The Genius Composer Starts Again - Chapter 102

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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-Yes, thank you for that wonderful performance. Now we’ll proceed with the judges’ Q&A session.

As the announcer’s comment was heard, the cheers gradually died down. My ears felt stuffy, so I absentmindedly touched them with my fingertips.

It felt like the lingering echo of applause that had filled the hall was still there.

As the lights came on at the judges’ table, the man sitting in the center grabbed the microphone first.

“Yes, first of all… I felt that our Korea University students truly have brilliant talent, and with so many talented individuals like this, our country’s future is very bright. Personally, this was the most impressive piece I heard today.”

The commentary continued in a calm voice.

“For ‘unforgettable scenes,’ most people tend to choose beautiful or touching scenes. It’s much easier to make people laugh in a short time. Rather than making them cry. So basically, with this kind of free choice piece, everyone knows that bright, upbeat songs have the advantage.”

After taking a breath, he spoke again.

“This song was the complete opposite. A scene you want to forget but can’t. The moment the sound disappeared, I felt like even my heart sank.”

The man nodded with a faint smile.

“In a good way, it was hard to believe a student wrote this piece.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s one thing I’d like to ask – do you have any hearing problems?”

At least until 5 minutes ago, that was the case. But since it wasn’t now, I gave an appropriate answer.

“I’m fine now. I once had a temporary hearing loss experience when I was unwell in the past, and I composed this piece thinking about that time.”

“I see. That must have been quite a shock. That’s all from me. I heard a wonderful piece.”

“Thank you.”

Then another judge took the microphone.

“I have a similar opinion. I was amazed throughout listening, and even felt a fresh shock. The structure is excellent too. The extreme contrast after the climax, and the modest handling of the melody in the ending. I think it was an excellent way to support the narrative.”

An analytical gaze poured down on me.

“But I’m curious about something.”

The judge asked while flipping through the sheet music.

“Was this prepared in advance? Or was it an improvised performance?”

Here it comes.

I had expected it, but the atmosphere in the hall changed slightly.

“The sheet music submitted in advance is completely different from the piece performed today. I remember seeing the student’s demo, and the music I heard there was completely different from what was performed today.”

A confused atmosphere spread through the audience, who had been completely unaware of this fact.

“What happened?”

At that question, I picked up the microphone again.

“It was an improvised performance.”

I couldn’t lie about it.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

The judge lowered his sunglasses and looked at me again.

“Why did you make that choice? The original song you wrote was excellent from what I could see.”

“The previous performer’s piece was so good that I was deeply moved. Inspiration struck, and I felt I would regret it if I just let it slip away.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Mun Ah-rin’s, no, Park Hee-jae’s piece had that kind of impact.

Sometimes, after seeing something brilliant, the pain you’ve experienced can feel completely different.

“Even knowing that would be grounds for disqualification?”

Gasp.

A small exclamation leaked from the audience.

I silently nodded.

“Yes.”

It was something I had already been informed about during the stage rehearsal. There was no need to make excuses.

A strange smile appeared on the judge’s lips.

“You’re brave.”

I knew it was a foolish thing to do. The judge seemed both sympathetic and appreciative of the young person’s spirit.

“The piece is excellent, but we cannot make exceptions to the rules. This contest is a ‘composition’ competition. If the submitted sheet music and the actual performance are significantly different, we cannot judge it.”

The judge spoke sternly.

“You are disqualified.”

Disqualified.

That word echoed in my ears.

Murmurs of protest erupted from the audience saying it was ridiculous, but that wouldn’t change anything.

I bowed politely.

“Yes. Thank you.”

I was grateful that they listened to the end without stopping the performance midway.

“However.”

The judge spoke again.

“I definitely saw your skill. This contest is unavoidable due to regulations, but judging the music alone, my score would be perfect.”

Clap clap clap clap clap!

The applause grew loud once again. As the sound died down, another judge sitting nearby took the microphone.

“May I ask just one more question?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have plans for professional activities? Participating in this contest seems to suggest you’re also considering contracts with entertainment companies. Is that correct?”

After hesitating for a moment, I nodded.

“Yes. I want to focus on my studies for now, but I’m thinking of turning professional after graduation.”

“Good.”

He said with a smile.

“I’d like to work together if the opportunity arises. I’d like to contact you through your professor later. Would that be okay?”

“Yes. Thank you for the positive evaluation.”

“I enjoyed listening to your good music today.”

The microphone was lowered, and the lights on the judges’ table went out. The announcer hurriedly threw out closing remarks.

-Yes. Although it’s regrettable due to regulations, this was a performance that received rave reviews from the judges. Please give another big round of applause!

Clap clap clap clap!

When I bowed, the cheering grew louder.

Although the result was disqualification, who the real first place of this contest was would surely be etched clearly in people’s minds.

***

Step, step.

When I returned backstage, the pouring gazes were piercing. Everyone sent admiring looks without readily approaching.

Among those people, Mun Ah-rin was standing.

Gripping the hem of her dress tightly with both hands.

She was trying to smile, but her lips were stiffly set, and veins bulged on the back of her hands.

I approached Mun Ah-rin with a gentle smile.

“Congratulations, Ah-rin.”

“….”

“I got disqualified. Can’t help it since it’s the rules.”

I shrugged my shoulders lightly.

“I was too nervous earlier to say it properly, but I listened to your performance well. It was really wonderful.”

I whispered softly in a lowered voice.

“I think you’ll win. The judges praised you highly too.”

And I smiled brightly as if I knew nothing.

Mun Ah-rin’s fingertips were trembling. I could see the sheet music getting crumpled and losing its original form.

“You….”

Mun Ah-rin couldn’t continue and closed her mouth.

You don’t know what to say, do you?

It had become completely different from the picture she had drawn. She must be very upset.

She probably wanted to elegantly defeat me and seize first place. She must have planned to enjoy glorious triumph amid everyone’s praise.

But this way, it seems like Mun Ah-rin won first place by reaping the benefits while I was disqualified.

‘That’s true though.’

That fact must be unbearably humiliating for her.

The area under Mun Ah-rin’s eyes trembled. She barely managed to curl up the corners of her mouth, but it looked awkward beyond measure.

“You too. Today, you did well.”

Her tone was awkward as she forced herself to open her mouth that seemed reluctant to move.

“Too bad it turned out this way. Since that’s the regulation, there’s nothing we can do.”

“Exactly. You should humble those other departments a bit. It’s a composition contest, so our department should take first place after all.”

After replying nonchalantly, I patted Mun Ah-rin’s shoulder lightly.

“In my place. I’m counting on you.”

Then I walked forward without looking back. Since I’d be excluded from the awards anyway, there was no reason to stay any longer.

After walking back a few steps.

I entered the waiting room where my change of clothes was prepared.

Click.

As soon as the door closed, I could hear suppressed laughter leaking out.

“Ha, hahaha… Hahahaha.”

It was Mun Ah-rin’s voice.

“Hahahahahahaha!”

As if she had lost her mind, Mun Ah-rin burst into loud laughter.

It seemed like she was grinding her teeth while forcing it out.

To me, it sounded like a screaming wail. It was despair over failing once again in her attempt to covet my position.

With that sound behind me, I walked forward.

That scream-like laughter was merely a prelude for me to move on to the next movement.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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