Game Over No Second Chances

"The Javerton City Violin Competition?" Serena looked at the invitation in confusion.

Across from her, Ruth sipped on a new seasonal coffee flavor and smiled. "This is one of the most prestigious competitions in Javerton City. Our orchestra was given a special invitation to send a judge.

"But our best violinist has to return home for some paperwork issues that week. So there's a scheduling conflict, but I don't want to give up the spot."

"So you're asking me?" Serena chuckled.

She had been away from the violin world for far too long. Even for her last public performance, she had hid behind a mask.

She sighed and pushed the invitation back. "I'm not famous enough to sit on the judging panel."

"But your skills are more than enough." Ruth placed the invitation firmly back into her hands, leaving no room for argument. "Do you remember the piece you won with before? Music is timeless-it hasn't faded even today."

Serena felt the invitation heating up in her palm. After a long pause, she finally accepted it—along with a cup of the new coffee. "You're right. I should try something new."

Ruth grinned and clinked her cup against Serena's. "Of course! Like this new coffee. And your first time being a judge. Our lives should be colorful!"

"Yes!" Serena laughed, raising her coffee.

For a moment, it felt like she had returned to the carefree days of the past.

On the day of the violin competition, Wendy arrived at the venue in a custom- made silver mermaid gown from a luxury brand.

The other contestants turned to stare. Some admired her for wearing a full gown to a competition. Others whispered that she was just showing off.

But Wendy basked in their attention, holding her violin high as she walked proudly into the hall.

Before her was a dark panel of glass. Neither the judges nor the contestants could see each other until they finished performing.

So, one by one, the contestants performed.

Finally, it was Wendy's turn. She lifted her violin to complete her piece with confidence.

After all performances ended, the scores for each contestant were revealed.

A large "5" appeared next to Wendy's name.

Her face was drained of color. "What? A ten-point system, and I only got a five? Why?"

Her outburst startled the other contestants, who turned to look.

Then, the one-way glass retracted, revealing the five judges. Among them were Ruth and Serena.noveldrama

Wendy's eyes widened in shock.

"Serena? You haven't played the violin in years! How are you even a judge? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You deliberately gave me a low score!"

Serena didn't expect to see Wendy there either.

She glanced at the performance list and spoke calmly. "Your fundamentals are weak. No matter how many advanced techniques you use to cover up the flaws, the entire piece still loses its brilliance. But your technique is smooth, so I gave you a 5.5."

She gestured toward the other judges.

"As for the final score..."

Ruth, manager of the Luna Orchestra, sat beside three veteran violinists-all renowned in the field. Their scores all hovered around five.

Wendy's face went deathly pale.

Serena shrugged. "I don't have the power to bribe every judge just to give you a low score. Besides, we uldn't even see each other while you performed.

"The problem is simple-your performance was full of mistakes. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself.

"Just like your violin, your heart is restless. Your skills are lacking. And of reflecting on yourself, you

& your violin, your heart is

try to shift the blame onto others.

"Frankly? Your character is just as flawed as your music."