SB Ch 31

The tears that wet his pale cheeks were so heavy that each drop made Haeyoon’s shoulders slump. In front of Haeyoon, who was gradually curling up, Chae Beomjoon couldn’t say anything.2ffa53b453556635

He wouldn’t listen to his words, yet he believed in his lack of talent as if it were a creed. This was a tragedy.c6427d741f7f9f6a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Without knowing you were the acting director, I called out your name in front of the members like an idiot.”17a5b7e9378f6509

Once the dam broke, everything Haeyoon had suppressed started pouring out like a waterfall. At the mention of “acting director,” Chae Beomjoon looked at Haeyoon with a stunned expression.65e01a1536e8e2e3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“How, how could you think that? Did you really think no one would know? Did you think nothing would get back to me? Were you treating me or the members like idiots?”5a93ae01ef81b62b

“Haeyoon, I’m sorry. That was… shortsighted of me.”07ad18fa6c99bc82

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

His chest ached. He hadn’t thought that far. Since his interactions with the members were from years ago, he thought no one would recognize him. It was a mistake. It was his fault.b01be1ae506b8102

At Beomjoon’s sincere apology, Haeyoon shook his head as if none of it mattered. Drop by drop, his grief formed into beads, falling down. It felt like it was raining in the middle of winter.c52efee9588b184c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Do you know what I’ve heard because of you? That I was arrogant towards my seniors because I trusted you. That the piano quintet was bought with my body… that it was the brightest moment in my life…”c13abc9795cd8980

“No! That’s really, because of your own…”83ea5bcd7cbd5512

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“But how can I forgive you? The double bass is my everything. It’s irreplaceable…! Yet, Mr. Mister, you, you trampled on me, made me…”2d7e7073b1f17df0

Feel like a gigolo…4625892627cebe08

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The voice that murmured 1f8000d74e weakly dispersed into the 503407af06 air. It felt like ba9e37e433 he was directly 8a3027f62d receiving the disappointment, 7d099b810b despair, and hurt a7e1fce2a6 Haeyoon had experienced. In front of d061ce1635 the darkness of 1d076fefa5 the one he 5ac09a16ad admired, Chae Beomjoon 0ea9ff912c felt powerless.3e7d5329d10ce063

Seo Haeyoon 455dda34f8 saw himself fabf0f49f4 as barren 74f0a75ada land. He believed f59bf3ad74 that as 061780a545 a double 4644033268 bassist, he 016fb3dc9b could never 9679c34a6f bloom any 352b3548fb flowers.6a2ac81457532d58

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Over the past few months, the affection Chae Beomjoon had showered on him had momentarily made Haeyoon forget this fact. With Beomjoon’s full affection and encouragement, Haeyoon had toiled through endless effort to cultivate this barren land, turning the desert-like soil into one that could bloom flowers, yielding beautiful results.b4ebc039f12800e7

But someone had thrown stones on Seo Haeyoon’s land, spread filth, and set it on fire. And then they asked:c5f69b18555ee7a8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Are those flowers really ones you bloomed?”cd76f7ec77b3f67a

Instead of answering that 00170c8981 question, Seo Haeyoon sank 10c8b10a8f into inertial despair. Instead of fb48e29269 believing in d9af273d66 his achievements, 6febd72738 he began 63ac6aed17 to doubt 4f5e1febf2 the flowers. At least for Haeyoon, 4588ce020d his own incompetence was 0568dd0841 expected. The land should 0e996fb61e rightfully be barren.8855a80931fb2ed8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

From the start, f8763ca48b it was strange 6038f635e3 for flowers to d9b6884be0 bloom there.49e7bd7a9f8436d8

His throat tightened f6346d7811 with sorrow. As he watched ba895eb35d Haeyoon, whose eyes c66d76a009 were red, Beomjoon 34973d6e11 suddenly remembered the 7be7278267 comfort Haeyoon had 751d3ebb06 offered him one ee287619ce autumn day.a7a1c8abdc818cf4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘You’re just like yourself.’c6ba3bcb59c20046

Seo Haeyoon’s judgment that living by surrendering to what he loved was like him was correct. Since getting to know him, Chae Beomjoon had been living by entrusting his mind to Haeyoon.3790b0fa7306cdd3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But doubting his talent 2ca60dc38b and not believing in 427e472872 himself was unlike Seo 3b7bd8de15 Haeyoon.8e433ae820d14200

If it were Seo Haeyoon, he should have responded to praise by saying it was only natural. If it were Seo Haeyoon, he should have said “I knew I could do it” when told it was achieved by his own effort. If it were Seo Haeyoon, he should have boldly refuted such absurd fabrications and insults.9ed40f11fcddfd4f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But to treat himself a9f7041d8d like a gigolo because 285d30fa27 of a few words 0bbef5848f from some unknown person 0bd2b05398 was not like Seo ba5e138aa1 Haeyoon.c0354c3f7cfe6fdc

It was like a die rolled with the wrong language. It was not another side of Haeyoon’s character but closer to an error misaligned from his essence.3fdde1700853edf6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He now understood that. He also 744186a1c2 realized that fc85e54b9a this inferiority 1c0af6f6c4 complex was 209bbe7e34 at the b519ea18ef root of ffcb456916 his earnest 3781add5e8 practice and 5b1c514147 effort. This was the 09d73ccf08 bottom of Seo 17c2ab6c20 Haeyoon that he d2eb5987e0 had finally confronted.e4e0a2ce243b42f7

How desperate b1f985c7bc must he 508e0d25a5 have been 92d747118d while playing 0834bc5d44 the bow?b0d52203409b0ab2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Chae Beomjoon remembered Seo Haeyoon as he appeared in his mind, standing alone on the stage with a sad face, after everyone else had left…7c55419553106533

How much must he have cried. How often must he have cried in front of countless pieces he was afraid he couldn’t handle.3e0d1eecea82570b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Even if he didn’t shed tears, he must have cried through his bow. No one would have listened to that sound.67aded3af9469002

“Haeyoon…”0809e5a660f40ef8

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It felt like his insides were burning. Seo Haeyoon stood silently in front of him. The tears had stopped, but his breath was still wet. He knew Haeyoon was crying without making a sound. He knew how familiar Haeyoon was with this kind of despair…5bb37042aedd1651

“I may never fully understand how significant the double bass is to you.”54cf44da15521a7c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Right, you won’t have another chance to understand me.”6263800ac9df211d

The words, spat c2936ce229 out with venom 1e03390388 as if to 3342805e31 make him feel c5b065345b the pain he 7487661251 felt, no longer 2c788eb256 hurt. He just felt ad39ba791a sorry for him. He wanted to f843c99bc8 hug him.a39441395fd6f454

