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."

Voices of approval echoed through the room. Seeing this, the owner had no choice but to agree to the rule change.

"Alright, since everyone wants to participate, we'll change the rules. From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the participant with the most votes will get an extra ten points."

Hearing this, Hattie sat down, satisfied. She was currently leading in votes, with Violeta behind. Hattie believed the owner must have been biased towards Violeta before; otherwise, why would Violeta always score higher?

The owner turned to Violeta, who had remained silent. "Ms. White, do you have any objections?"

Violeta replied, "No, I don't."

"Good, let's start the third round, then."

The owner picked up the sheet music and began leafing through it.

"Let's try 'Eight Views of Longpeace'."

He had a talent for choosing the most challenging pieces. Mastering this one required not just technical skill but also the ability to convey its deeper meaning.

Inspired by a famous poem and painting more 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 'Dahlia Lullaby.'

Hattie knew of the piece's difficulty, and her enthusiasm waned. She glanced at Violeta.

"Violeta, I played first last time. You should go first this round."

"Then I'll take the lead."

Hattie 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 evening glow.

Playing a piece that evoked such imagery was no easy task.

Even if Violeta possessed the skill, who here would recognize it? Hattie remained sceptical.

This was precisely why the owner had chosen the piece. He wanted to gauge Violeta's true talent.

Violeta paused for a moment, then placed her hands on the strings and began to play.

Hattie, who had never closely observed Violeta's playing, now watched intently.

Violeta's 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 gradually filled the room.

The piece, steeped in the distinct charm of ancient music, seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem and each poem with a vivid scene.

Slowly, Hattie found herself drawn into the world Violeta's music created.

The melody painted vivid pictures in her mind.

Hattie furrowed her brow slightly.

Harbor City never experienced snow; it was situated in the southern region of Hoiten, east of the Pearl River Estuary.

During her childhood, Hannah was rarely at home but strict with Hattie and her brother.

Whenever Hannah returned, she promised Hattie that if she behaved, they would go skiing together. This promise kindled in Hattie a deep longing for snowy landscapes.

However, Hannah never kept her

promise, even as Hattie grew older. Hattie's first encounter with snow happened during a trip to Jouston

with Benson to see Mount Fuujii. en.swhovels.net

She finally saw the snow she had yearned for, but the disappointment from her childhood still lingered.

As she listened to Violeta's music, Hattie was transported back to her childhood dreams and the repeated disappointments.

Her heart ached, and she lowered her gaze.

Clap, clap, clap-

When Hattie snapped back to the present, the room was filled with thunderous applause. Almost everyone was clapping for Violeta.