Chapter 38
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: The Luthier's Workshop
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An elderly gentleman with graying hair and a wrinkled face gazed intently at the instrument.
A troubled expression filled his face as he looked at the instrument on the table.
And for good reason...
How in the world did it end up in this state?
Yuhyeons instrument was in a condition so dreadful it defied description.
The top and back plates were cracked, and the neck and varnish were covered in scratches.
And why are the strings so dark?
A shadow fell over the old mans face as he touched the violins strings.
Just as they say you can know the parents by looking at the child, an instrument often takes on the disposition of its owner.
If it had been used to play positive pieces, its sound would brighten; if used for sad songs, it would inevitably produce a mournful tone.
It must not have been easy.
Yuhyeons strings were crying out in despair.
Of course, the instrument wasn't literally alive, but he could tell.
He could tell that Yuhyeon had endured a weary and arduous past.
It was a unique skill he had honed over more than fifty years of handling strings.
As you know, an instrument like this can't be fixed with simple maintenance. It needs to be completely disassembled and restored, piece by piece, from the ground up.
Kim Seongdeuk didn't offer Yuhyeon clumsy words of comfort or pry into his pain.
Everyone carries unspoken pain or secrets with them through life.
The journey ahead was more important than past mistakes or regrets.
Will it be difficult to fix?
No, it will take some time, but I don't think it will be particularly difficult.
What did it matter if the strings cried of despair, or if the violin was badly damaged?
He just needed to disassemble the instrument and restore it piece by piece, like painting a new picture on a blank canvas.
And so, it could dream of a new life and paint a brighter future.
Kim Seongdeuk was confident he could do it. That was why he was known as the Maestro of string instrument restoration.
Leave it with me, and I'll call you when it's ready. By the way, how have you been lately?
Kim Seongdeuk said with a gentle smile, looking at Yuhyeon.
The repair itself wasn't the challenge; it was something he had done his entire life.
What he was more curious about was the well-being of this precious guest who had visited after so long.
Not very well, to be honest, but
Yuhyeon said plainly, looking at the old gentleman.
It was a very frank and unreserved answer.
But he continued, a faint smile on his lips.
Things have gotten much better recently. I started playing again.
Oh, is that so? Where and how have you been playing?
Kim Seongdeuks eyes sparkled.
This might sound a little strange, but I've started playing again in a game called Wonderland.
Oh, I've heard that even people with mobility issues can move freely in there, right?
Oh, you know about it?
Haha, I know a thing or two. An old man in the back room doesn't have much to do besides work and watch the news.
Haha, lately, I've been cutting back on sleep just to log into the game. I enjoy that space where I can hear and play music so much. You could almost say it feels more real than reality.
What does the place matter? As long as you can feel happiness, that's all that counts.
Kim Seongdeuk chuckled softly.
How is your hearing?
Kim Seongdeuk asked cautiously, looking at Yuhyeon.
Although they had lost touch after the accident, he already knew that Yuhyeon had developed a disability.
The attention showered on the nation's youngest violinist to reach the top was impossible to ignore, and it was a well-known story among people in the industry.
Actually, it's not good. I can't hear at all.
Hmm?
Kim Seongdeuks eyes widened.
Th-Then how are we having this conversation right now?
Lip-reading. I'm guessing based on the shape of your lips, sir.
Kim Seongdeuks mouth fell open.
He had assumed from their smooth conversation that Yuhyeon only had minor hearing damage.
But he had been carrying on the entire conversation just by reading lips?
I heard lip-reading isnt an easy skill to master.
Most people with hearing impairments often developed slurred speech.
It was a side effect of not being able to hear one's own pronunciation.
Yet Yuhyeons pronunciation was clear, and their conversation flowed without a hitch.
To the point where one could mistake him for someone without any impairment.
Then why did you decide to have your instrument repaired? Are you planning to walk the path of a performer again?
I need it for my composition work.
Yuhyeon smiled faintly.
As long as his hearing didn't return, he likely had no plans to pursue the path of a violinist.
He was a perfectionist who was endlessly strict with his own performances.
But I plan to do some rehabilitation exercises, just in case. I can't let my hands get completely stiff.
Even so, he hadn't let go of the thread of hope.
This repair was his best effort to seize an opportunity that might come at any time.
Whether as a composer or a performer.
A good day will surely come. Whether you work as a composer or a performer, whatever path lies before you.
Kim Seongdeuk said frankly in a simple tone.
For a musician, a hearing impairment was indeed a fatal penalty.
It was comparable to a writer who couldn't use their hands.
The important thing is an unbreakable spirit.
But just as there are writers who dictate their words when they have no hands, there are athletes who compete in the Olympics despite physical disabilities.
Even Beethoven, the one called Akseong, suffered from a disability.
As long as one doesn't let go of hope, an opportunity is bound to come.
I'll have to do my absolute best to restore this for you. I've been given a very difficult assignment in my later years.
Perhaps this restoration process would be a momentous occasion, granting Yuhyeon a new journey.
Kim Seongdeuk resolved to carry out the restoration with a sense of responsibility befitting his fifty years of experience and his title of Maestro.
