For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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“I will go.”

French master Pierre Ganel raised his wrinkled hand. Despite his elderly age, shown by his graying hair and liver-spotted face, his eyes remained sharp. What could he mean about going somewhere, when he was known for rarely moving from his seat? That’s when.

“No, let me go.”

Chinese master Deng-ryun raised his hand with a smile. Suddenly, as if a trigger had been pulled in the room where everyone had been watching each other, the masters began raising their hands one after another. Eva was beyond flustered at the current situation.

It was customary for staff to greet competition participants when they arrived in Brussels. Of course, masters had never personally gone out to greet anyone in the competition’s history. But now the situation was different. The masters in the room were all clamoring to go out – it was absolutely baffling.

“What’s so great about such an impudent kid.”

Russian master Alexei narrowed his brows. With his arms firmly crossed and a clearly annoyed expression, he seemed to be showing that he would never raise his hand. Any violinist who heard the names of these masters would come running without hesitation. Yet this kid was a participant who had already ignored their offer once.

Well, a violinist should have that much pride.

It was one master’s defense. Though it seemed nonsensical, all the masters agreed with those words. Especially when it was revealed that the rumor about having no teacher was true, a strange look crossed everyone’s faces. They must all be thinking the same thing.

‘Why don’t all those who want to go just go together.’

But Eva couldn’t express her inner thoughts. These people weren’t called masters for nothing. Not only their musical ability, but their pride also reached the sky. Nothing would damage their dignity more than all the masters moving at once for a single participant. Moreover, there was no guarantee there wouldn’t be gossip afterward.

“Then, let’s draw lots!”

At that moment, Deng-ryun stood up and calmed the crowd.

*

“Waaah―!”

Son Yu-ha stared endlessly at the departure gate where Kang Hyun had disappeared, crying bitter tears. Her crying was so intense that her voice was hoarse, looking like she might collapse at the slightest touch. While Chairman Wang’s secretary was busy trying to console Son Yu-ha, sweating nervously.

“Chairman Yu, I’m here.”

Chairman Wang appeared with his hands behind his back.

“Yu-ha was in such a hurry that we came without even having breakfast properly. But it seems Hyun has already gone in?”

“Chairman Son, you should have at least given a hint that you were coming. Then Yu-ha wouldn’t be so heartbroken.”

Chairman Wang glanced at his granddaughter.

“Well, until yesterday Yu-ha was throwing such a tantrum about not going. Who knew her mind would change so completely overnight? She’s as unpredictable as any businessman. By the way, it’s been a while, Hyun-ja.”

Kang Hyun’s mother bowed politely to Chairman Wang. Her father’s close friend whom she had often seen in her youth. But Kang Hyun’s father was struggling to calm his surprise. Right before him was someone you’d only expect to see in newspapers or news – though he might look like a kindly grandfather, he was actually a titan of industry.

“Yu-ha seems very upset, I hope this doesn’t lead to trouble.”

Chairman Wang looked at Son Yu-ha with concern. She was crying so much that anyone watching might think she’d been through a breakup. He worried she might throw another tantrum like last time, demanding to be sent where Kang Hyun was.

That’s when Chairman Wang’s gaze fell on Kang Hyun’s parents.

Right!

“Yu-ha, come here.”

Son Yu-ha moved forward while trying to hold back her tears. Her gaze still fixed on the departure gate where Kang Hyun had disappeared. Seeing her dressed up in lace clothing, it was clear how excited she must have been about meeting Kang Hyun early this morning.

“You should greet them. These are Hyun oppa’s parents.”

At the mention of Kang Hyun’s parents, Son Yu-ha turned her gaze. Her swollen eyes widened, showing how surprised she was. She hurriedly wiped her eyes with her sleeve and adjusted her clothes. Chairman Wang and Chairman Yu exchanged glances, as if watching a scene from a comedy. Kang Hyun’s parents looked dumbfounded. This unknown girl had suddenly stopped crying bitterly and was approaching them?

“Pleased to meet you, Father, Mother.”

Son Yu-ha bowed politely with her hoarse voice.

* * *

There’s a saying that long-distance flights are like mountain climbing.

Sitting in one place, flying through the sky for a long time was no easy task. But my body, as if remembering my past life, settled into the seat and fell into deep sleep. It was a knack I’d acquired from my past life, where long flights were practically a rest area for me.

Taking Russian Airlines via Moscow to Brussels. Usually, flight attendants who could speak both the departure and arrival countries’ languages should be assigned, but there was no Korean flight attendant to be found. Perhaps because international aviation laws weren’t fully established yet, and there weren’t many people traveling from Korea to Brussels.

A Russian flight attendant’s eyes widened seeing me sitting alone in business class. I was already small for my age, so how must I look to foreign eyes? Especially in Russia where people develop differently, I’d be lucky if they didn’t think I was pre-school age.

“I won’t eat in-flight meals, so don’t wake me up.”

When I spoke in Russian, the flight attendant’s eyes grew even wider. Though I couldn’t speak like a native, I knew enough Russian. My speech was a bit awkward since I’d learned it in a short time. But this should be enough – I wouldn’t need to use it anywhere else anyway.

Passing Moscow at dawn.

And finally, as the sun was setting again.

-Welcome to Belgium, the heart of Europe.

Brussels’ landscape came into full view.

“Did you say you came alone?”

The immigration officer looked at me curiously. But upon checking my competition visa, they urgently asked.

“Qu-Queen Elizabeth?”

I nodded briefly. Queen Elizabeth was one of the world’s top three competitions and recognized as a national event in Belgium. Being famous enough to be broadcast on national TV, no Belgian citizen could be unaware of it. The officer’s attitude changed immediately.

[HYUN]

As I pulled my carrier out past the gate, I saw a placard with my name. The person holding it was a typical Eastern European beauty. And beside her…

‘A driver?’

Short sporty hair, raised eyebrows. Deep eye sockets and an aquiline nose created an unpleasant impression. But what did it matter? People shouldn’t be judged by their appearance. That was something I’d learned firsthand over many years in the prosecutor’s office.

“Hello, I’m Kang Hyun.”

“Oh, I really wanted to meet you. I’m Eva from the Queen Elizabeth planning team.”

After exchanging pleasant English greetings with Eva, I glanced at the driver. The driver still looked quite displeased about something. Must be their natural expression. They’re not even offering to take my carrier though.

“Hyun, perhaps you don’t know many violinists?”

Eva showed an anxious expression. Violinists? There must be many famous ones worldwide, but how could I know them all? Apart from a few I liked in my past life, I wasn’t interested.