Chapter 60 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum
Two weeks later.
Arriving at the theater for the final touches on the ceiling painting, I stood in the center of the audience seats and looked up at the ceiling. Surrounded by slightly nervous juniors, I meticulously inspected each detail.
"Hey, Youngju. Look at this."
Youngju, who was at her laptop, rushes over.
"Where?"
"Here, at the coordinates..."
I pointed out the coordinates on the original painting displayed on Youngju's laptop.
"See that blank space next to the finger?"
"One sec."
Youngju pulls out a telescope from around her neck and looks closely, then frowns.
"Yeah, I see it."
"And about this part. The neck looks a bit unnatural. I think the issue is with the neck wrinkles, so let's erase and redo it."
"Where?"
"Here, the woman in the dress."
"Oh, yeah. Why's that like this?"
As the company's CEO and director begin pointing out a few issues with the painting they've been diligently working on, the faces of the waiting juniors stiffen.
Regardless of that.
Being nice to the juniors is one thing. The work needs to be done right.
I relayed the points that needed correction to Youngju and then addressed the juniors.
"Guys, we've got a week left. It looks like it'll take about three days to make the modifications. If we finish by then, I'll give you four days off. I promise, so let's do our best until the end!"
The juniors' faces brightened at the combination of a carrot and stick approach. Who wouldn't like paid leave?
As the juniors climbed into the crane to head up to the ceiling, Youngju came over to me.
"Hey, if the boss stares at them like that, they'll be too nervous to work."
"I can't just not care, can I?"
"Check in occasionally, but don't hang around there. If you have any instructions, tell me. If you're there all the time, it'll make them nervous."
"Alright, got it."
Youngju was right. Even I would be uncomfortable if the boss was glaring like that.
After checking the painting one last time and ensuring no further modifications were needed, I kept my eyes on the artwork until I left through the back door of the theater.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was still lacking despite numerous revisions. Perhaps it was just my worry. Art doesn't become perfect with multiple revisions, but I still felt greedy for more. In such cases, it's better not to look at the painting at all.
As I stepped into the lobby, I saw a familiar and welcoming face. It was President Yoo Min-young.
While being monitored by an employer is usually not pleasant, Min-young is a bit special to me. She, along with Monica, are strongly associated with opening doors for me.
"President Yoo!"
Min-young, who came with her secretary, greeted me with a bright smile.
"Is the final work going well?"
"Yes, no issues. We will definitely finish in a week."
"That's good to hear."
"When does the preparation for the performance start?"
"As soon as the ceiling painting is done and those plastic covers in the audience seats are removed, the next team can come in."
Right, of course.
The theater is currently a mess. Plastic sheets stained with dried paint that had dripped from the ceiling are strewn about, making it resemble a haunted theater or ruins.
I scratched my head and laughed.
"Haha, we'll clean up and leave it spotless."
Min-young smiled softly and said,
"Oh, and Mr. Painter."
"Yes?"
"Could you please explain the ceiling painting to me one more time?"
Huh? Are there still people from the board meeting who haven't come?
"Of course. Where are they?"
"Not now, in two weeks."
"Is it a board member?"
"No, a private individual."
A private individual? Why do I need to explain it to a private individual? Well, it should be fine. It's a request from Min-young, so can't I do at least that much?
I readily accepted.
At that time, I didn't think much of this meeting.
But fate was once again about to lead me somewhere.
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