For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 68

Chapter 68

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“Your first impression of composer Hyun?”

A pair of sunglasses was placed on the table of the outdoor café.

“I first met him here two years ago. He welcomed me with a café au lait and warm milk. He was young, with a boyish face, but his eyes were unforgettable. It was like he could see right through people, like the eyes of an elderly person who has seen it all.”

Producer Paul reminisced about two years ago. Although he had met countless composers in the music industry, no memory was as vivid as that day. It was unforgettable, perhaps even eternal.

“Composers and lyricists often don’t get along, like oil and water. But who could have written lyrics to Hyun’s melodies? We knew his songs were already complete. It was as if he had seen through everything about Iris at a glance. Matthew, the leader of Iris, even said that Mozart’s soul lives within Hyun!”

Two years ago, composer Hyun had instantly identified the chronic issues of the band Iris. Moreover, the color of the songs he composed perfectly matched Iris’s style, as if he had been listening to their music for years. That day, Producer Paul offered Hyun a producing role, but the response was brief and firm.

“He firmly said that his role ended there. It was disappointing. I really didn’t want to lose him. That day, we were all captivated by him. There were even discussions about using his songs as the title tracks. But in the end, we postponed it to preserve the band’s identity.”

Iris’s first album was considered a masterpiece. Among the tracks, fans always ranked the songs composed by Hyun as the best.

“Buddha said that all flows converge into one. I didn’t believe it. But seeing Hyun, I understood. He was called a genius for his violin skills, shaking up the classical music world. But his musical talent wasn’t limited to classical music. It was so vast that it was hard to grasp.”

The countless notes written on the staff were proof of that. Hyun’s image was still vivid in Paul’s mind. The small-backed boy looked like a great maestro.

“Iris is still waiting for composer Hyun. So are many record labels. He said his songs weren’t enough and hasn’t shown himself to the world since. It’s ironic. I’ve never seen such a brilliant composer in my life. Two years have passed. I wonder.”

Producer Paul picked up his sunglasses again.

“How has he changed?”

*

Flick—!

A long pen spun on his finger. Whenever he needed to gather his thoughts, he would sit on the sofa in his studio and spin the pen. It was a habit from his past life. When he was first appointed as a prosecutor, he had to endure grueling overtime. At one point, he even thought he had married the sofa in the prosecutor’s office.

“Phew.”

He put the pen down and rubbed his face with both hands. Was he struggling to find inspiration? No, the problem was that too many ideas were flooding in. He wanted to compose everything from classical to pop, even jazz. It was a relief that traditional Korean music hadn’t influenced him yet. He had so many ideas, but his short and frail body was always the problem.

Knock knock.

At that moment, Director Im Hye-ra entered.

“Hyun, have you been in the studio all night?”

“Yes, ideas keep pouring in.”

Since joining the gallery, he often spent nights in the studio on weekends. At first, his parents were worried, but they relaxed after seeing the studio’s facilities. Moreover, it was under the Jeil Foundation. It was as comfortable as a hotel room.

“Even so, take it easy. I’m worried about you.”

Director Im’s voice was filled with concern, especially as she looked at the messy stack of scores in the corner of the studio. It was as if she understood why geniuses often die young.

“Let’s wash up and eat first. If I send you home without eating, how will I face Chairman Yu?”

In his past life, she was his direct superior, but in this life, she felt like a guardian. After a quick wash, he enjoyed brunch with Director Im. As usual, it was French galette. He didn’t believe in past lives, but seeing Director Im’s consistent taste made him reconsider. As the savory egg yolk filled his mouth.

“By the way, Hyun. There have been many calls since this morning.”

Which country would it be this time? America, France, England, countless countries came to mind.

“But this time, it’s a collaboration offer.”

“A collaboration?”

“You know pianist Baek Jeong-hoon, right?”

Of course, the iron-blooded maestro.

“He’s back from studying abroad and wants to collaborate with you for his return concert. Of course, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to. But he really wants to meet you. He’s been so persistent that Mi-hyeon is feeling the pressure.”

Baek Jeong-hoon was considered the next maestro in the piano world. Two years ago, he left for study after a collaboration with Queen Hirose, leaving many disappointed. The only time I had met him was at a wedding in Japan. Back then, he was far from the iron-blooded maestro he is now. How much has he changed? The savory taste of the egg yolk made the offer even more enticing.

* * *

“Son, try this on.”

