For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

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‘Sweet, salty, and subtle!’

The broth, simmered for a long time, adds depth to the flavor in the mouth. The chewy noodles move freely left, right, up, and down, almost as if alive inside the mouth. Without a menu or even the traditional noren curtain at the entrance, one might have mistaken it for a home kitchen. But to create such a taste! Baek Jung-hoon finally felt the sweet potato he had swallowed earlier go down his throat. So engrossed was he in eating that he had even forgotten about the steam fogging up his glasses.

“Excuse me.”

Just then, a young boy walked up to Baek Jung-hoon’s table. He seemed to have perfectly timed his approach right after the meal was finished, waiting until the dishes were completely empty. However, due to the steam on his glasses, Jung-hoon couldn’t clearly see the boy’s face.

“What is it?”

Since the other person’s pronunciation was unmistakably Japanese, Jung-hoon responded in Japanese as well. His experience studying in Japan as a child was helpful in moments like these. As the steam on his glasses gradually disappeared, the boy’s face became clear – and quite handsome at that. At first glance, it seemed he had come to the ramen shop with his grandfather. And then.

“You’re a pianist, aren’t you?”

Jung-hoon’s eyes widened. How did he recognize him? He was wearing glasses and casual clothing, different from his stage appearance. Even when dressed formally, few people would recognize him. Asia was, after all, quite barren when it came to classical music. Ah, perhaps it was thanks to his collaboration with Professor Hirose, who was practically a hero in Japan.

“How did you know?”

He asked out of courtesy, knowing young children often like to show off what they know.

At that moment.

“Brahms Violin Sonata No. 3.”

An unexpected response. Jung-hoon’s head shot up like a spring. What was this young boy talking about? Was he referring to the performance he had seen with the professor? But that didn’t make sense. The Brahms Violin Sonata No. 3 was a repertoire he had not yet performed on stage. Before Jung-hoon could ask anything:

“The interpretation of the piece belongs to the performer, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be so rigid. The left hand, meant to play the melancholic low notes, is obsessed with pursuing perfection. The accompanist clearly wants to perform living music, but you’re trying to play music that’s been dead for a hundred years.”

Jung-hoon’s eyes bulged. He had made every effort not to disrespect his professor. He had studied the score until it was worn out, checking for any potential mistakes. Brahms’ pieces were known for their stark contrast between objective and subjective interpretations, especially the Violin Sonata No. 3. While it’s considered the most beautiful chamber music among Brahms’ works, it’s also infamous for being the most challenging to satisfy an audience.

‘Music dead for a hundred years.’

The boy’s voice echoed in his ears.

Suddenly, Jung-hoon looked up. The boy had already left with his grandfather. When their eyes met, the boy bowed as if to say thank you, but Jung-hoon’s lips remained frozen. Countless questions tangled in his mind. How did he know? How did he know he was a pianist practicing Brahms’ piece?

And that his interpretation was incorrect.

Sitting like a statue, Jung-hoon suddenly stood up.

He rushed out of the shop,

But the boy had already disappeared.

*

“Hyun-ah, what were you so earnestly talking about?”

His grandfather seemed curious about the conversation at the ramen shop. Since they had spoken in Japanese, he wouldn’t have understood. What should he explain? That he had helped alleviate a young pianist’s concerns? He had eaten the ramen so quickly that if he had money, he would have ordered another bowl. The deep calluses on his fingers were evidence of his relentless effort.

“Oh, just some advice.”

His grandfather looked puzzled but had nothing more to say. Could he really explain that he had provided a clue about the interpretation of the Brahms Violin Sonata? Moreover, the face of the young pianist he had just seen at the ramen shop seemed strangely familiar. It was like a fishing float on the water’s surface, almost recognizable but not quite.

“By the way, I paid for that young man’s ramen.”

Clearly, the young pianist had also caught his grandfather’s attention. At that moment, his grandfather held his hand tightly. The large hand, spotted with age, enveloped his small hand.

“Hyun-ah, when we walk like this, I’m reminded of the times I was with your mother. We also came to Tokyo back then. It was to see a certain violinist’s performance. How much she loved it.”

His grandfather’s wrinkled face was clearly reminiscing. At that moment, beyond his line of sight, the Opera City building was visible. Being such a high-rise, it was easily noticeable even from a distance.

“That’s Opera City. It’s where Hirose, the famous violinist, performs.”

Grandfather’s finger pointed at the skyscraper. The Opera City he had seen in his past life. While Suntory Hall was suitable for symphonies, the Opera City Concert Hall was more appropriate for solo performances. His heart raced at the thought of seeing a legendary performer’s solo performance. There was a time when he had continuously listened to Hirose’s performances. Like her nickname “Queen of the Strings”, her performance was endlessly captivating. Somehow, her melody seemed to echo in his ears once again.

* * *

Son Il-seon smiled a bewildered smile.

