“I think the violin would be a good start. Once you’ve mastered it, you can perform to a large audience. I’m telling you, the recognition would be massive. Who knows, it might even help to moderate your temperament.”

Qin Man sniffed and lookedYao Tangup and down with unbridled judgment in her eyes. “I’m open to getting you better teachers, too, if you do well in your beginner’s lessons.”

Beside her, Yao Ranwas trembling with rage. She was clenching her fists so hard that her nails bit into her palms.

It was all she could do not to sneer at her mother.

‘Find Yao Tanga better teacher? What for? Why even bother?’

Even if Yao Tangshowed promise in music, there should be no need forQin Manto meddle with her lessons. After all, she had already disowned the girl. She had gone as far as to say thatYao Tangnow belonged toYao Rong’s household, and right toYao Tang’s face, too.

What’s more, Qin Manhad repeatedly claimed that she would only acknowledgeYao Ranas her daughter.

Why was she suddenly so eager to support Yao Tang’s bid to become a musical genius?

Yao Ran considered her options and finally came up with a plan. She raised her head and flashed her signature gentle smile.

“Mom, if it’s all right, I can be Sister’s first teacher. She lacks a foundation in music, so she needs to familiarize herself with the violin first. I’m afraid that she would get intimidated if you get her a master for her teacher right off the bat.”

Qin Man looked atYao Ranand nodded.

“Yes, yes, I believe that would work. Go on, Yao Tang. Pick a time. You may come to our music room once a week to practice. I’ll hire a decent teacher for you once you get the hang of it. The sooner you learn, the better.Ranranhas to focus on her studies and the orchestra. You should be grateful for her offer.”

She finished her tirade with her usual arrogant expressions.

“I already said no,” Yao Tangsaid, her voice ringing loud and clear, her eyes never leavingQin Man’s. “I don’t want to get violin lessons. I don’t want you to hire a teacher for me. And I most certainly do not want to step foot in your house.”

She was blunt and unyielding with her rejection.

Something ugly flashed in Yao Ran’s eyes, but she said nothing.

Qin Man, on the other hand, was about to launch another bout of verbal abuse. “Mind your attitude, Yao Tang! I’m giving you an opportunity to acquire some skills you can use in the future. You’d do well not to waste it. What makes you act so pretentious when you have nothing to show for yourself?”

But Yao Tangwas undeterred by the woman’s mockery. Her lips curled at the corners as she toldQin Manin a calm, sweet voice, “I don’t need you to interfere in my affairs. Nor do you have the right to do so.”

“You brat! I’m doing this for your own good!”

Yao Yuan, who had been silent this entire time, blinked at Yao Tang in astonishment. The girl leaned back against her seat in a languid manner, as if she hadn’t just provoked her mother to hell and back. He felt as though he was looking at a different person.

He cleared his throat and said, “Yao Tang, life in an orchestra won’t be easy. The waters are too deep, and people are always competing with each other. It isn’t something you should dabble with at your tender age. Instead, you should put all your energy into your studies. The most important thing right now is that you get into a good university. You can do everything else later.”

Jiang Wan’s brows furrowed at that. “Since Tangtangis interested in joining the orchestra, then she should go ahead and join the orchestra. Why are you insisting that she learn the violin when she already said she doesn’t want to?”

Unfortunately, Old Madam Yaowasn’t onYao Tang’s side this time. She gave her daughter an apologetic look. “Tangtang, if you dislike the violin that much, then you can choose another instrument. I’m afraid your parents are right. The orchestra… It… It isn’t suited for someone as young as you.”

“Why do you say that, Mom?” Jiang Wanasked, visibly confused. “We haven’t even seenTangtangperform yet. How do you know that she isn’t suited for the orchestra?

“What’s all the fuss about being suited or not, anyway? As long as the desire to learn is there, it’s only a matter of developing one’s skills. Besides, Tangtangalready has an ensemble and friends who depend on her. Do you expect her to just quit and leave them all behind?”

In response to Jiang Wan’s perfectly reasonable argument,Qin Manlet out a derisive laugh.

“Has her own ensemble, you say? Ha! Yeah, right! For all we know, they’re just a bunch of ambitious kids who like to call themselves that. I think the term ‘amateur band’ would be more apt for these rascals.”

She smirked at Yao Tang, her every word dripping with sarcasm.

“Leader Yao? Don’t make me laugh! Though, I suppose I can’t really stop you if you want to show off that badly. You can perform to an audience if you want, but once the crowd boos you, don’t you dare say you’re from the Yao family!”