In recent weeks, the Qin Pro had taken the internet by storm. While the Honda Civic continued to enjoy popularity, fueled mainly by meme culture and modded ego trips, the tide shifted. Initially, many buyers had seriously considered the Civic. But endless online flexing by Civic owners turned admiration into fatigue. And just as that sentiment peaked, the Qin Pro's promo images dropped.
Clean lines. Aggressive grille. A seal-script 'Qin' badge that oozed attitude. Suddenly, the Civic didn't feel cool anymore. Young buyers started waiting. They wanted to test drive the Qin Pro—not because of the specs, but because it looked like it had substance. And then came the official launch.
Lichi Auto's new car launch event kicked off with massive fanfare in Shanghai. Car media, tech press, and university students from surrounding cities packed into the venue. Li Li spared no expense. He brought in celebs, hired top-tier planners, and begged Haifeng to fly in.
Haifeng agreed, reluctantly. Only after Li Li swore he wouldn't have to go on stage.
"Come on," Li Li had said. "Just sit backstage and sip tea. Think of it as a fake vacation."
The emcee for the night? Su Min, the now-iconic host who'd become synonymous with China Star product launches. She'd started as a third-tier TV presenter. But ever since hosting her first launch for China Star, her star had only risen.
Now, she was known as the tech industry's favorite emcee—equal parts charming and deeply informed. And tonight, she was in her element.
"Alright," Su Min smiled at the crowd, "let's get to the part everyone's been waiting for…"
The room fell quiet. She tapped the tablet before her, and the spec sheet flashed on screen.
"The Qin Pro is launching in two versions," she said.
Version One – Performance Model
Engine: 1.5T Qiqiong
Power: 170 horsepower / 245 Nm torque
Transmission: CVT
0–100 km/h: 5.9 seconds
Fuel Economy: 5.9L / 100km
The crowd erupted.
"Wait, what?!"
"Sub-6 seconds? On an A-class car?"
"This thing just smoked the Civic."
The Civic's 0–100 time was 7.1 seconds.
The Qin Pro? 1.2 seconds faster. And cheaper. Performance fans were thrilled. But not everyone wanted speed. Some cared about fuel economy, and Su Min was ready for them, too.
Version Two – Economy Model (Skyactiv)
Engine: 1.4T + Skyactiv System
Power: 130 horsepower / 199 Nm torque
Transmission: CVT
0–100 km/h: 8.6 seconds
Fuel Economy:4.9L / 100km (combined)
Gasps filled the room.
"What?! Sub-5L on gas? Not hybrid?!"
"Bro, even Toyota hybrids struggle to hit that."
"That's ICE-only? No electric motor assist?"
"Yep," Su Min confirmed. "Just engine and transmission, optimized."
Even the car press was stunned.
Fuel economy at hybrid levels, without the cost or complexity of hybrid systems? That was massive. A few auto journalists exchanged knowing glances.
"The Qin Pro just made Japan sweat," one whispered.
Haifeng, sitting backstage, didn't smile. Didn't gloat. He sipped tea and watched the crowd lose their minds. His work was done. Let the product speak.