?<strong>Chapter 1413:</strong>


    Trying to y it cool, Victor replied, “You mentioned her the other day. Turns out she’s a friend’s cousin—almost like family. So I thought, why not invite her?”


    Elyse gave Victor a stealthy pinch on the waist—hard.


    “Almost like family? Quite the stretch, Victor!”


    Victor managed to suppress a grimace, maintaining hisid-back facade.


    Oblivious, Zayn looked at Victor with a mix of envy and admiration before turning his starstruck gaze back to Elyse. He edged closer, his voice trembling slightly. “Hi, I’m a massive fan. I’ve followed your journey from the start. You were mesmerizing—impossible to ignore.”


    Flustered by such gushing praise, Elyse shuffled her feet.


    “Oh, there were some fantasticpetitors too. It was anyone’s game, really.”


    Zayn’s cheeks flushed a deep red. “Could I possibly get your autograph? And maybe… shake your hand?”


    He nced at Elyse, his eyes filled with a tentative hope.


    “Of course,” Elyse responded, her smile genuine and inviting. “That’s no trouble at all.”


    Zayn quickly sent someone off to fetch a pen and paper.


    As they waited, he burst out, almost unable to hold back his excitement. “I’d really love to hear you y the violin. Would you mind ying something for me?”


    Elyse, slightly surprised, nodded. “Sure, what would you like to hear?”


    Zayn hesitated, his request timid. “Could I maybe ask for something a bit unconventional?”


    Considering this, Elyse replied, knowing her strengthy in ssical music, “If it’s a piece I’m not familiar with, I’ll need the sheet music.”


    “What about ‘A Thousand Years’?” Zayn suggested hopefully.


    “I’m familiar with it,” Elyse acknowledged, “But I’d still need the sheet music.”


    Zayn’s excitement was palpable. “Of course! Oh, God! My favorite musician is going to y ‘A Thousand Years’ for me! I must be the luckiest guy around!”


    Victor rolled his eyes, unable to hide his amusement. “Seriously? It’s just one song. You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.”


    Zayn shot back, yful yet earnest, “You wouldn’t get it. You’re musically challenged.”


    Elyse chuckled, joining in the banter. “Haha, that’s harsh! Looks like you can’t join the cool kids’ table, Victor.”


    Victor clenched his jaw, trying not to smile. “Just remember, Elyse, I’m the one who got you into this party!”


    Elyse acted as if she hadn’t heard what Victor had said while she opened her violin case and carefully retrieved her treasured instrument.


    With the crowd’s eyes fixed on her, she began to y.


    The tune of “A Thousand Years” was so mesmerizing that it caused many people to stop their conversations and direct their attention toward Elyse.


    A few among them couldn’t resist joining in with their instruments, weaving together the sounds of vi, piano, and violin in perfect harmony.


    What began as her solo performance soon blossomed into a full ensemble, resembling a small orchestra.


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