Impressions

Hazel was not able to enroll personally since Mr. Steven fixed everything for her. She was hospitalized, after all by saving the dog of the Yang Group of Companies' heir. 'What a small world,' she thought. If not for the dog, she wouldn't have known any clue about her sponsor. In the first place, everything happened so fast, his father just explained that he can study at her dream university for literally free and that was it. She did not question the offer at all. Good thing she encountered the secretary of the CEO. She had the conversation with Mr. Steven when he paid a visit to the hospital two days ago,

"Why me?" she asked while looking at the first page of the contract.

"What do you mean? Your father did not explain?"

"He did tell me how he got in touch with someone from your company but I did not know why I was chosen."

"We got your school records and we know that you will be a good asset for our foundation." Hazel rested her chin on her hand and seemed to think deeply. Steven waited for her to talk. Hazel continued to read the contract and once she finished, she asked,

"I did not see anything in the contract that I need to do something in return. I don't even need to maintain an average grade or something. What if I just waste the company's money?"

"Would you?" the young girl took a deep breath, it's like she's signing a devil's contract.

"What should I do in return?"

"You serve as the company's good image."

Hazel just let out a huge sigh. 'Serve as the company's good image,' being a billionaire sure is something. Hazel's interest was piqued by the company's true goal of providing scholarships. She hates the fact that she's now in contract with the kind of people she hates. Those who take advantage of the poor by using them to improve their public image. She sighed once more. She knew she cannot turn back. Her parents will not be mad at her but they sure will be disappointed. She needs to know what Yang Group of Companies really is. She signed the contract and Mr. Steven seemed pleased when the signed document was given to him. Hazel also requested to be discharged as soon as possible. Mr. Steven nodded and excused himself so he can fulfill the little girl's request.

When they got out of the hospital, Mr. steven offered a ride home but Hazel politely declined. She just asked for directions on how she could go back to her apartment. Mr. Steven hailed a cab and instructed the driver. Mr. Steven handed an envelope containing cash to Hazel, 'emergency assistance and welcome cash,' he said. Hazel just accepted it knowing that she cannot refuse. Also, she needed to start saving money. This would be useful.

After she got a full rest, she decided to visit the city library to have a little research. She spent the whole morning perusing news articles about the company. Finally, after connecting the archive articles that she found, she was able to make assumptions about the company; This group of companies is a damn empire. This multi-billion empire was founded by Mr. Yang's father and something bad happened during his rule. Perhaps that's why the new CEO tries to clean the image by creating random philanthropic works. Hazel was a bit satisfied with her research. She now knew something from her sponsor. Her father really got lucky. She smiled at the fact that her father is proud of her and loves to star her with his stories for his passengers. She went back to her apartment and slept early. It would now be two days before the first day of school.

Riiiinnggg... Riiinnnggg...

Ash squirmed and reached for his mobile phone. He flipped it open and the name DaBest flashes on the screen. He clicked on the answer button as he positioned himself to be comfortable on his bed.

"Hello, future Grand Knight. How are you doin'?"

"Hmm-mmm..."

"Wow, not really a morning person. Anyway, just want to say that the Pi Sigma Lambda - Preston is ready for you."

"You do know that what you're doing is wrong. By the way, I don't like how you entered your name on my phone book."

"Nah. They will see how you fit the title. AND BY THE WAY MISTER, I'm really 'THE BEST' so I deserve that name in your phone book. See you tomorrow." The call ended.

Ash sighed and went ahead to lie on his back. He placed his arm over his closed eyes and tried to get some sleep. Too bad Shiro heard him talking that's why he pushed open the door to greet his master a lovely morning. Ash gave up. He looked at his phone and it's at 7 o'clock. It's time to practice waking up early anyway. He yawned and scratched Shiro's head. He got up and Shiro followed him to the kitchen.

Pi Sigma Lambda is a legally established fraternity at the University of Preston. Ash's grandfather was one of the Great Five, the founders of the said fraternity. His best friend, Akira, the one who called earlier, is the current Grand Knight or the president of the Preston chapter and he wants to pass it to Ash. Akira decided to study abroad next year that is why he wants to fix things first in the fraternity before leaving.

Ash is excited to see his best friend. He's been staying in Osaka during the vacation because his family permanently resides there. Akira Amano's father is the president of the Yang Software Developers Group whose main office is located in Osaka. Akira has a knack for software technology that's why during his vacation, he asked his father if he can work for the company. His father was more than happy to have his son in the business. After all, he's expecting his son to follow in his footsteps. That is why he's very supportive of Akira when he applied to a university abroad to further hone his skills with software technology. Yes, Japan is leading when it comes to technology but Akira believes that it will improve more if they try to stretch their knowledge outside the archipelago.

If Akira's so straightforward with his goals in life, his best friend is the opposite. Ash just wants to go with the flow. He knows what he wants in life but he does not have a direct path as to how to achieve it. Anything works for him, by hook or by crook as he would say. He just wants to enjoy life at the moment. He thinks that he's still young to think deeply about everything.

The first day of school starts tomorrow and the three students are all anticipating something.

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