Chapter 7 Winter's Embrace

Elizabeth gripped her phone tightly.

In this life, she would never repeat the mistakes of her past life.

She completely ignored Claire's message that reeked of showing off, giving no reply whatsoever.

As for the competition for principal position, she would set that aside for now.

Her current strength wasn't enough to fight against capital power.

How ironic it was—the capital force being used to suppress her was controlled by her own brother.

Elizabeth felt utterly absurd inside.

But she quickly collected herself and thought of that music variety show that had completely destroyed her in her past life.

She decided to actively sign up for the competition.

With her true abilities, Claire didn't even qualify to compete against her.

She would use this very show that once crushed her to strike back at Claire head-on, making her fall from grace completely.

Before that, she had to keep all her plans strictly confidential.

Revealing her intentions early would only make everything fall apart.

Elizabeth immediately opened her phone to check—the registration for "Starlight Symphony" would close in just three days. The timing was perfect.

Without any hesitation, she quickly filled out the registration form and uploaded her previous cello performance videos.

Now, she just needed to wait for the production team's review notification.

Over the next two days, Elizabeth organized the house her adoptive parents had left behind while focusing on polishing her preliminary round performance piece.

Her right hand recovered incredibly fast and could now play normally, completely unaffected by the wound.

On the third afternoon, Elizabeth received official notification from the production team—she had passed the preliminary review and was to go to the TV station the next day for the first round recording.

She scanned through the judges' list and paused slightly when she saw Dwayne's name.

She hadn't expected her idol to be a judge on this variety show.

She suddenly remembered that in her past life, during this same period, Dwayne had already died suddenly from a heart attack, so naturally he wouldn't have participated in any variety show recordings.

Thinking about how she had successfully saved her idol, Elizabeth sincerely felt that living a second life was the most precious gift fate had given her.

The next morning, Elizabeth arrived at the TV station on time.

The preliminary venue was packed with contestants. She found a quiet corner to sit and patiently waited for her turn.

Before long, it was Elizabeth's turn to take the stage.

The stage lights were dazzling, and several professional judges sat below, with Dwayne seated at the center of the judges' panel.

When Dwayne saw Elizabeth take the stage, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He clearly remembered that this girl had saved his life, but he hadn't expected to meet her again at a variety show competition.

Elizabeth bowed slightly, then took her seat, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath to adjust her state.

Her chosen competition piece was "Winter's Embrace."

Melodious notes flowed slowly from her fingertips, the tune sometimes low and gentle, sometimes high and passionate.

She poured all her experiences and emotions from both lives into her performance.

The urgent allegro at the beginning replicated her past life's struggle alone in desperate circumstances, advancing step by difficult step; the soothing, peaceful melody in the middle section carried the joy and stability of her rebirth and new life.

The final movement's cascading scales interpreted her courage to face harsh circumstances head-on, never compromising despite everything.

The entire studio fell silent instantly, everyone present completely immersed in her music and emotions.

Dwayne gazed at Elizabeth at center stage, his heart filled with shock.

He had never witnessed such moving cello playing—not just skilled and masterful technique, but more touchingly, full and genuine emotion.

Her performance possessed a unique soul.

At this moment, she merged perfectly with the essence of "Winter's Embrace," becoming one with it.

Dwayne was certain that given time, this girl would definitely become a world-class cellist.

The piece ended.

After several seconds of silence, thunderous applause suddenly erupted.

Dwayne was the first to stand and applaud, and the other judges also rose to show their respect.

"I've never heard such a moving 'Winter's Embrace.' You made me truly feel the soul and power of music."

Elizabeth bowed again, neither humble nor arrogant, then turned and walked off stage.

She had just reached backstage when a staff member hurried over, "Ms. Perez, Mr. Larson requests your presence in his lounge."

Elizabeth followed the staff member to Dwayne's private lounge.

"Mr. Larson." Elizabeth spoke respectfully.

Dwayne smiled and gestured for her to sit, "Your performance was spectacular. I had no idea you possessed such amazing talent."

Being publicly praised by her respected idol made Elizabeth's ears turn slightly warm.

