Chapter 548: Toiling for Another’s Benefit

When everyone heard the results of the performance evaluation, they exchanged bewildered glances—after all, in their eyes, the "Butterfly Lovers" performed by Rosalind White and Fiona Vaughn was mournful and beautiful, but it couldn’t match the emotional impact of the piano piece played by Cecilia Vaughn.

Such a result was, to say the least, difficult for the crowd to accept.

Now, hearing Mr. Adams announce that Fiona Vaughn would serve as the Youth Friendship Ambassador for Vesperia and Stellerton, made it all the more baffling.

"Mr. Adams, did you make a mistake?"

There were plenty of Fiona’s dissenters present—not to mention, she was also a performer, the lead dancer in the third place group dance, "Rising Sun." This evaluation hadn’t publicly released any scores at all; the opaque mechanism was infuriating, so one female student couldn’t help but stand up and challenge him.

Mr. Adams heard the Stellerton University student’s question in English and shook his head politely.

"No mistake. Do you mean to say Miss Fiona Vaughn does not deserve this honor?"

"Well..."

To openly claim that Fiona Vaughn was undeserving, with so many of her fans almost certainly present, the student was genuinely afraid she’d become a target for their ire.

The female student hesitated, glanced at Fiona Vaughn, and saw her sitting nervously in her seat, as if Cecilia Vaughn’s earlier aggressive attitude had scared her—her shoulders were trembling. Was she really that afraid?

Is she genuinely not faking it?

Now, with the title of Youth Friendship Ambassador landing squarely on Fiona’s head, endless invitations and events would follow—a double win of reputation and fortune. The student herself had been a contender for this role; she couldn’t just say she was unhappy with the outcome, so she pushed Cecilia Vaughn out as her shield.

"Mr. Adams, Miss Fiona’s talent is obvious to all, but I think Cecilia Vaughn isn’t any less impressive. In fact, her impact on the audience might have been even greater. Why didn’t you choose her, and instead picked Miss Fiona?"

"Of course, I know Cecilia Vaughn didn’t officially run for the Friendship Ambassador, but she participated in this event. I’d like to know why she was evaluated as second place."

...

The lead dancer was clever—she voiced exactly what everyone was thinking.

If Cecilia hadn’t played "Life" and dominated the crowd, then picking Fiona Vaughn and Rosalind White’s performance as number one might have made sense. But as it stands, with such a gem already before them, to choose a mere imitation—even with countless Fiona fans—it’s, frankly, hard to justify.

Mr. Adams’s smile didn’t falter as he listened to the dancer’s question.

He looked meaningfully at Cecilia Vaughn.

"Aside from Cecilia not officially registering, even if she had, we would still have chosen Miss Fiona Vaughn’s performance."

With that, the crowd erupted.

How does that make sense?

"Why is that, Mr. Adams? Please, stop keeping us in suspense."

"Yes, please tell us!"

At this point, it wasn’t just the lead dancer who was questioning; plenty of audience members joined in, clamoring for answers.

Mr. Adams took his time, sweeping his gaze over their faces, and spoke with calm authority.

"Because, in the piano and violin duet by Miss Fiona Vaughn and Miss Rosalind White, I heard the power of music—the beauty and steadfastness of love. These are the qualities people must admire and aspire to."

"But with Miss Cecilia Vaughn, even though her playing moved people, it was hard to empathize. It was too cold, too bleak, and too unforgiving. I believe truth, kindness, and beauty are what all performances should advocate for, and in Miss Cecilia Vaughn’s piece, it’s hard to find the courage to believe in warmth in this world."

"But Miss Fiona Vaughn’s style is wholly different—even if the song is sorrowful, we could hear hope, yearning, and light. These are the qualities young people today most desperately need."

Mr. Adams’s righteous speech left the audience stunned.

Thinking it over, perhaps he was right.

When they first heard Cecilia’s "Life," it stirred a desperate courage and resolve—but the desolation and loneliness in that piece were what struck deepest. Many had been left immersed in the tragic atmosphere she created, even moved to tears.

...

Cecilia Vaughn stood below the stage, watching Mr. Adams with his air of uprightness, and felt only amusement.

She had no interest in this so-called Stellerton-Vesperia Friendship Ambassador title, but seeing Fiona Vaughn claim the prize, she knew it wasn’t Fiona’s talent that won her the crown, but likely some favor given to the Vesperia judge.

"Now that you’ve got what you wanted, are you satisfied?"

"Let me guess—did you strike some shady deal with Mr. Adams?"

At Cecilia’s words, Fiona Vaughn was instantly rattled!

The worst part? Cecilia had cut straight to the truth in one sentence!

...

Fiona Vaughn took a deep breath. She raised her head and swept her gaze over the woman in front of her, whose features were cold and refined. Never before had she wanted so badly to scratch Cecilia’s face.

"Sister, what nonsense are you spouting? I know you don’t like me, but to smear Mr. Adams so baselessly—does that not weigh on your conscience?"

Fiona’s beautiful eyes brimmed with sparkling tears, sliding down her porcelain cheeks, so fragile and radiant.

Unfortunately, Cecilia wasn’t one of those men taken in by fragile beauty. Seeing Fiona’s fake innocence only brought out a cold smile.

"I’m slandering you two? Whatever makes you happy."

Without waiting for Fiona’s response, Cecilia turned and returned to her seat.

Fiona bit her lip, shooting a venomous glare at Cecilia’s back.

A hostess sent to invite Fiona onto the stage for her award happened to catch the serpent-like malice in her eyes and was startled; her hand, reaching for Fiona’s sleeve, froze mid-air.

"Fi... Fiona Senior, please, it’s time for your acceptance speech."

Seeing the apprehension and confusion in the other girl’s eyes, Fiona realized her venomous look had frightened this junior. She quickly put on a kindly, even slightly bashful smile, as if her earlier murderous glare had been the junior’s own mistaken perception.

"Thank you for the reminder, I’ll touch up my makeup and be right up."

...

Cecilia had no interest in watching Fiona’s speech; she went outside the hall with Adrian Law to get some fresh air.

Cecilia had seen through the reality of the contest—a setup designed only so others could help Fiona shine.

The girl held Adrian Law’s hand, asking softly.

"Adrian, there’s a plum blossom viewing event at our school tomorrow, with lots of rare varieties. Would you stay on campus with me for just one night?"

Adrian smiled and nodded.

"Of course."

Just as they were chatting, a swarm of reporters rushed over.