Reset Life with Infinite Talents - Chapter 175

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Infinite Talent Reset Life Episode 175

 

‘This isn’t easy.’

 

Michael Thompson, Flash’s father and CTO (Chief Technical Officer) of Instory, stops typing on his keyboard and narrows his eyes.

 

“Maybe I underestimated this and jumped in too carelessly.”

 

In 1984, Terminator caused a sensation among the general public and gave Michael Thompson quite a shock as well.

 

The revenge of artificial intelligence.

 

While the general public felt fear about the dangers of artificial intelligence beyond human control, Michael felt intense interest.

 

How much impact could controllable artificial intelligence have on human life?

 

Couldn’t artificial intelligence robots replace human work?

 

It was an imagination and dream that any science and engineering man living at that time would have, but they forgot about it as life became busy and difficult.

 

Even as industrial robots appeared and those imaginations gradually became reality.

 

Then recently, he heard some news.

 

‘The person who successfully invested in Airbnb and Reddit is recruiting programmers to create artificial intelligence.’

 

Despite the mega-corporation Google running as the leader in the artificial intelligence field and dominating the market, he boldly jumped into that market.

 

Curious about what kind of company it might be, when he looked into it in detail, he found that many capable programmers already famous in the industry had joined him.

 

And surprisingly, when he checked his personal email, he found that contact had come to him long ago as well.

 

That brought out Michael Thompson’s youthful dreams, the romance that had accumulated only musty dust over time.

 

It ignited fire in his middle-aged heart.

 

Artificial intelligence.

 

For programmers, it’s like Eve’s apple and the ideal they want to reach.

 

“Flash will graduate next year too…”

 

With shares in Instory and Quick Food plus a solid pension, he has no worries about retirement, and he has plenty of funds to marry off all three children.

 

“Should I resign…”

 

Ever since fire was lit in his heart, work just won’t come together in his hands.

 

It’s even more so because Fatalbook has made acquisition proposals twice this year alone.

 

It’s not that he doesn’t know what will happen if Fatalbook, which has already captured the market and has the most users worldwide, aggressively attempts acquisitions and mergers, but because it will decline on its own anyway if left alone.

 

Fatalbook’s user age demographic is gradually getting older.

 

Since the main users of SNS are teenagers and people in their twenties, Fatalbook, whose active users who log in and use it daily have an average age from late twenties to thirties, will be eliminated like MySpace even if left alone.

 

Just like Fatalbook stepped on MySpace to become the winner of SNS.

 

In other words, if Instory just maintains its current state, it will eventually take Fatalbook’s place or reach a similar position.

 

The thought that he can leave with peace of mind since the future is bright invades his mind.

 

“I don’t like that though.”

 

“Johann?”

 

Michael, startled, turns around and is surprised.

 

Larry, Edward, Emily, and even his youngest son Flash are standing outside the door.

 

They close the door and come in.

 

Larry makes a disappointed expression.

 

“I thought we were friends, but I guess I was the only one who thought that way.”

 

“As a co-founder, I cannot allow your departure. I’m disappointed, Michael.”

 

“No, that’s…”

 

Larry laughs saying it’s a joke and approaches to grab Michael’s shoulder.

 

“Your dream, Instory will officially invest in it.”

 

“What?”

 

“Let’s make one too. Artificial intelligence.”

 

Like Google, which is currently the leader in artificial intelligence.

 

Just like Fatalbook acquires mobile messengers like WhatsApp and develops messenger-like things to expand its size, Instory will officially create a department and execute development costs to develop artificial intelligence.

 

“No, to do that so impulsively…”

 

“The agreement with major shareholders is already finished.”

 

It wasn’t something they proposed. The major shareholders made the request first.

 

They asked to talk with Michael.

 

Couldn’t we develop artificial intelligence ourselves?

 

Don’t we have plenty of money?

 

Michael looks at Johann, Emily, and Flash in surprise.

 

The children grinning mischievously.

 

“Let’s discuss the details over drinks!”

 

“I used my precious vacation too, so you shouldn’t think about walking home today, Michael!”

 

“Dad, here’s your phone and wallet!”

