Chapter 68
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Chapter 68
TL: KSD
The Booker International Longlist nominee reading session had ended.
The limousine carrying Eisaku Siedehara and his entourage cautiously advanced through the rainy streets of London as they returned to their hotel.
.
.
The silence swirling inside the car was thick. The aftermath of the disaster that unfolded at the reading session was that bitter.
The Korean translator, who had been dismissed as insignificant, turned out to be a chaebol, and the Author Moon, whom they thought was a fabricated rising star, was actually a genius boy.
Of course, skilled Japanese socialites knew how to handle such situations. The situation was implicitly settled amidst the unspoken atmosphere.
1. Peace-loving Japanese people never inconvenience anyone.
2. However, some translators driven by their desire for honor (such as translator Yohei Iwamoto) unnecessarily picked fights with Koreans, leading to a dispute.
3. Unable to control their anger, Koreans lashed out in rage at Japan, but the peace-loving Japanese responded calmly and coldly, enduring the insult.
4. While Koreans were partly to blame for recklessly instigating the meaningless dispute, it was primarily fueled by the runaway actions of some translators (such as Yohei Iwamoto).
5. Therefore, Yohei Iwamoto should take responsibility and commit seppuku.
Perfect!
It was natural for the entourage to implicitly designate Yohei Iwamoto as the person responsible, as Japanese individuals who could not naturally follow this line of thinking were naturally weeded out through natural selection.
This was done not through words but through exchanges of glances. As the entourage unanimously pointed to a scapegoat, and Yohei Iwamoto was preparing to disembowel himself upon returning to his country.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Leaning against the window and watching the rain in London, Eisaku Siedehara spoke up.
That young Author Moon I was certain he was a product created by the media.
!
Haha, truly feels like I was completely fooled. Isnt that the case for everyone?
Everyone in the entourage eagerly nodded in agreement. Indeed, the reputation of a great literary figure who left a significant mark on Japanese literature could impress everyone. (Definitely not because Siedehara is friends with the publishing groups chairman and his adopted daughter is married to the chairmans third son.)
Thats right!
I was also greatly surprised!
To deceive even the discerning eyes of even Author Siedehara How could we have known?
With Siedeharas casual remark, Yohei Iwamoto was granted absolution. Similarly, Japanese individuals who could not comprehend this were naturally selected against.
A true hero!
As Yohei Iwamoto fidgeted with the resignation letter in his pocket, deeply moved, Siedehara continued.
Thats why Ive come to want to thoroughly read Author Moons work. Though young, he has insight and knows how to write his own stories.
!!!
Well it just occurred to me during our conversation.
Siedehara said so, then leisurely smiled and turned his gaze back to the window.
As the elderly man admired the rainy streets of London, the entire entourage quickly interpreted his recent statement.
Of course, Japanese individuals who couldnt interpret the statement were naturally selected against- (Omission)
And so.
Not long after, Japanese publishers decided to import Author Moons books again.
The fact that Author Siedehara and Author Moon were both on the same Longlist but Siedehara was clearly a strong contender for the award, while Moon was seen as a pacemaker likely to not even make the Shortlist, influenced the relatively lenient actions of the Japanese publishers.
Of course, had they known that both Siedehara and Moon would be eliminated in the first round, they might have thought twice.
Side EPAutomaton Murder Case
The future has changed.
This years Booker International Prize is definitely Eisaku Siedeharas Harvest and Decay.
Its certain.
I may get confused about which stocks will skyrocket this year, but Im never confused about who the Booker International winner is.
Even refreshing the Booker Foundations website page keeps the list unchanged.
Eisaku Siedeharas name is not among the four shortlisted.
This means only one thing.
My God
The future has changed.
Or is it history that has changed? Or the past? Im not sure. In any case, something that was supposed to happen didnt happen. My actions have altered causality.
Im well aware of the concept of the Butterfly Effect. Its mentioned in several novels. Its the theory that the flap of a butterflys wings can cause a storm on the opposite side of the Earth.
