"Why are you coming again? We already paid for a whole month yesterday. Why are you here again after just one week?" shouted the Guru.
"We don't care. Our boss ordered us to collect the remaining debt immediately!" answered the large-built thug, followed by his three companions.
Without wasting any more time, the Guru played his magical flute, producing a sweet and clear melody.
As a result, the thugs became hypnotized and forgot everything that had just happened.
"Ah, why are we here again? Oh right, we already came before. Well then, we'll be leaving now!" said one of the thugs.
"Very well!" replied the Guru with a slight smile.
Art, witnessing the whole incident, was amazed by how the thugs had suddenly changed their minds.
"Wow, that was amazing, Guru!" said Art in awe.
"Let this be a lesson for those who are greedy.
Now finish your meal, Art, and get some rest—it's already late!" the Guru advised.
"Yes, Guru," replied Art as he headed to the back.
Art was very curious about the magical flute, but he didn't think too much about it, knowing it was a secret belonging to the Teacher. After dinner, he went to his room to rest.
The next day arrived, and Art and his friends went to school. That day's lesson was about music. Coincidentally, they were learning about notes and rhythms.
All the students were taken to the music room.
Mr. Romeo gave instructions, "Alright students, today we will learn to play the piano, guitar, and violin!"
He demonstrated how to play the violin beautifully and in rhythm. The students were then asked to follow along. They all formed an orchestra with a choir and musical instruments.
Art was very happy to play the piano because he had already practiced at home. Mr. Romeo was surprised by the melody that came from Art's piano performance.
"Very good, Art! Keep playing like that!" "Jack, tighten your guitar strings, your notes are slightly off!" "Tommy, your violin is great!" "Julia, your melody needs to be louder!"
"Avicii and Gilbert, your bass is sounding good! Everyone else on harmony and backup vocals is doing great!" instructed Mr. Romeo.
"Now, let's try playing a piece called G-Minor by Beethoven," said Mr. Romeo.
They played the music beautifully.
Then came lunch break, and the students headed to the cafeteria. Art sat with his friends.
"So guys, after school, let's hold a concert at the music studio. I'll be on piano, Jack on guitar, Tommy on bass, and Avicii and Julia on violin! I'm planning to promote our band, The Stars, to the public so we can go on tour and earn a lot of money! What do you think, guys?" said Art.
"Yeahhh, that's a great idea!" they all agreed in unison.
"Alright, so let's each contribute to designing posters and flyers!" said Art.
"Hmm, I'll handle the posters!" added Avicii.
"I'll do the flyers!" Julia chimed in excitedly, followed by the rest.
"Remember, we meet up shortly after school!" reminded Art.
"Okay!" they responded.
They returned to class for a chemistry lesson with Mrs. Dora. After class, all the students went home.
Art gathered his friends, and they all went to the same studio as before.
Tommy and Avicii went to the print shop to get posters and flyers made. Afterward, the posters of The Stars band were posted along the streets ("Come and Watch the Band 'The Stars' Live at Venice Stadium Tomorrow").
Once the flyers were distributed, Tommy and Avicii returned to the studio, and they practiced all afternoon until night.
"Alright, guys. That's enough for today. Tomorrow is a holiday, so it's perfect for our concert!" said Art.
"Okay, let's go! 1-2-3… The Stars! Hahaha!" they laughed together in high spirits.
They all went back home.
That evening, the Guru returned from his shop and saw one of the posters on the wall near the house. He was amazed to see Art and his friends on it.
"They're so united," he murmured.
Once home— "I'm back!" announced the Guru.
Then Art told them he hadn't skipped school anymore. Both the Guur and Mother were happy.
The Guru reminded him again:
"Remember, Art, I know you're planning a concert tomorrow. But what's your goal? Don't let it interfere with your school!"
Art explained, "Don't worry, Guru, and Mom. I'm also looking for a side job."
The Guru understood Art's feelings.
"Alright then, but don't neglect school. Here, I bought your favorite chocolate toast," said the Guru kindly.
"Oooh, thank you, Guru I was starving!" said Art gratefully.
Guru gave it to him with love. "Here, take it."
The next day, Art and his friends returned to their usual meeting place, where they had agreed to head to the Venice Stadium for their concert.
Art focused on planning the concept for their debut music performance.
"Jack, have you informed the concert producer?" asked Art.
"Yes, they should be here soon with the assistants and studio designers," Jack replied.
Art busied himself preparing the musical instruments, assisted by Julia.
Once the stage was decorated, the producer arrived with cameras and sound equipment.
The producer gave instructions.
"You must be Art, the pianist?" he asked.
Art cheerfully replied, "Yes, sir."
The producer looked around.
"Hmm, and who's the vocalist?" he asked.
"Tommy, sir!" answered Art.
"Alright then. Remember, your performance must be excellent and impress the audience, or I won't pay you!" warned the producer.
"The Stars are ready, sir!" they responded together.
"Don't worry, we're well-practiced. I'm sure our concert will wow the crowd and make The Stars famous," said Art confidently.
The producer was pleased by their enthusiasm.
"That's the spirit! That's what I call real artists!" he said.
"The makeup crew will handle your appearance and costumes," he added.
