Chapter 120
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Recital and Reunion
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Seojun, who had been working on his problem sets, stretched wide.
Two days ago, filming for *Over the Rainbow* had wrapped up.
Yesterday, he'd done absolutely nothing and rested completely. They'd told him to rest for a few days, but the unusually energetic Seojun was getting antsy and finding things to do.
He had just finished his daily workbook and was about to read a book Aunt Nara had bought him as a gift.
“Seojun.”
“Yes?”
Daho hyung came over, holding a stack of papers.
*Hmm. Filming is over, but isn't it a bit too soon for another script? Can't I rest for just a few more days? Hyung?*
Even as he thought this, Seojun's hand naturally reached out to take the script. Hehe. He was curious what it was.
But the stack of paper was thinner than he expected. Much thinner. Was it a synopsis?
“What's this, Daho hyung?”
“Director Ryan sent it.”
“Is it *Shadowman 3*?”
The days of filming *Shadowman 2* felt like a distant memory. Already, one year, two years... four years had passed.
*Are they finally filming it?* Excited, Seojun flipped over a page.
“It is *Shadowman 3*, but...”
“It's a post-credits scene.”
“He wants to put it in *Assemble 2*. He thought you could film it while you're here in the States. He said any date is fine.”
“Couldn't we go film it after the ADR session and Jayden's recital?”
“Really? You want to do that?”
“Yes!”
“Alright.”
An Daho left to contact Director Ryan and King's Agency.
Seojun sat down on the sofa. With no filming and no busking, he had time to spare. He was bored. Sitting there blankly, Seojun picked up his phone.
[Signed an NDA so I can't say much, but it was moving.]
#OverTheRainbow #MovieFilming #ExtraExperience
[It's the same as the busking, but completely different.]
#OverTheRainbow #FirstSongOnTheAlbumToo #ExtraExperience
[So when's the release date?]
#OverTheRainbow #ILiveInLAtoo #FirstComeFirstServeIsCruel #IWantToWriteAnExtraReviewToo
[What you need for music is talent, effort, no, money.]
#OverTheRainbow #AdLine #Chilling
The concert scene, filmed with ordinary people as the audience, was building anticipation thanks to the reviews from those who attended.
*As expected of a Marine Company subsidiary. Their promotional scale is on another level.* Seojun was browsing social media when a message arrived. It was from Grace Walton, the little witch he had met at the Halloween festival.
>Grace: Nora's book went on sale yesterday! I can't believe it took almost two years.
>Charlie: Is there anyone who doesn't know where you are right now? lol
>Grace: Right? lol The internet is buzzing about your filming. lol
>Charlie: What's the title? Can I buy it in France?
>Grace: I'm not sure. They're selling it in the US first.
>Charlie: Is it good?
>Grace: Very!
>Grace: My sister wants you to read it and tell her what you think.
Seojun shot up and headed for the kitchen.
At Nara's request for some boiled pork belly, Seo Eunhye and Lee Minjun had rolled up their sleeves. They were making fresh kimchi with cabbage and spices from King's Mart, and boiling the pork with plenty of soybean paste.
“Looks delicious.”
“That's the tenth time you've said that. It needs to boil for another ten minutes.”
At Seo Eunhye's words, Nara picked at the fresh kimchi while staring at the pot where the pork was simmering. Seojun entered the kitchen.
“Mom, can I go to the bookstore?”
“A bookstore? Is there a book you want to buy?”
“Yeah! Grace's older sister wrote a book.”
Seo Eunhye recalled the girl and her family they had met at the Halloween festival two years ago and smiled brightly.
“Oh, really? Then you should definitely buy it and read it. But isn't she still a student? It's amazing that she wrote a book.”
“She's starting college next year.”
“That's incredible.”
Nara and the couple were impressed by her young age. Lee Minjun began scooping fluffy rice into bowls as he spoke.
“Seojun. Let's go to the bookstore after we eat.”
“Okay! Should I go get Daho hyung?”
“The pork still needs to cook a bit longer, so get him in a little while. He seems busy with work.”
“Okay. I will.”
Seojun took a seat at the table. Aunt Nara picked up some fresh kimchi with her chopsticks and said.
“Looks delicious.”
“Eleventh time.”
Seojun and Lee Minjun burst out laughing.
***
With Seojun's ADR session complete, all filming for the movie *Over the Rainbow* was officially finished.
