Nancy's heartfelt and inspiring words touched everyone present, especially Andrew.

He knew how serious Nancy's finger injury was and how painful it would be to play the piano with such a wound.

When Nancy finished speaking, Andrew, who rarely shed tears, found his eyes moistening.

Yes, he realized his regret after returning to Liverton was neglecting the piano for over twenty years, drifting further from his dream.

He had resigned himself to this fate, thinking it too extravagant to dream at his age. But Nancy reignited that fiery passion in his heart.

Even Linda, usually so full of herself and convinced of her genius, was moved by Nancy's words into silence.

Everyone looked at Nancy intently, except for Charlie, whose gaze grew more helpless. "Nan, your hand isn't in a condition to withstand the high intensity of the training."

"It's okay."

Nancy replied confidently, smiling. "Luna got lucky with the draw. The elimination round lasts two days, and I'm scheduled for the last day. I can rest today and compete tomorrow."

Charlie still shook his head. "Nan, high-density finger movement with your injury could ruin your hand."

Nancy pouted, slightly annoyed. "Don't forget, I have a Ph.D. in emergency medicine! Would I let my hand get ruined? I'm not that foolish!"

Charlie was about to say more, but Nancy turned her head away. "Enough, I've made up my mind. Unless I die, I won’t change this decision."

Her firm stance left everyone else shaking their heads helplessly.

Charlie was particularly exasperated; Nancy, usually so compliant, was being as stubborn as a mule.

If not for the others in the room, he’d have pinned her to the bed and punished her thoroughly.

Linda sighed deeply.

She looked at Nancy whimsically. "If only it had been Vivian who got cut."

Nancy, "......"

Andrew, "......"

Everyone was taken aback by her sincere yet inappropriate remark.

It was as though Linda felt genuinely saddened that the injured party was Nancy and not Vivian.

Nancy gave an awkward smile. "Linda, you have your elimination round today, right? Maybe you should get ready?"

Linda scoffed dismissively, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up confidently.

"It's just an elimination round. I don't even take it seriously. I can get through it using just half of my skills."

Damn...

Nancy couldn't help but facepalm at Linda's unwavering confidence, wondering where she got such confidence.

If others heard her say this, they'd have no idea how to react.

But despite her bravado, Linda wasn't careless.

The luck of the draw mattered.

If several highly skilled pianists performed before her, even a standout performance might not impress the judges.

However, if the earlier performers were mediocre, her appearance would surely dazzle everyone.