Chapter 251
Violeta checked the clock and saw it was just half past ten.
They needed to assemble at the lodging by twelve, still ninety minutes away.
“Okay, I’ll give it a shot!”
The owner, Darwin, was extremely pleased.
The photographer’s voice echoed faintly, “Darwin, what did you just curse me for?”
Darwin turned and scowled at him, “Why did you take Dawn without my consent? What if it gets damaged?”
The photographer replied, “I noticed the finest zither on the wall, so I borrowed it.”
Darwin retorted, “Haha, you certainly have good taste, always choosing the best!”
Violeta and Kaylee strolled over from the pond, carrying the zither carefully.
Upon seeing them, the two didn’t argue anymore.
“Let’s go! You can now participate in the zither challenge. Oh, by the way, there’s another participant. The two of you can go together.”
“Alright.”
The group reached the zither shop.
A lengthy queue still awaited them at the entrance, and at that instant, Nolan and his companions also arrived at the zither shop.
Hattie was seated in front of the zither, already growing impatient.
Upon finally spotting the owner, she eagerly exclaimed, “Let’s begin, I’m short on time!”
Upon uttering those words, she noticed Violeta and Kaylee behind the owner. Her expression immediately soured.
Why are these two people here again?
Darwin stepped forward and apologized, “Apologies for the delay. We have another participant joining the challenge now. How about the two of you play together?”
Violeta set down the Dawn beside her and seated herself behind the zither next to Hattie Ridge.
Zelena and her companions noticed Violeta and began taunting her.
“Why did Violeta show up?”
“Can she even play any instrument?”
“Instruments demand genuine skill, not something she can fake.”
“Hattie has achieved level ten in zither. She’ll outperform Violeta for sure.”
“Why does Violeta keep showing up everywhere?”
Darwin handed the sheet music to Violeta to review.
“Take a moment to review the music score first. The rules for the challenge are simple. I will select one song from the score, and you will perform it. I will evaluate your performance, and the participant with the highest total score will win. Oh, and just so you know, failing to perform the selected piece will result in elimination.”
Violeta quickly scanned through the music score. It contained a variety of songs, ranging from well- known to more obscure compositions.
As she leafed through the score, memories of her zither practice flooded back.
Pieces she had nearly forgotten now came vividly to mind.
Violeta had thought she had moved on, but these memories were etched deep in her heart. How could she forget them?
She took more time than Hattie to review the score.
Beside her, Hattie sneered, “Violeta, are you trying to cram at the last minute? If you can’t play, just say it. Staring at it for so long won’t change anything.”
After the riddle guessing, Hattie admitted that she wasn’t as skilled as Violeta. She acknowledged that.
However, when it came to playing the zither, she had been studying for many years.
She was confident she would never lose to Violeta.
Violeta softly shut the music score and passed it to Darwin.
“I’m ready.”
“Great.”
Next to them, Zelena’s eyes fixated on the traditional outfit that Violeta was dressed in.
Perhaps the sunlight was too harsh. At that moment, she felt as though she saw a glimpse of Violeta from her past life.
Zelena, feeling jealous, remarked sarcastically, “We’re all in ordinary attire, only they’ve chosen to dress uniquely, so distinctive.”
Gillian chimed in, “Yes, intentionally standing out, that’s all.”
Candy remarked, “Don’t assume that dressing in traditional attire guarantees high points. A golden-rimmed chamber pot is still a chamber pot.”
Kaylee responded with an eye-roll, commenting, “Oh, some individuals are akin to the vinegar-soaked cabbage from an ancient jar, intensely sour.”
Darwin declared, “Let the challenge begin. Hattie has already scored eight points earlier. Violeta, give it your utmost effort.”
He leafed through the sheet music.
“Beyond the Ridge,” he announced.
“Who would like to begin?”
Maybe after hearing Violeta perform “Melody of the Battle” previously, Darwin expected more from her.
The piece “Beyond the Ridge” is the highest level in the grade ten zither repertoire, demanding the performer to possess extensive zither skills.
Additionally, it requires a deep cultural understanding and an appreciation for nature. Darwin doubted whether these two young ladies, who appeared to be around twenty years old, could accomplish it.
Violeta stayed quiet.
Hattie stepped up and said, “I’ll go first.”
Darwin responded, “Alright, please proceed.”
Violeta was also eager to see how proficient Hattie was with the zither.
Nolan and his group arrived at the front just in time to watch their performance.
Hattie relished being the centre of attention, convinced she was destined to be in the spotlight.
She looked down at the strings, expertly plucking them to create a beautiful melody.
Aware of Violeta’s gaze, Hattie felt an added determination to impress her, demonstrating her skills without reservation.
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Hattie’s zither performances are undeniably enjoyable.
Nonetheless, as previously noted by Darwin, her playing lacks a sense of connection between herself and the music. Her emphasis seems to be solely on demonstrating her technical prowess, resulting in a noticeable absence of emotion. A zither piece without emotion is dry.
The technique is crucial, but achieving top-tier
musical tones also require time for maturation and refinement. Many aspects are perceptible to listeners attuned to music.
