Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 64

The host immediately invited Ms. Brooks and Owen onto the stage.

Then, Mira, Lania, and Owen performed a song together, “Blossom Under Neon Rain,” as a gift to the audience.

Let youth blow through your

Let youth blow through your

long hair, let it guide your dreams

Unknowingly, this city’s his-

tory has already recorded your smile

…

The song was filled with nostalgia for bygone days. Its lyrical melody carried a touch of melancholy and loneliness that deeply moved the listeners, instantly striking a chord.

Lania's poignant voice seemed to be telling her own story, and before they knew it, Mira and Owen were also drawn into the emotion.

At the same time, the song expressed a hope for the future and the pursuit of dreams, filled with positive energy.

After the performance, the audience remained, unwilling to leave for a long time.

Mira's gesture was meant to restore her teacher's reputation and thank her for the dedicated guidance she had provided.

Although Lania was no longer young and had no intention of re-entering the entertainment industry, clearing her name was essential.

From now on, she could live with her head held high, and it would also help her Arclight Arts Academy attract more students.

As the winner of the talent competition, Mira received a prize of one hundred thousand dollars and a certificate.

As for releasing new music and managing the subsequent copyrights, she entrusted that to Kieran, who was more skilled in that area.

Before leaving, Mira pulled Owen aside to discuss how to thank the other guys for their help.

Although she hadn't known him for long, Mira had a gut feeling that Owen, who wasn't much older than her, was savvy in his dealings.

“How much should I give the guys as a reward?”

“Ten thousand dollars is enough. Treat everyone to a meal, and split the rest. Think of it as a small gift for each of them. We’re all from the same school; we were here to help. You’ve already been paying them a wage, so giving too much would make things awkward.”

In fact, back in 2008, the average monthly salary in a mid-sized city like this was only about a thousand dollars, so this wasn’t a small amount.

“Owen, if I hadn’t won, they wouldn’t have said a thing even if I didn’t treat them. But we won, we got first place. We should celebrate and make everyone happy. Let’s make it twenty thousand. Two thousand for each person, and the rest for a celebratory dinner.”

Among the team, a few came from less privileged backgrounds, Howie being one of them. The extra money would help them out, and it would make it easier to ask for their help again in the future.