Chapter 43 (1/2)

The gorgeous sound of a violin continued to ring clearly in the simple music room. Qi Mu was a contemplative person. Over the years, he seldom thought he was the best, or most skilled, at any of the songs he played. However, when it came to 《Bell》, he could confidently say, “I am good at it.”

The bow jumped rapidly across the strings, but each movement was controlled by this skilled violinist. Paganini, called the King of the Violin, was often praised for his dazzling skill with the instrument.

This 《Bell》 was a nightmare for an inexperienced violinist. But that was not true for Qi Mu, who was already entirely immersed in the song. At the end, Qi Mu was still engrossed in the familiar sound and was unable to shake himself free of it.

He returned to his senses at the low chime of a distant bell.

Today was Christmas Eve and the many bells in B City’s tower rant at the stroke of midnight. The bell reverberated so strongly, its echoes could be felt even in the insulated music room.

Qi Mu laid his violin in its case and said with a smile, “I didn’t notice it was already midnight.” Buckling the case shut, he turned to the man sitting opposite him and added, “Merry Christmas.”

Min Chen had already gathered his thoughts and looked indifferent and calm as usual. He nodded, “Merry Christmas.”

The sound of the violin’s notes still lingered in the room. Min Chen’s eyes narrowed in a squint, and he commented, “You have a good grasp on 《Bell》. I’ve heard the Vienna Philharmonic’s concertmaster, Lyon Zayev, play it in a duet once. Your skill is comparable, and you’ve handled the details in some parts very well.”

Facing this praise, Qi Mu was not shy but instead nodded politely, “Thank you.”

Min Chen looked at him and asked, seemingly casual, “Whose 《Bell》 do you usually listen to?”

For any musician, it was important to listen to the works of different maestros. Even Min Chen had a wall of shelves dedicated to various masters. Dating back to the previous century, from the oldest record to the current Blu-ray and CDs, they lined his huge music room back in Berlin.

Qi Mu took a moment to recall then answered, “I’ve bought Mr. Accardi’s album and listened to his 《Bell》 frequently. I prefer his version in comparison to others’.”

Min Chen’s eyebrow raised higher when he heard this, and he stared at Qi Mu solemnly. He asked again, “You listen to Accardi’s 《Bell》?”

Qi Mu nodded without thinking too much about it. He laughed and said, “I’ve listened to others, but Mr. Accardi’s version is my favorite. Why? Do you like his too?”

Min Chen shook his head, “I prefer. . . yours.”

Qi Mu was stunned. He smiled helplessly, “That hat is far too large. I dare not wear it.”

Being praised so much as to be called Min Chen’s favorite version, Qi Mu was a little afraid that he was joking, so he pulled away from it. While actually, Min Chen felt he had said too much, so after they spoke a while longer, it was not too late, but the two separated for the night.

Qi Mu hadn’t prepared a full-table meal in a long time. After such a busy day, he felt exhausted. He took a quick shower and went to bed. Separated by the wall, in the spacious but simple living room that was still dark, its owner did not turn on the lights. Only the city streetlights that entered through the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the room.

The tall man leaned against the black Steinway piano that Qi Mu had just praised, and he frowned down at the moonlight splashed across the floor. He didn’t say a word, but his profound gaze seemed complicated.

No one knew how long he stood there, leaning against the grand piano, without a word. But when the distant eastern horizon gained a hint of gray, he took action: dialing a number.

After a short beep, the phone was picked up. It sounded like a family dinner on the other side, and the laughter of a child came through the speaker.

“Hey, Min, Merry Christmas Eve. It’s past midnight for you over there, right? It’s too early for you to be calling me. I still have an hour until midnight, alright? I’m going to the New Year concert soon. Damn it, Min, when will you come back?”

Min Chen’s foot pressed against the floor, and he straightened from the piano. He walked over to the windows and said in a low voice, “Daniel. Merry Christmas Eve. Help me book a ticket. Have a wonderful Christmas night.”

“Haha, Min. You’ll only speak so well at Christmas. Alright, what do you want me to look for? My sweetheart can wait for me to cut the turkey. This year, it’s very good, roasted and tender right out of the oven. Oh. . .”

Min Chen went straight to the point, “Help me research someone.”

There seemed to be someone talking to Daniel. After saying a few words in reply, Daniel turned to answer Min Chen. “Are you still talking about that Luo Yu Sen? Hey, Min, I’ve already found out his background. You can look at the research on him and Jacques later. I don’t really know how Luo provoked that Jacques, but he’s being choked out.”

Daniel had begun the investigation when he had left a few days ago. Luo Yu Sen was being isolated in the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, and it seemed to be the deliberate work of the concertmaster, Jacques himself. Daniel didn’t know why Jacques was doing it, but he was very confident that it was his handiwork.