Bonnie was confused. Unbeknownst to her, the Art Festival rules had been announced while she slept. It was now rehearsal time for the piano competition, and if Bonnie hadn't fallen asleep, Yvette would have already left.

"Yve, what do we do now? Have they explained the rules?" Bonnie asked.

Yvette nodded, and Ryan added, "Bonnie, the festival rules are the same as last year. It's still a point system. The only difference is that each person can enter four events this year."

Bonnie shook her head. "What a weird rule! Each person can participate in four events? That's redundant; no one's doing that. How unnecessary," she muttered.

Ryan agreed; entering four events seemed excessive. No one could possibly win all four. The rule was illogical.

"Let's go. The cafeteria's serving your favorite buffalo wings today," Yvette said.

Ryan was surprised. He hadn't expected Yvette to remember Bonnie's favorite food. Perhaps she wasn't as cold and unapproachable as people thought.

Bonnie's mouth watered. The cafeteria offered ribs, chicken wings, and the coveted Friday quiche—all highly sought-after items.

Bonnie started to get up but paused, her legs numb from her long nap. A miserable look crossed her face; she wouldn't make it to the buffalo wings in time.

"Yve, my legs are numb. Why don't you go ahead? I'll stay here," she said, swallowing hard.

Yvette, who had already risen, sat back down. "I'm not going. I'll stay here with you," she said, her tone as cool as ever.

Bonnie grinned. "You're the best, Yve."

Ryan felt a pang of envy. Bonnie and Yvette's friendship was genuine and beautiful, something he longed for but felt unattainable, given his family background.

Onstage, Ruby glanced back, secretly pleased to see Yvette, Bonnie, and Ryan still present. She planned to impress Yvette and intimidate her fellow contestants.

Ruby sat elegantly at the piano, her hands poised. The lighting created a perfect atmosphere. A slow, beautiful melody filled the auditorium as her fingers danced across the keys. Everyone listened quietly.

Ruby felt a surge of pride at the audience's captivated attention. This rehearsal was strategically planned to intimidate and impress.

It was Bonnie's first time hearing Ruby play. Despite Ruby's less-than-ideal personality, her skill was undeniable, even to a piano novice like Bonnie.

Noticing Yvette's closed eyes, Bonnie whispered, "Yve, Ruby's piano skills are pretty good, huh?"

Yvette stopped swinging her leg and looked at Bonnie. Squinting her pretty eyes, she calmly explained, "It's average. She played the second bar of the first section and the third bar of the second section wrong. There was no feeling in it."

Bonnie's jaw dropped. Yvette's critique was surprisingly professional, causing even Ryan to turn around. He'd sensed something was off but couldn't place it; Yvette's assessment clarified it. It wasn't just the wrong notes; Ruby's playing lacked emotion; she was merely showcasing technique.

Yvette's observations were remarkably astute—unexpected from someone seemingly unfamiliar with piano. Ryan concluded Yvette was not only proficient but highly knowledgeable.

Unseen in the second-to-last row sat Zion, a man in a casual white outfit and baseball cap. He'd come to observe Ruby's performance. She'd previously tried to join his studio but hadn't impressed him; her playing, while skillful, lacked emotion. He'd rejected her, and her subsequent attempts to get close to him had been off-putting.

Argrol University had invited him to speak for two years. Refusing again would reflect poorly on him, especially given the university's prestige and his friendship with Simon. So, he agreed to attend the Art Festival.

Today, he'd come to see if Ruby had improved. He was again disappointed; her playing remained emotionless.

He was about to leave when he overheard Yvette's comment. He was pleasantly surprised by her perceptive critique. The cold but clearly young girl's voice suggested she was likely an Argrol University student.

Excitedly, he approached her. "Excuse me, do you also play the piano? If possible, I hope you could help guide my student."

Yvette and Bonnie looked up. Zion removed his cap, revealing handsome features and bright, intelligent eyes. He possessed a gentle aura.

Yvette restrained a smile, languidly replying, "I don't know how—"

Zion was incredulous. How could someone make such an observation without knowing how to play?

He was about to continue when he sensed Yvette's annoyance—a novel experience for him, given his fame. He didn't press further.

He apologized and left, then returned to hand Bonnie his business card, understanding it wasn't for her. "Here's my card. I hope we get a chance to talk sometime." He then departed.