 

“Huh? Huh?”

 

Larry pushed Michael’s back and winked at Johann, and Johann and the children gave thumbs up.

 

Before leaving for Brussels, he found an investment destination for the enormous money earned through auctions to invest in for the medium to long term.

 

* * *

 

“Next!”

 

‘Hmm.’

 

The Black Woman sitting at the immigration desk forcibly swallows a yawn that’s about to burst out.

 

Swoosh!

 

The Woman who raised her head at the passport being handed over opens her eyes wide.

 

An appearance that makes her forget the fatigue accumulated because of her third child who didn’t sleep at all last night.

 

‘He’s American…’

 

It’s an appearance she seems to have seen somewhere.

 

“Have we met somewhere before?”

 

“Well. If I had met a beauty like you, I would definitely remember.”

 

“Hohoho!”

 

‘He must be French.’

 

The French mixed with American accent is cute.

 

“What’s the purpose of your entry?”

 

“I came to sweep the concours.”

 

The Queen Elisabeth Competition, one of the world’s three major concours.

 

The Woman’s eyes widened.

 

Murmur murmur!

 

Brussels International Airport, which about 26 million people visit annually.

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen, who came out of the Immigration Gate, looks at Johann with an absurd laugh.

 

“You speak French well? You can even talk like those frog bastards.”

 

Frog is a derogatory term derived from France using frogs as food.

 

“That’s…”

 

Words that pop out suddenly whenever he has a conversation with women, as if butter was spread on his tongue.

 

It’s because of fragments of Casanova.

 

“I’m not saying it’s bad.”

 

Being emotional like this affects music more than being indifferent.

 

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

 

“I’ll say it is.”

 

“I said it’s a misunderstanding.”

 

The two bickered as they left the airport.

 

* * *

 

Vroooom!

 

“This place is….”

 

Johann gazes at the large building, his eyes growing somber.

 

A modern building distinctly different from the surrounding buildings that boast their old-fashioned charm.

 

‘The Bozar Arts Center where the Queen Elisabeth Competition is held.’

 

The massive exterior of marble and glass quietly presses against his chest.

 

‘How many people have been defeated and victorious there?’

 

What pieces did they perform?

 

He briefly suppresses the urge to enter the library and find out.

 

“Aren’t you excited?”

 

About what kind of geniuses you’ll meet in three days, and what kind of musical exchanges you’ll have with them.

 

The Queen Elisabeth Competition is held once a year, but each year alternates between violin, vocal, composition, and piano in that order.

 

In other words, the geniuses you don’t meet this year, you won’t meet again for another four years. Perhaps you might never meet them at all.

 

At Esa-Pekka Salonen’s words as he gazes wistfully at the Bozar Arts Center, Johann’s eyes fill with anticipation.

 

“That’s true.”

 

‘What kind of geniuses will I meet?’

 

Each and every one of them performers called geniuses in their own countries.

 

He’s filled with anticipation about what kind of musical imagery they possess and how much they can express.

 

He calms his heart that has started beating faster.

 

‘Not yet.’

 

Since he hasn’t met anyone yet, it’s not time to get excited.

 

“That cafe is still there.”

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen’s eyes grow wistful again as he spots the only cafe across the street.

 

“Have you ever competed in the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Teacher?”

 

“I have.”

 

He had competed in both violin and composition categories.

 

He made it to the main rounds in both, but unfortunately didn’t reach the finals and was eliminated.

 

“That’s when I thought my path was truly conducting!”

 

“Haha!”

 

“Don’t laugh… Hmm?”

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen’s face hardens as he’s about to sit at an empty table outside. The same goes for the woman in her 50s at the table next to them.

 

A white woman with short hair and a sharp aura.

 

“It’s been a while, Miller.”

 

“Twenty years?”

 

“About that long… Say hello, Johann. This is Professor Michaela Miller who teaches violin at Cologne University of Music in Germany.”

 

“I’m Johann Jefferson. It’s an honor to meet you, Professor.”

 

Cologne University of Music is a world-famous music school. Being a professor there means she’s no ordinary talent.

 

“…Haven’t we met somewhere before?”

