The Arbiter slowly stood from his chair and walked toward Xiaoling's side. He gestured to her to slip onto the slide. Confused, she slowly scooted away, leaving space for the Arbiter. He sat down on the cushion right next to her.
"Place your hands over the string," The Arbiter gently asked her.
Xiaoling did as he said and placed her hands over the strings.
"Now play the first note of the melody," The Arbiter instructed.
Xiaoling played the first note from her memory. Her memory was correct, but the note still sounded different. She looked at the Arbiter in confusion.
The Arbiter reached for her hand, placing his hand over hers, "Play it now."
Xiaoling was flustered, but she still played the note. It still sounded different. The Arbiter exhaled softly. He slowly retracted his hands from hers.
