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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Moon Kang-hyun's Guest Lecture
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His towering 190cm frame and broad shoulders exuded solidity even hidden beneath his clothes.
Just standing there, he filled the entire small theater stage with his charisma.
As a leading actor who commanded presence even on the grandest stages, Moon Kang-hyun looked even larger in this intimate space.
No heavy stage makeup, yet when his deep gaze turned toward the audience, everyone held their breath.
It was hard to believe he had a high school-aged son—his toned physique showed no signs of age, and his handsome features carried an aura that went beyond mere attractiveness into sheer dignity.
The kids were overwhelmed by his presence and couldn't find words, plunging the room into momentary silence.
The atmosphere didn't even allow for cheers.
Scattered whispers of "Whoa..." echoed softly.
As Moon Kang-hyun took the mic, a brief screech pierced the air.
Then, with a warm, friendly smile, he offered his greeting.
"Nice to meet you all. I'm Moon Kang-hyun."
Waaaaaaaaah!
"Moon Kang-hyun! Moon Kang-hyun!"
"Min Woo-sik, quiet!"
Only now, stirred by the sound of his voice, did the kids snap out of it and erupt in fervent cheers.
In the midst of it, Woo-sik shot to his feet, chanting Moon Kang-hyun's name like a die-hard fan, only to be reined in by Han Hyo-jin.
The real deal.
Even I couldn't suppress the tremor in that moment.
It was like an idol girl group visiting a military base—the welcome was overwhelming.
To think I'd get to see Moon Kang-hyun, the musical world's leading man I'd only glimpsed from afar on stage before my regression.
"Haha, you're giving me such a warm welcome—I'm at a loss. It's been a while since I've breathed in Cheongyeom's air, and it brings back so many memories."
Moon Kang-hyun was one of Cheongyeom Arts High's famous alumni.
With Moon Woo-hyuk's enrollment, he'd become a parent here, but he was also their top pick for an audience member at the Cheongyeom Arts Festival.
He was the idol everyone dreaming of musical stardom aspired to.
Moon Kang-hyun glanced subtly toward his son, Moon Woo-hyuk, who kept staring at the floor.
For a split second, his eyes sharpened, but they softened again as they returned to the audience.
"All I can offer you is my experience. I hope this time isn't wasted on you."
"This moment right now is so amazing it's already too precious to waste!"
Woo-sik had never shown this level of passion during the vocal or acting tests.
The kids burst into laughter at Woo-sik shouting with sparkling eyes.
"Ahaha, what a lively kid. Normally, a teacher would give out candy in a case like this, right?"
Moon Kang-hyun actually rummaged in his pocket for candy, and Woo-sik eagerly opened his mouth in anticipation.
But what came out was a parking voucher.
Moon Kang-hyun tucked it back in.
"Haha, I need the parking discount myself."
The students laughed at his deadpan humor.
Everyone except the crestfallen Woo-sik.
"Instead, how about I gift you tickets to my next musical?"
Woo-sik gaped wordlessly at Moon Kang-hyun's words, then twisted in excitement and yelled.
"Yes!! Thank you!!"
"Feels great. Let's chat after the lecture."
Woo-sik teared up at the firm promise.
Honestly, I was a bit jealous deep down.
But no way could I be as bold as Woo-sik. Absolutely not.
"Technical skills? Cheongyeom Arts High's education is far superior to anything I could teach—I'm no teacher, after all."
Moon Kang-hyun launched into the main lecture.
"As a pro, what I want to stress to you all is stamina and mindset—what you kids call mental management."
Moon Kang-hyun explained how professionals handle mental care.
With kindness but overflowing charisma, he shared how he'd overcome his own setbacks.
The kids were utterly absorbed in his words.
Meanwhile, Do-hyun diligently jotted down his impressions while listening.
Moon Kang-hyun glanced at him now and then during the lecture, like checking in, but Do-hyun was too focused on writing to notice.
As he listened, Do-hyun reflected on his pre-regression stage failures.
And the mistakes he'd made.
He realized why he hadn't coped back then, nodding vigorously and scribbling it all down.
Then,
"Heh heh. Never thought I'd be acting here."
Mid-lecture, at the kids' insistence, he gave a acting demo.
Moon Kang-hyun lightly cleared his throat, and cheers filled with anticipation rose from the seats.
"Alright then."
His eyes changed.
Amid the kids' eager stares, Moon Kang-hyun delivered his first line.
"First, in the name of God, I apologize for assassinating Ito."
No high pitch or shouting, yet his voice sank deep into their ears.
His vocal technique was extraordinary.
I leaned forward unconsciously, hanging on his every word.
"But as Chief of Staff of the Korean Empire's Righteous Army, I want to explain why I killed Ito Hirobumi. The reason is..."
Seeing the kids swallow in suspense, Moon Kang-hyun grinned.
"And that's it."
"Awww!"
"So mean, Teacher!"
They smacked their lips in disappointment.
The acting had ended far shorter than expected, leaving lingering regret, but Do-hyun scribbled notes on the vocal technique he'd just heard.
Still, no denying the massive impact.
Then, out of nowhere, Moon Kang-hyun said something unexpected.
"There's this kid who's been furiously writing impressions the whole time. Makes me feel bad for not sharing enough important stuff."
Could it be? Do-hyun looked up—and met Moon Kang-hyun's eyes.
