Chapter 31

Chapter 31

TL: KSD

(TL: Narrators POV)

Summer vacation had ended.

At this time of year, the hearts of middle school students are truly wondrous.

On the last day of vacation, they might seem as if theyre being dragged to prison, all droopy. But once they actually go to school and meet their friends again, theyre overjoyed, and smiles bloom on their faces.

Thats why the faces of the students in uniforms passing through the gates of Baekhak Arts Middle School werent too gloomy.

The joy of meeting friends they hadnt seen in just a month was overwhelming; they hugged, screamed, and made a huge fuss.

This vibrant and lively energy didnt fade until all the students had gathered in class, turning the teacher-less classroom into a bustling marketplace.

While the kids who preferred quiet covered their ears and lay down, most of the students chatted excitedly with bright expressions.

And, of course, the topic of conversation among the students of the literature and writing department was

Moon In-seop.

Hey! Youre talking about Moon In-seop, right?

Wow~ Really! Thats insane! Ah, damn! For real!

Really, for real?!

First-year students in the literature and writing department gathered in small groups according to their usual cliques. However, the topic of conversation was the same for all. They talked about the prodigious young boy, who was one year younger than them, and some even of the same age because he was born early in the year.

I read his latest novel and wanted to break my fingers. How can he write like that at his age?

Our academy teacher says that Author Moons a fraud

No way, no way, my tutor met him in person. He said hes a total genius. Absolutely!

Hmm. I read it but wasnt particularly impressed? It just felt like something a primary school student would write.

Ah, its not that bad, he writes well, but I wonder if its worth all this popularity. Seems like its because of his age.

I spent all my part-time job money to buy his books. Dont even talk if you havent bought them.

My mom bought them for me.

Jealous.

But if you write worse than Moon In-seop, you might as well quit being a novelist.

Not jealous.

Students in the literature and creative writing department of Baekhak Arts Middle School are kids who dream of becoming poets and novelists. And being a writer was perceived as a surefire way to starve. At least, that has been the perception for decades. Parents sharing this perception wouldnt send their children to the literature and writing department of an arts middle school (paying a hefty sum) for no reason.

In other words, the students in the literature and writing department were either children of literary figures, had shown literary talent from an early age, or had a firm dream and strongly insisted to their parents to send them to the literature and writing department.

They were all serious about literature. Thus, their admiration, jealousy, envy, and aspiration towards Moon In-seop were all genuine.

The nature of their conversation was different from kids who casually talk about idols. Moon In-seop was more than an idol; he was a role model and a competitor.

Into this whirlwind of dense emotions, a transfer student was thrown.

Kids! Did you have a good vacation!nove(l)bi(n.)com

The homeroom teacher, with an excited expression, opened the noisy classrooms front door and appeared.

Lets start the new semester in a good mood, believing nothing special happened over the vacation!

After a brief moral instruction from the podium, the teacher, with a nervous heart, focused the students.

And! We have a transfer student in our literature and writing department!

Come in! Following the teachers signal, a boy wrapped in a blanket timidly entered through the front door.

The transfer student seemed to have all his energy drained just by being at the school.

There was no one who didnt know who he was.

Hello-

Wowwwwwww-!!!

Before he could even finish his greeting, a storm of cheers erupted in the classroom.

He was the storm, the transfer student.

EP 3-Magic Sword~nim, please control me!

Writers are not necessarily a serene and gentle breed.

Being cooped up writing all the time can make a person a bit gloomy. The stereotype of the cranky and irritable artist isnt without basis.

The literary circle, a group of such writers, wasnt known for its pleasant disposition either.

Just as something cannot be created from nothing, an organization filled with people of flawed character cannot be good.

Of course, there are exceptional people like Gu Hak-jun, but if you see someone normal among monsters, that person is often the scariest. This can be proved by the fact that cannibalism is a recurring theme in Gu Hak-juns novels.

In any case.

It was quite exceptional for Author Moon to be easily accepted into the literary circle.

Its like a group that would kill off a brash young one from the get-go suddenly pretending to be nice.

The reason is simple.

It was partly due to the enthusiastic support of Gu Hak-jun, one of the heavyweights of the literary world, and the cost-benefit of Moon In-seops popularity to the entire literary circle but

Crucially,

Moon In-seops writing was easy.

What was easy?

It was easy to recognize.

Recognize what?

Specifically, his identity.

-This person is orthodox.

Even the towering elders of the literary world have eyes and discernment.

It wasnt difficult for them to recognize Moon In-seops identity.

-Though it seems challenging and innovative, it is fundamentally deep and virtuously skilled. How could such a genius grow under someone from the heterodox faction like Lim?

-It almost reminds me of Professor Gus younger days I would believe it if you said he was a disciple!

-Such literature without a teacher!

From the mainstream perspective of the literary circle, Author Moons position was quite special.

A writer of a very classical style is revered by the younger generation!

Author Moons innovative, challenging, and youthful image was purely because of his age, not because of his writing.

He was not a reformer who wrote innovative works. Rather, he was a true rising star who had consolidated the literary movements of the past.

This made the elders of the literary circle feel as though,

At the end of a long and ignored era of hardship,

Someone who had mastered their martial arts, no, their literature, had risen and astonished the world.

Getting 16 literary awards and exposing the practice of debut fees on the 9 oclock news? Originally, buying one might be a trick, but buying 16 turns it into art.