"No need to be modest." Dwayne looked at her, his eyes full of appreciation. "I've seen countless talented young people, but you're the first with such a unique presence and musical spirit."

"Are you free tonight? Come to my house for a simple meal. I haven't properly thanked you yet for saving my life last time."

"Then I'll impose on Mr. Larson." Being able to have dinner with her idol was something Elizabeth couldn't ask for more, and she readily agreed.

"Not an imposition at all." Dwayne looked at her with a warm smile. "Rather, I'm the old man being a bit forward."

At six in the evening, a black Bentley stopped at the TV station's main entrance.

Stanley got out and walked straight to Elizabeth's side.

He stood tall with an upright posture, without an oppressive aura, but when he looked around, he naturally carried a noble and distant air that made people hesitant to approach.

He didn't seem like a worldly, profit-driven businessman at all, but more like a refined artist or poet.

"Ms. Perez, please get in."

His deep, magnetic voice reached her ears, rich and moving, exactly like the low notes of the cello she knew so well.

Elizabeth's ears grew warm again. She lowered her head and nodded, then got in the car.

The vehicle soon entered an upscale villa district and finally stopped in front of a detached villa.

Stanley led Elizabeth inside, where Dwayne was already waiting in the living room.

"Elizabeth's here, please sit. Dinner will be ready soon, let's chat for a bit first."

Both people present were deeply involved in music, so their conversation naturally revolved around it.

"Elizabeth, your performance today was impeccable, but solo cello can sound somewhat thin."

"Stanley is highly accomplished in piano. Why don't you two perform a duet right now?"

Elizabeth turned to look at Stanley, a trace of hesitation in her eyes.

"I'm fine with it, Ms. Perez." Stanley's eyes showed keen interest as he looked at her.

"Alright." Since he took the initiative, Elizabeth naturally wouldn't refuse.

The three went to the villa's music room together.

The music room was filled with various instruments, with a Steinway piano in the corner being the most eye-catching.

Stanley sat at the piano. The two exchanged a glance and began playing in perfect sync.

Their chosen piece was "Unbroken Thread."

The piano's tone was clear and bright, the cello's tone deep and gentle, the two voices interweaving and merging.

Their coordination was flawless, their chemistry comparable to partners who had rehearsed countless times.

Dwayne sat watching the two perform, a gratified smile on his face.

He could clearly see that these two young people shared a rare artistic resonance and understanding.

When the piece ended, both felt somewhat reluctant for it to be over.

Stanley looked at Elizabeth, his eyes full of admiration, "Ms. Perez, your cello playing is top-tier."

"Mr. Larson, your piano playing is equally outstanding."

Elizabeth could clearly sense that Stanley's piano skills had reached master level.

"Stanley has been exceptionally gifted since childhood." Dwayne smiled. "Piano, violin, cello—he's proficient in everything."

"I originally thought he would pursue music deeply, but I never expected he'd ultimately choose business. It's such a shame."

Stanley's eyes dimmed slightly, and he remained silent.

Elizabeth knew the Gu family was an authentic musical family.

She had never imagined that Stanley, the decisive business CEO in the outside world, would receive such an evaluation from Dwayne, saying he was wasting his talent.

"Mr. Larson, everyone has their own life choices." Elizabeth spoke softly.

"Even without becoming a professional musician, he's achieved excellence in his own field, reaching heights others can hardly attain."

"Besides, the essence of music is healing and joy. You don't have to make it a career to honor your talent."

Stanley looked up at Elizabeth, strong emotion welling up inside him.

Everyone in his family thought his abandonment of music was squandering his talent, wasting his gifts.

Worldly people envied his business achievements, but no one understood the passion he'd sacrificed and his regrets.

Only Elizabeth could understand his choice and his true heart.

Dwayne paused slightly, then laughed heartily, "You're absolutely right. I've been too stubborn. In this life, living freely and fully is far more important than worldly definitions of success."

The dinner atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

Stanley didn't talk much, but he constantly paid quiet attention to Elizabeth's state and needs.

By the time dinner ended, it was already past nine.

"Stanley, it's getting late. Drive Elizabeth home." Dwayne instructed.