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."

owner had no choice

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

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

had remained silent. "Ms. White, do you have

replied, "No, I

the third

owner picked up the sheet music and began leafing through

try 'Eight Views of

this one required not just technical skill but also

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

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

played first last time. You should go

take

essence. 'Eight Views of Longpeace' illustrated scenes

piece that evoked such imagery was no easy

possessed the skill, who

had chosen the piece. He

paused for a moment, then placed her hands on the

closely observed Violeta's playing, now

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

music, seamlessly intertwined each segment with

Hattie found herself drawn into

painted vivid pictures in her