The Golden Key Awards took place in Sumanthova that year, with numerous industry leaders serving as judges. The participants were architectural talents from various countries.
In the past two years, Josie had mostly taken a step back from the limelight. She had only designed a few works, but each one had won prestigious awards and gained widespread recognition.
During these two years, Alice’s name had become well-known, and people respectfully referred to her as a mentor.
When Lachlan arrived, he wasn’t alone. He brought his team members with him. A group of boys excitedly got out of the car and greeted Josie, saying, “Hi, Ms. Jo!”
“Hey, Ms. Jo!”
“With so many people taking care of Grape, you should be at ease now, right?” Lachlan was the last one to get out of the car.
Josie was somewhat speechless. “Why are all of you here?”
Michael was the first to respond, saying, “We won’t be returning to our country until the day after tomorrow. Staying in the hotel has become quite boring. We wanted to go out and get some fresh air.”
Grape was surrounded by the boys, filled with joy.
“Indeed, Ms. Jo. We’ll take care of Grape for you. Don’t worry!”
Josie raised an eyebrow.
Lachlan said, “The team is planning to go public in the second half of the year. Coincidentally, I heard that the investor would be in Sumanthova during this period. Even more fortunately, they have also invested in the hosting of the Golden Key Awards. I need to find an opportunity to meet them.”
Seeing this, Josie made no comment and let them take care of Grape. She also gave them a few instructions. “The meeting venue here is quite large. There’s a garden at the back. You can take Grape and play there. Just make sure she doesn’t eat anything she shouldn’t.”
“No problem!”
Josie held her staff ID in her hand, dressed in a beige, form-fitting dress. She didn’t make any deliberate movements, yet her demeanor was captivating and graceful, exuding an exceptional aura.
Michael’s gaze fell on Lachlan, and his tone was somewhat casual as he asked, “Lachlan, aren’t you going to pursue her?”
Lachlan nudged him. “A new member is joining our team.”
Michael furrowed his brows in surprise. “From the youth camp?”
“No. She’s a girl hired on a temporary basis.”
Michael glanced at his teammates, who were playing with Grape. “You’re not joking, are you?”
In the world of e-sports, it was rare to see female players, especially in a star team like Stardust. If a girl were to join, the fans would go crazy.
“Once the off-season arrives, the mid-laner is set to retire, so someone needs to keep an eye on that. This girl is very talented, and the contract has already been signed.”
After Lachlan finished speaking to Michael, he patted his shoulder and left. Before leaving, he instructed, “You must take good care of the child.”
The opening ceremony took place at the venue. The host began by introducing the distinguished judges. One by one, the six judges ascended the stage, signing their names on the backdrop. They raised their glasses together, followed by media interviews.
Josie stood below the stage when a blue-eyed female reporter approached her. In Uprian, she asked, “Hello, you are Alice, right? Would you be willing to grant us an exclusive interview?”
Josie gave a polite smile and gently declined, saying, “I’m sorry. I don’t accept interviews.”
The female journalist felt regretful.
At that moment, the middle-aged woman who had just finished her interview on stage overheard and remarked, “What’s with the pretentious act?”
That woman was Lily.
She was also of Clusian descent, already in her thirties. Achieving such success at this age and gender was commendable. However, she never expected that there would be a younger woman who could be elected as a judge.
This consistently made her disapprove of Josie.
The female reporter’s face momentarily showed embarrassment. Josie, in a calm and unhurried manner, apologized to her. Then, in Clusian, she said, “After all, I’m not a peacock. I don’t have the habit of showing off everywhere!”
“You!” Lily glared directly at Josie. “Alice, stop pretending. I find it hard to believe you’ve reached your current position without engaging in sexual favors or playing dirty.”
“In all matters, evidence is crucial. In Sumanthova, I could sue you for defamation.”
