CHAPTER 6: CHAPTER 6: NO RIGHT TO BE PICKY

"Dad..."

Seraphina Thorne held her father’s hand tightly, choking on her words, unable to utter any sound.

"Miss Thorne, visiting hours are over."

The young nurse gently tapped her shoulder, feeling sorry for her.

Seraphina felt reluctant, but she had no choice but to harden her heart and leave.

Theodore Thorne was in the ICU, cared for by medical staff 24/7, making her presence unnecessary.

The most critical task now was to raise money.

After her brother Caleb Thorne went to prison, the family’s assets were frozen by the court.

Her own bonds were just enough to pay Caleb’s court fines.

Jewelry, handbags...

She sold everything she could, barely covering her father’s ICU expenses.

The surgery would cost five hundred thousand, and with post-operative care, she’d need at least one million more.

Where would she find so much money?

Noticing a child walking by with a violin, Seraphina’s heart stirred.

Glancing at the bus stop outside the window, Seraphina hurriedly got off the bus and headed to Melodia Instruments, where she had bought her own violin years ago.

The manager recognized her and politely brought her to his office.

"Miss Thorne, what instrument are you looking to buy this time?"

"I’m not here to buy an instrument." Seraphina apologized with a slight smile, "Do you remember the violin I ordered here before? Does your store have a buyback service?"

"We don’t usually offer buyback services, but... if you’re keen on selling, we can help you sell it on consignment and take a small fee."

"Alright, I’ll bring the violin over tomorrow." Seraphina smiled gratefully at him, "Also, if you know of any suitable jobs, I’d appreciate your recommendation. You know my skills—teaching, performing, recording soundtracks... I’ll take any work that pays."

Besides selling instruments, Melodia Instruments also offered training and event agency services.

Seraphina had won awards and was somewhat famous in the circle.

The manager had approached her for jobs several times before, back when she was still the esteemed lady of the Thorne Family, and had never taken up those offers.

Now hearing she was willing to earn money, the manager was delighted.

"No problem, I’ll keep you in mind for opportunities."

He courteously saw her to the store door.

Julia Chamberlain, having just finished a performance, happened to come by with two classmates to look at violins.

Noticing Seraphina, she signaled to her companions and turned to greet the manager.

"What did that girl want, just now?"

Julia had also bought a violin from the store before. The manager, knowing she was a major client, explained with a smile.

"Oh, she’s a violinist too. She came looking for work. By the way, she has an Italian handcrafted violin, top-notch craftsmanship and materials. If you’re interested, I could have her bring it over. She’s eager to sell, so the price is negotiable."

Using something second-hand from Seraphina? No, she wouldn’t want that.

However...

Looking for work?

"I only want new violins. However, as for work..." Julia smirked, "I just happen to be in need of a violinist."

"Really, that’s great." The manager raised his right hand with a smile, "Please, let’s discuss in the office."

...

...

At this moment.

Seraphina was in the music room of the old residence, packing up records.

The paintings, antiques, and other valuables in the house had all been documented by the bank.

What she could take with her, besides her violin, were personal items like some albums, clothes, and records.

Theodore Thorne, who doted on her, had specially arranged a music room for her.

It allowed her to practice the violin and display her collection of vinyl records.

Having been obsessed with the violin from a young age, knowing her love for records, her parents and brother often brought a few back for her.

Accumulating over a decade, the shelf held hundreds of vinyl records, packed tightly into five or six large boxes.

Inserting her favorite record into the player, Seraphina gently pressed the switch.

The room instantly filled with music. Seraphina picked up the violin case from the shelf and carefully applied rosin to the bow.

This violin was a gift from her mother on her twelfth birthday.

Back then, her mother had joked about hoping to someday see her play a solo concert with this violin in the Solara Golden Hall.

But now, she couldn’t even keep her violin.

Recalling the childhood memories of holding family music concerts, Seraphina finally couldn’t hold back and let the tears fall, gripping the bow tightly.

The sudden ringtone of her phone interrupted.

Seraphina snapped back to reality, hurriedly turning off the record player and answering the call.

"Miss Thorne, I have a job for you. It’s a performance at a private birthday party—a thousand per hour."

Seraphina sniffed, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

Hearing no reply, the manager assumed she found the gig beneath her.

"I know, this kind of job might seem low-end for you. If you’re not willing to accept..."

"No..." Seraphina forced herself to sound calm, "I’ll take it!"

At this point, she couldn’t afford to be picky.

"Alright, I’ll send you the time and place."

After hanging up, Seraphina carefully showered and changed into an appropriate cocktail dress for the event.

"Mom, I’m sorry."

Picking up the well-maintained violin, she fastened the case.

Right now, nothing mattered more than saving her father.

Grabbing her violin, Seraphina quickly went downstairs.

At seven o’clock, she arrived punctually at the birthday address—the largest entertainment venue in the southern city, Midnight KTV.

Outside the VIP room on the third floor.

Seraphina knocked on the door, and a burst of deafening music greeted her.

The young man who opened the door stared at her with wide eyes.

Seraphina took a deep breath, "Hi, this is Mr. Grayson’s birthday party, right? I’m Seraphina Thorne, the violinist here to perform."

The boy snapped out of his daze, signaled her to come in, and grabbed the microphone to speak.

"Hey Ronald, the gorgeous violinist you ordered has arrived."

Everyone turned to look at Seraphina.

The birthday boy, Ronald Grayson, sitting at the small bar drinking, turned with his glass.

He raised his right hand, and someone immediately turned off the music, silencing the room completely.

He stood up and sized Seraphina up.

Ronald Grayson chuckled, pushing his tongue against his cheek.

"Oh, look who it is! Isn’t this the Thorne Family’s little princess?"

Seraphina looked at him carefully.

Only then did she recognize him as Ronald Grayson, her middle school classmate who had confessed to her but was rejected.

Dressed in a glamorous outfit, Julia Chamberlain approached with a cocktail in hand.

"This is my birthday gift for Ronald. So, Ronald, do you like it?"

"Wow, Ronald’s got a treat tonight."

"Hey Claire, why don’t you give this kind of present more often?"

...

A few boys giggled and jeered.

Seeing Julia, Seraphina immediately guessed that it was a trap set by her.

Back in school, Ronald Grayson had written her a love letter which she carelessly tossed aside.

Someone maliciously pinned it to the school bulletin board.

The entire school was abuzz, and the principal criticized him directly...

Ronald Grayson became the school’s laughingstock.

Since then, Ronald Grayson had hated her to the core.

Previously, with the Thorne Family’s prestigious position, Ronald Grayson dared not provoke them.

But now, with her in such dire straits, how could he let her go?

Clutching her violin tightly, Seraphina turned to escape.

Julia Chamberlain quickly ran over, blocking her path.

Meeting Seraphina’s eyes, a cold smile curled on her lips.