 

“That’s unfortunate. Since I can’t remember meeting such a beautiful woman.”

 

“Hohoho! Unlike someone else, you’re raising a student with a smooth tongue.”

 

At those words, Esa-Pekka Salonen’s face slightly crumples.

 

‘Oh?’

 

There’s a scent in the air. An interesting yet peculiar scent.

 

“This is Siyoung Lee. She’s from Korea. Siyoung?”

 

“Yes, Professor.”

 

“He’s currently the principal conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra. He was previously with the LA Philharmonic.”

 

A young woman with rather sharp eyes jumps up in surprise and bows her head.

 

The Philharmonia Orchestra is commonly called one of London’s Big Four, and the LA Philharmonic was the orchestra called the pride of the Western United States.

 

“I’m Si, Siyoung Lee, studying under Professor Michaela!”

 

“She’s a child I’ve put great effort into raising.”

 

“Oh my, Professor… It’s an honor to meet you!”

 

“I’m pleased to meet you too. You look quite young – may I ask your age?”

 

“I, I’m twenty this year!”

 

“Ah. She’s older than you, Johann.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

Johann extends his hand.

 

“Nice to meet you, Lee. I’m Johann Jefferson.”

 

“Johann… Jefferson?”

 

Siyoung, who had been puzzled, opens her mouth wide.

 

“The Wolf Knight!”

 

“Oh?”

 

“Wolf Knight?”

 

“He’s a famous Hollywood actor and singer, Professor!”

 

“Actor? Singer?”

 

Michaela Miller looks at Johann, then glances at Esa-Pekka Salonen with a knowing smile.

 

“I didn’t know you had such hobbies, Salonen.”

 

‘Ah.’

 

I understand. Why Esa-Pekka Salonen dislikes her.

 

‘She’s the type Teacher hates.’

 

A sharp, unrestrained tongue.

 

As if she’s not just any student, the tension and slight wariness disappear from Siyoung Lee’s eyes, replaced by a hint of condescension.

 

“If you think that way….”

 

Thud!

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen, who was getting irritated, presses his temple at Johann’s action of placing his violin case on the table.

 

“…You’re probably the only one who handles that thing so carelessly.”

 

The Donati & Michelle heirloom that made countless violinists clutch the back of their necks – Rags.

 

Though it’s a terrible instrument that no one could properly play, seeing this treasure whose age can’t even be estimated being handled so carelessly sometimes makes his blood pressure rise and his fists clench.

 

“Ugh!”

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen clutches his chest then gives up.

 

“Hahaha! Ah, an espresso and iced americano please. Would you like some chocolate?”

 

“…Pick out a few.”

 

“Hehe, yes! You have to choose chocolate yourself, right?”

 

“That’s right, sir.”

 

As Johann nods and goes inside the shop, Salonen looks around and exchanges greetings with people.

 

As expected from the only cafe across from the Bozar Arts Center, he only sees familiar faces.

 

All musicians who came to support their students participating this time.

 

“You must have been lucky. Or perhaps it’s the power of connections.”

 

Michaela points with her chin at the brand written on the case.

 

Donati & Michelle, currently the most famous string instrument brand. Even she had to make a reservation and wait almost a year to receive a piece – it’s a brand as difficult to obtain as plucking stars from the sky.

 

“Pfft!”

 

Esa-Pekka Salonen snorts.

 

“It’s not the current Donati. It’s one you know too.”

 

“…?”

 

“It’s Rags, this one.”

 

Clatter!

 

“P-Professor?”

 

Siyoung was startled by her suddenly standing up, but Michaela Miller couldn’t care less.

 

‘That’s impossible!’

 

Rags, with its appearance that followed the exact pattern of the Grand Amati – no, seemed to gather only the advantages of the Grand Amati, which she too had coveted.

 

It’s a violin that countless violinists have challenged and failed to play properly. She too was one of those failed violinists.

 

“You’re saying that singer can play that?”

 

“He played it the moment he first touched it.”

 

I still remember it vividly.

 

The Emperor Waltz that Johann played with Desiderio 6 years ago.

