Chapter 343 - CHERRY BLOSSOM IS HERE (1/2)

The music room was quiet for a long moment. Then, the silence was broken by Makiko's loud laughter. She started laughing softly before breaking out into a loud belly laugh that was uncharacteristic of her lady-like demeanour.

She laughed until tears appeared at the corners of her eyes.  ​​

As she calmed down, she looked at the ugly faces of the three family members. She could not help chuckling again.

Did they really believe that this little orphan Annie would have a violin worth millions of dollars with her? If she owned such a thing, why would she come back to their family?

”What is happening?” Kazuo asked as he entered the music room with Chiharu beside him.

Makiko did not dislike the appearance of these two people at the immediate moment because she was in a good mood after embarrassing Daiki's family. Besides, Chiharu had given her a good present the previous night.

”Your sister has been telling everyone that she has a genuine Stradivarius violin. You know, that type of famous instrument which even masters can only dream about. Who knew it was a fake?” She asked sarcastically.

Kazuo frowned as he looked at Akira. Every time they met, his sister was always involved in shenanigans. Even though her name was cleared the previous times, it was strange that she would always be in the middle of some drama.

”It is not a fake,” Akira said simply.

”Young lady, you should not be stubborn. You were probably cheated out of your money.” Master Matsumoto said with thick pity. ”The Stradivarius label can fool an inexperienced eye. Just because there is one does not mean that you have a genuine instrument.”

Akira frowned. ”Did you use the label to determine its authenticity?”

Master Matsumoto coughed a little. ”There are other factors, but the label is the most important consideration. You should know that Stradivari used to handwrite the labels while making an instrument. This handwritten number is not present in your instrument.”

”Is that so?” Akira asked with some irony.

How long did this man imagine that a handwritten number would last on an instrument that was over three hundred years old?

”Akira, stop dawdling and trying to make up things. You cannot fool me with your sophistry.” Makiko said with an evil chuckle. ”I will be picking up my crystal piano tomorrow. Let me not see any of you trying to stop me.”

The faces of the three family members became even uglier at these words, but they did not know enough about musical instruments to say anything. If they said something, they might make the situation worse.

Akira was not bothered by the threat.

”Let me ask Master Matsumoto, do you know what colour, shape and size of a real Stradivarius? What about the arching and the design of the F-holes? Can you even recognise different construction materials?” She asked with a subtle smile.

”Young lady, it is better to admit your mistake instead of covering things up with a meaningless defence. I will not take offence at your words right now, but if you keep saying careless things, I might make sure that you are banned from the music world completely.” Master Matsumoto responded with anger.

”Is that so? Then, what will you do if I call you a fraud?” Akira asked flatly.