Chapter 43: You Gained Nothing and Harmed Yourself
Everyone present and the viewers watching the live stream were stunned by Elizabeth's bold claim.
[Did she just say she can play any cello piece we name?]
[No way, she can't be that good. I don't buy it.]
[Where does Elizabeth get the nerve to say that?]
[Is she super confident or just plain arrogant?]
[Alright, let's put her to the test.]
[Yeah, since she said it, let's see if she can back it up.]
Richard's hired netizens quickly started discussing which piece to request.
They finally settled on one they thought Elizabeth wouldn't know.
[Let's have her play "Chromatic Cascade for Cello."]
This piece isn't as well-known or frequently performed as some popular tunes.
"Chromatic Cascade for Cello" is packed with the most challenging techniques. It has sixteen sections, each with a different vibe and melody, making it incredibly tough to play.
When Richard's hired netizens posted this piece, those unfamiliar with it looked it up.
Elizabeth's haters, along with Kevin and Eugene's fans, all jumped on board.
[Yeah, let's see her play this one.]
[I've heard this piece before. I want to see how Elizabeth handles it.]
[They picked a really tough one. Can Elizabeth actually play it?]
Elizabeth couldn't see the comments, so Arthur relayed them to her.
Arthur said, "They want you to play 'Chromatic Cascade for Cello.'"
Elizabeth knew this piece well.
She said, "Alright!"
Without wasting any time, she started playing.
First, she produced bright, clear sounds, then moved into rapid techniques that created a tense atmosphere. Finally, the music turned mournful and sorrowful, as if weeping, forming a stark contrast with the earlier sections.
Not only were the people there captivated, but those watching the live stream were glued to their screens, listening intently.
As the piece ended, everyone slowly came back to reality.
[Elizabeth nailed it.]
[I study the cello, and I have to say, not only did she play it perfectly, but she also captured the bright yet tragic essence of "Chromatic Cascade for Cello."]
[I never listened to cello music before, but I was completely drawn in.]
[Listening to Elizabeth play, you can tell how skilled she is.]
[To those who said she was just acting, feeling embarrassed now?]
Richard's hired netizens and Kevin's fans did feel a bit ashamed. They hadn't expected Elizabeth to be genuinely talented.
But Richard's hired netizens were there to discredit her, so they couldn't just let it go.
[Okay, Elizabeth is good at the cello, but that doesn't mean she wasn't acting earlier.]
[If you want us to believe, let us request pieces for the guitar, saxophone, and bass, and have her play them.]
[Doesn't the show have a guitar? Let her play something on that too.]
[Yeah, if she can play all of them, we'll admit she really knows her stuff and wasn't acting.]
Seeing these comments, Arthur's eyes twinkled with amusement.
Wasn't this just free publicity?
If Elizabeth could play all of them, it would not only prove they weren't faking it but also boost her popularity.
So he relayed the netizens' challenge to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, looking unfazed, said, "Sure, bring it on."
[Our Elizabeth is so bold, I love it.]
[Elizabeth is so confident, it's amazing.]
[Yes, bring it on. Elizabeth, you're awesome.]
[Elizabeth is so cocky. I wasn't a fan before, but if she can really do it, I'll become one.]
[Isn't she afraid of being exposed for lying?]
[Since Elizabeth is so confident and arrogant, we won't hold back.]
Richard's hired netizens scrambled to find obscure and difficult pieces. Elizabeth not only played all of them but also captured the essence and meaning of each piece.
[I have to say, Elizabeth is amazing.]
[How is Elizabeth so incredible?]
[Elizabeth, I'm in love.]
[She played them all, every single one. So impressive.]
[The key is she used different instruments as requested by the netizens. I'm now her fan.]
Elizabeth played different pieces on various instruments. This not only thrilled her fans but also converted many live viewers into her fans. Her Facebook followers skyrocketed once again. The live video was recorded and uploaded online.
The video titled "Elizabeth: Do As You Please" gained massive popularity, following her previous boxing fitness video. It not only attracted more viewers to the live broadcast but also drew in many music enthusiasts.
[Where are the people who said Elizabeth was following a script from the show? Why aren't they speaking up now?]
[If you're so great, why don't you act it out for everyone to see?]
[If all this was scripted, then I have to give it to her.]
[Where are the people who were bashing Elizabeth earlier? Come out and say something.]
[They must be feeling ashamed and too embarrassed to speak now.]
Many of Elizabeth's fans and viewers mocked those who had previously doubted and criticized her in the comments. At this moment, Richard's hired netizens and those who had insulted Elizabeth were silent. What else could they do? If they continued to bash and question Elizabeth, they would only invite more ridicule.
At the Clark family residence, Richard had been watching the live broadcast, his face darkening with anger. He hadn't expected Elizabeth to be proficient in so many instruments, effortlessly handling even the most obscure and challenging pieces. It was a miscalculation. Not only had he failed to frame Elizabeth and the show, but he had also inadvertently boosted Elizabeth's popularity. Her performance videos went viral again, and the show was proven to be genuine and unscripted.
Arnold, watching the live broadcast, turned to Richard and said, "Richard, you gained nothing and harmed yourself. I told you before, Elizabeth knows a lot about music, yet you had those netizens attack her through instruments."
Arnold was a highly popular and talented singer. Over the past year, although his relationship with Elizabeth wasn't as close as with Kevin, it was still quite good. Elizabeth would accompany him in practicing songs, often making food that was good for his voice and even throat lozenges. However, he also wanted Elizabeth to understand her place in the family, not to compete with Brenda or cause trouble. That's why he supported Loren, Richard, and Kevin in suppressing her.
Now, seeing that Richard's attempt to harm Elizabeth had backfired and instead helped her, he felt a mix of pride and complexity. On one hand, he was proud of his sister Elizabeth's impressive talent. On the other hand, he was concerned that Elizabeth's stellar performance, prompted by the criticism, would overshadow Brenda.
Richard glared at him. "If you can't say anything useful, just shut up. You did say she had musical talent, but how was I supposed to know she could play so many instruments?"
He asked, "Did you know?"
Arnold shook his head. "I really didn't know she could play so many instruments."
He added helplessly, "She knows more instruments than I do."
Enrique was also quite surprised by Elizabeth's performance. He frowned. "The problem now is, what about Brenda?"