For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 46

Chapter 46

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“We must secure the broadcasting rights immediately!”

The thrill that ran through Kang Sung-wook’s body showed no signs of leaving. His hand holding the receiver was trembling slightly as proof.

“Hmm, Sung-wook. What are you talking about?”

The director’s voice came through the receiver. It was an international call. It must be dawn in Korea right now. The director’s slurred speech suggested he had been drinking heavily the night before. But he continued without showing it. Time was of the essence now.

“We need to contract the broadcasting rights for this Queen Elizabeth documentary!”

Actually, it started with a casual attitude. He had come to Brussels more as a tourist than a CP in charge of current affairs programs. But only upon reaching Bozar Hall did he realize. An incredible tension was in the air. Not only were renowned masters visiting Brussels, but Chairman Wang of Jeil Group was also occupying a seat. Who was he?

A titan of South Korea’s business world.

What an incredible turn of events this was.

Classical music wasn’t particularly popular in Korea to begin with. Moreover, department heads from the newspaper company under Jeil Group (though now renamed) had come to Brussels for coverage like new recruits. It was bewildering. But everything was clearly proven once the stage curtain rose.

“Let me tell you everything I saw today without missing anything.”

The audience was captivated by that child’s performance, and ultimately their very souls were shaken. The sound of gulping water could be heard through the receiver. If even he was breaking into a cold sweat while explaining, how must the person on the other end feel? He was probably putting his glasses back on by now.

“PD Kang. There was such a prodigy in Korea? Besides Baek Jung-hoon?”

Gone was the slurred speech, replaced by the director’s voice full of excitement. Though pianist Baek Jung-hoon was also called a once-in-a-generation genius and evaluated as a next-generation master, he wasn’t well-known to the public. But this child would be different. He had a charm that drew people in just by looking at him.

“Director, I’ll be brief.”

Moreover, wasn’t he exchanging friendly greetings with Chairman Wang of Jeil Group? Numerous reporters and cameras focused on that child. The reason was simple. He had earned the honor of being the youngest Queen Elizabeth grand prize winner.

“Tomorrow, the name Kang Hyun will make headlines.”

*

“Hmph―!”

Son Yu-ha suddenly glanced at me and turned her head sharply. Complete with an angry snort. It must be because of what happened in Brussels. At times like this, even that ice blockhead is quite cute. By the way.

‘So soft and plush, as expected of first class.’

Suddenly my past life came to mind.

Even as a senior prosecutor at the Western District Prosecutors’ Office, business class was the highest I could go; first class was beyond imagination. That was the internal regulation for public officials. After joining Jeil Group’s legal team, I occasionally used first class but.

Who would have thought this position that took decades in the past would come so easily now.

Though I wanted a glass of wine, I had to resist. This young body probably couldn’t even produce alcohol-metabolizing enzymes yet. Moreover, with so many watching eyes, I raised my hand to wipe my face.

It feels rough.

Calluses had formed and my fingertips had become blunt. It was a welcome change for me. It felt good that the days at the Chapel had left their mark. By the way.

‘I can’t believe they really took it back.’

I had some hope. But they retrieved the Strad like ghosts as soon as the competition ended. In a way, it was natural. It wasn’t just worth a penny or two. It wasn’t something money could buy. Even Son Il-sun, who was good at handling people, feared that person. How could I persuade that snake-like old man? It would undoubtedly be quite a challenging process.

“Oppa.”

Just then, Son Yu-ha called me with a deflated voice. Her face looked like she might cry at any moment. The angry snorting from earlier had completely disappeared.

“Do you… like that unni?”

I barely managed to hold back my laughter. She was furrowing her brow, looking deeply troubled. Anyone watching might think we were filming a teen movie.

“Yu-ha, in foreign countries, people kiss instead of greeting. And oppa and that unni are just friends. Friends.”

At the word ‘friends’, color began returning to Yu-ha’s face. Though it was a child’s emotion, I didn’t expect it to be resolved so easily. I wondered when she would develop the charisma and drive to rule Jeil Industries in the future.

“Oh right, isn’t it your birthday soon, oppa? Is there anything you want?”

She even remembered a birthday I don’t celebrate myself. As soon as I nodded briefly, Yu-ha immediately stood up. And with her short legs, she walked straight to the front seat where Chairman Wang was sitting.

“Grandfather!”

Chairman Wang greeted Yu-ha with a smile. He must have been pleased to see his granddaughter regain her spirits after looking upset when boarding the plane. But his eyes widened at her next words.

“Can’t you give that violin to Hyun oppa?”

As expected of that smart one! Her drive is truly impressive.

