GIJS

Chapter 59

Fate Rather than Chance

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As soon as he confirmed the name 'Nayuseon,' a surge of emotion welled up in Gunja's chest, rising all the way to his throat.

How could he forget the name of the instrument craftsman, Nayuseon?

They first met in the instrument room of Giru. Nayuseon, a master craftsman of musical instruments, was a person completely devoid of even a sliver of prejudice when it came to music.

From the very moment they met, Nayuseon recognized Gunja's talent. For Gunja, who loved music and instruments, Nayuseon's recognition was an incomparable joy.

Gunja, too, was well aware of Nayuseon's skills.

His eye for selecting good wood was not merely exceptional; it was nearly divine. Even instruments that had become worn-out junk would be reborn as masterpieces emitting clear sounds after passing through his hands.

The only thing that the unparalleled master craftsman lacked was money to continue his work.

Without a moment's hesitation, Gunja helped Nayuseon. He supported his activities with whatever small savings he had, even handing over the bundles of coins he earned through performances.

The debt Nayuseon owed to Gunja, whom he considered like a younger brother, weighed heavily on his heart. "I will repay this favor someday," Nayuseon often said.

The fame of Moonwon's instrument craftsman Nayuseon continued to rise, and eventually, he was granted a government position through the appointment to the Royal Instrument Construction Office.

Before departing for Hanyang, Nayuseon's final task was to craft a Xiang Pipa for Gunja.

For the Pipa meant exclusively for Gunja, he spared no expense, using only the best wood and finest materials.

It was a Pipa crafted as if he had carved out his very soul, but in the end, Gunja could not receive it.

For his uncle Yoo Hyung-won had locked him away in a chest.

Nayuseon's masterpiece, which could not be delivered to Gunja, remained as a treasure of the family, passed down to future generations.

And so, after 300 years had passed,

As if by miracle, Nayuseon's Xiang Pipa returned to Gunja's hands.

The status window informed him of the craftsman who had created this Pipa. However, even without the status window appearing, Gunja felt that he would have known who made this Pipa.

This must be called fate rather than mere coincidence.

It has been waiting for me for 300 years.

Holding the Pipa carefully, Gunja placed his fingers on the five strings. The moment his fingers touched the instrument, it felt as though he could sense the vibration of the spirit contained within it.

"···"

Feeling that vibration, Gunja quietly closed his eyes.

In the mystical atmosphere, everyone seated on the floor grew silent as well.

Only the sounds of evening crickets and the flowing stream filled the quiet.

Daaang—

With Gunja's first pluck of the strings, everyone present felt a chilling surge of emotion.

The sound was so beautiful that it sent shivers down their spines. Yet, strangely enough, along with the thrill, their hearts grew heavy.

Daang, Dang, Daaang—

The Pipa's tones, beautiful and lyrical, yet sorrowful at the same time, wrapped around the room. Everyone seemed entranced by the music, their expressions vacant as though they had been captivated.

The resonance chamber held within it the essence of 300 years. Even Nauri, who had preserved it, could not close his gaping mouth.

More important than flashy techniques or rapid playing was the emotion and expressiveness. It was a phrase Nauri often said to aspiring musicians. If possible, he wanted to record this performance and show it to those aspiring musicians.

But there was no time to take out a smartphone camera. Though Nauri had played stringed instruments, including the guitar, for decades, he had never experienced a performance that drew him in so deeply. It felt as though the long and rich history engraved in the instrument was pouring out like a silken thread.

Gunja, too, was fully immersed in the sound.

The gentle tones resonating as they emerged from the resonance chamber were familiar to Gunja as well.

Even 300 years could not diminish Nayuseon's craftsmanship. The Xiang Pipa, made with the craftsman's soul, contained his deep gratitude toward Gunja. That was why it could endure for so long.

Daaang—

Every time he plucked the strings, it felt like reuniting with an old friend, a close brother. Though he might no longer be in this world, Nayuseon's spirit was clearly embedded in this Pipa.

Always smiling when they met, always saying thank you as if it were a habit.

The brother, Yuseon, who had once promised him, almost swearing, that he would make a portable instrument just for him.

This must be the very Pipa that brother had spoken of back then.

Daang, Dang, Dang, Dadang—···

When playing the geomungo and gayageum, Gunja used the sanjo (scattered melody) style, but this time it was a bit different. Gunja had also learned modern music by now.

The modern melody expressed through the old tones was also charming. Even Yeonguijeong, who had always shown a hearty demeanor, seemed completely engrossed in Gunja's Pipa performance, her expression tinged with emotion.

"Mm, it's too good."

As the performance ended, quiet applause followed. Though no words were spoken, everyone's expressions seemed to convey the same sentiment.

They want to hear more. If it's this beautiful music, they could listen all night.

As if answering that unspoken wish, Nauri now picked up a classical guitar. The classical guitar, which was played mainly with melodies rather than chords, was often paired with the Pipa in ensemble performances.

As if exchanging lines, the Pipa and classical guitar exchanged sounds. It was astonishingly good once again. Ji Hyun-su, who had been gaping since earlier, continued to jot down notes. As the performance continued, it felt like inspiration was exploding in his mind like a volcano.

