章 10: The School Bazaar Fundraising

Emma couldn't help but admire the artistry that had gone into creating such delectable confections.

The cakes, cupcakes, and brownies weren't merely desserts; they were edible works of art, each one carefully crafted to entice and delight.

Yet still, cakes as exquisite as those surely came at a hefty price, and they should have been sold at a premium. Emma couldn't help but wonder why they were selling like hotcakes. She found herself pondering this intriguing mystery.

The annual school bazaar had transformed into a captivating competition. Even though Emma was convinced that heartier meals would be more appealing at that time, the success of Bright's class in selling sweet delicacies might have been attributed to the alluring charm of their sellers.

Could they really afford to buy those cakes?

Rosalind, take a look at Bright's stall. Those cakes look like they belong at a royal banquet," Emma remarked, a hint of fascination in her voice.

Rosalind, equally intrigued, responded, "Indeed, Emma. They seem to have spared no expense in making their presentation exquisite."

As they continued to watch, they noticed something unusual. The students from Bright's class weren't just displaying the cakes; they were indulging in them.

"Do you see that, Emma?" Rosalind whispered, her eyes wide with surprise. "They're actually eating those luxurious cakes!"

Emma nodded, equally astonished. "It's as if they're feasting like royalty. How can they afford such extravagance?"

From behind their neighboring booth, Emma discreetly observed Bright's class, under Bright's leadership. They presented an impressive image, dressed in charming lace aprons. The girls wore delicate pink aprons, while the boys donned stylish navy blue ones.

Emma couldn't help but observe their uniforms and sense that they had invested a considerable amount of money to create such appealing aprons. She couldn't help but view it as an unnecessary extravagance, a contrast to their own strategic approach to sales.

Suddenly, Bright, who stood behind his class's booth, turned his attention towards Emma. Their eyes locked from behind their respective booths, creating a fleeting yet meaningful connection.

Bright then engaged in conversation with the B class customers, all of whom displayed enthusiasm and determination while requesting extra iced tea.

He leaned over slightly, directing his voice towards Henry. "Hey there? Why is your iced tea selling like hotcakes? How much is a glass of iced tea?" Bright inquired curiously.

"Four rupees!" Henry answered promptly, his hands busy breaking apart ice cubes.

Bright chuckled in amazement, "You guys are highway robbers!"

Henry, sounding astounded, gestured towards Emma and addressed Bright, "Yeah, this young lady's the mastermind behind it! How much are your cakes, Bright?"

Bright, with sincerity, replied, "Two rupees."

Henry couldn't hold back his laughter. "Ridiculous! Are you even making a profit?" he exclaimed in surprise.

Bright nonchalantly responded, "We're not turning a profit, and we're not even covering our costs. Hahaha..."

"Foolish!" Henry joked, joining in the laughter.

The three of them laughed heartily, sharing a moment of camaraderie amid the intense bazaar competition.

Despite being competitors, they shared a moment of mutual appreciation and goodwill as the bustling bazaar concluded.

As the school bazaar neared its end, the B class witnessed a windfall of profits, in stark contrast to Bright's class, which found itself in the red.

Emma and her friends began tidying up their booth, and at that moment, Bright, from Bright's class, approached them carrying a tray laden with leftover cakes.

With an air of delight, Bright twirled around their booth, generously offering the remaining cakes from Bright's class's inventory.

"Anyone care for some cake? It's complimentary... on the house..." Bright chimed with enthusiasm, steadily moving about to distribute the leftover treats to anyone who showed interest.

Emma marveled at Bright's cheerful generosity, astounded by her ability to offer cakes to everyone with such enthusiasm.

She couldn't picture herself in the same situation. Emma, known for her meticulous planning and deep consideration in every action, found it challenging to accept such generosity.

She had never grown accustomed to receiving gifts from others because, for the longest time, she had strived to accomplish everything independently, at times appearing somewhat self-centered.

Rosalind, ever attuned to Emma's emotions, extended two cupcakes toward her and offered one. Emma accepted the cupcake with hesitation, a hint of awkwardness tinging her reaction.

Meanwhile, Bright and all his classmats continued to approach clusters of teachers, exuberantly sharing their remaining cakes.

Emma observed that this spirit of generosity was undeniably embedded in Bright's character, a marked contrast to her own inclination to meticulously plan every detail.

***

Cooper Cove was a picturesque town, known for its charming cobblestone streets and close-knit community.

As the days leading up to Art Night dwindled, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air.

It was an event eagerly awaited by all, for it was more than just a night of artistic revelry; it was a reflection of the town's unity and camaraderie.

Amidst this anticipation, Emma found herself in the constant shadow of Bright, the town's new benevolent figure.

He was renowned for his boundless generosity, a reputation that had woven itself into the fabric of Cooper Cove.

Bright spared no expense when it came to supporting his fellow townsfolk. His contributions ranged from helping struggling families with their finances to funding local initiatives that breathed life into the town.

One sunny morning, as Emma walked down the bustling main street, she witnessed a heartwarming scene that captured the essence of Bright's benevolence.

He stood near the town square, surrounded by a group of children, their faces radiant with joy. Bright had organized an impromptu puppet show, using marionettes he had personally crafted, to entertain the youngsters.

Their laughter filled the air, and the parents watched with gratitude in their eyes.

Such acts of kindness were uncommon in Cooper Cove, and they had endeared Bright to the townsfolk.

Emma watched as some of her peers circled around Bright, attracted not only by his financial benevolence but also by the warm aura of happiness that enveloped him.

Whether Bright was aware of their ulterior motives or not, he continued to pamper his fellow townsfolk without hesitation.