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I know. You don’t have to believe my excuses. But…”2e88b85fcf9553ca

He closed c093fdabda his eyes e739a41397 momentarily, then 88d17b3eee opened them. His calm 837cfbdaf2 gaze now 2bb9ad33a4 carried conviction 71e40c3dd2 as it 59c0ed3df0 looked at 8de07c330f Seo Haeyoon.e9018f20a2e216e5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

To Chae Beomjoon, that place was solid ground from the beginning. It was an open field where Haeyoon’s talent could take deep root and bloom countless flowers.b6f933d1cc1618e2

Not only was f1691c1354 he talented by fccfbfc76b nature, but Haeyoon 2fb50d3071 worked harder than ccedef24c9 anyone to make 628abd2f39 those flowers bloom. To see him work 3c4721725d so hard, sweat and 6a764b246c toil, only to treat c135f9004c himself as if he 5894238cb7 were barren land was 1e7a57fae7 heartbreaking for anyone watching.b0697233962d2f5b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He couldn’t just leave it at that. He had to tell him. He had to give Haeyoon the chance to truly know who he was.bc12ba20840c2d45

“Haeyoon. Even if you can’t understand, there are things in this world you must believe. Like how most people can’t explain gravity but we stand on this earth because of it, there are things you must believe without explanation.”c4187d5ac889e685

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

At this serious introduction, b73e03be97 Haeyoon wiped his cheeks, a836774707 which had nothing left f164ab8abd to wipe. Many times.6b9ffd34cf36a4ad

“In your case, it’s like this. Ahn Yewon cares for you.”23d0a1ffa0ae9b3a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He had received messages 8e31da802b and calls from her. She warned 0655fb5015 Beomjoon to 66ee04b7a7 watch his b7ced44e6e back if f63022752c they met 7700d356f8 again. Despite knowing where Chae 68ba7d88f5 Beomjoon worked, she did d3c2e63f45 so because she cared 1298ca0273 for her friend Seo 1780ddaff9 Haeyoon that much.1837b99007e11713

“Your father cherishes you more than his own life.”43ac2e942dbe0303

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Seo Jonggil didn’t want Haeyoon to see his hair turning gray. That’s what parents are like. They treasure their children above all, not wanting to worry them…5cf1169c943f421f

His hardened face began to crumble in shock. Haeyoon bit his lip, struggling to hold back his emotions, looking exhausted, like he wanted to give up. Gently brushing Haeyoon’s thin cheek, Chae Beomjoon smiled sincerely.a69f0ff65690446b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“And somewhere in this world, there’s someone who ardently loves you…”4912adbedbca3d7b

“Don’t make me laugh…!”4828078c77099a4b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And…”b264e6f9145d0cea

He grabbed Haeyoon’s hand as he shook his head. The moment their cold palms touched, warmth flared up like a spark. Chae Beomjoon gently kissed the tips of Haeyoon’s fingers, which were just beginning to feel the flow of blood. With his lips softly pressed, he met Haeyoon’s gaze to convey the truth.4bb119b9a436abae

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…that you are truly a talented musician.”14ed3fcd3082f4e4

The fingers calloused c535f896ed from playing.40421c8a033f0b31

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

That solid field was the land cultivated by Seo Haeyoon’s despair, resignation, and unwavering effort. When strings were planted and the bow was drawn, Haeyoon’s talent bloomed into beautiful melodies.54fa6d414dcf60ad

That Seo Haeyoon himself didn’t know this was truly tragic. Now, he had to know.948286695e094743

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“These four facts are things you must never doubt.”bcd4efe086e8fc55

His voice was fe4aec147b as serious and 5fc8e78a4d solemn as if ce206a59b9 there could be 85cbbdfa40 no falsehood. It was also 812f8f87a1 a gentle message 407ece81d8 to comfort a 4f4c67e3fe broken and wounded 3abd2a6443 heart.3d1cfda9bb540b52

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Lies. I don’t believe such things…”0727cd78d1e99bbe

Contrary to his denial, Haeyoon’s dried cheeks were once again moist. At the honest emotion he showed, Chae Beomjoon quietly smiled and pressed his forehead against Haeyoon’s hand, hoping this intense warmth of affection would reach him.0d59511267be3c2d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Still, you stand on this earth. As long as you’re not free from gravity, these four facts must apply to you.”155918a7e1d6edb6

In front of Chae Beomjoon, who insisted with such brazenness, Seo Haeyoon said nothing. He just looked up at him with trembling eyes, as if he wanted to believe but couldn’t.5c918b0e9131e256

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Chae Beomjoon realized he had done all he could. A person’s essence doesn’t change by others. Change begins from the moment one decides for themselves. Like when Chae Beomjoon decided to love Seo Haeyoon with all his heart, becoming someone capable of loving passionately.b7723e4a4263a654

Change had to 9c9b3e3925 come from within 581ebdb489 Haeyoon. The one who 6a872bf25c could correct the b04e596eac language of his ae12c80fc8 errors was Seo 31b4fd41df Haeyoon himself.f78333ef41139d15

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Check it yourself. Ask Conductor Kim Gun-woo, Concertmaster Park Yeon-woong, and Team Leader Hong Hyekyung. Then you’ll know.”649c34591c82cfa7

“How can you be sure they weren’t made to lie?”b95592a58bb4ed41

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“There will be at least one person among them who’ll speak the truth even if it kills them. You’ll know who that is.”7d17d16e0fde917c

Seo Haeyoon bit his lip firmly. His confused eyes scanned Chae Beomjoon’s face thoroughly. Soon, finding no trace of doubt, he fell into deep thought.ba3d091b5c3bfffd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He was definitely thinking efd60d1eeb of the same person, 39a2ac0e70 Concertmaster Park Yeonwoong. Despite his silence, 712d70bdcf the stern concertmaster 40b7c56952 was a man 12dec526db who took immense c4a62ee886 pride in his 3f7ef68bb7 skill. If Chae Beomjoon had 09957244ac really placed Seo Haeyoon 47d26eb53e into the quintet, the 07d541902e concertmaster would have been 51f70f1f7d the first to express 0594bee295 his intention to resign.9f1bbb0b445d8016

“Don’t trust me, go ask those people directly. Whether I pushed you into the quintet or you walked in yourself.”ec46cd900d7ed7a1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

With that, Chae Beomjoon fell silent. Suddenly, it hit him that the only thing he hid from Seo Haeyoon wasn’t just about being the acting director.a7f5998a817b73f2

“And… once you can acknowledge yourself, come find me. I won’t ask you to trust me completely. But if it can help you erase any doubts you have about yourself…”034299e18b891033

