Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 248 The Photoshoot

While walking along the road, they attracted a lot of attention wherever they went.

Nearby, atop the stone bridge, Nolan and two student council members were using bamboo sticks to aid in recovering hats that had dropped into the lake.

"Nolan, take a look over here."

Nolan glanced sideways and spotted Violeta strolling amidst the crowd with a photographer.

She adorned a light blue traditional outfit, her hair casually fastened with a ribbon. Her complexion gleamed under the sun, and a faint smile played in her eyes as she conversed with Kaylee. The photographer ahead was energetically directing their movements as well.

In the midst of the crowd, they were the sole wearers of traditional outfits, thus standing out and garnering considerable attention.

"Where did they replace those outfits? They look quite impressive. At first glance, I thought she was an actress."

"I recall there's a traditional costume shop nearby. Perhaps they borrowed them from there?"

"It might not be. I recall that traditional costume shop doesn't actually rent out clothing ...

Nolan stayed quiet, tuning in to their conversation nearby. He shifted his gaze away and resumed fishing hats from the lake. Eventually, he snagged one and passed it to the individual beside him, murmuring, "Don't throw things around next time."

"Thanks, Nolan!"

"No need for thanks," Nolan replied.

He stepped away from the bridge with the bamboo stick in hand.

The two student council members caught up from behind, "Nolan, where are you headed?"

Nolan smiled slightly. "To listen to the zither."

They eventually reached the zither shop, named Spring Haven.

A crowd had gathered outside, with many already participating in the challenge, and the melodic sound of the zither resonated from one side.

Both discordant and harmonious notes filled the air.

The photographer, acquainted with the zither shop owner, guided Violeta and Kaylee in through the back entrance.

After walking for a few minutes, they indeed felt a refreshing coolness ahead.

There was a small waterfall, or rather, a slightly higher water pool.

The photographer located an ideal spot for them, where Violeta posed for several photos, yet the photographer remained dissatisfied.

Kaylee casually suggested, "I think Vio could hold something in her hands, like a flute or a zither, in a very traditional style."

The photographer applauded. "You're absolutely right! Wait here, I'll go fetch the instruments."

He set down his backpack and dashed off.

Shortly after, he returned, holding a zither in one hand and a lute in the other.

"Miss, you'll play the zither, and you'll handle the lute."

He passed the zither to Violeta, who accepted it and promptly found a seat, setting the instrument on her lap.

The zither appeared notably

precious, with Violeta identifying its high-grade paulownia wood body and the intricate auspicious cloud totem carved along its side. As she delicately plucked the strings, the sound resonated with clarity and strength, ideal for performing

vigorous pieces such as Melody of the Battle" and "Misty Blossoms".

It's uncertain if the photographer had borrowed the shop owner's preferred instrument.

She had to handle it cautiously to avoid any mishaps near the water.

The photographer busied himself by rearranging rocks, setting up equipment, replaceing the optimal angle, and ultimately selecting a superb shooting perspective. "This angle!

"Excellent. You two, hold the lute and strum a few times. It's alright if you're not a musician. Just focus on capturing the essence, keeping your movements natural." Kaylee couldn't play the lute. She was a spirited and adventurous woman-where would she have acquired such skills?

She held the lute uncertainly, unsure of where to position her hands.

However, Violeta, with her previous experience, attempted to pluck a few notes, producing a crisp and melodious sound.

She plucked a few random notes, which stirred memories deep within her.

A trace of melancholy crept into her eyes.

The photographer clicked away.

Kaylee noticed that Violeta's movements on the zither didn't seem like those of someone who couldn't play. She asked, "Vio, do you know how to play the zither?" Violeta replied, "I learned the basics."

More than just the zither.

All her learning experiences could be seen as a form of self-learning.

In her past life, Violeta had become acquainted with several production assistants on set. One of them

informed her about a role that suited her well and encouraged herto

audition.

She prepared in advance, but during the audition on set, she was suddenly informed that the role required proficiency in playing the zither.

Most film productions in the industry don't conduct live sound recording on set.

Many directors select actors based

solely on their outward appearance, and often other attributes like musical skills can be dubbed later unless it's a requirement like dancing.

So Violeta was quite dumbfounded.

She had been mocked.

Those people said, "You don't even know how to play the zither, why are you auditioning? Just go home. You won't even get the role of the eighth female role!" "Huh, why not just be honest and play a supporting role properly?"

Violeta left with a sense of regret. At the time, she believed she wouldn't have a chance to audition due to the high standards set by the casting director. However, she later discovered that this production was backed by the Blake Group to showcase new talents, in collaboration with another entertainment company.