The music concluded.
Darwin applauded, “Well done, Miss. Your dedication to zither practice is evident. Yet, I can only award you eight points.”
gaze Hattie’s expression darkened, her intense.
“Why?” she inquired.
Darwin responded, “I’ve already explained my reasons earlier. I prefer not to repeat myself.”
“Violeta, please.”
While Hattie was performing on the zither moments ago, Violeta had already applied her fingerpicks.
She offered the owner a slight smile, saying, “Okay.”
Then, she cast her eyes down to the strings, mentally tracing the musical score. Her initial notes mirrored Hattie’s exactly.
However, as the piece progressed into its middle section, distinctions began to emerge.
Hattie’s rendition of “Beyond the Ridge” lacked depth in its complex emotional shifts.
However, Violeta’s performance highlighted the emotional changes within the music and contrasts in dynamics when plucking the strings.
As Darwin listened, his satisfaction grew steadily.
The primary distinction between Violeta and Hattie lies herein.
Although both possessed impeccable skills, the divergence lay in this aspect.
Darwin gazed at Violeta with growing admiration, while Hattie struggled to discern what made Violeta’s performance stand out.
She was slightly taken aback by Violeta’s ability to play the zither. However, apart from that, she didn’t find Violeta’s performance particularly impressive.
The music concluded.
Kaylee enthusiastically clapped beside them, “Clap clap clap!”
“Vio, your performance was outstanding!”
Darwin chimed in with praise, “Excellent job, Violeta. You have a deep understanding of this piece. It’s remarkable to see someone your age play with such skill.
“I’m giving you a perfect ten!”
Hattie was taken aback.
She abruptly stood up from her chair and exclaimed, “Why? Where do Violeta and I differ in the completeness of this piece?”
Darwin sighed, “Emotion.”
He continued, “When Violeta plays, the piece showcases emotional changes and stark contrasts in string plucking. Hattie, that’s where the gap lies between you two.”
Hattie was utterly baffled!
Indeed, she was perplexed.
The key difference between her and Violeta was decades of experience.
While Hattie had devoted many years to mastering the zither, so had Violeta. The distinction lay in the amount of time Violeta had invested, not less than Hattie. Music, like people, requires accumulation.
Hattie was reluctant to accept this outcome.
However, Darwin insisted on awarding Violeta a perfect ten score, leaving Hattie no room to contest.
In total, Hattie had 16 points, whereas Violeta scored a perfect 10.
Considering her higher score compared to Violeta, Hattie chose not to contest the decision at that moment.
“Let’s begin! Next piece.”
She still couldn’t believe it. Could Violeta really play better than her?
Darwin continued to flip through the music scores.
“Next song, ‘Dahlia Lullaby”
Hattie insisted, “Let me go first!”
“Sure.”
She began to play.
The “Dahlia Lullaby” painted a picture of graceful and vibrant dahlia flowers swaying in the breeze.
Hattie still earned a perfect score for her technical proficiency.
As the piece concluded, the onlookers joined in applause.
“Amazing performance!”
“Indeed, so beautiful and skillful in playing the zither.”
Hattie experienced a sense of satisfaction upon hearing the compliments from the crowd.
She cast a quick look towards Violeta.
Violeta paid no attention to her and proceeded to start playing.
Darwin had a knack for selecting pieces. The one he chose blended the theatrical elements and characteristics of the Allureville region, combining fast and slow rhythms to evoke a picturesque scene of Allureville’s misty rain and charm.
He leaned back with satisfaction, occasionally nodding in approval.
Wonderful.
Absolutely wonderful!
As the melody faded away, a hush settled over the audience.
Unlike the response to Hattie’s earlier performance, they seemed so captivated by the music that they forgot to applaud, still lost in its lingering resonance.
Only after Darwin applauded and praised with a “Well done!” did the crowd join in with their applause.
In the crowd, Nolan joined in with applause, and soon everyone else followed suit, clapping enthusiastically.
Onlookers enjoyed the spectacle, while those knowledgeable appreciated the nuances.
Hattie played exceptionally well.
Violeta played very well too, but between their performances, Hattie lacked something.
It was an experiential quality, something that must be nurtured over time.
Imagine asking a ten-year-old to perform the rumba dance. While she might execute all the steps flawlessly, she lacks the maturity and allure of an adult dancer.
Determining excellence can be challenging, but it’s clear that Violeta and Hattie differ significantly in their skill and artistic expression. Violeta’s playing exhibits a more refined and natural proficiency compared to Hattie’s, emphasizing artistic interpretation.
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“Ms. White, your interpretation of this piece is truly exceptional. I award you a perfect score of ten.”
“Ms. Ridge, your performance was also remarkable. You receive a nine.”
With one receiving a ten and the other a nine, Hattie found herself trailing Violeta by a single point once more. The gap was closing once again
Frustrated, Hattie stood up and addressed the boss, “This isn’t fair. With so many people here, why should you be the only judge? Music is subjective; everyone has different tastes. I think everyone here should vote and score.”
The boss hesitated. “Well…!
