402: The highly anticipated awards ceremony

Five days later.

The highly anticipated Global Most Influential Figures Awards Ceremony was about to begin.

This was the first award in history to be decided by global audience votes, making its value absolutely the highest!

Compared to participants in other competitions or events, everyone on the list was a top figure acknowledged by the public.

The final selection from these prominent figures made it difficult for the audience to choose, and decisions were made after much internal struggle.

Five days ago, as the final day of voting concluded, the ceremony officially entered its final stage.

During the voting process, everyone witnessed how tirelessly their favorite figures campaigned for votes, just to advance even one spot on the final list!

After all, no one knew if there would be another such ceremony after this one.

Even if there were, its scale and requirements remained unknown.

Therefore, no matter what, the standard of the inaugural ceremony was undoubtedly world-class! Winning the Global Most Influential Figures award at the first ceremony was undeniably the result of heartfelt votes from all audiences.

The awards ceremony was still broadcast live globally across all platforms and television stations.

The award location was set in the country of the top-ranked individual, as a sign of respect!

Because it was a grand event held on its home turf, China went to great lengths to prepare an exquisite stage, colorful lighting, and the most capable Host to ensure everything ran smoothly.

This was to ensure that absolutely no problems would arise during the awards ceremony.

There were only three people who came to participate in the final round of the awards ceremony: Su Yu from China, who ranked first; Skema from the USA, who ranked second; and Bezos from the USA, who ranked third.

The latter's votes were vastly different from the former two, barely breaking through to one billion by the end.

Because of this, many netizens on the internet were making fun of the situation.

This award ceremony should have only invited Su Yu and Skema.

After all, their strength and popularity were almost identical, and even their final vote counts were nearly the same.

It would be reasonable for them to accept the award together.

As for Bezos, who ranked third, although he indeed placed third in the final round of voting and had a considerable number of supporters,

compared to the top two, he was indeed more than just one whole tier behind.

Bezos was furious when he heard this!

He was, after all, voted in as the third-place winner by a global public vote, so how did it turn into him being unqualified to receive an award?!

This was simply too outrageous.

"Mr. Bezos, when the Host calls your name later, you can just go on stage to accept the award."

The accompanying translator conveyed the official's words to Bezos.

Bezos frowned.

Because he had just looked around and found that today, besides the audience and the event's Host, he did not see Su Yu or Skema among those waiting for the awards.

Strange, the award ceremony was set in China. As the world's youngest and recognized youngest scientist, why hadn't Su Yu arrived yet?

He had flown for half a day from the USA to get here. The other party was local, so why was he so slow?

And it wasn't just Su Yu.

Skema, also from the USA, had not appeared at the awards ceremony either.

This gave Bezos a sudden ominous premonition.

What was going on today? Wasn't this supposed to be a global awards ceremony? Why hadn't he seen Su Yu or Skema at all?

Could it be that only he, the third-place winner, had come?

Bezos suddenly felt like he had become a clown.

If that were the case, his participation in this awards ceremony would be absolutely ridiculous. Not to mention whether he could once again make a name for himself, he would certainly be laughed at.

"Mr. Bezos, Mr. Bezos, it's your turn to go on stage to accept the award!"

Seeing his boss staring blankly, the accompanying translator quickly tugged at his sleeve and whispered a reminder.

Bezos hesitated for a moment, then finally tidied his clothes and hairstyle, took a deep breath, and strode towards the stage.

"Congratulations to our Mr. Bezos, who, with an overwhelming lead in votes, far surpassed the fourth place, to win third place in the Global Most Influential Figures ranking!"

The Host's voice came from the center of the stage.

Instantly, countless spotlights shone in the direction Bezos was walking.

Grand and magnificent music filled the venue, accompanied by the blast of ceremonial cannons and countless fireworks erupting.

It was a spectacle of fire trees and silver flowers, lively and extraordinary!

Below the stage, someone was cheering Bezos's name with raised arms, and the scene was certainly grand.

Seeing this, Bezos finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Fortunately, even though the event was held in China, the atmosphere was lively, preventing him, the world's third-place winner, from losing face.

He arrived at the very center of the stage.

As per custom, he needed to deliver an acceptance speech.

And this speech, which he had long memorized perfectly, successfully drew cheers from the entire audience with his performance.

"So, Mr. Bezos, although you achieved third place in this Global Most Influential Figures ranking, there are actually two people ahead of you."

"Do you have anything you'd like to say to them?"

The Host blinked, her eyes sparkling.

Bezos was momentarily stunned by the question. He coughed twice before awkwardly speaking.

"Of course, first, I want to congratulate Mr. Su Yu and Mr. Skema. Your inventions and demonstrations during the voting period deeply moved all audiences worldwide."

"However, I want to say that there's a Chinese saying: 'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; do not bully a young man for his poverty!' Their current lead doesn't mean they will always lead in the coming era."

"I am confident that in the next awards ceremony, I will be able to advance further, reaching second, or even first place!"

As his words fell, another round of thunderous applause erupted in the venue.

Even though Bezos had experienced countless grand occasions, the passion of these fans in China made his heart swell with emotion.

This made him momentarily believe that he was indeed very capable.

However.

What happened next instantly changed Bezos's expression.

His acceptance speech was finished, and according to the order, it should be Skema's turn next!

As Skema, who led in second place with over two billion votes, today's ceremony should have been his home ground.

Unexpectedly, this honor was snatched away at the last minute by a young Chinese scientist.

Bezos was preparing to watch the drama unfold, curious about Skema's expression.

But then he heard the Host say.

"Congratulations to Mr. Skema from the USA for winning second place in the Global Most Influential Figures!"

"However, due to his busy work schedule, Mr. Skema is unable to attend today. His assistant, Mr. McCree, will accept the award and deliver the acceptance speech on his behalf!"