If this theory holds true, then Eisaku Siedehara failing to win the Booker International could potentially lead to a global economic crisis due to the end of the dollars dominance, or even the end of the world!
Well
Even if we let the Earth be destroyed, theres something I just cant accept.
How can the artistic judgment of the literary award jury, considered one of the top three in the world, be so inconsistent?
Is there truly no objective and measurable way to view art?
Is there no method to determine what constitutes better art?
Then, is there no way to know if the writing I produce is good?
Am I trapped in the vast maze of immeasurable art, forever producing books without knowing if theyre good or bad, wandering and relying on the uncertain evaluations of my inner self?
Ah!
Its terrifying!
The aesthetic uncertainty of not being able to distinguish between good and bad writing frightens me! What is good writing? What is good art? If even the Booker Prize cannot answer this, then who can?!
Wrapped in this cosmic fear, I grabbed the blanket and shivered uncontrollably.
* * *
He seems to be taking it pretty hard
Baek Seol looked at Moon In-seop with concern.
Standing in front of the Booker Prize shortlist announcement screen, twisting his body into strange poses and mumbling, it was impossible not to worry.
Didnt see it coming, huh
To someone as deeply immersed in this field as Lim Yang-wook, the outcome could have been somewhat predictable.
With something as prestigious as the Booker Prize, global political situations have to be taken into account, given its international authority.
After all, its impossible to score art.
The works of highly skilled novelists are decided by the narrowest of margins.
In such a scenario, theres no reason to choose one work over another, especially if its become a political issue between countries like Korea and Japan.
Doing so would completely alienate one of the countries.
Of course, Frances Goncourt Prize, armed with a what are you going to do about it? level of pride, could engage in such madness.
And the Nobel Prize in Literature, which is openly influenced by the political decisions of the Swedish government, might favor one side depending on diplomatic situations.
If you were to throw the most sociable and friendly student from the Creative Writing class among the students of the Practical Dance department, theyd shrivel up like a freshwater fish thrown into seawater.
Naturally, in front of students who take pride in confidently dancing on stage, those whose hobby is reading would inevitably be overshadowed
Even more so when Min Hyo-chan had dyed his hair pink and wore earrings.
With Min Hyo-chan approaching with his streetwise swagger, lifting a hand and saying, Hey, sorry guys, I need to talk to him for a sec, the Creative Writing students had no choice but to scatter like leaves in the wind.
Like leaves blown away by the wind, the students cleared a path for Min Hyo-chan to stride over and take his place.
Hey. Moon In-seop. Look into my eyes.
Moon In-seop looked into Min Hyo-chans eyes.
Then Min Hyo-chan covered his school uniform name tag.
Tell me my name.
Min
Moon In-seop answered.
Min Minmin
Min
Moon In-seop hesitated for a long time.
He cautiously ventured the next syllable.
Hee?
Wrong.
Hyo-chan! You idiot! Hyo-chan!
Aaaah!
Min Hyo-chan grabbed Moon In-seop by the collar. Sudden violence overwhelmed Moon In-seop.
What the hell was that about writing Min something sunbae in the work review!
I I just couldnt remember
Then you shouldve asked!
Min Hyo-chan screamed as if he was about to breathe fire, still not letting go of Moon In-seops collar.
Amidst the shocking scene of school violence, the Creative Writing students murmured, and the rage of one whose name was forgotten poured out.
You! You remember Kim Byul sunbaes name perfectly, but why do you always forget mine!
Because Kim sunbaes name is one syllable
Dont give me that bullshit!
Seeing Min Hyo-chans anger not subsiding easily, the cold-hearted disciplinarian of the Creative Writing class, who could be compared to the madness of him, Park Chang-woon, The Blood Demon Gu Yu-na stepped in.
A merciless pinch twisted Min Hyo-chans side.
Kyaa!
