C19 Lucian's News

"Clem, head over to the local television station and request to borrow some equipment on behalf of Central Television. Don't skimp on any necessary expenses; I'll reimburse you upon our return."

Since it was an unofficial interview, Elisha and the team had only brought cameras with them, leaving behind larger, specialized equipment like HD video cameras. They had no choice but to seek assistance from the local station. Despite being from Central Television, there was no direct affiliation.

Clem, as a renowned host, had the clout to offer some assistance to their local counterparts. Elisha was well aware that nothing in life comes for free. It's not easy to borrow equipment without offering something in return, and sometimes, it's essential to spend a bit of money.

"I understand. Rest assured, Director Elisha, I'll get the job done."

With a confident nod, Clem hailed a taxi and departed with his companions.

"As for the rest of you, get your gear ready. We're heading to the provincial football association now. I've already got a friend waiting for us there."

Before setting out, Elisha had inquired about the bus route to the provincial football association from the hotel owner. However, seeing Clem leave by taxi and considering the fatigue of his two assistants who had endured a long train journey, Elisha reluctantly hailed a taxi as well.

"Elisha, I'm surprised to see you here for an interview. Has Central Television taken an interest in our city's high school competition?"

Elisha's friend, Celelmo, was a leader in the local Culture and Sports Bureau. Thanks to his connection, Elisha and his team managed to arrange an interview with a vice president of the provincial football association.

But the prestige of Central Television doesn't always guarantee smooth sailing. Anyone in a high-ranking provincial role is a force to be reckoned with, and in terms of status, a vice president of the Football Association holds a higher position than Elisha's superior, Evo.

Moreover, it's common for leaders to receive some unofficial benefits. Take Moses, for instance; while he's regarded as a man of integrity, he still received sponsorship money for attending the match between Sandalwood School and Millenium High.

Otherwise, he would be too full of himself. Given his status, he could easily attend an amateur competition.

That's why these leaders dread interviews the most. Once they become well-known, they're more prone to trouble. Take Moses, for example; although he hasn't engaged in embezzlement or bribery, he's still accepted money from others. If someone decided to investigate, it wouldn't be easy to handle.

"What competition? I've never heard of it."

Hearing his old friend's question, Elisha looked perplexed.

"What are you here to cover? The biggest football-related news from our school team is the recent citywide high school football competition. There's a team from a small county that's been making waves. Their head coach is an amateur, yet he led them to victory over the city's strongest team—Millenium High from our province."

Celelmo and Elisha discussed the competition's details.

"Oh, Millenium High? I've heard of them. They're touted as the Super League's feeder team. If I'm not mistaken, their head coach is the veteran Wayne, right?"

As a football insider, Elisha was well-acquainted with the school team, and Wayne was a respected elder in the football community. Anyone in the football circle who met him would show the utmost respect, given his impressive credentials.

"Yes, that's Wayne's team. The provincial football circles have been abuzz these past few days. Wayne has openly commended the team's players and their head coach, even suggesting they have the makings of a Super League team."

While they conversed, they made their way to the provincial football association's building, with Elisha's two assistants following closely behind.

"Wayne's contributions to our national team are well-recognized, and he's always been keen on nurturing new talent. Wouldn't he offer his help to such promising prospects?"

"Well, it's a bit complicated. Wayne indicated he wanted to introduce their head coach to the B League as a trainer and even offered to assist with his coaching certification. But for some reason, their head coach did the unthinkable—he publicly turned down the offer."

"Really? To pass up such a great opportunity, this head coach certainly has character."

Elisha was taken aback by Celelmo's response. The chance to be recommended by Mr. Wayne was a dream for many in the country.

"Exactly. We're here. I've already let them know you're coming. Just head on in. I won't be joining you; there's still plenty to do at the office. Tonight, I'm hosting a dinner to welcome you. Bring your team along, and we'll have a good drink."

Celelmo led them to an office door and took his leave.

"Is this Moses? We're from the Central Television Sports Channel."

"Oh, you must be Elisha. Celelmo mentioned you. Come on in. You're practically Central Government leadership, haha."

Once inside the office, a staff member settled Elisha and his companions and asked them to wait. About five minutes later, someone entered. Elisha recognized him as Moses, the person Celelmo had mentioned, and stood up to greet him.

"You're too kind. I'm merely a director; I wouldn't dare claim to be a leader. You probably already know why I'm here, right, Moses?"

After exchanging pleasantries, they took their seats on the sofa. Elisha, known for his directness, wasted no time getting to the point.

"Celelmo only mentioned you wanted an interview, but he didn't specify the topic. I'm not sure..."

He was interrupted mid-sentence by a knock on the door.

"Come in."

With Moses' nod, his secretary entered, bypassing Elisha and the others, and began briefing his boss.

"President, I've just received news. Lucian, whom you told me to monitor, has led his team to a two-to-one victory over Sunny Coast Institute."

"What? Who?"

The news made Elisha leap from the sofa, his face a picture of astonishment, startling Moses' assistant.

"Elisha, calm down. What's gotten into you? Ronaldinho, you may go. I'll call you if I need anything. And keep watching Sandalwood School."

Ronaldinho nodded at his boss's instructions, turned, and quietly exited the office, gently closing the door behind him.