Nancy nodded, "Yes, I just mentioned it to him. I didn't have much hope, but surprisingly, he agreed, haha..."

Linda rolled her eyes silently. Of course, Nancy just 'mentioned' it, but with Charlie standing by her side at that time, how could Smith not agree?

Ah.

The power of influence!

David seemed still to be reeling from the shock, mumbling, "How could this be? Smith, that penny-pincher, agreed to provide an extra piano? Was he half asleep that day?"

After expressing his disbelief, David seemed to decide it wasn't worth pondering any further.

He looked at Nancy and Linda, hands behind his back, and asked seriously, "How's your practice going? If you're not confident, it's still not too late to switch to solo. I can help you choose a piece."

"We're almost done practicing."

Nancy went back to the piano, "Teacher David, would you like us to play it for you?"

"Really?"

David had thought they would give up by today.

He was uneasy at the prospect of their persistence.

"Well... okay then."

He pursed his lips, walked over to Nancy's piano, and tapped lightly, "Perform now. If I think it's not good, you must switch immediately!"

Nancy and Linda exchanged a light laugh and sat at their respective pianos. They looked at each other, focused their minds, and their hands simultaneously rested on the piano keys...

...

David couldn't remember how he got back to the lounge.

His mind was foggy, as if struck by a heavy hammer.

Hamya was in the lounge, sipping coffee. Seeing David return, he greeted him with a smile, "David, back so soon? Did Nancy change her piece?"

David numbly walked to his rocking chair and sat down heavily, still dazed.

Seeing his lost and dejected demeanor, Hamya quickly stood up and came to his side.

Pushing David forcefully, he waited until David finally looked up at him. Hamya asked worriedly, "David, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell, or did something happen?"

David looked at him, his focus gradually returning. He suddenly burst into tears, hugging Hamya around the waist and cried.

Hamya was completely flustered. He lifted David's face to look at him.

"What are you crying for? What happened?"

David sniffled pitifully, "I... I... I've been devastated! I feel like all my years of living and teaching disciples have been for naught!"

"What?"

Hamya was utterly perplexed, unable to make heads or tails of the situation, "David, what are you talking about? Didn't you go to see Nancy? How did you end up feeling this way?"

David sniffed again, slowly letting go and sitting blankly. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, his eyes brightened, and he started to laugh like a fool.

"Hehe... hehe... hehe... Excellent, very good. Tomorrow, I'll make everyone take notice!"