Hattie signaled to Zelena and the others. Zelena spoke up, “Yes since both are competing, why not let everyone here participate in the voting? That would be fair.”
Gillian added, “I agree. Music can’t be judged by one person alone. If you’re biased towards Violeta, wouldn’t her scores always be higher?”
The store owner waved his hand dismissively. “I don’t know either of these students personally. How could I be biased?”
Candy chimed in, “Since that’s the case, let everyone here vote and score. That would be the fairest way.
Right, everyone?”
“Yes!”
“That sounds good. I support it.”
“Agreed.”
Voices of approval echoed through the room. Seeing this, the owner had no choice but to agree to the rule change.
“Alright, since everyone wants to participate, we’ll change the rules. From the next round, everyone will get a vote, and the participant with the most votes will get an extra ten points.”
Hearing this, Hattie sat down, satisfied. She was currently leading in votes, with Violeta behind. Hattie believed the owner must have been biased towards Violeta before; otherwise, why would Violeta always score higher?
The owner turned to Violeta, who had remained silent. “Ms. White, do you have any objections?”
Violeta replied, “No, I don’t.”
“Good, let’s start the third round, then.”
The owner picked up the sheet music and began leafing through it.
“Let’s try ‘Eight Views of Longpeace.”
He had a talent for choosing the most challenging pieces. Mastering this one required not just technical skill but also the ability to convey a deeper meaning.
Inspired by a famous poem and painting more than 100 years ago, this composition depicted the Eight Views of Centrefield. Even today, the region’s poem about these scenes remains well-known. Capturing the essence of these views in music was even more demanding than playing ‘Dahlia Lullaby.
Hattie knew of the piece’s difficulty, and her enthusiasm waned. She glanced at Violeta.
“Violeta, I played first last time. You should go first this round.”
“Then I’ll take the lead.”
Hattie smirked slightly, doubting Violeta could truly bring out the piece’s essence. ‘Eight Views of Longpeace’ illustrated scenes like snowy peaks, windy bridges, a misty cottage, mountains, an ancient ferry, flowing waters, and evening glow.
Playing a piece that evoked such imagery was no easy task.
Even if Violeta possessed the skill, who here would recognize it? Hattie remained skeptical.
This was precisely why the owner had chosen the piece. He wanted to gauge Violeta’s true talent.
Violeta paused for a moment, then placed her hands on the strings and began to play.
Hattie, who had never closely observed Violeta’s playing, now watched intently.
Violeta’s technique was flawless, each movement of her fingers whether plucking, striking, or strumming-was precise. The notes emerged from her fingertips, weaving a melody that gradually filled the room.
The piece, steeped in the distinct charm of ancient music, seamlessly intertwined each segment with a poem and each poem with a vivid scene.
Slowly, Hattie found herself drawn into the world Violeta’s music created.
The melody painted vivid pictures in her mind.
Hattie furrowed her brow slightly.
Harbor City never experienced snow; it was situated in the southern region of Hoiten, east of the Pearl River Estuary.
During her childhood, Hannah was rarely at home but strict with Hattie and her brother.
Whenever Hannah returned, she promised Hattie that if she behaved, they would go skiing together. This promise kindled in Hattie a deep longing for snowy landscapes.
However, Hannah never kept her promise, even as Hattie grew older. Hattie’s first encounter with snow happened during a trip to Jouston with Benson to see Mount Fuujii.
She finally saw the snow she had yearned for, but the disappointment from her childhood still lingered.
As she listened to Violeta’s music, Hattie was transported back to her childhood dreams and the repeated disappointments.
Her heart ached, and she lowered her gaze.
Clap, clap, clap-
When Hattie snapped back to the present, the room was filled with thunderous applause. Almost everyone was clapping for Violeta.
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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, 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 realize 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 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 realized 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 youngsters possessed such talent? Violeta’s performance was 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 guide to explore various scenic spots in the ancient town, navigating on foot throughout.
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.
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The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.
After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow’s boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o’clock for the boat arrangements.
Few were keen, while most were apathetic.
Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the days of walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water….
The student council’s mandate was clear and set by the school.
If their group couldn’t muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader’s rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.
“Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven’t an ounce of strength left for rowing.”
“Yeah, there’s no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen.”
“I’m still not going. Water terrifies me.”
“I’m not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye.”
More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.
After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.
Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.
Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.
Perhaps they expected Violeta to plead with them to join, but instead, she promptly handed over their funds and left.
Returning to her quarters, she prepared for bed.
Kaylee, learning of this, fretted, “Violeta, what should we do now? They won’t go.”
Violeta rolled over. “Forget about it and get some sleep. If they don’t want to go, then so be it..”
In the end, she wouldn’t suffer for it.
They likely felt the outing wasn’t worth their effort.
But Violeta had scoped out the endpoint of the boating trip.
That place…
It promised significant rewards!
The next morning came.
As anticipated, only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the boating venture.
This pair usually kept a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid any rifts with Violeta.
Typically, a boat could accommodate ten individuals.
