For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 67

Chapter 67

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“Young one, your skills have improved?”

The sound of placing a Go stone was crisp.

“This time, grandfather won’t lose easily.”

Black and white were capturing each other’s groups as the endgame approached. Only the right side remained, and Chairman Wang’s eyes sharply scanned the board. This old snake seemed to grow more competitive with age. It had been two years of coming to play Go every weekend at the empty Pyeongchang-dong mansion. The old snake and I had become friends who could share everything comfortably. Of course, thinking of my past life, this would have seemed impossible.

“Ahem, it seems Yu-ha has no intention of coming home this time. That stubborn child, what’s so urgent that she left last year without even seeing your face, Hyun?”

“Seems studying abroad suits her better than expected.”

Isn’t it said that a woman’s heart is like a reed? The child who tearfully promised to return at the airport hadn’t shown her face for two years. I felt somewhat disappointed but figured she must have her reasons. That’s why I hadn’t contacted her first.

“Should have treated her better when you had the chance.”

Chairman Wang curved his white eyebrows teasingly at me. Well, he wasn’t wrong. I wondered how that ice crybaby who used to run toward me shouting “Oppa!” had changed. Of course, I still remembered the adult Ice Queen’s appearance.

“By the way, when are you going to take that violin?”

He meant the Stradivarius ‘Fantasy.’ The one Chairman Wang promised to give me if I got Dongju into the top seven chemical industries. Unlike Chairman Wang’s prediction at that dinner that five years was too short, Dongju succeeded in developing Griffin the following spring and proudly entered seventh place. But I still hadn’t claimed Fantasy.

“It’s more convenient to keep it in Pyeongchang-dong.”

“You rascal, do you think this is some bank vault?”

“That’s why I come every week to pay the vault usage fee.”

In a way, I left Fantasy there to talk with Chairman Wang weekly. The old snake seemed to enjoy my visits too. Otherwise, he wouldn’t give me such unique homework every time.

“How do you think Daehan Steel will do?”

Chairman Wang raised his head as he placed a Go stone with a click.

“Steel plays a foundational role in all industries. It’s the final stage of materials industry. However, I think the market will show periodic depression for the next five years.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Supply exceeds demand. Korea and Japan are exporting steel so cheaply it could be called selling at a loss. Will Europe and America just watch this dumping? It’s ultimately a cost battle, like tearing at each other’s skin. This irrational structure of accumulating bad inventory will continue until things ease up in about five years.”

“Why five years?”

Chairman Wang nodded for me to continue.

“China.”

I answered without hesitation.

Though just two syllables, Chairman Wang immediately understood. Soon China would actively allow foreign capital investment and open its markets, and then it would be just a matter of time before China took the top spot in global trade. Moreover, rapid industrialization demands massive steel consumption.

Chairman Wang smiled contentedly at the conversation flowing like meshing gears. We’d been having such conversations every weekend for two years now.

‘But Daehan Steel will fade away unable to survive next year.’

I forced a smile while swallowing those words.

“When playing Go, you’re expressionless like Lee Chang-ho the Stone Buddha, but sometimes you’re like an economics professor. You’d be better than most executives in the strategic planning office. How about it? I’ll pay you well to work at grandfather’s company?”

“Grandfather, I’m only sixteen.”

“Would age matter? Looking at your mind, you could handle working with your uncles.”

Just then, Chairman Wang smiled brightly looking at the board. After endless fierce battles, black seemed to be gaining the advantage.

“Looks like grandfather’s won this time.”

Though on the surface black seemed to have complete territory, that wasn’t the case. Rather than entering enemy territory, it was caught in a web. Besides, this was supposed to be a Go lesson – how could I play courtesy Go?

“No, grandfather.”

At that moment, my fingers holding the white stone moved decisively toward the board.

Click―!

*

Buzz buzz buzz―!

Clear cicada sounds resonated through the green shade. It clearly showed summer was approaching. My once short limbs had grown somewhat longer with time. But even so, I was still like a sparrow. People even doubted my age despite wearing a school uniform. It was frustrating knowing I still had a year left before my explosive growth spurt.

“We’re here, Student Kang Hyun.”

I arrived at the gallery with Driver Kim’s help. It’s where I always visit after school. The reason was simple: Director Im Hye-ra had created a studio for me that surpassed most recording studios. Strictly speaking, I had become an artist under Im Hye-ra Gallery. The contract had no poisonous clauses. Moreover, it was under the Jeil Foundation. In a way, it was the agency with the strongest potential in Korea.

“Oh, Hyun’s here.”

“Hello, Sister Mi-hyun.”

It was the female employee who had received help from me before. Her youthful appearance had faded, showing signs of becoming a career woman. Perhaps because of first impressions, she really liked me.

“The Director has been waiting for you, there have been calls from overseas since morning.”

Wonder where the calls came from this time – scratching my head, I entered the office where Director Im Hye-ra stood up to greet me. Would others know the many meanings contained in that bright smile? Come to think of it, despite my resolution, I’m working under Director Im Hye-ra in this life too.

“Hyun, there’s been another call from America. You know why? Auntie is curious what you’ll do.”

“I’m sorry again this time too.”