* * *

Floating flower petals in the teacup when serving Maestro Gustav had become a natural custom. As the warm black tea’s aroma filled the mouth, dispelling the lingering autumn breeze.

“Maestro, are you feeling alright?”

Eden Simeon, lifetime conductor of the Belgian Symphony Orchestra, carefully observed Gustav. Though Eden himself enjoyed considerable fame as a master, he was like a firefly before the sun compared to Gustav. Gustav was a living legend and the teacher who first taught Eden conducting.

“I never thought you would actually come. If you had given me a hint, I would have gone to greet you.”

His teacher had been battling illness due to his increasingly frail body. He never imagined he would fly to Brussels just because of a single remark about seeing a child who resembled him.

“Eden, it was truly an amazing adagio. Wasn’t it?”

“Yes, Maestro.”

He was referring to Kang Hyun’s unaccompanied sonata. It was a Bach piece with a melody contrasting Bruch’s work. From the intense and sorrowful adagio to the captivating soft-toned siciliano and the fast-paced presto, he reinterpreted Bach’s piece through his own musical world. It was undoubtedly a bold and daring idea.

“That child solved the riddle?”

A smile spread across Gustav’s lips as he heard Eden’s story. He was the very one who created the Chapel’s riddle in the first place. He never imagined a child resembling Jascha would solve it. If that friend were alive, he would have said why make such a fuss over just that.

“I’m looking forward to the future. Imagine that child becoming proficient in other instruments besides violin, as well as arranging and composing. Since music is all interconnected, it’s not an impossible idea.”

Eden swallowed hard. Just hearing this made his heart race. Hadn’t he observed the child’s talent up close more than anyone? Moreover,

“I’m even looking forward to seeing that child conduct an orchestra. I wish he would grow up quickly.”

A child with innate talent for conducting. It was as if he could hear the sounds of all things. An inexplicable ability. He had been surprised more than once when caught off guard. Didn’t he instinctively make the vast melody his own, as if a tidal wave enveloped his body?

“I want to play violin again after so long, Eden.”

The Maestro hadn’t properly played violin for over a decade due to shoulder pain. But now his eyes were sharp, contrasting with his wrinkled face. It was as if that child had made his heart so hot that his fingertips felt like they’d returned to decades ago.

“Ah, that child must have seen it.”

“Seen what, Maestro?”

Gustav silently smiled, remembering the dawn at the Chapel.

*

Sizzle sizzle―!

It was a feast fit for kings from early morning. The sinseollo showed such a magnificent appearance it could rival a royal meal. The housekeeper had prepared everything personally. She treated me like a returning hero, making me feel awkward. Mother and the housekeeper had become like best friends, busy preparing food together. But even festive occasions have uninvited guests.

“Since my cooking is better, I’ll handle the japchae.”

My aunt and uncles’ families were also present. My aunt, who looked like she’d never touched water with her fingers in her life, rolled up her sleeves to help. I guess I’ll have to skip the japchae.

“Well, let’s all eat.”

Everyone started eating when Grandfather picked up his spoon. With my parents here too, it was like the first time the whole family had gathered. Grandfather seemed to feel particularly emotional.

“Hyun, I heard you won grand prize at the competition, congratulations.”

My eldest uncle offered formal congratulations and…

“Our Jin-seok is entering a math competition too, Father. Would you believe it, the principal personally encouraged him because the school has such high expectations.”

My aunt was still busy bragging about her child. My younger uncle ate silently, but flinched whenever Grandfather lifted his spoon – seemingly traumatized from having his forehead split before.

“Hyun, how much prize money did you get for winning grand prize?”

Prize money?

There was some, and I think it was quite substantial, plus they offered to lend a master-crafted violin for several years free of charge. But everything else was forgotten in the face of the huge title of military service exemption.

“Ah, music competitions don’t have that? I thought it was a huge competition since you went overseas.”

My aunt picked up her chopsticks while subtly sneering. It was an era when classical competitions were barely recognized. Even in the past, Korean musicians’ international competition achievements sometimes didn’t even make the news. Though awareness gradually grew starting with Baek Jung-hoon’s second place at the Chopin Competition, many still saw classical music as just an expensive hobby.

Ding dong.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“Ah, the newspaper’s here.”

As the housekeeper was hurrying to get it…

“I’ll get it, ma’am.”

Yu Jin-seok immediately stood up, apparently having received strict instructions. My aunt seemed quite pleased watching him. How much time had passed?

“Gra-Grandfather!”

Yu Jin-seok came running with the morning paper, startled. Grandfather received the newspaper and smiled silently. Then my aunt and uncles’ eyes widened.

My face was prominently displayed on the front page of the newspaper.