Chapter 462 - 458: Playing a Game?

The host stood on stage, delivering the opening remarks. He thanked the prominent figures from the business and entertainment industries for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the charity gala and then outlined the evening’s agenda.

He concluded with a brief summary of the foundation’s charitable work from the previous year.

The Jandon Charity Foundation’s primary areas of focus included building Hope Primary Schools, providing scholarships for high-achieving, low-income students, running support programs for autistic youth, offering medical funding for rare diseases, and aiding in natural disaster reconstruction, among others.

In short, wherever help was needed, the Jandon Charity Foundation’s presence could almost always be felt.

Julian Summers arrived with his secretary, Grant—though it would be more accurate to call him his date for the evening—and took the seat next to Cecilia Sterling.

The two had already exchanged greetings, but they hadn’t expected to be seated together. Julian Summers said with a cheerful laugh, "What a coincidence, Miss Sterling. I was just thinking how nice it would be to sit with you."

"And why would you want to sit with me, Mr. Sullivan?"

"Well, we’re around the same age. It’s easier to chat."

Julian Summers raised his wine glass, but just as he was about to take a sip, Grant stopped him. "You can’t drink yet."

Before he could respond, his hand was suddenly empty. Grant had snatched the wine glass away and replaced it with a glass of juice. "Drink this."

Julian Summers didn’t seem annoyed, just pursed his lips in resignation.

Seeing this, Cecilia asked with concern, "You’re still not better?"

"I think I’m fine, but Grant and my mom disagree. They keep quoting that old saying, ’a serious injury takes a hundred days to heal’." He let out an involuntary, resigned sigh. "Sigh, women can be so much trouble."

He realized his mistake as soon as the words were out and quickly turned to Cecilia to explain, "Miss Sterling, please don’t get me wrong. I was specifically referring to Grant and my mom."

Cecilia shook her head with a laugh, silently letting him know it was fine.

"I’ll admit, I didn’t fully appreciate your capabilities before, Miss Sterling. But seeing you here at a Jandon Group event... I have to say, I’m impressed." Julian Summers leaned in a little closer and raised his glass of juice. "Here’s to you. I hope we get a chance to work together in the future. I enjoy collaborating with straightforward people like you."

The Sullivan Family’s business was primarily in the hotel industry, with a portfolio spanning everything from luxury brands and high-end business hotels to budget-friendly chains.

Cecilia had never considered getting into the hotel industry, but she found Julian Summers to be an interesting person and was more than willing to be his friend.

"Of course. If you have any good projects, Mr. Sullivan, be sure to bring me in on them. Making money is my favorite pastime."

They clinked glasses and shared a smile. Julian added, "The future is long. I can still teach you how to drive a go-kart, Miss Sterling."

The mention of go-karts reminded Cecilia that she had just recently gotten her beginner’s license.

Hearing that Cecilia had passed her beginner’s license test on her first try after such a short time, Grant, who was sitting nearby, couldn’t help but blurt out, "Wow, you’re amazing, Miss Sterling! Our boss had to take the beginner’s test seven times. He wrecked two of the club’s karts and had to pay them a ton of money."

Julian Summers: "..."

Julian shot him a death glare. Grant blinked innocently before realizing he probably shouldn’t have said that.

Cecilia chuckled. "In that case, it’s even more impressive that you have a racing license now, Mr. Sullivan. You must have worked very hard. With that kind of perseverance, you’ll succeed at anything you put your mind to."

Julian beamed at her words, a smug expression spreading across his face. But then he thought about it again and felt like something was off.

"You... you are complimenting me, right, Miss Sterling? You’re not making fun of me?"

"A genuine compliment!" Cecilia said quickly.

Only then did Julian Summers relax and smile again. His reaction genuinely amused Cecilia, making her think that this Mr. Sullivan was more interesting than she’d first thought.

Just then, the background music stopped, and the dim lights brightened. The host spoke excitedly into the microphone, "And now, it’s time for the first activity of the evening... games!"

"Games?" Upon hearing this, Jasmine Sterling instinctively looked at her daughter with astonishment. "Cecilia, isn’t this a charity event? Why are we playing games?"

Cecilia was just as baffled. It was her first time attending. While she had researched the foundation, most of her research was about its work, not the event’s program.

That was when Mr. Sullivan stepped in to explain.

He looked at the two of them. "This must be your first time here, for both of you, right? The Jandon Charity Foundation gala happens once a year, but it’s not one of those boring events where you just sit around, eat, drink, and raise a paddle to donate. The first segment is always a series of games to liven things up."

"But it’s not just about playing games; it’s a way to donate money *through* the games. I remember last year’s first game. Participants had to dress up as rabbits and carry balls from a basket on one side of the stage to the other. Oh man, you should have seen it! All these business tycoons and A-list celebrities in their expensive suits, squatting on stage and doing bunny hops. It was absolutely hilarious. I nearly died laughing. It was a blast."

Jasmine Sterling’s eyes widened in disbelief as she listened. She scanned the room: the men were all in impeccable suits, the women in elegant evening gowns. Every single person exuded an air of importance. ’Would people like this really play such undignified games on stage?’

’They do things like that here?’ Jasmine’s interest was piqued. She thought it sounded rather fun.

Julian Summers, however, looked like he had it all figured out. "At any other event, sure, everyone would be obsessed with maintaining their dignity and status. But this is a Jandon Group charity gala. Who wouldn’t play along? Besides, it’s fun to let loose. I wasn’t picked last year, and I was actually disappointed. I wanted to go up and play."

Participation in the games was decided by a random draw.

After Julian’s explanation, Cecilia found herself growing more interested in the evening’s activities.

The host was explaining the rules. "Our first game this year is the Watermelon Eating Contest! I will randomly draw five numbers from this box. The chosen guests will come on stage, where they will each find three slices of watermelon. The first person to eat all three slices wins!"

"A fifty-dollar donation will be made to the foundation in the winner’s name, or their company’s name. This donation is sponsored in full by Scarlett, makers of ’Scarlett, the perfect snack for any occasion!’ A big thank you to our generous sponsor for their support!"

The charity gala had attracted a large number of sponsors.

"The game is simple, so let’s get right to drawing the numbers! We have two boxes here. To be fair, we’ll have separate rounds for men and women. Ladies first!"

As he spoke, the host’s hand plunged into the box and pulled out the first number.

"Number 17, Mrs. Lane from the Lane Group!"

The next second, a spotlight instantly found Mrs. Lane in the audience. The room erupted in enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Lane glanced around, then placed a hand over her heart and rose with a smile as Walter Lane gave her an encouraging hug.

"Number 33, President Jasmine Sterling of Cleanscape Home Cleaning Services!"

Jasmine Sterling was still enjoying the spectacle when a bright light suddenly shone down, enveloping her completely. Caught by surprise, she couldn’t help but blink.