When Burn heard her say that, he couldn't stop laughing. "Of course, you must visit him! If Rivas could give you some guidance, your future will be limitless, and you might even surpass me!"Rivata nodded happily, "So, I must cater to his preferences and make him like me!"Just as she and her teacher were discussing how to get close to Rivas, the host finally took the stage.The four instructors were already in position. After the host's opening remarks, the competition officially began.Out of a hundred people in the training camp, Maria and Linda were the only pair performing together. They had just met and didn't know each other's capabilities. So, nobody was in a rush to form a team for fear of being dragged down by others.Originally, the performing order was decided by drawing lots. Still, since Maria and Linda were the only group, David suggested that they perform last as the finale.The other three instructors didn't object, and the decision was made happily.But this turned
Two minutes is a very short time. By the time Maria and Linda reached the side of the stage, the person on stage had already finished her performance.Linda pouted discontentedly, "That Rivata is really annoying. If we hadn't been in a hurry, I would have confronted her.""Linda."Maria’s hand suddenly pressed on Linda's shoulder, "Don't let others affect your mood, perform well later, cheer up!"Seeing Maria so serious, Linda also became serious, "Hmm, Maria, let's cheer up together!"After saying this, she opened her arms and hugged Maria tightly."Maria, success is just a step away, we must win!" "We must win!"The two girls hugged each other and then released their hands. The host had just finished introducing them, and they immediately held hands and went on stage together.In the audience, those who had been watching for so long suddenly saw Maria and Linda appear together and their spirits were instantly revived."Look quickly, there are two people performing this time!""Why
"Hahaha...."Linda gave a rather exaggerated laugh out loud, "Maria, it is going to be a good show. Some people were so arrogant earlier, now they will be the ones feeling awkward."Maria gently squeezed Linda's hand, "Linda, the final result hasn't been released yet, let's not get too optimistic before that.""Why can't we?"Linda pouted and proudly lifted her chin "Based on the audience's reactions, if we can't even beat Rivata, then it surely implies foul play."In the entertainment circle, such backdoor tactics are an open secret, known to everyone, and common in many contests.Maria wasn't afraid of the competition being fixed because Charles was there. Would the organizer dare to play foul against her?If there indeed was any foul play, she herself would be that backdoor.However, Maria didn't make use of her relationship with Charles, which was the main reason why she didn't want anyone to know about it."Linda, let's go wait for the results. You can gloat once the results are
"I'm so angry!"Rivata watched as everyone congratulated Maria, gritting her fists together. "How is this possible!? How could she possibly win first place! There has to be something shady going on here!"Seated next to her, her teacher, Burn, looked even unhappier. They had thought Maria was just a country bumpkin, who would've thought that she was a phoenix?Rivata was unsettled, as she thought Maria would never achieve first place, however, from a fair viewpoint, she was aware that based on Maria’s performance, Maria had reached the level of an international master.Poor Rivata, underestimated Maria, and placed such a bet with her. Now, she was metaphorically putting her own face on the ground and rubbing it again and again."Rivata," a voice came.Her face was so gloomy it could almost drip water, "Let's go."Rivata didn't want to go, she wanted to scream and shout about the injustice, but seeing the look on her teacher's face, her heart sank. Thinking m about the bet she made wit
Burn considered himself superior and initially planned to let Rivata muddle through this matter. However, he never expected that Linda would insult him by calling him a stray dog!? How could his pride bear this!?"Linda Wang! How did I offend you that you dare to insult me?!"Linda raised her chin and let out a cold laugh, "Are you angry so soon? Then what had Maria and her teacher done to offend you? They were insulted as soon as they arrived!?"Burn's face turned pale and then flushed, he had never thought Linda would replay the scene in this way.However, he was a smooth operator and would not back down just because of Linda's words."I've already said that Rivata was just joking. Besides, her words were not as unpleasant as yours!"Maria stopped the about-to-explode Linda, pointed at Burn, and looked towards the spectators, "Who can tell me his name?"Rivas knew Burn, but he snorted and was not willing to introduce Burn.This snort caused those who originally intended to rescue B
Burn’s apology, full of sincerity, seemed like a joke when it reached the ears of everyone present.Many people couldn't help but burst into laughter. Rivas, had it not been for his identity, and the many people present, he would have to hold himself up with his dignity, otherwise he would have laughed out loud already.However, he was still holding back but with great difficulty, his shoulders shaking, causing people to laugh out loud.After Burn finished his apology, he straightened up his body, turned his head and looked at Rivata, "Rivata, apologize to Maria."Rivata was already dumbfounded!In her eyes, Burn, who was like a mountain, so tall and proud, had actually apologized to a worthless person in public?Seeing her standing there motionless, Burn frowned, raised his hand to hold her shoulder, and forcefully pushed her down."I... I... I..."Before she could say anything, Burn sternly said, "It's a mess you started, isn't it? If it weren't for you, would I be so embarrassed n
