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."

Seeing this, the owner had no choice but to agree

From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the participant with the most votes will get an extra

in votes, with Violeta behind. Hattie believed the owner must have been

Violeta, who had remained silent. "Ms.

"No, I

start the third

picked up the sheet music

try 'Eight Views of

challenging pieces. Mastering this one required not just technical skill but also the

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

and her

time.

take the

Longpeace' illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges, a misty cottage, mountains, an ancient ferry, flowing waters,

piece that evoked such imagery was no

Violeta possessed the skill, who here would recognize it? Hattie remained

had chosen the

placed her hands on the strings

closely observed Violeta's playing,

each movement of her fingers-whether plucking, striking or strumming-was precise. The notes emerged from her fingertips, weaving a melody that gradually filled the

seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem and each

into

vivid pictures in