Chapter 156 It Turned Out to Be Her!

Chapter 156 It Turned Out to Be Her!

Olivia's words completely stunned the girl across from her.

She never expected Olivia to be unfazed at all. Instead, she seemed more energized with each challenge, full of fighting spirit.

Moved, she reached out and took Olivia's hand, speaking frankly.

"I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Nicolette, majoring in viola. I'm Amanda's student, so I guess that makes me your senior. Good luck in the competition!"

Such straightforward warmth caught Olivia off guard.

"Aren't you worried I'll get eliminated in the end?"

Nicolette shook her head firmly, her eyes bright and full of certainty.

"I trust Amanda's judgment, and I trust my own. You're definitely going to win."

Olivia broke into a smile, showing her neat white teeth.

"Alright, I'll take that as a good omen."

Time ticked by, and soon, the opening bell of the competition rang right on schedule.

After a brief introduction by the host, the music competition officially began.

This wasn't a single-instrument contest or a rigid selection event. The entry requirements were relaxed, and the participants were all kinds of people.

In the competition square, melodies from various instruments rose one after another, high and low, strong and soft, piecing together a performance that wasn't perfect but was particularly healing and relaxing.

The participants were a mixed bunch, and the audience came from all walks of life.

Music has no borders, and no professional boundaries.

Whether programmers who type on keyboards all day or pastry chefs who knead dough and bake, everyone has the right to appreciate music.

They might not be professional, but their ability to perceive beautiful things has always been the same.

Olivia blended in among the contestants, her eyes casually scanning the venue, and quickly locked onto Royce.

The man who had been so high and mighty earlier, ordering her to withdraw from the competition, had now shed all his arrogance. He was as docile as a well-behaved kitten, bending down to speak softly to the girl beside him.

The extreme contrast was too glaring. Olivia couldn't help but look a few more times.

Someone immediately sidled up to her, lowering their voice to share gossip mysteriously.

"Stop staring. That's Penelope, the young lady of the Barnett family. Top-tier background, and stunning looks too. There were already rumors that Amanda had long decided on her favorite student. Looks like it's true. Most of us are just here to make up the numbers."

Penelope?

Someone from the Barnett family?

The smile on Olivia's lips gradually turned cold.

"Who says we're definitely just making up the numbers? So what if she's the Barnett family's young lady? Competitions are about real skill, not using family background to pressure people."

Her voice wasn't loud, but her tone was particularly firm, without a hint of backing down.

The person beside her looked at her in surprise and earnestly advised in a low voice.

"You're too stubborn, young lady. Didn't you see who's next to Penelope? That's Royce, Amanda's most valued student. Look at how he's trying so hard to please her—the result is already set in stone. Young people are too impulsive. You'll understand after you fall on your face a few times."

Olivia just glanced at him coolly and didn't respond.

Most valued student?

Even so, she would never hand over an opportunity that belonged to her.

Olivia gripped her violin tightly, stepped onto the stage following the rhythm, adjusted her posture, placed her bow, and began to play. The entire sequence was smooth and clean.

The melodious sound of the violin instantly filled the entire square, firmly capturing everyone's emotions.

Olivia had originally prepared a piece that the public was familiar with—high compatibility, easier to win the favor of ordinary audience members.

But after Royce's provocation earlier, she changed her mind on the spot.

The audience's favor was certainly important, but her chance to turn things around couldn't be easily given up.

The music flowed slowly. What played was Olivia's original composition, "Arbor Vitae."

The opening melody was somewhat oppressive and low, then suddenly shifted, the rhythm becoming urgent and powerful.

Though it was purely instrumental, everyone seemed to see with their own eyes a poplar tree taking root in a barren desert.

At first, just a tiny, tender sprout, fragile and delicate in the vast yellow sand, seemingly vulnerable to any attack.

Fierce winds and sudden rains assaulted it in turns. The small sapling swayed violently, at risk of breaking at any moment.

But it stubbornly withstood all hardships.

Desperately absorbing every bit of moisture, rooting deep into the ground, its root system continuously spreading and growing.

Endless wind and sand repeatedly pressed down on it, each time a deadly test.

But this poplar survived each desperate situation, becoming increasingly resilient.

It grew taller and taller, its branches and leaves increasingly lush, ultimately becoming the most striking touch of green in the barren desert.

The entire venue instantly fell silent.

The vast square was crowded with people, noisy and bustling, but the moment the music ended, everyone stopped moving in unison. The entire venue was silent as a grave.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

A full five seconds later, the venue erupted with thunderous applause and deafening cheers.

"Olivia! Olivia! Olivia!"

The unified chanting echoed throughout the square—the audience's most direct and sincere recognition.

Olivia stood at the center of the stage, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

As the evening breeze brushed past her shoulders, she realized her back was already soaked with sweat, damp and cool.

But it was all worth it.

She had successfully moved everyone in the venue with her own piece, making everyone firmly remember her name.

For the contestants who followed, unless they could perform something even more moving, no one could beat her.

Olivia looked up and clearly saw Amanda's face full of satisfaction, while Royce's expression was frighteningly dark.

She calmly turned and left the stage, preparing to return to the rest area.

After just a few steps, Royce, his face dark, suddenly strode forward and blocked her path directly, his eyes churning with thick anger.

"Olivia! You're determined to go against me!"

Olivia looked up at him, her tone flat and calm.

"Mr. Castillo, competition on the stage is inherently ruthless and won't change its outcome because of your personal likes and dislikes. I'm just doing my best to show my best self. If you insist on thinking I'm targeting you, then so be it."

After speaking, she moved to the side, trying to walk around him and leave.

Royce's expression grew even uglier. He suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist, using so much force he almost crushed her bones.

Just as Olivia was about to struggle free, a light, quick figure hurried over, her tone cheerful.

"Olivia! Amanda sent me to get you!"

It was Nicolette.

Seeing an acquaintance, Royce had no choice but to reluctantly let go, glaring viciously at Olivia and warning coldly.

"Watch your mouth. Don't say anything you shouldn't!"

With that, he turned and quickly left.

Olivia rubbed her aching wrist, just as Nicolette arrived.

Nicolette glanced in the direction Royce had left and asked quietly, "Are you okay?"

Olivia shook her head slightly and walked forward, changing the subject.

"What does Amanda want with me?"

"It's great news, of course!"

Nicolette's eyes were dancing with joy. She was genuinely happy for Olivia.

And indeed, it was as she said.

As soon as Olivia approached the group, Amanda immediately waved her over.

"Today is a good day. I've decided to officially take on a student today. Olivia will be my..."

Just as Amanda was about to announce her decision to take on a student, Royce suddenly stood up and interrupted her directly.

"Ms. Peterson, her piece has too strong a personal style and doesn't fit with our ensemble. I suggest you reconsider your choice of student!"