Chapter 214: Center Stage
Shortly after, Sierra saw a woman in a chic white dress appear on the screen. The dress was simple yet elegant, one shoulder bare, revealing a long, graceful neck that reminded Sierra of a swan.
"Slap!" Sierra's hand slammed onto the dressing table, causing nearby objects to shake. Her makeup artist and photographer wisely remained silent. Sierra's face darkened. Maggie wasn't wearing the dress that had been sent to the school for safekeeping!
Sierra couldn't believe Maggie had avoided this disaster. Otherwise, she would have seen Maggie embarrass herself in front of everyone. Disappointed by the lack of drama, Sierra felt a pang of frustration. Why had Maggie changed dresses just before going onstage? It was infuriating!
Leaning back in her chair, Sierra coldly watched Maggie on her phone, striding to center stage and speaking into the microphone. Sierra dismissed the dress change, knowing she'd arranged for Maggie's foundation to be replaced with a powder that would disfigure her. Within twenty minutes, Maggie's face would begin to itch unbearably, followed by swelling and redness. If she couldn't resist scratching, it might even bleed. When that happened, regardless of her performance, her beauty would only exist in her dreams!
Sierra laughed, relieved by her preemptive plan; otherwise, Maggie might have escaped this.
Maggie introduced herself, her school, and her participant number. Under the intense stage lights, she radiated an elegant grace, like a fairy misplaced in the real world—strikingly beautiful. Nathael, seated in the center of the audience, watched intently, his eyes filled with a soft affection.
Maggie moved to the old black piano. As she pressed the pedals and her slender fingers danced across the keys, the room filled with flowing music. The piece, "Yearning," was a calm, delicate melody. An early work by the celebrated pianist Promis, it was marked by a clear, pure style that captured the warmth and naiveté of youth.
This composition told the story of a young man leaving home for his studies and his longing for his mother. Along his journey, he faced hardships and trials, gradually maturing with each challenge. As he matured, his longing for his mother deepened. The music's climax brimmed with overwhelming nostalgia, depicting the young man rushing home at sunset, transitioning into adulthood as his surroundings changed significantly. After a long absence, he returned, eager to reunite with his mother. Yet, despite wandering the familiar streets, he couldn't find her. An elderly neighbor told him his mother had passed away earlier that year, still waiting for him at the village church.
In a daze, the man went to the church where his mother had taken him as a child. He sat alone for a long time until he found the money his mother had left him, via the priest, along with a poorly fitting garment she'd sewn by hand. Overcome with emotion, he burst into tears. The intense warmth, yearning, and profound longing in his heart suddenly ceased. The harsh reality shattered his beautiful dreams, making every step feel like walking on shards of glass, the grief lingering and heart-wrenching.
At that moment, the live broadcast's comments surged, and viewership peaked within minutes:
"Ah, her divine beauty is so captivating, and she's so good! I'm going to cry!" "Why are tears streaming down my face? Are tears so cheap?" "She's so ethereal and beautiful, truly the epitome of the First Institute!" "Oh, Maggie, my beloved, my love for you is beyond words!" "Let's all support our goddess! I'm urging everyone to vote, so please cast your votes!" "Honestly, Maggie's talent far exceeds that of most contestants. She performs like a seasoned professional, and her beauty is unparalleled!" "Didn't they say she doesn't know how to play the piano? Was she merely pretending? Why did I hear that the Camerons never allowed her to learn?" "Am I the only one dazzled by the Pigeon Blood Ruby around her neck? It nearly blinded me, oh my goodness!" "This jewelry set is insanely expensive. I'm so jealous. Does it belong to the Camerons? Who really is Maggie?" "I know it! A friend told me that Mr. Harris recently bought this jewelry for a staggering price!"
Amid the flurry of discussion, Maggie closed her eyes, losing herself completely in the music. Those unfamiliar with the piece's background might mistake it for expressing longing for a lover. However, it depicted the longing for a mother, the despair and regret of wanting to support parents who were no longer there.
The piece flowed smoothly, stirring emotions and painting vivid scenes in the audience's minds. When the music ended abruptly, it showed a young man laying a bouquet of white roses on his mother's tombstone at sunset, looking lonely and heartbroken.
Silence followed, broken only by the quiet sobs of some audience members; their eyes were filled with deep emotion. Maggie gently lowered her hands, composed herself, and bowed deeply.
The applause erupted like a tidal wave. Maggie's performance was flawless. Looking up, she made eye contact with a man in the audience—Nathael. He wore a sharp navy blue suit and smiled gently, holding a small, easily visible support card: "First Institute, go for the win!" It was cheesy, but sweet. Personal support cards were rare in the preliminary rounds, usually only from school groups. Maggie was surprised to see Nathael waving his card. He, however, remained calm, casually waving the card.
Maggie smiled, her smile illuminating the room. The audience roared with cheers; some men nearly jumped from their seats. Nathael frowned slightly. While happy about her popularity, the attention stirred a hint of jealousy.