Chapter 80 Better Get Used to Losing
Eliza wore a black evening gown. The crown atop her head gave her an air of elegance and untouchable nobility, with a hint of mysterious allure.
Zayden watched her from the audience.
For a moment, he did not even recognize who she was.
Back at school, Eliza had always gone barefaced and never bothered to dress up; because of her timid and self–effacing nature, very few had paid attention to her features or her appearance.
But tonight, Eliza wore a black gown; her long hair flowed over her shoulders, and she looked like a princess out of a fairy tale.
Tonight, Eliza was different.
Zayden stared at her, momentarily lost in thought.
When Eliza’s fingers touched the piano keys, many in the audience still wore expressions eager to watch her fail; a few had already begun to snicker.
But the very next second, those ready to laugh were struck dumb.
Eliza’s nimble fingers danced across the keys with fluid grace. Her movements were smooth; her posture at the piano was elegant. The soaring emotions of the third movement instantly swept the entire audience into the music.
“Crimson Rhapsody” expressed powerful vitality and emotional depth; during the third movement, its intensity reached an unprecedented peak.
That was precisely why “Crimson Rhapsody” was so difficult to perform.
The piece demanded not only extraordinary technical skill, but also an exceptional ability to convey deep
emotion.
When the piece ended, everyone remainedd, lost in the lingering impact of the performance; no
one could snap out of it right away.
Fliza stood up from the piano.
aher, many had come just to watch her embarrass herself; now, not a single person could even smile.
Naomi watched from the audience, unable to believe what she was seeing.
She had practiced piano for ten years.
Ten years, yet she had been outdone by Eliza, a beginner.
Why? In that moment, Naomi felt as though her entire world had collapsed.
Her teacher had always called her a genius. If I’m a genius, how could I lose to Eliza?
“Naomi…”
Several girls nearby glanced at Naomi nervously.
Chapter 80 Better Get Used to Losing
They were afraid she might faint.
The auditorium had crupted in thunderous applause.
Eliza quietly exited the stage.
The principal sat there, mouth agape.
He had never known there was such talent in the school.
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He only knew that the piano teacher had strongly recommended Naomi. Now look what happened. How am I supposed to introduce this to Mr. Tyson?
“This student… this is…” the principal began awkwardly.
He had not paid any attention to Eliza carlier and had not even remembered her name.
But then Tyson, seated beside him, spoke. “Eliza.”
“Yes! Eliza!” the principal echoed, startled. How does Mr. Tyson know who Eliza
Tyson rose to his feet. “There’s no need to watch the rest of the program.”
“Mr. Tyson!” the principal blurted.
Before he could react further, Tyson’s assistant blocked his path.
The principal’s face darkened. What is going on here?
Eliza had already made her way backstage.
Naomi suddenly rushed at her like a madwoman. “Eliza! You were laughing at me this whole time! You came here to humiliate me!”
Her outburst was so unseemly that the othe
students backstage were stunned.
This was nothing like the graceful and composed Naomi they usually saw.
Right now, Naomi looked like a
ged woman off the street.
Eliza shoved Naomi’s hand away.
Naomi was wearing high heels; caught off balance by Eliza’s push, she fell to the floor.
She looked even more disheveled.
Under the gaze of so many, Naomi felt utterly exposed.
“Why did you ruin me? Why?”
Eliza’s performance had robbed her of her moment in the spotlight.
She had prepared so hard for this New Year’s Eve gala.
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Chapter 80 Better Get Used to Losing
She had put in so much effort.
And now Eliza had ruined it all.
“Ruin.you?”
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Eliza’s lips curved into a faint smile. She crouched down, meeting Naomi’s gaze on the floor, and whispered so only the two of them could hear. “When did I ever say I wanted to ruin you? If this is enough to break you, what will you do next?”
“You…”
“Naomi, weren’t you always the one who loved stealing from others? Not so fun when the tables are turned, is it?”
Eliza smiled again. “You had better get used to it; this will be happening often from now on.”
“You…”
Naomi wanted nothing more than to lunge at Eliza and strangle her.
But Eliza stood and stepped lightly aside, easily widening the distance between them.
Because of that move, Naomi fell flat again, landing hard on the floor; several people nearby could not help but laugh.
Naomi felt utterly humiliated. Sh
scrambled to her feet again, this time trying to claw at Eliza’s hair.
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