The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 54 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Bench next to the theater.

On a steel bench about 20 meters away from a booth that would be used as a smoking area once Catacomb opens, I sit next to Min-young and offer her a canned drink I brought.

Would you like some?

No, thanks.

Im sorry for startling you. It seems my request today didnt reach the higher-ups.

Min-young nods, indicating she heard about it.

What about the reason for keeping it a secret?

I scratch my head and laugh.

Actually, the secrecy is to avoid board members. I didnt want to generalize a group I dont even know by just calling them the board, so I asked for everyone to be restricted. I didnt know it would block your entry too, haha. The security guards here are really efficient.

Min-young pauses, then smiles slyly and points with her index finger.

So, its because the board members keep interfering and bothering you?

That too.

And because they might ask you to paint their faces more beautifully?

.

Huh? What? She knows everything?

I'm momentarily speechless.

Min-young smiles triumphantly.

You knew all along?

She nods with a smile. Embarrassing, but better than her getting angry. Id prefer her smiling like this.

Min-young speaks with a grin.

Did you choose that painting for the ceiling to be on my side?

Hmm.

To help me cornered by the board. Isnt that right?

I look into Min-youngs eyes, which seem expectant, and say,

President Yoo.

Yes.

Im not in my studio drawing whatever comes to mind. Im commissioned and employed.

Thats right?

If Im commissioned, then I should paint what the employer wants.

.

In this situation, I naturally chose the painting that my employer needs most, the one that makes others understand the employers intentions.

Min-young nods after a long silence.

I see.

Why does she look disappointed?

Did I do something wrong?

Min-young briefly hardens her expression, then smiles again.

So, Im not banned from entering anymore?

Phew, glad I didnt say anything upsetting.

Of course, you were never the target. Besides, who would ban the owner from entering their own place?

Haha, thats good. Ill talk to the secretary and make up an excuse for the board.

Maybe tell them not to come because the paint fumes are toxic.

Haha, thats a good idea.

The mood improves. I seize the opportunity to bring up the next topic.

But I wont restrict entry until the work is completed.

Min-young blinks, confused.

What?

I smile and raise my index finger.

On the day we settle accounts, please invite the board members separately. Preferably one at a time.

Min-young looks stunned, then her expression brightens. Wow, shes quick on the uptake.

She nods enthusiastically.

Ill do that.

Its good not to talk for long, but both she and Mrs. Kang are too sharp. Feels like they see right through me. Cant fool blood, can you?

After chatting a bit more, Min-young sees her secretary waving in the distance, checks the time, and stands up.

Oh my, I got carried away. I have another appointment.

Im sorry, please go ahead.

Alright, Ill see the painting next time.

Youre always welcome, President.

She smiles brightly at my last words and walks towards her secretary. I stand up and watch her leave, waiting to wave if she turns back. She is my great employer, after all.

As expected, Min-young turns towards her secretary and I prepare to bow, but then her voice reaches me.

Artist Ban!

"Yes?"

"W Tree won't get involved in any incidental income that arises, so go ahead and have fun with it!"

"?"

Min-young flashes a thumbs up and leaves, laughing with her secretary.

Left alone in front of the bench, I scratch the back of my head.

"What's she talking about incidental income?"

Pondering the meaning of her last words, I stand there for a while. Just then, the theater door bursts open, and Young-ju's face pops out.

Looking around, Young-ju yells.

"Boss!! Hurry up, the angle at coordinates 234-71 is off! There's a 15cm gap!"

I quickly raise my hand and reply.

"Yeah, I'm on my way!"

I run towards the theater, glancing back in the direction of the hotel.

Wondering if Min-young's next appointment is off-site, I see her getting into a luxury car under the guidance of her secretary.

From a distance, our eyes meet, and she smiles with her eyes.

Hey, don't just smile; tell me what you mean by incidental income.

I'm quite serious when it comes to money.

Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi

.