The Mysterious Art Museum
Chapter 41 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum

I slowly lifted my head to look at Min-young.

My conscience within was bowing its head in the opposite direction.

She sees me in a good light, believing my lack of career is due to supporting my family.

But can I really say that I wasn't just satisfyingly living a lazy life? I couldn't have loved my evenings more, drawing portraits all day in Ikseon-dong, counting my earnings at home, and enjoying a beer.

Can I truly say I wasn't a person who was content with the present and lived lazily?

Min-young spoke,

"But the diligent way you came every day for two months at the same time, never late, to talk for an hour while drawing my mother's portrait, proves you are not that kind of person. Monica told me that during the month you went to MG Electronics, you were never late. Actually, you arrived 30 minutes early every day."

That’s just a habit of mine.

I hate the nervous and apologetic feeling of being late, shaking my legs during those moments.

Some might think it's a waste to arrive early and wait for nothing, but I’m the opposite.

I prefer to be there first and wait; it's more comfortable for me.

Minyoung speaks again.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my mother. She spoke openly about your family background.”

Sympathy time?

I’d rather decline that.

People usually react with pity when they hear my story. Even those who accidentally learn about my family situation tend to offer unwanted help, which I dislike. What I’ve always needed wasn't sympathy but immediate work.

Luckily, Minyoung seems to have no such intentions as she said,

“My mother thought highly of you because you don’t tell lies.”

“…What do you mean?”

Minyoung smiles and explains.

“People in our circle tend to live with small lies. Not big ones, just tiny fabrications to make themselves look better. But you never did that.”

I think I get it now.

So, Mrs. Kang listened to my story and then verified it through a background check.

Is this how wealthy people live?

Is there no such thing as pure trust?

What kind of world do they inhabit?

Being rich doesn’t necessarily mean being happy.

Leaning forward, Minyoung continues,

“I heard from Secretary Kim. You painted that picture without knowing the details of my mother’s accident.”

“I did have that conversation.”

“Really? You didn’t hear it from my mother?”

How many times do I have to say it? Unlike these wealthy families, I don’t have the resources. People like my working aunt and Secretary Kim aren’t the types to gossip.

“Yes.”

Minyoung clasps her hands and nods with a smile.

“That’s impressive.”

What's so impressive about it? As I look puzzled, Minyoung calmly explains the accident.

My goodness, did she really sacrifice her fingers to protect her daughter from the shards of glass during a car accident? I listen to Minyoung’s explanation with a stunned face. I never imagined such a story was hidden behind it.

Minyoung asks,

“Could you explain why you depicted the picture that way, without knowing the accident details?”

I really didn’t know.

My interpretation was based solely on the way Mrs. Kang’s eyes shone when talking about her children and the worried murmurs about their well-being.

I look at Minyoung and say,

“Are you asking because you don’t know?”

Minyoung laughs heartily, an uncharacteristically down-to-earth laugh for a heiress.

“Yes, you must have felt our mother’s love during your talks. Like when you explained the painting, as an example of a mother’s love for her children.”

“That’s right.”

Minyoung claps twice and then says,

“All this proves the genuineness of your ability to understand and bring to life the inner feelings through your art over those two months of conversation with my mother. And I've decided to value all your work very highly. Your career? Not necessary. A raw diamond doesn’t need a resume, after all.”

That seems a bit too much.

As she stops clapping and places her hands neatly on her lap, Minyoung bows slightly.

“And I would like to formally apologize for my mother’s indiscretion in conducting a background check without your permission.”

I quietly observe Minyoung.

This person. Somehow, she seems different from those typical chaebol daughters seen in dramas.

Someone who can apologize for actions that are deemed normal from their perspective but could be offensive to others. It’s rare for someone in her position to have this stance.

“It’s okay. I’ll consider it as a client’s verification process.”

I can’t show my annoyance anyway. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴovᴇlꜰirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

She’s a valuable client about to give me new work.

And it’s a big job that will pay well.

When I accepted the apology, Min-young smiled and said,

“Then, let's move on to talking about the next project. Shall we get up?”

Huh? Aren’t we going to talk here?

I thought we were going to a restaurant, so I didn’t eat anything.

I got up and followed Min-young while clutching my hungry stomach. Sorry, my stomach. Please hold on. But where is this person going?

Just then, while waiting for the elevator, Min-young turned around and asked,

“Oh, did you talk to Monica?”

Why suddenly Monica? Oh! Right, I saw a missed call when I was leaving the mansion yesterday but forgot about it.

“No, I haven’t yet. Is there something wrong?”

The elevator door opened with a ding. Min-young, smiling, stepped into the elevator.

“Mr. Painter’s refrigerator. I heard it’s officially launched.”

“···············”

Ah, that.

Well, I’ve already received the payment, and the incentive is just 2%, so I’m not too concerned.

I scratched my cheek and nodded.

“Ah, maybe she called to tell me that news. I’ll call her later.”

Min-young looked at my unresponsive face and said,

"Did you hear about the pre-sales of the refrigerator? How many units were reserved in just two days."

I shrugged my shoulders.

Anyway, there's no incentive if it's under 300 units. How much could I earn from that? It's more constructive to hear about the new contract quickly.

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