Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 249 Playing the Zither

So, this can be understood now. As expected, it was someone meddling again.

Upon her return, Violeta started pushing herself to beca versatile talent. She didn't need to be an expert in

everything, but she had to have a basic understanding.

Since twas the one thing she had in abundance, she spared no effort in learning everything she didn't

understand, exploring, and trying new things. Failures were okay. She could always try again.

Fortunately, this journey wasn't without its rewards, and she met many kind-hearted people along the way.

Kaylee didn't believe Violeta's claim of having only learned the basics.

Violeta appeared relaxed in public, but privately spent a lot of tpractising, much like her dedication to tennis.

Initially, Kaylee had thought Violeta was naturally talented and strong, but after spending so much twith her

over the past semester and this semester, Violeta hadn't missed a single club training session. Each training

session was unusually long.

She held herself to rigorous standards.

If Violeta claimed proficiency in playing the zither, she must possess considerable talent!

Kaylee remarked, "You must be quite skilled to handle such a complex instrument like the zither!"

Violeta smiled and responded, "I've actually forgotten many of the musical scores, so now | only play from

memory. That's why | say it was simple learning."

The photographer reviewed the photos taken and felt highly pleased.

"Miss, would you be okay if | filmed a video and shared it online? The scenery here is so stunning. It would be a

shto capture just a few photos."

Violeta agreed, "Sure, as long as it's not for commercial purposes.

"Anyway, since we're dressed in traditional outfits and the owner didn't charge us, let's just take the photos."

Kaylee chimed in, "Definitely! Take sphotos! Don't forget to send them over. This is a once-in-a-lifetime

experience."

Upon seeing their agreement, the photographer quickly added, "If anyone can play the instruments, feel free to

play. I'll set up the equipment here to record." "Alright," Violeta responded with a nod.

After pondering for a moment, she decided to play "Melody of the Battle" on the zither, unwilling to let the fine

instrument go to waste.

Taking a moment to compose herself, despite not having finger picks, she proceeded with a simple performance,

calming her emotions. "Alright, let's get started!"

The photographer exclaimed as the recording began.

Violeta began to play, following the music in her mind.

The melodious and profound tones of the zither floated gently on the breeze, gradually growing more robust and

majestic. It seemed to conjure images of a grand battlefield, where thousands of troops clashed in a spectacular

scene.

On the other side, outside the zither shop.

A crowd gathered to collect their souvenirs.

Initially, the owner eagerly welcomed them to play on the spot. However, as twent on, it becclear that

many 'students were there. merely to "experience" the zither, and the sounds they produced were simply

unbearable.

The boss's expression shifted from pleasant to a grimace.

His temperament gradually becmore impatient.

He finally said, "Okay, enough playing. Barry, give him the keychain and let him go."

"Oh, when others play the zither, they pay, but when you play, it's like asking for their life! Hurry up and leave!

"Oh my goodness, don't pluck the strings so aggressively! | just replaced them, and you're being too forceful!

"Please, set it down! This instrument isn't for casual playing!

"Barry, go and check the number of individuals still waiting. Quickly let them go. | just can't take this day after

day!

"What is the standard of students nowadays? Why is it deteriorating?

"Once you finish, ensure everything is restored to its original position!

"Oh, | can't endure this any longer..."

The owner remained seated, his expression icy and impatient, reluctant to depart for fear that the students

might damage his instruments.

Meanwhile, Hattie and the others stood in a lengthy queue, waiting patiently.

This time, the criteria for earning credits with the zither were simple. The owner would review the music score,

awarding points to those who could perform it proficiently. Skillful performances received high scores, while

inadequate ones garnered none.

However, the owner often exercised discretion in awarding points.

The highest scorers can directly report to the school and earn additional credits.

Hattie exuded confidence, stating,

"I've been playing musical instruments since childhood, and | already hold a Grade 10 certificate

for the zither. I'm certain I'll achieve the highest score!"

Gillian and Candy eagerly anticipated her zither performance and were pleasantly surprised.

"Hattie, this is new to me. | had no idea you played the zither. That's quite impressive."

"Yeah, you must have been dedicated to studying it for years."

Hattie remarked, "Yes, my mom insisted | learn music when | was young, and | wasn't keen on it then. Now | see

her good intentions."

From a tender age, Hannah foresaw the future and started preparing in advance.

All in anticipation of Hattie and Benson returning to vie for the family property once they cof age.

After patiently queuing up, their turn finally arrived.

Thinking Hattie was there to try out playing the zither, the owner cautioned, "You can play for only one minute,

so please don't exert too much force."

Hattie felt somewhat dismissive, sensing the owner's demeanour wasn't very welcoming. "Sir, I'm here to take

on the music score challenge."

The owner was taken aback, yet simultaneously somewhat pleased.

"You're here to challenge the music score? Excellent, here it is."