Unlike other classes, which nearly filled two boats each, their group had only four participants, with just one lad taking the lead. It looked rather forlorn.
Eager to step up, Violeta positioned herself at the bow, taking charge as the navigator.
Nolan noticed their meager numbers and dispatched two lads from the student council as reinforcements to bolster their crew.
Though still undermanned, it lessened their plight somewhat.
Before they commenced rowing, Nolan declared that their destination lay at Lake Skyward ahead, where locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated to a sumptuous crab banquet!
At the mention of a crab feast, everyone’s excitement soared.
Lake Skyward crabs were renowned far and wide!
Violeta smirked knowingly. She had suspected this treat since last night when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward’s fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this boating activity to reward the students with a feast.
Kaylee beamed with delight. “Bet the guys who skipped out are going to beat themselves up when they find out!”
Just before they commenced, Nolan, clad in a life jacket, joined Violeta’s boat to assist with rowing.
They set off on their journey.
On Violeta’s boat, comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student council helpers, they totalled seven.
Though not at full capacity, their smaller group facilitated swifter maneuvers. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers, their rowing speed proved surprisingly swift.
Violeta and Nolan positioned themselves at the bow, each managing a side of the vessel, asserting their leadership.
In the centre sat Kaylee and their classmate, accompanied by her boyfriend just behind her, while at the stern, the two stalwart student council aides prepared to support.
With the first dip of the oars, they swiftly propelled forward.
Despite outnumbering Violeta’s team, the other groups lacked coordination, their motions
disjointed and sluggish.
Following the cues on the lake’s surface, Violeta and Nolan’s synchronized efforts effortlessly distanced themselves from the rest.
Meanwhile, those who opted out of the rowing expedition gathered back at the inn.
They had declined Violeta’s invite owing to promises made the night before by Zelena and Hattie, who had pledged to treat them to a meal at a local restaurant the following day.
This assurance had convinced them to stay behind.
Expecting to rise around noon and venture into the ancient town in search of food, they were taken aback.
Many of the bustling eateries from the previous day had shuttered their doors, and numerous shops were mysteriously absent.
After a prolonged search, they found no restaurant capable of accommodating their large group.
The inn had not prepared lunch, anticipating that the school’s arranged crab feast would suffice. Thus, not only were they deprived of lunch, but dinner remained elusive as well.
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“What are we going to do for lunch, then?”
“Why have so many of the town’s restaurants closed up?”
“Are they no longer open for business? It’s all rather peculiar!”
The inn staff were taken aback to find them all still in town.
“Didn’t you lot go out rowing together?”
“No.”
“Well, that’s a shame!”
The inn staff looked genuinely sorry. “Your school had organized the rowing activity to finish up at Lake Skyward, famous for its crabs. Many of the town’s restaurant owners were called in to help cook there, but you missed out.”
Half of the restaurant owners were busy preparing meals, while the rest didn’t want to miss the crab feast and set off early in the morning.
That was why the town was now so quiet.
On hearing this, everyone was dumbfounded. Silence grasped them.
Then, shock grabbed their hearts.
What? Today’s rowing is meant to end with a crab feast at Lake Skyward!?
Good Lord, we’ve missed out, big time!
Why hadn’t they mentioned this earlier?
Someone piped up, “Why didn’t you tell us yesterday? I would have definitely joined in!”
The innkeeper happened to pass by and chuckled at the comment. “Lake Skyward is near our town, and it’s really renowned. Didn’t you check all the info beforehand?”
A momentary silence followed.
“No.”
“Well, that’s a shame. But don’t fret. Even though we didn’t prepare meals today, we’ve got plenty of instant noodles in the pantry to tide you over.”
Instant noodles!?
How could instant noodles compare to a crab feast?
They were speechless.
Words failed them.
They had assumed rowing would be a fruitless task, but now they were told there were rewards waiting.
“Then bring them out quick. I’m famished. Haven’t eaten a thing since morning, and it’s already noon.”
The innkeeper motioned for a staff member to fetch the instant noodles, but cautioned, “Mind you, the instant noodles aren’t complimentary.”
Silence hung in the air.
Previously, expenses were covered by the school, hence there were no charges.
However, today, with the school arranging a lavish crab feast at Lake Skyward that was open for everyone, these students opting for noodles at the inn meant the owner couldn’t extend free hospitality.
Meanwhile, on the shores of Lake Skyward, Violeta and her companions had already assembled at the lakeside mansion for the crab banquet.
While custom dictated first-come, first-served, it was more of a motivational ploy for the rowers. In the end, everyone would have an equal portion.
At the mansion, a bountiful spread of fresh food awaited, buffet-style, offering everyone the freedom to savour as they pleased.
For city-raised youngsters, a crab banquet was a rare indulgence.
Today, they could feast to their heart’s content.
They could even acquire keepsakes carved from wood. They were made in the image of crabs.
The craftsmen put a lot of work into these souvenirs. Every crab had little differences between one another, but all looked like they could spring to life at any moment.
Post-feast, they were treated to crab-catching and a tour of the ecological farms, an enlightening experience indeed.
