For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 45

Chapter 45

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“Grandfather―!”

Son Yu-ha runs into Chairman Wang’s arms as if she might fall over. Though it was a short time, it must have been difficult for a young child. Her hands gripping his collar tightly looked like a reunion of separated families.

“Child, that’s why I said to wait and go together with grandfather.”

Chairman Wang stroked his granddaughter’s head. At times like this, she’s nothing but a young child. She was so lovable that it felt like he could do anything for her.

“Yu-ha, you should greet Hyun’s grandfather too.”

Yu-ha looked up startled. After recognizing Chairman Yu, she quickly wiped her teary eyes with her sleeve and hurried to greet him. Her chubby cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. Chairman Yu and Chairman Wang smiled at each other seeing how adorable she was. By the way.

“Secretary Kim, why are there so many people at the airport?”

He wasn’t referring to regular travelers. He meant the security forces. At a glance, besides airport police, military units were patrolling.

“I hear many national VIPs, including yourself, are entering the country for this competition. It seems Belgium is putting much emphasis on security.”

Chairman Wang was curious. Just how many VIPs were entering to warrant such intense security? Looking carefully, his own entourage wasn’t exactly inconspicuous. Security guards in black suits moving in perfect unison – anyone watching might think they were mafia bosses.

*

War of the Stars.

“Truly amazing.”

The competition had garnered attention from the start with rising stars from various countries participating. But Adam couldn’t hide his surprise at the personalities visiting Brussels.

“Rookie, you’re very lucky.”

The rookie beside him swallowed hard. Originally, someone of editor-in-chief rank should have come, but Adam brought him along. Though arrogant, his enthusiasm was certain. As they say, give the disliked one an extra rice cake.

“This parade of masters is rare even in a lifetime in the classical world.”

It wasn’t just one or two. Masters of the classical world were gathering in Brussels as if by appointment. It would be a mistake to think it was always like this. For these masters to personally fly in to watch performances of rising stars who were still novices compared to them – that never happened. Maybe the reverse, but not this. Word was that even an incredibly wealthy Asian had come.

“Edi-Editor-in-Chief.”

Just then, the rookie’s eyes trembled as if there was an earthquake. He seemed quite shocked to directly face masters he’d only seen in books. From the Queen of Violin to the pride of the London Symphony. Each one was a national VIP. Moreover, there were unexpected figures.

“It’s like a museum coming to life.”

Even Gustav, the legendary violinist who opened the 20th century curtain with Jascha Heifetz, was there. Though elderly and no longer playing violin, he was a master of masters who had left enormous footprints in the classical world. All masters didn’t hesitate to show him respect.

Adam thought to himself that choosing to attend over all other editors was indeed an excellent choice. Sharon would probably chain-smoke and curse if she knew about this.

As Bozar Hall was hotter than ever, the MC walked out.

“Your Majesty.”

Queen Elizabeth was a national event.

The King’s attendance was a given, and two thousand audience members were present.

“And ladies and gentlemen.”

A slight tremor could be felt in the MC’s voice. Understandably so, as every member of the audience was a famous figure. Though he had been MC for Queen Elizabeth for decades, had there ever been such intense interest? Surely, everyone was thinking the same thing.

Could there really be a mysterious magic in Brussels?

*

“Anna, are you okay?”

Anna’s face had turned pale blue. Her already fair complexion looked even more wan. Being the second youngest after me among the participants, it was understandable that she felt considerable pressure.

“Hyun, I’m sorry. I’m really fine.”

Anna forced a smile and nodded. She seemed to think she was being a burden. She must have grown quite attached over time. Everyone in the waiting room looked at Anna with concern. Hadn’t they all practiced until their fingertips split? No one wanted to see the frail Anna collapse on stage.

“Anna, look at me!”

I stood up and made a funny face. Finally, Anna showed a slight smile. The atmosphere lightened considerably. You could see her sickly complexion gradually returning to normal.

“Release your tension, and just focus on the violin until the end.”

At my firm voice, Anna nodded resolutely.

“Anna, look at me too!”

Just then, Eric from Northern Europe jumped up and made a comical expression. Is this what a bear doing tricks would look like? Everyone, including Anna, burst into laughter simultaneously. Mark, the Chapel’s supervisor sitting in a corner of the waiting room, felt overwhelmed with emotion. He never imagined such warm energy could exist behind the typically frozen stage. His eyes captured the image of twelve violinists in full bloom of laughter.

* * *

“The final performer is violinist Kang Hyun from Korea.”

