Chapter 276
Elvis Augustine, the CEO, was arriving! His fingertips brushed against her bright red lips, a prelude to something bolder, when Betty unexpectedly entered. "Young master, have you dined?"
Elvis's fingers stiffened; he hastily retracted them, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Yes, at the company," he replied casually.
"Olive took the old lady to make dumplings today. I'll cook some for you; see if you like them."
Elvis looked at Betty. "They made dumplings?"
"Yes, young master. I'll cook them now," Betty said, hurrying downstairs upon seeing his interest.
In the dining room, Betty presented the dumplings. "Young master, they're ready."
Elvis examined them, his eyebrows furrowing. Aunt Betty had made six; three resembled misshapen worms, while the other three, though well-formed, were shaped like piglets. Two oversized ears and a tiny nose adorned each, undeniably porcine.
Betty chuckled, covering her mouth. "Young master, the old lady has lived a long life. Olive and I have served the Augustine family for decades. She was delighted making these. The 'worms' are her handiwork, of course. Olive, however, made these lovely ones; she's quite skilled."
Elvis pursed his lips. "She made me pigs because she's skilled?"
"Olive said… the young master is as cute as a pig!"
He was being teased! He speared a small dumpling, its shrimp filling releasing a fresh, sweet flavor.
"Young master, are they good?" Betty asked, smiling.
Elvis finished the dumpling, nodding. "Yes. Very delicious." It was the best dumpling he'd ever tasted.
The basketball game commenced. Students from Imperial schools filled Summer Square early, donning their team uniforms. Cheers echoed, the atmosphere vibrant with youthful energy.
Principal Harris encountered an old friend, Bright Star's Vice Principal Baker. Baker smiled. "Mr. Harris, long time no see! A bit balder, are you? Too much pressure lately?"
Other university principals joined the banter, teasing Harris about Watson's consistently poor ranking. He was accustomed to their good-natured ribbing, waving a dismissive hand. "Just you wait! We'll win this time!"
Their laughter drowned him out. "Mr. Harris, wake up. Don't daydream."
His anger simmered as the teams entered the arena. He watched his Watson players enter, led by Captain Jimmy, greeted by a wave of applause. His spirits lifted.
But Bright Star's entrance eclipsed Watson's, their cheers deafening. Watson was forgotten. Baker looked at Harris with satisfaction, a silent victory declared. Harris's smile faltered.
Suddenly, an excited shout cut through the crowd. "Look! Elvis Augustine, president of Augustine Corporation, is here!"
Silence descended as a procession of impeccably dressed individuals entered, identifiable by the blue cards around their necks. Leading them was Elvis Augustine, the CEO. He wore a flawlessly tailored black suit, his every step deliberate and resonant.
No one in Imperial was unfamiliar with the Augustine family's legacy of business acumen, from Alphia to Elvis, a teenage prodigy. His public appearance after seven years was a significant event. Students gazed at his handsome face, their admiration palpable. His gaze, calm yet commanding, held the authority of a seasoned leader.
Vice Principal Baker and the other principals approached him. "Mr. Augustine, it's an honor. I'm Vice Principal Baker of Bright Star University."
Elvis acknowledged him curtly. "Hi, Vice Principal Baker."
The introductions ensued, pushing Harris to the back. He struggled to gain a better position, but the crowd's eagerness to impress Elvis left him stranded. He felt bullied.
The organizer arrived. "President Augustine, shall we take a commemorative photograph?"
Everyone lined up, Baker securing a place beside Elvis. Harris, resigned, stood at the edge. Then Elvis's voice resonated. "Are all university principals present?"
The organizer confirmed. "Yes, Mr. Augustine."
"Then where is Watson's principal?" Elvis asked.