Chapter 815: Beauty Contest and One Million Dollars
"By the way, Lucas, have you heard about the upcoming Miss Starhaven beauty contest?" Terrence suddenly asked with a mischievous grin, taking a sip of his cold beer.
"No, what's Miss Starhaven?" Lucas replied indifferently. "I've only heard of global beauty pageants. Why is Starhaven hosting one? But that's a rich people's thing, it has nothing to do with us common folks."
"That's where you're wrong. We're practically half Starhaven residents now. This is the hottest news in Starhaven. Haven't you seen it on Starhaven TV every night?" Terrence glanced slyly at Audrey, who was quietly listening, feeling increasingly infatuated.
Lucas's wife was incredibly attractive, more so with each look. Her eyes had a star-like quality, exuding both innocence and allure, making her even more desirable than a movie star.
"I don't have time to watch the news," Lucas chuckled, clinking his glass with Terrence's. "My job has irregular hours. If my boss calls in the middle of the night, I have to go out. When I get back, I need to rest. It's not like you, enjoying a carefree life. I can't compare."
"Come on, Lucas, are you mocking me? I don't have a choice. If I could find a reliable boss like you, I'd work overtime every day," Terrence retorted, pouting. "Losing my job wouldn't matter. It's not like Lucas, who makes money hand over fist. In our shared courtyard, you're the only one I look up to."
"Alright, alright, Terrence, let's not talk about this. It's pointless. Tell me more about Miss Starhaven," Lucas said, quickly pouring Terrence another drink, feeling somewhat proud.
Despite the hard work, his income was substantial. A single task could earn him thousands, and his boss was increasingly trusting him, assigning more critical tasks. Earning tens of thousands a month would soon be routine. He might even buy a house in Starhaven's city center within a year, leaving this shared courtyard behind.
Terrence, excited, continued, "I heard that a major corporation is sponsoring this Miss Starhaven contest, modeled after global beauty pageants. Any Starhaven resident can enter. The winner gets a villa, the runner-up a BMW, and the third place fifty thousand dollars in cash. They can also compete in the Miss World contest. Even the top 100 finalists receive prizes."
"Really? That must cost millions," Lucas exclaimed, skeptical. "Is the sponsor just throwing money away to pick a few beauties? What's the point?"
"Lucas, you don't get it. It's called advertising," Terrence explained, noticing Audrey's interest. "Ever heard of the attention economy? Or traffic? Hosting this pageant boosts the company's visibility. This money is nothing, just a drop in the bucket."
"True, southern businessmen are sharp," Lucas mused. "No wonder the south is so developed. Even a beauty pageant can be profitable."
"It's a shame my wife isn't in Starhaven. Otherwise, I'd have her enter. With some luck, she might make the top 100 and win some money," Terrence said with feigned regret, sneaking a glance at Audrey.
"Your wife wouldn't stand a chance. Starhaven has plenty of beauties. She wouldn't make the top 1,000," Lucas laughed. He'd seen Terrence's wife's photo. Though she had a decent figure, her looks were average. If she could make the top 100, Audrey would easily be in the top three.
Hearing Lucas, Terrence cursed inwardly. Lucas was just lucky to marry a beautiful wife. What was he bragging about? An idea struck Terrence. Starhaven was a world of temptations. If he could persuade Audrey to enter the contest, she'd be exposed to the high life and might start looking down on Lucas. Their relationship would suffer, giving him a chance to swoop in.
Terrence, instead of getting angry, nodded vigorously, saying, "I was just saying. But with how pretty sis-in-law is, she'd definitely win. That's a villa worth at least a few million."
Lucas's eyes lit up. He turned to his wife, saying, "Honey, why don't you enter the Miss Starhaven contest? We're not doing it for the money, just to show that northern women are as good as southern women."
"Lucas, are you drunk? What nonsense are you talking about?" Audrey frowned. She had no interest in the beauty contest and didn't want to be in the spotlight. Not wanting to argue in front of Terrence, she lowered her head and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
"I'm not drunk," Lucas insisted, feeling embarrassed by his wife's lack of enthusiasm. "Honey, can't you do this for me? Just to make me proud?"
"Lucas, is this really necessary?" Audrey retorted coldly, holding back her anger. If Terrence weren't there, she would have stormed off.
Terrence, inwardly delighted, saw the brewing conflict. If Audrey entered the contest, their relationship would surely suffer. Outwardly, he said, "Don't push her, Lucas. If sis-in-law doesn't want to, don't force her. It's no big deal. My bad, I'll drink to that."
Seeing Audrey's resentful expression, Lucas realized he might have overstepped. He quickly picked up a piece of lamb with his fork and offered it to her, smiling apologetically. "Honey, don't be mad. I was just joking. Who cares about Miss Starhaven? When I make enough money and start my own company, we'll go back home, and I'll host a local beauty pageant. You can be the judge, okay?"
"You, just eat and drink less," Audrey sighed, her anger dissipating. She poured him some water and wiped the sweat from his forehead, her tender care making Terrence seethe with jealousy.
With Audrey in Starhaven, Lucas was in high spirits, drinking seven or eight bottles of beer with Terrence. His face turned red, and his speech slurred. He boasted to Terrence that in three years, he'd start his own company and make Terrence the general manager.
Terrence sneered inwardly, doubting Lucas's capabilities. But he flattered Lucas relentlessly, soon getting him drunk. Lucas reached for another bottle, accidentally knocking off his fork. Audrey was about to pick it up when Terrence ducked under the table to retrieve it. She tugged at Lucas's sleeve, frowning, "Lucas, stop drinking. Look at yourself."
"I'm just happy," Lucas grinned, his breath reeking of alcohol. Audrey shook her head, knowing her husband's stubbornness when he was in high spirits.
Audrey's expression fluctuated, unsure if Terrence's actions were intentional or accidental. Seeing her husband nearly unconscious, she decided not to confront Terrence, not wanting to cause a scene over a Youth issue. Besides, it might have been her imagination.
Seeing Lucas's pale face, Audrey called the waiter to settle the bill and helped Lucas outside. But Lucas was too heavy, and Audrey, being a woman, soon struggled, her forehead beading with sweat.
After getting Lucas back to the dormitory, Audrey sighed in relief and said to Terrence, "Thank you, Terrence. You must be tired too. Go get some rest."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
