Timothy thought that Emily's plan was actually brilliant. In fact, everyone in the room thought so. That is of course, aside from Leonard, Geoffrey, and Charlton. It didn't sit right with them. Serena singing for the recording company and events was of her own volition. For another person to suggest she do so for some money and other people's entertainment was another matter entirely.

"What do you think Mr. Charlton? Ms. Serena?" Emily asked, as if trying to dare Serena to say no.

"I'm fine with singing myself, however I don't think that…" Charlton began, however, he could not utter Serena's name. He was afraid that saying her name would reveal all his longing, so he stopped speaking.

Serena did not like Charlton's first words. Was he supporting Emily? In all honesty, Emily's suggestion was not bad. However, she would not give her the satisfaction to feel like she won. She does not mind looking like a show-off. She does not need to hold herself back just to make people believe that she's always this humble girl full of humility. Anyway, she already somewhat has made a name of her own and she can definitely afford it.

"I think I have a better idea. But I'm not sure how successful it would be. How about this, you go on with that concerto without me while I will work on another fundraising activity." She said sarcastically.

If earlier everyone only felt like there was some tension, this time, they can definitely say that Serena did not like Emily one bit, and she was not hesitant to show it.

Emily pretended to be hurt when in fact she wanted to dare her to continue. Let's see who amongst them can raise higher funds. She started dabbing the corner of her eyes.

Serena became irritated seeing Emily acting all pitiful, so she wants to play that way? Might as well tear their masks off. She never liked being a white lotus flower anyway. Frowning she said, "Why are you dabbing some crocodile tears? It's not like I insulted you or something."

"ah sorry, I guess I'm just a little sensitive."

Isabel who was sitting beside Emily tried to comfort her by patting her shoulder.

Most looked at Emily with sympathetic eyes. They had to admit, Serena was being a little too much.

Douglas being a fan of Emily spoke on her behalf. "I think that your words are too much, Ms. Serena."

"I think it is your words that are too much, Mr. Douglas." Via, who was sitting beside Serena said in defense.

Douglas glared at Via. "Ms. Via, not because you're friends with Ms. Serena, mean that you should condone her words or actions."

Kylo not liking how Douglas rebuked Via spoke on her behalf, "when did it become your turn to speak of morality to others?"

The tension in the room became more palpable as silence reigned.

--

Timothy felt that things might start going out of hand soon, so he tried to get in between by saying, "I think we should all calm down. Anyway, Miss Serena, I believe that no matter how good our ideas are, we should always have a united front."

Serena wanted to roll her eyes but decided otherwise. She can still save her face and be the righteous person here, so she further explained her point, "What I want to suggest is much more far reaching than what our target is, if it were to be successful. However, it doesn't mean that it will definitely succeed. That's why I suggested we work on different projects. So, I don't understand why Ms. Emily is taking it the wrong way."

Timothy satisfied with her explanation asked her to continue.

"As you may all know, I signed a recording deal with Columbia recording company last year with my songs. Now, my plan is for me to create a new song then strike a deal with Mr. Edward Easton. What I will be suggesting is that, all the net profit made from the discs sold should be donated to the orphanages. Now, what makes this different is that I plan not to be the only one to sing that song. I wish to ask well known students of our school from other kingdoms to participate so that we can sing it in parts. This will increase the probability of the song being well accepted in all other kingdoms. If proven successful, we can then not only help this one orphanage but all the orphanages in the empire. Also, the fund will not only last for a few months but may even suffice for years."

Silence prevailed in the room. Everyone had their eyes opened wide and their mouth gaping. They must agree that Serena's idea was far too genius to process.

Timothy recovered by coughing, "Ah, but doesn't composing a song take a long time? We don't have enough time for that I believe, though that plan is very good too."

Serena grinned, "Don't have so little confidence in me, Sir. I did manage to write songs in less than 2 months on paper, but I actually had it done in less than a month, Mr. Charlton knows that well enough. For this song, I can write the lyrics and come up with the tune after the midterm exam. So, give me 3 weeks or a month at most. I will need some help in writing the sheet music and improving the accompanying music though. I believe my brother Leonard and Geoffrey can help me on that part as Mr. Charlton will be too busy working with Ms. Emily on the concerto. Also, I will ask some members of the council to sing later, so I hope you will all agree."

Everyone can only agree with her in awe and excitement. How can they not? If proven successful, they will all go down in history. Artemis gave her the thumbs up.

Serena smiled while thinking 'I am so not letting Emily sing even one line of that song. Anyway, Micheal Jackson and Lionel Richie, it's now your turn to shine.'

--

TBC