Chapter 37

World-renowned piano maestro Darell showed surprising deference to Emma. The artistic education director of Vark College, present at the scene, was the first to recover from the shock. "Mr. Wallaker, do you two know each other?"

"Yes," replied Darell.

The other teachers seized the opportunity. "This girl is exceptionally bright, academically excellent, and talented in many areas. Why don't you take her under your wing and teach her your exquisite piano skills?"

Darell frowned. "No."

His response elicited clear disappointment from the school leaders, while Kate and her followers laughed and whispered amongst themselves. "So what if they know each other? Trash is still trash. Darell would never let Emma be his student." "Exactly, only Miss Johnson is the best pianist at Vark College."

But Darell's next words stunned his detractors. "Emma's piano skills are exquisitely unparalleled, certainly not inferior to mine; I wouldn't dare claim her as my student."

"Wh-what?" Several school leaders were stunned. Is Mr. Wallaker joking? No, no way! they thought. Even if he were joking, he wouldn't do it in front of us. After all, his previous attitude toward us has always been indifferent.

Kate couldn't believe her idol, Darell, had just declared Emma's skill superior to his. What's going on? Could it be that Emma is really a world-class, epic-level pianist?

Knowing Emma's reluctance to reveal her abilities, yet eager to hear her play, Darell courteously gestured. "Emma, may I have the pleasure of performing a duet with you?"

"With the greatest pleasure," Emma readily agreed. They sat at separate pianos and began a duet.

Darell, known since his youth as the "Piano Devil," played with wild, unrestrained abandon, full of mystery and sudden change. His bass line began with gentle strokes, building to a rich, powerful crescendo—like a sudden thunderstorm on a small island, the rain pounding the eaves, deep and resounding, startling the heart.

Simultaneously, Emma's treble line began. Her fingers, like fluttering butterfly wings, moved nimbly. A series of crisp high notes cascaded down, transforming the heavy raindrops into shimmering waterfalls of pearls—a breathtaking sight.

Darell, instantly enthralled by her playing, played even more magnificently. Accompanied by Emma's exquisitely enchanting high notes, the auditorium fell silent. Kate couldn't believe it. "This… This can't be real. How could Emma have improved so much overnight?"

She desperately searched for flaws but found none. On the contrary, the more she listened, the more she felt the terrifying strength of Emma's foundation. In the end, she burst into tears—tears of utter defeat.

"Miss Johnson, Miss Johnson?" The student beside her, mistaking her tears for emotion, offered a tissue. "Miss Johnson is a professional. She's even moved to tears by the performance."

Chapter 37 Continued

Kate was speechless. After what seemed an eternity, the duet ended. Below the stage, thunderous applause erupted. "Great, that was amazing!" "Emma, you're so impressive!" "Emma, my goddess!" "Darell, Darell, Darell!"

News of the performance quickly spread throughout the Vark College Art Festival, culminating its climax. Afterward, Darell found Emma backstage. "Long time no see, my junior sister," he said.

Emma was Darell's junior sister. Darell's piano teacher had often mentioned another student whose talent surpassed even Darell's, though he never learned her name, only that she was called "Five" and possessed exceptional comprehension and skill. Hearing Emma play, Darell felt he'd been listening to divine music. "Seeing you and hearing you play is truly wonderful. Our teacher didn't deceive me; I really do have a genius junior sister."

Emma nodded. "You flatter me. Over the years, you've pioneered new realms in the piano world, far surpassing my achievements. I wouldn't dare compare myself to you."

Emma spoke truthfully. She hadn't focused on music for years. Skill-wise, Darell still held the edge. But Darell saw things differently; in his heart, Emma was a genius whom he greatly admired.

After parting with Darell, Emma went to the restroom. Inside, she was fixing her makeup when Kate emerged from a stall, her gaze cold. Kate was utterly confused. Why does Darell know Emma, and why can she play so well? she wondered. Darell must have taken her as a student. She glared at Emma. "What exactly is your relationship with Darell? Why did he teach you to play the piano? Tell me, did you use improper means to become his student?"

Emma casually adjusted her hair, mocking Kate with a disdainful smile. Seeing this, Kate trembled with rage. "Brad told me Liam's new girlfriend wasn't simple. I thought you were someone big, but it turns out you're just a common gold digger who only knows how to seduce men!"

Slap! Emma raised her hand and slapped Kate's face. Kate was stunned. As she raised her hand to retaliate, Emma gripped her wrist, pinning her against the wall.

"Don't use your position as a teacher to bully others. You, Kate, are not qualified to be my teacher," Emma said seriously. "I'll tell you at the end of the term. Ouch!" Before Kate could finish, she screamed in pain as Emma's grip tightened slightly. Emma whispered in Kate's ear, "Kate, don't forget. You're just a substitute teacher outsourced by Vark College, not a real educator. And even Darell said your decade-long piano learning doesn't even measure up to a professional student's. You're just a spoiled rich kid relying on your family's wealth. Don't try to throw your weight around in front of me."

Releasing Kate, who nearly lost her balance, Emma left her seething. Kate looked at Emma with hatred. "Me, throwing my weight around? If you're so capable, then do you know how Liam's leg was crippled?"