Her only daughter’s cheeks were puffed full of air. At a glance, she looked like a squirrel with acorns stuffed in her mouth. Usually a child who knew nothing of tantrums, recently she had been throwing them more often.

“Father, it seems Yu-ha is bored because Hyun isn’t coming,” Son Il-seon confided with a helpless expression. Could her daughter be so upset just because of a boy? He wondered if all fathers with daughters felt this way.

“Heeing. Hyun oppa didn’t even tell me he’s going to Japan!”

Anyone would think they were dating. However, Chairman Wang instead let out a hearty laugh at his granddaughter’s behavior. Suddenly, he picked up his teacup, moistened his lips, and spoke.

“Il-seon, what kind of person do you think Hyun is?”

It was a moment when Son Il-seon’s gaze became strange. His father’s question was different from usual. He didn’t refer to Kang Hyun as a child, but as a “person”. The implication was clear – he wanted an objective assessment of Hyun as a talented individual. Son Il-seon never expected such a question from his father.

“Hmm, he seems to be quite remarkable,” 

Son Il-seon emphasized the word “child”. Certainly, he possessed outstanding qualities, but was still just a young child. Of course, only time would tell, and no one could predict the future. Even Il-seon himself never imagined how fiercely he would fight with his siblings for succession. If he could overcome the process, he would truly bloom.

“Huh.”

At that moment, Chairman Wang sighed. Il-seon’s perspective was not as high as he had expected. Confusion swept across Il-seon’s face, but the chairman offered no explanation. Instead:

“Yu-ha, come here.”

He called Son Yu-ha. At the chairman’s summons, Yu-ha reluctantly stood up, her cheeks still puffed.

“What do you think Hyun is like?”

“Hyun oppa?”

Yu-ha raised her voice after deflating her cheeks. Son Il-seon, watching the scene, let out a sigh. Her cheeks, which had been fully inflated since morning, instantly deflated at the mention of Kang Hyun’s name. Let’s see what she says, but…

“Hmm.”

Yu-ha’s pretty face wrinkled. Though she had expected to answer easily, her contemplation continued. She couldn’t properly evaluate Kang Hyun. In such a short time, his figure had been strongly etched in Yu-ha’s mind.

“That’s enough.”

At that moment, Chairman Wang stroked Son Yu-ha’s head and nodded. Then, he slightly turned his head to look at Son Il-seon, and his gaze was anything but ordinary. It seemed as if he was telling him to ponder deeply when evaluating someone. In other words, wasn’t he saying that his daughter’s perspective was lacking?

“Grandfather, can I go to Japan too?”

Son Yu-ha suddenly asked to be taken to Japan, causing Son Il-seon to be shocked. However, Chairman Wang shook his head as if he had expected this. How could he interfere with the meeting between a master and a prodigy? His resolute attitude made Son Yu-ha puff up her cheeks again.

*

It was the second day in Tokyo, and the wind was chilly as summer was coming to an end.

However, the number of people heading to Opera City was increasing with time. Wasn’t it the solo performance of the legendary performer herself? Everyone’s faces were filled with excitement and anticipation. I was no different. I had longed to hear Hirose’s violin performance in my previous life.

“Hyun-ah, are you okay?”

Grandfather looked at my face and gave a relieved smile. He seemed worried that I might not be interested. Sometimes, there are cases like that. Talented individuals with exceptional musical abilities who aren’t actually interested in the field. But Kang Hyun was definitely different.

Seated in the second row from the front on the far right of Column C, it was a spot where the violinist was clearly visible. The melody would undoubtedly penetrate my ears. The Opera City Concert Hall was as magnificent now as it had always been. The moonlight pouring through the massive triangular glass panels on the ceiling created a breathtaking harmony with the subtle lighting of the concert hall.

As the audience settled into their seats.

The pianist first stepped onto the stage.

At that moment.

Grandfather and I made eye contact simultaneously. We recognized the person. When I finally checked the pamphlet, I saw a familiar name. Baek Jung-hoon. I barely suppressed a wry laugh. How could I not recognize the iron-blooded maestro, even if I had traveled back in time!

Eventually.

Tap.

With sharp footsteps, Hirose revealed herself.

I involuntarily held my breath at her appearance in a red dress harmonizing with her white hair. Moreover, the instrument in her hand was the ‘Stradivarius’, called the three divine instruments of the violin world. Even those unfamiliar with instruments would recognize this legendary piece. Wasn’t the dignity of long years felt just by watching?

It was then.

As Hirose was bowing politely to the audience, she stopped.

Huh?

Hirose was staring at me with surprised eyes. Why? Although I had never met her before, my heart was racing as if she knew me. Or perhaps, wasn’t it because I had endlessly listened to her melodies in my previous life? Despite being from different time periods, I had definitely encountered Hirose. At that moment, she slowly raised her bow towards me.

‘Found you.’

The Queen of Strings and I reunited.

Now, in the same moment in time.