When Li Li asked for help designing a Civic killer, Haifeng didn't hesitate to agree.
It was the right move on every level.
If the model succeeds, China Star will sell more engines and powertrains. If it failed? No loss. The blueprints cost little, and the goodwill built would be invaluable.
And beyond that, Haifeng truly hoped domestic carmakers could rise to global levels, just like Toyota had done.
Helping Liji climb out of a slump felt worth it.
"Give me a few days," Haifeng said. "I'll think through what this model needs to be."
Li Li was ecstatic. A design by Lu Haifeng was no small gift.
While Haifeng was talking with Li Li, the engineers from other companies were still buzzing from the earlier engine tour.
But now, Tang San brought out something new.
The Skyactiv System.
Originally kept in reserve, it had been designed to boost fuel efficiency across the board by 30% or more.
That number hit like a thunderclap.
Thirty percent savings? That was transformative for low-displacement engines in the sub-¥100K ($13.7K) segment.
Tang clarified the key limitation:
The Skyactiv System couldn't be installed on Qiqiong series engines. Their exhaust manifold designs conflicted with the fuel-saving optimizations the system used.
But for any other compatible engine—China Star's older models or third-party units—the system could bolt right on.
Within minutes, engineers were sprinting to find their bosses.
Every CEO's brain kicked into high gear when they heard the pitch.
They didn't even try to hide it.
"This is a miracle."
"If this works... our entire product line gets a second life."
The low-end car market in China was cutthroat. Most buyers only cared about one thing: fuel economy.
Styling? Features? Even safety?
They took a backseat.
It sold as long as a car was cheap, durable, and sipped gas.
For years, Japanese brands had cornered that space—low trim. No extras. Just basic function—and legendary efficiency.
But now, domestic brands could finally break that mold.
With the Skyactiv System installed, they could drop the "gas guzzler" label for good.
"President Lu, excuse us," one exec said.
"We want to talk with your engineers first."
"Yeah—go ahead with your meeting. We'll catch up after."
Even Li Li and Li Changcheng, desperate to lock in new models, couldn't resist.
They followed the others into the side hall where Tang San and his team had set up the Skyactiv briefing.
Haifeng smiled as he watched them go.
If they thought they could reverse-engineer it? Let them try.
Tang San wouldn't reveal anything significant. Not even close.
With the room finally quiet, Haifeng leaned back on the couch, letting his mind shift back to Li Li's request.
He opened the system store and filtered for A-class cars.
Hundreds of options appeared instantly—real-world models from his past life, mixed with concept vehicles and even fictional rides from films.
He skipped anything too futuristic or cinematic and focused on the real, proven bestsellers.
Then, one design caught his eye.
Qin Pro.
Sharp lines. Dragon-face grille. Sleek LED headlights. Clean rear curves. Sporty but grounded.
It had the presence of a Civic—and a touch more edge.
In his previous life, the Qin had been among the few domestic A-class cars to challenge joint-venture giants. It was handsome, efficient, and tuned just right.
Haifeng smiled.
This car would work.
He checked the price: ¥100 million in system points.
Worth every penny.
The original version of the car used a plug-in hybrid system, but Haifeng passed on that.
Plug-in hybrids looked great on paper. But in reality?
When the battery died, they burned fuel like tanks. Without a mature charging network, the "efficiency" part collapsed.
China wasn't ready yet.
Instead, Haifeng would pair the Qin Pro chassis with the Qiqiong 1.5T, a tuned CVT, and a sport-grade suspension setup.
It would handle better, burn less, and drive smoother than anything in its class.
A Civic killer, through and through.
After locking that in, Haifeng scrolled further and bought out every design blueprint for the H-series SUVs.
He'd be ready if Great Wall wanted to rebuild the Haval name.
And if not?
He'd do it himself.