Chapter 169
Alice was thirty-two this year, at an age where a woman's charm and grace are fully bloomed.
She had golden hair, with her golden curls cascading over her shoulders. Her green eyes, pronounced nose, and her entire being exuded elegance.
Ivan was ready to leave, contract in hand.
He had no interest in Emily's endeavors; if she wanted to practice piano during the day, he simply wouldn’t come home.
As he was about to step out, he caught a glimpse of Alice entering.
Surprise flickered across his face.
Keith had found Emily a globally renowned piano prodigy as a teacher...
He had been astounded by Alice's performance when he once attended her concert...
Retracting his step, he extended a hand toward Alice. "Miss Alice."
With a gracious smile, Alice responded, "Mrs. Winston, I've heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you today."
Seeing the scene unfold before her, Emily couldn’t help but feel a trace of surprise.
She had been Ivan's apprentice for four years and had met numerous clients alongside him. No matter the clout these clients carried, Ivan had always maintained an air of nonchalance. This was the first time she witnessed him extend his hand first for a handshake.
Could this mean Ivan held a deep respect for Alice?
And if she managed to become Alice's prized apprentice, would Ivan begin to see her in a new light as well?
With that thought, Emily approached confidently, "Master Alice, I'm Emily, I'll be one of your students."
Alice turned her head, her gaze briefly landing on Emily’s fingers before shifting to the piano in the living room. She spoke with a calm voice, "Play something for me. I want to hear your level."
Emily nodded, took a seat at the piano, and began to play "Für Elise" with practiced ease.
Alice observed Emily’s form at the piano and listened intently to each note.
After the piece concluded, Alice nodded in approval. "I heard from Mr. Winston that you've achieved a level nine certificate in piano, quite commendable. Your technique is skillful indeed, but…"
Emily initially let a hint of joy show on her face.
Yet as Alice's tone shifted, her heart skipped a beat with trepidation.
Before Alice continued, Emily could sense what was coming next.
She was taken back to her teenage years, with piano lessons alongside Haley. Every time after she played, her teacher would commend her performance and then follow with a ‘but,’ which invariably negated all praise.
She could still recall her teacher’s words:
“You have a thorough understanding of the piano and can flawlessly execute any piece presented to you, but there is an absence of passion. Passion is difficult to define, or to teach... You might listen to your sister Haley play; her music reaches a realm that eludes you. Perhaps you two should discuss it…”
Those comments from a decade ago echoed in Emily’s mind.
Her nails dug into the flesh of her palms as she spoke with controlled calmness, "Master Alice, please speak your mind."
Alice responded with a measured tone, "‘Für Elise’ is a piece that should embody simplicity and warmth, a composition Beethoven dedicated to a young girl, flowing joyfully, gently, and affectionately. You play it with fluidity and convey a cheerful melody, but I cannot feel the emotion in the latter part, hearing only a chilling mechanical resonance…"
Alice’s voice overlapped with that of Emily’s piano teacher from the past.
The critique was eerily identical.
A wave of darkness nearly overwhelmed Emily, and she almost collapsed.
This same issue—she’d struggled with it for over a decade without progress.
She did not believe that even with Alice’s guidance, she could overcome it…
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