Chapter 750:

Elyse nodded. “Alright, five meals. I promise.”

“What’s this about five meals? Sounds interesting. Can I join in?” Darren barged in, pushing open the door with a proud smile.

When Elyse saw Darren, her eyes lit up with joy. “Hey! Missed you at the last performance.”

Darren waved. “It was a mess. Vicky and I ranked last, then some jerks wrecked our violins. We were scrambling to find new ones and didn’t have time to meet you.”

Elyse nodded, curiosity in her eyes. “Where’s Vicky now?”

Darren answered, smiling lightly, “I’m finished with my performance. It isn’t her turn yet, so she’s waiting backstage.”

“I finished ages ago,” Elyse said, yawning.

Darren glanced at Edward, a peculiar glint sparking in his eyes. He had a strong impression of Edward. Before coming to Manfek, Merlin had told him all about Edward—a violin prodigy, displaying incredible talent from a young age and maintaining an undefeated record. He was undoubtedly a top contender for first place in this competition. Darren didn’t want to face him unless it was the finals.

After a moment of thought, Darren asked, “How about we have a gathering after the competition?”

Feeling sleepy, Elyse perked up at the mention of a gathering. “Not my treat, right?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Edward smirked. “And why not?”

Darren scratched his head. “I’ve spent a lot on gifts to send home. How about you treat me this time?”

Elyse’s lips twitched as she resigned herself. “Fine, I’ll treat. Invite Vicky. Do you think she’ll come?”

Darren shrugged. “Maybe. Her temper has improved a lot. I think she’s starting to realize her social skills need work and is trying to change.”

Elyse thought it would be good if Vicky truly softened her attitude. In that case, Vicky wouldn’t look down on everyone anymore.

After the competition, Elyse bid Gavin and the others farewell, then headed to a restaurant with Edward and Darren.

As soon as they sat down, Darren checked his phone. “Vicky said she’ll come after she changes clothes.”

Elyse nodded. “No rush. She can take her time.”

Edward looked at Darren curiously. “What rank did you get in your group?”

Darren answered honestly, “First in my group. I got lucky and didn’t face any strong opponents.”

Elyse pouted. “Don’t remind me. I came in second, just 0.3 points behind the first.”

“That’s a close call,” Edward remarked. “This round is over. Next is the semifinals. We might be up against each other. Friends now, rivals later?”

Elyse handed Edward a beer, jokingly. “I never saw you as a friend. You’ve always been my rival.”

Edward raised an eyebrow. “If we meet in the finals and battle for first place, it will get me pumped up.”

Elyse grinned. “Same here. I’ll give everything I’ve got to beat you.”