For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Read it only at Utoon.net!
Discord         

Sizzle sizzle―!

“Student Kang Hyun, you’re already up?”

The housekeeper greeted me as I walked out of the bathroom with a towel around my neck. She seemed to have come to wake me up, but left downstairs after commenting on how diligent I was. Truth is, I couldn’t sleep properly last night due to excitement. How could I sleep while playing Michel Piccoli’s Rendezvous? Despite being tired,

my eyes were more alert than ever. As if I had a good night’s sleep.

“Kang Hyun, today is the first Griffin development day, right?”

“Yes, father-in-law.”

“Don’t be too discouraged if you fail. Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know. Even if you succeed in the first development, there are many steps to climb including field tests and DIY tests, so maintaining an unwavering attitude is most important.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, father-in-law.”

So that’s why father’s expression was heavy since morning. Don’t worry, father. Griffin is like a savior that will save Dongju. Grandfather is worried about commercialization, but won’t the whole world come running as soon as development is complete? Of course, in my past life, its true value wasn’t recognized and it was absorbed by foreign capital.

“By the way, Hyun-ah, when are you going to France?”

“It’s scheduled for next Sunday.”

Finally, I’m leaving for France next week.

Grandfather always said my opinion was most important and readily gave permission for me to go.

“You know, Writer Im was full of praise about how brilliant your business sense is.”

“The Chairman, I mean Writer Im?”

“Yes, Writer Im who’s known to be as strict as in-laws. He couldn’t stop talking about you. I wonder if I’m going to lose my grandson to Cheil Group at this rate. You’ve already charmed three people in Pyeongchang-dong, haven’t you? Hehe.”

Grandfather showed a mysterious smile. For a moment, the images of Chairman Wang, Im Hyera, and Son Yu-ha flashed through my mind. Somehow, I feel large drops of sweat forming on my back.

*

The gazes seem to increase every time I go to school. Fortunately, they don’t approach me first to act familiar. I suppose it’s because they’re children of renowned companies and have been educated from an early age. Speaking of which, you can’t find even a speck of dust in this school. Looking at the facilities and grass field, you’d believe it was a university rather than a middle school.

“Are you really going to perform at the festival?”

Her short bob hair swayed roughly. The class president looked at me with excited eyes before catching her breath. Apparently, she wasn’t sure if I would actually accept the proposal to perform at the festival. Though she tried to hide her expression, her flushed cheeks were evidence enough.

“But when exactly is the festival?”

“It usually happens around this time, but it’s been delayed due to construction.”

“Construction? They pushed it back when the weather will get cold soon?”

At my words, the class president tilted her head in confusion.

“Hyun-ah, the festival is held in the main auditorium anyway.”

Ah, right, there was an auditorium. I thought it would be held on the field. As expected of Cheil Foundation. But what should I do? By the time I return from France, the festival might already be over. However, the class president firmly shook her head, as if it wouldn’t be a problem at all.

“I’ll go tell the teacher first! That you agreed to perform at the festival!”

She ran off to the faculty office before I could stop her. I wonder if it’s just my imagination that her retreating figure reminds me of Son Yu-ha.

When music class began, all students headed to the music room. The music room I was visiting for the first time was also far from ordinary middle school standards. It would be a big mistake to think it’s just about playing recorders or danso flutes. The soundproofing and practice instruments were all top-notch. I couldn’t help but be amazed at facilities that rivaled those of any music college.

“So you’re the famous Kang Hyun. I’ve really wanted to meet you. I’m Kim Ha-yeon, the music teacher.”

Somehow this was my first visit to the music room since transferring. The music teacher looked at me with an impressed expression, and the reason became clear with her next words.

“Hyun-ah, I was there in person when you performed with the London Symphony Orchestra. It was amazing!”

The petite music teacher spoke to me in a small voice. The way she carefully gave me a thumbs up somehow seemed cute. Looking at the curriculum, it was time to learn violin basics. However, the music teacher’s gaze kept turning toward me as she held the bow. The other students were the same. In an ordinary middle school, they’d be lucky to have even one violin, but here everyone was holding practice violins. Their gazes felt piercing as they occasionally stole glances at me while positioning themselves. Finally, the music teacher took a deep breath and looked at me.

“Hyun-ah, could you play one piece for your friends and teacher? Everyone seems curious about how you play the violin.”

“Me?”

“Yes, but don’t feel pressured if you don’t want to.”

“It’s not that. I just feel bad for taking up your class time.”

The music teacher firmly shook her head as if she’d been waiting for this. The other students immediately stopped their practice posture drills. I walked forward and looked at the students. As I naturally took my position, I could hear gulping sounds from here and there. Not just the female students but even Teacher Kim Ha-yeon already had moved eyes. Though it was a practice violin, I could feel it was well-maintained as soon as I took position. Actually, it was a shame that such a good instrument hadn’t had a proper performance yet. I wanted to ask the gleaming strings:

What would you like me to play?

