At that moment, Emily was tempted to rush inside and beat up those gossiping busybodies. So what if I was bluffing or scolding the cleaning lady? These ugly trolls have no right to criticize me for that! Still, what is this competition they are talking about? Why didn’t Hilbert tell me about it? Her expression was full of doubt. It looks like I will have to ask Mr. Hilbert about it myself. As for those wagging tongues inside the room… Scolding them will only make me feel dirty.
Just as Emily was gritting her teeth with a furious expression, Hazel walked into the corridor and called out to her. Hazel walked over and asked puzzledly, “Emily, what are you doing?”
Emily seemed stunned for a moment, and the expression on her face was very unnatural. “N-Nothing! What is it?”
“Hilbert is calling you over to check on today’s homework.” Hazel’s voice was emotionless; it was hard to tell what she was feeling from the tone of her voice.
“Okay! I’ll go right now!” Emily hastened her pace and left that dangerous place. Right now, all she wanted to know about was the music competition they mentioned inside the room just now!
Meanwhile, Hazel watched Emily’s back hurrying away, and her eyes wavered involuntarily. Normally, one could still help to ask around for information even if one was out on a business trip. However, Emily had used that as an excuse to dodge the question. Thinking about it now, I was so stupid. Why did I believe her?!
Emily arrived outside the practice room where Hilbert was. She knocked on the door, and a low, solemn voice came from inside the room. “Enter!”
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and walked in. The smile on her face immediately bloomed again at the sight of Hilbert. “Were you looking for me, Mr. Hilbert?”
Hilbert looked up and said sternly, “Yes. Perform the piece you learned today.”
Emily had to go through this routine at the Royal Academy of Music every day. She had to perform the piece she practiced that day in front of Hilbert, then modify it under his advice. That was the homework he gave them.
“Okay!” She nodded slightly as she sat down on the stool in front of the piano. Looking at him sitting on the sofa with a calm expression, she felt herself relaxing too. Then, she lowered her hands.
A beautiful melody slowly sounded. The entire room was so quiet that only her piano could be heard. When he heard her playing the middle portion of the song, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly and he nodded in satisfaction.
She secretly glanced at him, her expression becoming even more delighted and haughty. Mr. Hilbert nodded his head. That means my performance today went smoothly.
After that piece, she stood in front of him again. He raised his head and showered her with praise without holding back. “You have improved a lot. You’re doing better than Hazel.”
Emily pursed her lips and smiled at those words. This piece was one of Sweet Tune’s early works. She had made some adjustments to it during her performance today. I don’t believe Hilbert is so pleased with my performance with just a bit of tweaking!
“Still…” he paused for a moment. “The melody for the front portion and the back portion isn’t quite the same. I much prefer the middle portion!”
Upon hearing those words, she felt her heart sinking. Clasping her hands uncomfortably, she said, “I understand. I will improve on it!”
Even so, she was not happy. Why would Hilbert like the middle portion? That’s the part I didn’t change! Moreover, that’s the part written by Sweet Tune.
“Alright, you may leave.” The low and calm voice rang out again.
Emily frowned. She did not forget her goal today. Therefore, she mustered up her courage and asked, “Mr. Hilbert, I heard that there is going to be a piano competition soon. Is that true?”
