Chapter 376:

Forrest confidently lifted his head and extended his hand to the taller Elyse. Striving for maturity, he declared, "Elyse, I promise to care for you diligently from this moment forward. You can rely on me."

Elyse smiled gently after a brief pause and accepted his hand. "Forrest, I appreciate that," she replied softly. "Don't fret. I have a knack for looking after others," Forrest added, attempting to maintain an air of grown-up confidence. (This sentence was awkwardly placed; it's better suited after the next.)

With a warm smile, Fiona took Forrest's hand and suggested, "I've baked some bread. Shall we enjoy it together?"

Elyse, perplexed, asked, "Can an eight-year-old be my senior here?"

Gavin grinned and explained, "Forrest became Mr. Tucker's apprentice before you did, so he has seniority. However, he's just beginning his violin journey and might need your guidance."

Cody approached with a loaf of bread, providing further context. "Forrest is the son of a late friend. I've taken him under my wing, and he's shown a keen interest in learning the violin. Therefore, I've become his mentor." Elyse nodded in understanding.

"Come here, Fiona," Cody beckoned. After they enjoyed the bread, he retrieved a document from his bag. Fiona hurried over, asking, "What's the matter, Mr. Tucker?"

"These are registration forms for the Champions Cup," Cody explained. "Once completed, hand them to Irving; he'll handle the signup process." He handed two forms to Elyse and Fiona, then turned to Gavin. "Make sure to attend the show this afternoon. Punctuality is essential. I have pressing matters to address, so I trust you to take care of everyone in my absence."

Gavin nodded earnestly. "Understood. You can count on me." Cody entrusted Irving with the registration process and left hurriedly.

Irving approached with pens, urging, "Quickly now, fill out the forms, and I'll submit them." Fiona eagerly grabbed a pen and swiftly scanned and filled out her form.

Elyse, meanwhile, took her time reviewing the form. Sensing Irving's impatience, she looked up at his stern gaze. Arms crossed, he remarked disapprovingly, "It's just a registration form. What's taking so long?"

"This is my first time participating in such a grand competition," Elyse replied excitedly.

Irving was surprised and puzzled. "The Champions Cup isn't a major event; it's only for the top eight in the country. But making it to that level qualifies you for the world-level competition." Elyse's face lit up with longing.

Sensing her eagerness, Irving handed her another pen, urging, "Come on, fill out the registration form quickly." Elyse diligently completed the form.

Meanwhile, Gavin approached and asked, "Elyse, could you come with me to the TV station to record a show?"

Elyse replied, perplexed, "I'm not sure how much I can contribute."

Gavin shook his head. "I'd feel quite lonely going solo. I could really use someone to cheer me on. Besides, I'd love for you to join me on the show."

Glancing between Gavin and Elyse, Irving interjected, "Are you planning to introduce Elyse as one of our own?"

Gavin nodded. "She's now an apprentice of Mr. Tucker. There's no need to hide it." Pointing at Elyse, Irving advised, "Make sure to behave appropriately this afternoon, and avoid anything embarrassing."

Elyse nodded solemnly. "Understood." Fifteen minutes later, Gavin and Elyse left for the TV station.

Sitting beside Forrest, Elyse's curiosity welled up. "Forrest, why are only Fiona and I competing? Aren't you joining us?"

Gavin, eyes fixed on the road, replied casually, "Irving and I don't need competitions to prove ourselves. I had a solo concert last year, and Irving is preparing for one at the beginning of the new year."

Elyse sat stunned, her disbelief evident. Gavin and Irving already performed solo concerts. As she contemplated her own journey, she realized she still had far to go before a solo concert.

As they waited for the elevator at the TV station, Elyse unexpectedly encountered Kaelyn, who was there for work. Seeing Elyse with an unfamiliar man, Kaelyn teased, "Elyse, who's this mystery man? Have you found yourself a new beau? Does Jayden know?"

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