Upon hearing her words, Bern couldn’t help but beam with joy, “Of course, you must meet him! If Zach could give you some guidance, your future would be boundless. You might even surpass me!”

Rivata nodded enthusiastically, “So, I must pander to his preferences and make him like me!”

As she and her teacher were strategizing how to cozy up to Zach, the host finally took the stage.

The four mentors were already seated, and after an opening speech, the competition officially began.

Out of a hundred participants in the training camp, only Nancy and Linda were performing as a duo. Having just met, no one knew each other's capabilities, so no one else had dared to form teams, fearing they might be held back.

Initially, the performance order was to be determined by draw, but since Nancy and Linda were the only duo, David had suggested putting them last as the grand finale.

The other three mentors had no objections, and the decision was happily made.

They might be happy, but Nancy and Linda were not.

Even if each person had only two minutes to perform, there were ninety-nine others ahead of them!

Including the time taken to get on and off stage, Nancy figured she and Linda probably wouldn't perform until evening.

However, Nancy maintained a positive attitude, earnestly appreciating others' performances and constantly learning from their strengths, while reflecting on her own shortcomings.

Suddenly, Alice stood up and approached Nancy, bowing her head not arrogantly but with full intent of challenge, “Nancy, I said I wanted to compete with you. I’m up soon, so get ready. I look forward to seeing a more spectacular performance from you after mine.”

Nancy looked up at her. Unlike Rivata and Lucy, Alice, who had also attended the banquet that night, never showed any displeasure towards Nancy just because some big shot took an interest in her.

Her only attitude towards Nancy was a desire to compete.

Such a person, with no malice and worthy of respect.

“Okay, good.”

Nancy stood up and extended her hand towards Alice, “Our competition is just that, nothing more. I wish you the best in your performance, may you play to your highest level.”

Alice glanced at Nancy’s hand, grasped it without hesitation, and nodded earnestly.

“Great! I will show you my best, Nancy. You are an opponent worthy of respect.”

Nancy smiled knowingly, “You too!”

Their hands clasped firmly for a moment before parting. Alice turned and walked away without another word, her turn to perform was next, and she needed to prepare backstage.

Linda watched her leave, clicking her tongue, “Well, well, Nan, I feel like there’s a mutual understanding between you and her.”

“Hmm...”

Nancy sat back down, patting Linda’s hand, “She’s good. Her mind is filled only with piano, much purer than Rivata and Lucy. I like people like her – straightforward, direct, without unnecessary complications.”

Linda looked a bit hurt, pouting, “Yeah, she’s great, and so are you. Just me then. Why isn’t anyone challenging me? Am I not as good as them?”