Chapter 320 173: Officially Selected for the Core Roster, Racing in the Little Tour de France (Part 2)

So after the Olympics, all the way until 2028, he would be able to ride a Lightning road bike with an exclusive Olympic gold paint job for four consecutive years. It would be truly one of a kind.

"You mentioned before that you liked the pink jersey for the overall leader of the Giro d'Italia. Seeing Pogačar standing on the champion's podium wearing it now, it really does look good.

Plus, the overall champion's trophy for the Giro d'Italia is very well-designed.

The Italians really are incredible when it comes to aesthetics and design. No wonder they're the country with the most luxury brands!"

Chen Junyi was absolutely right.

While Italy's corporate power in the luxury goods sector might not match France's overall strength, it boasts a far greater number of luxury brands.

The reason is that, in addition to top-tier luxury companies in cosmetics, apparel, skincare, and jewelry, Italy is also home to high-end luxury car brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Bugatti.

Of course, speaking of Ferrari, Leclerc is probably the only man who cries while sitting in one.

Hearing Chen Junyi mention luxury goods, Huang Chong felt a jolt.

They had been in Europe for so long, and she had not only been taking care of his daily life but also accompanying him to races everywhere. In truth, her life was just as demanding as his, if not more so.

And yet, he had never done anything special to show his appreciation, nor had he found the time to buy her any valuable gifts—

It wasn't that Chen Junyi was a big spender. She didn't care for luxury brands and rarely even wore makeup, preferring to go bare-faced every day. Her habits even surprised the female staff on the team.

But she was a girl, after all. 'If I get her a nice handbag or something, she probably wouldn't refuse, would she?' Huang Chong thought to himself.

But the moment the idea took root, Chen Junyi, who was sitting beside him, noticed he was spacing out. She saw right through him and said,

"I was just making an offhand comment. Don't you go secretly buying me any luxury gifts!"

Huang Chong was left speechless.

'I really can't keep any secrets from her.'

'This woman is practically a mind reader.'

"How in the world do you see right through me? It's a little scary—"

Chen Junyi couldn't help but laugh. She looked at Huang Chong with a teasing smile and replied,

"What's so difficult about that? I just put myself in your shoes.

Weren't we just on this topic?

It was easy to guess what you were thinking."

Huang Chong could only shake his head in resignation. After a moment's thought, he insisted,

"But I really haven't gotten you any valuable gifts. You work so hard taking care of me... How about I get you a nice handbag?"

"A bag just needs to be practical. Why buy something so expensive? It's not like I'm attending any fancy events!"

Chen Junyi waved her hand, refusing outright.

"Besides, we're not back home. This is Europe.

Carrying around expensive luxury goods will just make you a target for thieves.

Losing the bag would be one thing, that's not a huge deal.

But what if someone steals my personal documents or the data on my computer? I'd be devastated!"

With Chen Junyi around, Huang Chong had become completely clueless about practical matters. He hadn't considered any of that and was once again at a loss for words.

But Chen Junyi had a point. The last time they had some rare free time to walk around Milan after the Milan-Turin Race, they were constantly being watched. The feeling had been intense.

Before Huang Chong could say anything, Chen Junyi smiled and continued,

"You really don't need to get me any expensive gifts, Huang Chong.

More than any material possession, I'd rather you put your energy into your races and focus on your career.

For instance, the trophies you've won this year are the best gifts you could ever give me.

Every time you succeed, it makes me feel like all my own efforts have been worthwhile and meaningful.

Of course, I'm not saying it's all about winning, and I'm certainly not demanding that you win every single race. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

As Chen Junyi spoke, the live broadcast of the Giro d'Italia focused on Pogačar, who was hoisting the overall champion's trophy high in the air.

The Giro d'Italia trophy was truly a beautiful sight.

Its design was inspired by a spiraling golden ribbon, and it had an equally beautiful name: the Endless Trophy.

And just like with the Grand Slams in tennis, the name of each year's winner is engraved on the trophy.

Huang Chong thought for a moment, then suddenly turned to Chen Junyi and said with great seriousness,

"Since you put it that way, then next year I have to race in the Giro d'Italia. I'll win that Endless Trophy for you, how about that?"

A bright smile spread across Chen Junyi's face. She nodded and replied in a voice of rare softness,

"I'd love that."

...

After the Giro d'Italia, Aldag and the others returned to team headquarters, where the team threw a lively party.

They were celebrating both Martínez, who had finished as the runner-up in the Giro d'Italia, and Huang Chong, who had simultaneously won the Tour of Hungary.

Every victory is typically followed by a celebratory banquet; it's a part of professional sports.

For some stage races, the official organizers arrange the celebration, while for others, the team has to host its own.

Of course, after securing victories in two different races at once, the team would always hold its own celebration to thank the riders for their hard work, even if the event organizers also held a banquet.

By the time the victory celebration was over, May was drawing to a close, and June was right around the corner.

The World Tour race scheduled for June was of the utmost importance.