Lexus GX

The showroom was well-heated, and the lights shone on the gleaming car paint, reflecting a soft glow. The unique smell of new cars, a mixture of leather, plastic, and cleaning agents, wasn't unpleasant; instead, it had a sense of ritual, announcing a "brand new beginning."

The saleswoman who approached was surnamed Chen. She wore a name tag on her chest, and her smile was impeccably measured, revealing eight teeth in a perfect arc. Her gaze quickly swept over Lin Feng and Lü Yi, lingering for a moment on Lin Feng's overly calm face before lightly glancing at Lü Yi's incongruous attire. Then, her smile deepened, and her tone became even more enthusiastic—those in this line of work understand that appearances can be deceiving, especially at the end of the year. The more ordinary-looking someone is, the more likely they are to be a genuine buyer who doesn't want to attract attention.

"Gentlemen, is this your first time at our store? You look unfamiliar. What type of car are you mainly looking at today? A sedan? An SUV? Or an MPV? I can recommend a few models based on your needs and budget." Salesperson Chen said, gracefully gesturing towards the center of the showroom, "This is our flagship family SUV series this year. They're spacious, have good off-road capability, and are especially suitable for family trips. There are also significant year-end discounts..."

Her introduction was like a meticulously rehearsed monologue, fluent and captivating, detailing everything from fuel consumption, wheelbase, and safety features to the latest vehicle connectivity system and interest-free financing policies. Her gaze was mainly fixed on Lin Feng, clearly indicating that she judged him to be the one in charge.

Lin Feng listened quietly, his footsteps following her as she slowly moved in front of several SUVs priced between tens and hundreds of thousands of yuan. The exterior designs of these cars all leaned towards a fashionable urban style, with smooth lines, and the interiors also tried to create a sense of technology and warmth.

Lü Yi, on the other hand, was quite interested, taking a closer look at each car, opening the door and sitting inside to experience them, muttering to herself, "These seats aren't soft enough... This screen is slow to respond, isn't it? Ugh, why is this steering wheel so thin, like a toy..."

Salesperson Chen responded to Lü Yi's assessment with a professional smile and patiently explained, "Sir, the steering wheel design of this car is more sporty, and the grip is actually quite solid..." What he was really thinking is anyone's guess.

Lin Feng remained noncommittal to Lü Yi's chatter and sales pitch. He was indeed listening and looking, but he felt nothing. These cars, like meticulously packaged products on an assembly line, could satisfy most people's basic imagination of "a car," but to him, it always felt like something was missing.

It's not that it lacks features or value for money, but rather that it lacks a... more serene and understated quality. He doesn't need a car to showcase vitality, sportiness, or a sense of technology; what he needs is a reliable tool, a mobile space that can quietly blend into the background, yet provide enough confidence when necessary.

His gaze swept past the bustling "mainstream" exhibits and landed on an area further back in the hall, where the lighting was slightly different. There weren't many cars parked there, and the models appeared more conservative, even somewhat "old-fashioned."

Salesperson Chen noticed his gaze, her eyes lighting up slightly. She immediately shifted her focus, saying, "Sir, you have excellent taste. Over there are our brand's high-end series and imported models, emphasizing comfort, quietness, and superior craftsmanship. If you have higher expectations for your driving experience, they are definitely worth checking out." She led Lin Feng over there, her tone carrying a hint of introducing their "signature products."

As they approached, the style of the cars was quite different from the ones in front. The lines were more solid, and the design language emphasized a sense of volume and power, with fewer flashy decorations. One of them, a dark gray, boxy, and large SUV, caught Lin Feng's eye.

Lexus GX.

It sat there quietly, unlike other cars that gleamed with a dazzling "buy me now" luster. Its matte dark gray paint absorbed the light, giving it a calm and solid appearance. The exterior was a classic rugged SUV design, without a sleek fastback or sharp waistline. Straight lines outlined an almost rectangular cabin, exuding a clumsy yet reliable sense of "I'm unmoved." The massive grille and square headlights gave it a commanding presence.

Lü Yi also came over, looking the "big guy" up and down, his eyes shining. "Wow! This is awesome! It looks so sturdy! Like an iron box, you definitely won't be hurt if you bump into it!"

Salesperson Chen began her presentation at the opportune moment, her speech becoming much calmer. She emphasized key terms like non-unibody construction, all-wheel drive, and KDSS dynamic suspension, as well as how the vehicle's interior, with its double-layered soundproof glass, semi-aniline premium leather seats, and Mark Levinson sound system, created a "mobile fortress of tranquility." She stopped mentioning discounts and loans, instead emphasizing "taste," "style," and "peace of mind for long journeys."

Lin Feng opened the car door. The interior was dark brown, designed in Lexus's consistent Japanese luxury style—unpretentious, but with solid materials. Soft-touch materials or real wood trim were found everywhere you could touch, and the buttons and knobs had just the right amount of resistance. Sitting in the driver's seat, the visibility was excellent, with the hood bulge clearly visible, giving a sense of control and stability. The space was extremely spacious, especially the rear seats and trunk.

He tried the steering wheel; it felt heavy and solid. Closing the door instantly shut out most of the outside noise, leaving only the faint sound of the air conditioning system inside – truly tranquil.

"Do you have one in stock? This color, please." Lin Feng released the steering wheel, opened the door, got out of the car, and asked.