I won't charge you for the restoration.
What? You won't charge me?
You haven't made it yet, have you? Our promise that you'd pay me back when you succeeded as a musician. That's still valid.
The corners of Yuhyeons eyes twitched.
A restoration like this would cost at least several thousand dollars.
The violin was an instrument more sensitive and delicate than any other.
Not only were the materials expensive, but every little part had to be painstakingly crafted to allow for delicate expression.
In other words, the cost of the restoration process would be unimaginably high.
I'm the one who would feel uncomfortable. If it really bothers you, just play a piece for me sometime and we'll call it even.
Sir
And yet, his master was telling him he would accept nothing.
The man who had always given so much was doing so once again.
I'll be sure to repay you. I really will.
Yuhyeon said, having made a firm resolution in his heart.
It was a moment that gave him another reason to live more diligently, for himself and for his master.
Just then.
Creeak!
Grandpa! I'm here!
Oh, Seunga, you're here.
Kim Seongdeuk smiled brightly at Kim Seunga as she entered through the door.
Yuhyeons gaze naturally followed.
Seunga?
There stood a female student in a school uniform, holding a violin case.
My sweetheart, you're here early today. Did practice end soon?
My classes ended early today. Actually, I was hungry, so I came a little early, hehe.
You should practice in the practice room. Will you be able to focus practicing here in the workshop?
Aww, Grandpa, you like my playing! I'll practice hard after lunch.
Kim Seunga said, placing her case on the workshop table.
Seunga, this guest is the violinist, Han Yuhyeon. You might be seeing him often, so you should say hello.
At those words, Kim Seunga paused from taking out her violin and looked at Yuhyeon.
Then, with a bright and cheerful expression, she bowed deeply.
Ah, hello! My name is Kim Seunga!
Ah, yes. I'm Han Yuhyeon.
Yuhyeon spoke, his eyes on the violin peeking out of the case.
You use a modern Italian instrument, I see. A Scarampella?
Whoa! Amazing, you can tell just by looking at it?
Of course, he knew.
For someone like Yuhyeon, who was deeply interested in instruments, it wasn't that difficult.
However, contrary to his certainty, an unexpected answer came from Kim Seongdeuk.
Close, but that's an instrument I made for her.
You made it, sir?
It's modeled after a Scarampella, so you could say you're half right.
An instrument made by you, sir
Yuhyeon's eyes lit up.
Scarampellas were instruments widely used by professional musicians and students due to their reasonable price range.
But if his master had made it himself, that was a completely different story.
The detail within it would surely be on par with a Guarneri or a Stradivarius.
So you intentionally made it look like a Scarampella.
There's nothing wrong with a bit of moderation in all things.
Among musicians, a fine instrument can be an object of aspiration, but it can also be an object of jealousy.
Making it look like a Scarampella was surely for that reason.
To prevent Kim Seunga from facing unnecessary misunderstandings because of her instrument.
Grandpa! Should I play what I practiced today? It's Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, your favorite!
Oh, that would be nice. But are you sure? We have a guest.
Kim Seongdeuk said, gazing thoughtfully at Yuhyeon.
It's not often I get a chance to play in front of a violinist other than my teachers at school!
In that moment, two pairs of eyes turned to Yuhyeon.
Shes a very bright kid.
It was a rather bewildering moment.
Don't performers usually feel more pressure when there's a guest?
Yuhyeon smiled faintly and said.
If you're offering to play, I'd be delighted to listen. Please, feel comfortable.
Hehe, okay! Just a moment, then!
Kim Seunga excitedly turned to her violin.
Kim Seongdeuk watched her with an expression that said, How could she be so lovely?
Strictly speaking, she wasn't his own child, but he found her as lovable as if she were his own daughter.
It was then.
Wait, he said he couldn't hear...
Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Yuhyeon.
He remembered Yuhyeon saying that his hearing was completely gone in the real world.
And yet, Yuhyeon had just said he would listen to her play.
Did he just say it to be polite?
That seemed to be the only way to make sense of it.
It must have been a form of consideration, taking the bright girls feelings into account.
Though he himself had become the one who failed to consider Yuhyeons situation...
Alright, I'll begin!
Soon, Kim Seungas performance began.
A melody as sweet and warm as the early autumn sun slowly filled the workshop.
Kim Seongdeuk closed his eyes, surrendering himself to the rhythm and enjoying the melody.
All the while thinking he would have to apologize to Yuhyeon after the performance was over.
Before long, the melody moved toward its climax.
When Kim Seunga finished the performance with a controlled flourish.
Bravo, that was a fine performance.
Yuhyeon, who had been watching intently, began to clap and slowly spoke.
But
Hmm?
Isn't it difficult for you to play?
At Yuhyeons question, Kim Seongdeuks eyes narrowed.
It seems you're unconsciously tensing the wrist of your left hand. That must make it difficult to move and to produce a clear sound
Yuhyeon murmured softly.
No way...
Kim Seongdeuks eyes widened.
Is he... coaching her without hearing the music?