buying a Used LaFerrari, the Slickest Guy on the Street

The elegant curves of the Ferrari and its frameless butterfly doors were infinitely more striking than the McLaren he currently drove.

"My god, this car is beyond words, it’s truly stunning..."

Cheng Yao couldn’t tear his eyes away. He hadn't felt this excited even when raking in money, nor could any woman move him like this—with the exception of Zhang Ya.

Fearing that Cheng Yao might have reservations, Mr. Duan directly suggested they go to a third-party inspection agency to verify the vehicle's condition. Cheng Yao was very satisfied with this. Of course, he had to; buying a used car for over thirty million meant that without an inspection, he wouldn't feel at ease.

"Here are the keys. Take your time, no rush. Why not stay for dinner later?"

"I'll skip dinner, thank you. I want to experience the car first..."

Cheng Yao took the keys and opened the frameless butterfly door. It was explosively cool. He had never been so obsessed with any car; his only thought was to buy it. He climbed into the cockpit, where the interior was just as passionate and unrestrained. Ferrari interiors don't lean heavily on tech; they pursue simplicity, beauty, and luxury without being overly complicated. In contrast, a Lamborghini’s cockpit feels like a fighter jet. This car was a testament to Ferrari’s ambition—a masterpiece developed with cutting-edge technology that was simply absurd. In terms of exterior design, it absolutely crushed ninety-nine percent of other cars.

Mr. Duan smiled and asked, "How is it? Handsome, right?"

"Handsome. Is it really only eight hundred kilometers?"

"Truly. Would I lie to you? You young man..."

Cheng Yao was both amused and speechless. He asked, "Shall we go? Should I drive or will you?"

"You drive. Be careful, this car has plenty of horsepower; I can't handle it."

"Rest assured, I’m a professional."

Cheng Yao sat in the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and gripped the steering wheel of a Ferrari for the first time—the most expensive Ferrari at that. It was well-known that purchasing this car required specific qualifications: not only did you need the assets, but you also had to own four other Ferraris, one of which had to be a limited-edition or discontinued model. Such requirements were truly daunting.

"Mr. Duan, how did you manage to get your hands on this?"

Mr. Duan rested his hand on the side. "Let me tell you, I was a VIP in the supercar club back in the day and a die-hard Ferrari fan. At my peak, I had six Ferraris, two of which were LaFerraris. I even had a white one, but I sold it last year, haha..."

Cheng Yao could basically confirm now that Mr. Duan had likely bought it as an investment. Making twenty million in a few years was like picking up money—who wouldn't want that?

"If I may ask, what do you do for a living?"

"I'm in real estate."

"Real estate, I see."

"Yes, I've been involved in many developments here in Shanghai..."

They chatted as they drove. Seeing how skillfully Cheng Yao handled the car, Mr. Duan’s worries vanished, and he spoke freely. Cheng Yao listened attentively. "It’ll probably be late by the time the inspection is finished; the banks will be closed."

"Don't worry, it's just a phone call away."

"Right."

Mr. Duan took out his phone and made a call: "Hello, Manager Shi? I might need to stop by the bank tonight... Yes, yes, I'll call you when I'm on the way. Okay... Done. These are just small matters."

Cheng Yao nodded. The perks of wealth were truly on display here. It was said that some wealthy individuals were even begged by banks to deposit their money, with the banks offering to waive interest.

Following the navigation, they arrived at the inspection agency in half an hour. Mr. Duan even knew people here, clearly not his first visit. Amidst lighthearted conversation, the car was taken in for inspection. Curious, Cheng Yao tagged along to watch. An entire team was working on the vehicle. "Master, how long will the inspection take?"

"Usually, a vehicle inspection takes about a week, but this car is well-maintained, and the data is consistent. We can speed it up to about three hours; it should be done around seven o'clock."

Cheng Yao lost interest in the mechanical technical inspection after a while and headed to the lounge to chat and exchange contact information. Mr. Duan was very polite to Cheng Yao; after all, anyone who could afford a thirty-million-plus LaFerrari clearly had an impeccable background. Adding another person to one's network was a businessman's golden rule.

With nothing to do, Cheng Yao wandered around. By six-thirty, the inspection was nearing its end. Cheng Yao called Zhang Ya: "Hey, are you at school?"

"I am. What's up?"

"Have you eaten?"

"No, I was just about to head out."

"I'll come pick you up in a bit. I'm in Shanghai right now."

"Oh?" Zhang Ya was clearly surprised, then smiled, "Alright, I'll wait for you at the dormitory."

"See you."

Cheng Yao could hear Rong Xuelin’s snide remarks in the background before he hung up. Finally, the results were in. The car was perfect, save for a minor scratch on the rear, which was trivial. The other party even offered to knock a million off the price, which Cheng Yao had no complaints about.

After leaving the third-party agency, they headed straight for the bank. Cheng Yao was a decisive person and didn't want to drag things out; for a purchase of this magnitude, he didn't sweat the small stuff.

Using a back-door connection, the bank manager was still working overtime. Seeing Mr. Duan, he was all smiles, serving tea and water, and personally handling the service. Cheng Yao transferred thirty-five million in one go. Once the contract was signed, it was done. There were still administrative tasks for tomorrow—rubbing the VIN, removing plates, taking photos, and paying transfer fees. Since he was from out of town—Jingling—he would have to file for a records transfer first, then register back in Jingling. These were minor details and wouldn't take long.

