168 Forgot the Award?


    Cheng Yuqi sat gracefully at the piano, ying an elegant tune. Five minutester, she rose for the curtain call. However, upon scanning the audience, she noticed Fang Yuan engrossed in her games,pletely oblivious to her performance. Cheng Yuqi was instantly infuriated.


    Thunderous apuse erupted from the audience.


    "Cheng Yuqi''s performance was truly exceptional! She''s as remarkable as ever!"


    "As expected of the daughter of the country''s wealthiest individual. She has been outstanding from a young age!"


    "But I still prefer Fang Jiayi''sposition. Disregarding the beginning and the end, the climax was truly outstanding!"


    "I also favor the climax of Fang Jiayi''s piece…"


    As Cheng Yuqi descended from the stage, she overheard someone expressing this sentiment. Though her nails dug into her flesh, she maintained aposed demeanor, smiling and nodding at those around her.


    It had to be acknowledged that Fang Jiayi''s climax was indeed well-crafted, disying a creative prowess surpassing hers. Unfortunately, the overallposition suffered, resulting in her securing second ce.


    Upon hearing that many appreciated her piece, Fang Jiayi was exhrated, feeling like she had stolen the spotlight.


    "The top eight winners have now presented their participating pieces, allowing everyone to gain a deeper understanding of their cements."


    "Now, let''s move on to the day''s most crucial segment—the award ceremony."


    "Let''s warmly wee the renowned rtionship expert, Teacher Baisu, to confer awards upon the fourth to eighth winners!"


    The audience erupted in enthusiastic apuse as Bai Shan adjusted his suit and ascended the stage, presenting awards to each winner and capturing the moment with photographs.


    After leaving the stage, the host seized the microphone with passion and announced, "Next, let''s wee Mu Yon, the Chairwoman of the Piano Association, to present the awards to the top three winners!"


    The apuse from the audience beneath the stage intensified.


    As the third-ce Wang Jingjing, second-ce Fang Jiayi, and first-ce Cheng Yuqi made their way towards the stage, their youthful charm and exceptional talent drew considerable attention, making them the stars of this year''spetition.


    On their journey to the stage, Fang Jiayi warmly waved to the audience and even nodded cordially at Cheng Yuqi.


    However, Cheng Yuqi appeared oblivious to the gesture of goodwill. She enthusiastically waved and smiled at others.


    Once Mu Yon took the stage, she handed the championship trophy to Cheng Yuqi and the third-ce trophy to Wang Jingjing. Then, when her eyes fell on Fang Jiayi, her gaze turned notably cold.


    The host was momentarily taken aback, attempting to navigate the situation, "Chairwoman Mu, it''s time to present the award for the second ce…"


    Though slightly embarrassed, Fang Jiayi, under the scrutiny of numerous eyes and the watchful lenses of reporters, maintained a polite smile. "Chairwoman Mu, I''m the second-ce winner this time—Fang Jiayi."


    "I''m aware," Mu Yon''s voice resonated with coldness, her gaze piercing Fang Jiayi with an intensity that sent shivers through the audience.


    Perplexity filled the air, as neither the onlookers nor the host could fathom the tension. However, Mu Yon''s unsettling scrutiny left an indelible mark on the atmosphere, giving an eerie edge to the award ceremony.


    The host attempted to salvage the situation by signaling to the etiquettedy beside him. Sensing the urgency, she promptly handed the trophy to Mu Yon with a gracious smile, believing that the chairwoman was ready to present the award.


    However, Mu Yon remained motionless and spoke with chilling disdain, "You''re not worthy of the second-ce trophy."


    Her words sent shockwaves through the entire venue, igniting amotion.


    Fang Jiayi''s face turned pallid, and embarrassment gripped her. Fang Liguo and Song Ling stood up, bewildered by the unfolding events. Even Lu Chen, usuallyposed, was taken aback by Mu Yon''s uncharacteristic public reproach.


    The host, attempting to diffuse the tension, questioned, "Chairwoman Mu, do you believe that Fang Jiayi deserves a higher rank based on her performance?"


    The audience, momentarily confused, caught wind of the implication and breathed a collective sigh of relief. So, Mu Yon must think Fang Jiayi deserves first ce!


    Cheng Yuqi clutched her trophy tightly, astounded. Was Mu Yon about to dere that Fang Jiayi was more deserving of the top spot?


    However, Mu Yon dismissed the host''s question and locked eyes with Fang Jiayi. Her inquiry was stern, "Did youpose the entire piece you yed on your own? Every note, every melody—your own creation, and no one else''s involvement?"


    Fang Jiayi sensed the gravity of the situation and felt a surge of guilt. Her heart raced, and her legs weakened. "Yes, of course…"


    Mu Yon pressed on, "In other words, the entireposition, from start to finish, is solely your work, with no contributions from anyone else?"


    Fang Jiayi teetered on the edge of panic. She couldn''tprehend Mu Yon''s line of questioning. Did Mu Yon somehow discover that she had borrowed the climax from Fang Yuan''s song? It was inconceivable! Mu Yon, a luminary in the field, would never be acquainted with a minor talent like Fang Yuan. Unless Fang Yuan had approached her and disclosed the matter…


    "Chairwoman Mu, I''m not sure who informed you of such a thing." Fang Jiayi opted to deny any wrongdoing. Redirecting attention seemed the best course of action at the moment.