Meeting Ruth''s eyes, Serena took another nce at the sheet music. Her piano part was over, and the bass violin section was about to begin. As the final note fell, she gracefully lifted her gown and strode toward the bass violin position, leaving the audience puzzled.


    "My goodness!"


    "Wasn''t she the pianist? Why is she in the violinist''s position now?"


    "Keep your voice down. This is Luna Orchestra Talent runs deep here. Just enjoy the show."


    The crowd buzzed with spection. However, as the elegant notes of the violin drifted through the air, the entire hall fell into silence.


    In Zach''s mind, only four words remained-impable in every way. The melody and notes ? were unmistakably familiar, yet every transition and every note carried its own unique charm.


    "Hmph! Someday, that will be me up there." Wendy''s voice, jarring like an off-key note, broke through Zach''s immersion.


    He frowned slightly, wishing to savor the music without being interrupted by Wendy''s


    Standing on stage, Serena waspletely immersed in the moment. Only when the final note faded did she slowly open her eyes. The deafening apuse crashed into her ears like a drumbeat, and her heart pounded furiously.


    She followed Ruth and the others in a graceful bow. The mask covered her face, but it couldn''t suppress the delight in her smile. It wasn''t until she stepped off the stage that she finally emerged from the exhration of the performance.


    Serena held her violin tightly. Her eyes shone with excitement as she looked at Ruth, "I can''t believe how much I''ve missed being on stage."


    "You were amazing!" Ruth eximed excitedly as she hugged her.


    The two held each other closely.


    Just then, someone approached with a bouquet. "These are from Mr. Foster. He specifically requested to send them to you. He was very impressed by your violin performance in the second half."


    It was from Zach.


    Serena lightly touched the mask covering her face. She doubted he recognized her. He was probably just appreciating the music. However, she really didn''t want to ept his flowers.


    "Just put them aside," she responded.


    Ruth couldn''t help butugh. "Who would''ve thought you''d get fan flowers on your very first stage? That''s exactly why I knew you were special"


    "Oh, stop teasing me. The famous Luna must have received way more flowers than I did,"


    Serena said.


    "You know me well," Ruth replied with augh.


    With that, the two shared a knowing smile.


    Just then, a staff member knocked on the door again. "There''s a gentleman outside with thest name Foster asking to see the orchestra director."


    "I''ll handle it." Ruth nodded and left.


    As Serena prepared to leave, she didn''t notice the movement at the entrance. She couldn''t shake the feeling that Hugh had recognized her earlier. She decided to test him.


    With only one exit avable, she changed back into her clothes and stepped out, only to hear Zach speaking. "I heard the orchestra is recruiting. Wendy ys the violin well and wants to give it a shot."


    "No need. I don''t want Wendy." Ruth''s refusal was firm..


    Serena stepped out just in time to catch every word. The others also turned their attention to


    her.


    Wendy immediately grasped the situation. She looked utterly dejected. "Serena, you''re so


    close to the orchestra''s director. She won''t even listen to my violin before rejecting me. Why?"