Emily was basking in the praises everybody showered her with. Therefore, an ugly expression surfaced on her face when she was interrupted all of a sudden. Even so, she did her best to conceal her expression and pretentiously replied, “Okay!”
Walking over to her piano slowly, she took her seat, picked up the microphone, and said, “I will be playing an original song titled ‘Fireworks’. Please enjoy.”
After that, everybody in the audience stared at the stage with bated breath. Even the audiences watching the live broadcast felt nervous for her. Meanwhile, the people within the music industry glanced at the girl on the stage with high expectations. Turning around, one of them asked, “Mr. Hilbert, do you think your protégé will win?”
Hilbert frowned and shook his head—he did not know. Originally, the probability of winning was quite high. But… Leaving aside the fact that Roxy is equal to Emily in terms of skill, Roxy’s teacher will surely be superior in skill! Upon receiving his response, the people within the music industry felt very strange as to why he did not have the slightest trace of delight on his face.
On the stage, Emily ran her fingers over the black and white keys of the piano under everybody’s gaze. The melodious sound of a ‘Do’ note slowly floated into the audience’s ears, then a beautiful melody soon began to play inside the huge theatre.
The song ‘Fireworks’ was a rather difficult song to play, especially during its climax. Only a skillful pianist could pull off that song. Moreover, the overall theme of the song was powerful and vibrant—it was wild and free—every bit of the song was perfectly balanced.
At this moment, Emily was completely immersed in her performance. Her eyes were slightly closed, and her slender and white hands were dancing across the black and white piano keys.
The other contestants waiting backstage were gripped by nervousness, except for Janet. She lazily leaned back in her chair with her eyes half-closed, listening to Emily’s original song, ‘Fireworks’. I have to admit that Emily’s ‘arranging skills’ have gotten much better. Unless one was a professional or had heard the original version before, one could not tell that the song was an arranged piece. Languidly looking at the screen in front of her, she chuckled softly with a wicked look in her eyes.
Before long, the song reached its climax. Roxy, who was standing beside Janet, frowned in considerable disbelief. He glanced at Janet, “Janet, this…”
“Hmm.” Janet raised her eyebrows; the meaning behind her simple reply was unclear.
Listening to the conversation between them, Hazel couldn’t help turning her head to look at Janet. She saw Janet’s slender and fair fingers tapping against the stool, in time to Emily’s music, and couldn’t help sneering at Janet’s actions. Even at this point, she doesn’t forget to act so pretentiously. Does she really think that she can understand Emily’s music? What right does she have to comment on Emily? She should look at her own abilities first!
The song reached its climax; all the judges present at the venue couldn’t help glancing at each other.
“Not bad. No wonder she’s piqued to win this competition.”
“Yeah. The personal touch in this song, ‘Fireworks’, is very obvious!”
“As expected of Hilbert’s apprentice. It’s incredible!”
On the other hand, Emily gracefully played the piano on the stage. She had begun preparing for this song three months ago without informing Hilbert about it during that whole period. Instead, she secretly practiced it on her own. All her efforts had been for this day. Although her eyes were closed and she couldn’t see Hilbert’s expression, she knew that he looked extremely shocked right now.
Time passed by, little by little, and the song neared its ending. The frown on Hilbert’s face gradually eased, and he nodded in satisfaction. If Emily can maintain this level of skill throughout the competition, then she will definitely be able to get through the advancement round.
