Chapter 548 Wasn't there still Stringless?
"Hey, Lola, why the rush to get the dress? Did you get your period and stain it? We've been waiting outside and figured that might be the case, so we grabbed some supplies for you."
Lola's anger eased a bit. "Just bring it over."
'Damn Elsa, she's in big trouble next!' she muse furiously.
Meanwhile, Margaret called Elsa, saying Clarence and Christopher had moved up their coffee time and were now at a nearby café.
Margaret told Elsa to get ready; their RV would soon be at the school gate with a stylist and makeup artist. They needed to make a good impression on Clarence today.
Clarence and Christopher were enjoying their coffee in a cozy café.
"You're getting harder to meet. Do you know how many months I've been trying to catch up with you?" Christopher joked, smiling. "I've been trying since spring, and now it's almost Christmas."
Clarence laughed. "I've been chasing after young talent, hoping one of them will take over my legacy!"
"Still no luck? If it doesn't work out, find someone else."
"No way," Clarence waved his hand, "I just like Abella."
"You're making it hard on yourself. There are plenty of smart kids out there. Why not give others a chance?"
"Oh, I see where this is going. Who do you want to recommend?"
"Glad you asked. Let me introduce Elsa again."
After a while, someone knocked on the door, and a server led a mother and daughter in. They were elegantly dressed and smiling.
"Margaret and Elsa are here? Come on in," Christopher welcomed them warmly.
Margaret greeted him first, then turned to Clarence.
"I've heard so much about Mr. Wodehouse. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Elsa's mother, Margaret. Thanks to Mr. Francis for this opportunity. Elsa, say hello to Mr. Wodehouse."
She didn't mention her Medici family ties, which impressed Clarence.
Elsa greeted him gracefully, showing her good manners.
"Christopher and I have known each other for over twenty years, and this is the first time he's recommended someone to me."
Clarence found the name "Elsa" familiar but hadn't paid attention to anyone else at Innovation University today; his focus had been on Abella.
"I believe Elsa is smart and talented. She's won numerous chess awards," Christopher said, then looked at Elsa. "Did you bring any certificates or trophies to show Clarence?"
Elsa smiled. "I wouldn't dare show off in front of you two. Those awards might impress others, but not you."
"See, I told you, she's smart and clever. She won't disappoint you." Christopher seemed very pleased with Elsa. If he hadn't already taken on a final disciple, he might have considered mentoring her himself.
Clarence smiled and said, "Come on, have some coffee first."
They chatted over the coffee. When the moment felt right, Margaret spoke up with a smile.
"Elsa has always admired you. Is there any chance she could learn from you?"
"I wouldn't call it guidance. If she follows Ben well, she'll do great things."
Ben was a Go master, but not on Clarence's level. Margaret and Elsa wanted more—they wanted Elsa to be Clarence's final disciple, to reach the top.
"Mr. Wodehouse," Elsa began, ready to propose a game of chess.
But Clarence laughed. "Let's wrap up for today. I have some matters to attend to. Christopher, let's catch up later."
Christopher knew their plan wasn't going to work out today and laughed. "You're always so busy. Who knows when I'll see you again. Let me walk you out."
"No need, you stay with them."
"We're old friends. I insist."
Margaret signaled Elsa to stop; it was a no-go.
After they left, Elsa felt deflated.
Margaret sipped her coffee slowly. "I expected Mr. Wodehouse wouldn't choose you as his final disciple, but he didn't even offer to guide you. Do you know why?"
Elsa shook her head. "Did I not do well?"
Margaret finished her coffee. "Your performance wasn't as good as Abella's. You didn't make enough of an impression to shake her position in his heart."
Kimberly's daughter must be quite skilled to be so highly regarded by Clarence.
"So, if I show up more, will he eventually notice me?"
"It's useless," Margaret said, pouring another cup of coffee. "Don't get stuck on this. Isn't there another option?"
"Mom, you mean Stringless?"
"Yes," Margaret took a sip and said calmly, "Stringless specialized in challenging pieces. Her fast-paced performance were powerful and unrestrained, while her slow ones were delicate and moving."
She continued, "Stringless has earned admiration from esteemed composers worldwide. They praise her performances and eagerly await the chance to collaborate with her."
Elsa saw a glimmer of hope.
"Famous violinist Heifetz once said she would never performed Stringless's pieces in public because it would be self-humiliation; she couldn't capture the full emotion and the clash of ice and fire."
Margaret added, "Many performers focus only on the external brilliance of a piece, wanting to show off their skills, but lack deep thought. Stringless's technical perfection and depth make her music so moving."
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