"Ah... my husband's bed is so comfortable..."Lying on the double bed of the presidential suite, Maria wished she could roll around on it.Charles stood aside, holding a glass of red wine, and looking at her happy appearance, he chuckled quietly, "Well, should I talk to William, from now on you can stay in the hotel with me?""That wouldn't be good."Maria lay on the bed, her amber eyes staring at the ceiling, and pouted, "Because of that dinner party, they already don't like me very much. If you give me this privilege, there will be more people like Yoyo and Rivata in the future. I really don't want to continue arguing with them, it's tiresome.""Yes, yes, yes."Charles finished his glass of red wine, walked over, and laid next to Maria, his hands gently embracing her, "It's all my fault, to make up for your hurt feelings, I'll take you out tomorrow.""Go out?"Maria raised her head in surprise, her eyes only saw his chin, then she playfully rubbed his chin with her nose, "Isn't it
Maria and Linda resumed their daily training. Just like before, Andrew and Patrick came in the afternoon, but David was different.Before the first tournament, David had a grudge and never came to Maria and Linda's training room, but since the preparations for the second tournament began, David diligently showed up every day.Although after the elimination in the first tournament, there were not many members left in each group, usually only about ten people, David's special attention to Maria and Linda made the members of his group feel a huge gap."I feel like I'm just a backdrop for Maria Swinton's training camp.""Yeah, while Maria Swinton does have some skills, David doesn't need to spend so much time with her, does he? He comes to our group just for a casual glance and doesn't give us much targeted advice."A few girls gathered together, expressing their dissatisfaction with envy in their eyes."Yeah, I feel so unlucky to be in the same group as Maria Swinton!""Well, there's n
After leaving the banquet courtyard, Maria and Charles got into a sightseeing car and headed towards the Lesser family gate.Along the way, Charles remained silent, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his face looked terrifyingly solemn.Maria also didn't say anything. She held his hand tightly as if she wanted to give him her strength.Even when they got into their own car, Charles didn't say a word. He just gently rested his head on Maria’s shoulder, like an injured child.**********Back at the villa, Maria fetched a bottle of red wine, opened it, and took out two glasses. She tilted her head at Charles."Let's go and drink in the room."She smiled and raised the wine bottle in her hand. Charles noticed and finally relaxed the corners of his tightly pressed lips.He stood up and laughed softly, "How is one bottle enough? You are never drunk after a thousand cups."Maria looked at him speechlessly, seeing him take out two more bottles of red wine. She felt like things wer
Eva had been with Eric for more than twenty years, and she had no doubt about his feelings for her. Moreover, Eric always took good care of her and loved her deeply. If there was any rift between them, it was Charles.For the past twenty years, she had always been cautious in protecting their relationship, never inquiring about any news about Charles. That's why they had been living in harmony, until Mia came to Beijing. She had started investigating Charles' affairs under the old lady's orders.And since then, she felt that Eric had become more and more distant from her, a distance that she couldn't close no matter what she did.Now that Charles had come to Beijing, she had to make a choice between Eric and Charles. She didn't want to, but she had to…"Eric…"Her voice trembled as she pleaded, looking at him. "Can't you…?""No!"Those two resolute words instantly crushed the only hope in Eva heart.On one side was her husband, and on the other was her biological son, and she owed C
David and Hamya exchanged glances as they heard this. It was as if they had made a decision. They immediately said in unison, "We want to go too!""Huh?"Charles looked at them with confusion.David patted his stomach and smiled at Charles, "Young Master Smith, I wonder if your company is in need of pianists? What do you think of me?"Hamya chuckled and nodded, "I think I can do it too. Young Master Smith, please consider signing both of us. We don't ask for much, just a chance to perform in top music halls."David was worried that Charles would disagree, so he put on an even more sincere smile. "Ah yeah, haha... We just feel that Patrick is not enough on his own. With Hamya and I joining, after all, we have better qualifications than him. When the three great piano masters embark on anglobal tour together, and with Maria and Linda, it will be twice as successful.""Exactly!"Hamya laughed happily, "Young Master Smith, a single concert takes too long, Patrick won't be able to handle i