The ensemble of the Pipa and guitar continued until the moon rose. Quite a long time had passed, but Gunja did not feel the slightest bit bored. There was no room for boredom.

Nauri and Gunja kept looking at each other, syncing their breaths. Playing together through a loop station was fun, but playing simultaneously with another person was an entirely different thrill.

Gunja thought he had experienced most of the joys of music, but there were still so many exhilarating things in the world. Just realizing that brought a smile to his face.

The ensemble, which had started at dusk, finally ended after the full moon had fully risen.

"Haha, that was fun."

At Nauri's words, Gunja nodded furiously in agreement.

"The Pipa performance was really great."

"Indeed. Thanks for playing such good music."

Yeonguijeong thanked Gunja, but in truth, Gunja was the one who needed to say thank you.

For 300 years, they had passed down and preserved this Pipa, allowing him to meet Nayuseon today.

Thinking about that meeting made him feel as though tears might fall at any moment.

"Gunja, you enjoyed it too, didn't you?"

"Yes, I was incredibly happy."

"Because of that..."

Nauri, as if making a big decision, took a breath and looked at Gunja.

"I want you to take care of this Pipa for a while."

"...What?"

Gunja's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer.

"Instruments need to be played often, or they'll deteriorate."

"But it's a family heirloom..."

"We were just preserving it. After hearing its sound today, it feels like this Pipa has found its rightful owner."

"..."

"Please take care of it. I'm asking you."

At Nauri's earnest request, Gunja gently stroked the surface of the Pipa once more.

Though it was originally something Nayuseon had made for him, after 300 years, it was undoubtedly a treasure of the Na family.

Its monetary value was beyond words, and for Nauri, who loved music and instruments, it must have been an incredibly precious item.

Deeply grateful to Nauri for generously offering such a precious item, Gunja bowed his head.

"Thank you."

"Not at all, I'm the one who should be thanking you."

As the ceremony of gifting the pipa concluded, the Prime Minister spoke up.

"I have something for you too, though it's nothing special."

She handed over a small piece of paper. When unfolded, it revealed a phone number written on it.

"!"

"You may not realize it, but every broadcasting station would love to have this number."

"The contact number of the Prime Minister's..."

"She quit broadcasting seven years ago, but it's been a long time since I've met juniors I like this much. If you guys call, I'll consider going on air again~"

This time, Gunja's friends were even more shocked. They knew well the influence the name "Prime Minister" carried in the entertainment industry.

"...Did Prime Minister Seonbae-nim really just give us her contact info...?"

"Is this for real?"

"Haha, is this like a web novel or something?"

"Hey, don't jinx it with that talk."

The dream-like day flew by. Before the night deepened, Prime Minister – and the couple of Nauri took Gunja and his friends back to their lodging.

"Today was fun. Come visit again sometime~"

"Yes!"

"Haha, good luck with the finals."

"Will do!"

It was a day where they gained so much.

In his right pocket, Gunja had the Prime Minister's contact number, and cradled in his arms was the pipa given by Nauri.

"Gunja, if there's a creative mission in the finals, we absolutely have to use this pipa. It's just too good of a resource."

Composer Hyunsu seemed already excited at the thought of creating a new piece. The pipa wasn't just an old friend they had reunited with after a long time; it would also be a key weapon in the upcoming stage.

"Wow, I still can't believe it."

"This really was the best, most dream-like day of my life."

"Alright, everyone, good night~ See you tomorrow."

The seven boys fell asleep the moment their heads hit the pillows back in their lodging.

In his dream, Gunja reunited with an old friend and spent time playing instruments together.

In the dream, Nayuseon smiled brightly, just as Gunja remembered him.

* * *

The next day, the fifteen survivors boarded a plane back to Seoul.

Their short break was over, and it was time for everyone to focus and prepare for the final round.

MC Jeong Haejin, standing before the participants, wore a somewhat affectionate expression, as if he had grown attached to each of them.

"Did everyone have fun on your trip?"

"Yes-."

"Now, it's back to the grind for the next ten days, so I hope this break was enough to recharge you all."

Gunja and his friends responded enthusiastically. The secret day trip had provided them with the perfect recharge.

"Alright, now it's time to explain the format and rules of the final live competition. But before that, we need to announce the results of the surprise mission in Jeju, right?"

At the mention of the surprise mission, all the participants turned their eyes toward Gunja.

In the personal broadcast mission, Gunja had completely overshadowed Ju Ha-sung with his extraordinary rap battle against the Soul-less Jang, securing first place by an overwhelming margin.

Of course, Gunja hadn't intended it, but the other participants couldn't deny the outcome.

"I mean, who wouldn't watch that? A rap battle with the Soul-less Jang?"

"We gave up on our own broadcast halfway and just watched Seonbi Hyung's."

"It was practically a performance."

"View count, audience numbers... No one can beat Gunja."

The results were as everyone predicted.

However, no one knew yet what the benefit for the first place in the personal broadcast mission would be.

As everyone's anticipation grew, Jeong Haejin spoke again.

"Alright, then I'll now announce the benefit that Yu Gunja, the first-place winner of the personal broadcast mission, will receive."