Dinner proved a hearty affair, eclipsing lunch in both warmth and variety.
They didn’t have to row back; transport was arranged, and they were all ferried back to the town together.
It was a day’s end that couldn’t have been more perfect.
The couple who had joined Violeta’s group couldn’t hide their elation.
Initially hesitant about the boating trip, they had expected little in return.
Little did they know they were headed for such a heavenly destination.
They captured numerous photos and shared them, quickly catching the eye of their classmates.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, everyone else made do with instant noodles. They crumbled about the lack of exquisite crab soup and could only enhance their meal with a lone sausage!
As the images spread like wildfire, envy and remorse swept through the group. Some even directed their frustration towards Zelena and Hattie.
“There’s a crab feast out there, and I’m stuck here with noodle soup. The difference is stark!”
“Yeah, if I’d known, I’d have joined Violeta without hesitation. It’s just unbelievable.”
“I’m a sucker for crab roe. Seeing that crab roe mixed with rice in the photos is making my mouth water.
Zelena and Hattie, seated nearby, exchanged eye rolls at the grievances aired.
Hattie, known for her fiery temperament, rose abruptly from her seat and retorted, “What’s the fuss? It’s just crabs. Ever tried king crab? When we return, I’ll treat you all at Yumloft. Enough fuss over something so trivial. It’s beyond belief.”
With that declaration, Hattie stormed off upstairs to her room.
Zelena, also standing now, addressed the group with a reassuring smile, “Don’t let it get to you, everyone. That’s just how Hattie is. Rest assured, since we promised yesterday to treat you, we’ll make good on it. When we’re back, forget the crab banquet; we’ll treat you to a lavish seafood feast.”
Silence swooped down on the room.
With one as the tough enforcer and the other as the comforting voice, they managed to mend fences and soothe bruised egos.
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Gillian and Candy chimed in agreement, “Yeah, everyone stops complaining. Crab feasts aren’t all that great; eat too much and you’ll end up with gout!”
On the third day in town, Violeta visited the riddle guessing stall and noticed a change in the rankings.
Her previous score had been surpassed, pushing her to second place.
Since she was already there, she decided to try her hand at the riddles again.
After an hour of effort, Violeta boosted her score to over eighty points, overtaking the second place with just over thirty points, thus reclaiming her spot at the top.
She even won a small rabbit-shaped lantern.
In the afternoon, she tried her hand at shadow puppetry, which was a novel experience.
Hattie’s plans to earn extra credits were thwarted by Violeta.
Consequently, on the third day, Hattie stayed put at the inn, spending the day watching variety shows.
The next day, they returned to Quinston.
A week later, the list of credits earned in the town came out. After verification, Violeta had earned a total of six credits.
Hattie, on the other hand, didn’t earn a single credit and even faced a complaint from the riddle guessing stall owner.
However, such complaints didn’t bother Hattie much; she was more concerned about the possibility of failing her finals, and spending the next week in the library.
Through Zelena’s connections, she privately arranged dinners with a few teachers, gave some gifts, and managed to secure her grades for the finals.
Zelena sold this favour to Hattie, who promised to take Zelena to Harbor City to meet Hannah during the winter break.
Zelena knew this was a turning point and wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Half a month later, the finals arrived.
Once again, Violeta secured the top spot in her field with the best grades.
After exams, classmates went their separate ways, and Toland University officially began its winter break.
Quinston started cooling down and snowing. Today’s first snowfall was unusually slow in coming.
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm amber glow across the room where Violeta reclined on the sofa, engrossed in her phone. Outside, as the weather chilled, Tuna’s fur thickened noticeably. Yet, indoors, where the fire blazed, he lay by the window, fixated on the world beyond.
As the year’s end approached, Irene’s schedule grew frantic, keeping her away from home for days on end.
At the theatre, preparations for the Spring Gala were in full swing, meticulously planned by Irene, the chief director, months in advance.
Meanwhile, Niall and Anton toiled long hours, commuting early and returning late daily.
Amidst the busy White household, Violeta found herself with the luxury of spare time.
Each morning, she rose when she wanted to, taking Tuna to the park, while Hera, off getting a custom headgear abroad, might not return until after the New Year.
Across the entertainment landscape, Nolan’s latest creation, ‘Night On the River,’ which he both filmed and directed, debuted on Blue Channel during primetime. The series showcased Nolan’s talent and was backed by significant investment.
Violeta tuned in as well, impressed by its quality production and with Wade’s writing prowess ensuring high viewer ratings.
Industry insiders had anticipated its success, and indeed, within just two hours of airing, the first episode surpassed ten million viewers.
Nolan had become an overnight sensation, his Facebook following exploding by the millions and still growing.
Violeta recognized this as the beginning of Nolan’s rise to stardom.
Even she, his junior, faced inquiries about him while working on the promotional MV for ‘MLSS’ and shooting posters. Staff, upon learning of their connection, subtly probed her for insights.
Regrettably, Violeta’s response remained consistent: “Sorry, I don’t know him well.”