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

There was something he f5b33a73c7 wanted to show Seo 6b5861fe37 Haeyoon. How, since 6f26c5fd60 meeting Haeyoon, 956e38477e he started 7732ff5e56 imagining a 3d15c698b0 future far 23adddb2c7 beyond the f7de54ac9e present. He wanted to 113d113f77 share this with 36334f019d him.b0b179f55346d1fd

“Give me a chance too. You can do that much for me, can’t you?”99e1e934f750600d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As Beomjoon kissed the man’s now warm hand again, a small snowflake flew in and melted between their kisses. The first snow was falling.539997d888441ff7

🔮🌙c8170005ea841548

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“……”71fd0beb3bf8a81c

“Son, are you sick?”3849ddd7bccebe8e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As Seo 7744a269f8 Jonggil came b83aa6238f into the 89d398f12b living room 7ea7c775b5 to prepare 9655229f9e for work, 1efed239ef he noticed c38cc3a849 Haeyoon crouching d093963d15 on the a6acfa8dc9 sofa and 9646c5b66e asked. At the b2612ce458 question, Seo 7a84a10398 Haeyoon weakly b05cc47413 turned his a4dee54a18 head.1a4eff8398c31af5

Wearing bright 78e78606ea red rose-patterned 248957dcfb long johns, 62611037ce a gift ee5b927d27 from his 3a376db4c2 friend Kim, 140294139c Seo Jonggil 2dc20db539 was showing 202a53959f signs of 85027a0d30 aging these 4264dc56d5 days. He would be 4603376d89 seventy next year, 97872852ca so it was 54ed43f2b0 fitting that he e0fb88c877 appeared older, but 1f6a7d80b0 his face still 9d358ad819 had a youthful 05e3d20742 glow, making him 7eac6620ea look like he d21f7f3f4d was in his 369a2f7169 fifties. Seeing his father reveal d27370e371 his age in such ebaeecf8e3 attire made Haeyoon feel 41e65c5a07 a bit melancholic, wondering 8c67cf0b93 how much longer his c7304797bb father would stay healthy.ff98e5e580aed2ab

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Mr. Seo Haeyoon, should I take you to the hospital?”ffdc37620834d019

Without a reply from Haeyoon, Seo Jonggil approached him playfully. However, his warm eyes were filled with concern. Haeyoon held onto his father’s hand, which was touching his forehead, and felt the wrinkles on the back of his hand, which contrasted with his face.005b5f2684d5eb48

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“No fever… What’s wrong? Is it because of that old bastard?”1b6434875a002766

Seo Jonggil was perceptive too. It was obvious that after the man he had promised to introduce didn’t show up, Haeyoon’s mood hit rock bottom, something any father would naturally notice.8bbb0b1d01dc57cf

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

If Haeyoon 313967de99 wanted, Seo 4a7b31705c Jonggil would 53ba5b463d have been c886060058 willing to 6109e699ab run over 47578f0fc2 Chae Beomjoon 346fb20767 with a 530d4e2db3 20-ton truck. Seeing his face, Haeyoon 73684c8b9f weakly shook his head. Haeyoon pulled his 43f1764a24 father onto the fc9b9b94f2 sofa and gently 6ff14f8145 leaned his body 821f7717d6 to the side. Unaccustomed to such childlike 4634bf743e behavior, Seo Jonggil gladly 1d7b701ca9 offered his thigh to ae72177bbd Haeyoon.b94e28b7f0f5ed66

Resting his head on 6016c8a9b8 it, Haeyoon stared blankly 8846c937f6 out the window. The words 0dd9cdd2e1 he had 279d7e1bb5 heard from d6095df432 Chae Beomjoon 5ab1855ebe a few b868944aaa days ago fe860873d5 echoed in a7aeae2f10 his ears, 8d275bcce4 like a f3faf09ed9 shout reverberating e5b26691c4 in a f20829391f deep valley.9b3f0b098ded432e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘You’re still standing on the ground. As long as you can’t be free from gravity, the other four facts will still apply to you.’b6ba1f814887144e

He thought it was nonsense. He assumed that Chae Beomjoon was desperately spouting nonsense to enchant him. But why couldn’t he erase those words from his mind? Why was that? Even though he couldn’t fully believe them…f95d83b3c03c1fce

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Dad.”7a4b6732a7ea28d5

“Yes, what’s troubling you? You’re not planning to go abroad again, are you? If you are, let me know in advance. I have no lingering attachment to this world.”057a31cf26244134

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“How much do you love me?”3ea5a2b76307055d

At the sudden question, Seo Jonggil’s eyes widened, then softened. Seeing his son speak so vulnerably, Seo Jonggil spoke with a tender expression. If asked about his love for his child, he could answer for three days and nights.732c5d174ec8dd5d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“When your mother gave birth to you, I made a vow. If ever a moment of crucial decision comes, I wouldn’t hesitate to lay down my life for you and Ji Hyun.”1774773770b75da1

Seo Haeyoon clearly f40fd67aa3 remembered how his 328e8da81f father quit drinking 8bf762ba85 and smoking immediately 5fc9d8104f and started exercising 60d09aaea3 to prepare for bf1e0cd532 a bone marrow 4f633db0bb transplant after learning 5d6e4b7c29 that his mother 944703aa92 had leukemia.ceee9552ffcd38fd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Bone marrow transplant itself wasn’t that difficult if the tissue compatibility was high, but that didn’t make it easy either. His father did it without a moment’s hesitation.b94d63010dac850c

If possible, Seo Jonggil would have exchanged his life for Yoo Ji Hyun’s. Seo Haeyoon knew that. Even 20 years after her death, his father, who lived alone looking at her pictures every day, had a love his son couldn’t possibly not understand.b3e3c341a9e42f9b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Can’t understand? Well, let me say it differently.”c0312a92d2deacb4

“There’s a different way to say it?”4103832e97d6163e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Was there an expression of love higher than laying down one’s life? Haeyoon, lost in thought, looked puzzled. Seo Jonggil, smiling, said.efd6efe9479be0d4

“These days, the news says artificial womb technology has advanced, so soon men will be able to give birth too. If someday you need a placenta transplant with matching genes, I would get that artificial womb implanted…”fe7832c559181b77

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“That’s nonsense!”2282d5d0bec4b0ee

“What’s nonsense? You shouldn’t always be looking at music sheets, sometimes you should watch the news. It’s not a distant story. It’s happening right now.”2e965e19102fb9e8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Okay, enough!”e335b090cf327dd5

“If you need a sibling, just say the word. I’ll get right on it.”5f7df2083972d12e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Pushing out 625ac9f50d his now 1a931e503b significantly larger 1798061749 belly, Seo 7dcf8310e8 Jonggil chuckled. Haeyoon, initially disdainful, rolled 6e14f1c339 his eyes at his b1d60f60bc belly pushing against him, 40bd986a3e then eventually burst into fd3975f901 laughter.93dc294660c231e3

