?Chapter 1048:

She gave a lightugh and added, “Even if I don’t buy the piece, can’t I just hire theposer as my mentor? With someone like that guiding me—and my own talent, of course—I wouldn’t just aim for first ce. I’d be a guaranteed top-three contender among this year’s new students.”

Overhearing them, Arion leaned toward his family with curiosity.

“Who is this incredibleposer everyone’s raving about? They’re making him sound like the seconding of Mozart.”

Jenesis nced at him.

“You don’t know? There’s a new singer, Randell Natt—rising fast in the entertainment world. Very capable. People say he’s working with a mysteriousposer. No one knows who it is. The sheet music’s been circting in elite circles—it’s excellent. Some believe it’s a retired master. Others think it’s a whole production team behind the scenes.”

“Actually…” Carrie turned her head slightly to respond, but at that moment, Kendall appeared.

He was seated next to them, and before even settling into his chair, he asked enthusiastically, “Carrie, how’s the preparation going?”

“I’m ready,” she said with a calm smile.

“I’ve been practicing here at the Association. I meant to show you mytest piece, but I haven’t seen you aroundtely.”

Kendall nodded.

“I’ve been away presiding over a fewpetitions. But I’ve already taught you most of what I could. If you addressed the issues I mentionedst time, you’ll do just fine.”

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Then he gestured.

“Let me see the sheet music you’ve prepared.”

Carrie reached into her bag, pulled out a neatly handwritten score, and handed it to him.

The time for the assessment finally arrived. All the trainees and mentors of the Music Association were now in ce.

Staff members guided the participants to draw lots to determine the order of appearance. Carrie drew the third-tost spot.

Kody nced at his limited-edition watch as he casually rolled up his sleeve. Rising from his seat, he said, “Carrie, I was hoping to catch your performance if you were scheduled earlier. But since you’re near the end, I won’t have the time.”

Carrie responded quickly, “Uncle Kody, we agreed—you’re just here to drop me off. Please don’t worry.”

Arion added with a chuckle, “Dad, rx. I’ll make sure the camera crew captures every angle. You won’t miss a moment.”

Satisfied, Kody offered Carrie a few words of encouragement before turning to leave.

The first performer was a returning trainee who had dyed her assessment due to illness. Now, she was participating alongside the new entrants, including Carrie.

The Music Association, known for its strict standards, made no exceptions. Though the womancked natural brilliance, her disciplined practice over the past year yielded a stable,petent performance. She passed with a score just above the cutoff—enough to seed, but not enough to impress.

She didn’t receive any additional rewards.

The following performers fell into a simr pattern. No one failed outright, but none dazzled.

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