As Min Hyo-chan grabbed his side, reeling from the pinch, Gu Yu-na coldly notified him.
Gu Yu-nas finger pointed sharply towards the classroom door.
Get out.
You! To a sunbae, how dare you!
Min Hyo-chan protested until the end, invoking the solemn discipline of Baekhak Arts Middle School, but to someone walking the path of the heretic, the rules of the orthodox were mere childs play.
A second merciless pinch, not sparing any mercy, erupted, and Min Hyo-chan, unable to endure the bloody martial arts, fled.
Today, Gu Yu-na, having once again stained her hands with blood, naturally took the seat next to Moon In-seop.
As always, Moon In-seops original desk mate wisely moved to Gu Yu-nas spot.
.
Gu Yu-na silently stared at Moon In-seop.
Most kids would avert their eyes, thinking it strange for a strange person to do strange things, but Moon In-seop, already somewhat addled by a decade of gaslighting, responded calmly.
Uh, why, whats up?
Are you hungry? Cold? Curious about something? Want to go home? Are you in pain somewhere?
Gu Yu-na shook her head no.
If you were wondering what she wanted, then youd be lacking in consideration for Gu Yu-na.
Overflowing with empathy, Moon In-seop noticed that Gu Yu-na had something difficult to say.
Do you need a favor?
Correct. Gu Yu-na nodded.
Finally, Gu Yu-na spoke.
Teach me writing.
Sure.
Then lets go to a writing contest this weekend together.
Sounds good.
For Moon In-seop, going to a writing contest with Gu Yu-na was as routine as daily life, so his response was without hesitation.
However, Gu Yu-na, having mustered the courage to make her first request, had the corners of her mouth slightly rise when it was easily accepted.
What are you doing? Go back to your seat.
Park Chang-woon, who had entered the classroom, tapped Gu Yu-nas head with his bamboo flute, prompting her to smoothly stand up and return to her seat.
Even then, the corners of her mouth were slightly raised.
The poor student filling in for Gu Yu-na, also noticing her cue, moved back to Moon In-seops side.
Park Chang-woon attracted attention by banging his bamboo flute on the desk.
Alright! Its time to kill each other! Today is another enjoyable critique session!
And so, normalcy resumed.
However, the students sitting behind Moon In-seop and Gu Yu-na, who had listened to their entire conversation from start to finish, couldnt believe what had just happened.
Two students, glancing around furtively, whispered to each other.
Hey Did you hear that?
Yeah.
Did that just happen?
Thus.
A catastrophe occurred where an author nominated for the Booker International Prize ended up attending a local youth writing competition.
*****
If you are enjoying this novel, please consider reviewing and rating it at Novelupdates. Thanks!
Join our Discord to receive latest chapter announcements or to report mistakes: https://discord.gg/GGKyZWDuZM
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 68
TL: KSD
The Booker International Longlist nominee reading session had ended.
The limousine carrying Eisaku Siedehara and his entourage cautiously advanced through the rainy streets of London as they returned to their hotel.
.
.
The silence swirling inside the car was thick. The aftermath of the disaster that unfolded at the reading session was that bitter.
The Korean translator, who had been dismissed as insignificant, turned out to be a chaebol, and the Author Moon, whom they thought was a fabricated rising star, was actually a genius boy.
Of course, skilled Japanese socialites knew how to handle such situations. The situation was implicitly settled amidst the unspoken atmosphere.
1. Peace-loving Japanese people never inconvenience anyone.
2. However, some translators driven by their desire for honor (such as translator Yohei Iwamoto) unnecessarily picked fights with Koreans, leading to a dispute.
3. Unable to control their anger, Koreans lashed out in rage at Japan, but the peace-loving Japanese responded calmly and coldly, enduring the insult.
4. While Koreans were partly to blame for recklessly instigating the meaningless dispute, it was primarily fueled by the runaway actions of some translators (such as Yohei Iwamoto).
5. Therefore, Yohei Iwamoto should take responsibility and commit seppuku.
Perfect!
