The morning sun filtered through my study windows as I sipped my coffee and waited for Olivia to arrive for our daily debrief. She was punctual as always, entering the room with her tablet in hand and an agenda already outlined in her mind.
"Good morning, Henry," she said, sitting opposite me. "We've got a lot to cover today."
"Hit me," I said, ready for the rundown.
Olivia glanced at her screen before beginning. "Now that you're the second main driver, ART has a few expectations for you beyond just performing on the track. First, you'll need to attend media interviews to promote the team and your role. There's one lined up for next week with Racing Today, a feature piece about ART's new season lineup."
"Media, huh?" I said, leaning back. "I guess that comes with the territory."
"It does, but you'll be fine," Olivia said. "Just be yourself, confident but humble."
"Got it," I replied. "What else?"
"We've got a car reveal event in two weeks," she continued. "It's a big deal for the fans and sponsors. You'll join Luca to unveil the car and give a few remarks about the upcoming season."
"That sounds exciting," I said.
"It is. And speaking of fans, there's a signing event a few days after the reveal. You'll meet ART supporters, take pictures, and sign merchandise. A good opportunity to build rapport with the fanbase."
"Sounds like a busy few weeks," I said, chuckling.
"We're just getting started," Olivia replied with a smirk. "There's also the driver gala a week before the season begins. It's a formal event, so you'll need to suit up. All F2 and F1 drivers, reserve and main, and alumni from the sport will be there. It's a chance to make connections and represent ART."
"Noted," I said. "Anything else?"
"Yes," Olivia said, her tone shifting. "I've informed ART that you'll be out this weekend to meet with potential sponsors. They've approved the leave, so no issues there."
I raised an eyebrow. "Still not telling me who the sponsor is?"
"Nope," she said with a teasing grin. "But your dad flies in this morning, and you'll both leave tonight. I have a feeling you're going to love it."
After the meeting, I grabbed my gear and headed to the gym. The system chimed in as I started stretching, presenting today's tasks.
"Daily tasks loaded, Rookie," it said. "Complete the following for attribute points:
20 minutes of high-intensity cardio (+2 Agility).
30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, 30 pull-ups (+3 Strength).
5 minutes of mindfulness meditation (+1 Focus).
Failure to complete will result in penalties. Good luck!"
"Always with the threats," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"I keep you sharp," the system replied smugly.
Marcus joined me soon after, and we worked through a grueling strength and endurance training session. I could feel the progress, my movements were sharper, my stamina better, and my body leaner yet stronger.
"You're shaping up, Henry," Marcus said as I finished my last set. "Your consistency is paying off."
Back at the house, I packed a weekend bag, packed essentials for the trip, and a few nice outfits, just in case. The curiosity about the sponsor meeting was killing me, but Olivia was tight-lipped, and my dad wasn't the type to spill secrets.
I spent the afternoon tidying up loose ends, ensuring I was ready for the busy weeks ahead. The car reveals, the gala, and the signing event all felt like another world compared to where I started.
I drove to the private airport to pick up my dad that evening. The moment I saw him step off the plane, I couldn't help but grin.
"Dad!" I called, waving him over.
"Henry!" he replied, pulling me into a hug. "Look at you, kid. You're all grown up."
"Not a kid anymore," I joked, but his pride was evident.
As we drove back to the house, we caught up on everything, family updates, his work, and my new life in France.
"I've been keeping up with your progress," he said. "You're making us proud back home."
"Thanks, Dad," I said, glancing at him. "It means a lot."
Over dinner, I tried once more to pry details about the sponsor from him, but he just chuckled.
"You'll see tomorrow," he said. "Trust me, it's big."
Olivia joined us briefly to go over the logistics for the trip, ensuring everything was in order.
"Everything's set," she said. "You leave tonight. Just make sure to rest on the plane—this meeting is important."
The system chimed in again as I packed the last of my things and double-checked my itinerary.
"Congratulations on completing today's tasks, Rookie," it said. "Your consistent effort has earned you 6 attribute points. Keep it up!"
"Thanks, system," I said.
"Don't thank me yet," it replied cheekily. "You'll need those points to keep up with the competition."
As we boarded the plane later that night, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The meeting with the sponsor was a mystery, but I trusted my dad.
The Lamborghini Gallardo gleamed under the moonlight as we drove onto the tarmac, and as I glanced back at my house, I felt a pang of gratitude.
This journey was just beginning, and I was determined to make every moment count.