Chapter 9.6 - Act 9: Whimsically 6 (2/2)

Since I returned, I should try hard during my school days and it would be good if I could receive the scholarship – that was how shallow my motivation was.

Thinking back, the time I started getting more serious was when I started practising with Han Dasom.

Han Dasom, a girl that shrunk her shoulders with no confidence in her own songs.

Towards her, I said.

What was your dream? This was my dream so let’s try hard together.

“…”

With my lips closed, I raised my head up in a flash and could see the benevolent smile on Sir Dickson’s face. Seeing that person who used to conduct the Met Opera Company which used to be one of my dreams, I felt my head turning clearer.

Okay. Opera Company huh?

The reason I sat the interview at an opera company after quitting the ensemble was in fact rather simple. It was because opera was a performing art area that sold solely based on the name of the opera actor.

Blah blah opera sung by blah blah blah. Opera descriptions were always like that and highlighted the importance of the main actor.

Naturally, unlike ensembles, it would help develop my song without disturbing it in any way… Also, since opera companies gave a lot of money, it settled the financial aspect required to live as well.

After making a firm resolution in my mind, I opened my mouth.

[Yes. My dream is to become an opera actor.]

[I knew it. In that case, there will be lots for me to tell you!]

Sir Dickson gave a full smile of enjoyment and unravelled his bag of stories, starting from the thoughts he had while seeing operas, to the interviewing experiences he had and the important aspects that needed to be practised.

While absorbing in those detailed stories to the best of my ability, the meeting with Dickson slowly came to an end.

*

Kung.

With the closing door behind him, Timothy Dickson walked outside and thought with a stretch.

‘Future Performing Arts High School of Korea….’

In fact, he didn’t have a mountain of expectations before coming. Although Korea wasn’t that low in the classical world’s ranking of fame, it wasn’t on the higher end either.

It was just around the average level.

Also, it was a small country that amounted to one state in America. That was why he had a fleeting heart for his visit but… there were a lot more talents than he had expected.

‘Especially the freshmen students were great.’

As Timothy Dickson stayed there nodding his head, Song Muntak walked up and carefully started a conversation.

[How was it, sir maestro? Were there a few decent students?]

[Ah, Mr Principal. Of course. They were all good students.]

[Haha, that’s great then.]

With his eyes on the smiling principal, Timothy Dickson thought back while caressing his chin.

His words weren’t really empty compliments because they really were of high standards. Timothy Dickson had already visited many countries before and had this education session several times already. Since he was surprised, that was more than enough evidence to back it off.

Especially the freshmen opera department.

Although the student called Chloe of the piano department was great, the opera kids were overwhelming in comparison.

Kim Wuju who had been singing a perfect song incomparable to other students.

Lee Suh-ah with the talents to become the best soprano.

‘And Jo Yunjae was it…’

Jo Yunjae.

It was also Timothy Dickson’s first time seeing such a student. It was different from the feeling he got from Kim Wuju but… nonetheless, he was unique. He looked feeble like a boy but it felt like there was an old man inside his brain or something.

While mumbling that it would be great for him to be an opera actor, Timothy Dickson suddenly flashed a smile.

Seriously, it had been so long since he retired from the position of the music director but it was still inside him, it seemed. There was this habit of wanting to cast a good actor whenever he saw one.

While Timothy Dickson was lost in his own world, the principal opened his mouth carefully.

[Umm, by the way, how was that student called Jo Yunjae?]

[Hmm?]

‘I was thinking about him just then though?’

As he raised his eyebrows up, baffled by the coincidence, the principal stole a glance before continuing his words.

[He’s actually from the opera department but… he has a great talent to be a conductor. I’m trying my hardest to persuade him but it’s just not working out. I want to hear your opinion as a maestro.]

Timothy Dickson tilted his head.

Conductor? Talent?

What was this about?

He was clueless before the principal added more words. The principal explained how he nurtured Han Dasom, awakened Chloe’s piano as well as his unfathomable knowledge and experience…

Soon, Timothy Dickson’s eyes gradually increased in size.

*

After the meeting with Sir Dickson, the holidays soon began. It was a summer holiday lasting for around a month but I wasn’t planning to play around just because it was a holiday.

To become an opera actor which was my new dream, I had to diligently build up skills and experience.

“Hmm… so I have to…”

While going through my phone, I thought of my future schedule while squinting my eyes.

First, I had to register for the concours I would be participating in during the second semester. Although I gave up on it during the first semester for the scholarship, I would start having more time during the second semester.

But actually, since all the large concours were packed in the first semester, there weren’t that many concours to participate in.

Casually, I fidgeted around with my phone and finished applying for the concours and raised my head up.

The mid-summer heat poured down on me.

We promised to meet in front of the station but Lee Suh-ah was taking her sweet time.

‘It’ll be the appointment time soon though…’

Looking at the watch, I pondered on what would be a good penalty for arriving late when a hand suddenly touched my shoulder.

“You’re early.”

Raising my head back up, I found Lee Suh-ah’s face. Her hair was tied neatly behind her and unlike her usual school uniform, she was wearing light, casual clothes.

It was our first time meeting each other after the holidays began.

“No, I just arrived as well.”

“I see.”

She primly ran her fingers through her hair and glanced around before brusquely opening her lips.

“So, where are we going?”

I looked at her and replied with a grin.

“Let’s get on the train first.”