It was natural for the entourage to implicitly designate Yohei Iwamoto as the person responsible, as Japanese individuals who could not naturally follow this line of thinking were naturally weeded out through natural selection.
This was done not through words but through exchanges of glances. As the entourage unanimously pointed to a scapegoat, and Yohei Iwamoto was preparing to disembowel himself upon returning to his country.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Leaning against the window and watching the rain in London, Eisaku Siedehara spoke up.
That young Author Moon I was certain he was a product created by the media.
!
Haha, truly feels like I was completely fooled. Isnt that the case for everyone?
Everyone in the entourage eagerly nodded in agreement. Indeed, the reputation of a great literary figure who left a significant mark on Japanese literature could impress everyone. (Definitely not because Siedehara is friends with the publishing groups chairman and his adopted daughter is married to the chairmans third son.)
Thats right!
I was also greatly surprised!
To deceive even the discerning eyes of even Author Siedehara How could we have known?
With Siedeharas casual remark, Yohei Iwamoto was granted absolution. Similarly, Japanese individuals who could not comprehend this were naturally selected against.
A true hero!
As Yohei Iwamoto fidgeted with the resignation letter in his pocket, deeply moved, Siedehara continued.
Thats why Ive come to want to thoroughly read Author Moons work. Though young, he has insight and knows how to write his own stories.
!!!
Well it just occurred to me during our conversation.
Siedehara said so, then leisurely smiled and turned his gaze back to the window.
As the elderly man admired the rainy streets of London, the entire entourage quickly interpreted his recent statement.
Of course, Japanese individuals who couldnt interpret the statement were naturally selected against- (Omission)
And so.
Not long after, Japanese publishers decided to import Author Moons books again.
The fact that Author Siedehara and Author Moon were both on the same Longlist but Siedehara was clearly a strong contender for the award, while Moon was seen as a pacemaker likely to not even make the Shortlist, influenced the relatively lenient actions of the Japanese publishers.
Of course, had they known that both Siedehara and Moon would be eliminated in the first round, they might have thought twice.
Side EPAutomaton Murder Case
The future has changed.
This years Booker International Prize is definitely Eisaku Siedeharas Harvest and Decay.
Its certain.
I may get confused about which stocks will skyrocket this year, but Im never confused about who the Booker International winner is.
Even refreshing the Booker Foundations website page keeps the list unchanged.
Eisaku Siedeharas name is not among the four shortlisted.
This means only one thing.
My God
The future has changed.
Or is it history that has changed? Or the past? Im not sure. In any case, something that was supposed to happen didnt happen. My actions have altered causality.
Im well aware of the concept of the Butterfly Effect. Its mentioned in several novels. Its the theory that the flap of a butterflys wings can cause a storm on the opposite side of the Earth.
If this theory holds true, then Eisaku Siedehara failing to win the Booker International could potentially lead to a global economic crisis due to the end of the dollars dominance, or even the end of the world!
Well
Even if we let the Earth be destroyed, theres something I just cant accept.
How can the artistic judgment of the literary award jury, considered one of the top three in the world, be so inconsistent?
Is there truly no objective and measurable way to view art?
Is there no method to determine what constitutes better art?
Then, is there no way to know if the writing I produce is good?
Am I trapped in the vast maze of immeasurable art, forever producing books without knowing if theyre good or bad, wandering and relying on the uncertain evaluations of my inner self?
Ah!
Its terrifying!
The aesthetic uncertainty of not being able to distinguish between good and bad writing frightens me! What is good writing? What is good art? If even the Booker Prize cannot answer this, then who can?!
Wrapped in this cosmic fear, I grabbed the blanket and shivered uncontrollably.
* * *
He seems to be taking it pretty hard
Baek Seol looked at Moon In-seop with concern.
Standing in front of the Booker Prize shortlist announcement screen, twisting his body into strange poses and mumbling, it was impossible not to worry.
