Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 171

Chapter 171

“Since the judges haven’t seen anyone else yet, the opening act just has to avoid mistakes and deliver a few standout moments -it’s an easy way to rack up a high score,” Wendy said. “Even if the performers after are just as talented, it’s tough for them to

beat that first score.”

And just like she said, the next five or six acts couldn’t top the opener. Not a single one managed to surpass that score.

Watching the stage, Wendy tilted her head, a bit puzzled. “Huh? Isn’t this supposed to be a talent showcase? Why is everyone just playing instruments? No singing or dancing?”

After all, singing and dancing counted as talents too.

That’s when Xavier, who had been quietly observing the show, finally spoke up in a lazy drawl. “Singing and dancing don’t really belong on stage in our circles. In families like ours, we grow up learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Even if we never use those skills later, they’re good for maintaining… a certain image.”

Wendy nodded, suddenly getting it. “Ah, that makes sense.”

The stage featured a variety of instruments-pianos, organs, cellos, violins.

One parent, who was also performing a violin duet, seemed to realize the competition was fierce today. Maybe they sensed that winning was out of reach, because they held back a little, and only managed to pull off a score in the eighties.

having a great

a teacher approached Sharon’s

head backstage to

you,” Sharon

of

her voice full of encouragement. “Sharon! Don’t

a faint smile.

easy-not with her

other families were still

showcase was almost over. The top score so far was

subtle shift in the room. A few of the parents glanced in her direction, their gazes tinged with

seen what

without a powerful family name or elite education, she

mistress had more

found a seat

familiar voice rang out-before the

for the showcase? I figured you’d fake a fainting spell at the last