Staff members, though disappointed, offered reassurance, “No worries, Violeta. You’re in performing arts as well, and I have a good eye for talent. You’re destined for stardom too!”
Violeta smiled graciously, “Thank you for your kind words.”
With her sophomore year looming, Violeta knew bigger challenges awaited her, building upon the successes and lessons of her freshman year.
If all unfolded as Violeta anticipated, the sophomore year would witness Hattie and Zelena springing into action.
Already, many luminaries in their circles had left their mark in the realms of film and television by this stage.
Drawing from Violeta’s recollections of a previous life, both Zelena and Hattie had begun testing the waters of the entertainment industry during their second year. Hattie surged ahead with ample resources, while Zelena, though initially trailing, swiftly caught up.
From that point, the gap between them only widened.
Naturally, Violeta couldn’t afford to lag behind.
Come evening, Zoren arranged a gaming session via their group chat.
Upon logging on, Violeta noticed Hayden’s absence, replaced by a male student from the tennis club who blended well with Zoren and the others.
She queried, “Where’s Hayden?”
“He’s off to Newham with his uncle. He can’t make it,” Zoren responded.
“What’s he doing there?” Violeta pressed.
Zoren shrugged nonchalantly. “Who knows? Seems Mr. Frost whisked him away. Missing him?”
… Not really.”
“Don’t fret. He’ll be back for New Year’s Day. Goes to the Frosts every year for card games. This year’s no different.”
“Let’s get started, let’s get started!”
The game commenced swiftly.
Violeta immersed herself, contributing to several victories. However, upon Niall’s return, she swiftly logged off.
Zoren, still eager for more, queried, “Vio, logging off so soon? Are you heading out?”
“Yeah, I need to go!”
Chapter 258
After uttering those words, she swiftly exited the game, powered down her computer, slipped into her shoes, and dashed downstairs.
“Niall!”
Niall had just arrived home, shedding his coat. He glanced up at Violeta on the second floor. “What’s up?”
“Have you found the person I asked you to find?”
Niall’s gaze softened. “Yes. They’re leaving the day after tomorrow, and dinner plans are already set.”
A smile brightened Violeta’s face as she hurried downstairs and embraced Niall tightly. “That’s wonderful! Niall, you’re incredible, thank you!”
Niall tousled her hair. “No need for all the formality.”
“Vio, you needn’t start networking so early, especially while still in school. You’ve only just begun your second year next semester, and Mum and Dad want you home a few more years.”
“Niall, I just want to broaden my horizons beyond class. Besides, an actress’s prime is brief. I should be creating more at my peak,” Violeta asserted. Niall smiled gently. “Fair enough. But remember, Violeta, whether you’re eighteen, twenty-eight, or thirty-eight, every age is your best.”
“Yeah, I understand.” Violeta nodded.
She knew her family meant well. Yet Violeta was determined not to lag behind Zelena, especially after being overshadowed in her previous life. She refused to waste any time this time around.
Zelena would be leveraging every resource in their circle. Hattie, with her connection to Hannah, had already surged ahead of everyone in their class.
This winter break presented the perfect opportunity to widen the gap.
Violeta didn’t believe in waiting for fate. Last time, she underestimated Zelena, and opportunities that should have been hers slipped away.
She was resolved to stay one step ahead, always.
Recalling from her previous life, Violeta vividly remembered that in her sophomore year, there were two productions whose crews were almost as talented as Nolan’s in ‘Night On the River. They rivalled the explosive popularity of that year’s biggest hits.
One project was a charming campus romance named ‘The Moon Belongs To You,’ while the other was an engrossing mystery series called *The Legend of Blind Detective*.
Violeta had a strong interest in period martial arts films, but her primary goal was to work with Wade.
It was widely known that Wade’s projects were rare gems, and his casting choices were notoriously selective. With no certainty that Wade would consider her, Violeta knew she couldn’t bet all her hopes on him.
As a sophomore, Violeta needed to secure a role in a noteworthy production. That’s why she was eyeing these two shows; either choice would mark a solid beginning for her career.
Hattie would surely turn to Hannah for assistance.
Meanwhile, Zelena would use every strategy to build her network, both by aligning with Hattie and by making new connections.
Violeta understood that relying solely on her own efforts would be unwise.
It made sense to strategically leverage her family’s connections when necessary to gain an edge.
Both ‘The Moon Belongs To You’ and ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’ presented promising
opportunities. Choosing either would be a smart move. However, the two projects were very different: one was a sweet romance, while the other was a serious, suspense-filled drama.
Choosing either would be a smart move.
However, the two projects were very different: one was a sweet romance, while the other was a serious, suspense-filled drama.
Although both directors had strong reputations, Violeta had a preference for ‘The Legend of Blind Detective.’
She wanted to build a career based on solid acting skills rather than just being another pretty face.
Making a strong start was crucial, as it would influence future opportunities and shape public perception.
While Violeta could easily fit into a high-profile, star-driven career, she was determined to be known for her acting prowess rather than her celebrity.
From her previous life experience, Violeta had witnessed many stars rise and fall, learning that fame was transient.
