Chapter 151

After Maddox spoke, he looked at Sienna. "Sorry, I'm direct and prefer to speak the truth. You won't mind, will you?"

Phoebe glanced at Maddox with disapproval. Not only was he sharp-tongued and excessive, but now he was pretending to be innocent.

If he hadn't said that, Sienna might have used her usual strategy of repeating herself with apologetic words to salvage her earlier performance. Maddox had cleverly blocked that opportunity by preemptively using her own method against her.

Indeed, Sienna froze. She had originally planned to say that her mood wasn't great today, which affected her playing, and then apologize to Maddons and everyone. This way, the audience might understand.

My apologizing, she would appear humble and willing to accept criticism. If Madilor had continued to push, it would make her look weak and helpless. In contrast, they would seem unfair and bullying.

Sienna hadn't expected Maddox to interject with that remark. “Isn’t he supposed to continue being arrogant and domineering? Why stop now?” she thought. At that moment, Nenna felt an unusual kind of frustration.

Maddox, enjoying himself, added, “You’re not saying anything? Are you mad now! In the future, don’t ask me whether I’m satisfied or not. I worry I’ll be too blunt, and you won’t be happy.”

His meaning was clear. It was Sienna who had asked him directly, and when he gave an honest answer, she wasn’t happy. It wasn’t his fault.

Sienna was so angry she almost wanted to hit Maddox. She forced a smile and said, “No, I’m not mad. I’m just thinking about my own mistake. I wasn’t feeling too well today, and it affected the tone of the piece. I’ll make sure to pay more attention next time.”

She regretted suggesting they work at this restaurant. These three must have come specifically to eat and mess with them.

Maddox’s words had, as expected, confused the audience. They didn’t fully understand Sienna’s explanation and weren’t buying it.

Joshua, feeling heartbroken seeing Sienna being mistreated, thought Maddox was going too far, with no gentlemanly manners at all. “Maddox really is bullying Sienna, this is too much,” he wondered.

Joshua was worried Maddox would continue his harassment, so he said, “711, play the second piece.”

Joshua was also a graduate of a music academy and had passed all the violin proficiency exams. He was confident in his abilities, playing with his eyes closed in an exaggerated, self-absorbed manner.

Phoebe couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing to watch Joshua act this way.

After finishing the piece, Joshua looked at Phoebe and Maddox. “Are you satisfied now!” He deliberately ignored Quintus, thinking he wasn’t worthy of his attention.

Phoebe didn’t like how Joshua always looked down on others.

Phoebe had heard both Quintus and Joshua’s original songs and covers. In terms of vocal skills, tone, rhythm, and songwriting abilities, Quintus was leagues ahead of Joshua.

She couldn’t understand why Joshua was so confident he was so much better than Quintus.

Phoebe asked Maddox and the others, “What do you think?”

Maddox replied honestly, “It was just an exam-level performance. The real issue is, it was kind of disgusting to watch.”

Quintus nodded. “I agree.”

Joshua’s self-absorbed expression while playing had really turned him off. For someone so young to act that way, it was just too much.

Phoebe smiled and said, “You said exactly what I was thinking.”

At that, both the people at the restaurant and the viewers in the livestream suddenly agreed that Joshua’s behavior had, indeed, been a bit repulsive.

Joshua hadn’t expected the three of them to give such harsh feedback. “They’re calling me disgusting now, and they won’t let it go?” he thought.

He turned to Maddox and asked, “I’m just at an exam-level. What level are you, Maddox!”

Maddox responded openly. “I’m at an amateur level. I said that already.”

(Actually, Maddox’s violin skills are amateur at best. He only won a first-place prize at an International violin competition when he was younger.)

(And he’s never taken exams, hence…)

(So, compared to Joshua’s professionalism, Maddox definitely falls short.)

Maddox fam enjoyed mocking others just like him. Even their self-deprecating humor was unique. The other people couldn’t help but silently complain inwardly. You are just as critical as Maddox.

After hearing Maddox…

Joshua found himself unable to retort. Maddox had already labeled himself as an amateur, so Joshua had no choice.

Joshua, feeling he couldn’t beat facing the three anymore, asked. “Can we leave now that we’ve played the violin?”

Phoebe casually reached into her bag, took out 250 dollars, and handed it to Joshua. “Here, this is for your tip. You deserve it.”

(But laugh at Phoebe’s gesture. “Indeed, you deserve it.”)

(Sllars from Phoebe and handed it to Sienna. “Here, this is for you. No need to thank me.”)

Quintus didn’t move. He didn’t have any money on him and wasn’t as direct as Maddox in asking for a tip.

(Oebe action was so furious be almost choked on his own anger “Phoebe, you’re going too far”)

He said the violin playing was poor, but he still gave them a tip.

(Hoebe wore an innocent expression. I think your playing made me happy, so I gave you a tip. What’s wrong with that?)

Joshua steered. “Who cares about your tip! You can keep it for yourself!” He couldn’t take it anymore and turned, quickly leaving. He couldn’t bear the humiliation, especially from his own sister.

Sienna, seeing Maddox hand her the money, also felt humiliated. Her eyes reddened, and biting her lip, she said, “I didn’t play the piece with the joy I should have had. I don’t want the tip.”

Such a tip, given with an insult attached, was something Sienna wouldn’t accept.

Maddox, seeing she didn’t want it, stuffed the money back into Phoebe’s hand. “If they don’t want it, fine. We’ve saved 500 dollars.”

Phoebe, of course, wasn’t interested in actually giving them any money, let alone a single cent. She had anticipated that, given their personalities, they wouldn’t accept the tip.

Smiling, she put the 500 dollars back in her bag. “Alright, we’ve saved a bit.”

By then, the food began to arrive.

Phoebe turned to Sienna. “We’re eating now.” That was her subtle way of telling Sienna she could leave.

Sienna fought the urge to step forward and scratch Phoebe’s face. She couldn’t force herself to speak kindly, like saying “enjoy” or something similar.

With a deep glare at Phoebe, she grabbed her violin and turned to leave, mentally noting down another score against Phoebe.

(I’ve noticed that after spending time with Maddox, Phoebe’s gotten as teasing as he is, but I kind of like it.)

(“Your meal”)

(The violin performance was awful, but they still got a tip? It’s not very impactful, but the insult is strong. Phoebe really is something.)

(They’re such a perfect match!)

(Did you guys notice? Maddon cally asked Phoebe for monry, just like my husband asking me for money!)

(Quintus was too shy to ask Porbe for anything. Maddox’s approach was so natural. They’re adorable!)

(They really are a perfect pair.)

Phoebe’s and Maddox’s fans joked and teased, while Sienna’s and Joshua’s fans jumped in to criticize Phoebe and Maddox, only to be countered by Phoebe and Maddox’s fans.

(Jostics had pert poorly but still immsted on acing the guests if they were satisfied. When the pants 2 2)

(Phones and Middor’s fans had bem, so annoying.)