Chapter 144: I'm Just a Fan
Isabella found the whole situation utterly absurd.
What kind of fan meet was this? It was nothing more than a blatant attempt to humiliate the Romantic Racing Team!
Industry expectations didn't mean everything—it wasn't like they hadn't delivered spectacular performances in previous years.
Isabella pushed back her chair in the audience section and stood up abruptly.
"Since the Snake Racing Team has apparently become the championship favorite, and you all think lower-ranked teams don't deserve to compete, then what's the point of racing at all? Why not just hand over the trophy to Snake Racing Team right now?"
She didn't bother lowering her voice—she wanted everyone to hear her challenge the reporter.
Isabella recognized the press badge hanging from his chest.
Star News. They claimed to cover hot topics across all industries, but in reality, they were notorious for invasive paparazzi tactics, taking photos and recording videos without permission.
"I'm interviewing Joseph here, not talking to you!" the reporter snapped.
"You're talking out loud, and I'm not stopping you. You say your piece, and I'll voice my doubts," Isabella replied with a light laugh, tilting her head slightly and giving the Star News reporter a defiant look.
The reporter immediately turned his attention to Isabella. "Who are you to speak for Romantic Racing Team? What gives you that authority?"
Watching this unfold, Joseph couldn't help but chuckle despite being surrounded by the crowd.
If these reporters knew they were missing their chance to interview Victoria, they'd probably cry themselves to sleep.
"I'm just an audience member. As far as I'm concerned, as long as they can participate in races, that's the best thing possible. So what if they don't win the championship? That doesn't mean their abilities are inferior to anyone else's!"
After all, Romantic Racing Team was the only team that didn't operate satellite divisions, achieving the same status as Snake Racing Team purely through skill.
"Oh, so you're just one of Joseph's fans. You clearly don't understand racing—maybe you should keep quiet at events like this!" The reporter waved dismissively, treating Isabella like some clueless fan who didn't grasp racing culture.
That completely ignited Isabella's fury.
"Do you know what the current record is for Canvia Circuit? Why do racing steering wheels have two sets of paddle shifters? Why do race cars use asymmetric tires?"
Isabella's questions covered basic knowledge that only professional racers would bother to learn in detail.
The reporter froze, his mouth hanging open as he stammered for what felt like an eternity, unable to answer a single question.
If this reporter truly loved racing or had any real understanding of the sport, he wouldn't be left speechless by Isabella's questions.
"Looks like your company is just a bunch of idiots who manufacture conflict and drama for clicks. Can't find news material without trashing others? Too bad for you—Romantic Racing Team will only get better!"
Joseph felt his nose sting suddenly, watching Isabella argue so passionately. It reminded him of ten years ago.
Back then, when people mocked Joseph, calling him a slow-witted fool completely unsuited for the sport, Isabella had stood in front of him just like this, shielding him from all the ridicule and creating a safe environment for him to train.
Joseph decisively walked over to Isabella's side, standing behind her with a grin as he looked at the reporter who'd been rendered speechless.
"You heard her! Romantic Racing Team will definitely get better, and this year's Canvia Championship—we will deliver results!"
This wasn't just fighting talk; it was Joseph's solemn promise.
They absolutely would not lose to Snake Racing Team!
The Star News reporter tried to rally others to his side, but as he looked around, he realized not a single person was willing to stand with him.
Feeling completely humiliated, he could only grit his teeth and slink away with his camera.
Isabella exhaled softly and shot Joseph an encouraging look.
"No matter what others say, you must believe you're the best!"
These words weren't just for Joseph—they were for every member of the team.
Even without Zack and Victoria, Isabella believed they could overcome any obstacle and become the world's finest racers!
"Miss, you must be a professional racer too, right?" Another reporter approached, though he seemed much more pleasant.
Isabella paused, about to check his press badge, when he unexpectedly extended his hand and introduced himself.
"I'm an intern reporter from Citrus Entertainment, my first day covering sports. I never expected to capture such an exciting moment!" The intern reporter seemed thrilled, his hand gripping his camera tightly.
Even if that footage couldn't be used in the main program content, it would definitely make interesting behind-the-scenes material.
He wasn't the only one suspicious of Isabella's identity. These professional sports reporters often barely had time to fully understand their own beat, let alone master such detailed technical knowledge.
Faced with their doubts, Isabella shook her head firmly. "I really am just a devoted fan of Romantic Racing Team. I came today specifically to support Joseph in person."
Honestly, this explanation wasn't entirely convincing, but the remaining reporters could tell Isabella was deliberately concealing her true identity.
As the commotion here died down, three more figures entered the venue.
The fan meet was decorated everywhere with supporter banners, but as Nathan looked around, he barely saw any belonging to Romantic Racing Team.
This pre-race gathering felt more like Snake Racing Team's exclusive fan event.
Nathan's lips turned down—he was clearly unhappy.
Laura only noticed the statistics, her eyes lighting up.
"Looks like your investment was very successful! Snake Racing Team actually holds ninety-five percent in this year's championship probability!"
William, however, keenly noticed Nathan's displeasure. He crouched down to Nathan's eye level.
"Didn't you say you'd be happy if we came to the fan meet? Why do you still look so downcast?"
"Everyone online is saying Victoria might be returning to Romantic Racing Team. I thought they'd be at the fan meet too, but instead..."
Not only hadn't he seen his beloved Victoria, but he'd also discovered his favorite team being completely trashed, barely even making it onto the rankings!
Nathan's mood was nothing but disappointment and heartbreak.