GCSA CH 11

CHAPTER 11

I bowed and stepped down from the stage.

When I returned to my seat, I could feel the heat of stares on my cheek.

The other students in my group were all looking at me.

Shock. Wariness. Jealousy. Disbelief.

A mix of emotions filled their faces.

‘Did I get too carried away?’

The melody that flowed through my fingertips had made me forget where I was for a moment.

I hadn’t meant to stand out this much.

‘If I attract too much attention, it could interfere with my plans.’

If everyone’s eyes were on Moon Arin, she wouldn’t move carelessly. To see her true intentions, I needed her to lower her guard.

‘I should’ve held back.’

But it was too late.

Just as regret started to sink in—

[ SYSTEM – V1.0 ]

Congratulations!
You have successfully presented your first original composition.
Audience Immersion: A+
Completion: A
Overall Review: You delivered an impressive performance to discerning listeners!
Reward: Title ‘Promising Newcomer (B)’

‘What is this?’

My eyes widened.

The system window had appeared out of nowhere.

I quickly glanced around, but no one else seemed to see it.

‘It has features like this too? A title?’

This really was like a game.

Another window popped up.

[ SYSTEM – V1.0 ]

Title: ‘Promising Newcomer (B)’
Description: Recognized as a rising talent with high growth potential.
Effects:

• +50% chance of favorable rumors spreading within school and the industry
• +10% chance of new relationship events
• +1 initial favorability in future auditions/performances/competitions

[ SYSTEM – V1.0 ]

Would you like to equip the title ‘Promising Newcomer (B)’?
[ YES / NO ]

After a moment of thought, I selected YES.

A bright effect flashed, and a notification confirmed that the title had been equipped.

I wasn’t sure what had changed, though.

“All evaluations are complete. Please move to the waiting room.”

Group 9’s exam ended, and we were guided out.

After a short wait, we were told the exam had fully concluded.

Students began packing their things and leaving.

I picked up my bag, ready to go—

“Yoon Seol.”

A familiar low voice called from behind.

I turned.

It was the professor from the ear training exam.

Jeong Tae-sung.

“Do you have a moment to talk?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

It was strange.

The transfer results weren’t even out yet, and here he was asking for a meeting.

“We may have been a bit rude earlier. And I’m personally curious. I happened to receive some good tea as a gift. Would you care for a cup?”

He smiled warmly.

I hesitated, then nodded.

“…Just one cup.”

***

“Ah, sit here. It’s a bit messy. I’m terrible at organizing.”

Jeong Tae-sung swept aside some sheet music to clear space on the sofa.

I sat carefully as he poured water into a kettle.

“Do you like black tea? A colleague brought this from a trip to China. Apparently it’s quite famous.”

Soon, a light-colored tea was placed before me.

I wrapped both hands around the mug.

The warmth seeped into my fingers.

I took a sip.

The fragrance spread gently through my nose.

As I set the cup down, he spoke.

“Your performance today was very impressive.”

“….”

“There was a depth to it that’s rare at your age. It wasn’t just technique or inspiration. It had weight—something built over time.”

Inside, I was amazed.

‘He noticed.’

So my lost ten years hadn’t disappeared without a trace.

“And the ear training exam. I don’t know if you remember, but I was there.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“You have perfect pitch, don’t you?”

I nodded.

“Yes.”

“And a very sensitive one.”

“It’s not that special.”

“And humble too.”

He chuckled.

“As department head, I’ll apologize on Professor Baek’s behalf.”

“There’s no need. I understand why she might think that.”

“No, there was no clear evidence. She can be strict. But she’s passionate about teaching. Don’t hold it against her.”

I already knew that.

Baek Gahee wasn’t a bad person.

Strict, yes—but known for pinpointing exactly what each student needed.

I’d even heard a story that she once rejected a famous celebrity’s child, saying they lacked talent and sincerity.

‘I heard she never became department head because of her uncompromising nature.’

She must have been certain someone my age couldn’t compose something like that.

“By the way, after transferring, have you thought about which classes you’ll take?”

“The results aren’t even out yet. I was going to think about it later.”

“No need to worry. You’ll get full marks on ear training. Your original piece will score high. And I doubt you did poorly on theory.”

I didn’t think I would fail either.

“You mentioned you first created your piece in MIDI. Are you interested in that field?”

“Yes.”

“More into practical music than classical, then. You’ll probably take some of my classes.”

He smiled brightly.

“It’s always a pleasure to teach promising students. I’m looking forward to seeing you in class.”

So was I.

I’d always wanted proper instruction.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot.”

He slapped his forehead dramatically.

Then he opened a drawer and took out a photograph.

“Do you know who this is?”

“…!”

My breath caught.

The man standing expressionless beside Jeong Tae-sung was unmistakable.

Jung Do-hyun.

My eyes trembled for a moment before I forced myself to stay calm.

Jung Do-hyun—

Moon Arin’s powerful backer.

‘Why show me his photo?’

I couldn’t hide the flicker in my eyes.

“That young man beside me is my nephew. We’re very close.”

Jeong Tae-sung’s expression softened.

“My family is very rigid. When I chose music, no one supported me. I left home, but I always felt guilty for leaving that kid behind.”

“….”

“He wasn’t like this as a child. Now he looks exactly like his father—serious and boring.”

He tapped the photo lightly.

“But there’s one thing that changes his expression. Music. When he hears good music, he looks like his younger self again.”

He smiled nostalgically.

“Recently, he stopped by the school. He happened to find a USB and has been looking for its owner. Said the composer’s skill wasn’t ordinary and that he wanted to meet them.”

I knew instantly.

It was probably mine.

Right on cue, a system window appeared.

[ SYSTEM – SUB QUEST ]

‘Create a Chance Encounter’ Completed!
Reward: Relationship unlocked with Important Figure (Jeong Tae-sung)

‘It never said that important figure was Jeong Tae-sung!’

If I could, I would’ve argued with it.

Cold sweat formed on my palms.

“But as far as I know, there’s no current composition student with that level of skill. I thought there must be some mistake…”

His gaze settled on me.

“But after seeing you today, I changed my mind.”

He slid the photo closer.

“So tell me—have you lost a USB recently?”