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."

the owner had

wants to participate, we'll change the rules. From the next round, everyone will

believed

turned to Violeta, who had remained silent. "Ms. White, do you

"No, I

the third

picked up the sheet

try 'Eight

required not just technical skill but also the

this composition depicted the Eight Views of Centrefield. Even today, the region's poem about these scenes remains well-known. Capturing the essence of these views in music was

of the piece's difficulty, and her enthusiasm waned. She

first last time. You should

I'll take

smirked slightly, doubting Violeta could truly bring out the piece's essence. 'Eight Views of Longpeace' illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges, a misty cottage,

that evoked such imagery was no easy

Violeta possessed the skill, who here would recognize

precisely why the owner had chosen the piece. He wanted to

moment, then placed her hands on the strings and began to

observed Violeta's playing, now watched

or strumming-was precise. The notes emerged from her fingertips, weaving

steeped in the distinct charm of ancient music, seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem and each

herself drawn into the

melody painted vivid pictures