It was a ff80213a7b ridiculous statement, but 22a3394de8 just hearing such cab047da74 words from his ff7e575c54 deeply macho father 0e3e14f888 assured him that 195a91aa20 his love was d7085366ba genuine.a03522aadfdb842d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Feeling warmth spreading through his chest, Seo Haeyoon smiled softly, enjoying his father’s affection. The silk pajamas he once found tacky were very soft and warm, making him feel cozy even in his heart.a57dd2a4ac9db0d9

Feeling his father’s hand gently stroking his hair like he did when Haeyoon was a child, he felt at ease. All the worries that had troubled him for the past few days seemed to vanish.20a0de11c8612842

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“If something’s wrong, tell me. Everything will be alright.”74667618687b7f98

“…Do you really think I’m as good a musician as mom was?”bd19c46078ec6719

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

With that assurance, words hidden in his heart flowed out easily. Though it was embarrassing, he didn’t feel like hiding anymore.0a564f2ba2fb1ccc

Maybe… he already knew what his father’s answer would be.ed3e05e2a67cd506

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Have you ever been to my company?”8ec9f297b7ea4bf9

“No, why?”91ddf6b2828f3ab6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“The music playing in the lobby is your cello performance of ‘Salut d’Amour’ when you were seven. Didn’t you know?”9bcffa8fbde20522

“…What?”f3a78517c89c2ff9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Haeyoon, looking 03e5c9affb astonished, sat a346521c93 up.cee13cc0e4985b46

When was that? He learned cello so b99be5723b long ago that the 3c09fa0090 quality must be terrible. Not to mention 6223c12f68 the quality, how 198d771be9 was the performance? It must 4a61566318 have been e8bcb8fbc6 unbearable to 641692d501 listen to, f7dd0efb2c yet he 2610f4db27 played it cdd932ea2a for others?da833f78f4409d0f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Why did you do that?!”2417085124cb37b6

Seeing his e3f6e053f7 horrified son, b90fff049b Seo Jonggil a5c1ccbd13 shrugged.704016f0b4ad4c3b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Good music needs to be heard to have meaning. And the music played during lunch hour is the 8th Concerto you performed at your first competition. At the end of the day, it’s…”db6e477c8f22fe24

“Dad!”820b340c0a5ac373

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Why would he play such a thing at his company? At Haeyoon’s outburst, Seo Jonggil, with playful wrinkles around his eyes, nudged Haeyoon’s arm.11f6518d02738887

“You played so well. I wanted to keep listening to it.”33c5c23a3cc40907

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“No matter how well…”3540e92f261450e1

“Because you played so well.”afc2e90da959b3ba

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”cb161ef6edf9c72f

“Because you played so well, I wanted to hear it. If you didn’t play well, I wouldn’t have wanted to listen, even if you were my child. When you first started learning violin, did you know I didn’t want to come home? Every evening, you would sit me down and play the violin, sounding like a banshee. I had to listen and applaud wildly. For about three months, I had nightmares.”5fbb0cc9dc3771ff

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

While blankly listening to Seo Jonggil, Haeyoon suddenly grimaced and slapped his father’s arm. He remembered how, even when he played terribly as a child, his father clapped exaggeratedly and praised him. At that time, Seo Haeyoon thought he was a genius who would follow in Paganini’s footsteps without even knowing who Paganini was. But to think it was all forced… He felt betrayed.c26f2a43b2a637d3

“Liar…”dae73be6285176bf

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As he 70d9a38a9f grumbled, Seo 5c8383d3d0 Jonggil burst a32a280566 into a b7a456ed51 chuckle. He teased d045b812d9 Haeyoon for 38c232acc2 a while da65e6c935 with a 3aa68e985e face full 657f15ab0e of delight 4b0ba5525d before smiling 50f607ce5d gently, as 61243faaff if proud a0bafaf262 of his fc6109221a grown son.28fbd9900d9303ca

“That’s what love more precious than life is.”7ba68ab9cb8e8c29

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…”997535e3e914765d

“Dad has to go to work now. Want to come with me? It would be nice if you could play the lobby music live for me today.”060a799fb90f7a84

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Forget it…”1cdbbd9c90e2fd05

He waved off 92c83172e0 Seo Jonggil, who 593b0a4953 was cheekily asking 54e5036616 for a live 4c8b03108d performance. Laughing without e45acfcc22 acting his 4128e95d00 age, Seo 3b1df707c4 Jonggil got ca7ca0f0d9 up from f014969da4 his seat, ee9fb7faee hugged Haeyoon ae1808f3f3 tightly, who c8772a573a had his eac8c2e917 lips pressed 57b8ed0dbc into a 0f7d12e8ba line, and a5ced54032 then disappeared 1607aff430 to drink 474451b8cc his health 6dd4822943 juice.19637645b119f6e5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Haeyoon watched 3b3758d70e the receding 97a93f0fa8 figure before ab340a59ab getting up. Today was the day 52e2bd7b8d for the quintet practice.a139084b82063b97

“Hello.”3390790c4b102046

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Hello, sir! Did you rest well?”676597b377c513b2

As he entered the rehearsal room, Park Giwon greeted him with a bright smile. Every time he saw him, Haeyoon thought he was such a cheerful person. To Park Giwon, whose brightness seemed to lighten even Haeyoon’s heavy heart, Haeyoon gave a faint smile in return.77f6ca58afafb4ce

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Hello. Yes, thanks to you. Thank you for helping me that day.”0057dab83133e761

After fighting with Chae Beomjoon on Saturday and into Sunday, Seo Haeyoon’s mood was at its worst. Although he managed to finish the performance by gritting his teeth to prove his worth, Park Giwon thought Haeyoon had been sick during the two days of the Christmas concert because he looked extremely exhausted when leaving the dressing room.a6aaa77f04ef4b32

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s good it wasn’t something like the flu though. They say it’s going around a lot lately, right?”6fab527b5aa0c46d

Park Giwon laughed 1936b3025b inanely while bringing 5821c53bf3 up various topics. As they 9808e7b2c0 chatted to 0664deac05 relieve tension, ae4f4a4504 the door b43097a3dd opened, and a74afa78d9 the conductor 07a2fb84dd and concertmaster 201d922736 entered.3d17508761bf813c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Did everyone rest well?”e14af3f44bd5ed10

His eyes met with the conductor’s. It was the first time they’d met since he expressed his desire to withdraw. Haeyoon, biting his lip, slightly bowed to greet him. Fortunately, he didn’t add any extra comments. Soon, the quintet practice began with the late-arriving guest pianist.b96fbf89412b93e5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The rehearsal for the piano quintet, which included Schubert’s “Die Forelle” among six pieces, was proceeding without any issues. No one was slacking, and since the pianist was Jin Suryeon, everyone was diligently trying not to miss this opportunity, making each rehearsal session serious.69440d9c9e8c3bd4