-Upon reflection, it seems like a good idea.

-Yes! When youre young, you should have that kind of boldness!

Excuse me?!

Without engaging in broadcast activities, without stepping into the entertainment industry, you just want to devote yourself purely to creation?

The boy started to protest but then stopped.

It seemed like she was right.

It seems that way.

Kim Byul dismissed the time travelers complex psychology with simple words.

Ha. Severe case of art disease. Pure art disease

That sounds like quackery.

Half of our school suffers from pure art disease. Mostly the ones involved in classical instruments, ballet, painting. Especially those who write novels like you.

Baekhak Arts Middle School was known for its intense conflicts among students.

The reason was directly connected to a core debate in the arts.

The gap between pure art and popular art.

Youve never spoken to anyone else about this concern, have you?

Thats right.

Good. If word got out that you said such things, the school would turn upside down several times over.

Why?

Because the classical kids look down on the practical music kids, the dance department fights between pure dance and practical dance, and there was even a time when the chairman declared idols werent artists and had to publicly apologize.

I already want to drop out.

Ive been putting up with it for three years, so you might as well too. What are you going to do, drop out on the first day of school

Kim Byul lamented with an expression of utter fed-up-ness.

So, what specifically makes you feel reluctant about activities in the entertainment industry? It feels like its stealing your focus from art, doesnt it?

Thats right.

But I think this. Is there value in art thats only for oneself? Is there value in art that excludes the public? Beauty isnt the idea of a flower. Its because someone observes the flower that they can appreciate its beauty.

Kim Byul vented her hidden grievances as a popular artist. Apparently, there was an aspect of opening up more to a colleague with whom she had worked on a project than to a school friend.

Of course, there could be art thats beautiful in itself. But we live off the people who like us.

And those people want to see you as often as possible. Wouldnt it then be your duty to continue communicating with the public, rather than just writing in a secluded room?

Thats a very valid point.

Moon In-seop nodded. Kim Byul felt a slight pride in having convinced the famous genius boy with her argument, though she didnt show it outwardly.

But there was still something bothering the boy.

But if I become more famous as an entertainer rather than a writer, wouldnt more scammers cling to me? Its already too much popularity to the point where Im running around with manuscripts trying to write

Kim Byul shook her head in frustration.

Scammers cling to you because youre young and have money! Its not because of your popularity! Those two things are completely separate. Even if your popularity wanes, as long as you dont run out of money, weird people will continue to follow you. Just like weird people keep clinging to me because Im young and pretty.

Hmm

Of course, its not that pure art is wrong and popular art is right. The public isnt always good. Just look at the comments on my photo book. It feels like Im going crazy? Comments about my waist, legs, chest Ah, those bastards

Calm down.

Phew Still, I think if youre going to do art, you have to keep stepping out in front of the public. Maybe its because I act, but its the same with books, isnt it? Its not just about writing. Someone has to read it.

Thats true

So, you should become a writer who shows himself to the people who want to see you, not a reclusive artist who just publishes books. Its not about doing broadcasts just for money and fame, but about giving back to the people who like you, communicating with them, and creating some warm empathy. Honestly, isnt that also art?

After listening intently for a while, Moon In-seop organized his thoughts.

So, variety shows and commercials are not for personal money and fame, but for communication with fans and readers So, from a broader perspective, thats also an extension of art Is that what you mean, Kim sunbae?

Yes!

Kim Byul confidently smiled and nodded, and at that moment, Moon In-seops mindset changed.

Activities in the entertainment industry are not for personal wealth and fame but for communication with readers

Its not something to be casually dismissed, but a destined aspect that a pop artist must accept

Theres no beauty in art without the public

If someone like Professor Gu Hak-jun heard this, he might foam at the mouth in rebuttal and ultimately make Kim Byul cry, but Moon In-seop wasnt so rigid in his thinking.

I appreciate your words, Kim sunbae.

So, what do you think now?

Ill give variety shows my best effort.

Good!

Kim Byul heartily laughed and patted Moon In-seops shoulder.

Then, excitedly, she added a few more words.

If youre going to give up something for the sake of art, give up on school life. This school isnt as good as you think. The teachers arent civil servants; theyre employees. Doesnt that make you think somethings wrong?

After saying it, Kim Byul wondered if she had gone too far, but fortunately, Moon In-seop simply nodded in agreement.

I didnt come here to focus on school life. I came because they said it was okay to skip school to write.

Kim Byul. Child actor. 16 years old.

An age when meeting a like-minded friend can be incredibly exciting.

Thats right! Welcome to the world of professionals. Dont bother trying to make friends in school. Its all pointless.

Ha! Friends Theyre shallow relationships measured by house size, wealth, and grades, right?

Right? Isnt it? Knowing full well they talk behind your back, but you still have to smile in their faces?

For once, school life seemed enjoyable for Kim Byul.

For the first time in a long while, she smiled an age-appropriate smile and kept patting the boys shoulder.

Anyway, lets do our best in the variety show next week! Us!

* * *

I didnt expect him to be this diligent

The reason I keep using honorifics with Kim sunbae is

Kyaaaah! Stop! Stoooop!

When we first met, Kim sunbae looked at me

Kyaaaah! Kyah! Kyaaaah-!

Thinking I was a child actor, she glared at me, crossed her legs, and then

Im sorry! I was wrong! Im so sorry!

She said

Kyaaaah-!

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