Chapter 540: Cecilia Vaughn, You’re Too Arrogant!

Cecilia Vaughn and Adrian Law shared a moment of warmth, seemingly undisturbed by the outside world.

After the performance on stage by Rosalind White and Fiona Vaughn, they received much admiration. Yet, the praises from others failed to touch Rosalind White’s heart.

She earnestly looked at Adrian Law, trying to find some acknowledgement in the man’s eyes, but there was none.

In fact, Adrian Law’s eyes remained fixed on Cecilia Vaughn, never leaving her.

Could it be that her mournful and lingering piano melody, full of unspoken fantasies, could not compare to that vulgar woman Cecilia Vaughn?!

...

Rosalind White was deeply grieved in her heart. Hearing Fiona Vaughn’s suggestion, she tightened her grip and smiled sweetly in agreement.

"Yes, perhaps everyone doesn’t know, but actually, my sister-in-law, Miss Cecilia Vaughn, is quite talented in playing instruments. Though I study the piano and Fiona studies the violin, while Miss Cecilia Vaughn studies the ancient zither, as Mr. Adams said, music knows no boundaries and can touch the heart. I believe Miss Cecilia Vaughn will provide a lovely experience for everyone."

Mr. Adams furrowed his brow, looking at Rosalind White as if he didn’t understand.

"Ancient Zither, what is that?"

A VIP guest in the audience, who had already been bribed, shook his head with a smirk.

"Mr. Adams, there’s no need for you to listen to the ancient zither. Although it shares the word ’zither’ with piano and violin, it doesn’t have a complete scale and isn’t as popular as our country’s guzheng. Such things, Miss Cecilia Vaughn should just keep to herself at home."

Cecilia Vaughn hadn’t expected someone to belittle their country’s instrument in front of foreigners.

Though Western instruments have been in vogue in recent years, instruments themselves have no classes of superiority, whether piano or ancient zither, even harmonica or suona; in the face of music, none can be ranked higher or lower.

...

Cecilia Vaughn looked at Rosalind White’s provocative demeanor and stepped forward calmly, explaining in fluent English to Mr. Adams.

"Mr. Adams, you may not be familiar with the ancient zither, but that doesn’t mean it’s a declining culture. In terms of history, the ancient zither has an even longer history than the popular piano in your country. It’s one of the most revered classical instruments in Veridia."

Rosalind White covered her lips with a smile.

"Isn’t that right? My sister-in-law is quite right. The ancient zither is indeed noble, no less than the piano. After all, Adrian once spent tens of millions to buy you ’Spring Thunder’! Adrian cares for you so much, I believe your skill should truly honor the instrument?"

This statement, like a sudden clap of thunder from a clear sky, made everyone’s ears buzz.

A zither costing tens of millions?

Are they kidding?

Even the world’s priciest piano couldn’t compete.

...

Rosalind White’s casual words immediately stirred a hidden envy among many present, questioning why others lived in much more luxury and, on top of it all, could casually enjoy an instrument that they couldn’t earn in several lifetimes?

A female professor at Stellerton University who had been unmarried for years, a little picky in her youth, now found marriage increasingly difficult; she had suffered several stock losses, and wasn’t fond of the young, pretty students at Stellerton University. Even someone as diplomatic as Fiona Vaughn had almost faced her sarcasm, making her almost like The Iron Nun.

Upon hearing Rosalind White’s instigation, she couldn’t sit still any longer.

"Cecilia Vaughn, I never knew you had such a good instrument at home. Why don’t you perform at our school’s events?"

"The zither seeks its confidant, yet a confidant is hard to find."

Cecilia Vaughn smiled lightly, an unperturbed expression that further fueled the displeasure in some onlookers’ eyes.

"Are you implying that no one here is worthy of being your confidant?"

...

The female professor glared intently at Cecilia Vaughn. At this moment, Fiona Vaughn stood out with an anxious look, repeatedly speaking "well" for Cecilia Vaughn.

"Teacher, you can’t say that about my sister. After all, Teacher Desmond Fletcher is also here. Although Teacher Fletcher primarily writes songs and loves rock, he also delves into classical music. My sister surely doesn’t think even Teacher Fletcher isn’t worth her regard, right?"

Fiona Vaughn seemed to be defending Cecilia Vaughn, but every word was a hidden attack. If agreed, Cecilia would have to perform, appearing as if she only respected Teacher Fletcher, coming off as conceited.

If she refused, would that not offend everyone present, showing no regard for anyone?

...

The trap was set so cleverly that even Cecilia Vaughn couldn’t help but be impressed.

Just as Cecilia was about to speak, she noticed Desmond Fletcher in the judges’ seating, who had been silent, stand up, looking at Cecilia with a hint of appreciation.

"I didn’t expect Miss Cecilia Vaughn also feels the zither seeks its soulmate. I once met a young friend online who also said this. That young friend should be about Miss Vaughn’s age, but incredibly talented — possibly the kind of talent the younger generation needs to support Veridia’s classical music scene."

The middle-aged man carried himself in a cultured and graceful manner, his speech was soothing, seeming to bring a breath of fresh spring air to the tense auditorium.

Teacher Desmond Fletcher, being highly respected, quieted others’ criticisms about whether Cecilia Vaughn was too solitary.

"..."

Cecilia Vaughn was both embarrassed and amused looking at Desmond Fletcher, who although aging, still showed hints of his former handsomeness.

That young friend is me!

Why does this make me feel embarrassed?

The production team for "There are branches on the mountain" had hired Teacher Desmond Fletcher as the film’s music consultant, and the theme song "Life" had been discussed in several rounds between her and Fletcher. In fact, an hour ago, they were releasing a sample of the theme song "Life."

If not for this friendship exchange event between Veridia and America, Teacher Fletcher should have attended Director Chapman’s release event.

...

Cecilia Vaughn had intended to keep her relationship with Desmond Fletcher purely online, yet upon meeting him, she suddenly changed her mind.

Cecilia Vaughn’s lips curved into a confident and certain smile.

"Thank you, Teacher Fletcher, for your appreciation. I hope I can live up to your praise."

Does this imply she’s ready to perform?

Fiona Vaughn’s throat tightened, and she was nearly overjoyed. That boring ancient zither, nine out of ten people would fall asleep!

She feigned a smile.

"Sister, shall I fetch the zither for you?"