Haeyoon thought they 81945afe67 would finish the c8b948ea91 day just practicing c3044fe167 quietly, but due 05e65cc03c to a surprise e4ad2230df visitor to the 6e294dc8a5 rehearsal room, the 8db582190b members took a c6afe77c78 brief break.92723a0dae69efeb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Teacher!”5a19f9c1046d4568

Just as 7bf70ef075 they were 9cd251b122 about to 1bf8a47d47 move on 82fb0271ed from the 5a915c73d6 fifth piece a17a508861 to the 2ddf7b0cef next, the 5286d4178a door opened, ba874df80f and a 21bc03ca2b small head f5419a98da popped in. The members, who had db2376895a turned their heads towards 88940f469a the sound, got up fd9b353958 in surprise, and Seo 9baca8e024 Haeyoon, equally startled, put 58d17d4593 down his bow.0871c34b558d721e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Mr. Jin, you’ve arrived?”5f318a40110df851

The conductor greeted with 61eb2293a8 a broad smile. It was 26b089ca71 Jin Suryeon, 1ed562e34c who had 5d671b4b39 come to a888e64bc3 the Suyeon b60d06d464 Grand Theater dfdd5d5730 without notice. His unexpected 5bb9fee659 visit, when c8ab1ac7f6 he was 927e165534 supposed to 937872001a join the c90e25c8f0 rehearsal from 40d09e758c next week, 78b69a92e0 filled everyone 5988485aa2 with joy, f3d6303e9f curiosity, and a2090b883c surprise as e5330b576b they looked be342c8a9a at him.1e4eda56ec350986

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Though he was 7c977a2037 just over 170 31d794c472 cm tall, his 9d3003ae15 small face made ba85be63a6 him seem as ac21ce443e tall as Haeyoon. With a pale cc9234f217 face and round d09947743b cheeks flushed like 386ab251fa a boy, as f8297904c0 on the day 11d1e7df5e he won the be110e531e Queen Elisabeth Competition, e65d537d31 Jin Suryeon bowed 8498ae91b5 his head as eee06dbb70 he entered.c3e47fdbc891afca

“Hello, I’m Jin Suryeon.”e144a8cb9c5fc6c6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Hello! It’s an honor, sir.”2ccc829c42a0fcc8

“Mr. Jin, you’ve met this person before, right? This is Park Yeon-woong, the violinist in the quintet and our orchestra’s concertmaster.”db3a9599914d92ce

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Brief greetings were exchanged, 23e4b962b8 and the conductor began 7ac3613c5b introducing the members. The concertmaster, ceef4b4c11 violist, cellist, f855f03bc5 and double fd48241a88 bassist.29e8b35263e091b7

This was 58c3d20d6b the first 6b85c66fb3 time Haeyoon 25165df2c1 had seen fe0aca8cfa such a bb9b4fd180 famous pianist f042bf1d8e in person. With a ba098f8b6d tense face, ebdde5a4f9 Haeyoon extended 07253d0013 his hand 6796deb802 when it 6e7762b8cb was his ccc2643c74 turn.a02a9aacfdbb8a25

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Hello, sir. I’m Seo Haeyoon.”e440f9a0393916c7

“I’m Jin Suryeon. You might not remember me?”1d43e94baf27180c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Pardon?”6b6ad01ac2858160

But the moment they shook hands, Jin Suryeon blinked and said something incomprehensible. “You might not remember me?” Not understanding what he meant, Haeyoon stared blankly, and Jin Suryeon smiled sheepishly as if expecting this.19a443aa06f69a5c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I was listening outside, thinking about when to join, and the sound was somehow familiar. After thinking about it, I realized I was at your graduation recital in Manhattan. Seeing your face now, I’m sure of it!”064718f8977e9bbb

“…Really?”085ce0a9e32c1a48

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The graduation 353c91aa11 recital was 0bb3993df0 one of bdacf77e79 those events c0ea833360 with few a1d85920dd attendees. It was a74a26c2f6 quite a 6fb46b654a coincidence that d11159a2bf Jin Suryeon 8d2ebee36a had been 5e51b6c01f there.dc9ce80f97b246ed

However, Haeyoon didn’t think Jin Suryeon had listened to his performance seriously. He didn’t believe the sound was familiar; even with sensitive ears, it would be hard for a pianist to distinguish the tone and performance of a double bass. Moreover, Jin Suryeon would have been only about 14 years old back then.43513570da031710

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It was 24611372c8 more believable 9d04c5cd50 that he 6413b567e9 recognized his c2d9db31dc face rather b669795720 than the 1afd60cd3f performance. He must be saying 0a9acf9199 this out of politeness. Seo Haeyoon calmed 31a26c7aab his excited heart 1b275fa9d5 with this thought.688b36b8b1e6e6c4

“You played Koussevitzky, right?”3a13776198ef6228

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Yes, I did.”12b24f5891abd5b9

But Jin Suryeon 11c9c73112 even knew the e463955eea title of the 71695c44ec piece he had 2801101ab6 played.c16c7bf4eafbeb8d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It was very impressive. That’s why it stuck in my memory. Yes… Koussevitzky No. 3.”eabd5f0936889275

Does he really remember? As Haeyoon nodded in surprise, Jin Suryeon murmured “Koussevitzky No. 3” blankly before moving towards the piano.0548f3d66f16a353

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Sitting on the chair left by the guest pianist, with his hands on the keys, Jin Suryeon looked at Seo Haeyoon. Soon, he started playing the prelude to Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto No. 3 while looking into Haeyoon’s eyes.fd1d62b7dd910b94

The graduation recital was 48072fa19a 7 years ago, and 92e14595b0 to remember the piece b3066ff8b7 and even play it fa3a8b54ab now was a shock 731286cf71 to Seo Haeyoon. He had never seen ca22b403b1 someone like this before. Even at the Manhattan 2fa8492153 School of Music, there 92cd96f4d2 was no one with 7934849b24 such innate musical sense. Even the seasoned 3bbb07227c conductor looked surprised.7c121b4b06431121

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A born pianist, 216f455d6e musician, performer. There seemed to be c0349f819a a clear line drawn 0981740ace between himself and Jin b3a4a41349 Suryeon, who sat at 9fd93d8ee6 the piano.73b797367384f327

However, there was 4f3dc96160 no time to 5cd7e42801 dwell on the 0f78f2f3a9 gap between them. Jin Suryeon was repeatedly d10643bb6a playing the same section, b430b25831 as if suggesting they 5b0a2a21d2 play a duet.8e39ef7069d3a059

