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."
Thats 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 Im the opposite.
I prefer to be there first and wait; it's more comfortable for me.
Minyoung speaks again.
Ive heard a lot about you from my mother. She spoke openly about your family background.
Sympathy time?
Id 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 Ive 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 dont 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 doesnt necessarily mean being happy.
Leaning forward, Minyoung continues,
I heard from Secretary Kim. You painted that picture without knowing the details of my mothers accident.
I did have that conversation.
Really? You didnt hear it from my mother?
How many times do I have to say it? Unlike these wealthy families, I dont have the resources. People like my working aunt and Secretary Kim arent the types to gossip.
Yes.
Minyoung clasps her hands and nods with a smile.
Thats 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 Minyoungs 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 didnt know.
My interpretation was based solely on the way Mrs. Kangs 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 dont know?
Minyoung laughs heartily, an uncharacteristically down-to-earth laugh for a heiress.
Yes, you must have felt our mothers love during your talks. Like when you explained the painting, as an example of a mothers love for her children.
Thats 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 doesnt 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 mothers 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. Its rare for someone in her position to have this stance.
Its okay. Ill consider it as a clients verification process.
I cant show my annoyance anyway.
Shes a valuable client about to give me new work.
And its 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? Arent we going to talk here?
I thought we were going to a restaurant, so I didnt 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 havent yet. Is there something wrong?
The elevator door opened with a ding. Min-young, smiling, stepped into the elevator.
Mr. Painters refrigerator. I heard its officially launched.
Ah, that.
Well, Ive already received the payment, and the incentive is just 2%, so Im not too concerned.
I scratched my cheek and nodded.
Ah, maybe she called to tell me that news. Ill 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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