Chapter 59 You play beautifully

Chapter 59 You play beautifully
Thinking that the film crew’s confidentiality was probably well-maintained, Oliver figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. She turned to the director calmly and said, “Dashiell, I actually know a bit of piano. How about I give it a shot?”

Before the director could respond, Cathy, who had been resting lazily on a nearby chair, straightened up and burst out laughing. “You? Play the piano?” Her exaggerated expression made it look like she had just heard the funniest joke of her life. “Hahaha, Oliver, maybe you can fool people at school, but you really want to embarrass yourself out here? I’m the eldest daughter of the Zayn family and an art school student. And you, a country bumpkin, say you can play the piano?” She waved a hand dismissively and sneered. “You’d be better off picking cotton.”

She laughed so hard she clutched her stomach, tears almost forming in the corners of her eyes. “That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.”

At first, Esther felt a flicker of worry. She had never actually heard Oliver play the piano before, and this was a professional film set, not some casual performance. But the moment Cathy’s mocking words landed, that worry turned into anger. Even if Oliver didn’t play perfectly, Esther would never allow someone to humiliate her like this.

She looked Cathy straight in the eye and snapped back, “You really talk a lot. Our Oliver is better than you any day.” Then she turned to Oliver, her voice firm and encouraging. “Go for it, Oliver. I’m waiting for your triumphant return.”

Oliver paused for half a second, then blinked at her. …It wasn’t like she was going to war.

Dashiell watched the exchange with mild interest, then nodded. “Alright. Let her try.”

Oliver was led to the dressing room to change into an outfit identical to Cathy’s. When she walked out, it became immediately obvious that wearing the same outfit wasn’t the problem. It was who wore it. The cut that looked slightly awkward on Cathy somehow appeared elegant on Oliver, clinging just right to her frame. Even the crew members who had been indifferent earlier couldn’t help but take a second look.

Oliver sat down at the piano with natural grace. After Cathy’s earlier ridicule, no one had high expectations. At best, they thought this was simply a last-ditch attempt.

Her fingers were slender and fair, so pale and delicate that it was hard to tell whether the piano keys or her fingers were whiter.

When she lifted her hands and pressed down on the keys, the entire room fell into silence.

The first note rang out, clear and pure.

Then the second.

Then the third.

If one had to describe the sound, words like melodious or graceful felt far too ordinary. Oliver’s music was ethereal, as if it didn’t belong to this world at all. It flowed like a gentle summer breeze, light yet persistent, quietly brushing against the heartstrings of everyone present. The restless atmosphere of the set dissolved completely, replaced by an almost sacred stillness.

Outside the open windows, a few birds perched on the ledge, tilting their heads as if listening intently to the melody drifting through the air.

No one spoke. No one dared to.

When the final note faded, Oliver lifted her hands from the keys and looked up at the director, her expression calm and composed.

This was what she called “knowing a little”?

The onlookers stared at her in silence, secretly marveling at her absurd level of modesty.

Then Dashiell spoke. “Play it again.”

What?

A ripple of shock passed through the room. Even the crew members who had been completely absorbed moments earlier snapped back to reality.

Dashiell leaned back slightly and added lazily, “Zachary, try to control that captivated expression of yours.”

Everyone: …

Zachary, who had been standing nearby with his mouth slightly open, instantly stiffened and coughed awkwardly, pretending nothing had happened.

Oliver stood up from the piano bench, and from that moment on, the way people looked at her changed completely. Before, they had thought she was merely pretty. Now, there was something else layered onto that beauty, something almost unreal. After all, who wouldn’t admire a girl who was both stunning and overwhelmingly talented?

“Oliver is amazing,” Esther said pointedly, glancing in Cathy’s direction. “Unlike some people who assume others can’t do something just because they themselves can’t.”

Someone nearby couldn’t hold it in and laughed out loud.

Cathy’s face darkened instantly. Her nails dug into her palms as she shot venomous looks at the two of them. She forced herself to endure a few more scenes, her smile stiff and unnatural, until her part for the day was finally over.

Before Oliver left, Dashiell stopped her and handed her a business card, exchanging contact information. “Young lady, you’ve got potential,” he said sincerely. “If there’s a suitable script in the future, I hope you’ll consider auditioning.”

“Thank you very much,” Oliver replied with a polite bow.

Nearby, a few people whispered among themselves. “She’s incredible. It’s such a waste for her to be a stand-in for you-know-who.”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

The second speaker quickly dragged their friend away after catching Cathy’s murderous glare.

Back in the dressing room, Cathy finally snapped. She swept everything off the table onto the floor with a loud crash, cosmetics and accessories scattering everywhere.

“Oliver! Esther! You’re both finished!” she screamed, her voice shrill with rage. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes blazing with malice, making her look almost like a vengeful specter. “Ugh, I’m so mad I could scream!”

The assistants standing nearby trembled, too afraid to make a sound, as the room filled with her furious breathing.