For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Read it only at Utoon.net!

https://discord.com/invite/s4Srag3ej2

Lee Wan-yong.

The epitome of a traitor. A national betrayer that every Korean citizen knows. His treasonous acts, unforgivable even in death, are still frequently discussed even half a century later. Even elementary school students know Lee Wan-yong’s name, if not the other members of the Eulsa Five.

Note- Lee Wan-yong is a real person. Learn more about it- https://www.incheontoday.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=240879

Jeon Han-yong.

Later known as “Jeon Wan-yong” at the Western District Prosecutors’ Office.

Caught leaking domestic industrial technology abroad, some called him the Lee Wan-yong of the 21st century. His slick appearance even resembled Lee Wan-yong – just add a mustache. While the case was known publicly as the “Jeon Wan-yong incident,” his face and real name weren’t revealed; I wouldn’t have known his face if I hadn’t been part of the prosecutor’s office.

‘Is this fate’s joke?’

Who knew my past life as a prosecutor would help like this.

“Hyun-ah, what are you thinking about so deeply?”

Grandfather asked, seeing me staring endlessly out the car window.

How should I answer?

Would he believe me if I said there’s someone as bad as Lee Wan-yong in his company? No, speaking rashly would just make me look crazy.

“I was thinking about what food the housekeeper might make for dinner tonight.”

“Haha, you kid.”

Kang-hyun, usually mature beyond his years, finally seemed like a child his age.

“I wish your mother could have stayed a few more days.”

Deep regret lingered in grandfather’s eyes. Mother had returned home early thinking of father in the countryside, though she hadn’t given grandfather a definitive answer yet. I understood – she had chosen love over material desires in my past life too, but.

‘I can’t let Dongju fail like this.’

Having discovered the cancer, I couldn’t just watch anymore.

*

“Father, you’re here!”

The younger uncle came out to greet us as we entered the mansion. He should be laying low, but here he was strutting around – practically hastening his own demise. Grandfather’s brow immediately furrowed. The company had suffered massive energy losses cleaning up after the younger uncle’s mess.

‘Family management.’

Isn’t it essentially inheritance? It would be one thing if he had ability, but he had none – just tarnishing the reputation grandfather had built throughout his life. If grandfather were a bit younger, his fists might have flown before his thundering voice.

“What are you doing here?”

Anger permeated grandfather’s voice.

“Your birthday is coming up soon, father. Seo-yeon’s mother bought ingredients to make your favorite foods. Seo-yeon was crying so much saying she missed grandfather.”

The younger uncle was clever at times like this. But claiming a baby who can barely talk misses grandfather? Cold sweat covered the younger uncle’s forehead under grandfather’s gleaming gaze.

Trudge.

As grandfather walked away without a word, the younger uncle hurriedly followed. He looked as anxious as a puppy needing to relieve itself.

“Father, please try this.”

At dinner, my aunt-in-law was being overly solicitous. Though trying to appear filial, like aunt, she had never touched dishwater. Every action seemed awkward, like wearing ill-fitting clothes. It was enough to make one feel sorry for the housekeeper. Recently, from aunt to the younger uncle, they visited almost daily leaving the kitchen in chaos.

“Ma’am, if there’s any marinated crab left, please bring it out. The one Hyun-ja made.”

It was the marinated crab mother had prepared for grandfather before returning to the countryside. Grandfather ate it at every meal, seemingly never tiring of it.

“Father, try the galbi Seo-yeon’s mother made too.”

Just as the younger uncle tactlessly chimed in.

Clack.

When grandfather set down his chopsticks loudly, a sharp tension descended over the dining table.

“Beom-kyung.”

Grandfather quietly called the younger uncle’s name. As thick drops of sweat formed on the younger uncle’s back.

“What face do you show coming here?”

Clear confusion showed on the younger uncle’s face. Grandfather’s disposition had clearly changed from before. Moreover, wasn’t the third son of Chairman Wang, grandfather’s closest friend, living unemployed due to lack of ability? The same could happen to the younger uncle.

“Father, it was a mistake. I’ll handle that matter well…!”

The younger uncle swallowed his words mid-sentence at grandfather’s gaze. One more word and a rice bowl might fly at his face. Grandfather glared at the younger uncle before standing up.

“Don’t show your face at the company from tomorrow.”

That was the moment the younger uncle’s nameplate disappeared.

*

Like the deepening full moon,

Worry filled grandfather’s face too.

Though he had driven out the younger uncle and his wife, his mind was troubled.

Cracks were forming in Dongju, which he had built over his lifetime. Though he had little life left, the children he had thought would be his successors were all acting foolishly.

“Grandfather, are you alright?”

Just then, Kang-hyun carefully approached grandfather. A grandson wise beyond his years, taking after his mother. Seeing such a grandson calmed his troubled mind.

“Haha. Is it that obvious on this old man’s face?”

His grandson had always watched his work at the company. Being so clever, he must know the company atmosphere.

“It’s about younger uncle, isn’t it?”

