For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 27
Chapter 027
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“Oppa─!”
As soon as I entered the large mansion in Pyeongchang-dong, Son Yu-ha came running out in her socks to greet me. Anyone watching might think this was a reunion of separated families. When I handed over the gifts I brought, the corners of her mouth lifted as if they would tear. That moved expression. Perhaps because she’s a child, her emotions show plainly on her face. It could have been trouble if I hadn’t bought snacks from duty-free.
“Hyun-ah, did you have a good trip to Japan?”
Chairman Wang came out walking with a hearty laugh. Standing behind him, Son Il-seon bowed her head toward grandfather, but her expression seemed quite uncomfortable. It must be because of Son Yu-ha who was clinging tightly to my side. Well, I’d probably have a headache too if my daughter was this infatuated with some guy.
“Come on in, Son family.”
Grandfather and Chairman Wang were indeed close friends. The two, meeting after a long time, seemed to have much to talk about. Since it gets harder to find like-minded friends as you age, this was truly fortunate for both of them.
“Oppa, was Japan fun?”
While Son Yu-ha was stuck to me with no intention of letting go, receiving Son Il-seon’s gaze as well was absolutely mortifying.
Glug glug glug.
Chairman Wang personally poured tea into the cups. The deep aged fragrance tickling my nose was the Pu-erh tea that Chairman Wang was so fond of. Pu-erh tea harvested from deep in the mountains becomes more bitter and astringent with higher grades, but the aroma and charm that gradually reveals itself over time can truly be called the pinnacle of tea.
“Oh my, Hyun knows how to appreciate tea?”
Chairman Wang’s eyes widened as I sipped the teacup, savoring the aftertaste. The reason was simple. It was a tea difficult to properly appreciate even for adults. Grandfather showed a subtle smile, probably remembering the incident at the ramen shop. Chairman Wang took a sip from his teacup and looked at Son Il-seon.
“Il-seon, I hear there’s a lot of talk about the factory site lately?”
“Yes, father. Please don’t worry. I will handle it myself.”
Chairman Wang’s brow furrowed. Son Il-seon immediately tensed at this sight. Chairman Wang and grandfather were similar in some ways, including their philosophy on education at the dinner table. Even with young children, they freely discussed company matters in front of those marked as successors. But Son Yu-ha seemed completely clueless about what was being discussed. By the way.
‘If it’s about a factory.’
Ah!
I remembered.
It was the unprecedented incident where regional conflict erupted between local and Gyeonggi provinces over Jeil Electronics’ factory relocation. Each local government claimed the factory would be built in their region, eventually leading to regional antagonism. It was frequently covered in corporate litigation theses. It was also Son Il-seon’s only blemish.
“How do you plan to handle the political circles?”
To Chairman Wang’s sharp question,
“I’ve already passed items to the ruling party congressman. The factory relocation to Hwaseong complex will be confirmed soon.”
Son Il-seon answered without hesitation. Meanwhile, both Chairman Wang and grandfather’s expressions became subtle simultaneously. I knew the reason why.
‘Tsk.’
The Son Il-seon of this era isn’t yet a tiger. While full of enthusiasm, she lacked experience. The problem arose because Son Il-seon only lobbied the ruling party in Gyeonggi region. Eventually, the opposition party governing small provincial cities protested. Despite all the talk about regional development, most were just trying to fill their own pockets anyway. That’s when I felt a piercing gaze. Chairman Wang was looking at me?
“Hyun-ah, let grandfather ask you one question.”
It was the moment Chairman Wang’s gaze met mine.
“If two thugs each try to take your belongings, what would you do?”
What a metaphor.
There’s an old saying:
If caught by gangsters, you get beaten up, but if caught by politicians, your life is finished.
Son Il-seon was looking at Chairman Wang and me with uncomprehending eyes. Grandfather was quietly holding his teacup, and what should I do about this? It seems they’ll keep staring if I don’t answer.
“Hmm, to avoid losing the belongings…”
Oh, whatever.
“You need to satisfy both of them.”
*
Chairman Wang and Chairman Yu sat facing each other. The children and grandchildren had all been sent away. The reception room was filled only with the aged fragrance and the sound of Go stones being placed. As Chairman Wang picked up a black stone, appearing to contemplate deeply.
“Where did our Go player go?”
Chairman Yu joked while picking up his teacup. White was about to gain advantage in the lower border battle.
Clack.
Chairman Wang tried to complicate the situation by taking territory on the right side, but…
“Oh thank you, Son family.”
Eventually, a large black group from the top to the center was captured, completely turning the tide. Of course, capturing a large group doesn’t end the game. Even in professional games, there are occasions where players come back after losing large groups. However…
“Old man, do you always play Go after meals?”
