The seating drama subsided, and everyone returned to their places. Yvette sat with Andrew; Bonnie settled nearby.

“Really? Was it that serious? It’s just a few seats. Do they really need to make such a fuss? We’re all in the front rows anyway,” Bonnie mused, rolling her eyes.

Simon didn't mind. With so many people, even talking to Yvette would be difficult. Zachary was accustomed to Yvette's indifference, so her choice of seating didn't surprise him. Zion, however, felt he'd missed a chance to chat with her.

Jaiden sat next to Simon. Simon had expected Lionel Lewis, but Jaiden's presence led to a purposeful seat swap and a long-overdue catch-up.

Backstage, Ruby stormed into the dressing room, tears streaming down her face. She slammed the door, then in a furious outburst, wrecked the makeup on the table. She glared at her angry reflection, wiping away tears and clenching her fists.

“I swear I’m going to take Yvette down in the piano competition,” she vowed. The piano was Ruby's domain—her true stage. The loud crashes from the dressing room sent the backstage crew scurrying away, wary of her wrath.

At 9:30 a.m., the Art Festival officially began. Four hosts led the opening ceremony, with Simon delivering the first speech. He encouraged participants to compete with grace and skill, wishing the festival success.

Then came the musical performances. Despite her earlier tantrum, Ruby's piano performance generated considerable excitement.

Backstage, Ruby remade her makeup and changed into a flowing white dress. Stepping into the spotlight, she commanded the audience's undivided attention. This was her place; she felt at home.

With a confident smile, she brushed aside her frustration, determined to remain positive and ignoring Yvette. At the piano, her fingers danced across the keys, producing an enchanting melody that captivated the audience.

However, while the audience was enthralled, Zion frowned. “She’s playing exactly as she did in rehearsals,” he thought. “There’s no emotion—only bitterness.” Ruby's resentment, though outwardly masked, seeped into her music, dulling the performance.

Sitting behind Zion, Sawyer watched with a smug expression, unimpressed. “Is this the person Mr. Holmes recommended?” he thought. “Her playing is so average. She even missed a few notes! And this is the opening performance? Give me a break.”

He glanced at the captivated audience, his incredulity growing. His gaze fell upon Yvette, and he paused.

Among the admiring faces, only Zion and Yvette seemed unimpressed. Yvette’s neutral expression, brows slightly furrowed, surprised Sawyer.

“Ruby is playing so well!” Nellie exclaimed, glancing at Yvette, who, having pulled her hood over her eyes and crossed her arms, was asleep. Nellie thought it tacky to sleep at such an event.

In her gown, attempting to control her stomach, Nellie focused on maintaining her composure despite aching ribs. The upcoming piano competition fueled her; she couldn't wait to see Ruby defeat Yvette. The thought thrilled her. Zachary, beside her, sensed her excitement but couldn't understand its source.

Rebecca, however, focused on the performance. “Ruby’s playing is really impressive. No wonder she passed Level 8 in piano,” she commented.

Andrew, nearby, seemed less interested in the music than in Yvette. He looked at Bonnie, casually snacking. “Bonnie,” he said, trying to get her attention.

Startled, Bonnie jumped, scattering her snacks. “What?” she exclaimed. “You scared me! What’s wrong with you?”

Andrew pointed at the sleeping Yvette. “Aren’t you worried about her?”

Bonnie waved him off. “Worried? Nah, Yvette knows what she’s doing. Relax. Here, have some chips,” she offered.

Andrew chuckled, patting her head affectionately. “All you do is eat.”

Nearby, Nellie overheard the comment about Ruby's Level 8 passing and felt a surge of satisfaction. If Ruby had passed Level 8, Yvette stood no chance, she thought, savoring the anticipated victory.

Ruby basked in the applause after her performance, her confidence restored. Her earlier frustration vanished as she returned to her usual smug demeanor, her mind focused on defeating Yvette.

The Art Festival's opening ceremony, a lively two-and-a-half-hour affair showcasing various departments, concluded. Everyone eagerly awaited the piano competition.

Rows of chairs filled the field, packed with students anticipating the championship. Most of the audience favored Ruby, a Level 8 pianist—a significant university achievement.

However, Yvette also had supporters. News of her participation in four events had revived her fanbase, who rallied behind her on university forums. The annual “Most Popular Award,” voted on after the Art Festival, was more competitive than ever this year.

The award’s prize: a piece of Simon’s calligraphy, a rare and coveted item, valuable both as a collector's piece and for its market value, given Simon's status as an honorary member of the National Calligraphy Association. Only one piece was awarded annually; last year's winner was Ryan.

The piano competition's order wasn't decided by lottery but by a computer-generated random selection finalized the day before the festival. By chance, Ruby was second to last, with Yvette immediately following.

This arrangement thrilled Ruby. She believed her performance would intimidate Yvette. Furthermore, Ruby chose “Dream,” Bryan’s most famous piece, a composition dedicated to his wife, which she had practiced for three years. This would be its public debut.

To Ruby, Yvette was merely a stepping stone; this song, her ticket to success, and a spot in Zion’s prestigious studio.

The performance order was displayed on the big screen. The audience quickly noticed Ruby and Yvette's back-to-back performances, filling the auditorium with excited whispers.

Some mused, “This is fate! Destiny’s design. When rivals clash, who will emerge victorious?”