Director Sarah Rothe locked herself in the editing room, and Whale Studios announced that filming had concluded.
The news that Lee Seojun had finished filming his movie sent Korea into a frenzy. Many people were eagerly awaiting news of Seojun's return.
However, Seojun still had things to do in the States before he could go back.
“This is pretty much the first time we're hearing Jayden play, isn't it?”
Catherine and Paul nodded at Seojun's words.
“He played for us during lessons as a test, but that was really short.”
“Besides, Jun was so good that Jayden never really had a chance to show off.”
Seojun and Catherine burst out laughing at Paul's words.
Today was the day of Jayden Moore's first-ever solo recital.
Seojun and his group were invited to the best seats for the violin recital, held in LA's largest hall. Catherine and Paul, whom he hadn't seen in a few days, sat next to Seojun.
People who saw Seojun, Catherine, and Paul without their hats on began to whisper among themselves. Seeing that they were being recognized even before the movie's release, it seemed the film was already a hot topic.
After all, anyone interested enough in the violin to snag a sold-out ticket and come all this way to hear a performance would likely be interested in a movie about it.
The whispering crowd fell silent at the announcement that the performance was about to begin.
For violin lovers, this was the debut recital of Jayden Moore, the student of the superstar-level maestro, Benjamin Morton.
His collaborations with famous orchestras were breathtakingly beautiful, but the prospect of a solo violin performance was also highly anticipated.
Everyone waited with sparkling eyes for Jayden Moore to appear.
“The attire is different, but it feels just like Gray's concert.”
“I know. It's crowded, and everyone looks so expectant.”
Seojun nodded in agreement with Paul and Catherine.
Everyone was formally and politely dressed in neat suits and dresses. It was quiet, not noisy like during the filming. It felt different, yet the look in people's eyes as they awaited the performance was exactly the same.
The curtain opened, and Jayden Moore appeared, dressed in a jet-black tailcoat.
His hair was slicked back, and his serious expression was so different from his usual sullen face that the kids stifled their giggles.
Standing alone on the wide stage, Jayden Moore raised the violin to his shoulder. It was the Stradivarius he had briefly lent to Seojun.
The children and adults, who knew well what sound it could produce, watched the stage with faces full of anticipation.
Faced with the expectant gazes of the packed audience, Jayden Moore couldn't help but let out a small smile.
Once, all of this had felt like pressure, but now, he felt anticipation. The praise and cheers from the people who would listen to his performance and applaud. He was very much looking forward to it.
In a silence so deep you could hear a heartbeat, Jayden Moore's arm moved.
[Violin Concerto No. 1, composed by Benjamin Morton]
Jayden Moore's violin recital was composed entirely of Benjamin Morton's pieces, with the exception of the final song.
A pure yet intense melody flowed out, one composed by a young Professor Benjamin Morton before he had attained the skill of a master.
The violin pattern on Seojun's finger shimmered. It was a mark imbued with the power of the Violin Dream Fairy.
When Seojun first saw Jayden Moore, he had noticed a faint trace. It was a dream fairy. He never thought one would exist in this world as well...
Seojun watched the radiant Jayden Moore on stage. The faint trace of the dream fairy was a testament to Jayden's exceptional talent.
The performance of Jayden Moore, the genius violinist acknowledged by a dream fairy, continued.
A melody and emotion that resonated through the entire body, similar yet different from Gray's. And Benjamin Morton's teachings, which had polished it to a smooth perfection.
The magnificent concerto of master and student was revealed here, at this solo recital.
An astonishingly wonderful performance was met with a burst of applause. The ovation never ceased throughout the recital.
The maestros and musicians in the audience watched with shining eyes, while the students gazed at Jayden Moore with admiration.
“It's the last piece.”
“Yeah. There's no title listed.”
Because of that, everyone looked at Jayden Moore on stage with even greater anticipation.
Jayden Moore, having wiped his sweat and returned to the stage, took a deep breath and rested his chin on the Stradivarius. He moved his right arm in a grand motion.
***
“How was it?”
“It was amazing!”
“You were really cool!”
The kids, who had stopped by the waiting room, handed Jayden Moore bouquets of flowers.
Jayden Moore had overcome all his pressure and finished the recital magnificently. Seojun had clearly seen the proud look on Jayden's face amidst the standing ovation.
