Chapter 36: Top Star's Older Brother

Jeonho Art High School.

A prestigious art high school in South Korea, known for its long history and the numerous famous artists it has produced, including renowned actors, singers, directors, and more.

The number of distinguished figures who have passed through this school is so vast that it would be difficult to count them all.

This deep history and tradition have made the school increasingly selective over time, admitting only the elite.

"Wow, there are so many people here."

Yuna, who had gathered for the practical exam, found herself more nervous than the crowd.

"Brother, can you do it? There are so many people. I heard they don't select many from here."

When I told my father and mother that I wanted to take the Jeonho Art High School exam, they were very pleased.

This is because once you get into this school, it becomes easier to get into Seoul National University, and the path to studying abroad is wide open. Of course, I don't really want to study abroad.

I wanted to stay in Korea and do music activities with Yuna, which is why I chose Jeonho Art High School.

This school offers many conveniences to students who start their entertainment careers early.

They are also very considerate when students have to miss school due to scheduling conflicts.

"Is our son going to attend this school now?"

"Yunseong, this school is really great. I heard there's no place like it, and it really lives up to its reputation."

"......But I haven't been accepted yet, right?"

Everyone seems to think I've already been accepted.

I haven't even taken the exam yet.

"Of course, our brother will definitely pass!"

"Haha, Yunseong, don't be nervous, just do your best. Got it? We should come and see the school more often once our son starts attending. The school is really well-equipped."

"......"

Today, I am receiving a lot of enthusiastic support.

Even this morning, Professor Lee Jang-won called me personally to wish me luck on the exam.

He said I should approach the exam as if I were going to cut off the enemy's head or something like that.

I entered the waiting room.

'Wow.'

As soon as I stepped into the waiting room, I was momentarily stunned by the scene before me.

Unusual auras were clashing like waves inside the room.

I had never seen so many people emit auras simultaneously in one place.

Moreover, these auras were competing, pushing each other, creating a truly spectacular sight.

"Wow, what is this?"

"Crazy."

"Could it be......"

Suddenly, the auras that had been competing stopped and focused on me.

Perhaps the owners of the auras recognized me.

I found a seat and sat down.

"......"

Despite my efforts to act nonchalant, everyone was openly staring at me.

Then, a girl sitting next to me asked me quietly.

"Hey, is that you from NewTube?"

I smiled gently and nodded.

Then, people started gathering around me.

"Wow, I didn't think you would really apply here."

"I did the 1-day 1-brother challenge this morning too."

"It's so amazing."

"You look even better in person. With this level, shouldn't you go to the Theater and Film Department?"

Typically, the Theater and Film Department has a 50-50 male-to-female ratio, while the Music Department usually has a 70-30 female-to-male ratio.

There were far more female students than male students in the waiting room.

"Alright, I know you're excited to see celebrities, but remember you're here for the practical exam. Prepare quietly."

The teacher's stern words made the students disperse with disappointed expressions, but they didn't forget to cheer me on.

They are all so nice.

Usually, competitors wouldn't even talk to each other.

"Hmm."

But what should I prepare here?

Today is the practical exam.

I'm applying for composition, but they also test instrumental skills like piano or guitar.

That's why everyone was practicing in their own ways.

Some were doing image training by pretending to play the piano on the desk, while others were deeply thinking about something while looking at sheet music.

What was interesting was that,

Squish.

The auras of the people around me, which had been competing earlier, were now slowly approaching me.

'This keeps happening lately.'

Perhaps the way I absorb auras is changing.

At first, I had to make direct contact with the aura's owner to absorb it, then it became possible just by touching the aura. Now, the auras are coming to me even before I approach them.

'It's a bit scary when so many auras come at me at once.'

The auras, each with different colors, were pushing each other and slowly approaching me, which was a bit frightening, but it felt like they were saying something to me.

They were asking me to absorb them, to use their talents.

'Still, I'm curious.'

The students gathered in the waiting room all had remarkable talents.

It was like all the prodigies from the neighborhood had gathered here, so it was natural.

The cruel part was that only a few would be selected from this group.

'Should I just try it out?'

I started absorbing the auras that were approaching me.

'Indeed, they are different.'

They were clearly different from the auras of Professor Lee Jang-won, whom I often absorbed.

How should I describe it?

Professor Lee's aura felt fixed and old-fashioned, but these students' auras felt like they could transform into any form at any time.