While much of the industry could be manufactured or fabricated, genuine achievements, once earned, were authentic and enduring.
As Violeta remembered, ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’ was a trilogy renowned for its remarkable character development. The series had even earned nominations for Best Lead Actor and Actress that year.
Although she couldn’t recall if it had clinched any awards, selecting this project would undoubtedly boost her chances of securing the New Actor Award.
A few days prior, Violeta had asked Niall to investigate the production team behind ‘The Legend of Blind Detective, hoping to establish some connections.
At the same time, she prepared her resume for the audition.
With the right contacts and her own impressive credentials, she was confident that she had a strong shot at the role.
Elsewhere, Hattie took Zelena to Harbor City for a meeting with Hannah.
With Benson heading abroad, Hannah had cleared a month from her schedule to spend time with them.
When Hattie introduced Zelena to Hannah, an experienced actress with nearly thirty years in the industry, it was evident to Hannah that Zelena had her own agenda.
However, Hannah considered the situation
carefully. In the world of entertainment, having an extra ally was preferable to making an enemy. Since Zelena and Hattie were classmates, Hannah saw no reason not to extend a helping hand to Zelena.
Chapter 259
Hannah brought up two promising scripts for the coming year in front of Zelena, clearly aiming to steer Hattie’s career path.
In the snug living room, warmed by the central heating, Hannah sat with poise on the sofa. She wore a beige, high-end coat that showcased her elegant posture. With a teacup in her slender fingers, her long, curled hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her makeup was impeccable and radiated a refined femininity.
Hattie, who had inherited her mother’s looks, appeared youthful beside her.
Zelena sat on the adjacent sofa, a cup of steaming oolong tea in front of her.
On the coffee table was a beauty device Zelena had brought from abroad a rare and thoughtful gift.
Hannah took a sip of her tea and said, “Hattie, do you recall Mr. Stanley from our previous meeting?”
Hattie nodded eagerly. “Yes, I remember.”
“He’s now working on a new project called ‘The Legend of Blind Detective. I’ve reviewed the crew, and it’s quite impressive.”
Hattie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Really, Mum? Are you helping me get a role in this? That’s amazing!”
Zelena, sitting nearby, tensed slightly. The Legend of Blind Detective?
That name rang a bell from her previous life. It was a well-received series if memory served.
There had also been a sweet romance drama from around the same time, though its title escaped her now.
Since Hannah appeared to favour ‘The Legend of Blind Detective,’ it indicated the show had
significant potential.
Hannah wanted Hattie to follow a serious, talent-focused career trajectory.
Having experienced the industry’s superficiality firsthand, Hannah knew that to establish a lasting reputation, one needed to earn genuine accolades.
“Hattie, after the New Year’s Day, I’ll set up a meeting with Mr. Stanley for you,” Hannah said.
Hattie’s face lit up with joy. “Really, Mum? Can I audition for the lead? What’s the show about?”
Hannah glanced at Zelena, who remained silent, and replied with a smile, “It’s a serious drama, centered on suspense and detective work. It’s a perfect starting point.”
“Have you heard? A new drama from the mainland has taken off,” Hannah said, her voice trailing off as she tried to recall the exact title.
Zelena interjected, “Ma’am, it’s ‘Night On the River, starring Nolan.”
Hannah’s face brightened. “Yes, that’s it. This show has some ties with Wade. While ‘The Legend of Blind Detective’ might not match the caliber of ‘Night On the River,’ it’s still impressive. With a strong performance, you could even be in the running for Best New Actress Award.”
Zelena had been following Nolan closely, knowing that ‘Night On the River’ was destined to be a success.
Hannah, on the other hand, had kept a keen eye on the mainland’s entertainment trends over the years. She planned to guide Hattie towards opportunities there, recognizing the greater potential compared to the waning scene in Harbor City.
In her later years, Hannah hoped to return to the mainland, perhaps for a final foray into the industry and a chance to earn some additional income.
It would bolster her efforts if the Ridges could lend a hand too.
Hattie and Benson represented Hannah’s assurance for her future.
Yet, Hattie’s expression was one of mild disappointment. “Mum, I’m not really into this kind of drama. Who watches serious shows like this these days? Young audiences prefer romance and youth-focused stories.”
Hannah replied, “Hattie, serious dramas have lasting value. Trends come and go, and many chases after the latest fad. But in five years, what will people remember?”
Hattie hesitated. Despite her lack of experience, she respected Hannah’s advice and was reluctant to disagree. Although she wasn’t keen on the genre, she valued Hannah’s perspective.
Hannah added, “But, the youth-oriented romance you mentioned there’s a good script in the works. It’s based on a popular novel.”
Hattie’s interest was piqued. “What’s it called, Mum?”
Hannah glanced at her phone, scrolling to find the name. “The Moon Belongs To You”.”
At that instant, Zelena’s memory clicked.
She remembered that when ‘The Moon Belongs To You’ had first aired, it had become a massive hit. The entire internet had been captivated by the romance between the lead characters, with viewers eagerly following their every development.
