Chapter 171: Refusing to Admit

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The audience voiced their agreement, confirming that the climaxes were indeed identical.

“Chairman Mu is telling the truth. It’s plagiarism!”

“Master Qingyin’s composition is far superior to Fang Jiayi’s!”

Chairman Mu pressed on, “For those who may not fully comprehend, please be patient. I’ll arrange for someone to play the climax of Senior Qingyin’s piece. You can use your ears to discern the similarities!” Her gaze shifted to Wang Jingjing, the third-place winner. “You will play.” Even a third-place finisher would be sufficient to expose Fang Jiayi’s deception.

Wang Jingjing was taken aback by Chairman Mu’s unexpected request, but she swiftly positioned herself at the piano and played the climax as per the music score on the big screen. Each note she played resonated with the identical melody. Even Fang Liguo and Song Ling, who had initially defended their daughter, were left speechless.

Though they may not comprehend the intricacies, the undeniable similarity indicated clear-cut plagiarism.

With every note played by Wang Jingjing, it felt like a stinging rebuke to Fang Jiayi. Eventually, Fang Jiayi’s face turned completely pale.

Seated in the front row were this year’s judges and guests. Teacher Qinling, who had a particular fondness for Fang Jiayi and had been a strong supporter, was now filled with disappointment and anger. She had seen potential in Fang Jiayi, only to be let down by this act of plagiarism.

After Wang Jingjing concluded her performance, the host picked up the microphone and stated solemnly, “While others diligently cultivate their fruit trees, someone decided to pluck the fruits without permission!” His gaze directed at Fang Jiayi. “As the competition host, 1 regret to announce that Fang Jiayi, the winner of this piano competition, is disqualified from participating in similar competitions in the future due to her plagiarism of Master Qingyin’s work!”

Fang Jiayi felt her entire body tremble.

“Now, let’s invite the first and third-place winners to take photos with Chairman Mu for a keepsake…” The host aimed to shift the focus for the reporters to capture this eventful moment.

Fang Jiayi, desperate and cornered, shouted, “I didn’t plagiarize!”

“Even with concrete evidence, you still deny it?”

“Could she really be falsely accused? Look at her eyes. A guilty person should look remorseful, but she doesn’t…”

“But the climax is undeniably the same. If she didn’t plagiarize Master Qingyin’s work, then did Master Qingyin plagiarize her?”

“This is blatant plagiarism!”

Chairman Mu hadn’t anticipated that Fang Jiayi would persist in denying the accusations even at this juncture. Angrily, she remarked, “In the pursuit of fame and profit, people nowadays seem to lack any morals or principles! You plagiarized Senior Qingyin’s work, and the industry is expelling you. Instead of leaving with some dignity, you still refuse to admit your mistake?”

“I did not plagiarize!” Fang Jiayi insisted. “1 composed this song at home! Can Chairman Mu provide evidence that 1 didn’t compose it?”

“Then explain why the climax is identical to Master Qingyin’s work? According to your standards, can you create such a climax?” Mu Youlan clearly did not believe her. “Does anyone believe your claim? You say you didn’t plagiarize. Are you brave enough to repeat it in front of Senior Qingyin?”

What? Senior Qingyin was present?

The audience was astonished. Senior Qingyin had always been shrouded in mystery. No one had ever witnessed her true identity.

Not only did Chairman Mu know her, but it seemed she could even invite her to resolve such a seemingly trivial matter? The appearance of such a distinguished master for this situation was unexpected.

Fang Jiayi, taken aback by Mu Youlan’s assertion that Senior Qingyin was present, felt a sense of unease. The whereabouts of Master Qingyin were famously concealed, and she was never known to step into the spotlight.

Mu Youlan claimed that Senior Qingyin was in the audience, witnessing the alleged plagiarism firsthand. The revelation ignited excitement among the crowd as they scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of the elusive master.

Fang Jiayi, now feeling a growing pressure, wondered whether Mu Youlan intended to call or conduct a video call with Senior Qingyin. The uncertainty made her uneasy, and her palms, freshly manicured earlier that day, had unconsciously turned red.

“Master Qingyin was at the scene, in the audience. She saw you plagiarize her work with her own eyes, but she refused to admit it!” Mu Youlan’s words hung in the air, creating a buzz of anticipation among the attendees as they eagerly looked around for any trace of Master Qingyin.

Fang Jiayi, still shocked by the revelation that Master Qingyin was supposedly present, found it hard to believe that such a renowned and powerful figure would attend the award ceremony of a relatively small competition.

Mu Youlan addressed the girl in the audience with utmost respect and caution, “Senior, I’m truly sorry for disturbing you over such a small matter.. 1 had hoped to resolve it swiftly…” Her tone shifted as she cast a fierce gaze towards Fang Jiayi, “1 didn’t expect this girl not only to plagiarize your song but also shamelessly deny the act of plagiarism! This is not only disrespectful to you but also disrespectful to all original works!”