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."

of approval echoed through the room. Seeing this, the owner

the next round, everyone will get a

satisfied. She was currently leading in votes, with Violeta behind. Hattie believed

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

"No, I

the

sheet

'Eight

a talent for choosing the most challenging pieces. Mastering this one required not

by a 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 remains well-known.

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

I played first last time. You should go

I'll take

truly bring out the piece's essence. 'Eight Views of Longpeace' illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges,

that evoked such imagery

the skill, who here would recognize it?

owner had chosen the piece. He

paused for a moment, then placed her hands on the strings and began

closely observed

was flawless, each movement of her fingers-whether plucking, striking or strumming-was precise. The

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

found herself drawn into

melody painted vivid pictures