The male lead in ‘The Moon Belongs To You’ was Jacques Lightstone, the dashing star from Quinston Film Academy. Both he and Nolan rose to fame around the same time, each attracting a significant following thanks to their striking good looks.
Though Nolan initially captured the public’s attention, Jacques quickly made his mark, thus leading to fierce competition between their teams over scarce resources.
Their career trajectories soon diverged. Nolan became renowned as the quintessential period drama heartthrob with his classically handsome features.
In contrast, Jacques carved out a niche as the charming campus idol, earning the nickname ‘eternal college sweetheart’ from his fans.
“Mum, didn’t you say this type of genre doesn’t leave a lasting impression?” Hattie inquired.
“Indeed,” Hannah conceded, “I’m not particularly keen on this genre myself. However, the script and the director for this show are exceptional. I think these two projects at the start of the year offer the best opportunities.”
Hattie’s face brightened. “In that case, I’ll choose this one. I’m fond of this genre.”
Chapter 260
Hannah’s expression suddenly turned serious. “I’ve already arranged an audition for you with Blind Detective. Why don’t you give Lena’s new movie a shot as well?”
Zelena was momentarily stunned.
Hattie frowned, glanced at Zelena, and said, “Lena, my mom’s done you a huge favor. Why are you just standing there? Are you too happy to speak?”
Zelena finally snapped out of it and said, “Thank you, Hannah!”
Hannah added, “I happen to know the writer of The Moon Belongs To You. I’ll introduce you when the time comes. Since you’re Hattie’s friend, it’s good if you two can start your careers together and support each other in this massive industry. Once you’ve debuted, true friends become scarce; only before you debut do you have real friends.”
Her words carried a lot of meaning.
Hannah was giving Zelena a chance, placing a bet on her future success. If Zelena became famous, it would be a valuable connection.
A good starting point is crucial, and Hannah was undoubtedly a significant benefactor for Zelena!
First, she was planning for herself.
Second, she genuinely wanted to help Zelena for Hattie’s sake, going with the flow of the situation.
Third, Hannah didn’t want to give this opportunity to a stranger. Although she didn’t think highly of The Moon Belongs To You and didn’t want Hattie to act in it, she recognized its potential to become a hit. Giving Zelena the chance was better than giving it to an unknown outsider.
A few days later, under Niall’s arrangement, Violeta successfully met with Stanley, the producer of Blind Detective.
Niall’s role could be an investor or an advertiser.
In any case, he’s the one with the money.
When Niall invited him to dinner, Stanley readily agreed and even arrived half an hour early to wait for him.
Niall brought Violeta to the dinner.
Upon seeing Violeta for the first time, Stanley gave her a once-over and greeted her politely.
Niall introduced them, “This is my sister, Vio. Vio, this is Mr. Stanley.”
Violeta smiled and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Stanley.”
Stanley, with his high emotional intelligence, responded, “Oh, come on, no need for ‘Mr. Stanley. Just call me Stan. Let’s sit down and chat.”
Once they sat down, the waiter began serving the food.
When Niall introduced Violeta as his sister earlier, Stanley was puzzled since he hadn’t heard of Niall having a sister. He wondered if Niall meant something else.
To clarify and avoid any misunderstanding, Niall introduced Violeta again more formally once they sat down.
“Stan, this is my little sister, Violeta.”
This time, Stanley understood completely.
During the meal, the conversation shifted to recent investments, and Violeta sat quietly, not saying a word.
Finally, Niall brought up the topic, “Stan, do you need more funding for your next film?”
Stanley replied, “Mr. White, to be honest, we are still a bit short on funds. Are you interested?”
Niall smiled slightly. “Violeta is studying acting, and she’s my only sister. I want to give her good opportunities. Seeing her struggle would worry our parents. You have a wide network in the industry, so I’d appreciate it if you could look after her.”
Stanley responded, “Of course. Ms. White has excellent qualities, and with her background in acting, she certainly has a bright future. If she’s interested, I have a trilogy project coming up that she could audition for.”
Niall asked, “Can you tell us more about the details?”
Stanley then explained the entire trilogy of Blind Detective, including the directors, the script development, and more.
Violeta, in her previous life, never had such a great opportunity to understand a project’s early stages from an investor’s perspective.
The reality of the industry was clear: even the glamorous producers on the film set had to humble themselves in front of the big investors.
Money truly makes the world go round, a fact Violeta was well aware of.
Niall didn’t explicitly say he wanted Violeta to be part of Blind Detective. Violeta didn’t show much interest either. After Stanley finished his introduction, Violeta smiled and said she would consider it and would go through the audition process if she liked the role.
In terms of appearance, Violeta was qualified.
Stanley, having seen countless faces in the industry, was used to beautiful people.
A pretty face might be rare in the ordinary world, but in the entertainment industry, it was just a ticket to enter.
What was truly scarce were resources, connections, and power.
If Niall had bluntly asked Stanley to cast Violeta as the lead, Stanley might have found it difficult but wouldn’t outright refuse.
Yet, Niall didn’t say it directly, and Violeta didn’t act overly interested either.
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