"Want to grab a bite?"

"Dinner will have to wait. I just got the car, and I'm taking my girlfriend for a spin. Who has time to eat with you?" Cheng Yao said lightheartedly.

Mr. Duan didn't mind; it was just a courtesy. "Good lad, go on then. If anything comes up, contact me on WeChat. This is my driver's number; if I'm asleep, call him." He thought the kid was quite straightforward and had a likable personality.

"Sure."

Cheng Yao figured there wouldn't be any issues. Everything had been handed over, including the spare keys and a LaFerrari model—which was said to be worth four or five hundred thousand alone, a gift from when the car was originally purchased. Tomorrow, after the paperwork was finished, he would pay a few thousand to have it transported to Jingling.

*Vroom...*

His own LaFerrari felt much more comfortable than anyone else's. Cheng Yao put on his sunglasses, hit the gas, and roared through the streets of Shanghai at seven o'clock. At every red light, countless eyes were fixed on the car. Pedestrians on both sides of the crosswalk stared, filled with nothing but envy. He realized this car was more than just the concept of "if she's hot, she'll take her clothes off"—it was the embodiment of "money power." If he had a goal, there was nothing he couldn't chase down.

He had been in Jingling at noon, and by evening, he was cruising through Shanghai in a LaFerrari. Being rich was truly wonderful!

Around seven-fifteen, Cheng Yao arrived near the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. The area was swarming with students, some taking pictures with their phones, others stopping to watch. Finding a spot near the hospital entrance, Cheng Yao parked with practiced ease and headed to Zhang Ya’s dormitory. Moments later, a graceful figure came running down.

"Slow down."

"How is it? Do I look good?" Zhang Ya was wearing a dress, looking like a flower fairy.

Cheng Yao pulled her in for a kiss. Zhang Ya gave him a playful glare, quickly pecked his cheek, and said with a smile, "Let's go. I'm starving after practice. Your girlfriend wants something delicious!"

"Alright, you decide what to eat."

"Hot pot! I've been craving it to death."

"Follow me."

Cheng Yao took her hand to the hospital entrance. Upon seeing the LaFerrari, Zhang Ya was stunned, but she didn't ask questions. She sat in the car and fastened her seatbelt. "Do you know how to drive this?"

"Of course. I wouldn't dare if I didn't."

"Let's go."

"Taking you for a ride."

"Drive slowly..."

Zhang Ya giggled and took out her phone. "I'm going to take a photo. I want to show Rong Xuelin and the others—a little humblebrag."

A moment later, Zhang Ya’s expression turned odd.

"What's wrong?"

"Haha, Rong Xuelin said you were cheated on and called me a gold-digger..."

Cheng Yao chuckled, "Looking down on me? Can't I drive a Ferrari?"

This was the busiest time in Shanghai, and the streets were packed. They parked the car in the underground garage of the plaza, where the parking fee was more expensive than the meal. There was a long queue at the hot pot restaurant, and they waited for twenty minutes, during which Zhang Ya complained more than once. When the beef finally arrived, Cheng Yao was famished as well.

"You've been busy lately. You don't even go home on the weekends."

"I'm preparing for the competition. The Xinghai Cup starts at the beginning of next month. It ends right around my birthday. Will you come to watch?" Zhang Ya asked, beaming. "Do you want to see me in my performance gown?"

"Are you wearing it for me today?"

"That won't work."

Cheng Yao nodded gently, "I'll be there to watch your competition and celebrate your birthday while I'm at it."

"Good, and don't forget my birthday gift!" Zhang Ya shook her fist playfully.

Cheng Yao’s appetite had grown, and he picked up the menu to order a few more dishes. By the time they finished, it was already eight-thirty. The area around People's Square was still bustling, and they strolled through the mall. Cheng Yao held Zhang Ya’s hand and walked toward a luxury brand store.

"Good evening, sir and miss..."

"Pick out a bag for this beautiful lady."

"Certainly, miss. This way, please."

Cheng Yao pulled Zhang Ya, who glanced at him, nodded, and followed. Now that he had a reason, he didn't need to hide his spending. In the end, the saleswoman picked out a Louis Vuitton bag worth over forty thousand. There wasn't a girl alive who didn't love a beautiful bag, and Zhang Ya was no exception. What she didn't know was that the Van Cleef & Arpels watch on her wrist was worth eight hundred thousand.

"It suits you perfectly. Wear it; you can put your lipstick and phone inside."

"Mm..."

She cherished her first designer bag immensely. Hugging Cheng Yao’s arm, Zhang Ya teased, "Now that you're making money, you know how to spoil your girlfriend. But you need to keep track of your spending, you know."

"I know what I'm doing. Let's look around a bit more; I want to buy two outfits."

"Alright, I'll help you pick."

They shopped until ten o'clock. Cheng Yao bought three sets, and Zhang Ya picked up several as well; none of them were cheap. Leaving the mall, Cheng Yao checked the time and didn't mention the hotel. Zhang Ya didn't bring it up either; she had known they would be staying out the moment they stepped out. It had happened several times already, so it didn't make much difference.