This moving speech quickly stirred the emotions of everyone in the audience. They instantly forgot about how "unpleasant" the piece was, and burst into enthusiastic applause, chanting Maria's name loudly, led by her fans.

"This is exactly what a pianist should do! Miss Maria is absolutely amazing!"

"Exactly! Nowadays, many pianists only know how to seek fame and fortune. How can anyone be as considerate as Miss Maria?"

Amid cheers from the audience, Maria walked off the stage with a smug look on her face.

Originally, she was sitting some distance away from Gu Momo, but she deliberately walked around the contestants' seats, intentionally passing in front of Gu Momo, and said arrogantly in a low voice, "Gu Momo, you can't beat me."

As soon as she finished speaking, she immediately gestured politely to the contestants who were congratulating her, but her eyes were smugly fixed on Gu Momo.

Honestly, if Gu Momo were Maria, she would have packed her bags and left on the spot after hearing such a terrible piece of music. But Maria was shameless enough to play the emotional card and play the victim, actually thinking she had the victory in her grasp.

As Gu Momo thought this, she suddenly felt that something was wrong.

Given Maria's personality during the preliminary rounds, having already lost once, she should have presented her best work. However, in the final round, a crucial moment where life or death was at stake, she surprisingly chose this piece as if she were giving up, which inevitably raises suspicions.

Before Gu Momo could think any further, the host began introducing her, and staff members rushed over to remind her that she could go backstage to prepare for her appearance.

She gracefully rose, clutching her chest, and caught a glimpse of the mocking look in Maria's eyes out of the corner of her eye; her eyes narrowed slightly.

But she still didn't show anything and turned to walk backstage.

After the host announced her name, Gu Momo slowly walked onto the stage. Her graceful figure and stunning beauty instantly attracted everyone's attention: "Miss Momo is here. Everyone, please take your seats!"