The Unveiling of Secret Queen

Chapter 632: If Excellence Isn’t the Standard_1

"Mr. Norton, what criteria do you use to select your favorite students?"

"Being a prominent figure in the domestic music industry, you must have your own set of criteria for selection. My knowledge is limited, and I’m somewhat confused about the standards you use to select students."

"Since you are choosing a successor, it’s natural to select children with good musical talent, focusing on musical skills. If I may be so bold to ask, what instrument does this... student excel at, and what level have they reached?"

As soon as Celine Tucker spoke, the entire room fell silent.

Although everyone was unaware of why Mr. Norton would give up on Caryn Zachmann to choose a girl who seemed to come out of nowhere.

But Shawn Norton has always been a master, and her question was akin to publicly questioning his judgment in selecting people.

Shawn Norton had always respected Ericko Zachmann for giving her face, but when she spoke, the elder’s face suddenly darkened, and his gaze turned icy, hinting at an impending outburst.

As a younger generation, Celine was not convinced and wanted to secure an explanation for her daughter; her approach wasn’t wrong.

However, today was Shawn Norton’s birthday, a joyful occasion. Publicly attempting to disgrace someone was somewhat disrespectful.

Nathalie Quinlan looked up, her dark eyes glanced at her once, subtly stopped Shawn Norton who wanted to stand up for her, lifted her head, and said indifferently, "Studied the electronic keyboard for a few years, haven’t taken any exams."

The banquet hall erupted again.

Whispers abounded.

"My God, I thought although she didn’t look impressive, she at least had some real talent. I didn’t expect she only played the electronic keyboard, is that even an instrument? That’s just child’s play!"

"Just a few years of electronic keyboard, that’s too..."

"I can’t understand why Mr. Norton would pass over Caryn Zachmann, who has a Grade 8 piano major, and insist on choosing this Nathalie Quinlan. It’s so surreal!"

Shawn Norton certainly heard the whispers comparing Nathalie Quinlan and Caryn Zachmann, and although he had been tolerating it not to embarrass the granddaughter of an old friend, Celine Tucker’s actions were too disheartening, and he definitely preferred to protect Nathalie Quinlan in his heart.

"You haven’t taken any exams?" After her initial shock, Celine Tucker’s expression became intriguing. She turned and asked the elder with a stiff face, "Mr. Norton, I’m even more confused about your criteria for selecting students. I don’t understand what it takes to study under a master, and if excellence isn’t the criterion, I don’t know what is."

She all but declared that Caryn Zachmann was more excellent than Nathalie Quinlan!

But many people thought she was right.

Yes, if excellence isn’t the criterion to study under a master, what is? Is it about looks? Luck?

The gazes around the room were as sharp as ice picks. Many people felt injustice for Caryn Zachmann, and their looks towards Nathalie Quinlan were no longer friendly.

Sadam Vinson watched the girl at the center of the storm standing nonchalantly, maintaining composure despite the judgmental gazes, as if the whole affair didn’t concern her. That alone—the ability to keep her cool—caught people’s attention.

After all, Caryn Zachmann, who everyone spoke so highly of, couldn’t maintain her composure when Shawn Norton openly rejected her in public. Her facial expression almost collapsed for a moment.

But Nathalie Quinlan...

She was genuinely composed!

Calm and extraordinary!

Even as Celine Tucker spoke, she casually raised her hand and adjusted the brim of her hat with a wild style!

It was rather rebellious.

"Mr. Vinson, should we go up and help Ms. Quinlan out of her predicament?" Govert Griffin whispered.