The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 95: Be Late

The fishing competition kicked off at 9 AM and wrapped up at 11 AM, with the student council keeping score. 

At 8:50 AM, Victoria and Mira met up at the riverbank. Victoria's phone buzzed—it was Ethan. 

His voice was calm but apologetic. "Sorry, there was a car accident on the way. I might be about half an hour late."

Victoria's grip on her phone tightened, her nails tapping against the screen. "A car accident? Are you okay?"

"It wasn't me." Ethan could hear the tension in Victoria's voice, and a smile crept onto his face, the frustration from the traffic jam melting away. 

"Just the event will be delayed. You guys go ahead and start without me."

Victoria exhaled deeply. "Just be safe. It's only a game."

After hanging up, Mira asked what was going on. Victoria was explaining when Elise came running over, shouting, "Bad news! Eric said they're stuck in traffic and will be very late. It's just the three of us now. How are we supposed to compete with the dance club?"

Ella and Jasmine were just getting out of their car and overheard the last part. Ella's face lit up with a smug smile. 

Jasmine raised an eyebrow and said loudly, "You should've known when you signed up that you couldn't beat us. The whole dance club is here, and you think three of you can compete? What a joke!" 

Mira wanted to retort, but Victoria held her back.

Just then, Lily arrived with a busload of people, proving Jasmine's point. There were thirty of them, ten times Victoria's group! 

Lily led the dance club members over, her chin held high, and gave Victoria's group a disdainful look without saying a word.

Victoria shook her head and whispered, "We don't know when our people will get here, so let's keep a low profile for now. Even though it's just the three of us, we shouldn't fall too far behind. I brought plenty of bait. We'll start by chumming the water, then we'll fish." 

She had consulted Samuel in advance, a seasoned fishing enthusiast who had shared with her many of his specially formulated baits that could attract a wide variety of freshwater fish.

The organizer announced the start of the game. Everyone collected their buckets and fishing rods and spread out to find their fishing spots. 

The student council had also provided basic bait since many participants hadn't brought any. 

The dance club members, confident in their numbers, hadn't prepared anything and just tossed their hooks into the water. 

Ella posted a basic fishing video in their group chat, reminding everyone, "Girls, I shared a basic fishing video. Make sure to watch it. Even though we have the numbers, we shouldn't get too cocky."

Lily glanced at her approvingly. "Everyone, listen to Ella. Learn the basics so we don't end up catching nothing."

When Ella spoke, few listened, but when Lily spoke, everyone opened the video and watched attentively. 

They realized they hadn't even put bait on their hooks and quickly corrected their mistake, opening the bait containers with distaste.

Jasmine grabbed Ella's arm, laughing and praising her, "Ella, you're so smart for preparing ahead. We're definitely going to catch a lot of fish. I can't wait to see Victoria's group fail miserably!" 

As she spoke, she picked up a clump of bait, shrieked, and threw it away in disgust. "What is this? It's so gross!"

Ella reassured her, "It's just bait. Fish love it." 

Seeing Jasmine's continued reluctance, Ella offered to bait her hook for her. "Jasmine, if you don't want to touch it, I'll do it for you. If anyone needs help, just ask me!"

The dance club members praised Ella for being smart, kind, and responsible, much better than Victoria.

Meanwhile, Victoria's group had found a spot where small fish were gathering. Victoria clumsily scattered a handful of bait. 

Mira asked curiously, "Victoria, what are you doing? Isn't the bait supposed to go on the hook?"

Victoria patiently explained, "This is called chumming. My brother taught me. It attracts fish to our spot, making it easier to catch them."

Elise clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes! I've seen experienced fishers do this in videos. Victoria, you really know your stuff. Maybe the three of us can win after all. Some people can't catch a single fish in two hours."

Victoria nodded. "Let's get started." The three of them spread out a bit and began fishing. 

Victoria had even brought folding chairs, fully prepared. Fishing required quiet, so they focused on their floats in silence.

In contrast, the dance club members were crowded together, loudly discussing makeup and fashion, with few actually paying attention to fishing. 

Ella, however, was focused on her rod, barely responding to Jasmine's chatter. 

Jasmine tapped her shoulder, pouting, "Ella, what are you thinking about? You're not even answering me!"

Ella turned to her, smiling apologetically. "Sorry, I was just wondering who will catch the first fish. What did you say?"

Jasmine pursed her lips and repeated, "I asked if you want to go shopping with me tomorrow. There's a new store opening on Rose Avenue."