Zion paused for a moment, then raised the scorecard in his hand. “Nine points.”


    The entire audience gasped in surprise, buzzing with conversations. The highest score for the previous contestants was only eight-point live, so everyone knew about Zion’s strict judging.


    With Ruby scoring nine points, it practically assured her victory. Was there any suspense left now?


    Nellie couldn’t hide her glee, and Reba gave Yvette a gloating look. They thought, “Why didn’t she have any reaction? Is she just pretending? Let’s see if she can keep up that nonchnt attitudeter..


    Only Zachary looked at Yvette with concern. Yvette was so mysterious. Zachary couldn’t quite figure out Yvette’s piano skills whether she could y at all, and how good she might be. But deep down, he still doubted Yvette could win against Ruby


    Zion looked at Ruby, who was trying her best to hide her joy on stage, and spoke softly. “Well done. You’ve made great progress. It’s clear how much effort you’ve put into this piece ‘Dream’ by Mr. Brooks. You’ve truly grasped the mood of the piece”


    He continued. “I hope you always remember your mindset while ying ‘Dream’ today. Only by staying true to yourself can. you go further on the piano path.” Zion subtly emphasized the importance of “attitude” to Ruby.


    Ruby was already dazed by the high score. She only knew she had scored the highest among everyone and simply ignored


    Zion’sments.


    Ruby had another n, she was determined to aplish something at this event today. If she seeded, she could finally join Zion’s studio, something she had always dreamed about


    Ruby clenched her fingers, staring straight at Zion, with ambition and desire inly visible in her eyes. “Mr. Holmes, do you think my ying is good enough for you to give me a chance to join your studio?”


    Zion frowned, his expression turning cold. Such petty tactics-he hadn’t expected Ruby to ask such a question in front of


    everyone


    Zion remainedposed. “Ms. Scott, my studio has an annual assessment. If you’re interested, you can apply for that. At that time, the instructors will assess and decide whether to ept you. For now, let’s focus on thepetition.”


    Ruby gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, her nails digging to her palms. She thought she had performed well enough this time, and even Zion had already praised her. Why wouldn’t he give her a chance?


    Why did she have to wait for the studio instructors to review? She knew that in the end, Zion would have the final say in his studio In short, Zion just wasn’t willing to give her the opportunity.


    Ruby forced a smile, knowing she wasn’t yet capable of confronting Zion. She could only find a way to back down with so many people present, suppressing her anger and dissatisfaction.


    “All right, Mr. Holmes,” she replied.


    After Ruby stepped down, everyone knew who was up next. In unison, all eyes looked to the first row. It was quiet. Why wasn’t anyone moving?


    Bonnte lowered her head and whispered, “Yve, it’s your turn.”


    Yvette instantly opened her eyes, still a bit sleepy, and yawned.


    Reba and the others in the first couple of rows were speechless. This was apetition; why was she soid back? Did Yvette think this was just a game?


    Even Jaiden was a bit surprised this time. Yvette’sposure was impressive. However, whether she had the skills or was just acting remained to be seen.


    Jaiden nced over at Simon and cautiously asked. “You’re quite interested in Yvette, aren’t you?”


    Simon and Jaiden have been friends for many years, but they still have secrets between them. Lewis Group also invested in chip research


    Yvette’s identity as “S” was top secret. James had repeatedly warned her not to let anyone know of her identity.


    Regardless of whether Yvette wanted to join theb or not, she would definitely be a highly protected national talent in


    the future.


    Simon didn’t trust Jaiden, as he was ultimately a businessman. He absolutely couldn’t allow anything unexpected to happen. to Yvette right under his nose.


    Simon waved his hand casually. “It’s just that the kid caught my eye, so I paid more attention to her.”


    Jaiden nodded, still a bit doubtful. He thought, What could a kid from the Chambers family in the countryside possibly be capable of? She really has nothing worthy of Simon’s attention. I must be her quirky personality. But since when did Simon start liking such quirky students?”


    On the other side, Yvettezily rolled up her sleeves, tilted her head slightly, and lifted her gaze; her eyes were cold and


    calm


    She stood up and walked onto the stage. Even the way she walked showed a hint of nonchnce. The stage lights followed Yvette as she moved.


    Yvette shot a nce at the distant tform, feeling a bit annoyed Didn’t the lighting crew notice that? Winning aside, who wouldn’t want to take a longer look at such stunning beauty? Everyone could see that attractive people received special


    UcanchL.


    Considering the previous performers, the lights only came on after they sat down to y the piano. But for Yvette, the lights followed her even before she got on stage. It was a good move


    Under the dazzling lights, Yvette’s face was wlessly like ivory; even her slightly lowered jawline was perfectly without blemish. Her gaze was both rebellious and alluring, causing a collective gasp from the audience.All content is ? N0velDrama.Org.


    Yvette slowly walked to the piano and extended her right hand to casually press a few keys. The sound was okay, considering the piano was a beginner-level model.


    Sitting in the audience, Ruby felt disdain. She felt that Yvette was just wasting time. Zion stared at Yvette, who had just sat at the piano, his eyes full of anticipation.


    The host on stage felt a bit awkward. All the pieces were impromptu, with no pre-arranged order. This was an idea Ruby and the student council came up with to add mystery and excitement to the pianopetition.


    The host thought Yvette would change into another dress backstage or something, so she didn’t hurry to ask for her piece.


    Unexpectedly, she didn’t follow the norm and just casually wore her sportswear onstage. It was the first time the host had seen such a situation. She had hosted many events, but Yvette was the first to perform in sportswear.


    The host had to bite the buller and ask, “Ms. Zeller, what’s the piece you’ll be performing?”


    Yvette lowered her gaze, her eyes distant, her voice soft but clear. “Dream


    “All right, let’s have Ms. Zeller bring us… What Dream?” The host’s mind went nk for a moment. She thought, ‘Isn’t this the same piece Ruby just performed?


    With uncertainty and hesitation, the host asked again, “Ms. Zeller, what is your Dream?”


    Yvette shifted her gaze from the piano to the host, feeling annoyed. “Dream by Bryan.”


    The auditorium, which had just quieted down, erupted once more. Ruby suddenly shot up from her seat. She couldn’t believe it: her mind was buzzing


    Had Yvette gone crazy? Choosing the same piece as her? What was she trying to achieve? “Did I hear that right? Yvette chose the same piece. Dream? Pinch me, I must still be asleep


    Another replied, “No… I heard it too.”


    “Seriously? Wow, this Yvette is really daring. Ruby just scored a high nine,” someone said.


    “I think she’s taking on more than she can handle,” onemented.


    Another said, “Not necessarily, have you all forgotten? What happened in the Frixyiapetition…”


    Zion was also quite surprised. He cleared his throat. “Ms. Zeller, since you’ve made your choice, let’s begin.”