Then the boy bowed and walked back to his seat.
Noah sat up, suddenly interested. One thing that didn't escape Noah's notice was the additional last name. He guessed Emily was waiting for the boy to get used to Muxin again before tactfully striking out his original surname, which was his too.
He didn't know Liam was participating in that competition. It became clearer to him why the boy had been asking him so many questions in mathematics lately. He enrolled him into the competition as he promised and he had been coaching him relentlessly, irrespective of his mood. Liam had a tablet, specifically for study and that was where every lesson went on, online. Noah hadn't had much time to check his messages to attend to messages outside academic issues from his son. Liam asked the questions using his study tablet and his father responded. There was more or less no personal interaction between them in the study tablet. He took out his phone at this point and checked his messages. Truly, he had some unread messages from Liam and the last was where the boy told him that he was finally going for the competition which he, Noah, registered him for some months ago.
The first round of the competition was a written one and the children were given thirty minutes to answer five questions. After the first stage, some children were disqualified. There was a second stage and it was a written test too. There was a short break and the children were led out of the hall. Noah was impressed to see that Liam had the highest score in both tests and he qualified for the final round. He was very proud of his son for putting his teachings and lessons into practise.
The break was over and the children who qualified for the final round were seated and waiting for the competition to begin. This time, it was going to be oral and the first five to get the answer would be chosen for the final round. Liam was the first to get the answer correctly and Jasper, one young lad was next. A young girl, named Elora, was the third and fourth and fifth was a girl and a boy respectively. Another question was thrown and the fourth and fifth were disqualified. Now, it was time for the remaining three children to compete for th first position. Liam, Jasper and Elora. Jasper and Liam got the answer to the first question at the same time, leaving Elora with the third position. They were given three different questions and they got the answers at the same time. One of the judges decided to give a tougher question to see the smart child who would win. This question was totally out of the competition questions but he had to go with it to determine the winner. Both boys got down to work, tackling the new question.
Two minutes later, Liam's hands shot up in the air and he answered the question while Jasper was still solving it. He gave the answer correctly and that earned him a loud applause from the amazed audience. This particular question wasn't part of what they had been practising for the competition. Liambwas able to solve it, all thanks to his father, Noah Harper who had taught him that question and the method to solve it back in the United Kingdom. Everyone was proud of this little boy and shouts of congratulations rent the air. Finally, it was time for the presentation of prizes.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let's call upon our distinguished guest, Young master Harper, to hand the prizes to our young winners!”
Everyone cheered as Noah stood up gracefully and walked majestically to where the prizes would be distributed.
“The winner of the fifth prize is Aurora Lucas!”
The little girl stepped forward for a presidential handshake from Young master Harper and her gift too. A lot of people in the crowd envied her. It was a great privilege to stand close to Noah Harper, let alone shake his hands but she got it at a little age!
“Let's give a round of applause for this great news. Ladies and gentlemen, our distinguished guest, Young master Harper, had in his benevolence prepared gifts for the first five winners of today's competition! These additional prizes were sponsored by Young master Harper and Honourable Barrister Jones Sullivan!”
There was another round of applause as the little girl took her additional prize from Noah, all smiles. This was the routine until it got to the second position, Jasper Lewis. Noah smiled more when he was giving him his prize and even when he was taking a picture with the boy!
“The first prize goes to Liam Harper Muxin! He's a very smart boy who did exceptionally well, today. He's a very smart boy and I'm sure he will go places. Keep it up, dear Liam!”
Liam stepped forward to receive his prizes but the moment he saw the person who was giving them out, he broke free from the teacher who was holding him and ran towards Noah. Everyone held their breaths, waiting for what would happen and what would become of the teacher who didn't hold the boy as expected. They all thought that Liam was running because he couldn't wait to get his gifts.
“Poor boy, he's going to get reprimanded and the teacher will pay for her lack of vigilance,” they thought sadly.
Liam ran towards Noah and when he got closer to him, Noah dropped on his knees, opened his arms and embraced him to everyone's surprise. Noah kept his life private and a lot of people didn't know what his son looked like.
“Daddy!” Liam exclaimed. Fortunately, only a few people heard it but they didn't dare say a word. Noah held the boy, unable to utter a word. The teacher hurried to them and said to Noah ,
“I'm very sorry for the inconveniences sir. I didn't hold him properly, that was why he ran off. Please, forgive me sir.”
Noah's cold gaze swept across her face as she waited for him to yell at her.