Im Hye-ra nodded as if she had expected this. Two years ago, songs I composed were included in rookie band ‘Iris’s album. The result was no different from my past life. Iris rose to stardom instantly. Then when the title track and other songs I composed became hugely popular, and ‘La Vie en Rose’ was released with my performed theme song ‘Rendezvous’ and composed ‘Beautiful Life’ following suit, my composed melodies played everywhere on the streets.

That’s when it started. Band circles and record labels searching for composer HYUN.

“By the way, is Yu-ha doing well?”

“Hyun, seems you’re curious about Yu-ha. If you’re that curious, why not take a plane during summer vacation? Yu-ha would be so happy. Hmm, could it be your taste has changed now that you’re older? Is that why she left without seeing your face when she came to Korea?”

Director Im Hye-ra curved her eyes similarly to Chairman Wang. These people clearly enjoy teasing me. As I shook my head, she stabbed me in the back saying ‘Yu-ha might be taller than you now, Hyun.’ Somehow, my heart aches thinking that might be true.

I walked to the studio prepared in the gallery annex. It was well soundproofed and had the latest equipment. I remember sweating to learn the manuals. But after mastering the synthesizer and other equipment, I used them less frequently. As before, analog was best for my taste.

The studio was full of notes written on staff paper. But I still had no intention of showing my music to the world. Because I felt I wasn’t good enough. Before, I could be bold as an ignorant novice, but not now. In a way, being signed to Im Hye-ra Gallery was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Director Im Hye-ra not only accommodated all my needs but was also one of the people who best understood my nature. I smiled as I held the score in my hand.

* * *

“Hyun, are you ready?”

Grandfather always took me golfing. The members never changed: Chairman Wang, Grandfather, President Son Il-seon, and me. Recently Father too. Father was intimidated by Grandfather and especially Chairman Wang and President Son Il-seon, but after a year even that became familiar. They say people become close at golf courses, don’t they? Naturally, spending half days together led to this result.

“Kang seems to be improving at golf.”

Chairman Wang licked his dry lips watching the ball’s trajectory. Somehow Father, who learned golf late, played better than President Son Il-seon. Finishing 18 holes in 80 strokes after just a year of learning was remarkable progress. No wonder Grandfather half-seriously suggested Father take the semi-pro test before it was too late.

“President Son, Tianjin should be in final stages, how are the company’s finances?”

“Chairman, liquidity is being maintained through Jeil Foundation and Life, so you needn’t worry for a while.”

“Yes, keep oiling it so it doesn’t run dry.”

Even in private, Chairman Wang occasionally called Son Il-seon “President Son” rather than son, and each time Son Il-seon’s face showed clear tension. Chairman Wang clearly knew about the approaching storm. Anyone could understand with a little thought. The country’s main export business was continuously recording current account deficits.

“Kang, how’s Griffin development?”

“We’re continuing development for commercialization, but it’s still not an easy stage.”

“Yes, keep going without worry. We’ve already buttoned the biggest button.”

It was more like a management lesson than golf. Moreover, Wang CC, created by Chairman Wang himself, required walking rather than golf carts for landscaping, so it really felt like walking into Korean economic history. Regarding the approaching crisis, some called it American wool-shearing, others blamed dinosaur companies like Jeil Group. Some said it was due to irrational market structure.

“How does Hyun see the current situation of East Asian countries?”

Chairman Wang suddenly turned to ask me casually. Grandfather, President Son Il-seon, and Father’s gazes all turned to me. I’d been wondering when this time would come. Chairman Wang always threw questions at me like tests.

“They seem unable to adapt to the times.”

A simple answer, but Chairman Wang nodded satisfactorily. So did Son Il-seon. Despite the three-low boom being unsustainable, Korea and other East Asian countries’ policies showed no sign of change. It was only a matter of time before they faced structural adjustment from institutions where major powers held substantial stakes. Capitalism was more a market system moved by money than values and justice. Somehow it doesn’t taste so sweet. As I shook my head and moved on,

“Oh right, Kang, you come to this banquet too.”

Grandfather brought up the subject to Father. He meant the chaebol third-generation gathering that had been quiet since the meeting two years ago. There was great significance in Grandfather taking Father instead of eldest uncle to the newly reopened banquet. But Father didn’t seem to understand that significance. Just say yes, Father!

“Yes, father-in-law.”

Nice! Just as I showed a faint smile, I felt a sharp gaze.

“You’ll come too, Hyun?”

Chairman Wang was asking me. Before I could answer,

“Yu-ha might come this time.”

“Yu-ha?”

“Why, curious? If you’re curious, you’re buying the dakgalbi after today’s round.”

“Hey, Son, are you trying to take pocket money because there’s nothing else to take?”

Then Chairman Wang narrowed his eyes looking at me.

“Old man, do you know how much Hyun’s yearly copyright fees are?”

This old snake!

“Let’s not do that, let’s make a bet instead. Like before. If Hyun can’t make a hole-in-one at that visible hole cup, I’ll buy, if he makes it, you buy.”

I got caught up in the two grandfathers’ heated betting. They even put a junior driver in my hand. Whatever. I stared at the ball the caddie placed and swung hard,

Pat―!

Seems my skills from my past life hadn’t rusted. No wonder I’d play well with Father’s golf skills inherited. Watching the ball’s trajectory, something seemed to flash across Chairman Wang’s face. That time when his granddaughter almost made a hole-in-one.