Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 254 Rewarding Day

Hattie furrowed her brow as she observed the crowd.

Violeta had just finished her performance.

The shop owner clapped enthusiastically, genuinely impressed by how well the young girl had played. Is this the natural talent people talk about?

"Ms. Ridge, you seemed quite absorbed just now," he remarked.

Hattie blinked in surprise. "Nonsense, I was not."

The owner smiled. "Well, it's your turn now."

Hattie pressed her lips together, adjusted the false nails on her fingers, and began to play.

Her technique was as precise as Violeta's, but her interpretation of the melody differed, and thus creating a distinct effect.

While Violeta's rendition was poetic and evocative, Hattie's was flawlessly standard but lacked any memorable quality.

When Hattie finished, the room filled with applause, yet she remained unusually silent.

She now comprehended the gap between her and Violeta.

Zelena and her friends, who had not applauded for Violeta, clapped loudly for Hattie.

The owner spoke again, "Now everyone can vote. Stand in front of Violeta if you support her, and in front of Hattie if you support her."

The audience quickly chose sides, forming lines in front of both girls.

Zelena and her friends, of course, stood by Hattie and even pulled a few others over.

The owner instructed his staff to count the votes. Although both sides had supporters, it was clear at a glance that Violeta's line was longer. The counting finished quickly.

"Violeta has twenty-eight votes," the staff announced.

"Hattie has seventeen votes."

landslide, with eleven more votes than

rules,

lowered her gaze and said

Violeta had scored higher, Hattie

But now...

had genuinely lost herself in Violeta's

realise just

owner glanced at Hattie. "Ms. Ridge, Violeta earns an extra

There was only silence.

Hattie said nothing.

Hattie's silence and

would fiercely compete with Violeta. Now, seeing Hattie retreat,

spoke. "No more

she stood up and

friends, unsure of what to do,

played four pieces, scoring 8, 8, 9, and nothing for

had played three pieces,

was 25. Violeta's was 30. Hattie

shop owner addressed the audience.

No answer.

The audience remained silent.

owner then turned to Violeta. "Ms. White,

opponents left, Violeta found playing alone somewhat

time and realised it was nearly time to meet at the

smiled at the owner.

owner nodded, jotting down the final scores for Hattie and Violeta, ready for

would emerge as

presented with two exquisitely crafted wooden zither hangers by a nearby attendant. "Here you go, students!"

closely. "Wow, it's beautifully intricate, and

"Thank you," Violeta acknowledged.