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."

Violeta won by a landslide, with eleven more votes than Hattie.

The owner declared, "As per the rules, Violeta gets an additional ten points!"

Hattie lowered her gaze and said nothing.

Earlier, when Violeta had scored higher, Hattie would have protested.

But now...

Hattie had genuinely lost herself in Violeta's music.

Though she was always proud, hearing Violeta play made her realise just how far she had to go. She found herself speechless.

The shop owner glanced at Hattie. "Ms. Ridge, Violeta earns an extra ten points. Do you have any objections this time?"

There was only silence.

Hattie said nothing.

Zelena noticed Hattie's silence and felt a pang of urgency.

She had hoped Hattie would fiercely compete with Violeta. Now, seeing Hattie retreat, Zelena was deeply disappointed.

After a moment, Hattie spoke. "No more competitions. I'm done."

With that, she stood up and walked away from the guzheng.

Zelena and her friends, unsure of what to do, followed her out.

Including the round without Violeta, Hattie had played four pieces, scoring 8, 8, 9, and nothing for the last round.

Violeta had played three pieces, each scoring a perfect 10.

Hattie's total score was 25. Violeta's was 30. Hattie had lost.

After Hattie left, the shop owner addressed the audience. "Does anyone else want to participate in the challenge?"

No answer.

The audience remained silent.

The owner then turned to Violeta. "Ms. White, do you wish to continue?"

With no opponents left, Violeta found playing alone somewhat dull.

She checked the time and realised it was nearly time to meet at the guesthouse for lunch.

Violeta smiled at the owner. "No, I'm done for now."

The owner nodded, jotting down the final scores for Hattie and Violeta, ready for the next challengers to step up.

If Violeta's score remained unchallenged, she would emerge as the undisputed victor of the contest.

Standing up, Violeta was presented with two exquisitely crafted wooden zither hangers by a nearby attendant. "Here you go, students!" the attendant declared.

Kaylee took one and inspected it closely. "Wow, it's beautifully intricate, and it's made of wood!"

"Thank you," Violeta acknowledged.

With that, they departed together.

Nolan and his companions, hidden amidst the dispersing crowd, approached to retrieve their own hangers.

They had just witnessed the musical duel between Violeta and Hattie.

"Mr. President, who'd have imagined these

talenungsters possessed s talent? Violeta's performance suche

outstanding."

Nolan cast a fleeting smirk towards Violeta's retreating form. "Now do you think this is worth the trip?"

"Absolutely!"

"Hahaha..."

At midday, everyone convened at the guesthouse for a communal lunch.

In the afternoon, they joined a local

spots explore various scenic

the ancient town,

on foot throughout. Citing

belongs

By dinnertime, fatigue had settled upon them all, yet the day had proven rewarding.

Over dinner, Nolan outlined the agenda for the next day: they would embark on a boating excursion.