Alex Cummings held the mysterious CD in his hand, the familiar melody echoing persistently in his mind. The vague phrases in the letter, combined with Rachmaninoff's adaptation, made him realize that there was undoubtedly a complex story behind this anonymous correspondence. Although the information provided by Jason Hopkins was limited, it was enough to set Alex on a new trail.
Back in his office, Alex read the words from the letter over and over. "Inspiration does not always belong to the creator." This sentence filled him with a sense of unease and pain. It seemed the sender had a profound emotional connection to music; this person not only understood music but also appeared to have a special comprehension of Rachmaninoff's works.
At that moment, a bold hypothesis sprang to Alex's mind: the sender might not be an ordinary music enthusiast but rather a professional with a deep knowledge of music, or someone with special ties to the music world.
He decided to start with the postmark on the letter, attempting to trace its origin. Carefully examining the back of the envelope, he discovered it came from an unexpected place—a large hospital in Manhattan. Alex was taken aback, but his intuition told him that this location might be closely linked to the truth of the case.
Arriving at the hospital, Alex disguised himself as a patient and made his way to the inpatient floors, searching for any signs related to music. After several inquiries, he finally spotted a notice on a cultural flyer about an "Amateur Music Society." This revelation made Alex realize that there might be a doctor or staff member within the hospital involved in this incident, particularly someone who had a deep love for music.
Determined to find clues through these societies, he learned that the hospital held a small music gathering every week, where many doctors, nurses, and other staff members participated. That evening, Alex quietly attended the gathering, blending into the crowd as he observed.
A senior doctor caught Alex's attention. He was the only one at the gathering playing the piano alone, his fingers dancing swiftly across the keys, performing a segment of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto. Alex's heart sank—this man was likely the sender of the letter.
He discreetly asked a nearby nurse and learned that the doctor's name was Peter Landau, a respected neurologist and the hospital's most senior music enthusiast. Rumor had it that he had once dreamed of becoming a concert pianist in his youth but had ultimately chosen the path of medicine. Nevertheless, his passion for music had never waned, especially his near-obsessive pursuit of Rachmaninoff's works.
After the gathering, Alex seized an opportunity to speak with Dr. Landau. The doctor was very friendly, but when Alex mentioned Rachmaninoff, his demeanor shifted instantly to one of seriousness. His gaze deepened, as if recalling distant memories.
"You're quite familiar with Rachmaninoff's works, aren't you?" Alex asked casually.
Peter sighed softly and nodded. "Familiar? No, I am far more than familiar. I began studying his music as a child; I can even say it has helped me through many difficult times. For me, it is not just music; it is a form of spiritual expression."
Alex sensed the profound emotion Peter held for the composer, but he was more curious about why Peter had chosen to intervene in Evans' songwriting. "What do you think of modern music, especially pop music?" Alex asked tentatively.
Peter offered a wry smile. "Most modern music lacks true soul and depth; of course, there are occasional exceptions. But you know what pains me the most? It's when those profound melodies are easily plagiarized, used to gain fame and fortune rather than serving the music itself."
This statement quickened Alex's heartbeat. He was almost certain that Peter was the sender of the anonymous letter. This doctor not only understood music but may have felt compelled to reach out to Evans, hoping to evoke a sense of respect for the art of music creation.
"So, if someone were to use a melody you hold dear without giving it the respect it deserves, what would you do?" Alex asked, locking eyes with Peter.
Peter paused, a hint of sorrow and determination in his gaze. "I would remind him that the soul of music cannot be stolen. If they persist, I would protect those melodies in my own way, even if it means exposing the truth."
This statement confirmed Alex's suspicions. Peter had not merely sent the letter out of love for music; he was defending a principle. For Peter, music was sacred, and he could not tolerate seeing Rachmaninoff's works used carelessly without due respect.
But this conflict was far from over. Although Peter Landau's actions were well-intentioned, they had thrust Alex into a more complicated situation. The motive behind the letter was clear, but who was the true puppet master? Were Jason Hopkins and Evans' choices also driven by some ulterior motive?
Alex understood that this struggle had only just begun. The appearance of Dr. Peter Landau might have merely unveiled a corner of a much larger conspiracy hidden in the shadows.