“Well done.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Jayden Moore smiled faintly at Benjamin Morton's praise. The gentle smile resembled that of his teacher, Benjamin Morton. Seeing that expression for the first time, the kids giggled.
Catherine and Paul nudged Seojun. They had gotten quite close, but Seojun was still the one most comfortable with Jayden.
Taking the hint from the others, Seojun asked.
“The last piece was especially good. You composed it, right, Jayden?”
“I did.”
At the mention of the last piece, Benjamin Morton cleared his throat. Even Seojun and the kids could tell it was a song filled with gratitude and praise for his teacher.
Throughout Jayden Moore's performance, Benjamin Morton's eyes had been red-rimmed. He hadn't wanted to miss a single moment. *My student truly is the best.*
While Benjamin Morton wiped away the tears that threatened to fall again, Jayden, holding a mountain of bouquets, looked at Seojun.
“Next time...”
“Yes?”
“If you want to learn the violin next time, give me a call.”
“Okay! I will!”
And just like that, he had gained a violin teacher with incredible talent and skill.
As Seojun and the kids were talking with Jayden and Professor Benjamin, they made way for the two's acquaintances who came to the waiting room.
As he was the last to leave the room, Seojun peeked his head back in and said.
“I'll call you even if there's nothing going on! Is that okay?”
Blinking, Jayden Moore and Benjamin Morton gave identical smiles.
“Sure. Do as you please.”
“Anytime is fine.”
Seojun grinned at their cheerful replies.
***
Arriving at Marine Studios to film the post-credits scene for *Assemble 2*—or rather, the teaser for *Shadowman 3*—Seojun and An Daho's jaws dropped.
Walking alongside Director Ryan Will was the famous Hollywood actor, Swalin Anum, who spotted the two and waved.
“It's been a while since the film festival party. Have you been well?”
“Yes! Hello, Swalin!”
Seojun greeted him excitedly, his eyes sparkling. It was obvious at a glance how much he admired Swalin Anum, which made both Ryan Will and Swalin Anum smile.
Seojun thought about what role Swalin Anum could play in *Shadowman* and one character came to mind.
The fearsome king of the Natra, who had invaded Earth.
“Is Swalin Anum playing Jin's father?”
“He is.”
“Wow!”
Seojun's eyes sparkled at Director Ryan Will's answer. To be in the same film as Swalin Anum! It felt like just yesterday he was studying by watching a documentary the actor had appeared in! His heart pounded with genuine joy.
“You know this is a secret until the news breaks, right?”
“Yes! I won't tell anyone!”
At Director Ryan's words, Seojun and An Daho zipped their lips.
Swalin Anum smiled and offered a handshake. Seojun reached out, took his hand firmly, and shook it lightly.
“I'm counting on you, son.”
“Yes! I'm counting on you, too!”
After watching Swalin Anum head to the dressing room with sparkling eyes, Seojun turned to Director Ryan Will.
“Is Swalin Anum really going to be in *Shadowman*?”
“Yep. The contract is all signed.”
“Wow. I really, really wanted to be in a film with Swalin! Did you know? My favorite documentary is the one he was in.”
As Seojun chattered excitedly, he suddenly noticed someone was missing. No matter where he looked, the person who should have been glued to Director Ryan's side was nowhere to be seen.
“Director. Where's Jonathan? I don't see him.”
“He went independent.”
“Independent?”
Seojun tilted his head.
“Yeah. After I finally made *Shadowman*, the movie I'd been dreaming of for twenty years, and it became a series, I guess he got inspired to do something of his own. He went off on his own a year ago and is making an independent film.”
“He never mentioned anything like that when we kept in touch... What's the movie's title?”
“He's still filming it. Jonathan started following me around during the filming of *Shadowman*, so this is probably his first time experiencing an environment short on money, time, and people.”
“I see.”
Seojun's eyes twinkled. He could still clearly picture the middle schooler, Jonathan Will. The exhausted look on his face from dealing with the crying child actors was vivid in his mind.
And now, that same Jonathan Will had started down the path of a film director, just like his uncle.
“Here he comes. Jun. It's your turn.”
“Yes.”
Swalin Anum appeared, his makeup finished. Taking his place, Seojun now headed to the dressing room.
Since it was a post-credits scene being filmed on a set, there weren't many staff or actors.
When Seojun emerged with his makeup done, Director Ryan Will shouted, “Action!”
#