The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 156 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Dear. Yeongju.

Although reluctant to be called a hypocrite of art, it is clear that there are indeed such hypocrites in the world of art.

I occasionally meet Van Gogh in my dreams.

Watching him, I discover my strengths, which is a very joyful thing.

Among people who are not satisfied unless they call something exaggerated or illogical,

I was always someone who couldn't control the intense anger and pain.

But in my dreams, he always erases the pain caused by that with the discovery of strengths in others.

He could be on someone's side or become an enemy like others.

Sometimes life forces that upon us.

But he always tries to first see the positive aspects of things

And then makes an effort to look at the negative sides.

Even if he can't do it now, he always tries to be generous and have a free perspective liberated from prejudice.

- Your friend Jeonghoon from Udo.

* * *

An artist company now recognized as a solid medium-sized business.

Three months ago, Yeongju, signing documents in the upper floors of the newly acquired five-story building, asked,

“Jiyeon, about the sky garden sculpture project with the Dutch GY Group. We're having a local company handle the construction, right?”

The much more sophisticated Jiyeon, holding a file under her arm, nodded.

“Yes, sir. We’re only handling the design, while the production and installation will be entrusted to a local company. Jiyong is going to check on it personally.”

“Jiyong? How long will he be gone?”

“About three months.”

“Didn't Jiyong just get married? Is it okay for him to leave his newlywed home for three months?”

“Should we send someone else?”

“Send someone at the assistant manager level, not a manager. It’s problematic if a manager is away.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do that.”

Yeongju nodded and closed the file, then picked up another document.

“How many of Jeonghoon’s paintings have we received this week?”

“Seven.”

“How many in total so far?”

“A total of 351 to date.”

Yeongju leaned his chin on his hand and closed his eyes.

“351, crazy guy. He’s literally painting one piece a day. How’s the quality?”

Jiyeon smiled and replied,

“You know the quality of his works.”

“…Huh.”

“W Tree Group keeps inquiring.”

“To sell the paintings?”

“Yes, they know that painter A is him. Rosellini Group is also continuously inquiring. They’re opening a new branch in New York and want to display your paintings there.”

“Don’t decline, but just put it on hold.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you secure the exhibition schedule?”

“Yes, W Tree Group has offered to rent out the entire Hanam-dong Catacomb for the exhibition period. They won’t hold performances during the exhibition and will even support a portion of the marketing costs.”

“Hmm, that’s good. What’s the schedule?”

“We initially asked for a two-year period. We’re thinking around next March.”

“March, huh.”

Yeongju looked at the calendar on his desk.

“It’s October now. So, six months left.”

He leaned his chin on his hand again and asked Jiyeon,

“What do you think? How many more pieces will Jeonghoon paint in six months?”

“Haha, who knows. Based on what we’ve seen so far, at least 150 more?”

“Crazy guy. How can there be so much to paint on that small island? Are they all Udo paintings?”

“Yes, if the exhibition goes as planned, that island will be swamped with tourists. Considering his fame, we expect international visitors too.”

“Put in a query to Jeju Island about the exhibition concept and see if we can get support.”

“Yes, sir. I’m already planning it.”

“Good, you can go.”

“Yes.”

After Jiyeon left, Yeongju, left alone, fell into a moment of deep thought, then opened the bottom drawer of his large desk. Inside were numerous envelopes.

Opening one of the letters, Yeongju bit her lip and muttered,

“Should I go down there? It’s good that the painter is focusing on his work… but meeting Van Gogh? What is this kid doing, is he going crazy down there?”

Despite her harsh words, Yeongju’s face was full of concern. Reading the letter, she decided it was time to act and pressed the intercom.

“Contact Seoul Medical Center and invite a psychiatrist to Jeju Island, at least a professor. I’ll go down personally and bring them. As soon as possible.”

After confirming the secretary’s response, Yeongju looked at the letter again, then gently stroked it, muttering,

"You're alright, aren't you? You trust me and are waiting? Keep your wits about you, punk."

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