Chapter 161
The No. 1 Concert Hall of the Clusia Pianists‘ Association was bustling.
With an hour and a half left before the contest started, major media outlets were set up at the entrance, broadcasting the event online.
Liam wanted to keep this contest low–key, so he didn’t arrange for any streaming. Because of this, mainstream media was barred from attending. He aimed solely to find a worthy and charming successor.
Unfortunately, some individuals created too much hype, turning the concert hall’s exterior into a spectacle that looked like a commercial performance.
Only a select few were allowed inside to witness the piano contest.
Aside from the contestants‘ families, most attendees were distinguished figures from various sectors in Betrico.
In the backstage waiting area, all except Shirley had signed in. The remaining nineteen contestants awaited their draw to determine the performance order.
Madeline sat, looking somewhat restless, clutching the sheet music Cherise had given her. She occasionally glanced at it, repeating anxious mantras to herself, worried she’d forget her pieces onstage.
Outside the venue, Shirley arrived fashionably late, wearing the red dress she had bought just the day before. Her skin glowed, and her movements were graceful.
Accompanying her was her fiancé Jeffrey, the heir to the Chambers family and brother of the superstar Melissa. They were set to hold their engagement ceremony the next day at the Chambers International Hotel.
Today marked their first public appearance as an officially engaged couple, drawing significant media attention upon Numerous media outlets quickly turned their cameras toward them, bombarding the couple with questions.
arrival.
One reporter asked, “Tomorrow is your engagement ceremony. Are you attending Shirley’s piano contest today just to show affection, Jeffrey?”
Shirley kept her ever–present smile, exuding poise.
Jeffrey took the microphone gracefully, saying, “I’m here to support my fiancée at this piano contest, celebrating this important moment in her life. As for showing affection, that’s unnecessary–we’ve always been close, and we don’t need to flaunt it.”
After he finished, Jeffrey nodded politely at the curious reporter to show gratitude.
True to his upbringing, Jeffrey showed humility and courtesy under the media’s gaze.
The next reporter then asked, “Ms. Leach, having won numerous piano awards and received much acclaim, do you feel particularly confident about winning the championship today?”
Shirley flashed a perfect smile at the camera. “All the contestants in this contest hosted by Liam are exceptionally talented. I can only promise to give my best effort; of course, becoming a disciple of Liam would be my greatest dream.”
Shirley’s response was impeccably measured.
Another reporter asked, “With your engagement ceremony tomorrow, can you reveal any notable guests who will be attending?”
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Chapter 161
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Shirley appeared briefly bashful, like an innocent girl facing the world for the first time. “The guests are arranged by Jeffrey’s parents, so I’m not entirely sure who they are. But they’re all remarkable people, so everyone should look forward to it.”
Continuing, the reporter queried, “We’ve heard that this piano contest will feature not only Liam but also Arlina. With two masterful judges, which one do you prefer, Ms. Leach?”
Shirley looked thoughtful for a moment. “Both masters are exceptional. But right now, it’s not about who I prefer; it’s more about which one is inclined towards me, right?”
With a playful smile, Shirley glanced at the time and politely interjected, “I apologize; it seems it’s almost time for me to enter. Thank you all!”
The reporters, seeing her eagerness, offered their well wishes–some congratulated her on her upcoming engagement, while others expressed hopes for her piano contest success.
Jeffrey gallantly took Shirley’s hand as they headed into the concert hall.
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