Such a smart child indeed. If he were an adult rather than 14, grandfather would have trained him to immediately take charge of Dongju’s core.

“You don’t need to worry, Hyun-ah. This old man will handle everything.”

He had experienced everything while building the company over many years. There had been those who stole materials and committed embezzlement. But as he aged, he grew more fearful. What would happen to Dongju after he was gone?

“Grandfather, mold doesn’t grow in just one place.”

What could this mean?

A questioning and curious gaze turned to Kang-hyun.

“Running a laundry, we see many clothes. Sometimes we find clothes with linings completely covered in mold. The owner only noticed the mold on the outside, not knowing it reached the lining too. Even though it’s one piece of clothing.”

A series of statements that seemed both clear and unclear. The younger son’s area was related to new material development. New material development was a stepping stone to new business areas. But it was creaking from the bottom up. Could the upper levels really be safe? After all, they would be people with the same roots as the younger son’s connections.

Could it be.

As suspicion reached one person,

Grandfather looked at Kang-hyun with surprised eyes. Could this child really see through everything? But Kang-hyun was just sipping his orange juice as if nothing had happened.

* * *

“Maestro.”

Concertmaster Dmitri carefully approached Spencer. The nerve-wracking rehearsal that felt like walking on ice had ended. But the concertmaster’s work wasn’t finished. True to the title of concert master, he had the duty of overseeing all orchestra performers on behalf of the conductor. Particularly, the string section’s techniques and direction were entirely in the concertmaster’s hands. Of course, all this required trust between the concertmaster and conductor.

“Gilbert has requested one more chance.”

Spencer’s brow furrowed. Gilbert – the assistant principal horn player. As expected, excessive drinking last night had caused breathing control problems.

“What did you do?”

“I informed him not to come starting tomorrow.”

Spencer nodded briefly. Indeed, Dmitri proved to be a concertmaster who best understood his intentions. Becoming an orchestra member required grueling effort. Especially reaching assistant principal position, not just regular member, required unimaginable talent and effort for ordinary people. Particularly in the world-renowned London Symphony.

“One unfixable mistake breeds another.”

Spencer, true to his perfectionist nature, did not tolerate mistakes. That’s why London Symphony members always felt their hearts shrink to the size of beans when performing. But as musicians under such an extraordinary conductor, they were recognized as world-class performers wherever they went.

“Maestro. Asian countries have requested London Symphony Orchestra performances.”

Asia?

“Korea and Japan.”

Spencer’s ears perked up at the mention of Korea. He recalled his friend Samuel’s words.

‘What nonsense about a prodigy.’

But he soon shook his head. Asia was practically a wasteland for classical music. Japan was somewhat better. While London Symphony chose performance venues, the principal conductor’s influence couldn’t be ignored. Especially Spencer’s choices represented London Symphony itself.

Just then.

“Spencer, I’m here.”

A familiar voice came from beyond the door.

“You?”

Dmitri bowed and stepped aside at Samuel’s appearance. Everyone in Britain would know who he was. Spencer rose from his seat with a puzzled expression at his friend’s sudden visit.

“Didn’t you say you were in Korea?”

“I rushed here because I missed you. I knew you’d be practicing through the night.”

Samuel had come straight to see him after arriving at the airport. While Spencer was glad to see him, something felt off. His friend wouldn’t do this without reason.

“Look at this.”

As expected.

Samuel pulled out a video tape from his coat. Surely not.

“This isn’t about that prodigy you mentioned?”

The word ‘prodigy’ made Spencer nauseous. All existing prodigies were just imitators of Mozart.

“Forget it, I don’t want to see or hear such worthless things – let’s go get brunch.”

Days passed with barely enough time to eat or sleep. As performance dates approached, Spencer’s sensitivity peaked, and now, when he should rest after practice, he’s asked to watch a video of some unknown child? If it weren’t Samuel, expletives would have been Spencer’s first response.

“Just once!”

Then Samuel nodded at Spencer. Questions filled Spencer’s eyes. Usually, Samuel would have given up by now.

“Just once. Don’t waste any more of my time.”

Spencer let out a room-filling sigh and slumped into his chair.

Samuel hurriedly pushed the tape into the video player. It was equipment installed for watching performance recordings. After a moment of silence, the video began playing. A boy stood on stage holding a violin. Could he even be 10 years old? Quite young-looking.

At that moment.

The boy picks up the violin. But.

That posture is remarkably natural, like flowing water.

Zing.

How much time had passed? Spencer had leaned forward, staring intently at the screen. Sweat beaded in his palms.

Zing.

As the final note resonated, Spencer unconsciously swallowed. Numerous emotions crossed his face. This was impossible. He couldn’t even properly judge what he had just witnessed.

“Well?”

At Samuel’s careful question.

Spencer slowly half-opened his closed eyes. His gaze remained fixed beyond the darkened screen on the boy. Though Spencer didn’t believe in the word prodigy, he had no choice this time. His racing heart was proof.

“This child is in Korea?”

It was the moment Korea was chosen for London Symphony’s next performance.

Read it only at Utoon.net!