Didnt see it coming, huh
To someone as deeply immersed in this field as Lim Yang-wook, the outcome could have been somewhat predictable.
With something as prestigious as the Booker Prize, global political situations have to be taken into account, given its international authority.
After all, its impossible to score art.
The works of highly skilled novelists are decided by the narrowest of margins.
In such a scenario, theres no reason to choose one work over another, especially if its become a political issue between countries like Korea and Japan.
Doing so would completely alienate one of the countries.
Of course, Frances Goncourt Prize, armed with a what are you going to do about it? level of pride, could engage in such madness.
And the Nobel Prize in Literature, which is openly influenced by the political decisions of the Swedish government, might favor one side depending on diplomatic situations.
If you were to throw the most sociable and friendly student from the Creative Writing class among the students of the Practical Dance department, theyd shrivel up like a freshwater fish thrown into seawater.
Naturally, in front of students who take pride in confidently dancing on stage, those whose hobby is reading would inevitably be overshadowed
Even more so when Min Hyo-chan had dyed his hair pink and wore earrings.
With Min Hyo-chan approaching with his streetwise swagger, lifting a hand and saying, Hey, sorry guys, I need to talk to him for a sec, the Creative Writing students had no choice but to scatter like leaves in the wind.
Like leaves blown away by the wind, the students cleared a path for Min Hyo-chan to stride over and take his place.
Hey. Moon In-seop. Look into my eyes.
Moon In-seop looked into Min Hyo-chans eyes.
Then Min Hyo-chan covered his school uniform name tag.
Tell me my name.
Min
Moon In-seop answered.
Min Minmin
Min
Moon In-seop hesitated for a long time.
He cautiously ventured the next syllable.
Hee?
Wrong.
Hyo-chan! You idiot! Hyo-chan!
Aaaah!
Min Hyo-chan grabbed Moon In-seop by the collar. Sudden violence overwhelmed Moon In-seop.
What the hell was that about writing Min something sunbae in the work review!
I I just couldnt remember
Then you shouldve asked!
Min Hyo-chan screamed as if he was about to breathe fire, still not letting go of Moon In-seops collar.
Amidst the shocking scene of school violence, the Creative Writing students murmured, and the rage of one whose name was forgotten poured out.
You! You remember Kim Byul sunbaes name perfectly, but why do you always forget mine!
Because Kim sunbaes name is one syllable
Dont give me that bullshit!
Seeing Min Hyo-chans anger not subsiding easily, the cold-hearted disciplinarian of the Creative Writing class, who could be compared to the madness of him, Park Chang-woon, The Blood Demon Gu Yu-na stepped in.
A merciless pinch twisted Min Hyo-chans side.
Kyaa!
As Min Hyo-chan grabbed his side, reeling from the pinch, Gu Yu-na coldly notified him.
Gu Yu-nas finger pointed sharply towards the classroom door.
Get out.
You! To a sunbae, how dare you!
Min Hyo-chan protested until the end, invoking the solemn discipline of Baekhak Arts Middle School, but to someone walking the path of the heretic, the rules of the orthodox were mere childs play.
A second merciless pinch, not sparing any mercy, erupted, and Min Hyo-chan, unable to endure the bloody martial arts, fled.
Today, Gu Yu-na, having once again stained her hands with blood, naturally took the seat next to Moon In-seop.
As always, Moon In-seops original desk mate wisely moved to Gu Yu-nas spot.
.
Gu Yu-na silently stared at Moon In-seop.
Most kids would avert their eyes, thinking it strange for a strange person to do strange things, but Moon In-seop, already somewhat addled by a decade of gaslighting, responded calmly.
Uh, why, whats up?
Are you hungry? Cold? Curious about something? Want to go home? Are you in pain somewhere?
Gu Yu-na shook her head no.
If you were wondering what she wanted, then youd be lacking in consideration for Gu Yu-na.
Overflowing with empathy, Moon In-seop noticed that Gu Yu-na had something difficult to say.
