Chapter 201: Chapter 201: Cried
Reese Shaw suddenly raised her hand, suggesting, "James Landon hasn’t commented on Tiffany Lynch’s performance yet, and I noticed you seemed quite pleased with her earlier. Want to share some thoughts?"
On stage, Tiffany Lynch looked towards James Landon, smiling, waiting for praise.
James Landon wet his lips, pausing before he said, "I’ve seen many violin performances where musicians are either emotive or technically skilled, each with their strengths..."
He paused.
Tiffany Lynch’s eyes grew more expectant, anticipating a compliment.
James Landon continued, "...however, your performance today lacked both qualities..."
Tiffany Lynch’s face stiffened.
But the critique continued, as James Landon unleashed his infamous sarcasm, "No emotion, mere showmanship, and yet lacking in skill. Quite rusty, which is surprising considering you seem to have a foundation, perhaps from lack of practice. It is below any standard I could consider acceptable."
As always, he held nothing back.
Lucy Taylor, who had previously been in the receiving end of James Landon’s cutting remarks, found a modicum of solace in this.
The studio became quiet for a moment, almost all eyes were focused on Tiffany Lynch.
Tiffany Lynch froze, clenching her hands into fists as her eyes filled with tears. She couldn’t handle these harsh words any longer and ended up crying.
It was not an outburst, but a silent display of defiance. She bit her lip trying to stay strong, but finally, she could only turn her face away, allowing the tears to fall.
Her tears shift the environment, immediately drawing everyone’s attention, even the cameras focused on her.
Hannah stood quietly, listening to the whimper nearby, watching the disturbance with interest, every now and then lightly plucking the strings of her lute.
A simple melody transformed the fiery atmosphere into a melancholic scene.
A story painted with strums of a lute and welling tears.
That’s what the scene felt like.
Hannah’s actions infuriated Tiffany Lynch, the melody seemed to be mocking her, starting each time she cried.
It wasn’t loud, only the two of them could hear.
Yet Hannah acted as though nothing was wrong, even giving a smile when Tiffany looked her way, her malice apparent despite her innocent expression.
Tiffany was boiling with anger.
One of the assistants hurriedly handed Tiffany Lynch a tissue to wipe her tears. She wanted to cry more but, seeing Hannah’s hand return to her lute, she swallowed her sobs.
After all, she had had enough camera time.
Among the mentors, it seemed Reese Shaw and James Landon had started facing off. They had already clashed once over Lucy Taylor’s evaluation, and now James Landon’s brutal critique of Tiffany Lynch, whom Reese Shaw favored, was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Fuming, Reese Shaw pointedly said to James Landon, "Don’t you think you’re being too harsh? These girls are still trainees; they have room for improvement. You shouldn’t crush their confidence like this."
James Landon remained expressionless, "I only spoke the truth."
Reese Shaw slammed her hand on the table, "But you also need to consider the trainees’ feelings."
James Landon calmly replied, "Didn’t Ms.Shaw criticize the first group herself, saying they were no better than elementary school performers?"
Reese Shaw was left speechless, wide-eyed, her face flushing in fury.
