One day during the last period, the school announced that there was going to be a competition. A company selling chocolates was at its inception. The CEO of the company thought of a great way to kickstart their business.
Instead of spending money on advertisements, which may or may not boost their sales, he decided to hold a competition in schools. The winner would get two concert tickets for a famous band.
Holding contests in a few schools in every city, getting guaranteed sales as the students will try to sell as much as possible to win the competition for the mere price of two concert tickets is actually a pretty good idea. *That's one smart CEO.*
Before Alex become a genius, Hikaru proudly stood in the limelight, but now Alex was the center of everyone's attention, in every aspect. There was a war-level rivalry between those two, that's what Hikaru thought.
Along with being a genius, Hikaru's brain started working on overclock. He was working diligently, but be it be a test, quiz, shogi, chess, or some assignment, Alex was always on par with him.
Hikaru commended him internally for putting up such an easygoing face when deep down, Hikaru knew his rival must be working hard. Though our mc thought of it more like a game.
The announcement was music to Hikaru's ears. As soon as he heard it, a beautiful plan painted itself inside his mind.
--This is perfect. I'll challenge Alex to the competition, enhance the chocolate's flavor, and eventually win the competition. I'll get the concert tickets and ask Asuna out to the concert. It's killing two birds with one stone.
'Alexander, I've got another competition for us.'
Hikaru eagerly placed his hands on Alex's table.
'Let me guess, it's a competition about who sells the most chocolates.'
'How did you-'
Hikaru feared Alex had magically read his mind.
'Hikaru, you're not the only one who heard the announcement. The whole school heard it, did you forget that?'
Hikaru's mind was still childish. In his excitement and imagination, he forgot that the announcement was made on the speaker.
'Of-of course I knew that. Are you joining or not?'
Alex placed his hand under his chin. This competition was longer than he wanted.
'Hmm…maybe not. I have better things to do.'
'No, you can't do that. I have to beat you. Please join.'
'Okay, okay, could you get up now? It's really weird.'
--Sheesh man, how desperate are you?
Hikaru practically fell on his knees and begged Alex. It was more of a plead than a challenge, and it made Alex join the competition. Hikaru instantly stood up and smirked as if this was some sort of his master plan.
'Ha! I knew you would take pity on me and then join. You see, to be a great salesman, you need to be an expert psychologist. It looks like the winner is decided already.'
The bell rang, signaling the end of school. They were handing out cartons to students who were interested in the competition.
Hikaru merrily got two boxes.
--As soon as I get home, I am going to synthesize these chocolates with more flavor. More flavor means more variety, more variety means more attraction, more attraction means more sale.
The two cartons were a little heavy for Hikaru's weak physique. He had to put them down a couple of times to regain his strength. It took him some time to even get to the school gate.
In his mind, the phrase was put in a loop.
--As soon as I get home, as soon as I get home, as soon as I get home.
On his way out, he saw many students carrying their cartons to home. Near the gate, he saw Alex, but there wasn't any carton with him. Curiously, he asked,
'Alexander, where is your carton? Don't tell me your backing out.'
'Oh, I just sold two cartons in school, so I'm good for today.'
Hikaru was flabbergasted.
'How many?'
Hikaru asked again since his ears refused to listen to what Alex said.
'Two cartons.'
'Really?'
'Really.'
'...…'
'...…'
There was a moment of silence.
--Two whole cartons!
Hikaru stared at Alex in disbelief.
'Man, business really runs in your veins, Alex.'
Yuuto came from behind, carrying his carton to whom Alex sold two chocolate bars. Alex also sold a whole carton to Takumi, who gladly bought it.
'I still don't get how you sold me chocolate when I'm in the competition.'
'Don't compliment me, I just followed what Hikaru said. You have to be a great psychologist to be a great salesman.'
The challenge was on.
That day, Hikaru dragged 4 cartons home and synthesize them all.