"Let me know when everything is ready!" the producer concluded.
Then he went backstage to inform the photographer. Meanwhile, the makeup artists styled Art and his friends to look handsome and fashionable.
As they waited for the audience...
Time passed, but no audience had shown up yet. The sky turned cloudy and it began to drizzle.
Tommy complained, "Ughh what now, Art? Is this debut concert going to be canceled?"
"Yeah, it's already raining and getting dark. The concert's supposed to start at 4 p.m.!" added Julia.
Art was slightly panicked but still optimistic.
"Just be patient, guys. If you want success, you need patience!" Art encouraged.
Not long after, the producer returned...
"Hey kid, what's going on? Maybe no one wants to come to this concert?"
"If there's no audience, I'm calling it off!" the producer said, annoyed.
Art tried to reassure him.
"Let's wait a little longer, sir. Please be patient," he pleaded.
The producer was growing impatient.
The cameramen and photographers even suggested canceling it and going home, thinking it was a waste of time on a group of teens.
But then, the rain stopped...
And slowly, one by one, audience members began arriving at the stadium.
Jack excitedly welcomed them.
"Oohhh, come on in! Here's your ticket!"
"Wow, The Stars—a new band, huh?" asked one curious audience member.
"Yes, we're a new band. But we all share a passion for music, so we formed The Stars. This is our debut concert, and we hope you enjoy it," Jack replied proudly.
Tickets sold quickly.
The producer immediately told the cameramen to start recording the concert for viewers at home.
Art and his friends prepared their instruments, and Tommy stood ready as the lead singer.
"Come on, everyone—let's do this!" They all placed their hands together and shouted, "1-2-3… The Stars!"
They waved to the crowd and climbed onto the stage.
The announcer introduced them:
"Here they are! The live music concert brought to you by our newest artists… The Stars! Yeeeehhh!" The crowd cheered and clapped wildly.
The show began.
Tommy held the mic, Art played the piano, Jack played bass, and Julia and Avicii played the violin.
The crowd screamed with excitement at the beautiful guitar melodies.
Art poured his soul into his piano playing, as did Avicii and Julia. The perfect harmony of violin and bass captivated the audience.
The concert was broadcast live on television—and surprisingly, the Guru and Mother were watching from home.
Mother was delighted.
"Look, Guru! It's Art and his friends performing!" she said.
The Guru smiled.
"So, he really did go through with that concert."
They were both proud to see the enthusiastic audience.
"They're playing and singing so harmoniously," said Mother.
"That's because I taught him how to play the piano at the shop. He really has a natural talent for music," the Guru added.
After the show, the fans rushed in for autographs and photos.
"The Stars!" they shouted excitedly.
The producer was very pleased to see how many people loved the band.
They were paid a generous tip and offered a recording contract.
As the audience dispersed joyfully...
"Hahaha, we did it!" said Art, laughing.
They split the tip among themselves—about $20,000. Each got their share: Art, Avicii, Tommy, Jack, and Julia.
Later that night...
Art asked how much debt they still had, saying he wanted to help pay it. Guru was surprised.
"Where did you get that money, son?" he asked.
"Oh, I got some tips from the producer after our concert," Art replied.
"How much did you get?" asked Guru.
"Hmm, about $10,000. The total tip was $20,000, split between the five of us," said Art.
"Then why did you get more?" asked Guru.
"Because the producer gave me a bonus for my piano performance!" Art said happily.
"Just keep the money, Art," said Guru and Mother.
Art was surprised.
"Why? I want to help pay your debts so we can live peacefully without being harassed by those thugs!" he insisted.
"It's better you save it for school. Our debt is $50,000," Guru replied.
Art was shocked and discouraged.
"That's a huge amount," said Art.
"Yes, but let me handle it. I'll work hard at the shop. Your mother is already old and often sick," said Guru.
Art lowered his head and went to his room to rest.
That night, he couldn't shake his exhaustion. In his heart, there was only one word—never give up on doing good.
"Guru's home!" Knock-knock-knock—the door sounded. Mother opened it.
"Whoa, what's that, Guru?" asked Mother.
"These are tickets for tomorrow's tournament," Guru replied.
He was holding a ticket—a happy surprise for Art.
"Hmm, where's Art?" asked Guru.
"Oh, he went to a friend's house! Why?" replied Mother.
"Just wanted to tell him something!" said Guru.
Soon, Art came home carrying his favorite canvas.
"I'm home!" he said.
"Hey Art, where have you been?" asked guru.
"I was at the shop helping out and practicing painting," replied Art.
"Good. Just don't forget to study too!" Guru.
"Oh right, I also have good news for you!" said Guru.
"Wow, what is it?" Art asked eagerly.
"There's a ticket to a major art contest tomorrow. Whoever has the most beautiful painting will win a big prize. Many people have already signed up, including participants from other countries! It's in downtown Venice."
"I hope you give it your best, and don't forget to pray!" Guru encouraged.
"Okay, Guru I won't let you down," said Art.
He went to his room and started imagining what to paint. He stared at the blank canvas, slowly drawing the sketch.
But just as the image was nearly finished...
A white cat chasing a mouse suddenly fell from the roof and knocked over his drawing...