Chapter 30 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum


    "............."


    A portrait of a conglomerate owner''s wife.


    Regardless of who tried before, it must have been painters with some reputation.


    Not a single picture pleased her? How picky could she be?


    But what can I do?


    It''s hotel decoration art. An enormously profitablemission.


    Knowing that I must get this job to avoid falling back to a street portrait artist, I exuded confidence.


    "I have some experience with portraits. Over a thousand people have taken portraits I''ve drawn."


    Of course, there''s no need to mention that these were twenty-five-thousand-won street sketches.


    Alright, I''ll draw an impressive portrait that satisfies this demanding conglomerate wife and get the hotel decoration artmission. It''s a big job and not something I can do alone, so let''s set up a corporation. For employees... Yes! I can ask Yeongju for help?


    Lost in these thoughts, I watched Mrs. Kang quietly, whose right hand now moves.


    I was concerned about it and followed her right hand with my eyes, and my eyes widened.


    ".................."


    Mrs. Kang shows her right hand and says,


    "Will it still be easy?"


    ".................."


    If the counterpart wasn''t a conglomerate, the emotion that crossed my eyes would have been sympathy or pity, or perhaps sadness. But knowing her position, the emotion that crossed my eyes was surprise.


    Her middle and ring fingers are missing.


    Those two fingers should be on that white and slender beautiful hand.


    Seeing the w that should not exist in a beautiful wife living in luxury in a conglomerate house, I froze and lost my words.


    Mrs. Kang, seeing my surprised eyes, hides her right hand again and says,


    Confidence is a privilege of the young. So, when do we start?


    Ah, that


    I hade today to greet her and arrange a schedule, so I didnt bring my tools. Struggling to keep my scattered thoughts together, I replied,


    Please let me know a convenient time for you. I think I will need about two hours a day.


    Mrs. Kang nodded and stood up, still hiding her right hand behind her back.


    As you can see, I have plenty of time, just tending to the garden at home. Let''s meet 5 days a week, only on weekdays, at this time.


    Yes


    Then Ill see you tomorrow. Take care on your way out.


    Mrs. Kang slightly nodded and left through the corridor she hade from.


    Did I just make a mistake?


    No, what was I supposed to say? Your hand is injured, but you are still beautiful? That would be like mocking her.


    It felt wrong to pry about how it happened during our first meeting.


    I feel like I didnt do anything wrong, but why does it feel so awkward?


    As Mrs. Kang''s footsteps faded, the workingdy I had seen earlier approached.


    Here, let me show you out.


    Ah, thank you.


    I awkwardly stood up and followed thedy outside. My mind was still in turmoil all the way to the main gate, but I couldnt figure out how I should have reacted.


    Finally at the main gate.


    I bowed to thedy, expressing my gratitude. She looked around cautiously and then spoke in a low tone.


    It must be shocking.


    Everyone reacts that way when they first see madam''s hand. It''s okay, she''s used to it and wont take it to heart.


    There''s no offense taken, so go homefortably and prepare well for the painting.


    Phew, thisdy is a lifesaver.


    If it weren''t for her, I would have gone home and spent the night kicking my nkets without understanding why.


    Excuse me, ma''am.


    Yes?


    About madams fingers. May I know what happened?


    Thedy nced around nervously as if mentioning this was a big deal, then pushed me away.


    Dont go around asking such questions, or I cant keep my job. Go now. Come back tomorrow, tomorrow.


    Pushed out of the house, I stood outside, dazed, staring nkly at the high wall.


    Is it that hard to exin? Of course, its problematic to spread personal information, but how am I supposed to catch what the subject wants in the portrait if I dont know this?


    Haah


    I sighed involuntarily and then furrowed my brows.


    Wait, why does it even matter for the portrait if shes missing fingers?


    I just need to paint her face, right? It should be simple.


    Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi


    .