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."

approval echoed through the room. Seeing this, the owner had no choice

From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the participant with

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

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

replied, "No, I

the third

sheet music and began leafing through

'Eight

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

than 100 years ago, 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 even more demanding than playing

piece's difficulty, and her enthusiasm waned. She

first last time. You should go first this

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, mountains, an ancient ferry, flowing waters, and

such imagery was no

possessed the skill, who here would

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

her hands on the

closely observed Violeta's playing,

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

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

drawn into the world

melody painted vivid pictures