Do you need a favor?
Correct. Gu Yu-na nodded.
Finally, Gu Yu-na spoke.
Teach me writing.
Sure.
Then lets go to a writing contest this weekend together.
Sounds good.
For Moon In-seop, going to a writing contest with Gu Yu-na was as routine as daily life, so his response was without hesitation.
However, Gu Yu-na, having mustered the courage to make her first request, had the corners of her mouth slightly rise when it was easily accepted.
What are you doing? Go back to your seat.
Park Chang-woon, who had entered the classroom, tapped Gu Yu-nas head with his bamboo flute, prompting her to smoothly stand up and return to her seat.
Even then, the corners of her mouth were slightly raised.
The poor student filling in for Gu Yu-na, also noticing her cue, moved back to Moon In-seops side.
Park Chang-woon attracted attention by banging his bamboo flute on the desk.
Alright! Its time to kill each other! Today is another enjoyable critique session!
And so, normalcy resumed.
However, the students sitting behind Moon In-seop and Gu Yu-na, who had listened to their entire conversation from start to finish, couldnt believe what had just happened.
Two students, glancing around furtively, whispered to each other.
Hey Did you hear that?
Yeah.
Did that just happen?
Thus.
A catastrophe occurred where an author nominated for the Booker International Prize ended up attending a local youth writing competition.
*****
If you are enjoying this novel, please consider reviewing and rating it at Novelupdates. Thanks!
Join our Discord to receive latest chapter announcements or to report mistakes: https://discord.gg/GGKyZWDuZM
Chapter 68TL: KSDThe Booker International Longlist nominee reading session had ended.The limousine carrying Eisaku Siedehara and his entourage cautiously advanced through the rainy streets of London as they returned to their hotel...The silence swirling inside the car was thick. The aftermath of the disaster that unfolded at the reading session was that bitter.The Korean translator, who had been dismissed as insignificant, turned out to be a chaebol, and the Author Moon, whom they thought was a fabricated rising star, was actually a genius boy.Of course, skilled Japanese socialites knew how to handle such situations. The situation was implicitly settled amidst the unspoken atmosphere.1. Peace-loving Japanese people never inconvenience anyone.2. However, some translators driven by their desire for honor such as translator Yohei Iwamoto unnecessarily picked fights with Koreans, leading to a dispute.3. Unable to control their anger, Koreans lashed out in rage at Japan, but the peace-loving Japanese responded calmly and coldly, enduring the insult.4. While Koreans were partly to blame for recklessly instigating the meaningless dispute, it was primarily fueled by the runaway actions of some translators such as Yohei Iwamoto.5. Therefore, Yohei Iwamoto should take responsibility and commit seppuku.Perfect!It was natural for the entourage to implicitly designate Yohei Iwamoto as the person responsible, as Japanese individuals who could not naturally follow this line of thinking were naturally weeded out through natural selection.This was done not through words but through exchanges of glances. As the entourage unanimously pointed to a scapegoat, and Yohei Iwamoto was preparing to disembowel himself upon returning to his country.Updated from novelbIn.comLeaning against the window and watching the rain in London, Eisaku Siedehara spoke up.That young Author Moon I was certain he was a product created by the media.!Haha, truly feels like I was completely fooled. Isnt that the case for everyone?Everyone in the entourage eagerly nodded in agreement. Indeed, the reputation of a great literary figure who left a significant mark on Japanese literature could impress everyone. Definitely not because Siedehara is friends with the publishing groups chairman and his adopted daughter is married to the chairmans third son.Thats right!I was also greatly surprised!To deceive even the discerning eyes of even Author Siedehara How could we have known?With Siedeharas casual remark, Yohei Iwamoto was granted absolution. Similarly, Japanese individuals who could not comprehend this were naturally selected against.A true hero!As Yohei Iwamoto fidgeted with the resignation letter in his pocket, deeply moved, Siedehara continued.Thats why Ive come