Although Katie was an amateur pianist, she could easily tell that the piece that had just been played was comparable to the performances in the main auditorium.
Setting her phone aside, she instinctively took a seat at the piano, becoming completely absorbed in the music. Time slipped away from her, and when the piece finally ended, she remained entranced by the intricate and captivating melodies.
Suddenly, Diana's voice rang out from the doorway.
"Katie?" she called, rushing in. "Was that you playing just now? You texted me and your dad to come over just to surprise us, didn't you?"
"Texted?" Katie replied, bewildered. "I didn't send anything."
Just then, loud applause erupted from a distance. As the Terzians turned toward the sound, they saw a tall, elderly man in a gray suit entering the room.
"Hahaha! That was marvelous! They were right—Grand Cathay truly has a wealth of talent! That performance was simply perfect!" he exclaimed in slightly broken Cholonese, his face beaming with joy.
"Are you… Mr. Daniel Yorgson?" Katie asked, her eyes lighting up. "It really is you!"
"Yes, that's me," Daniel replied gently. "But please, just call me Daniel. With the piano skills you demonstrated, it's only a matter of time before you surpass me."
"Me?" Katie asked, pointing to herself.
"Of course," Daniel said with a warm smile. "Weren't you the one performing just now?"
"Well…" Katie hesitated, wanting to deny it, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she forced a smile and said, "Yes, that was me."
"Wonderful! I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining me in Ameridia to further your studies. We could leave tomorrow," Daniel offered warmly.
Just as she was about to pull it away, Helen's voice suddenly pierced the moment.
"Mr. Yorgson, are you sure you've found the right person?"
Katie flinched, instinctively pulling her hand back. She turned to see "Kaylee" approaching, her expression calm and collected.
Her relaxed demeanor only intensified Katie's frustration. "What are you even saying? Mr. Yorgson came looking for me—not someone tone-deaf like you. Why would he ever pick you as a student?"
Unfazed, Helen smirked. "So, are you saying that being tone-deaf disqualifies me from learning piano?"
"Of course! If it were possible, you would have started ages ago. You're just trying to ride the wave of Mr. Yorgson's fame, aren't you? Spare me the excuse!"
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