Chapter 35 Helpful

Chapter 35 Helpful
Erin's POV:

So my retake opportunity was because of Kai, not because I was excellent.

"Erin, Mr. Kai is our premium member. He specifically requested you as his instructor."

The manager gave me a meaningful look. The hint in his eyes couldn't be clearer—this was a huge favor.

I looked up at Kai. He still had that gentle demeanor.

"Thank you."

I thanked him.

"The retake opportunity and the intermediate trainer qualification—you helped me with both, didn't you?"

Kai chuckled softly, stepping forward to stroke the white horse's mane naturally and affectionately.

"It's nothing. The manager values premium members' opinions anyway. I just casually mentioned your professional abilities. Besides, since I applied for exclusive membership and requested you as my instructor, you'll get commission too. It's a win-win."

"But this is still a big favor."

I bit my lip and said seriously, "How should I thank you?"

Kai turned around, his gaze falling on me with some seriousness.

"If you really want to thank me, how about racing with me?"

He pointed to the distant track.

"Just like we used to."

Memory instantly pulled me back to our youth when we often raced at the stables.

Those scenes were so vivid they felt like yesterday. I instinctively wanted to agree, but reason quickly pulled me back.

"That's not appropriate."

I stepped back half a step.

"I'm a trainer here now. Mixing business with personal matters isn't suitable."

"What's inappropriate about it?"

Kai raised an eyebrow, his tone brooking no refusal.

"I'm a premium member. I can ask anyone here to race. Besides, are you afraid of losing to me?"

He deliberately provoked my competitive spirit, and I fell for it.

I took a deep breath. "Who's afraid of who? Let's race."

Walking out of the changing room, I caught Kai's gaze.

He was clearly stunned, his eyes hiding amazement, his Adam's apple bobbing unconsciously.

"This riding outfit... suits you very well."

I didn't know how to respond to his words, so I quickly changed the subject. "Let's go pick horses."

Every horse in the stable was spirited. As I pondered which one to choose, Kai suddenly spoke. "You pick for me."

"That's not appropriate." I quickly waved my hands. "What if it doesn't suit your riding habits?"

"I trust your judgment."

Kai's tone was firm.

"Wasn't that little mare of mine chosen by you back then?"

Mentioning that little mare called "Snowball," my heart instantly softened.

That was our first time picking horses together. It was huddled timidly in the corner of the stable, but I saw its spirit at first glance.

Kai loved it very much, bringing it carrots every training session. Later, Snowball even helped us win the youth equestrian doubles competition.

"How is Snowball now?"

I couldn't help asking, expectation in my voice.

Kai's eyes dimmed, his tone becoming much lower.

"During a competition a few years ago, it accidentally broke its leg..."

"How could that happen?"

I covered my mouth, my heart clenching suddenly.

I knew horses' physiology too well.

Their leg bones were delicate yet had to support their entire body weight. Once fractured, there was almost no possibility of recovery.

And their pain nerves were extremely sensitive, unable to bear the suffering during treatment.

"The vet said there was no way. In the end, we could only put it down."

Kai's voice carried regret.

"I buried it in the back mountain of the old stable where we used to go. There were its favorite clovers there."

My eyes felt sour. Thinking of Snowball nuzzling my palm, thinking of its tail flying as it ran, my heart ached terribly.

Kai gently patted my back.

"Don't be sad. Let's have a good race today, as if we're running once for Snowball."

I sniffled and nodded, walking to a chestnut stallion.

"This one. Strong explosive power and steady temperament. Perfect for racing."

The wind on the track carried familiar scents. The moment the starting gun fired, Kai and I spurred our horses forward together.

I skillfully lowered my body, feeling the rhythm of the horse's gallop, the whistling wind and hoofbeats in my ears.

Though we hadn't raced together in years, our chemistry remained intact. Sometimes we rode neck and neck, sometimes chasing each other.

In the final sprint, I crossed the finish line first.

Kai caught up, shaking his head with a smile. "Still can't beat you. Nothing's changed after all these years."

I was about to say something when I heard him continue.

"By the way, new foals are being delivered to the stable this weekend. Come with me to pick one? Consider it... finding a 'successor' for Snowball."

Seeing the expectation in his eyes, I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."

Kai's face immediately lit up with a smile.

Kai's POV:

As I turned to lead the horse, my eyes instantly turned cold, the corner of my mouth curving into a calculating arc.

This foolish woman. Sure enough, just a little tenderness and mentioning past sentiment, and she'd easily take the bait.

I stared at her back, my knuckles unconsciously tightening. Back then, her marksmanship was better than mine, her riding skills superior. She always outperformed me in competitions.

That feeling was suffocating.

How could my woman be better than me?

If it weren't for her still being useful, I wouldn't bother with her at all.

The Perez family had deep cooperation with us, but they'd been hitting walls everywhere lately because Gloria had offended Erin and the owner of this equestrian club.

And this club owner was close to Don from the Baker family—Kingsley.

This mysterious Don was deliberately targeting Perez to back them up, preventing Perez's projects from developing in this city.

I had to extract information about this club owner from her, and his real relationship with the Baker family.

Thinking this, I put on a gentle expression again and stepped forward to help her adjust the crooked tack.

"By the way, I heard the owner of this stable is your boyfriend now? Good taste."

Erin was clearly stunned, quickly waving her hands. "No, we're just friends."

Friends? I sneered inwardly.

More likely she was someone's mistress.

I continued probing, my tone casual.

"I heard this owner is close to the Baker family. You should know clearly, right? Since you two have such a good relationship."

Erin's eyes flickered, her fingers unconsciously twisting the reins. After a long while, she said vaguely.

"Should be... pretty good, I guess. I don't really know about these things."