They weren't stuck in one place but moved fluidly.

'Of course, compared to Professor Lee, their skills are still far from enough......'

But if these students continue to develop using these auras, who knows who might surpass Professor Lee's skills.

I kept absorbing the auras that were approaching me.

A flood of diverse musical knowledge, the talents, and emotions of the auras overwhelmed me.

But it wasn't difficult.

'Maybe I should say it's enjoyable.'

If I attend this school, I will continue to encounter such auras.

It feels refreshing.

Not just composition, but acting, art, and instruments.

I will experience the auras of young talents who might become great actors, stars, or directors in the future.

"Jung Yunseong."

I snapped back to reality at the sound of my name.

I had been trapped in the flood of auras for over an hour.

"Ah, yes."

"Get ready. You're up next."

* * *

The judges at Jeonho Art High School, who were responsible for today's practical exam, all had satisfied expressions.

"The level of the students who came to take the exam this year is much higher than last year."

"Yes, the level is definitely much higher. I'm very satisfied."

Last year, many applicants had ambiguous skills, making the evaluation difficult. This year, there are so many talented students that the evaluation is challenging.

"There are also students who were rumored to be going abroad, but they all applied to our school this year."

In the art world, rumors spread quickly.

If a student shows exceptional musical talent, the news spreads rapidly among the academy teachers.

Therefore, the judges were also paying close attention to certain students.

And among them,

"Jung Yunseong. This student also applied to our school."

There was a student who was receiving a lot of attention.

"To be honest, I was surprised when I saw the application. I never expected it."

"Really? I vaguely hoped he wouldn't apply. I heard he's studying under Professor Lee Jang-won."

"Wait. Professor Lee Jang-won? No, did that professor accept a middle school student as a disciple?"

"Yes. That strict man is quietly nurturing a disciple. I only found out recently."

Professor Lee Jang-won was well-known to them.

After all, he was also a graduate of Jeonho Art High School.

And he is a recognized professor at Seoul National University.

"Has everyone seen the videos of Jung Yunseong?"

"Of course. I actually watched them again this morning."

"If he really composed the music himself, he must have incredible talent."

"But did he really do it himself? His father is the CEO of a talent agency, so he must have many producers around. He probably got help from them."

They nodded.

It was a reasonable assumption.

"His academic performance is also unusual. He was below average in 1st and 2nd grade but improved significantly in 3rd grade."

"Right. Maybe he went through some psychological change?"

"Or maybe he was just going through a rebellious phase in 1st and 2nd grade."

After all, middle school grades don't significantly affect the application.

The real question is whether the applicant has the level to attend this school.

That's why they have the practical exam.

"By the way, the next student is Jung Yunseong."

"Our school's exam is not easy. I wonder if he can do it."

"Well, if he performs below expectations, there's nothing we can do. It would be a shame, but we would have to reject him."

The door opened.

"Should we call the next student in?"

"Yes, bring him in."

Following the staff's guidance, the subject of much discussion entered the room.

"Oh-"

"Hehe."

For a moment, it felt like a shining statue had entered.

I thought I had seen enough of him in videos, but apparently, the videos couldn't capture his true appearance.

I was momentarily lost in staring at Jung Yunseong's appearance.

If there were a score for appearance, I would have given him the highest score without hesitation.

"Hello."

"Yes, come in. Jung Yunseong."

"Do you know how our practical exam works?"

"Ah, yes. I heard it changes every time."

Jeonho Art High School changes its exam format each time.

While there are similarities, this year's exam is expected to be particularly difficult.

"The exam is simple. We will give you a sheet of music. You will play the piano while completing the rest of the sheet."

Of course, we don't expect perfection from young students.

We just want to see their quick thinking and inspiration.

This is also a good way to evaluate whether they can maintain their mental state in such a challenging exam.

Many applicants are already overwhelmed at this stage and stand there in a daze.

But Jung Yunseong,

"Can I have the sheet music?"

He confidently approached the judges and held out his hands.

"Ah, y-yes."

We were the ones who were surprised.

They handed him a sheet of music with only a few bars written.

He stood there for a moment, then walked over to the piano.

After a quick glance at the sheet,

"Can I start playing?"

"What? Already?"

"You can look at it a bit more if you want......"

He said with a smile.

"If it's okay, I'll start now."