Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 499: In This Beautiful Journey Called Life (1)

Valerie was in a conundrum. She couldn’t decide whether she should hail a taxi or call home to ask her brother to send someone to give her a ride. If she chooses to take a taxi, she knows how expensive it will be, but she cannot miss Blanche’s birthday celebration that day. On the other hand, if she asked her brother for a ride, she had no doubt she would have to wait another hour or so before she could leave.

Valerie weighed the options in her mind, considering the cost and convenience of each choice. She knew that taking a taxi would be quicker, but it would also strain her budget for the month. On the other hand, relying on her brother meant sacrificing more time and potentially inconveniencing him as well. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Her car was still under repair, and she would need to wait three days before retrieving it from the shop. It was also too late for her to call either Katherine or Diana, as the two had already left along with Stephanie.

"I’m really sorry, Val," Sunny apologized to her, knowing that they had taken so much of Valerie’s time despite knowing she would need to go to Chiangshi to celebrate their little miss’s birthday.

Those who work closely with Lennox and Adrienne adore their daughter. Blanche was the apple of their eyes, and they were always excited whenever the couple brought her along with them. Valerie and Sunny were no exception. They were especially eager to join the trip to Chiangshi for Blanche’s birthday celebration, but Sunny couldn’t go because of her work commitments.

"It’s alright. I’m sure Blanche will understand, especially when she sees what you’ve got for her birthday." Valerie laughed while holding up the paper bag containing a beautifully wrapped gift.

Valerie hadn’t made a decision yet when suddenly a black sedan car pulled up in front of her. She stepped aside, thinking it might be one of their VIP customers, but was caught off guard upon seeing Hunter Nian stepping out from the driver’s side.

"Mr. Nian? What are you doing here?" Valerie asked while trying to suppress the blush threatening to spread on her face.

It felt to her like it was only yesterday when Hunter saved her from being sold by Airi to the human traffickers. Valerie thought her feelings and admiration for him would dwindle over time. But she couldn’t deny that they had only grown stronger.

She took Adrienne’s opinion seriously and didn’t nurse the feelings she had for Hunter. Valerie tried to convince herself that Hunter had only done his job and that there was nothing personal about him saving her from those criminals.

Still, Valerie found herself pining secretly over her friend’s older brother. Fifteen years had already passed since the incident, but her feelings for Hunter had never truly faded. She never made her feelings known to him or to Adrienne, as Valerie didn’t want to make things awkward or complicated between them. She’s also aware that Hunter only sees him as his sister’s friend.

"Addie asked me to give you a ride. She said you might have run late for Blanche’s party. She figured I could save you the trouble and offer you a lift. Should we get going?" Hunter asked, eyeing the gifts Valerie was holding.

Valerie’s heart skipped a beat at Hunter’s unexpected presence. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement and nervousness all at once. She hadn’t seen him for a long time, and it made her wary of her appearance before him. Her friends were already married and settled down, and she was the only one who remained single. Though she already accepted that she could never be with Hunter, Valerie kept trying to see him on her previous dates and boyfriends.

Hunter was in his early forties now but looked as handsome as ever. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly styled, and his piercing eyes sparkled with warmth as he looked at Valerie.

"Are you sure?" Valerie asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you."

Hunter waved off her concern. "It’s no inconvenience at all. We’re both attending Blanche’s birthday anyway."

"Thank you, Mr. Nian," Valerie replied, her voice tinged with both gratitude and a hint of shyness. "I appreciate your offer."

Hunter smiled, a small smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"Please call me Hunter. We’ve known each other for years now. And no need to be so formal."

Valerie nodded, her heart racing. She carefully placed the gift in the backseat of Hunter’s sedan and got into the passenger seat, trying to compose herself.

As they drove through the city’s bustling streets, Valerie couldn’t help but steal glances at Hunter. The way he effortlessly maneuvered the car, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel with confidence—it was all so captivating. Memories of their past encounters flashed through her, but she quickly pushed them aside.

"So, how have you been?" Hunter asked, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Valerie took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "I’ve been well, thank you. Just busy with work and all."

Hunter nodded knowingly. "You’ve always been a hard worker. I admire that about you. Addie kept bragging about you and Myrtle, saying you two saved her in so many instances."

Her cheeks flushed as she looked out the window, trying to hide her growing infatuation. "Thank you," she mumbled softly.

Valerie never thought Adrienne spoke so highly of her to Hunter. It made her heart swell with pride and a newfound sense of self-worth. She had always considered herself to be just an ordinary person, but hearing Adrienne’s praise made her feel special, like maybe she had made a difference in someone’s life.

As they continued driving, the atmosphere grew more comfortable between them. A feeling of comfort and familiarity took its place as the initial awkwardness started to fade.

When they finally arrived at Blanche’s birthday celebration, Valerie couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness that their time together was coming to an end. She didn’t want this moment to end; she wanted to relish every second they had spent together.

As they stepped out of the car, Valerie turned toward Hunter, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Hunter... thank you for everything today. I don’t know what I would have done without your help."

Before Hunter could answer, Blanche spotted them and ran towards her with open arms.

"Val!" Blanche exclaimed, wrapping her tiny arms around Valerie’s waist. "You made it!"

Valerie smiled down at the little girl, who held a special place in her heart.

"Of course I did, Blanche. I couldn’t miss your special day."

"Thank you, Uncle Hunter, for bringing Val with you. You are the best!" Blanche grinned before giving her uncle a big hug as well.

Hunter chuckled, ruffling Blanche’s hair affectionately.

"You’re welcome, munchkin," he said with a warm smile. "Anything for my favorite niece."