Chapter 120
Chapter 120
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Xena smiled serenely. “It’s fine, Ryan. Don’t worry about it. I know I still have a lot to improve on. Let’s not make a big deal
out of it.”
The more Janie acted this way, the more it showed she cared. Xena felt very at ease.
Zion sat back down and letting it go, though his irritation was evident.
Sensing the tension. Emily jumped in with a sugary tone. I think Janie just has really high standards. Personally, I thought Xena’s performance was fantastie
Jason agreed. “Absolutely! She was amazing!”
Xena gave a modest smile. “Thank you. I’ve practiced since I was a child. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Janie was even better than me.”
Ryan frowned, recognizing the trap Xena was setting, but it was too late.
Zion perked up instantly, his smirk returning. Janie must be amazing at the piano. Right, Janie
Jackson didn’t even hesitate. “Obviously. She’s incredible.”
In his mind, Janie was unmatched–number one. He was a close second, and anyone else didn’t even make the cut. Not even Spencer.
Zion’s grin turned sharp. “Great! Let’s hear it, then. Show us what you’ve got!”
Emily leaned in with wide–eyed enthusiasm. “Yes! It would be such a treat. Janie, what do you think?”
Janie replied flatly, “No. I don’t feel like it.”
Emily hid her frustration behind a tight smile.
Xena felt a wave of smug satisfaction Janie’s refusal only confirmed what she’d already suspected–Janie wouldn, or couldn’t, match her skills.
Zion scoffed loudly. “Figures. All talk, no action.”
“Zion,” Ryan snapped, his tone sharp with warning.
Jackson looked entirely unbothered, he smirked at Zion like he was the punchline to a bad joke. “Oh, like playing, that automatically means she can’t? You’re really reaching now.”
Janie doesn’t feel
David nodded along. “Yeah, that’s a pretty weak argument. Honestly, this whole thing feels kind of ridiculous.”
Zion grumbled under his breath but dropped it, especially after checking his phone and seeing a pointed text from Ryan.
The production team quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Alright, let’s move on?”
Just as the crew prepared to shift gears, a giant comment popped up on the screen: [Can Janie show us a
talent? Please!
[Does Janie not want to play, or does she just not know how?]
[Who cares? She doesn’t want to, and that’s the end of it]
[This is getting interesting. Is Janie really as talented as she seems, or is she just talking a big game?)
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Chapter 120
The room went still as all eyes shifted to Janie.
The timing was too perfect. It felt too staged for anyone to believe it wasn’t set up by the production team.
Xena suppressed a grin, feeling like the universe had finally handed her a win.
Even Zion, for once, held his tongue, remembering Ryan’s earlier scolding. His hesitation, however, only annoyed Xena
more.
“Since when did he get so passive? Xena thought.
Molly was practically buzzing with excitement as she watched the scene unfold.
Ryan, ever the peacekeeper, said, “If you don’t want to-”
But before he could finish, Xena cut him off. “The piano’s still here, Janie. Why don’t you give us a little performance!”
Janie gave her a cold glance and stood up
“Are you sure?” she asked, her voice calm but cutting.
Xena felt a wave of unease. She was worried if Janie actually knew how to play.
Janie
didn’t want to play the piano. Competing with Xena over something as petry as a talent showcase felt beneath her.
To Janie, Xena wasn’t even in the same league.
“I–Xena faltered, her confidence flickering. She’d been burned too many times by underestimating Janie.
Jackson sighed. “You don’t get it, do you? Janie’s not playing the piano for your sake. Trust me, it’s for your own good”
Xena’s cheeks burned red at his words.
Jackson had no intention of letting Janie stoop to Xena’s level. This wasn’t a contest–Janie had nothing to prove.
With a grin, Jackson stood up, sauntered over to a nearby tree, and plucked a leaf from its branches.
After wiping it down with exaggerated care, he handed it to Janie with a flourish.
Everyone was taken aback.
[Wait… a leaf? Is Janie really about to
to blow on a leaf? What even is this?
Janie’s avoiding the piano like it’s nothing. This is hilarious, and honestly, kind of genius.]
(I’m crying. Janie doesn’t even need an actual instrument to flex on them. Iconic.]
