CH3

Song Soo-hee quietly looked at me instead of answering.

Maybe she was recalling the books piled up in my room last night.

She chose to briefly summarize the situation in a way that I could understand, rather than hide her thoughts.

'They're pushing these items like lobbyists because of Chairman Park, right?'

I stared at Song Soo-hee and spoke.

"Do you dislike just buying something? You could get praise for buying it cheaply, regardless of the reason."

Song Soo-hee shook her head firmly.

"Ji-hoon, listen carefully to what Mom is saying."

"...?"

"No matter how good the items are, and even if you get praise from Grandfather for the result, if the process is wrong, it's not okay."

"Grandfather wouldn't know about the process, though."

"Still, the process is important."

Idealistic words.

To teach a child, those words are right.

But would those words work on a 35-year-old who has seen the world?

"Businesspeople only trust numbers. Numbers are the result, and no matter how good the process is, if the result isn't good… wouldn't Grandfather get angry?"

"Being afraid of anger doesn't justify using unethical methods."

"Are you okay with getting scolded?"

"Of course."

"Because Mom is strong?"

"…What?"

"Because you're the strongest person in the world? So, it's okay?"

Perhaps she clearly remembered the words from yesterday.

A small smile spread on Song Soo-hee's lips.

"That's right. Mom is strong. So, I can't compromise. The process has to be right to be a strong pillar for you, Ji-hoon."

In the future, Hyungang will grow into a world-class company.

Song Soo-hee will undoubtedly have a role in Hyungang's global expansion.

"Mom, how about this then?"

"...?"

"Tell Grandfather honestly about today's events. Tell him that it's impossible to make a fair transaction as Hyungang's daughter-in-law."

But then again, returning empty-handed would be a problem too.

"Instead, buy a modern painting, not an antique. Your major was Western painting, after all."

A suggestion from an 11-year-old.

It could easily be dismissed.

"...."

But Song Soo-hee looked seriously thoughtful, resting her chin on her hand.

Of course, it wouldn't be an easy decision.

Bringing a modern painting would mean disobeying the chairman's orders.

'But she's definitely drawn to Western painting.'

It's her most confident field!

Would she choose to safely comply with her father-in-law's words, or take a risk to assert her own judgment?

After a moment of deliberation, Song Soo-hee turned to look at the secretary behind her.

"Contact Korean Auction and check if there are any available artworks."

As the secretary was about to nod.

"Mom."

I interjected.

"Wouldn't it be better to visit the university instead of the auction?"

"The university?"

"Established artists' works are expensive. There's also little sense of discovering a hidden gem. It might be better to check out the students' works."

"...."

"And it would be nice to visit Seoul National University's art department too."

Auction… Seoul National University art department… hidden gems…

As she pondered my words, she clutched her handbag as if making a resolution.

***

30 minutes later, at the permanent exhibition hall of the Seoul National University art college.

Song Soo-hee quietly observed her juniors' paintings with her face partially covered by a mask.

What was she thinking at this moment?

The art she loved so dearly.

If not for the promise between families, she would have undoubtedly chosen her dream over being Hyungang's daughter-in-law.

And now, Song Soo-hee was facing the paintings of her juniors.

The hand that once held a brush 15 years ago.

"...."

Was now holding the hand of her 11-year-old son.

While there may be regrets for the path not taken.

Tightly gripping her son's hand.

She seemed to have no regrets about being a mother of two.

"Ji-hoon, are you bored?"

"No. It's fun looking at the paintings."

"Abstract art might be difficult to understand."

"Just looking at the colors is fascinating."

"You're not just saying that to please Mom, are you?"

"No. I really find it interesting."

I liked art quite a bit in my past life.

I attended countless solo exhibitions of domestic artists, not to mention international ones.

Why did a literature person care so much about art?

The reason is simple.

Painting and poetry share a lot in common in dealing with images.

In other words, seeing a good painting is akin to reading an excellent poem.

'Anyway.'

I was excitedly appreciating the artworks.

I spent a full hour looking at about a hundred paintings.

Two pieces particularly moved me.

When I moved to look at one of those pieces again.

'As expected.'

Song Soo-hee was also deeply focused on the piece I had been eyeing.

I looked at the nameplate installed below the artwork.

<Lee Yoon-ki, 4th year, 'Salvation'>

'…Lee Yoon-ki?'

Could it be referring to Professor Lee Yoon-ki of Seoul National University's art department?

A world-renowned artist.

Touted as the greatest talent since Nam June Paik?

I wasn't sure.

But considering the name and how both Song Soo-hee and I were drawn to it, I guessed.

'It's definitely not an ordinary painting.'

As if to prove my thoughts.

"...."

Song Soo-hee stared intently at the artwork without moving.

As if she wouldn't miss even a single touch of the brush.

While she was absorbed in the painting, I quietly moved.

Another painting that captivated me.

<1st year>

A freshman's work.

<Yoo Sun-ho, 'Spiral'>

Yoo Sun-ho.

Honestly, not a familiar name.

But somehow.

