CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: A TYPICAL GREEN TEA BITCH

Monday afternoon.

Seraphina Thorne arrived punctually for the Eastern Aethel Philharmonic audition.

Tristan Quincy hadn’t given her any special treatment. As she entered the orchestra’s performance hall, filled out a form, and queued for the audition, there were already more than thirty people ahead of her.

At two in the afternoon, the audition officially began.

Every musician would give a brief self-introduction after taking the stage.

Some hailed from prestigious schools and some had extensive orchestra experience, while others had won domestic and international awards...

Every résumé was shimmering with achievements, worthy of praise.

When they stood on stage to perform, their technique was all expertly practiced.

"Next, Seraphina Thorne!"

The staff called her name, and Seraphina carried her violin up to the stage.

In addition to Tristan Quincy, the orchestra’s conductor, the audition panel included several other leaders, such as the music director.

Sitting at the far right, at the edge, was a beautiful woman dressed in stunning autumn attire.

A nameplate reading "Head of Violin Section" was placed on the table in front of her.

Seeing the face clearly, Seraphina’s brows slightly twitched.

It was someone she knew.

She knew her from violin lessons, later this woman had frantically pursued her brother, Caleb Thorne— Felicity Shaw.

Their eyes met, and Felicity slightly curled the corners of her lips.

Seraphina discerned disdain and an air of scheming.

"Miss Thorne, please begin!"

Tristan Quincy did not show special indulgence just because they knew each other; his tone was consistent with that towards every auditionee.

He was clearly avoiding suspicion, not wanting his closeness with her to influence the other judges’ decision.

Seraphina, being sensible, also didn’t greet him or say anything excessive to appear familiar.

After paying respects to everyone, she gave a simple self-introduction and took out her violin.

"Please correct me, all teachers!"

Then, she performed "Swan Song" live.

Upon hearing her play this piece, the judges, including Tristan Quincy, were somewhat surprised.

It’s known that Eastern Aethel Philharmonic is a top orchestra in the country, and musician positions are always scarce.

The violinists who auditioned earlier chose high-difficulty pieces, using all their skills to demonstrate their technique and capability.

The piece Seraphina chose, albeit beautiful, was of mediocre difficulty.

This was certainly a risky move by Seraphina.

Technique-wise, everyone was quite similar.

Instead of picking high-difficulty pieces and competing on technique, it was better to forge a new path.

The legend says that swans, at the end of their lives, will make the most poignant sound of their existence.

"Swan Song" depicts the swan’s final song before death, embodying both reluctance to part from life and a last display of discontent.

Seraphina had performed this piece countless times.

This time, however, was the most heartfelt.

After the Thorne Family’s decline, she finally understood the significance of the notes within this piece.

Unconsciously, she projected her emotions into the music.

At the end of her performance, not only Tristan Quincy, but all the panel members nodded in approval.

"I’d like to ask Miss Thorne a question." Felicity Shaw spoke with a smile, but her question was piercingly sharp, "Miss Thorne, don’t you think your piece is too simple compared to the other musicians’?"

Seraphina wasn’t surprised; she had anticipated Felicity would make things difficult for her.

"Music is an expression of emotion, technique is merely a means to convey. At this moment, my emotion is more suited to this piece. If you doubt my technique, feel free to choose a piece for me to play."

Having learned music together, Felicity knew Seraphina’s skill was formidable and naturally wouldn’t give her another chance to showcase it.

"Haha!" Felicity sneered with disdain, "The pieces performed by the orchestra won’t always match Miss Thorne’s mood."

It was deliberate provocation, aimed at making Seraphina lose composure.

Staring at Felicity, Seraphina remained unperturbed and composed.

"What I meant was ’more suitable,’ not that this piece is my only choice. Since it’s an audition, naturally I aim to present myself in the best light."

The response was gracefully handled.

The previously emotionless Tristan Quincy even smiled slightly.

Standing up, he clapped his hands.

"Good, the audition is now over. Please proceed to the lounge and wait; all our judges will vote on-site. The musician with the most votes will successfully secure this position."

Together with other auditionees, Seraphina packed her violin and walked out of the performance hall.

While other auditionees waited anxiously, Seraphina felt rather relaxed.

During high school, Seraphina studied under the famous violin instructor, Professor Bennett.

Back then, Felicity Shaw was in college, coincidentally a student at Professor Bennett’s university.

In time, the two got acquainted.

Once, under bad weather, Caleb Thorne went to pick Seraphina up from school.

Knowing Seraphina had such a brother, Felicity Shaw began inching closer, using her to approach Caleb.

Back then, young Seraphina only saw her as a fellow student-sister, a like-minded friend who also loved music.

Despite Felicity’s overt and covert advances, Caleb paid no attention.

Using a chance to stay at the Thorne home post-rain, she brazenly knocked on Caleb’s door, attempting to leverage her body, only to be thrown out by Caleb.

Their friendship reached its end.

Seraphina knew that Felicity hated Caleb and herself and would certainly meddle in the audition.

Coupled with the fact that other auditionees were exceptional too, Seraphina didn’t hold much hope.

With a slight sound, Felicity emerged from the hall carrying documents.

The auditionees turned, seeing the cold smile on Felicity’s face, Seraphina already guessed the outcome.

Caring her violin, she turned to leave.

"Thank you all for your outstanding performance today." Felicity’s voice rang out behind her, "Miss Thorne, please follow me to the hall."

Surprised, Seraphina paused, turned her face toward Felicity.

It turns out she was the one who passed the audition?!

Other auditionees left in defeat.

Holding the documents, Felicity pushed open the performance hall door.

"Miss Thorne, please!"

Seraphina glanced at her and stepped into the performance hall.

"Seraphina, congratulations!" Tristan Quincy greeted her with a smile, patting her shoulder like an elder, "Your performance just now was truly captivating for all our judges, you know? In the recent audition, you were the only one to receive unanimous votes!"

Seraphina was somewhat surprised; even Felicity had voted for her.

Watching Tristan Quincy’s amiable interaction with her, coldness flashed in Felicity’s eyes.

She certainly didn’t want Seraphina to succeed in the audition, but during voting, all the judges cast their votes for Seraphina.

Felicity’s single dissenting vote would achieve nothing.

If she truly cast the dissenting vote, it would only make the orchestra leadership question her musical judgment.

After playing in the back rows of the orchestra for several years, she finally got a chance when the previous group leader moved abroad.

She worked hard to earn the position of group leader; she couldn’t let the conductor find fault.

Felicity had no other choice but to vote in favor.

"Seraphina, don’t misunderstand!" Seeing Seraphina was familiar with the conductor, Felicity smiled warmly, "As your fellow student-sister, I wasn’t deliberately making things difficult for you."

"You know each other?" Tristan Quincy seemed surprised.

"Yes." Felicity feigned an affectionate hug around Seraphina’s shoulder, "My college advisor, Professor Bennett, also taught Seraphina."

Seraphina only offered a faint smile.

Years ago, Felicity was already a typical manipulative woman, saying one thing publicly and another privately.