Chương 14: Chapter Fourteen: The VIPs

The five newcomers that had arrived in the arena had caused a stir among those who knew who they were or are somewhat related to them. Murmurings have started as people started pointing towards their direction. Soon, Alex was able to catch up with what was going on as those sitting beside him had started whispering to themselves.

"Isn't that Nox Welby?"

"What? Nox Welby? No way! What is he doing here? Isn't he the son of John Welby, the founder of We-Sim networks?"

We-Sim network is an industry that deals with the use of SIM cards and internet connection, they have a large influence over the whole country being the first internet company to ever arrive in the country of Gazzan. Apart from that, the Welby family, about four generations back had discovered the use of technology and most resources that are used today had came from them.

Nox Welby, being the son of a well known businessman had gained quite a reputation in all of his social handles, ranking the fifteenth most followed celebrity on X-Tok. But that wasn't all, he was known for his gifted talent of singing, and his handsomeness was incomparable, earning him a lot of simps from 60% of females nationwide.

Proceeding to the person sitting next to him, was Dave Clove, a man appearing to be in his mid-twenties but also had a very stunning appearance, making him attractive to anyone who set their eyes on him. Unlike Nox, he wasn't famous on any social media, no one even knew who he was.

Following after him were two more boys who appeared to have similar looks with each other and were even wearing the same type of clothes. That was mainly because the both of them were twins. Just like Nox, the two were also popular on X-Tok where they were known for their superb and skillful dance moves.

The last but not the least and also the contrasting gender among those in the group, was Lyla; a teenage girl of age seventeen. She was indeed a beauty to the eyes but her origin was unknown. At least, not yet to the public.

"Are they going to be our judge? I mean that doesn't makes sense, does it?" One of the participant wondered.

"They are not the judges." Bob said, making those sitting beside him to look towards his direction. He had a slight frown on his face as he glared at a particular person sitting among the five newcomers.

"Then who are they?" Alex asked. He realised that Bob recognised these set of people and there's a chance he might know what their scheme here was. Though he wondered if he'll speak up this time, since this is the second time he will be asking this question only for Bob to keep mute without saying anything.

'If he doesn't speak up then it must mean these guys are here for no good. I can't believe all this is happening right after my death. And where the hell is Thomas?' Alex grinned his teeth together.

"They are… participants just like us, but in a different way." Bob finally said.

"What do you mean very different?" A participant sitting next to Alex asked.

"They are the VIPs. Very important participants who came from a wealthy and influential family. They have the highest chance of winning this contest, since in one way or the other, the families of some of them might be sponsoring the contest." Alex explained to the others, as he got an idea of who these set of newcomers were.

"But this is the first time in eight years that something like this will be happening in this contest. If their families are indeed sponsoring this contest, then it means the judges will want to be on their good side." A participant took note.

'Damn that Thomas. I told him to treat all participants as equal. Why is he planning to rig this contest despite how much I prevented that from happening!'

Before Alex's death, about a couple of months ago, Thomas Hemsworth, Alex's manager had came to him with a proposal. On the proposal was the name of a very popular businesswoman who owned a large company. She had requested for one of her daughters to win a gold award in Alex's contest, in return she'll give him an agreed sum of money.

However, Alex turned down the offer, stating that he couldn't rig the contest. Especially not one that was created by him. He also added that he had enough money and wouldn't be needing any of the lady's resources since they were most likely stolen or earned from corruption.

Thomas tried his best to persuade Alex but he just won't do it. That wasn't the only one, as many other wealthy fellows and middle-class family would come to seek help from him. Yet, despite all this, he would always refuse their proposal, not caring who or where they came from.

"Does it mean, we'll be competing with Nox now? I mean, he has a great voice and he sings well. Still, will we even be able to win against him?" One of the participants said with a concerned expression on his face.

"I doubt anyone will be lucky enough to beat them. And for your information, there's no way any one of us are getting any of the top three awards. Not if those five are here." Another participant voiced out.

"That's right. No one can win against those five. Not unless you have a connection of your own." Bob said, his eyes still fixed towards their direction.

"Why do you say that?" Alex asked, wanting to know more about these set of people, their families, their backgrounds and relationship with Thomas. In a way, he was starting to feel like his death wasn't natural and it has something to do with this contest, or maybe it's just a side goal after achieving the main goal.

Letting out a deep sigh, Bob started to speak as he pointed towards the direction of the VIPs. Due to how crowded the hall was, none of them could spot him pointing at them, so it was a saving grace for Bob.

"I didn't recognise her at first, but now I can see her very clearly. I'm sure you all know Ava Russo. That is her daughter; Lyla." Just as Bob mentioned the name, a sudden reaction had occurred to Alex but he decided to keep it in for now.

"And that guy on the second seat who looks more matured than the rest, he's Dave clove, his family owns the country's electricity company. Also, the twins are from an influential family who now manages the Vr game nationwide. As you can see, they're all from a wealthy family, who according to Alex here, might be sponsoring this contest. So if you're planning to do something against them, be ready to lose, 'cause it won't be fair play."

If the contest won't be fair play then it means there will be cheating and rigging of participants. And the award to be received is spilt to four parts. The gold award for the 1st position, silver award to the 2nd position, bronze award to the 3rd position, and then to the nomination award which will be given to six participants.

The one who receives the gold, silver and bronze award will be invited to sign contracts with the biggest entertainment company. While the nominated participants will be invited by less popular companies.

However, the awards given to those who participated in the singing section is different from those who participated in the dance and drama section. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards remains constant for all sections, while the nomination award for dance is for twenty participants, and that of drama is forty.

As everyone was still in shock of who the newcomers were, a new set of three people had started walking in, and they happened to be the judges with visible tags on their shirts. But the funniest part was that Thomas Hemsworth, who was supposedly Alex's manager; was also among the judges.

"Alright everyone, the contest will now begin!" Thomas announced.

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