The bold combination of colors creating dynamism.

The vividness that seemed to burst through the canvas.

The duality of intense melancholy and fierce joy.

A painting style that's unforgettable once seen…

'I think I've seen a similar work before.'

Where was it?

Considering it wasn't a solo exhibition, it must have been at a group show.

Anyway.

At this moment, I was completely captivated by this painting.

Yes, that was certain.

How much would it cost to buy such a piece?

In my past life, I couldn't even dream of it.

But in this life… I could easily have a few paintings I wanted in my room.

'No.'

If I put in the effort, I could not only have the artworks but also my own art museum.

Thinking like that.

Thump. Thump.

My heart pounded with excitement.

Just then.

"Ji-hoon, where are you?"

Hearing the voice from a distance, I quickly walked towards Song Soo-hee.

"Did you see everything?"

"Yes. Was it boring?"

"Not at all. By the way, did you choose a painting?"

She nodded slowly, pointing to Lee Yoon-ki's 'Salvation.'

***

We met Lee Yoon-ki, a 4th-year student in the Western painting department, with the help of a teaching assistant.

Tall with distinct features.

Yes, he was definitely Professor Lee Yoon-ki from Seoul National University.

Even back then, Lee Yoon-ki must have been a notable talent.

But even for someone like him.

"...."

He seemed quite taken aback.

It was natural.

The daughter-in-law of Hyungang came to buy his painting.

As a student, Lee Yoon-ki was understandably bewildered.

The only comforting fact was that Song Soo-hee was his direct senior in the art department.

"Have you ever sold a painting before?"

"N-no, I haven't."

He answered with a trembling voice to Song Soo-hee's question.

"Do you have a price in mind?"

"No. I've never thought about it…"

"How about the cost of a semester's tuition?"

"What?"

His eyes widened, seemingly at an unthinkable amount.

His face suggested he would sell the painting for even half of that amount.

She could have bought the painting for less.

"...."

But there was no hint of regret on Song Soo-hee's face.

Well.

There was no reason for a chaebol's daughter-in-law to exploit her junior.

The secretary handed over a cash envelope on the spot.

"Thank you."

Lee Yoon-ki kept bowing to Song Soo-hee.

Like many young artists, he seemed to be struggling with financial difficulties at that time.

"Really, thank you so much."

Perhaps feeling more poignantly the hardship in his grateful words, Song Soo-hee paused.

"Mr. Lee Yoon-ki."

"Yes?"

"You provided an excellent piece, and I paid a fair price. It was a necessary transaction, not charity from either side."

Instead of gratitude, she wanted him to feel pride.

That's probably what she meant.

"T-thank you."

Lee Yoon-ki bowed his head again.

***

It must have been close to rush hour.

The roads were congested.

Starting and stopping repeatedly, motion sickness was inevitable.

"...."

But the flagship model from the German luxury brand Schulz provided a very comfortable ride.

'It's definitely nice.'

In my previous era, S-Class cars were a common sight.

But this was the 1980s.

A single Schulz car could buy an apartment.

That's why.

It was impossible to avoid attracting attention.

'Thank goodness for the tinted windows.'

The interior was unusually quiet, not just because of the luxury sedan's characteristic silence.

I glanced at Song Soo-hee.

Her face was tense.

She managed to find a piece she liked.

'But she ultimately disobeyed Chairman Park's order.'

The suppressed anxiety was now creeping back up.

Her gaze looked unusually stiff.

Trying to hide her emotions from her young son, she forced a smile, which made her look even more pitiful.

If she were my real mother.

How would I have reacted?

I don't know.

Imagining having a mother is too difficult for me.

What can I do? In times like these, I should just follow my heart.

"Mom, today they asked us about our dreams at school."

"…Dreams?"

Song Soo-hee responded a beat late.

But then she looked at me and asked again.

"So what did you say?"

"I couldn't answer."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't have an answer that came to mind."

Song Soo-hee didn't immediately respond to my words.

Instead, she seemed to carefully choose her words.

"What was your dream, Mom?"

"Hmm, Mom wanted to be a painter. Like that college student earlier."

"Really?"

"Yes, I wanted to paint like him."

Maybe because she was happy to talk with her son.

Her tense face seemed to relax a bit.

Seizing the moment, I asked again.

"If being a painter was your dream back then… what's your dream now?"

"Now?"

"Yes, right now."

"That would be… for Yoo-geon and Ji-hoon to grow up healthy."

"Oh, not that."

"...?"

"Not like being someone's mom, but your real dream like when you were in college."

Not Hyungang's daughter-in-law, but the dream of the person Song Soo-hee.

Like opening an old diary.

"...."

For her, the word 'dream' seemed so distant.

Maybe that's why.

She couldn't open her tightly closed lips for a long time.

TL/n - 

You can now read up to Chapter 45 at buymeacoffee.com/inkbound

or

You can join me at my Patreon patreon.com/inkbound

If you enjoy what you read, please consider supporting the work. Every contribution helps me continue bringing more chapters to life!

Thank you for your support and happy reading!