Chapter 720:
After a moment of thought, Edward replied nonchalantly, “It’s actually a good thing. After all, it’s better to be straightforward about your ambitions than to scheme behind everyone’s back, right?”
Surprised, Elyse tilted her head. “Scheme? What do you mean by that?”
Edward’s expression darkened as he recalled a painful memory. “A few years ago, during a competition, I faced a petty opponent. While I was in the bathroom, he tampered with the strings on my violin. By the time I realized what he’d done, it was too late—the string snapped mid-performance. It was a total disaster.”
“What?!” Elyse’s eyes widened in outrage. “How dare he? He must have been wildly insecure. Did you end up winning against him?”
“Of course,” Edward said, raising his chin proudly. “I had to think fast; I borrowed a violin from a friend who was waiting backstage and finished my piece. Good thing the judges let me have a do-over.” He stroked his chin, a glint of pride in his eyes. “I ended up winning first place. I don’t even remember where that guy placed.”
“Good!” Elyse grinned in satisfaction. “You foiled his plan and you even won first place. I’m really happy for you.”
Edward chuckled, his confidence restored. “Well, it’s my turn to perform now. Make sure to watch closely.” With a grin, he strode towards the stage, violin in tow.
Elyse stood behind the curtain, watching with bated breath.
Soon, Edward started to play.
As the first notes of “The Wanderer” filled the room, Elyse’s face hardened. Edward had accused her earlier of not performing the piece she had originally planned, and now, he had responded in kind!
Clenching her fists, Elyse vowed to give Edward a piece of her mind once he stepped off the stage. However, her resolve wavered as she was drawn to the music. The rapid, intricate passages, with their energetic string plucking, propelled the music toward a breathtaking climax. The melancholic melody seemed to pour out from his very soul, pulling the audience into an emotional whirlpool.
Biting her lower lip, Elyse was stunned to realize this man was not only a master but perhaps even more skilled than she was!
Reflecting on Edward’s words, Elyse realized his choice of challenging pieces for the competition was a bold statement of his ambition, making the contestants who followed his performance seem dull in comparison. She and Edward were cut from the same cloth, both driven by an insatiable hunger for the championship.
After the performance, Edward strode off the stage, his face alight with triumph, only to be met by Elyse’s smoldering gaze. Elyse parroted Edward’s earlier accusation, her tone sharp. “Weren’t you supposed to perform ‘Csardas’? Why switch to ‘The Wanderer’? Wasn’t your rendition of ‘Csardas’ good enough?”
With a sly grin, Edward whistled and replied, “In competition, deception is just another tactic. I learned long ago that I can predict my opponent’s moves—except for you. You, my friend, are an enigma.”
Elyse rolled her eyes in exasperation and gave Edward a few playful, yet firm punches on the arm to release her frustration. Edward rubbed the sore spot on his arm and chuckled. “Don’t be mad. As a token of our friendly rivalry, I’ll let you in on some insider information.”
Elyse’s curiosity was piqued. “What is it?”
. . .