The crowd inside the launch hall was already buzzing from the performance stats. But the entire venue snapped to full attention when Su Min took center stage in her red evening dress, flanked by two crimson Qin Pro display cars.
She smiled.
"Everyone seems pretty satisfied with what we've shown so far."
Then, leaning forward slightly:
"I think we all know what you want now… the price!"
People in the audience couldn't hold back anymore:
"Say it already!"
"I brought my card with me!"
"Hurry! I'm ready to drive it home!"
Su Min laughed, then gestured toward the stage exit.
"Alright. I won't keep you waiting. Please welcome the man of the hour—Chairman Li of Lichi Auto—to announce the official prices of the Qin Pro!"
Thunderous applause followed as Li Li walked on stage, trying to look calm but soaking in the moment.
He stepped up to the mic.
"The Qin Pro will launch in two versions," he said, voice steady.
Performance Edition:
¥79,900 – ¥119,900 (≈ $11,000–$16,500)
Skyactiv Economy Edition:
¥78,000 – ¥118,800 (≈ $10,800–$16,300)
The reaction was instant.
People were stunned. Then cheering, then scrambling. The Qin Pro was as cheap as their previous A-class model, with double the performance and better fuel efficiency. By the time the conference ended, hundreds of buyers had already placed deposits on the spot. The red Qin Pros flanking Su Min were swarmed by cameras.
It was official:
Lichi Auto had just dropped a Civic killer for the price of a basic compact. Backstage, Haifeng grinned.
"Congrats, President Li. Looks like your big break came right on schedule."
Li Li couldn't stop smiling. He looked out over the crowd of buyers and said:
"If it weren't for you, Haifeng, I wouldn't be standing here today. Tonight—we drink until sunrise."
The internet exploded within minutes.
Posts flooded every platform:
"5.9s 0–100km/h and fuel-saving too? Bro, that Civic doesn't even come close."
"Qiqiong engine powered by Audi? Are you serious?"
"This thing is criminally underpriced. Honda's shaking."
"Qin Pro is straight-up domestic dominance."
"I'm not waiting. I'm picking one up this week."
Meanwhile, one young buyer, Zhang Ming, was sitting at home in a daze. He had saved up just enough—around ¥100,000—for his first car. Initially, he was leaning toward the Honda Civic. It had brand appeal, resale value, and the design was solid. But deep down, he'd always disliked Japanese cars. Something about them rubbed him the wrong way. Still, the Civic seemed like the wise choice—until today.
Zhang watched the Qin Pro launch again. And again. He stared at the specs. The power. The price. The badge.
Then he muttered to himself:
"If I can get a domestic car that blows the Civic out of the water… I'm doing it."
"Let's see those Civic flex bros talk big when I leave them in the dust."
At the same time, Haifeng was already back in Piao City when Zhao Jianhua intercepted him at the factory entrance.
"President Lu, urgent update."
Haifeng raised an eyebrow.
"What is it? Come to the office."
Inside, Zhao dropped the news:
"Ward's 10 Best Engines competition starts in just over a month. Should we prep a submission?"
Haifeng paused. He'd almost forgotten. But he nodded slowly.
"Don't worry about it. We'll have the production model ready in time."
"Focus on getting Phase 3 of the Audi plant running. Leave the engine contest to me."
Zhao nodded, reassured. And quietly, the next phase of Haifeng's long game began.