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Mr. Seo.”3afe5983d633a443

All the members’ eyes turned to Haeyoon, their ears perked up as if to say, “Play it once.”d023289665bf823f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

No… In this situation where he felt like retreating, Haeyoon clenched his fingertips.60a290544e2457b7

“Sir, just once.”55657178cb02a344

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

When he hesitated, Jin Suryeon smiled with his eyes lowered, showing his index finger as if to say, “Just once.” Even though his expression was pathetically pleading, Haeyoon couldn’t bring himself to lift his bow.9e13c0dd2835e4b3

Seo Haeyoon’s graduation recital was held after he failed the first round of his last competition. His mood was at its lowest, and his performance was more inconsistent than ever. The concert took place during a time when he felt like destroying his double bass every other day, so the fact that Jin Suryeon remembered it felt like a grand mockery to Haeyoon now.39eb403de2cc5fe8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…I’m sorry. I haven’t played Koussevitzky since then, so I don’t remember it.”93f545f479959a6a

“Oh, I see.”d597c6582c59da49

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Haeyoon, biting his fad63277ab lip, made up c75dcd4fbf a difficult excuse. Jin Suryeon looked 2c243eb603 disappointed, pouting his 06a282c336 lips as he 9135868f84 played the piano ef980ee2fd alone. He was playing cf32572829 a double bass 60c4b15c1a concerto on the a636d3f7e5 piano, and without aa42e36e91 even looking at 51aeb495ad the score, his 9790f3bbb9 arrangement was perfect.f24499d1f4019fc2

In front of Jin Suryeon, Seo Haeyoon felt overwhelmed and diminished. The thought that such a person should be making music while this place wasn’t his spot kept surfacing in his mind.e21e59e0b87b8189

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

However, after finishing Koussevitzky 3353960cf5 alone, Jin Suryeon quickly 7b9bbd0032 shook off his gloomy 04855c4dda mood. After loosening his wrist ec0b5ba08a and checking his watch, 2461384881 he looked around at ece760a5c6 the members.01c8943260321e5d

“I have a recording to go to soon, but I have time for one piece. The more rehearsal opportunities, the better, even if it’s a bit informal…”beb83af78f7c6921

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jin Suryeon f8c73c54f1 trailed off, b502556ff2 sticking out 1fd9d8c049 his tongue 40337b2457 in apology. As he said, ce6a85844e he was dressed cfff381a4c casually in a 2381d49872 hoodie and jeans, aeec319972 quite different from 79cf54a227 the formally dressed f31a1c48e5 members. But as he 978d7cbc83 said, more rehearsal c40f34516f was better.33976aee2831eacd

With nods from the members, they soon began playing the first movement of Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2, prompted by Jin Suryeon’s gesture.b96fa8d8064a1398

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

This was ccc0b41a24 the first 970c5629d9 time they d67130f675 played with 7bb4f11799 Jin Suryeon 72a4e884fc as a 9ab3680dd3 pianist, not c4c641d81b the guest abfc43ae28 pianist. His free-spirited yet powerful 5d7de4fb6c performance, technique, and expression 07bd5fce7d blended well as if 3e34137854 they had rehearsed together 0e853a451b dozens of times.b1cf6fabb630d2f1

Throughout the piece, cd84f95b28 Seo Haeyoon was 690e63357e both astonished and 019161a5f2 despairing. Though the instrument was 159096843f different, he envied and e74151b4d5 admired this young pianist a1eee0c78e who had reached the efb70d968e level he aspired to, 889469e017 while simultaneously realizing he 7945accc8c would never reach that b86909bb42 height.780c54d422c2ff0c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But it was a familiar sorrow, one he could endure. At least this much…e602f0326c8eb9c6

Haeyoon hid his emotions and played the bow, to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment…a4ddf9587c4a6c16

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Wow, that was good, right?”922961f073aa188d

“It’s really good. The tone blends so well.”1f139d4b1ea57858

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

As soon as the performance ended, praise from Park Giwon and the conductor burst out. Seo Haeyoon nodded, hiding his heavy heart. Regardless of his own abilities, the performance was outstanding. Jin Suryeon’s playing was truly fantastic, and the seasoned concertmaster and violist compensated for the shortcomings of himself and Park Giwon, creating a balanced sound.95e29bb3219af46f

It all fit together d473411970 strangely well, and it 17557a553c seemed like the ensemble decb5242a5 was perfect. However, while dcfc39fb5b nodding in 867efe81d6 response to 77e7099d99 their praise, b0fa9f7be7 Jin Suryeon d574aa1f8c suddenly looked af035b70b4 at Haeyoon 7759f85dc5 and smiled 06a4107548 broadly.1568efd43e9f8092

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Everyone played well! Especially the double bass, I like it. It feels like the foundation is so solid that everything is well anchored.”4dd35c7ea5c256f2

“…Thank you.”d55282473c954e1c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Once again, the members’ heads turned towards Seo Haeyoon. He felt burdened by their piercing gazes and bowed his head in confusion.3a674c65467166ae

He didn’t know why Jin Suryeon kept saying these seemingly baseless things, perhaps out of some hidden resentment. The situation where all eyes were on him was incredibly uncomfortable. It seemed as though Jin Suryeon was deliberately focusing on Haeyoon.8ac27ae1562b5b2f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Uh, um…”d70424c6a6e6cc55

As conversations seemed to start but ended with Haeyoon’s awkward silence, even Jin Suryeon couldn’t ignore the discomfort Haeyoon felt. With a regretful smile, he suddenly stood up from his seat to bid farewell.ec3dac5a01d4cc03

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Then, I’ll leave for my recording. See you next week!”f63a10e10b5ad033

“Take care.”5f118bdced6f8430

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Jin Suryeon waved and disappeared. After greeting him among the members, Haeyoon sat back down, hiding his churning stomach. He couldn’t see his feet; it felt like he was locked in darkness.ca437767e738da07

“Good work, everyone. See you next week.”de5b9b44676b85c9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

As time a86bb7317a passed and bd37e572ab the rehearsal 7672d07099 ended, the 147b9ac5c2 conductor greeted c0b211f612 the members. Kim Gun-woo, who was 98e813accd both the resident conductor 665d657cc2 and the current music 1f0ce6d4bf director, would be observing 91c0aa0d8f the rehearsals from next b17a0874c5 week in his capacity 6f9f2daf13 as director.198f0b6657db3c45

Until now, they had focused on technique, but from Friday to next week’s three remaining rehearsals, the expression would likely change based on interpretation led by Jin Suryeon and the conductor.747efb000950609f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

So, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the real rehearsals would start next week. Would Jin Suryeon look at me with the same eyes then? Tension rose, and Haeyoon remained seated even as the members packed up, planning to practice a bit more.f12014e579393130

