What Luke was implying was that the obstacles on the track were too simple. Neil understood Luke's criticism and explained, "We have our own testing ground, but due to the heavy rain today, we had to move indoors. The indoor space is limited and doesn't allow for complex maneuvers.""Testing in the rain is crucial."Driving in the rain increases the risk of accidents, making rain tests more convincing.I opened the test report that I had been holding, but there was no mention of rain testing.Luke noticed Neil's troubled expression and asked, "Have you not tested in the rain, or does the success rate drop significantly in such conditions?""Our success rate in the rain is around seventy percent," Neil admitted, looking a bit defeated."Around seventy percent? Do you expect consumers to stay home whenever it rains?""We've optimized the sensors, but the increased sensitivity has introduced some issues we haven't resolved yet.""These issues include adverse weather interfering wi
"Why did you reject Neil's suggestion? Do you believe that autonomous driving systems are unreliable?"When I was with Max, he always showed contempt for AI technology. Despite his higher education and understanding of the significance of technological progress, I now realize that it wasn't the technology he despised—it was Luke. Max refused to switch to a smart car because he didn't want a constant reminder of someone he could never measure up to."Mr. Walker always prioritizes people in his work. If autonomous driving technology were unreliable, you wouldn't persist in this field," I said. JL Capital focused on the tech sector; if I doubted technology, I might as well quit now!I explained, "I was rear-ended before, and it left a scar. I haven't driven since.""Was it when Cindy rear-ended you?""You have an excellent memory, Mr. Walker."Luke was already aware of the complicated situation between Max, Cindy, and me, so there was no need to hide it."Have you done something wr
"Mr. Walker...""Go buy the tickets."Luke handed me his wallet, stretching it out in front of me."Mr. Walker, my fear is gone. I can drive now!" I would happily demonstrate my driving skills to avoid bungee jumping.Luke remained silent, simply pointing in the direction of the ticket booth.It was evident that he wasn't going to change his mind. With heavy footsteps, I reluctantly made my way to the ticket booth, wishing it were further away. Though it was only about twenty meters from the entrance, it felt like I was running a marathon. It took me five minutes to cover that short distance.Meanwhile, Luke stood there and reminded me, "Jen, make sure to get tickets for today."He seemed to read my thoughts perfectly. Even if I wanted to pull a trick or find a way out, there was no chance of escaping this situation.With great reluctance, I purchased the tickets and urgently texted Wendy, asking her to call me with an important matter that required my immediate attention.As
"There's not much space for two people in one car."Only after Luke and I sat in the bumper car did we realize the issue. Though the car was meant for two, we were two adults, and it was a tight fit, leading to unavoidable physical contact. I tried to make myself as small as possible to keep some distance between us. "Maybe we should each take our own car," I suggested.Before Luke could respond, the staff signaled the start and the cars began to move. I was jolted forward as another car collided with us from behind, bringing back memories of a previous rear-end accident. My body tensed up, and I instinctively gripped the steering wheel to steady myself."Steer and move forward," Luke's deep, calm voice sounded in my ear, helping me regain some composure. However, I still felt uncertain about what to do next.Bang! Another car hit us from the right, causing both of us to shake. My mind, which had just started to clear, became muddled again.After a few more collisions, I began to
Fortunately, I had the foresight to move the phone away from my ear.Even from about eight inches away, I could still hear Wendy yelling, "You sent me an ambiguous message, didn't answer my calls, and I thought something terrible had happened! If you had called back any later, I would have been at the police station!""I'm sorry, Wendy. It was noisy here and I didn't hear the phone. Just calm down, and I'll treat you to some afternoon tea.""Do you think a cup of tea can calm me down?" Wendy's tone softened. "Fine, one mocha and a fruit salad. Don't add anything else; I'm on a diet.""Got it!"Wendy was strict about her figure and very disciplined. Compared to her, I was much lazier. If it hadn't been for a series of unexpected events, I wouldn't have slimmed down so quickly after giving birth."So, what did your message mean?""It's a bit complicated. I'll explain later. I have something else to do now."Luke was still waiting nearby, so I couldn't keep talking to Wendy. After
Half an hour later, in room 1206 of the Westinal Hotel, Luke knocked on the door. Wendy appeared, wrapped in a towel, her slightly tousled hair giving her a softer look."Are you hurt?" I urgently asked, wondering which clueless man had dared to mess with Wendy. I hurried forward to check on her and gripped her arm.Wendy was about to say something to Luke but looked surprised when she saw me. "Honey, what are you doing here?""Something happens to you. How could I not be here?"The fact that Wendy contacted Luke first instead of me stung a bit."There's no one in Johnsonville who can harm me!" Wendy twirled around, showing off. "Aside from some torn clothes, I'm perfectly fine.""That's a relief!"My concern for Wendy's safety had blinded me to the situation. Now, seeing her safe, I glanced at the hotel room behind her. Hotel room, towel, Luke... Had I interrupted something? Just as the realization hit me, I felt a pang of regret."What are you thinking?" Wendy, who knew me we
"Mr. Walker, Mr. York's head is slightly swollen. Although it doesn't appear serious, it would be best to take him to the hospital for a thorough examination to ensure his safety."Luke responded, "Make the necessary arrangements.""Jen, did you hear that? Stephen is fine. Can we leave now?" Wendy asked."I'll give you a ride home," I told Wendy, and we departed from the hotel.As we reached the parking garage, I headed towards the driver's side. "I'll drive.""Did I hear you correctly? You just said you'll drive?" Wendy stopped, looking at me in disbelief."I've been practicing. I can drive now."The car was already unlocked. I sat in the driver's seat and motioned for Wendy, who was now in the passenger seat, to fasten her seatbelt."Wendy, is your fear of driving gone?""Mm-hmm.""Your fear disappeared quickly. That's a good thing," Wendy said, but her hand was already gripping the overhead handle, clearly still on edge.To help Wendy relax, I shared the story of going to
Wendy gave me a wink, brimming with anticipation.She was right. Mandy's actions were something Stephen would never let go unnoticed. Even if he couldn't have her arrested, she wouldn't have an easy time ahead."You really saved Stephen's life. He should properly thank you when he wakes up.""I don't need his thanks!" Wendy tightened the towel around her. "If it weren't for a client getting drunk and me helping him back to the hotel, I wouldn't have run into Mandy sneaking around, and none of this would've happened. I almost got caught up in it myself. I'm never meddling in others' business again.""It's all over now."The fear in Wendy's expression indicated that the situation must have been truly dire. I gently patted her shoulder to comfort her."I'm fine, just venting," Wendy said, leaning against the car door, eyes half-closed, clearly exhausted."Get some sleep. I'll wake you up when we get home.""It's almost midnight now. If you drop me off and drive back, it'll be the