Kurt stared at Juniper for a few seconds, her expression remaining perfectlyposed.


    "Ms. Payne, are you serious?" he asked, disbelieving.


    "Do I look like I''m joking?" Juniper tapped her cheek with a fingertip, her gaze lowered, a hint of arrogance in hernguid demeanor. "Self-taught. Is there a problem with that?"


    "No." Kurt was utterly stunned, his eyes filled with adoration. He stood up straighter, his attitude far more respectful.


    "Master, could you please share some of your racing expertise?"


    Even though she was on an electric scooter that day, her drift and cornering were all professional racing maneuvers.


    "Your technique is decent,” Juniper said, munching on the orange slices Shanley peeled for her. “It''s good enough for the track."


    It was the truth. From their brief encounter on the road, she could tell he had skill. No wonder he was representing the country region.


    “But I need to ce in the top five," Kurt said, frowning as he exined. "If I don''t, our country region will lose its entry qualification for next year."


    "Lose its qualification?" Juniper''s chewing slowed.


    "That''s right." Kurt nodded,ying it all out. "Ever since J retired three years ago, our country has been ranking near the bottom every year. Based on the three-year average, I have to make the top five to earn back enough points for our region."


    “But...” Kurt''s eyes dimmed with despair. "This year''s F1petition is huge. There are a lot of new talents, and champions and runners-up from previous years are all participating. I''m pretty sure first ce will go to Melvin Steele again, the winner of thest two championships. As for the others..." The more Kurt spoke, the less confident he felt. “Everyone is so good. If I can''t make the top five, the racing scene in Orient Country is finished."


    Juniper listened intently, her brow furrowing slightly. So, that old geezer Ghoul wasn''t lying to her this time.


    "How much time is left until the race?" Juniper asked. She turned to look for a napkin to wipe her hands but Shanley was already there, holding one out for her. She nced at him, then naturally extended her hands. Shanley smiled and gently wiped them for her.


    "Next weekend," Kurt said, his face grim. "Even if train every day, it might not be enough. If only... if only J werepeting." A sigh escaped him. "But J. is cold-hearted and refused. It''s okay, though. I have a backup n."


    The cold-hearted Juniper remained silent. She knew exactly what his backup n was. Kidnap her and force her onto the track, right? Bold of him!


    "Shanley,” Kurt turned his head, looking at his cousin cautiously. "Can you help me find any information on J?"


    “J?” Shanley murmured the letter, mulling it over for a few seconds before his gaze slowly settled on the young woman before him.


    Juniper blinked, feigningposure as she tilted her head away.


    "Alright," Shanley agreed.


    "I have ss," Juniper said after a moment of thought. "But for the next few days, I cane to the training grounds in the afternoon to take a look."


    "Thank you, Juniper!"


    Kurt was ecstatic, like a child who had just gotten what he wanted. He threw his arms open, about to give her a hug.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Shanley''s voice was ice. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"


    "Sorry, sorry, I just got back from


    abroad, forgot to adjust my


    etiquette Kurt said, scratching bres head with a sheepish grin. "Juniper, I''ll see you tomorrow then!