Chairman Wang finally threw down his stones. The difference was clearly too large to even count the score. Further fighting would be meaningless. While picking up the remaining black stones from the board, Chairman Wang spoke up.
“Looking at this, Hyun really takes after you a lot.”
Chairman Wang pushed all the black stones into the container.
“Il-seon is still immature.”
A shocking statement to anyone who knows Son Il-seon. But in Chairman Wang’s view, his son was still inexperienced.
“Whether azaleas or pine trees, they all grow from the same fertilizer, don’t they? If you only fertilize one, the others will become jealous. Such fundamental issues aren’t grasped with the head. In that sense, Hyun was born with it.”
Countless companies had disappeared under the military regime’s political pressure. Chairman Wang had survived through such turbulent times. His sharp survival instinct was something money couldn’t buy.
It was a question asked just in case. But the answer was outstanding enough to surpass his own son. Like Son Yu-ha, he’s still just a young boy. However, the key point was that he had fully grasped all the adults’ conversation in the reception room during that brief situation. It was truly remarkable how he could do that at his age.
Chairman Yu silently smiled. He too had been surprised by his grandson numerous times, just like Chairman Wang.
“Old man, what have you decided about Hyun’s school?”
“He should attend in Seoul once the vacation ends.”
Chairman Wang nodded briefly. It was right to give more opportunities to such a bright child. But then his brow furrowed.
“This is trouble! Yu-ha will keep visiting Ichon-dong.”
Given how Son Yu-ha usually acts around Kang Hyun, it wouldn’t be strange if she transferred to the Ichon-dong mansion. But it’s not good for her to be so attached to one boy from such a young age.
“Old man, you haven’t forgotten our promise?”
Kang Hyun should be good enough…
Chairman Yu picked up a white stone instead of answering.
Clack.
Only the crisp sound of the Go stone reached the reception room ceiling.
*
“Hyun-ah, thank you so much!”
Park Sun-young was on the verge of tears with gratitude. Because I hadn’t forgotten and brought her share too. The gift was a famous record containing Hirose-san’s performances. With his personal signature added, it was nothing less than a treasure for a violinist. I told her to keep it safe and not forget about it, as its value would soar higher as time passes.
“How was Mrs. Hirose’s performance?”
The difference between a live performance and a recording is as clear as heaven and earth. Naturally, Park Sun-young was curious, especially since Hirose was acclaimed as a world-class master.
“She was the Queen of Strings, itself.”
A simple and clear answer. But I wonder if there could be any better appreciation than this. Hirose truly seemed like someone born to play the violin. Park Sun-young’s eyes were full of envy. If I told her about receiving an offer from Hirose, she might faint right here. Moreover, Park Sun-young didn’t even know about the fact that the London Symphony’s chief conductor was looking for me.
By the way.
“Ahem.”
I could feel Son Yu-ha’s piercing gaze. With her arms crossed and pouting, her whole body seemed to express disappointment at being left out of the conversation. At times like this, she’s more like a puppy than an Ice Queen. I’m worried this might change the future.
When the tutoring was in full swing.
“You’re really fast.”
Park Sun-young was clicking her tongue in amazement. It was because my speed of acquiring musical knowledge was beyond imagination. If even I was surprised, how much more so for Park Sun-young who was teaching me. Son Yu-ha, who was originally the tutoring student, wasn’t even studying but just counting down the moments until I would play the violin. Somehow the roles had become reversed.
“Hmm.”
Park Sun-young’s eyes were filled with concern. Because we had reached a point where it could no longer be called teaching. From violin techniques to interpreting sheet music. Nothing was lacking. Rather, she often found herself asking me questions instead. Ever since the curse that had bound my mind was lifted, she completely trusted Kang Hyun’s words.
“Hyun-ah.”
Park Sun-young called me as if she had made up her mind.
“Would you like to enter a competition?”
I was puzzled by this sudden suggestion. A competition out of nowhere. But Park Sun-young continued.
“Actually, age and experience might be an issue, but I think that can be overcome with a letter of recommendation if your skills are proven. From what I can see, you’re beyond the level of just learning theory. It’s an international competition so the standards are very high, and it would be a valuable experience for you.”
I wasn’t particularly interested. I was learning violin because I loved music, not to compete with others. What’s the point of ranking art? Some say Mozart is better than Beethoven, while others say Schubert is better than Beethoven. All different dreams of the same thing.
“And if you win, the benefits are incredible.”
I could earn money anytime I wanted to. Moreover, how harshly had I lived chasing money and power in my past life? I didn’t want to live such a vain life again. Benefits? Forget it.
“Military service exemption.”
At that moment, I jumped up from my seat.