Chapter 34: Awards Night [1]
In late August, a gold-embossed invitation arrived for Alex.
"The State Press and Publication Administration and the Manga Association cordially invite Alex Walker, author of Silver Spoon, to attend the inaugural 'Original Manga Awards' Ceremony. Your work has been nominated for the highest honor, 'Manga of the Year'."
A list of nominees was attached. Silver Spoon was listed first, followed by industry titans like Legend of the Sword God and Magic Academy. In the remarks column, a line of small print read: "The first agricultural-themed manga to be nominated for a national award."
Sue's call followed immediately. "Are you going?"
"No," Alex said.
"You have to go."
"Why?" Alex didn't stop inking the final panels of Chapter 40.
"Because this is a national award. Not going makes you look arrogant." Sue paused. "Also, this is your first opportunity for a public appearance."
Alex put down his pen and leaned back. The evening breeze from the pasture drifted through the window, smelling of dry hay.
"I'll think about it."
"There's nothing to think about." Sue was unusually forceful. "The suit is ready, the flight is booked. September 15th, I'm going with you. Just show your face, accept the award, say a few words, and leave. No banquet, no interviews."
Alex was silent for a few seconds. "What kind of suit?"
"Black, simple cut, not flashy. Designer made it to fit your vibe." Sue sent a picture.
The suit in the photo was indeed clean—a slim-fit black ensemble with no unnecessary decorations. But the cut was sharp, and the fabric looked high-quality.
"You'll look good in it," Sue added.
Alex looked at the suit. He remembered the cosplay costumes he wore in his past life, the carefully curated looks. He hadn't dressed up in a long time—on the ranch, it was flannel shirts and jeans, mud and grass stains didn't matter.
"Fine," he said.
"Great!" Sue sighed in relief. "I'll arrange a car to pick you up. By the way, there will be a few people at the ceremony you might be interested in."
"Who?"
"Marcus Kane, author of Legend of the Sword God. He's nominated too, probably for the Popularity Award." Sue paused. "And Zhou, Editor-in-Chief of Manga Weekly. He sent word through someone that he wants to congratulate you in person."
Alex chuckled. "He wants to see what the person who beat him looks like."
"Probably." Sue laughed too. "But you don't need to pay him any mind. It's just an award ceremony, a formality."
Hanging up, Alex continued drawing. But his mind drifted.
Awards ceremony.
Public appearance.
He remembered the red carpets he watched in his past life, the spotlights, the cameras. He never thought he would be the one standing there.
But now, he was.
September 15th, evening.
Alex changed into the black suit. The person in the mirror felt unfamiliar—the tailored fit outlined a lean frame, the black fabric contrasting with his skin. He had his hair styled simply, revealing a clean face. No makeup, but his features were sharp under the lights.
Sarah stood at the door, looking at him for a long time. "You look handsome."
John shouted from downstairs: "Car's here!"
The car Sue sent was a black sedan. The driver was professional, driving smoothly to the provincial capital. Two hours later, the car stopped outside the venue.
The red carpet was laid out, flanked by reporters and fans. Flashbulbs popped incessantly, lighting up the evening sky.
Sue was waiting at the entrance. Seeing him get out, her eyes lit up. "Better than the photo."
"Nervous?" Sue asked.
"I'm okay," Alex said. He was telling the truth—in his past life, he faced more cameras while cosplaying. Only then he was playing someone else; now he was being himself.
"The process is simple," Sue said as they walked. "Red carpet, signature wall, enter venue. You're the seventh to receive an award, Manga of the Year. Go up, take the trophy, say a few words, come down. Then we can leave."
"Say what?"
"Whatever. Thank the readers, thank the editorial department, say something about creation." Sue paused. "But keep it short, under thirty seconds."
They reached the red carpet entrance. Staff checked the list, saw the name "Alex Walker," and their eyes widened.
"You... you are Alex Walker?"
"Yes." Alex nodded.
"This way, please!"
The moment he stepped onto the red carpet, flashbulbs erupted into a blinding wall of light. Reporters shouted:
"Mr. Walker! Look here!"
"Can you say a few words?"
"You look sharp tonight!"
Alex followed Sue's instructions, smiling, occasionally nodding, but not speaking. He walked neither fast nor slow, the black suit gleaming faintly under the lights.
On both sides of the red carpet, fans held Silver Spoon signs. Seeing him, they screamed excitedly:
"Dairy King! It's the Dairy King!"
"He's so cool!"
"Silver Spoon is the GOAT!"
He smiled in their direction and waved. The screaming got louder.
At the signature wall, he took the pen and signed "Alex Walker." The handwriting was fluid, just like his signature on the manuscripts.
Reporters swarmed:
"Mr. Walker, first public appearance, how do you feel?"
"Good." He smiled.
"Silver Spoon won Manga of the Year, anything you want to say?"
"Thanks to the readers, thanks to the editorial department." He kept it brief.
"Any plans for the next work?"
"In preparation."
"Can you reveal the genre?"
"Secret for now."
He answered calmly, neither humble nor arrogant. Reporters wanted to ask more, but staff guided him inside.
(To be Continued)