Chapter 172
With a big grin, Ethan said, “Since you guys are playing instruments, I’ll do a sword dance.”
Ethan looked at his friends–Maisie picked the guitar, Zinnia chose the zither, Lydia went for the tute, and Brian took the harmonica. Ethan simply drew
his sword.
The crowd below watched with more and more excitement as they showed off a strong aura.
“Are you all ready?” Zinnia asked from her spot. After a quick talk, everyone agreed she would start first, so the others could hear her play and make changes if needed.
Zinnia gently ran her fingers over the zither’s strings. It wasn’t as fancy as the one she had in her small town, but playing it still felt nice.
“Yep,” Ethan said, about to start his sword dance.
“Let’s start,” the organizer called out through the megaphone.
As the organizer’s voice faded, everyone took their places, but all eyes went to Zinnia. Under their expectant looks, she plucked the zither strings, making a beautiful melody that floated smoothly through the air.
The stage lights shined on Zinnia, showing her delicate features as she slightly bowed her head. Her fingers moved easily across the zither strings. Any music lover could tell right away she was a real pro.
The others looked at Zinnia with big smiles. Maisie said, “Our little star is so talented. Who knew she had such amazing skills?”
Ethan didn’t wait any longer. He moved gracefully, the sword gleaming under the spotlight as he performed intricate patterns.
With swift, precise movements, Ethan crossed and uncrossed his swords, creating mesmerizing shapes. As the zither’s melody softened into a gentle background, Maisie began to recite a war poem.
With the lute playing softly, Ethan spun around, his sword flashing like lightning.
The four instruments played in perfect harmony as Ethan’s sword moved quicker and quicker. The crowd below was totally amazed, their eyes moving between the performers.
It felt like they were watching a real professional show. Ethan looked back at his friends; they shared a knowing smile before everyone joined in with
their instruments.
At that moment, all the instruments blended perfectly. The sound of Ethan’s sword cutting through the air made everyone thrilled, making their hearts race with excitement.
As their voices faded, only the lasting sound of the instruments stayed, sweet and strong.
“Bravo!” When the show finished, loud applause burst from the crowd. It was clear who the winners were.
The five got together, their faces shining with happy, confident smiles. “Thank you, everyone!”
The organizer, full of admiration, went to the group, “Congrats on winning! This lamp is yours,” he said happily.
“Thanks,” Maisie said with a warm smile as she took the lamp, then gently gave it to Zinnia.
“There are also some really pretty lamps here. You can pick your favorite ones,” the organizer said kindly, knowing they had won for Zinnia. Watching their lively energy, he realized that youth really was wonderful.
There was only one Opaline Lamp, a prize for just Zinnia. But with so many other pretty lamps, they each took turns choosing their favorites.
“Would you like a group photo? It’s free, We’ll send you the pictures later,” the organizer offered with a smile.
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Chapter 172
“Definitely!” The group lined up for the photo, with Zinnia in the middle. “Cheese, everyone shouted together, then cheered with a big “Yeah”
Ethan raised his sword high, his voice full of energy: “We’ll come back next year!” Surrounded by best friends, they stood at the height of their youth bright, brave, and close.
“After graduation, we will definitely come back next year!” Maisie said.
The organizer smiled warmly and said, “We’re looking forward to seeing you again next year.”
A video of their show quickly went viral on all the big social media sites, shared a lot by local tourism groups. Their act became popular even abroad. Though they didn’t know it yet.
[I want all their info within three minutes. They’re totally ready to debut!]
[I need full info on everyone, especially the girl playing the zither! She’s so gorgeous–like she’s not even real.]
[Turns out the performers are all from rich, powerful families. My friend goes to Evershine High with them. They’re basically the top students, with backgrounds way above ours.]
[And they performed for us?]
[I was there. They were so amazing, way better in person than on your phone. I took some photos!]
[I never thought I’d see heiresses perform for us. They’re so good–looking. No wonder they come from wealthy families. That noble vibe is totally different from us regular folks!]
[My relative who saw it told me those rich kids only went on stage because that beautiful girl playing the zither said the prize lamp was pretty.]
[Why don’t I have friends like these?]
[I wish I had rich friends spoiling me too.]
[That girl playing the zither is super pretty. Her skills are next level. I’ve been playing for ten years and I’m not even close. She makes it look so easy. Definitely a pro. I’d love to be friends with this cutie!]
[The zither star is Zinnia–beautiful, kind, and super sweet. She’s a senior in Class 19 at Evershine High, kind of the school mascot. Want to be friends with her? You need to get past her brothers.]
[I really want to be a heiress with this kind of status.]
Being super good with the internet, Yvette quickly recognized Zinnia in the video. She downloaded it fast and happily shared it in the group chat, smiling proudly.
