Chapter 333 - OLD HANDS

The guests at the Celestial Blossom Garden returned to the pavilion after a long picnic with their families in the gazebos. Perhaps the atmosphere in the open garden was soothing, or the bottles of wine included in the picnic baskets were a little strong…

Regardless of the reason, the guests were more relaxed as they gathered once again. ​​

The workstations in the pavilions had been removed, leaving a large space around the performance area at the centre. Moreover, comfortable seats had been set around the stage.

As for the various artistic items created, they were displayed around the room with care, adding a special charm to the pavilion. Naturally, the names of the creators were indicated on the pieces to ensure credit was given where due.

Much could be said about Cherry Blossom. But no one could claim he was inefficient.

Before the performances began, Yugo looked at Mr Blossom after reviewing his list of performers.

"Mr Blossom, someone has been registered five times to perform. Although the actual person has not nominated themselves…" He spoke with some apprehension.

Cherry Blossom smiled. "Is it Yamazaki Akira?"

"Mr Blossom, how did you guess it?" Yugo looked at his boss with worship.

"It is expected. Put her performance as the special closing one. It should be something interesting. Keep in communication with Matthew in case there is a problem with the live stream. I want to give our audience the best experience." The man in white smiled.

Yugo nodded at his enterprising boss.

Akira walked around the room with her family looking at the art before they sat down. She was quite impressed with some of the little creations made by the guests. The pieces were not restricted to art and calligraphy, although these were the most common.

She had seen some sculptures and figurines of diverse mediums, impressive origami and a pink crochet hat for some reason.

Somehow, she could see the appeal of asking for these items instead of monetary compensation from the guests.

Once Akira sat down, she noticed Chiharu approaching the seat on her left with Kazuo right behind her. She indicated for Hina, who was gawking at a sugar angel figurine, to sit next to her. Seiji had no choice but to sit on the other side of Hina. As for her mother and father, they had filled the seats on her right.

Chiharu had been giving her unusual looks throughout the picnic and making attempts to come closer to her. However, Akira was not interested in the green tea she was serving. Besides, she did not want to become dumb like her eldest brother by being close to her.

Unfortunately, she could also not shut her down directly because the woman had not done anything untoward to her. She could only use Hina, Seiji and her parents as her temporary protectors until she found out what the woman wanted.

"I didn't know the twins were singing," Hina whispered.

Akira realised that she had missed the introduction to the first performance. When she looked up, she discovered that her little cousins were already standing on the stage at the centre of the pavilion.

Even though they were childish and mischievous before their close relatives and at home, they were seventeen-year-old young ladies who were almost ȧduŀts. Their elegance could not be hidden.

Their performance was a rendition of an old folksong. The sounds of the guitar and piano blended with their harmonised voices to create an enchanting ballad with an edge of modern pop.

Within a few moments, the entire crowd was hypnotised by the simple and nostalgic music. Some people could not help sighing with jealousy.

Their children could hardly manage acceptable calligraphy doodles while other people's daughters were changing the face of music. Moreover, with the twin factor, almost everyone felt aggrieved that their families did not have multiple births genes.

When the performance ended, the applause was deafening. While the girls were not perfect, they were talented and memorable.

"How could that loud woman give birth to such good daughters?" Hina whispered to Akira.

Akira looked at Hina with an obvious message. 'Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?'

"I am not as loud as she is. Anyway, when I give birth to children, they will be even cuter and smarter." Hina scoffed before looking at Seiji with a sly smile.

Seiji felt that cold sensation when he saw the calculating light in her eyes.

The rest of the performances were not bad since most people in Mountain Ridge learnt music to some extent. However, it was hard to compete against moe twins with good voices and talent in playing instruments.

Akira was drawn back to the stage when Makiko stepped up. Everyone paid attention to the older woman as she sat elegantly at the piano because she had made herself a name in the classical music world. Her talent was indisputable even though she was no longer an active performer.

As she began the piece 'Islamey', her confidence was brimming, and she was like a shining beacon. However, her performance declined as she proceeded. It was not an obvious problem for the casual listener.

Still, people with a keen ear could sense the problems with the tempo.

"I bet it's her old hands that can't keep up," Hina whispered to Akira.

"You will soon be just as old," Akira responded calmly.

"You are right. I can't blame those old hands. I have seen grandpas do better. She probably has been wasting too much time on schemes. She probably has practised 'Islamey' this week only. Peh! She overestimates herself." Hina whispered again.

After much difficulty, Makiko managed to complete her performance. She stood up as applause filled the pavilion and tried to smile graciously at the audience with a slight bow. However, the cold sweat on her forehead betrayed her difficulties.

Her sharp eyes found Akira and looked at her with a hidden harshness. Even though she had not done well, she was sure that Akira would do poorly and make her look good.

"Why is she looking at you?" Hina asked in another whisper.

"Maybe, I am too pretty," Akira responded.

Yugo stood at the bottom of the platform as Makiko exited the stage.

"And now, for our special closing performance, Yamazaki Akira!"