 

The reincarnation of the King of Waltz, Johann Strauss II.

 

“…Are you telling me to believe that now?”

 

“Whether you believe it or not is up to you.”

 

Ding!

 

“This should be enough… Hmm? Is something wrong?”

 

“No. Well. The chocolate is big, isn’t it?”

 

“After tasting it, it’s not that sweet. Sweet enough for Teacher, who worries about diabetes without even getting health checkups, to eat without worry.”

 

“…I should have taught you with a rod.”

 

“If you had, you would have been beaten.”

 

“That’s why I didn’t! Because I thought I’d get beaten!”

 

Because you might run away. Because the talent would be too much to handle.

 

“Haha.”

 

“Um…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Is that the violin you use? Could you show it to me?”

 

Johann snorts at Siyoung Lee’s sparkling eyes.

 

“Why should I?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I don’t want to.”

 

Those eyes that only look pretty on the surface make it even more impossible.

 

“Johann.”

 

Johann looks at Esa-Pekka Salonen who’s trying to stop him, and he points to Michaela with his eyes.

 

“She wants to see Desiderio.”

 

“Ah.”

 

‘She must be one of those violinists who challenged Desiderio and failed.’

 

Lingering attachment. This must be why the atmosphere was strange just now.

 

If that’s the case, he could show it.

 

“Here.”

 

When Johann takes out Desiderio and hands it to Michaela, her eyes waver.

 

It’s real. It really is that raggedy thing.

 

That crazy instrument, that raggedy thing that crushed her soaring pride when she knew nothing of the world.

 

“Desiderio?”

 

“That’s the name I gave it. You can try playing it.”

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Honestly, she’s reluctant.

 

Afraid she might fail again.

 

‘No! Thirty years have passed since then!’

 

She had handled violins notorious for being difficult during that time. The young violinist full of vigor had now become a mature professor.

 

Feeling the warm warmth held in her palm seeming to cry out for her to play quickly, she carefully brings the body to her chin.

 

“Whew.”

 

Kiiing!

 

A magnificent sound that instantly devours the street.

 

People walking nearby, people inside the cafe, people at outdoor tables all look at her in surprise.

 

‘Still the same.’

 

Just drawing the bow creates a heart-stopping impact. Unlike before, Desiderio follows easily, and she gets excited and tries to start playing.

 

But…

 

‘No!’

 

Suddenly her fingertips turn cold.

 

Her heart grows cold and cries out for her hands to stop.

 

Squeak…

 

A bad sound that pierces the ears from the slightly drawn string.

 

Wrong. Desiderio is trying to humiliate her again.

 

She had no choice but to hastily withdraw the bow.

 

“Professor?”

 

“…Still excellent as always. Would you like to try playing too?”

 

“C-can I really?”

 

At the gaze alternating between Michaela and Johann, Johann nods.

 

“Thank you!”

 

A masterpiece instrument.

 

‘Could it be an Amati?’

 

The Grand Amati of the great master Amati, who raised Antonio Stradivari and Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri.

 

That Amati she had seen once, a fantasy violin now so rare that only violinists with considerable recognition could play it.

 

‘If it’s right…’

 

Feeling dark thoughts blooming softly in her chest, she takes a deep breath and draws the bow.

 

Squeak!

 

“…Huh?”

 

Squeeeak!

 

She draws again but it squeaks again.

 

Her face turns red and her eyes shake greatly.

 

“W-wait. What, why is this happening? P-Professor. Just a moment! This is my fault…”

 

“Give it here.”

 

If she panics like that, she might bump into something and break it.

 

“Ah!”

 

Johann retrieves Desiderio from Siyoung Lee’s hands and looks at Michaela as if asking if she’s satisfied.

 

“If it wouldn’t be rude, could you play a piece?”

 

‘I don’t want to…’

 

But Esa-Pekka Salonen is also looking forward to it.

 

“Just this once.”

 

Johann sighs and rests the body against his chin while raising the bow.

 

And…

 

Ziiiing!

 

From Desiderio, the essence of all Amatis made by ‘the great master, Nicolao Amati’, a violence of sound poured out and swept through the street.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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