How many hours had it been? I was overwhelmed trying on the clothes my mother had picked out. Since it was a gathering of chaebol families, my mother was visibly tense. She was worried that her husband and son might lose face. She might even suggest wearing a tuxedo for a competition. But since it was my mother, I tried on everything without complaint. At least I didn’t have to part my hair 2:8.

[TL Note- 2:8 here is the ratio for the hair partition.]

When my father and I, dressed to the nines, entered the living room, a familiar uninvited guest was sitting there. I had wondered where he was. But since he was an elder, I had to greet him.

“Hello, Uncle.”

“Brother, you’re here.”

My uncle barely acknowledged our greetings and turned his head away. He looked as angry as a teenage boy. He had always attended these gatherings, but this time his name was left out, so he wasn’t happy. Then, my grandfather appeared from the study.

“Father, why did you exclude me? Why are you taking him instead of me?”

My uncle raised his voice, but when my grandfather looked at him, he immediately backed down.

“Beom-jin, tell me what you’ve done for Dongju in the past two years.”

My uncle’s lips twitched, but he couldn’t say anything. I was on edge, wondering if my grandfather would throw something like he did when he hit my other uncle’s forehead. We couldn’t have bloodshed before dinner, right?

“If you had done something worthwhile for Dongju in the past two years, I would have taken you. But you’ve achieved nothing. Who attends these gatherings is not my decision, but yours. It won’t be different next time. Work hard.”

My grandfather stared at my uncle. It was a suffocating scene. His eyes, having seen countless battles, could kill with a glance. I learned that from my grandfather and Chairman Wang.

“Let’s go, Mr. Kang.”

As my grandfather walked out, my uncle remained frozen in place. I hoped he learned something from this. You can’t repeat a life full of regrets twice.

How long had we been driving?

“We’re here, Chairman.”

At Mr. Kim’s words, I looked out the window. It was the same grand banquet held at the Shilla Hotel two years ago. My father’s face showed a tension I hadn’t seen before, as if he realized the significance of this event. I silently held his hand. His expression softened. You can do it, Dad!

“Chairman Yu, welcome.”

As we entered the banquet hall, Chairman Wang and President Son Il-seon greeted us. I glanced around but didn’t see her. At that moment, Chairman Wang’s eyes met mine.

“Son, are you looking for Yu-ha?”

He wasn’t wrong, so I had no reply. It had been two years since I last saw her, so it was natural to be curious. Before I could answer.

“Yu-ha said she can only stay in Korea for two days, so she’s with her mother today. She didn’t seem too thrilled even though you were coming to the banquet. I was quite surprised. Remember what I said before? You have to treat her well while she’s here. Nowadays, kind men like Choi Soo-jong are popular, right?” As if he had been watching weekend dramas, Chairman Wang seemed to enjoy teasing me. The members of the chaebol third generation were almost the same as two years ago. The storm hadn’t hit yet, so it was possible. My father seemed surprised by the appearance of chaebol figures he had only seen on TV, but he didn’t show it. He must have built up some immunity from meeting Chairman Wang and President Son frequently over the past two years. I felt more at ease and continued walking.

A banquet within a banquet.

Led by the manager, we arrived at a place where the famous chaebol third generations had already formed factions, sitting together. The once childish kids now had their shoulders and necks stiff with pride. Cold glances were also directed at me.

Although I was somewhat famous, some looked at me with displeasure. Just as I thought they weren’t noble, one of them approached me.

“Your name is Kang Hyun, right?”

You?

He had acne all over his face. He looked younger than me but spoke informally. I couldn’t ask for his ID here. I needed to grow up quickly to avoid this humiliation.

“I’m Kim Do-min from Daehan Steel. I heard you’re good at playing the violin. My mom talked about you. If you have time, why don’t you play the violin here? There are many people watching.”

Somehow, the kids who couldn’t approach me because of Son Yu-ha were now showing their true colors. They weren’t as innocent as they seemed. The chaebol kids were cunning, not just smart. I had seen this in my past life. Kids who grew up without knowing fear. Especially from Daehan Steel.

‘Man, that’s the first strike.’

They had no idea what was coming, which was why they could act so arrogantly. The others were watching this scene as if it were entertainment. I wanted to punch the guy in front of me, but what could I do? I was about to laugh out of disbelief.

Thud—!

A dull sound followed as Kim Do-min’s face slammed forward. His red acne looked like it was about to burst, and his face turned pale as he looked at his opponent.

“Who do you think you’re talking to—!”

The first thing I saw was a blue hairpin I had seen before. Her long limbs and white dress complemented her fair skin. Her cat-like eyes and long hair showed how much she had matured.

The Ice Princess on a White Horse had arrived.