Chapter 9

### The Music Broadcast of the Genius Troubadour - Episode 9 (9/200)

#### The Music Broadcast of the Genius Troubadour Episode 9

“Phew...”

How long had it been since he returned to the hideout after the busking ended?

The members of Harang Band couldn't hide their disappointment on their faces.

“Everyone, it's okay. We just need to practice harder from today.”

Although Kim Do-yun tried to comfort the people, the atmosphere didn't improve much.

The results of today's busking were clearly disastrous.

“Did only three people listen to us continuously?”

“One of them was Lee Han, so in reality, it was only two people.”

“Two people... sigh.”

Jeon Si-woo ran his hand through his hair, clearly shocked by the results.

It seemed he was trying to suppress his emotions because someone from outside was present.

Lee Han, who had noticed this, wanted to stay and pay for the good performance he had seen, despite feeling uncomfortable. It was the troubadour's stubbornness.

In this world, it might not be the case, but in the world he had lived in, there were no communication devices like cell phones, so he had to pay for good music right on the spot.

“Don't be so disappointed. I thought it was a really good performance.”

“...Even if it's just a kind word, thank you.”

“It's not just a kind word.”

Lee Han stood up in response to Ha Jin-sung's reaction.

Even Yi Ha-yoon, who usually showed no change in expression, looked unhappy, so it was necessary to change the atmosphere.

And, in fact, their performance wasn't good, right?

Since they all went to or had gone to music schools, their understanding of music was high.

So, what Lee Han found strange was the people walking on the street.

Perhaps because they lived in a world where music was too familiar, the people here didn't seem to appreciate the harmony of instruments.

Well, that's why, right? That's why the meme about ignoring or mocking the bass was created.

Lee Han recalled a meme he had seen on the internet the other day.

What was it?

The bass was called a four-string guitar, right?

Anyway, the problem was not with Harang's members but with the people on the street.

‘But, I can't enlighten ignorant people! Not that I have the heart to do such a thing...’

As Lee Han stood up, he glanced at the Harang members who were all looking at him.

Of course, a troubadour is not someone who teaches others.

To show them the beauty of music, the only way is to show them a beautiful song.

So, they needed to create a song that would satisfy them.

“I thought the song you all created was really good.”

“Bro, I appreciate your words, but right now...”

“Probably, the reason you're disappointed is due to the lack of a vocalist, right?”

Lee Han ignored Kim Do-yun's words and spoke about what he had inferred from what the Harang people had said so far.

For some reason, the original vocalist left Harang Band.

In the end, the remaining members continued the band, but their first performance today was much worse than expected.

“But, from what I see, your performance didn't decline just because of the lack of a vocalist.”

“Hey... You keep talking without realizing the situation.”

“Si-woo! I'm sorry, but... It seems the timing isn't good right now. Could you come back another time? We really appreciate your advice.”

Ha Jin-sung stopped the irritated Si-woo and bowed to Lee Han.

Of course, it would be annoying if a stranger suddenly appeared and started talking as if he knew everything.

But, what could he do?

Under normal circumstances, he would have been more gentle and considered the time and situation, but Lee Han saw that this band was unstable.

More precisely, they seemed to have lost the will to get back up.

The troubadour's intuition told him that if they missed this opportunity, Harang Band would disappear into the annals of memory.

So,

“I know it might seem presumptuous, but could you just listen to me once?”

Isn't it too much for such a good band to disappear in an instant?

The way Lee Han saw the world now told him.

These were shining people.

Even in this gray world, they had their own faint colors.

“Your songs are really good. But, it seems you don't realize that.”

“...”

“...”

Perhaps his sincerity resonated with them.

Or maybe they just gave up.

The people didn't say much and just watched him.

This might be their last chance.

“Even the people singing are worried about the lack of a vocalist, so how must the listeners feel?”

Lee Han took out his guitar while speaking.

Although it was a sudden and unexpected action, he had just said that a troubadour doesn't teach people.

To show them the beauty of music, the only way is to show them a beautiful song.

“Vocals are important in a song, but the song doesn't become perfect just because there's no vocalist.”

Lee Han recalled the song he had felt today.

Instruments meet and their sounds blend together.

Well, it might seem obvious to others, but how amazing is this?

Different things come together to create one melody.

This is performance.

This is beauty.

The hardest thing in the world is harmony, yet they create it so easily.

The word 'ecstasy' is used for such moments.

“So, would you all like to try your instruments?”

Lee Han put the guitar around his neck and looked at the people.

Fortunately, even though they looked hesitant, they took out their instruments.

This was because Kim Do-yun and Yi Ha-yun immediately got into position after hearing Lee Han's words.

“Do you all know what improvisation is?”

While the people were getting into position, Lee Han talked about music he had learned from the internet.

Improvisation.

As the name suggests, it's when people who meet without prior agreement play music without deciding on a specific song.

“I'll lead.”

Seeing that the people were ready, Lee Han started playing the guitar.

He didn't explain why they were suddenly doing improvisation.

They didn't seem stupid enough to need an explanation, and besides, explaining would make the atmosphere too strange.

Improvisation is about understanding each other's intentions just by looking into each other's eyes.

