"You're definitely not inferior!"

Nancy, annoyed, pinched Linda's chubby cheeks, which surprisingly felt incredibly good to touch.

"Oh my, Linda, your cheeks are so fun to pinch."

"Ah, Nan…"

Linda pushed Nancy's hand away in frustration. As soon as she did, Nancy pinched her again, "I never realized how comforting it is to pinch your face, just like a baby's, haha…"

Linda was visibly upset but didn’t push Nancy away this time. She just stared at Nancy with wide eyes. Seeing Nancy increasingly enjoying the pinching, Linda burst into laughter and reached out to pinch Nancy's face as well.

After a brief playful tussle, they suddenly heard the host announce Alice's performance. Nancy immediately stopped and turned to listen attentively.

Linda took this opportunity to pinch Nancy's cheek one more time before joining her in watching seriously.

It was undeniable that Alice had the right to be proud. Her wildcard entry was no fluke.

As the saying goes, "laymen watch the fun; experts watch the technique." Nancy could tell just by listening that Alice was a level above the previous performers.

Sure enough, when Alice finished playing, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, and even the four judges nodded in approval.

As Alice left the stage, she looked directly at Nancy. Seeing Nancy also watching her, she smiled slightly.

Nancy nodded back, her competitive spirit surging.

Many more performed, but none gave Nancy the same feeling as Alice’s performance. The competition continued until the lunch break.

After the break, the competition resumed at 1:30 PM.

By 4:00 PM, it still wasn't Nancy and Linda's turn.

Linda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, pouting, "Nan, my butt's starting to hurt. When will it be our turn?"

Nancy sighed, feeling equally exhausted from sitting.

"Only ten more to go, soon."

"Fine...."

Linda groaned in frustration.

It's often said that performing later is better, but only those who have actually waited know the anxiety and tension that comes with it.

As Linda grew restless, Nancy pointed towards the stage, "Linda, Rivata is up next."

Linda's spirits lifted instantly, and she sat still, focusing intently on the stage.

Rivata exuded confidence. After sitting at the piano, she scanned the audience. When her gaze landed on the VIP seats, she flashed what she thought was her most charming smile.

"Ew…"

Linda hummed disdainfully, "Nan, she's flirting with your husband!"

Nancy laughed speechlessly, "It might not be my husband. Maybe it's Zach or Parmelo?"

"It's definitely your husband!"

Linda asserted firmly, "I noticed it during dinner the other day. She's trying to climb up the social ladder, but Mr. Firth didn't give her the chance. Now that your husband is here, she must be trying to impress him, right?"

Nancy just smiled without saying anything.

After listening to Rivata's performance for a while, Linda snorted disdainfully, "She dares to challenge you with that level of skill? I think I'm even better than her. I wonder who gave her such courage!"