to want to thoroughly read Author Moons work. Though young, he has insight and knows how to write his own stories.!!!Well it just occurred to me during our conversation.Siedehara said so, then leisurely smiled and turned his gaze back to the window.As the elderly man admired the rainy streets of London, the entire entourage quickly interpreted his recent statement.Of course, Japanese individuals who couldnt interpret the statement were naturally selected against- OmissionAnd so.Not long after, Japanese publishers decided to import Author Moons books again.The fact that Author Siedehara and Author Moon were both on the same Longlist but Siedehara was clearly a strong contender for the award, while Moon was seen as a pacemaker likely to not even make the Shortlist, influenced the relatively lenient actions of the Japanese publishers.Of course, had they known that both Siedehara and Moon would be eliminated in the first round, they might have thought twice.Side EPAutomaton Murder CaseThe future has changed.This years Booker International Prize is definitely Eisaku Siedeharas Harvest and Decay.Its certain.I may get confused about which stocks will skyrocket this year, but Im never confused about who the Booker International winner is.Even refreshing the Booker Foundations website page keeps the list unchanged.Eisaku Siedeharas name is not among the four shortlisted.This means only one thing.My GodThe future has changed.Or is it history that has changed? Or the past? Im not sure. In any case, something that was supposed to happen didnt happen. My actions have altered causality.Im well aware of the concept of the Butterfly Effect. Its mentioned in several novels. Its the theory that the flap of a butterflys wings can cause a storm on the opposite side of the Earth.If this theory holds true, then Eisaku Siedehara failing to win the Booker International could potentially lead to a global economic crisis due to the end of the dollars dominance, or even the end of the world!WellEven if we let the Earth be destroyed, theres something I just cant accept.How can the artistic judgment of the literary award jury, considered one of the top three in the world, be so inconsistent?Is there truly no objective and measurable way to view art?Is there no method to determine what constitutes better art?Then, is there no way to know if the writing I produce is good?Am I trapped in the vast maze of immeasurable art, forever producing books without knowing if theyre good or bad, wandering and relying on the uncertain evaluations of my inner self?Ah!Its terrifying!The aesthetic uncertainty of not being able to distinguish between good and bad writing frightens me! What is good writing? What is good art? If even the Booker Prize cannot answer this, then who can?!Wrapped in this cosmic fear, I grabbed the blanket and shivered uncontrollably.* * *He seems to be taking it pretty hardBaek Seol looked at Moon In-seop with concern.Standing in front of the Booker Prize shortlist announcement screen, twisting his body into strange poses and mumbling, it was impossible not to worry.Didnt see it coming, huhTo someone as deeply immersed in this field as Lim Yang-wook, the outcome could have been somewhat predictable.With something as prestigious as the Booker Prize, global political situations have to be taken into account, given its international authority.After all, its impossible to score art.The works of highly skilled novelists are decided by the narrowest of margins.In such a scenario, theres no reason to choose one work over another, especially if its become a political issue between countries like Korea and Japan.Doing so would completely alienate one of the countries.Of course, Frances Goncourt Prize, armed with a what are you going to do about it? level of pride, could engage in such madness.And the Nobel Prize in Literature, which is openly influenced by the political decisions of the Swedish government, might favor one side depending on diplomatic situations.If you were to throw the most sociable and friendly student from the Creative Writing class among the students of the Practical Dance department, theyd shrivel up like a freshwater fish thrown into seawater.Naturally, in front of students who take pride in confidently dancing on stage, those whose hobby is reading would inevitably be overshadowedEven more so when Min Hyo-chan had dyed