Chapter 1219 - The Battle of Zither Skills (1/2)

Various sarcastic remarks were exchanged during the gala even though everyone was still chatting merrily and joyously at the start, despite the compet.i.tion. However, everyone’s attention was now focused on the gala. They were all thinking about how they should perform well later and stand out from the rest so as to win the admiration of the owner of Boya Pavilion.

After the snacks and tea were served, the host briefed everyone about the purpose of the gala, as well as the rules that they had to follow. Although the gala had been held a few times before and they were well aware of the rules, it was still their first time attending it, after all.

After the introduction, the owner said smilingly, “You guys shall decide whether the talent showcase happens next, or the showdown.”

As soon as the owner finished speaking, one of the heiresses stood up and said, “I’m not that talented, but I’ve specially prepared myself to perform ‘Pingsha Luoyan’ for all of you. Please guide me along.”

She was going to perform and showcase her talent.

Wen Xinya laughed and thought to herself, They all say that the hunter will shoot the bird that sticks out. This lady is really bold and dauntless, but since she’s ambitious enough to initiate the first performance, she definitely has other tricks up her sleeve.

‘Pingsha Luoyan’ was one of the ten greatest Chinese cla.s.sics that was usually performed on a zither. The lady who performed it had a precise fingerstyle which allowed her to play the song melodiously. What was rare, was that she added a touch of emotion to it as well. It was no wonder that she was that confident of going first.

Everyone applauded after the song ended.

Before the judges could even make their comments, the lady raised her head and stared at Wen Xinya with a condescending att.i.tude. “I’ve long heard about you, Miss Wen. Since you’ve been taught by your grandfather, Old Mr. Mo himself, I reckon you must be proficient in the four arts. I’m not talented enough. Please guide me along.”

She sounded polite and courteous, but she could not hide her smug arrogance at all. In fact, she sounded like she was humble bragging and trying to provoke Wen Xinya.

As soon as she said those words, the host picked up her teacup and sipped on the tea slowly while the other judges dropped the idea of judging her performance. The heiresses did not expect to be greeted with such a stiff compet.i.tion right at the start of the gala. Excitement was written all over their faces and they could not wait to see the good show. They would even get to find out more about Wen Xinya.

Lin Yingxin’s lips curled slowly into a smile and she glanced at Xia Ruya subtly. It seems everything was going according to plan.

Xia Ruya then looked at Wen Xinya, who had been challenged as soon as the gala began. It was not exactly a good thing and hence, she wanted to see Wen Xinya’s current expression.

However, she was disappointed. Wen Xinya could still remain calm and composed despite being challenged, and it was as if the person who challenged her was way inferior to her.

Wen Xinya’s nonchalance angered the lady who had challenged her. The lady raised her brows and questioned in a high-pitched voice, “Miss Wen, what do you mean? Don’t tell me, you’re too afraid to take on my request. Could it be that those rumors of you being proficient in the four arts are all just rumors that you started? Are you just a sham!?!”

At this moment, the previously-demure lady had completely shown her true colors and her greed for power and reputation.

The intertwined vines on her beeswax hairband were accompanied with the beeswax leaves near her ear and a row of beeswax beads. Wen Xinya gently fiddled with the beads near her ear and said with a faint smile, “Miss, the song that you performed just now flowed really well and the rhythm is calm, gentle, cla.s.sic and elegant. It does sound melodious, but the song is about the ambitions of a wild goose. Hence, your playing style seems to have thwarted the significance of the song.”

Pinghshan Luoyan was a song that she frequently played and Si Yiyan would also judge her playing styles and give her some reminders. Hence, the lady had made the wrong choice by challenging her to a showdown.