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 no choice but to agree

rules. From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the

Hattie believed the owner must have been biased towards Violeta before; otherwise, why would Violeta always score

Violeta, who had remained silent. "Ms. White,

"No, I

let's start the third

the sheet

'Eight Views of

had a talent for choosing the most challenging pieces. Mastering this one required

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

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

played first last time.

I'll take

Views of Longpeace' illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges, a misty cottage, mountains,

a piece that evoked such imagery was

if Violeta possessed the skill, who here would recognize it?

the piece. He wanted

then placed her hands on

had never closely observed Violeta's playing,

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

ancient music, seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem and each poem with a vivid

herself drawn into the world Violeta's music

painted vivid pictures in