The two of them walked onto the stage and sat down at the piano. Maria raised her head and exchanged a glance with Linda, who placed her hands on the keys.The young pianists were curious about what music Maria and Linda would play. This was the second round of the training camp's open competition, and they usually wouldn't get to hear it.Suddenly, the piano played a melancholic melody, carrying a touch of elegance in the air, instantly striking at people's hearts!"This is..."Some couldn't remain calm instantly. "Butterfly Lovers?!""Is that possible? Butterfly Lovers arranged as a piano piece?""Yes, everyone knows that Butterfly Lovers is best played on the guqin, or the zheng would also work. It's my first time hearing it played on the piano.""Hey, no, this version of Butterfly Lovers has been adapted for piano. It suits the instrument perfectly while still preserving the essence of the original piece. It's absolutely refreshing!"After a few seconds of discussion, an unexpect
Two days later, Maria and Linda arrive at the venue of the exchange conference in their finest attire.They hand over their invitation cards and wait for the security guard to check them.Suddenly, a mocking voice comes from beside them, "Oh oh, who is this? Linda!? Am I mistaken?"The one speaking is Linda manager, and standing next to her is the pianist signed by Linda economic company."Aria, you're not mistaken, isn't that Linda herself?"Hearing their voices, Linda's face darkens. She turns her head and glares at them, "Aria, your eyesight is really not good, you can't even recognize me. You should go to the hospital to have your eyes checked."Aria originally wanted to embarrass Linda, but she didn't expect her to retort so sharply. She immediately gets furious."Linda, the company didn't give you an invitation card. Tell me, where did you steal it from?""Hehe..."Linda raises her chin triumphantly, holding Maria's arm. "Do I need the company to give me one? Just look at who's
After arriving in Beijing, the feeling of uneasiness never appeared again, and Maria felt an indescribable relief.Charles had sent someone to take Andrew back to the Lesser family, while Patrick and Linda followed Charles and Maria back to their villa.Originally, Andrew had strongly invited Patrick to come back to the Lesser family with him, but Patrick knew that the Lesser family was big and complicated, so he used the excuse of being with Linda and followed Charles.***********On the third day, when Luna returned from Brussels, she went directly to Maria’s place and looked at Linda, her expression becoming more flattering."Linda, I heard that your contract with your previous agency is about to expire, right?"Maria sat next to Linda, holding a big doll in her hands, feeling very angry."Yes, they told me before that if I could achieve good results in the training camp this time, they would sign me for another ten years and give me all the resources. But just when I announced my
At this moment, Maria had already packed up and left the hotel with Charles, Linda, Andrew, and others.On the way to the airport, Linda still couldn't understand and turned back to Maria, "Ria, as long as the misunderstanding is resolved, we can still stay in the training camp, right?"Of course, Maria knew that if she returned to the training camp now, everyone would treat her like a deity.Just kidding, being able to decide the life and death of their teacher, they would definitely flatter and serve Maria obediently.Maria shook her head, "Actually, I have already achieved my goal. Linda, if you want to go back, you can go back, no need to accompany me.""Hey!"Linda casually waved her hand, "Without you here, why should I go back? Besides, I have hugged your thigh, and you have hugged Master Smith's thigh. Am I still afraid of not being able to reach the pinnacle of the international piano world?"She said it so casually, as if she was joking. But Maria could tell that she still f
Maria, so smart, why couldn't she understand what they meant?She smiled and turned to shout inside the house, "Honey, it turns out they are looking for you." Charles was inside, and he had heard everything at the door clearly. The girls had looked down on him before and said he was weak, but now they all came to beg him with a straight face. It was really funny.He remained silent for a while before saying, "Ria, in our home, I make the major decisions and you make the minor ones. But in my eyes, besides you, nothing else is a major matter. So, you make the decisions."The girls outside, "..."Didn't that mean that Maria would be in charge of everything in the house?They felt a toothache and couldn't believe they were caught off guard by this unexpected situation.Maria shrugged and looked at them again.Originally, they came to apologize to Maria as a pretense, hoping that she would persuade Charles, but now, the initiative was completely in her hands, and they had to lower their
Maria was not foolish. Why did her reputation stink so much? Was it only because of the ambiguous relationship between her and Charles at that banquet?Just that one time was not enough to make everyone dislike and envy her.Lucy's face was extremely embarrassed, but at this moment, she had already lost all confidence in front of Maria and could only cry helplessly."Maria, I really know I was wrong. Can you forgive me? Please...""Lucy, your intentions were truly wicked. You even used Rivata as a weapon. Honestly, I admire you for that."Even while saying this, Maria's expression remained calm, her tone as if chatting with a close friend."You, alone, have bewitched the hearts of all the girls in the training camp. You treated others as pawns to sacrifice for your own gain. Wasn't your goal to drive me out of the camp? Congratulations, you achieved your goal. You should be happy, so why are you crying?"When Maria said this, the other girls immediately began pondering.After thinkin