Startled for a second, he quickly spoke up.
Ignoring Woo-sik's jealous, intense stare from beside him.
"No, sir. It's been incredibly helpful."
"What's your name, student?"
"Lee Do-hyun."
"Ah! You're Lee Do-hyun? The teachers have been talking about you nonstop."
Moon Kang-hyun had actually already looked up Do-hyun's name and face.
He played it off with feigned surprise and easy charm.
Earlier backstage, he'd asked Han Hyo-jin who Do-hyun was.
"You know me...?"
"Heh heh. Top of every exam? Hard not to hear about it."
Moon Kang-hyun knows me?
I'd rolled in the musical scene for over a decade pre-regression without ever locking eyes with him.
Hearing that thrilled him and tugged at his heart.
The students buzzed.
A star actor already knowing a specific student's name.
Moon Woo-hyuk lifted his head, fixing his gaze on his father looking at Do-hyun.
Not anger or venom.
His slightly reddened eyes were closer to resentment toward his dad.
Stay calm.
In this second life—his first real talk with Moon Kang-hyun—Do-hyun trembled slightly but answered steadily.
"You're too kind."
"Looking forward to your future, Lee Do-hyun."
Snapping out of his daze, Do-hyun jumped up.
He stood, bowed deeply.
"Thank you."
Moon Kang-hyun's hearty laugh rang out.
"You're taking such diligent notes—gotta give you something back. What would you like?"
"I'd like..."
Woo-sik got tickets earlier.
Tickets would be great, sure, but...
More than a perfect stage from the audience, he craved savoring and learning from Moon Kang-hyun right here, right now.
Would it seem arrogant?
No, think positive.
He's still just a fledgling student— this should be fine.
Who knows when another chance this close would come in three years.
"The 'Today This Moment' number from Low & High."
Moon Kang-hyun blinked, surprised by the request.
He'd expected something like musical tickets.
"That what you want?"
His warm yet intense eyes flashed.
"Yes. That acting demo was too short. Still feels like a shame."
Do-hyun met the gaze coolly.
No way he'd miss this shot.
"Hahaha. I like your style, kid. Alright."
The kids cheered at Moon Kang-hyun's go-ahead.
Even Woo-sik, who'd hoped to go to the show together, muttered that it was cool.
"Spotlight on me."
At Moon Kang-hyun's cue, the stage lights dimmed.
A bright spotlight hit him soon after.
Unplanned, so no accompaniment.
No issue for Moon Kang-hyun.
The kids held their breath, ears perked.
The small theater fell silent.
"Today this moment"
A rich, resonant baritone shattered the heavy quiet, filling the hall.
This is it.
Goosebumps prickled across my skin.
"Today right here
This moment I've desperately longed for."
Moon Kang-hyun's song continued.
The kids clamped hands over mouths, eyes glued to the stage.
He turned the small theater into a grand one with sheer majesty.
Deep baritone and profound vocalization overwhelmed them.
Nothing but awe.
Pre-regression, a number I'd desperately wanted to nail.
I'd practiced hundreds, thousands of times to sing it like that, but my vocal cords couldn't produce that timbre.
Hated admitting it then, but now I could.
Do-hyun vowed once more.
This life, not Moon Kang-hyun's technique—but Lee Do-hyun's own vocalization would lead to success.
"Today this moment like magic
I cast off the chains that bound me."
Moon Kang-hyun acted as he descended from the stage.
The number built toward its climax.
Do-hyun stared intently, even studying his mouth movements in detail.
That's when Ji-woong slipped in from the back and took a rear seat.
Legs crossed, blank-faced, watching Moon Kang-hyun's performance.
"My desperate wish, my earnest plea
Oh God, grant it be."
The explosive high note pierced every eardrum, ending the number with resounding echo.
For a moment, Moon Woo-hyuk's features faintly overlapped his father's.
Build, voice—clearly inherited his dad's talent.
"This enough?"
"Yes. Thank you. It was an honor."
Do-hyun nodded emphatically as Moon Kang-hyun asked post-song.
The lecture continued a bit longer.
Ji-woong checked the time and took the emcee spot stage-side.
"Looks like it's time to wrap. This has been a real pleasure for me too."
Moon Kang-hyun gave his closing remarks, and reluctant kids shouted not to go.
Applause thundered on.
Then Moon Kang-hyun turned, grinned at Ji-woong.
Ji-woong glanced back, expressionless, and turned away sharply.
"Quiet down."
Even directed at the audience, the kids' excitement didn't fade easily.
Ji-woong sighed, looked back at Moon Kang-hyun.
"Actor Moon Kang-hyun, please head backstage now."
Politest Ji-woong could muster, but still laced with sarcasm.
Whoa, our mentor as expected.
Won't butter up even a star like that.
Moon Kang-hyun stared at Ji-woong a beat, then nodded politely and exited backstage.
"Submit those impression essays the second we get back to class."
"Yessir."
Huh?
Ji-woong's face looked seriously pissed, all scrunched up.
Did we get too rowdy? Do-hyun scanned the kids.
They were just dawdling, wistful over the brief encounter with Moon Kang-hyun—no real issues.
"Back to class, prep for next period. Good work."
Relief at Ji-woong's usual flat tone.
Guess something just rubbed him the wrong way again.
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