Salesperson Chen's heart skipped a beat, and his smile became even more sincere, "Sir, you're very decisive! This dark mica gray one is in stock, it's the top-of-the-line version, and it just arrived at the dealership. We also have a white one on its way. Do you like the color?"

"This one." Lin Feng's tone was flat. "What's the lowest price?"

Salesperson Chen immediately quoted an official guide price, then began explaining the current purchase tax policy, insurance discounts, and complimentary gifts (floor mats, window tinting, maintenance vouchers, etc.). She didn't directly quote the bottom price; this was part of her sales pitch, waiting for the customer to haggle.

Lin Feng listened and pondered for a moment. He wasn't particularly knowledgeable about car prices, but he had a general idea. This car wasn't cheap, but he certainly didn't need to worry about money.

"Can we negotiate the price?" he asked, his tone flat, as if confirming a fact rather than haggling.

Salesperson Chen immediately perked up; this was about to get to the point. "Sir, we do have sales targets to meet at the end of the year, and we can try our best to negotiate a better price for you. Are you paying in full or considering installments? If you're considering installments, we have some interest-free options..."

"Full payment. Give me a fair price." Lin Feng interrupted her.

Full payment! Salesperson Chen felt even more confident. Full payment customers were straightforward, and the commission was clear. She pretended to press a few buttons on a calculator, then took out her phone as if consulting her supervisor (or perhaps just going through the motions), and then quoted a price tens of thousands of yuan lower than before. "Sir, this is truly the lowest level I can get, and it includes all the complimentary items. What do you think..."

Lin Feng was fairly satisfied with the figure, knowing there was definitely a commission for his sales, but he was too lazy to waste his breath arguing over a few thousand yuan. Time was also a cost.

"Okay. Let's get the paperwork done. Can we drive it away today?" He nodded.

"Yes! Of course!" Salesperson Chen was overjoyed. She hadn't expected things to go so smoothly; there wasn't even a regular test drive required! Her smile almost overflowed. "Sir, you're too kind! Please come to the VIP room to rest and have some tea. I'll prepare the contract, arrange the vehicle inspection, and get the temporary license plate for you right away! Xiao Wang! Quickly, take these two gentlemen to the VIP room and serve them the best tea! Bring me that box of Biluochun tea from my cabinet!"

She led the way with great enthusiasm, greeting her colleagues loudly, her attitude more than ten times warmer than when she first entered.

Looking at the saleswoman who had instantly transformed into a "super attentive housekeeper," Lü Yi scratched his head and whispered to Lin Feng, "Boss, her face changes... faster than I can switch states when I'm having an episode."

Lin Feng didn't reply and followed them to the VIP room.

The paperwork went surprisingly smoothly. He swiped his card, signed a bunch of documents, inspected the car, and confirmed the items included. Salesperson Chen was incredibly efficient, running around doing everything. A little over an hour later, all the documents were complete, and a brand-new temporary license plate was affixed to the front and rear windshields of the dark gray GX. The Key were handed to Lin Feng.

"Congratulations Mr. Lin on becoming a valued Lexus owner! Here are the Key. I've already given you a brief introduction to the vehicle's functions. The instruction manual and warranty booklet are inside the car. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Enjoy your driving!" Salesperson Chen stood beside the car, bowing slightly with a bright smile.

Lü Yi had already eagerly climbed into the passenger seat, touching and pressing everything, as excited as a child entering an amusement park for the first time. "Boss, this seat is so comfortable! It's like a big sofa! This sound system is amazing! Come on, let's take it for a spin!"

Lin Feng gripped the cold Key, looking at the massive steel machine that belonged to him. He felt no particular excitement, only a sense of accomplishment. He opened the car door, sat in the driver's seat, and adjusted the seat and rearview mirrors. The familiar yet unfamiliar control interface came into view.

He inserted the Key and turned it gently.

"Buzz..."

The sound of the V8 engine starting is deep and resonant, which, through excellent sound insulation, transforms into a reassuring vibration. The dashboard lights up, and the various indicator lights turn off one by one after a self-check.

Lin Feng's fingers instinctively rested on the steering wheel, and his feet subconsciously searched for the clutch and brake positions—then he stopped.

A crucial question that he had completely ignored suddenly came crashing down on him like a bucket of cold water.

He slowly turned his head to look at Lü Yi, who was still studying the massage function of the chair beside him. His tone was calm, but his question went straight to the point:

"Lü Yi, do you have a driver's license?"

Lü Yi was pressing the lumbar support adjustment button when he heard this, and his movement suddenly froze. The excitement on his face instantly solidified, then slowly turned into a strange expression mixed with confusion, embarrassment, and a hint of "Why did it take you so long to ask?" He stiffly turned his neck little by little, looked at Lin Feng, his eyes darting around, and muttered softly:

"Boss... you know me..."

He swallowed hard, his voice lower, tinged with a resigned honesty:

"I'm a mental Patient... where would I get a driver's license?"

The air suddenly became quiet.

Only the low, steady idling sound of the engine hummed softly in the luxurious, soundproof cabin.

Lin Feng's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. He looked at Lü Yi's face, which seemed to say, "Isn't this obvious?" and remained silent for two seconds.

Then, he raised his other hand and slapped his forehead hard.

A crisp sound.

How could I have forgotten about this?