Chapter Sixty-Nine

About thirty minutes after the launch, Richie and Night stood together on the rooftop, looking out over the city, their faces beaming with smiles. The city lights sparkled like a sea of diamonds, casting a magical glow over the skyline.

'You did it,' Night whispered, squeezing his hand.

Richie smiled, pulling her closer. 'Best, we did it.'

Meanwhile, Wealth sat comfortably on one of the plush lounge chairs lining the rooftop, engrossed in a game of Candy Crush on his phone. The device, preloaded with learning apps and games tailored to his advanced intellect, had become his favourite companion. At just four years old, he navigated it with the ease of someone far older.

The faint murmur of conversations and laughter surrounded him as the night's excitement lingered. A message notification popped up on his screen. It was from Stella, who had already left with Peter. Pausing his game, he opened the message and read:

Wealth, go shopping with me tomorrow. You can pick anything you like.

Wealth's eyes widened in surprise as happiness swept over him. He could barely contain his excitement. 'Wow! I'm going shopping with Auntie Stella tomorrow!' he shouted happily, drawing his parents' attention. When he told them what Stella had written, they nodded with approval.

'Don't pick the entire mall,' Night teased with a chuckle.

Wealth giggled. 'I'll try not to, Mum.'

As Wealth chatted excitedly with Stella, Richie approached with someone by his side. Wealth looked up, his jaw dropping when he recognised the guest.

'Ibrahim Musa!' Wealth exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. 'Daddy, you really invited him!'

Ibrahim Musa chuckled warmly, his white teeth flashing. 'Ah, small man, na you be the suya king's biggest fan?'

Wealth tilted his head towards his father. 'Dad, didn't you tell him I hate being called 'small'?'

Richie lifted his hands playfully. 'Sorry, big man. I forgot to remind him.'

Wealth grinned. 'I'll let it slide this time, but don't let it happen again.' Turning to Ibrahim, he added, 'Your suya is the best! I want to learn how to make it. And I like the fact that you're smart.'

Ibrahim Musa laughed heartily, his deep voice carrying over the chatter around them. 'No wahala. We go talk suya later. But for now, I dey create content for my social media,' he said with a playful grin.

Wealth's eyes lit up as he noticed Ibrahim's sleek, latest-model iPhone 15 Pro Max, mounted securely on a tripod with a ring light attachment. The setup gave the live stream a professional look, the warm glow from the light enhancing Ibrahim's sharp features and the vibrant colours of the rooftop setting.

Ibrahim had come to the event at Richie's invitation, not just as a fan but also as a rising content creator. His advanced setup ensured perfect angles and lighting for his live TikTok stream, capturing not only himself but also Richie's four-year-old son, Wealth, seated beside him on a plush chair. The little boy's excitement was contagious as he interacted with Ibrahim's vibrant personality.

'Na scoop I dey do,' Ibrahim explained, adjusting the phone slightly to frame them both perfectly. 'I don post other content for my social media, but this personal talk wey I dey yarn with you now, na very big scoop. Na wetin oyibo dey call Exclusive Interview. I wan share your handsomeness with the world to see. I wan make people see the suya king's biggest fan.'

Ibrahim Musa's warm laughter filled the air as he winked at the camera.

Wealth giggled, his small stature making him look even more adorable on camera. 'I love your TikTok videos!'

They were live on TikTok, and the response was overwhelming. Comments poured in:

'Awww, who's the cute little guy?!'

'Ibrahim always brings the vibe!'

'BahBah Richie's son is already a star!'

The likes quickly surpassed 50,000, and Ibrahim occasionally paused to read some of the more amusing comments aloud. His setup was impeccable, the tripod ensuring steady footage, and the ring light enhancing the twinkle in Wealth's eyes.

'You're a good content creator, Ibrahim Musa,' Wealth said happily.

Ibrahim chuckled. 'Thank you big man.' Winking at the camera, he added, 'Abeg, make I promote Wealth's handsomeness small. Na big deal we dey run here!'

Ibrahim, dressed in a dashing black Versace suit with matching shoes, exuded confidence and charm. His sweet cologne lingered in the air, complementing his sharp, polished appearance. He was a perfect example of how money could transform an ugly duckling into a swan. Anyone seeing Ibrahim Musa now might find it hard to believe he was once the humble suya seller from the streets of Abuja who wore rags.

Truly, money was a remarkable thing to have, and sometimes, becoming rich wasn't just about working harder—it was about working smarter. It was about spotting opportunities others might overlook, taking smart risks, and using your skills or resources to get the best results with less effort. Ibrahim understood this; he turned his suya grilling into an experience, using social media to draw crowds and transform his humble beginnings into something remarkable. He seized the opportunity when Richie and Peter visited his barbecue stand, and today, he had made a name for himself.

With his newfound fame, Ibrahim's success opened the doors to countless opportunities. Companies sought him out for collaborations, and he became a brand ambassador for food products, fashion labels, and even kitchen equipment. Sponsors paid him to feature their products in his content, while media houses and bloggers clamoured to share his inspiring story. He began hosting events, from food festivals to celebrity gatherings, and even launched his own line of barbecue sauces and seasonings.

Ibrahim's networking skills connected him with influential figures, leading to business partnerships and investment opportunities. As a rising content creator, he diversified his content, producing cooking tutorials and vlogs, and was invited as a motivational speaker to share his journey. His fame extended beyond Nigeria, with international food festivals and cultural events recognising his brand.

Success often favoured those who thought strategically and acted decisively, and Ibrahim Musa was living proof that smart decisions and creative thinking could turn humble beginnings into a remarkable legacy.

Richie, observing them, smiled proudly. 'You've made my son's night, Ibrahim. He hasn't stopped talking about you.'

Night, standing nearby, beamed silently, her heart full.

Wealth added excitedly, 'I also invited you to the Human vs Robot football match on the 31st.'

'Your papa don give me invite already,' Ibrahim replied with a chuckle, patting Wealth on the shoulder. 'Suya king na your guy now.'

Later that night, Wealth posted a picture with Ibrahim Musa on his WhatsApp Status. In a second post, he wrote: Going shopping with Auntie Stella tomorrow! I can get anything I want!

Wealth's remarkable ability to read and write had amazed everyone who knew him. His parents, Richie and Night, had nurtured his skills from the age of two, encouraging his curiosity with books, interactive toys, and technology. His phone, initially a tool for education and connection, had become an outlet for his creativity and intellect.

As soon as he shared the picture and text on his WhatsApp Status, comments and likes flooded in from friends and family. Wealth grinned proudly, soaking in the attention. Not every four-year-old could captivate an audience like he did.