Notes of Destiny: A Musical Odyssey by Neil Grant

Chapter 10 Greenleaves Publishing 

The applause continued for several seconds. 

“What a great voice!” 

“He is no doubt the winner!” 

“The previous contestants were good, but he’s much better!” 

“As expected of this level of competition! With his potential, he can probably place within the top three in Nationals!” 

Neil stood up and glanced at the judges. 

The judges hailed from various music schools, independent music producers, and so on. One common thing was that they all knew what good music was. At this moment, they all had satisfactory smiles on their faces. 

Neil could feel that he would place within the top three. As for getting first place, he needed to see the following contestants. 

Two hours later, all thirty participants completed their performances. The host entered the stage with the results in hand. He announced the third and second place and, finally, first place. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s finally the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The winner of this year’s patriotic singing competition is number right, Neil Grant, with his song “The Pearl from the East.‘ Let’s give him a warm round of applause!“. 

The vice–mayor came on stage to present Neil with a trophy, certificate, and prize money worth twenty grand. Confetti fell from the ceiling, and they took a photo to commemorate the moment. The reporters flashed away. They all had Neil and the vice–mayor in their viewfinder. 

Neil was so moved he was about to cry. He only had one thought; Are you watching, Aneira? I got first place! 

However, he knew Aneira could not be watching because it was not a live broadcast. She would have to wait until the editing was done and for it to be broadcast. 

The staff informed him it would be broadcast in three days. 

After the competition, Neil remained in the hall for a moment. He found it weird that no record labels wanted to sign him. It confirmed his speculation. 

Harvey was able to become popular because of his connections. I have none of those. He and I are too different. 

Neil stayed until the organizing committee cleaned up, yet no entertainment company approached him. He went back to his inn to rest dejectedly. Once back, he looked for a public phone and called Aneira to report today’s events. 

Ancira did not seem surprised when she heard he won first place. She made a sound of acknowledgment, but Neil could hear an inflection in it. 

She probably can’t believe it! Her image of me will change when I give her the prize money, Neil thought as he hung up. 

It’s such a shame I couldn’t sign with a label. I’ll probably have to find a way to enter a TV station when I get back. At least, I can claim I won first place. That will give me a little leverage. 

Neil had no time to wallow. He still had something important to do! That is to find a publisher for his novel. He placed the prize money and draft for his book, ‘Harold Patter, under his pillow. 

During the competition, he handed his bag to the staff for them to watch over. There was no chance of it going missing. However, now that the competition was over, he didn’t know about the security in the inn and feared someone would steal it. 

Neil did not sleep well the whole night. He woke up a few times to ensure his bag was still with 

him. 

Finally, morning came. Neil took his overnight back with one hand and held a knapsack with the money and draft in the other. He went to the reception to check out. 

He could’ve submitted the novel through the mail, but it would’ve taken too long. 

He had a huge debt to pay; he couldn’t afford to be patient! He needed to become popular, fast! 

As he pondered on this, he arrived at Greenleaves Publishing. It was a medium–sized publishing company but was famous for the works it did with fiction fantasy novels. 

Neil was impressed with their marketing tactics! He approached the lady at the reception and said, “Hello, I would like to show the editor my fiction novel…” 

The woman batted her lashes at him and asked, “Do you have an appointment?” 

Neil shook his head but kept a polite smile. “I don’t. I came from Cloubury for a competition and decided to drop my draft off on the way. It would take months if I mailed it. Can you help me out, please?” Neil tried to appeal to the woman. 

The receptionist was about twenty–seven, eight years old. She was dazed by Neil’s appearance and bright smile and gave in. 

“Alright. Let me ask.” 

“Thanks, miss!” 

She held her fingers over the number pad and asked out of curiosity, “What competition were you in?” 

“Love for Armoa. It was held by our county. I won first place,” Neil answered honestly. He didn’t like to brag, but the situation called for it. He needed to show his potential to the receptionist for her to be willing to introduce him to a good editor. 

The receptionist gave him a once–over and smiled, “That’s quite impressive. It’s not easy to place first in a competition of that level.” Following, she asked, “Do you have a draft? Can you show me?” 

Neil arranged his draft and showed her a short section of the synopsis and introduction. 

The receptionist took note of his penmanship and marveled at the neatness. Her impression of him improved by a few notches. 

“Let me contact the editor–in–chief!” She picked up the phone and dialed the number for the editor–in–chief’s office. 

The phone rang for a few moments before she exclaimed, “Mr. Chadworth, this is Yvonne! I have a young man at the front desk. He’s written a fiction fantasy novel, and I think it’s not bad. How about… you have a look?” 

Neil couldn’t hear the reply but saw Yvonne’s smile widen and her tone flattering. 

“That’s not it, Mr. Chadworth. This boy has potential. He has good handwriting and knowledge of literature. He even won first place in a singing competition!” 

Neil was touched by how hard Yvonne was pushing for him.. 

So many people in society are bribed by money. No matter where a person goes, money will open the way for 

them! 

All Neil did was whisper a few compliments to Yvonne. She wouldn’t benefit from anything, yet she was trying her best for him. 

Yvonne beamed at something the person on the other end said. 

“Okay, okay. I’ll let him up. Mr. Chadworth, I promise you won’t be disappointed!” Yvonne cried and hung up. 

Yvonne turned to Neil and chirped, “All done! Mr. Chadworth may look strict, but he is a nice person. Don’t be afraid. Pass him your draft and explain your creativity. He will approve if it pleases him.” 

“Thank you,” Neil said appreciatively. He regretted not getting some fruits on the way as he 

could’ve given some to Yvonne. It would look like a bribe if he passed her money at the front desk, where anyone could see. It may also seem rude. 

Yvonne did not think so much. She passed him a guest book and told him to fill in the required. 

fields.