Chapter 268: The Red Rose of the Entertainment World

"That's right, Olive," Alicia said. "Don't think cheerleading is simple. Imperial school basketball games pay more than those in the US. Everyone performs their best, but Crystal always wins. She's dedicated and fiercely competitive."

Principal Harris asked Olive, "Do you have any cheerleading experience?"

Everyone looked at Olive expectantly. She shook her head. "No, this is my first time."

"However," Olive chuckled nervously, "I can find help, though not from any gold-medal team."

Curious, everyone asked, "Olive, who will you ask?"

"That's a secret for now," Olive replied seriously. "After school, I'll gather the cheerleaders at the gate. The game's in a week; we need to practice immediately."

Olive's bright, determined gaze calmed everyone. Her confidence was persuasive; they believed the Watson cheerleaders would surprise everyone a week later.

At Bright Star, Crystal was practicing when Audrey rushed over. "Crystal, I heard Olive's Watson's cheerleader this year."

Crystal showed no surprise. Olive, the Watson beauty queen and currently ranked second in the university, was a natural captain.

"Crystal, Olive's incredibly popular," Audrey continued. "A new face among familiar university beauties, the forums are buzzing about her. College students are anticipating the basketball game featuring Olive."

Crystal curled her red lips. This was perfect. More attention meant more witnesses to her victory. She'd see who was embarrassed.

"But Crystal, no matter how hard Olive tries, she'll lose to you," Audrey stated, reflecting the common belief.

"Okay, Audrey, let's drop Olive," Crystal said. "Did you contact North Paulo, the entertainment industry's 'Red Rose'?"

Audrey's excitement was immediate. North Paulo was a household name in Los Angeles and Imperial. Over the past two years, she'd become a top-tier, incredibly popular actress. Her endorsements sold out instantly; she was a fashion icon. North's exquisite features and effortlessly chic personality made her a highly sought-after star. Many envied her success, even those from more privileged backgrounds, aspiring to her captivating influence.

"Crystal, I contacted North's manager," Audrey said, disappointed. "They said she's working with Fly and can't teach us."

This was Crystal's first rejection. As the daughter of a wealthy man, she was unaccustomed to being dismissed. North was, after all, just an actress. However, North's powerful connections were well-known, especially her recent collaboration with the Augustine family, securing her a partnership with Fly Jewelry. Crystal decided to avoid potential complications for now.

"Crystal, North's fire dance went viral last year," Audrey reminded her. "Our team even performed it. Her team's amazing. Other stars have offered millions to poach her makeup artist, but North's style is unparalleled. Cooperating with her would guarantee our win, but she's so arrogant! What a shame!"

Crystal clenched her fist. "Forget it. Let's work with Lucy Moore."

Lucy Moore was a rival actress with a strong dance background from a French troupe. Before North’s rise, Lucy had been at the top. Crystal’s business dealings were always stable, and Lucy was eager to collaborate. Still, Crystal secretly wished she could have secured North’s unique fashion sense.

"Okay, Crystal, Lucy Moore is enough. Olive's going to be in over her head. She probably doesn't even know who North is. We'll see a good show. I can’t wait to see her get a reality check at the basketball game.”

Crystal nodded. She couldn't get North, but neither could Olive. This didn't affect her plan. Olive wouldn't know the games were always held in Summer Square, Augustine Group territory, and Elvis Augustine himself would be attending. Crystal wanted to defeat Olive in front of him, solidifying her position as the brightest star.

After school, Alicia led the cheerleaders to meet Olive. They were Watson’s finest, though less striking than Bright Star's team.

Alicia asked, "Olive, where are we going? What dance will we do?"

Olive winked, "Just wait and see."

Olive led them to a building, taking the elevator to the 18th floor where they were greeted by Miss Jones. "Miss Hart, North has a few photos left. Let me take you there."

"Okay," Olive replied.

Alicia whispered, "Olive, that girl looks familiar."

A murmur of agreement followed. One girl gasped, "I remember! That's Miss Jones, North Paulo's manager!"