So, he started with a simple chord progression.

If Lee Han laid the foundation of the song, the people here would add their own sounds and melodies to the chords.

However, for a while, the Harang members just watched each other, not moving...

────♬♪

A soulful melody was added to Lee Han's chords from somewhere.

The piano, which was the center of the performance.

It was Kim Do-yun.

‘Is this the right way to do it?’

Kim Do-yun, while playing the piano, conveyed his thoughts through his eyes.

Lee Han smiled and waited for the others.

Although it was a sudden and unexpected move, he was sure the musicians would join in.

He played in sync with Kim Do-yun, continuing the performance.

And, how long had it been?

───!

A powerful sound from the electric guitar broke through the acoustic guitar.

Yi Ha-yun, who had just been in a gloomy mood, started playing the guitar as if he had washed away all his sadness.

Thus, the performance created by the three instruments.

Even though it was their first time, beautiful music filled the room.

It was so beautiful that even a musician would feel the urge to play.

‘...What is this?’

Jeon Si-woo, who was listening to the song, tightly gripped the drumsticks in his hands, feeling an indescribable emotion.

What was making his heart resonate so much?

What had given those who were just gloomy a moment ago such expressions?

He couldn't understand anything at all.

But, in the midst of this, he knew one thing.

‘If I don't play the drums here, I'll definitely regret it.’

Jeon Si-woo gently placed his foot on the pedal of the drum.

After all, he was a musician who loved music.

‘Music is the power that moves people.’

Jeon Si-woo recalled what his teacher had said in school and moved the drumsticks.

At the same moment, a sound came from Ha Jin-sung's bass, as if he had the same thought.

* * *

“How was it?”

How long had the improvisation lasted?

Wiping the sweat from his hands, Lee Han smiled and looked at the Harang members.

They were all exhausted and sitting down, but their eyes were alive.

Like the evening sky with stars shining through the smog.

“...I understand why Do-yun recommended you.”

“Haha, thank you.”

Lee Han smiled at Ha Jin-sung, who was looking at his trembling hands.

This much was enough to pay for the good performance he had seen.

“Even without a vocalist, you can create good songs, right?”

“You're right. Our mindset was wrong.”

Ha Jin-sung nodded, clearly having realized something.

Perhaps because he was a bit older, he was quick to understand and absorb things.

‘In contrast, this one is a bit slower.’

Lee Han looked at Jeon Si-woo, who was drying his head with a towel on the opposite side from Ha Jin-sung.

He seemed to have learned something, but his expression showed that he was struggling to accept it.

Well, time would solve that.

“By the way, kids. Could you stop looking at me with such intense eyes?”

Lee Han, who had been looking at Jeon Si-woo, turned to the two people who were staring at him with bright eyes.

They were Kim Do-yun and Yi Ha-yun.

‘Well, even if Do-yun is like this, why is this one suddenly acting this way?’

Lee Han recalled that Yi Ha-yun had seemed uninterested in everything when he first met him.

Could it be that people with the last name 'Yun' all have unique personalities?

“...Guitar. You play it really well. Your understanding is high.”

“Huh? Oh, thanks. But, you play the guitar much better than me, right?”

Lee Han returned Yi Ha-yun's compliment.

It wasn't just to boost his ego; Yi Ha-yun really did play the guitar better than Lee Han.

No matter how talented Lee Han was, it was impossible for him to play better than Yi Ha-yun, who had been playing the guitar for years and had even gone to a music school.

Probably, the one lying was Yi Ha-yun.

“No, the way you play the guitar is different. I could feel it more clearly because it was improvisation. I'm still lacking.”

“Oh, really?”

Lee Han, seeing the passion in Yi Ha-yun's eyes, didn't say anything more.

Passion is a great driving force, after all.

“...So, you want me to compliment you too?”

“Yes!”

“Sure, you play the piano well. You said you majored in piano, right?”

“Yes, but you're really amazing! Are you really just doing it as a hobby?”

“So far, yes.”

“Of course! If I could, I would really want to add you to our band, but I'm holding back.”

Kim Do-yun, hearing Lee Han's ambiguous words, smiled brightly and revealed her true thoughts.

But, why is she holding back?

“Why? I could join the band. The vocalist position is open, right?”

“No, you're on a different level from us. Everyone would think so, right?”

“...Huh?”

Lee Han looked at the Harang members behind him.

Everyone, except for Jeon Si-woo, who still seemed to be thinking, was nodding in agreement with Kim Do-yun.

They must have felt a lot today.

“Then, if I get better, you won't invite me to guest performances or anything?”

“...What? No! If we reach your level by then, it would be fine.”

Kim Do-yun, surprised by Lee Han's words, waved her hands.

Even though she knew it was just a casual remark, she seemed quite anxious, which was a bit amusing.

“Alright, I'll leave now. I'll go. It seems you all have a lot to think about.”

“Ah, thank you for your consideration. I really learned a lot today.”

“Really! Thank you so much! And if you need anything, just let me know. I can always be a substitute for you.”

“Ha, a substitute? Forget it.”

Lee Han smiled at the people's farewells and left the room.

“Hey...!”

“...Hey.”

A voice calling him was heard a moment later.