Save Myself from Desperation by Cara Agnes

Chapter 59

Finally, the contestants for both teams were finally confirmed.

The director gave them considerable freedom. “Ashley and Shirley, either of you can start playing first. It’s up to you to decide.”

Shirley was quick to respond and stepped forward. “I’ll go first.”

She was always confident in her harp skills, especially being a student of the harp maestro Eddy. She believed she could surely outperform Ashley.

Moreover, she thought that by playing first, she could set high expectations for the audience, making Ashley’s performance seem mediocre in comparison.

Shirley glanced at Ashley with a slight smile. “I’ll play first, then you can follow. Do you have any objections?”

Ashley glanced at her in a nonchalant manner. “I’m fine with anything

Shirley turned to the camera, her smile warm and modest. “I really admire Ash and love the piece The Land. Please don’t mind if there are any flaws in my performance.”

[Shirley is being too modest. I remember her playing the harp on a show, outshining all the professional harpists that time!]

Shirley took a seat in front of the harp, took a few deep breaths to calm herself, placed her hands on the strings, and began playing The Land.

Her posture was clearly professional.

The music from the harp was lingering and evocative.

After she finished, applause immediately filled the room.

Hayes couldn’t help but praise, “Shirley, you truly are a student of the harp maestro Eddy. Your performance was enchanting! I’ve never heard such a beautiful harp playing!”

Flattered by the compliments, Shirley felt proud but maintained a humble demeanor when she faced the camera. “Hayes, you’re exaggerating

Hayes insisted, “Not at all. Your exquisite harp skills combined with Ash’s composition are a perfect match! Matthew, don’t you agree?”

Matthew nodded. “Indeed, it was very well played.”

In Matthew’s mind, the best rendition was by his mentor, Ash.

The director raised the microphone towards Ashley’s team. “Shirley has finished playing. It’s time for your team to comment.”

Miranda, not well–versed in the harp, commented first, “It was pretty good.”

Then Bryce spoke casually. “It was okay.”

“Bryce, you can’t downplay our team

can I say? I don’t

that,” Hayes said, turning to Ashley with a smile, “What do you think

calmly.

He thought, “What?”

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Chapter 59

taken aback.

she looked at Ashley discontentedly. “Ashley, what do you mean by that?”

at her, unfazed. “The Land is divided into four parts. You played the first two parts well but struggled from the third part onwards, even could not play fluently, almost entirely focusing

upon hearing

indeed challenging from the third part. Many people found it difficult

to

performance did become strained from the third part, focusing more on avoiding mistakes

to others, Shirley’s performance was

upon

harp was her pride and joy, and

in the livestream were

criticize Shirley this way? Does she think too highly of

is a student of the harp maestro Eddy! This

to all. Ashley, a mere amateur, has no right to judge!]

just wants fame and is using this as

Ashley was seeking attention and said disdainfully, “Ashley, what gives you the right to judge

towards the director. The director asked me

and clenching her fists, retorted, “Ashley, I was trained by Mr. Moore, and he never criticized my playing. What right do you have to say that? By

smiled smugly, “I just heard about it. Mr. Moore is

“Good that you know. He never criticized my playing, so what qualifies you to say so?”

played

Shirley, speechless and gritting her teeth, challenged. “Since you say so, Mr. Moore is nearby. Let’s call him over, and you

Shirley looked at the director. T’d like to invite my mentor

nodded immediately. “Of course!”

himself, ‘Eddy is a renowned

presence will be an

nearby, so it won’t take long.

still asked the

comments. After all, encountering someone as prominent as Eddy wasn’t an everyday occurrence. They were eager and delighted at the rare

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