Chapter 598 The Head-To-Head Competition

To ensure fairness, all competitors within the same section played the same piece.

Meryl’s performance order was near the end. Three others had already played the same piece, leaving the audience somewhat fatigued.

But Meryl’s rendition stood out. Her interpretation was deeply emotional, with meticulous attention to detail.

When she finished, the applause was thunderous.

She received the highest score in the competition, a stunning 9.5 out of 10.

“Looks like we might be getting a new cello principal.”

“She’s better than Christine. Harvey really lives up to his reputation, producing such an outstanding student.”

“She’s only been with our orchestra for about a month, hasn’t she?”

“She must be exceptionally talented. Otherwise, why would Harvey specifically choose her as his protégé from all the brilliant musicians here?”

In the audience, Rachel clenched her fists.

This was her first time hearing Meryl perform.

She felt relieved that she played the violin, not the cello.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have stood a chance in a head-to-head competition.

After the performance, Meryl returned to the dressing room. Rachel was waiting for her in the hallway.

“Congratulations,” Rachel said.

Meryl looked at her. She didn’t want to bother to guess whether her congratulations were genuine or forced. She simply replied, “Thanks.”

“I got the highest score for the violin,” Rachel added as if she had something to prove. “I’m no worse than you.”

Meryl glanced at her, her tone indifferent. “No one said you were. Why are you so nervous?”

“You know the winners will represent the orchestra in the composition competition, right? A forty-eight-hour composition challenge. It’s a team event. I’m determined to win first place. Don’t drag me down.”

The forty-eight-hour composition challenge was a prestigious event. Pairs of musicians collaborated to create an original piece within two days.

The competition held immense prestige. Past winning pieces were often purchased by major labels for renowned singers. Some fetched millions of dollars in licensing fees, regularly topping music charts.

Almost every piece could make it onto major music charts, not only gaining money but also high honor.

For those looking to enter the entertainment industry, it was an ideal launchpad. A hit composition could catapult someone into fame, ensuring subsequent works were highly sought after.

Meryl, however, had no interest in this. She had only participated in the orchestra’s selection process to complete Harvey’s assignment.

She lacked both experience and ambition in composition.

She just wanted to get through it.

Passing the orchestra’s selection was enough for her.

Rachel, on the other hand, seemed eager to team up.

Meryl blinked innocently. “Why should I pair up with you?”

“What do you mean by that?” Rachel asked sharply.

She had thought Meryl’s cello skills and Harvey’s endorsement made her the best partner.

She took the initiative to approach Meryl. Yet Meryl seemed to be turning her down.

Angrily, Rachel demanded, “The cello and violin are a perfect match. You’re seriously not teaming up with me?”

Meryl raised an eyebrow.

“Just because they’re a good match doesn’t mean I have to team up with you.”

Then she stuck out her tongue playfully. “I’m not teaming up with you. Deal with it. Hah!”

The truth was, Meryl didn’t want to drag Rachel down, knowing she wasn’t taking the competition seriously. After all, Meryl just wanted to get by.

But Rachel didn’t see it that way. Her frustration boiled over, and tears began to fall.

When Chandler arrived, Rachel threw herself into his arms, wailing loudly.

“Chandler, did you see that? I tried to get along with her, but she just wouldn’t cooperate. She’s so mean!”