Noelle wanted to talk to Hunter regarding the captain business, but he beat her to it. "The driver from the logistics department had a day off. Can you come with me to do some shopping in town later?"
To prevent her from declining, he added, "It won't delay your training."
Noelle agreed. She returned to the dormitory to change her clothes before joining Hunter in the van that the intensive training camp used to load supplies.
Hunter drove, while Noelle sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the mountain scenery outside.
Without warning, Hunter spoke up. "Does it feel better to get a breather?"
Noelle froze, then realized he was referring to the team members talking about her. She hummed in acknowledgment. "The scenery is pretty nice here."
Hunter kept his gaze on the road, his tone steady. "You were selected to be the captain based on your overall performance, not because of favoritism.
"Besides, you used to be the captain of Solar Squad. Being a captain of a small racing team now shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"
What he said was true, but Noelle still felt that it was different.
After all, the team members of Flame Speed Racing were quite young.
"It is… a little," Noelle admitted. "It feels like I'm bullying kids."
She felt bad, especially since Alexis seemed defeated.
Hunter said calmly, "This is the fastest way for you to return to the international racing scene. Don't you want to return to the past and become Sheila again?"
Hearing that, Noelle stared at her face in the rearview mirror.
She no longer carried the confidence and fiery ambition she had had six years ago. The sharpness in her eyes had faded, replaced by a softened, tempered gentleness.
"I'm taking back everything that's mine."
Noelle's gaze hardened with resolve. She finally understood why Hunter brought her out. "Thanks, Hunter."
Hunter smiled and said nothing more.
The supplies were bought in a town at the foot of the mountain. The list was long, and before long, they had bought a few huge boxes of supplies.
Noelle wanted to help carry them, but Hunter stopped her.
The lady selling vegetables smiled and praised, "You both are a perfect match!"
Noelle quickly explained, "We're not…"
"Thank you," Hunter cut her off and smiled at the lady. "We'll come next time."
Noelle felt a sudden flush creeping up her ears.
After they were done shopping, Hunter explained softly, "These ladies love matchmaking. If I say I'm single, they won't let me leave."
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