Chapter 167: Familiar Melody

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After Cheng Ye and Qiao Xinhui left, Cheng Yuqi looked at Fang Yuan arrogantly and casually inquired, “Sister, have you learned the piano? Have you ever won an award?”

Gazing at the stage with pride, she continued, “I began piano lessons at the age of four. Teacher Cindy, who rarely takes on disciples, made an exception for me after witnessing my piano skills. Do you know who Teacher Cindy is? She’s a renowned piano master in the country! Many aspire for her guidance but aren’t qualified. Under her tutelage, my piano skills have flourished. I’ve participated in over 50 competitions since childhood!”

Her tone exuded arrogance, and she lifted her chin, asking, “What was your former piano teacher’s name, and what award did she win?”

Possibly not receiving Fang Yuan’s response, Cheng Yuqi turned to her and noticed that Fang Yuan had donned earphones, engrossed in playing games.

Instantly irked, Cheng Yuqi, upon careful consideration, deemed this behavior typical of a rural girl. She was worthless in this lifetime!

After an indeterminate period, the host declared with enthusiasm, “Next up, Fang Jiayi, a second-year student in this competition, will perform a piece for everyone.”

Upon hearing the host’s announcement, Fang Jiayi stood up with a smile and gracefully made her way to the stage. Seating herself at the piano, she took a deep breath before slowly playing her award-winning composition.

Mu You Lan, seated in the front row, initially found the first half of the performance unpleasant. However, as the song progressed, she sensed an inexplicable familiarity, as if she had heard it before.

Whispers filled the audience.

“The climax of her song is truly exceptional. It’s very artistic!”

“It seems my playing skills are a bit rusty. Perhaps it’s due to nervousness.”

“The climax of the song is exceptionally well-crafted. A teenage girl crafting such a remarkable composition…”

Praises for Fang Jiayi echoed through the audience. Even Bai Shan, an authority in the field, beamed with delight and turned to Mu You Lan, saying, “Chairman Mu, are you considering taking on a disciple soon? What are your thoughts on Fang Jiayi?”

Mu Youlan harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Fang family, and consequently, she held no favorable opinion of Fang Jiayi. Additionally, in terms of musical aptitude, she had never encountered a child with superior potential than Fang Yuan in all her years. Fang Yuan’s piano proficiency surpassed hers by a considerable margin.

Although she desired to have Fang Yuan as her disciple, her age made it impractical to consider taking on apprentices.

“This second-place composition is well-written, especially the climax portion. It’s truly delightful!”

“Yes, the climax captivated me. 1 find myself wanting to hear it again after each listen.”

“While the rest of the piece wasn’t as remarkable, the climax was outstanding.”

The guests surrounding Mu You Lan also joined in praising Fang Jiayi’s composition.

Following the conclusion of the performance, Fang Jiayi rose to her feet and bowed to the audience below the stage. As she glanced up, she anticipated seeing the love and admiration in Lu Chen’s eyes as he applauded. Fang Jiayi felt an overwhelming sense of excitement.

She then looked towards Mu You Lan, hoping to witness a trace of regret on her face. Rejecting such a talented disciple was undoubtedly a loss for Mu You Lan! However, Mu You Lan’s expression was less than favorable. She even furrowed her brow, tapping her fingers on the table, lost in thought.

Fang Jiayi was taken aback. Did she not perform well just now? As she considered retracting her gaze, she inadvertently spotted Fang Yuan seated in the third row of the audience, just two seats away from Cheng Yuqi, the daughter of the wealthiest man. Fang Jiayi found it unbelievable. How was this possible?

The occupants of this row were either individuals of high status or competition winners and their families. Fang Yuan, on the other hand, held no such standing. What right did she have to occupy a seat there? Could it be that Cheng Yuqi did not hold a grudge against her? Or was Fang Yuan accompanying a sugar daddy?

Fang Jiayi scrutinized the person beside Fang Yuan. It wasn’t someone of the opposite sex. What kind of financier could elevate Fang Yuan to the same level as the daughter of the wealthiest family? Fang Jiayi felt that Fang Yuan was leading an undeservedly good life!

Due to Fang Jiayi’s elegant bow, the applause from the audience became even more enthusiastic. Even the teachers and seniors at the awards venue were full of praise for Fang Jiayi.

“This piano piece is titled ‘Sorrow,’ but I sensed hope during the climax. It’s as if individuals facing natural and man-made disasters glimpse hope and must strive diligently to endure…”

“Indeed, 1 pictured a scene of natural disaster as well…”

“How coincidental, so did 1!”

Chairman Mu had an epiphany. She finally recognized the source of the familiar feeling —disaster, inspiration, resilience, courage…

As she gazed at the departing girl, her eyes brimmed with disdain.

Subsequently, the host extended an invitation to Cheng Yuqi to take the stage. As the grand finale of the award ceremony, thunderous applause erupted the moment Cheng Yuqi stepped into the spotlight!

Although she couldn’t have Bo Yi and Grandpa Bo attend the award ceremony today, it was satisfying enough to stir envy in Fang Yuan!