Chapter 56: The Final Decision

Chapter 56: The Final Decision

"I chose you because you possess a freshness and purity that others lack, like the scent of spring water and sunlight. This aura radiates from within you, so when we shoot, you won't need any embellishments. Just relax and show your most natural and genuine self. I believe you can truly capture the essence of 'Breeze.'"

In the dressing room, Lydia Moore stood silently before the mirror, her eyes fixed on her reflection.

The blue lace gown, specially selected for the shoot, now draped her figure. The intricate crystals embedded within the fabric shimmered brightly in the mirror, causing her dark eyes to feel slightly dizzy. The makeup artist had applied this season's most fashionable light makeup, enhancing the fullness and definition of her features.

Although she still looked only moderately pretty after all the preparations, there was no denying that she appeared far more refined than before. But…was this still the real her? Lydia Moore lightly touched the blush on her cheeks, her brows knitting together in thought. It all felt like a dream, happening so quickly that she couldn't quite process it. James Taylor believed she could embody the true spirit of "Breeze." But could she really?

Outside the dressing room, Michael the photographer's loud protests could be heard, and it seemed he was intentionally making sure Lydia Moore could hear every word. The other crew members stood by quietly, clearly waiting to see how things would unfold, with the occasional snicker escaping from their midst.

"James Taylor, I hope you've thought this through. Never mind the enormous losses the company might face from your decision to change the model. Just look at her! There's no way she can compare to Bella Rose. She barely qualifies to be her assistant!" Michael's voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain. "Delar's female leads have always been super beauties, and she—she's flat, plain, and leagues apart from them. No matter how you spin it, she's absolutely not fit for this. She's not fit. Absolutely not fit." He emphasized the final words, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Lydia Moore couldn't hear what James Taylor said in response, as Michael's last five words echoed repeatedly in her mind. She's absolutely not fit… Those words, they sounded painfully familiar. A shadow of sadness flickered through Lydia Moore's clear eyes. She closed them, letting the pain seep through her veins, filling her entire being.

A year ago, in the autumn.

It was late fall in the northern town of Qingli, where the weather could change drastically. Just days earlier, the sky had been overcast with gusty winds, leaving many students battling colds. But today, the sky was clear and bright, and the gentle sunlight lifted the spirits of both teachers and students after days of dreariness.

The corridors of Qingli's teaching building were lined with rustic wooden fences, inside which were potted hibiscus, coleus, and pink or white begonias. Passing by, Lydia Moore couldn't resist pausing to lean in and inhale the flowers' fragrant scent, which instantly soothed her.

"So fragrant…" She smiled brightly and then stood up straight, continuing her way to the office. A few days earlier, Ms. Ling had wanted to discuss the upcoming music competition with her, but Lydia had caught a cold and didn't want to risk spreading it. So, she waited until today, once she was better, to see her.

"I wonder if Ms. Ling will be in the office at this time?" Lydia mused softly, her steps never faltering. Ahead, the office door was half-open, and she could hear a man and a woman conversing inside. A medium-built man in a suit had his back to the door, facing a young woman in a white outfit, whose face was flushed with urgency.

Was that Ms. Ling and Dean Goldsmith from the School of Arts? What could they be discussing so intensely? Lydia Moore frowned in confusion. Just as she was about to turn and leave, Dean Goldsmith's voice suddenly rang out from the office. Lydia froze mid-step.

"Ms. Ling, I've always admired how well you're loved by the students. But why, of all people, did you choose Lydia Moore to partner with Ethan Knight in the competition? You know how important this music competition is to Qingli, so we must choose the best candidates. Sabrina Shaw's father is a prominent politician, and she's been playing the violin since she was a child. She's the most suitable candidate. Lydia Moore is just an ordinary student from the School of Law and Politics. The idea of her standing next to Ethan Knight is laughable!" Dean Goldsmith's frustration was evident, causing him to speak without filter.

"Although Sabrina's violin skills are indeed impressive, the soul of music lies in the emotions of the performer. Lydia Moore infuses her music with genuine feelings, and it's that kind of music that truly touches the judges and audience. I hope you'll reconsider…" Ms. Ling argued passionately. In her heart, she had already determined that Lydia was the best choice, which was why she had arranged for her to practice duets with Ethan Knight, despite opposition from the school. To her, music should be pure and emotionally expressive, not tainted by worldly concerns.

"I don't care what your reasons are; I won't agree. She's absolutely not fit!" Dean Goldsmith cut her off, his tone final and unyielding. The two continued to argue vehemently, each standing firm in their opinions, completely oblivious to the pale-faced girl leaning against the wall outside the door.

So…no matter what, she was never worthy of standing on the same stage as him. The light in Lydia Moore's eyes gradually dimmed. Hadn't she always known it would end like this? She was just foolishly clinging to a hopeless dream, wishing for this day to never come. She smiled bitterly to herself and turned to leave.

Behind her, their voices were carried away by the autumn wind, unheard, and unwanted. She needed to be alone, to think, to sort through her thoughts.

The sunshine, the white clouds, the tall trees, the white daisies trembling in the autumn breeze—all things that had once filled Lydia Moore with a sense of happiness now seemed drained of their color. She wandered aimlessly through the vast Qingli campus, forgetting how long she had been walking. When she finally stopped, she found herself back at Qingyuan Square.

Perhaps, deep down, she still longed to see him. Or maybe, subconsciously, she had something she wanted to say to him.

Listening to the rustling of the leaves in the wind, Lydia Moore suddenly felt a burning pain in her eyes. She quickly tilted her head back to look at the bright blue sky, desperately trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. As she replayed the memories of the past few days spent with Ethan Knight, she repeatedly told herself that it was enough, that she had been happy.

Much later, after the autumn wind had dried the tears from her eyes, Lydia lowered her head and walked through the towering camphor trees toward the square.

The sky was a vivid blue, dotted with small, white clouds. The wide, peaceful square was home to white-winged doves, soaring and circling in the air. The golden sunlight bathed them in a soft glow, like white waves splashing on a calm sea. Some of the doves perched by the fountain, others hopped around the ground, searching for food.

Occasionally, a fearless dove would flap its wings and land near a figure in white, cooing as if to attract his attention, happily singing its song.