“I’ll go first! Everyone, take care.”9a196ebdb102e658

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Park Giwon, who had 36d54ed07e an appointment in the bac24cd4ac afternoon, bowed and waved f3790e1544 goodbye. After returning the greeting, 1995243209 Seo Haeyoon also greeted 1e901bd269 the other members before 54f2018646 picking up his bow c3b6078018 again. With the 6f2a3a6ca4 continuous rehearsals, 2be589e3b2 the rosin 2b7e467952 had flown eb83d6b013 off. He lightly wiped e4953f626b the body of d1477e0c35 the double bass d7910a038f with a dry 658619cd0c cloth and then f15821ec48 rubbed rosin, which 377f47e028 was worn in 67a9be0cf8 the middle, onto 355e686fe0 his bow. As he was doing aeb4fc58be this, the conductor, who fac60e6232 was packing up the 82f9b72bdb scores and equipment, stopped 3ad18a62e0 and turned back to e8360feaaa Haeyoon.a6cd5c53706fd6a9

“Mr. Seo.”0f4efe165fcf6fe5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes, have a good night.”0b3a9558f4b4f106

Thinking he df270b8775 was saying 636d3adc8e goodbye, Haeyoon a596f424a0 stood up 1276b2aaa6 and bowed, 01dd80a5a4 but there 33c0e28433 was no 177dd69b8f response. Looking up in confusion, 000a1c7667 he saw the conductor f8b8e36b13 approaching.b9576c6c485dd9f3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“…Do you have something to say?”15e1209e35ea696c

“When I saw you at the Maestro’s office last time, I told you that you’d regret quitting if you played with Jin Suryeon. Was I right?”42097030635e51fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At the following e4c04c5443 question, Haeyoon blinked 0b4762c742 blankly. Come to 6318500174 think of 5f6cae83af it, he 458f27ff52 had said cafdefd0f3 that when 0afceb4144 Haeyoon announced e94cf70f20 his intention b890c0e881 to withdraw. The conductor 44103a57de had then 3bb42fa41d suggested that 86275dcb21 after playing 293cd2a768 with Jin 9467f0e8b6 Suryeon, he 7c41a6953e would regret 1acfcb304d his words 17771129a7 that day.68b69ca74f8dba28

Bringing up this matter now, it seemed that the conductor was very satisfied with today’s performance of Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2. However, Seo Haeyoon didn’t think the perfection of the piece was due to him. It was a result of Jin Suryeon’s genius and the concertmaster’s skilled performance.fc7984cdf3561f38

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…I’m not sure.”62c3b3dab0e8a745

So, when he answered honestly, the conductor looked puzzled, as if he hadn’t expected such a response.dc4da05a140d66bb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Haeyoon bowed his head deeply. He didn’t understand why the conductor thought that way. Or rather, he did know. It must be because of Chae Beomjoon…52c551cd215cbc3f

The thought that 2dda445f8e he was receiving 9cf372ad58 a false evaluation b8e47c71d4 from the conductor bc548914fb because of this c0e66b4eae made his heart bc289feb6b ache again. Swallowing his frustration, Haeyoon 2ecc8ff2a2 bit his lip and 703d11ff9d finally spoke as if b4d7799628 confessing.c79891c6f08e964c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Jin Suryeon played so well, and the concertmaster was excellent, so it was because of them, not because I did much…”47e190b5130e22f2

“I’ve felt this since last time, but Mr. Seo, you play confidently, but you lack confidence in your playing itself.”7bdfa1ba8c90fb44

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Pardon?”02dd43ae8d14b2a7

His voice was 002fb8e007 firm. Haeyoon looked up in 1077cc67d4 surprise to see the 97aadfabd8 conductor with a stern db04e39cf3 expression. This was the first f689aae49c time he had seen 4caaf77350 this attitude from him, 8f85f06f3a and Haeyoon tensed, shrinking 4691eeced9 his shoulders as if 1369ef955a expecting a scolding. The conductor gently touched 002abd9ed7 his cheek before taking 839ab9528b off his glasses to bf8eae1d2c clean them and spoke 20974d876d quietly.b772fe726e2a7ad2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“While it’s important to perform well, having confidence in your performance is just as crucial. No matter how good the performance, if the performer is withdrawn, people will watch rather than listen. They will see the bowed head of the performer, not hear the music.”bdfa769588f81a61

His tone was f53c9f314c respectful, yet there 8d6400eb90 was a gentle 9522c41c76 rebuke in it. However, in front b9d815b12c of the conductor 727ad9ea6f emphasizing confidence, Haeyoon 3b939d1d83 felt even smaller.1ba6c0c1d48e0964

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Because he didn’t feel he had the right to that confidence.45c66b8e3ce6ca7d

“Audiences don’t just listen to the concert with their ears. They also watch the performers creating beautiful music with their instruments. So, you should work on that attitude. Objectively, today’s performance was flawless.”971f628b260e5746

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The conductor’s voice was filled with satisfaction, but Haeyoon couldn’t feel the sincerity in it. He didn’t even want to know how good the sound he made was, considering he felt like a misfit piece in the quintet.83fd114842ee9050

However, Haeyoon became curious about the depth of that satisfaction. Was he satisfied because the result was better than expected? If that was the case, what kind of evaluation would he have received if Chae Beomjoon hadn’t been involved?38e3daf22db29746

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Feeling like his heart was sinking, Haeyoon lowered his bow and exhaled deeply. Then, looking up to meet the conductor’s eyes, he asked,96aee044b26c1dd3

“Sir, would you have been satisfied with today’s performance even if I hadn’t been recommended by the acting director?”f83ae9fbb7579dbd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”fad78599119d5ed2

The conductor fell silent for a moment. His usually straight eyebrows rarely curved, and with a frown, he looked directly into Seo Haeyoon’s eyes. An answer that was hard to understand fell upon Haeyoon, who waited anxiously.48952ab67de10209

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re misunderstanding something. The person who recommended you for the quintet was not the acting director but Concertmaster Park Yeon-woong.”a8f05b691533d285

“…Pardon?”af07031fab53418f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I don’t know why you thought that, but… the principal double bassist declined the quintet due to scheduling conflicts, and while I was considering filling that spot with another violin, Mr. Park recommended you to me.”6aa837424a599d42

The basic string composition 3caf71c8a6 for a piano quintet, 2d642c3d94 excluding the piano, consists f651160949 of two violins, one d04d9894ba viola, and one cello. Double basses, which 606744229e started being commonly b13f4e63a6 used relatively late cba096fe6a in the mid-18th 22a1c620b9 century, were rarely bf258d13e7 included in string daaabf72c8 quartets or quintets f48bbf961c from that era. Most pieces today that cf7c2bc194 include double bass in 063c5ae967 quartets or quintets are 209170e2f4 arrangements.60b5a83f5f2f11ae