Just as my bow-holding hand slowly raised,

Zing―!

The strings spoke.

* * *

The chilly morning air made me realize why they say autumn winds can be as harsh as winter. Still, it was fortunate that I could take off my school uniform for a while. Coming to Cheil Middle School was definitely a brilliant choice. The view of Gimpo Airport remained the same. Although overseas travel was gradually increasing, it was mostly limited to nearby Southeast Asian countries. Even then, most were package tours following guides.

“Oppa, make sure to eat this on your way!”

Son Yu-ha handed me chocolate with her small hands. Her rabbit-like eyes were brimming with tears, but she was clearly trying to hold back by pressing her lips tightly. Finding it quite adorable, I unconsciously patted her head, and Yu-ha suddenly hugged me. Grandfather and Chairman Wang watched the scene with warm smiles. Well, my chest felt damp – seems Yu-ha had started crying.

“Oppa, you have to come back soon.”

The Ice Crybaby is definitely cute.

“Then I’ll be going now, Grandfather. Father. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Mother. Yu-ha, oppa will be back soon!”

According to French child labor protection laws, unlike before, Mother’s accompaniment was necessary. Since direct flights weren’t available in this era, we had to transit through Moscow, and of course, there were no Korean-speaking flight attendants. I wondered when international aviation laws would be established requiring flight attendants who could speak both the languages of departure and arrival countries. That’s when a Russian flight attendant gave me an odd look.

“Sir, perhaps Queen Elisabeth?”

When I nodded briefly, the flight attendant’s eyes who was serving meals widened. Some flight attendants remembered me. I suppose they remembered because it wasn’t common to see a child traveling alone to Brussels. Moreover, when they found out I could speak Russian too, they became even more excited.

“Oh, son. Do they always treat passengers this well on planes?”

It was a Russian airline after all, and there was certainly some roughness compared to domestic flights. But now they were treating us like VIPs. Both Mother and I were quite surprised. The impact of Queen Elisabeth was truly remarkable. But then I realized when I saw the pamphlet placed on the seat.

“Anna?”

There was Anna holding a violin as a model in the airline’s promotional pamphlet. Those shy eyes and light platinum blonde hair were unmistakably Anna’s. Curious about what this meant, I asked the senior flight attendant.

“She is Russian Airlines’ young lady, sir. Is there anything else you need?”

What, this can’t be.

“Son, is something wrong?”

Mother, who couldn’t understand Russian, asked questioningly. I shook my head at her and dismissed the flight attendant, but I was still dumbfounded. Mother still looked puzzled. My expression probably resembled that of a protagonist in a weekend drama who just discovered their secret birth. Only then did I recall Anna’s invitation to visit Moscow.

*

Passing through Moscow at dawn.

We finally arrived in France around sunset. Although we spent over a day on the plane, thanks to Russian Airlines’ hospitality, the journey was relatively comfortable. Far from being tired from the long flight, I felt rather refreshed. What more needs to be said? Mother was still praising how incredibly kind the Russian flight attendants were. Once again, I realized the importance of connections. Spasiba! Russia―!

After completing immigration procedures and walking out of the gate. “Hyun!”

Director Jean-Pierre had come to greet us personally. Jean-Pierre first greeted Mother before welcoming me.

“I didn’t expect the Director to come personally. Aren’t you busy with filming right now?”

“No matter how busy I am, how could I not come to greet Hyun? Actually, the sound director wanted to come too, but I left him at the set. Shall we head to the hotel first? If you and your mother don’t mind, I’d like to treat you to dinner at a nice place. In France, nothing is considered more important than offering the first meal to honored guests.”

Mother said it would be fine, asking how we could ignore the Director’s sincerity. I wasn’t feeling tired either at the moment. Perhaps thanks to the comfortable escort, I didn’t even feel jet-lagged, to put it somewhat exaggeratedly.

“Ah, and there’s someone else besides me who wants to meet Hyun.”

“Me?”

“Hyun is quite popular among artists, more than you might think. Your performance in Brussels left quite an impression. Let’s take my car for now. Since we have precious guests today, I must be the best driver.”

Not understanding what was happening, I looked at Jean-Pierre, but he just wore a mysterious smile.

Then the sound of keys rang out. I unconsciously turned toward the beautiful melody. Everyone in the restaurant had already been captivated by the piano’s tune. It was music I had definitely heard somewhere before. As the piece approached its climax, the woman’s fingers moved faster without pause. When her long hair swayed and revealed her hidden face, I almost jumped from my seat. As if sensing my presence, she looked at me. My heart began to pound heavily.

I have a feeling I’ll be in a great mood today even without drinking wine. Because I’ve had a rendezvous with Michel Piccoli, whom I’ve dreamed of meeting for so long.