Classic Novel
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280
Chapter 280 The Challenge of Hard Work and Joy
As the moment arrived to choose the music piece, Sierra stood beside the host, her eyes fixed on the scrolling list of songs displayed on the expansive screen.
Many people in the audience, as well as her devoted fans tuning in via TV and online streams, watched the screen nervously.
Maggie’s expression didn’t change. Because of her sitting position close to the front and the presence of the big screen, she could clearly see Sierra’s movement and expression.
Drawing from her deep familiarity with Sierra, she sensed an air of confidence rather than nervousness in Sierra’s demeanour.
Despite gripping the microphone with both of her hands, Sierra maintained a calm posture. Her facial muscles relaxed as she focused her eyes on the huge screen, as did everyone else. In times of anxiety, she would unconsciously straighten up and purse her lips, but these features were missing at this time.
On the contrary, a confident smile adorned her lips.
A few seconds later, the screen froze, and the host’s voice broke the silence, “Congratulations, Sierra, you’ve chosen “The Spring“! We all know it’s also a world–class, highly challenging piece, but with Sierra’s track record of awards both domestically and internationally, this should be a piece of cake for her!”
Sierra stared at the music piece on the big screen in a daze, her face rigid, unable to smile.
What’s going on?
Why did it change?
I never chose this song!
What’s gone wrong?
Although The Spring” was tough, but it wasn’t as demanding as the piece she had prepared. However, panic gripped her as she realised she hadn’t practised this piece in ages!
Clutching the microphone tightly, Sierra barely heard the host’s words. Her overflowing confidence had been replaced by panic.
“The Spring“… “The Spring“….
Her mind raced, trying to comprehend this unexpected twist.
Her grandfather and the Camerons had meticulously organised everything. She practised one piece diligently for the competition and the other piece for backup. So why had everything suddenly changed?
“Sierra?” The host’s voice brought her back to the present.
Sierra squeezed out a smile and replied, “This piece is quite difficult. Seems luck isn’t on my side today.”
With a reassuring smile, the host responded, “It’s okay. Sometimes, strength outweighs luck. Take Maggie,
Balance: 719 +137
1 Coins
1 Pearls
Chapter 280 The Challenge of Hard Work and Joy
When Sierra heard Maggie was being mentioned, her mood became sour.
Before she had time to react, the host announced, “Now, let’s welcome Sierra, a contestant from First Institute, to perform The Spring!”
As the stage lights dimmed, Sierra reluctantly approached the piano and settled into her seat.
Maggie acted indifferent, but she watched with intrigue to see Sierra’s capabilities. Although the piece Maggie had chosen for her was difficult, she believed in Sierra’s strong foundation skills. Sierra wouldn’t make any major mistakes.
In this world, many things are replaceable, but hard work and dedication cannot be substituted by others. Except for yourself, no one truly understands the extent of your efforts.
Soon, the room filled with the sweet music of the piano.
In the first part of the song, Sierra’s performance was acceptable but only be counted as okay. There were no major issues, yet the flow was lacking, and the music’s true essence remained elusive.
In simpler terms, Sierra held back, inexplicably nervous, hindering her full engagement.
As the piece crescendoed, the consequences of Sierra’s lack of practice were revealed. She played a few wrong notes in a row, and she stumbled several times in the middle. Even piano novices could detect the disjointedness.
Sierra’s palms were full of sweat, her complexion pale under her mask.
Since she knew the piece she practised had been changed, she had been in a panic state. Even if she sat before the piano, she couldn’t calm down.
One mistake led to another; her tension mounting with each error. Her mind blanked, and she was unable to follow the music score.
Every second on stage felt torturous. Sierra couldn’t comprehend how she finished the piece. When the lights came back on, she still sat in her chair for a long time, unable to move.
In the audience, murmurs arose, “What music did Sierra play? Isn’t it not very good?”
“Is she the genius piano girl? Maybe she’s hiding behind that mask out of embarrassment.
“I’m just an amateur, but I could play better than her! If she didn’t hype up the genius piano girl image, I could accept her level, but what is she playing now?” Content © NôvelDrama.Org.
“Her basic skills don’t seem as solid as they claim. I don’t know how she won those awards.”
“I remember two of her viral videos with piano on the internet a while ago. One of the pieces was very similar to “The Spring” climax. It seemed to be adapted. How can she perform so poorly now?”
Amidst the continuous murmurs in the audience, Maggie couldn’t shake off her disappointment. It wasn’t directed at anything other than the years of time and resources squandered by Sierra.
Back then, Sierra’s advice, along with Olivia’s, had led her piano teacher to discourage her, almost forcing her to abandon her passion,
Balance:
719 +
112
1 Coins = 1 Pearls
Chapter 280 The Challenge of Hard Work and Joy
If her former self witnessed Sierra’s current neglect, she didn’t know how she would react.
Sierra effortlessly snatched away opportunities from others yet failed to cherish her own. She had been squandering time and money only to achieve this laughable level. It was ridiculous..
“Is Sierra a bit nervous today? Her performance isn’t quite up to par,” the host lamented.
Sierra snapped back to reality, stiffly rising to her feet with the microphone in hand. “I’m not feeling well,” she muttered.
Understanding crossed the host’s face. “We all know the dedication required for piano practice. Sierra, take care of yourself,” he said gently.
Forcing a smile. Sierra replied, “I will.”
Maggie was still immersed in her thoughts. She didn’t notice until the man beside her gently squeezed her hand, and Nathael’s deep voice cut through her reverie. “Have these years of piano practice been tough on you?”
Maggie returned to the present, turned to him and whispered, “It’s been challenging, but also fulfilling
The opportunities she received weren’t handed to her easily, so she worked harder than most and cherished them deeply.
Sometimes, she found herself grateful to the Camerons, whose efforts had made her resilient, taught her to appreciate every resource she had, and instilled in her a drive to seize every
opportunity.
If she had grown up in the Adams household, Maggie couldn’t help but wonder what she would be like today.
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