his hair pink and wore earrings.With Min Hyo-chan approaching with his streetwise swagger, lifting a hand and saying, Hey, sorry guys, I need to talk to him for a sec, the Creative Writing students had no choice but to scatter like leaves in the wind.Like leaves blown away by the wind, the students cleared a path for Min Hyo-chan to stride over and take his place.Hey. Moon In-seop. Look into my eyes.Moon In-seop looked into Min Hyo-chans eyes.Then Min Hyo-chan covered his school uniform name tag.Tell me my name.MinMoon In-seop answered.Min MinminMinMoon In-seop hesitated for a long time.He cautiously ventured the next syllable.Hee?Wrong.Hyo-chan! You idiot! Hyo-chan!Aaaah!Min Hyo-chan grabbed Moon In-seop by the collar. Sudden violence overwhelmed Moon In-seop.What the hell was that about writing Min something sunbae in the work review!I I just couldnt rememberThen you shouldve asked!Min Hyo-chan screamed as if he was about to breathe fire, still not letting go of Moon In-seops collar.Amidst the shocking scene of school violence, the Creative Writing students murmured, and the rage of one whose name was forgotten poured out.You! You remember Kim Byul sunbaes name perfectly, but why do you always forget mine!Because Kim sunbaes name is one syllableDont give me that bullshit!Seeing Min Hyo-chans anger not subsiding easily, the cold-hearted disciplinarian of the Creative Writing class, who could be compared to the madness of him, Park Chang-woon, The Blood Demon Gu Yu-na stepped in.A merciless pinch twisted Min Hyo-chans side.Kyaa!As Min Hyo-chan grabbed his side, reeling from the pinch, Gu Yu-na coldly notified him.Gu Yu-nas finger pointed sharply towards the classroom door.Get out.You! To a sunbae, how dare you!Min Hyo-chan protested until the end, invoking the solemn discipline of Baekhak Arts Middle School, but to someone walking the path of the heretic, the rules of the orthodox were mere childs play.A second merciless pinch, not sparing any mercy, erupted, and Min Hyo-chan, unable to endure the bloody martial arts, fled.Today, Gu Yu-na, having once again stained her hands with blood, naturally took the seat next to Moon In-seop.As always, Moon In-seops original desk mate wisely moved to Gu Yu-nas spot..Gu Yu-na silently stared at Moon In-seop.Most kids would avert their eyes, thinking it strange for a strange person to do strange things, but Moon In-seop, already somewhat addled by a decade of gaslighting, responded calmly.Uh, why, whats up?Are you hungry? Cold? Curious about something? Want to go home? Are you in pain somewhere?Gu Yu-na shook her head no.If you were wondering what she wanted, then youd be lacking in consideration for Gu Yu-na.Overflowing with empathy, Moon In-seop noticed that Gu Yu-na had something difficult to say.Do you need a favor?Correct. Gu Yu-na nodded.Finally, Gu Yu-na spoke.Teach me writing.Sure.Then lets go to a writing contest this weekend together.Sounds good.For Moon In-seop, going to a writing contest with Gu Yu-na was as routine as daily life, so his response was without hesitation.However, Gu Yu-na, having mustered the courage to make her first request, had the corners of her mouth slightly rise when it was easily accepted.What are you doing? Go back to your seat.Park Chang-woon, who had entered the classroom, tapped Gu Yu-nas head with his bamboo flute, prompting her to smoothly stand up and return to her seat.Even then, the corners of her mouth were slightly raised.The poor student filling in for Gu Yu-na, also noticing her cue, moved back to Moon In-seops side.Park Chang-woon attracted attention by banging his bamboo flute on the desk.Alright! Its time to kill each other! Today is another enjoyable critique session!And so, normalcy resumed.However, the students sitting behind Moon In-seop and Gu Yu-na, who had listened to their entire conversation from start to finish, couldnt believe what had just happened.Two students, glancing around furtively, whispered to each other.Hey Did you hear that?Yeah.Did that just happen?Thus.A catastrophe occurred where an author nominated for the Booker International Prize ended up attending a local youth writing competition.*****If you are enjoying this novel, please consider reviewing and rating it at Novelupdates. Thanks! Join our Discord to receive latest chapter announcements or to report mistakes: https://discord.gg/GGKyZWDuZM
