Kiyono Lin handed the list of successful candidates to Ayane Kumi, and with that, the morning auditions were over.

"What do you want to eat? Where shall we go?" Dubian Che asked.

There were two hours for lunch break, enough time to hastily head back for a nap if one didn't mind the hassle.

Kiyono Lin pondered, considering what she wanted to eat.

In stark contrast to their leisure by the window, a heavy air filled the music classroom.

Fifty to sixty brass instrument players nervously gazed toward the front of the classroom at Ayane Kumi.

Even though the Woodwind Group and Percussion Group had auditions in the afternoon, no one knew whether they would make it into Group A, making it hard to remain calm about the brass section's highs and lows.

"Let's start with the trumpet section," Ayane Kumi's gentle voice cut through the near-stagnant air of the brass section.

The sound of breathing seemed to weaken in the classroom as everyone's faces tensed, staring fixedly at Ayane Kumi.

If this were any other school, not being selected for Group B wouldn't matter much; one could still participate in various competitions, even wind music contests with fewer participants.

But at Goda High School, with an emphasis on academic advancement, the Wind Instrument Club would only participate in the large-scale wind music contest with fifty-five players and no other competitions.

Thus, those not in Group A could only perform during occasions like the opening ceremony, sports festival, and Cultural Festival.

"Third year, Asada Kana."

"Present!"

"Third year, Kitamura Saya."

"Present!"

"F-first year, Sheng Yuan Dianzi," Ayane Kumi's voice trembled.

"...Pr-present!" Sheng Yuan Dianzi seemed not quite to have come to her senses.

A wave of crying erupted in the classroom; the entire second-year trumpet section was not selected.

"First year," Ayane Kumi looked at the crying members with pity and continued calling out, "Murase Emi."

"Present!"

Emotions intertwined in the classroom as those who passed were happy but dared not show it too openly in front of those who were rejected.

Those not called wept softly, and some sat quietly, motionless.

Listening to the girls' sobbing, Dubian Che said to Kiyono Lin,

"Not a single second-year passed?"

"I gave them a chance, but the judges won't give Goda a chance." Kiyono Lin, as the one responsible, remained in this thick atmosphere with not a hint of guilt or pity.

Dubian Che looked at her cold, fair profile, and felt again the cold, detached charm of hers, like moonlight.

"If I fall behind, would you pull some strings to get me into Group A, would you agree?" Dubian Che hypothetically asked.

"No," Kiyono Lin replied immediately.

"A little disappointed."

Kiyono Lin turned to Dubian Che with a smile.

"What are you laughing at?" Dubian Che asked.

"Wanting my favoritism?" Kiyono Lin asked playfully, resting her hand on her chin.

"Of course, we're the closest of friends, but I can understand why you do it."

"If you can't understand, don't support my approach, then we're not friends."

"Being your friend is quite demanding."

"That's why there's only you," Kiyono Lin revealed a shallow smile.

"Hearing you say that, I'm immediately not disappointed, I can understand now, I support you."

"You've got the order wrong; you should first not be disappointed, then understand and support me, only then would I say that."

"The order doesn't matter," Dubian Che implied a smile with his eyes as there were others around, "but after all, we're friends now, couldn't you bend the rules and let me into Group A?"

Kiyono Lin gave him a glance, then turned her head back to continue watching Ayane Kumi announce the results.

"Kiyono? Kiyono? Lin? Yes? Just this once, please?"

"Could you not be so revolting."

"..."

During their casual chat, the brass section's list had all been announced.

"Those are the A Group members who will perform, soloist selections will be announced tonight along with the Woodwind Group and Percussion Group."

"Yes!" came the responses, joyous, sorrowful, apprehensive.

Ayane Kumi looked toward Kiyono Lin by the window, asking with her eyes if she had any further announcements and if not, the morning session would come to an end.

Kiyono Lin, who thought there was nothing else, went over when prompted; Ayane Kumi quickly gave up her spot so Kiyono Lin could stand on the conductor's podium.

"Regarding Group A members, I'm announcing a new regulation."

Everyone held their breath, the crying girls turned into silent sobs, waiting for her to continue.

"From now on, at the end of each month, any section that does not meet my expectations will have a re-audition, so members in Group B, please practice diligently and don't just make up the numbers."

"..." Group A was stunned.

"Yes!" Group B answered enthusiastically.

Many of the girls who had been crying stopped their tears, their faces set with determination.

As last year's Wind Instrument Club Minister Komatsu Misaki said: If you don't try, that's fine, but if you do, you must not easily lose to others.

That was the style of Goda High School.

Members of Group A, who had been comforting the rejected girls, became apprehensive.

This tight sisterhood in the classroom was shattering.

Such a strong sense of competition would increase their chances of entering the national contest and winning a national gold medal.

Kiyono Lin stepped down from the podium, returning the position to Ayane Kumi, and she and Dubian Che left the Wind Instrument Club.

"One audition per month, don't say I didn't give you a chance."

"What if it still doesn't work out?" Dubian Che asked curiously.

"Don't worry, it won't happen." Kiyono Lin said with a friendly smile, "I will give you one-on-one special training, practicing every day until your lips are numb."

"I can feel the thick love from you, Lin."

Before Kiyono Lin's gaze could turn cold, Dubian Che quickly changed the subject: "Did you add this rule on the spur of the moment for me?"

"I thought of it spontaneously, but not purely for the sake of your joke. This rule will improve the strength of the Wind Instrument Club."

"You might not believe it, but actually, I made that joke just to prompt you to think of this rule. Can you feel my deep love?"

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