The audience’s attention focused at the MC’s voice. Soon, a boy walked onto the stage under soft lighting. He wore a well-fitted suit and showed no sign of wavering. As if he had absorbed all the tension in the hall. Moreover, he held the legendary Stradivarius ‘Fantasy’. The audience stirred as rumors proved true.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Eden smile so brightly.”

It was the legendary violinist Gustav. Though the special seats were relatively comfortable, he had been sitting for quite some time. Could his elderly body endure? But as if dispelling everyone’s concerns, Gustav’s eyes were shining. His excited heart was probably no different from Eden’s at the conductor’s podium.

The moment the violinist took his position.

Eden’s baton crossed the air powerfully.

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.

Gustav leaned forward as soon as he heard the first melody. The orchestra’s magnificent resonance enveloped the violinist. Inexperienced violinists often lost direction in this massive tidal wave. But look at that child, wasn’t he making it his own as if embracing the orchestra’s melody? Eden’s conducting was freer than ever. It meant he trusted the soloist.

Crack.

Gustav clenched his wrinkled hands. Because Eden’s words weren’t lies. Hadn’t he said there was a violinist who resembled that person? He didn’t believe it at first. Such talent being born again would be miraculous. But listening to that melody, it really felt like Jascha Heifetz had returned.

Was it fate’s play?

Jascha too had performed Bruch’s G minor work with orchestra in his youth. Gustav wasn’t the only one intoxicated by this enchantment. Even the judges had become mere audience members, captivated in eyes and ears. If Bruch could see this performance, he would probably rise from his grave and applaud with a pleased smile.

After the collaboration.

Only the free piece remained.

The audience sat straight, fixing their gaze on the boy as if time had stopped. The lingering impression and the thrill that had penetrated their bodies were still vivid. Though they wanted to shout enthusiastic bravos, everyone held their breath at the sight of the violinist with closed eyes.

“Without accompaniment?”

It was an unaccompanied performance. The orchestra members set down their bows to become audience members, as did Eden. Under the soft lighting, the boy holding Fantasy looked as beautiful as a masterpiece painting. He was even wearing a faint smile, as if enjoying this moment. Without extraordinary confidence, no one could make such a decision in front of thousands.

As the boy slowly half-opened his eyes, the silver strings gleamed sharply. As the sharp bow tip slowly raised…

Zing―!

The red curtains fluttered in the moonlight.

*

“Hic―!”

Son Yu-ha ran and embraced me emotionally. Having just performed and received awards in front of thousands, my legs were trembling so much I almost fell backward. While comforting the crying Yu-ha, I greeted Chairman Wang and Grandfather. My parents were also deeply moved.

“You were amazing, son.”

Mother spoke while wiping her tears. Suddenly remembering my past life, I felt emotional too. I hugged Mother after putting Yu-ha down. While Grandfather and Father watched this scene contentedly, Chairman Wang gazed at me with complex emotions. Seeing him reminded me of unfinished business.

‘I must get my hands on Fantasy somehow.’

It wasn’t called a masterpiece instrument for nothing. Didn’t it evoke melodies as if reading my heart? I’ll have to cancel the agreement to just borrow it during the competition. I didn’t care how much it cost. The problem was convincing Chairman Wang. Ah, I’ll think about it when we get back to Korea. There were more urgent matters now.

“Mother, may I go greet the others for a moment?”

There were the judges, fellow finalists, and those who flew in to see me. Two people stood out clearly among thousands of audience members. Even the elderly man in the special seats had caught my attention. His sharp gaze had left an impression.

Just then.

“Hyun!”

It was Anna, her platinum blonde hair flying. Her pure white dress suited her so well it instantly captured attention. Anna’s green eyes sparkled as she caught her breath. But why did she run here? I was planning to greet her later anyway.

“Con-congratulations on the grand prize!”

“Thank you, Anna.”

How could thanks be enough? The days at the Chapel had created many turning points in my life. I felt many emotions toward Anna, who was part of that. Moreover, these friends helped me achieve military service exemption. This gratitude couldn’t be forgotten even after death.

“You must visit Moscow later!”

Was this a formal invitation? I nodded readily. After all, nothing beats traveling with a local guide.

Just then Anna hesitated, unable to continue speaking. Her face was flushed red. Was she feeling unwell again?

“Hyun, and…”

Huh?

“Thank you for helping.”

Chu.

Suddenly Anna lightly kissed my cheek. People around us stared in surprise.

My charm level must have definitely changed from my past life.