An uninvited guest arrived at the ancient castle, and in the spacious and bright hall, Edmund sipped his tea as he waited to et the host. The bustling servants did not affect his foul mood.
"Chief, I am sorry, Mr. Xiao has a rather full schedule today and likely won't have ti to et you," the butler said, his arms hanging before him, his pale neck contrasting with his expression and skin tone.
Edmund hissed, having been waiting in this sunny room for an hour, the teapot nearly empty. "Please convey to Mr. Chopin that I need only ten minutes, and today I must see him in person."
"This..." The butler hesitated, unable to commit. "I will convey your ssage, but he is currently in the music room, so I'm afraid you'll have to continue waiting. Would you like to bring more tea and snacks?"
"Ah, that would be helpful," Edmund sighed, resigned to more waiting. "May I take a stroll? I understand Mr. Xiao needs ti to practice."
"My master prefers that no one walks around his residence; you know he requires absolute silence while practicing, so if you could, Chief Edmund, please remain here," the butler directly refused Edmund's request, removing the tea and snacks from the table before closing the intricately carved door. Simultaneously, beautiful lodies filled the room—a deep voice rose from the gentle tone, soaring to a powerful high note, the final vibrato fluidly and steadily reverberating off the walls.
The sa level of skill during practice promised an even higher standard on stage; Edmund closed his eyes, fully imrsed in another world brought forth by the music's enchantnt.
When the butler returned with freshly prepared tea and snacks, he saw Edmund amusingly waving his arms in the air, his body swaying to the music, twisting peculiarly.
Awoken from his fantasy by the sounds, Edmund realized his loss of composure, his face reddening swiftly. "Mr. Xiao's voice is quite enchanting," trying to say sothing to cover his gaffe, Edmund coughs into his fist.
"The master has canceled an interview and will co to speak with you in five minutes." The butler rely nodded politely to Edmund's explanation.
"Really? That's great," Edmund laughed heartily, and at that mont, the owner of the castle entered, wearing casual attire, Chopin exuding a gentle aura. His handso face swept through Edmund's heart like a diterranean breeze, dispelling the gloomy wait as he stood, extending his hand, "Mr. Xiao, sorry for disrupting your life."
"Please sit, Chief Edmund. My butler told you are here for a case? How can I help you?" After shaking Edmund's hand, Chopin sat across from him, while Edmund's palms were sweaty with tension.
"I am a loyal fan of yours. It's a privilege to see you so closely," Edmund was awkward and tongue-tied in front of his idol.
"Thank you! Chief, would you like more tea?"
"Oh, no, I have so questions for Mr. Xiao. Please, don't be offended."
"It's your job; as long as I can help, I will do my best to cooperate with your work. Feel free to ask anything," Chopin maintained his trademark smile, "Antonio, inform my manager to postpone the stage fitting to one in the afternoon. I assu Chief would need more ti, yes?"
Edmund's heart felt pierced intensely, stamring, unsure what to say. "Yes, sir!" Antonio retreated from the drawing-room.
"Chief, now there is no one else here, just speak freely."
"Oh, well!" Edmund straightened himself and opened the notebook on his lap. "Two days ago, there was a murder case at 'Wagangnei.' I wonder if Mr. Xiao has heard."
"Such a major case is continuously reported in the news; I know. Chief, you don't suspect ..." Chopin covered his mouth in astonishnt, eyes widened, shocked by Edmund's visit purpose.
"Ah, Mr. Xiao, you are mistaken!" Edmund wished to slap himself twice, seeing his clumsy mouth slipping. "It's like this, soone noticed a car hovering near the cri scene that night, and our police identified the car through surveillance, it... it..."
"Oh, I understand what you an. You're saying the car appeared at my place?"
"Yes, Mr. Xiao, if possible, I'd like to take a look at your parking garage."
"Ah!" Chopin sighed, gentle face shadowed by a cloud of concern, "How could such a thing happen, Antonio, Antonio!" Chopin shook the bell, loudly calling the butler's na.
"Uh... Mr. Xiao, Mr. Xiao, please calm down. I, I'm not suspecting you, I just..."
"Chief Edmund, you need not apologize; even if you don't suspect, I must clarify the matter! I am a law-abiding citizen of reputational standing, and I dislike being considered a suspect behind my back. Antonio!" Chopin, emotions intense, shaking his hand bell, caused Edmund beside him to feel utterly flustered.
"Yes, sir! What's wrong?" Antonio hastily entered the room, seeing Chopin breathing heavily, imdiately furrowing his brows. "Chief Edmund, what's going on? Did you say sothing?" Antonio fetched a small dicine box from the tea cabinet and placed pills into Chopin's mouth.
"This is... I think I should co back another day!"
"No problem!" Chopin took a deep breath, "Antonio, did anyone visit us late at night the day before yesterday? Chief Edmund believes the suspect from the 'Wagangnei' murder case might have been at our castle."
Edmund wanted to explain, but Antonio's answer left him speechless. "Oh, yes, Mr. Xiao and his friend drove back ho late at night; I personally opened the door."
"Mr. Xiao?"
"Xiao Lin?"
Other than Antonio, the other two called out in surprise. "The master was already asleep, so Mr. Xiao said not to disturb you. You went to the venue early for rehearsal the next day, always having no chance to ntion it. Is there sothing wrong? Mr. Xiao is my master's good friend in China; does the Chief find it odd for him to drive ho late at night?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welco to Vote for it on Qidian (qidian), your support is my greatest motivation.)
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