Ruby saw everyone’s gaze and forced herself to suppress the jealousy and resentment in her heart. She glanced at Yvette, who was on the stage lowering her eyes, and said coldly. “Mr. Holmes, I just want to ask, does what you said before still count?”

The crowd was puzzled, even Zion was a bit taken aback, not understanding why Ruby suddenly asked that. He nodded and said, “Ruby, I stand by my words, rest assured.”

Ruby gave a smug smile. That was exactly what she wanted to hear from Zion. “Mr. Holmes, I admit that Yvette plays better than I do. I won’t argue. But you once told me that playing the piano isn’t just about focusing on technique. It’s about capturing the true emotions of the piece. Only by doing so can the performance truly move people, right?” she said.

Zion remembered his own words clearly. Ruby was not wrong. He had indeed said that, and not just once. “Yes, that’s what I said, he replied.

Ruby looked at Yvette triumphantly, then raised her voice and said, “We pianists all know the love story of Bryan Brooks and his wife. This piece, Dream, was a birthday gift he composed for his wife. The piece expresses Mr. Brooks‘ love and promise to his wife. But just now, what Yvette played was completely off the mark. Did you hear any lingering love in her performance! No matter how well it was played, if it doesn’t capture the composer’s true intent, how can she deserve a perfect score?

The contestants murmured in agreement. Although Yvette’s performance was excellent, the emotional interpretation was indeed off. The rest of the students in the auditorium, who did not understand music, whispered to those who did, asking if Ruby was right. After receiving confirmation, some started murmuring about how unfair it was that Yvette received a perfect score despite her flaws.

Zion was stunned for a moment. He had to admit that Ruby was right. Yvette’s interpretation of the piece did not align with the emotional context of the story. Based on her skill level, she surely would not have missed this backstory.

Zion could not figure out what was going on either Yvette’s playing did not convey the sense of love the story was supposed to evoke, only a kind of mutual respect with a hint of sorrow for a departed soul.

Zion directed his gaze toward Yvette. Only she could answer the question now.

The people in the first two rows–Andrew, Simon, Zachary, Jaiden, and others–also turned their attention to the stage. The entire auditorium wanted to hear how Yvette would respond. They wondered if she truly deserved that perfect score.

Yvette scanned the room and narrowed her eyes slightly, pondering for a moment before she spoke, unusually serious. “It’s fake”

auditorium erupted into

fake? What does she mean? Is she saying the story behind the piece

I learned piano too, and our teacher told us the e same story.

up

“Who knows?

across her chest. Zion wouldn’t give me a chance, why should Yvette get one? Her face was full of mockery and disdain as she said, “Yvette, are you out of your mind? If you want to argue, at least come up with a better reason. Fake? Are

“Mr. Holmes, you don’t agree with

biting at anyone she could. She no

took a step forward, and Ruby instinctively took a step back, visibly intimidated. He said, “You… Ruby, right? You lost. Stop making excuses. If

gritted her teeth in anger but said nothing, her face still showing signs of defiance as she

and the others remained silent. Since they were not as familiar with piano, they did not feel qualified to weigh in. Ultimately, it was up to Zachary to decide whether

for Yvette but held back. He knew that if he spoke, no

waiting for Zion’s verdict. After a long pause, Zion sighed softly. “Yvette, what’s

in the room, all eyes turned to the center of the stage. Under the bright lights, Yvette, dressed in all black, exuded a cold arrogance, her sharp

A moment ago, during the conversation between Ruby and Andrew, Yvette’s phone had buzzed, though only the nearby host

Yvette said calmly. Zion paused and replied,

give Yvette any chances. She said, “What are we waiting for? You owe us

Ruby a cold glance. That single look sent shivers down Ruby’s spine, and the words she was about to say

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