Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 253 Demands

"Ms. White, your interpretation of this piece is truly exceptional. I award you a perfect score of ten."

"Ms. Ridge, your performance was also remarkable. You receive a nine."

With one receiving a ten and the other a nine, Hattie found herself trailing Violeta by a single point once more. The gap was closing once again

Frustrated, Hattie stood up and addressed the boss, "This isn't fair. With so many people here, why should you be the only judge? Music is subjective; everyone has different tastes. I think everyone here should vote and score."

The boss hesitated. "Well ... "

Hattie signalled to Zelena and the others. Zelena spoke up, "Yes, since both are competing, why not let everyone here participate in the voting? That would be fair."

Gillian added, "I agree. Music can't be judged by one person alone. If you're biased towards Violeta, wouldn't her scores always be higher?"

The store owner waved his hand dismissively. "I don't know either of these students personally. How could I be biased?"

Candy chimed in, "Since that's the case, let everyone here vote and score. That would be the fairest way. Right, everyone?"

"Yes!"

"That sounds good. I support it."

"Agreed."

room. Seeing this, the owner had no choice but to agree to the

since everyone wants to participate, we'll change the rules. From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the participant with the most votes will get an extra ten

Violeta behind. Hattie believed the owner must have been

Violeta, who had remained silent.

"No, I

let's start the third round,

picked up the sheet music and

'Eight

for choosing the most challenging pieces. Mastering this one required not just technical skill but also the ability

famous poem and painting more than 100 years ago, this composition depicted the Eight Views of Centrefield. Even today, the region's poem about these scenes

difficulty, and her enthusiasm

played first last time.

take

could truly bring out the piece's essence. 'Eight Views of Longpeace' illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges, a misty cottage, mountains, an ancient ferry, flowing waters,

piece that evoked such imagery was no

if Violeta possessed the skill, who here would

why the owner had chosen the piece. He wanted

for a moment, then placed her hands

had never closely observed Violeta's

her fingers-whether plucking, striking or strumming-was precise. The notes emerged

seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem

herself drawn into the world

melody painted vivid pictures in her