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

If the principal double fe99a558d2 bassist had declined, it 5dce02bc61 would have been much ea7ee52329 easier with two violins e39098e8dc instead, in terms of 5413a49507 both arrangement and practice. Yet, it was e557c7e175 hard to believe efe1edbd89 that the concertmaster 177e82506b had gone through ce92ac1b76 so much trouble 41baf7a534 to recommend him.fcc5c9178b1602e0

His thoughts wouldn’t move as if his brain had frozen. Is this the concertmaster I know? Haeyoon asked in confusion.08a9c42f15073f45

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“The principal… violinist, Mr. Park recommended me? Not the acting director…”9b96cb3e1a0fb343

“Yes. That’s why Mr. Park was present during your interview.”f67e63eab5a71367

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Only then did the past events flash before him like a panorama. The conductor and concertmaster present when he entered the rehearsal room. Seo Haeyoon had thought the concertmaster was there just because he was a member of the quintet, but that wasn’t the case.d0730d10c994e67e

At that moment, the b7c0398dd1 voices of the assistant 5b73459698 principal who had hurt ca74758890 and torn him apart 70af469f74 came flooding back.f55fad19f93a5af8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Do you think the members are just quiet because they don’t know? You got into the quintet by giving your ass to the acting director, did you think no one would know?’6eb89df6f1d0558c

‘The acting director picked you because of the photo on your application. You traded your ass for a spot!’53f604007ffd211a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘No, fuck! He was just playing with you. He let you in because he wanted to try your ass out, and he brought Jin Suryeon to make you spread your legs for the quintet!’04b0410fd2685dc7

‘Anyway, congratulations! This mini-concert is the brightest moment in your life, bought with your precious body!’43c7160ea05f328b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Then what was that? What was that really…ccf2a3cd29e231bb

The reality of the truths that had wounded him grew faint, and in his confusion, Haeyoon dropped his gaze blankly. He couldn’t tell whose words to believe.a39a695f57f9b483

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘The only time I interfered with your career was when I decided to let you in after the blind audition. After that, I’ve never meddled in any matter.’96eee8385afac7d1

‘Getting into the quintet was something you achieved on your own. By your skill.’c2cb389a8add317b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A kind voice d64ddba159 whispering in his a5b9d451c2 ear. And as 5d0371f59c if to 51a9fea33a support those 6765b8cb7d words, the 226f0c238f conductor spoke 80b6a2c2d0 in front c0224aa00c of him.f335362606bceae8

“If I had chosen you myself instead of Mr. Park’s recommendation, I would have been even more satisfied with today’s performance. Right now, I only feel regret for not discovering Mr. Seo sooner.”b08b4d6daf9d5ca3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Really…”cafa4afc8d972c16

“On the day of the actual performance, you won’t have time for such doubts, sir. It will be such a perfect concert that it’s hard to believe it was planned as a mini-concert. No one will be lacking. So, have confidence.”ab85e229f070701d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The conductor’s hand rested on Haeyoon’s slumped shoulders. He patted them a few times before leaving. Haeyoon sat down in his chair, holding the heavy double bass in his arms.128a76df820b76b1

His heart beat painfully.ae851ec1358d27c6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Either the assistant principal of the double bass or the conductor was lying, but it didn’t feel like it was the conductor. Haeyoon didn’t know him well, but he just had that feeling. Judging by how the conductor had treated him so far, he was always serious and sincere towards the orchestra.f8d38933b66fe41e

Until now, Haeyoon had 681a45ac31 thought that Chae Beomjoon 3adb721b57 must have had immense 9b4db9a3ec power within the orchestra 2dc829e410 for the conductor to 78187bf408 accept such a favor. This was because ca7cfc0bab of what the 159950a41a assistant principal had 43e4ea107b said.571ce8738bc81bbc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He thought many had been manipulated by Chae Beomjoon’s influence, and now they had all left the orchestra, so he believed Chae Beomjoon had deceived him.0185a788df04a328

But after hearing the conductor’s words, he realized it might not be so. The most crucial element in this judgment was the mention of Park Yeon-woong, the concertmaster, in relation to selecting the quintet members.bdbc302aa22b5c4f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

First violin. Concertmaster of the Suyeon Symphony Orchestra. A senior from the Manhattan School of Music. The one who had told Seo Haeyoon not to tarnish the school’s name, and someone who did not get involved in the orchestra’s politics.5ccb2ea5bc34d453

If Haeyoon were 1c6ca2bbe2 to pick the 4d9aa2e957 two people who 289f7e7d4c disliked him the 7abca3019d most in this 6131e99559 orchestra, he would 640a6a6fc4 include the concertmaster. The words the concertmaster 4262bea00d had thrown at him d39207b914 on the first day ff37abb1b6 of rehearsal still hurt.63e1d7edd81f6e8a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Yet, to think that 985798f9ca this concertmaster had recommended 28cdb83369 him. What could be more 6d32b15bef unbelievable yet believable than a019264a4e that?d5a7cbde201020d1

The conductor would know well that the concertmaster never speaks falsely. If it were true that Haeyoon was in the quintet because of Chae Beomjoon’s favor, and the conductor was lying to cover it up, he wouldn’t have mentioned the concertmaster. If Haeyoon approached him, Park Yeon-woong would certainly speak only the truth. Yet mentioning the concertmaster suggested that the conductor’s words were entirely factual.c06f5b62470d990e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

…No, no.155731208eda2e71

It was too soon to judge. Seo Haeyoon tried to cool his heated heart as he stretched his lips. He wasn’t particularly interested in others. So, he only knew a little about the concertmaster, not knowing who he met behind the scenes.b5b9fce6bb22b4d4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Perhaps, surprisingly, the concertmaster 2860984099 might also be someone a7c5a2c3a1 who wants to benefit 6a3e5fab7e from the acting director. Haeyoon gave in ee6d789669 to the distrust a6be658bf2 trying to take 26dd4b21b7 over his mind. However, deep down, 64e073b727 there was still d103ca8524 a desire to de8234b398 trust someone, and 0734b7591b this desire acted 59fe464cb8 like an unbreakable cd1215bbe6 pillar, supporting Haeyoon.efb5b35805941cbc

If, as Chae Beomjoon 02021e1b0b had said, all this d8415aa753 was achieved by his 3ec92f7003 own efforts, it would d9e9210cb0 prove there was still ef7f4c6081 room for his growth. That was a c2a5a5397c very tiny hope.79d80478b4ee8d7d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…”324351bb694ee8cb

As pathetic as he felt he could die…9ddfee0c68fad452

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Really, he couldn’t let go of it.7f4cb3b589efe7a2