Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 248

While walking along the road, they attracted a lot of attention wherever they went.

Nearby, atop the stone bridge, Nolan and two student council members were using bamboo sticks to aid in recovering hats that had dropped into the lake.

"Nolan, take a look over here."

Nolan glanced sideways and spotted Violeta strolling amidst the crowd with a photographer.

She adorned a light blue traditional outfit, her hair casually fastened with a ribbon. Her complexion gleamed under the sun, and a faint smile played in her eyes as she conversed with Kaylee.

The photographer ahead was energetically directing their movements as well.

In the midst of the crowd, they were the sole wearers of traditional outfits, thus standing out and garnering considerable attention.

"Where did they find those outfits? They look quite impressive. At first glance, I thought she was an actress."

"I recall there's a traditional costume shop nearby. Perhaps they borrowed them from there?"

"It might not be. I recall that traditional costume shop doesn't actually rent out clothing ... "

Nolan stayed quiet, tuning in to their conversation nearby. He shifted his gaze away and resumed fishing hats from the lake. Eventually, he snagged one and passed it to the individual beside him, murmuring, "Don't throw things around next time."

"Thanks, Nolan!"

"No need for thanks," Nolan replied.

He stepped away from the bridge with the bamboo stick in hand.

The two student council members caught up from behind, "Nolan, where are you headed?"

Nolan smiled slightly. "To listen to the zither."

...

They eventually reached the zither shop, named Spring Haven.

A crowd had gathered outside, with many already participating in the challenge, and the melodic sound of the zither resonated from one side.

Both discordant and harmonious notes filled the air.

The photographer, acquainted with the zither shop owner, guided Violeta and Kaylee in through the back entrance.

After walking for a few minutes, they indeed felt a refreshing coolness ahead.

There was a small waterfall, or rather, a slightly higher water pool.

The photographer located an ideal spot for them, where Violeta posed for several photos, yet the photographer remained dissatisfied.

Kaylee casually suggested, "I think Vio could hold something in her hands, like a flute or a zither, in a very traditional style."

The photographer applauded. "You're absolutely right! Wait here, I'll go fetch the instruments."

He set down his backpack and dashed off.

Shortly after, he returned, holding a zither in one hand and a lute in the other.

Violeta replied, "I learned the basics."

More than just the zither.

All her learning experiences could be seen as a form of self-learning.

In her past life, Violeta had become acquainted with several production assistants on set. One of them informed her about a role that suited her well and encouraged her to audition.

She prepared in advance, but during the audition on set, she was suddenly informed that the role required proficiency in playing the zither.

Most film productions in the industry don't conduct live sound recording on set.

Many directors select actors based solely on their outward appearance, and often other attributes like musical skills can be dubbed later unless it's a requirement like dancing.

So Violeta was quite dumbfounded.

She had been mocked.

Those people said, "You don't even know how to play the zither, why are you auditioning? Just go home. You won't even get the role of the eighth female role!"

"Huh, why not just be honest and play a supporting role properly?"

Violeta left with a sense of regret. At the time, she believed she wouldn't have a chance to audition due to the high standards set by the casting director.

However, she later discovered that this production was backed by the Blake Group to showcase new talents, in collaboration with another entertainment company.