I have known Mr. Schoeni for ten years. Ten years ago, I was still exploring art in Yuan Ming Yuan. With his sensitivity for art, Mr. Schoeni headed for my studio. Then he held my first exhibition. Ten years later, on 22 April 2004, I had another exhibition in his gallery to commemorate the first one.

That day, I hurried to Mr. Schoeni's gallery in Hong Kong. Upon arriving, I saw him standing there. He enthusiastically greeted every visitor to the exhibition and handed out catalogues to the guests. Naturally, I was in a great mood to see so many visitors standing in front of my paintings smiling. It was real a party.

Every so often Mr. Schoeni would ask me to sign autographs for certain collectors. At times I was asked to have my picture taken with someone. My legs became so tired that I sat down on the sofa whenever I had a spare moment. Yet Mr. Schoeni continued to actively entertain the guests, now and then pausing to analyze my works for them. Several hours passed. Around 9 p.m. Mr. Schoeni gathered the gallery staff, his Italian friend, and my artist friend Zhao Gang, together we all set off to a restaurant for dinner.

We turned around a corner of the gallery and got into a new racing car. The name of the car was so long that I couldn't remember. It was made in Italy. He started up the car with great force and revved the engine. The roads in Hong Kong are short and narrow. When he accelerated, the car felt like it was flying. Suddenly, he stopped the car, rocking his passengers. I was very worried, fearing that there would be an accident. When he saw my tense expression, Mr. Schoeni did not slow down, but made it even worse. He steered the wheel more than was necessary for even the smallest turn, shouting crazily, eyes wide open, staring ahead, and screaming out single phases. I gripped the handle beside me firmly, puzzled as to what he was screaming. I thought it probably meant he was excited. Feeling nervous, scared, and excited we arrived at the restaurant.

I really admired his energy. What had this foreigner eaten to make him so excited all day long? How could a man aged over fifty still be in such good shape with such a blushing face? Compared to me, a man of only forty, he was much more energetic. His passion for life especially influenced me. The word 'happiness' recaptures his whole life.

In the restaurant, our table was full of dishes. Everyone was happy and laughing endlessly. Amidst the laughter was a mixture of Chinese and English conversations, infused with the smell of alcohol. It was a scene bustling with noise and excitement.

Who would have known that only a week after I had returned to Beijing, word would arrive of Mr. Schoeni's tragedy. He walked out of my sight forever that night. That dinner became our last supper.

Things always happen without warning. It's odd. It's life.

Yue Min Jun
July, 2004