Chapter 19 (2) - The Mysterious Art Museum
Soo-young remembered that she had said that she would raise the incentive and contract money earlier and asked.
"About the additional compensation conditions you offered earlier, don't you need the director's permission?"
"Why do we need the director's permission?"
"Isn't there a limit set by the company for the contract amount and incentives?"
"There is."
"To change that, obviously..."
Monica interrupts Soo-Young as she puts down her fork.
"Soo-Young."
"Yes, Monica."
"It was entirely my own decision to suspect Ban Jung-Hoon and put him on trial, wasn't it?"
"Right, so we need to discuss it with the higher-ups."
"No, why should someone higher up take responsibility for a mistake I made?"
"Excuse me...?"
Monica smiles as she speaks.
"If a mistake is made, the person responsible should bear the consequences."
Confused, Soo-Young blinks and then frowns.
"You're not suggesting sharing your incentive with him, are you?"
Monica nods.
"Of course, the company did nothing wrong. And I will also cover the increased contract amount with my own money."
"........"
Soo-Young finds herself at a loss for words.
She looks at Monica quietly and suddenly thinks how admirable she is. Despite having the wealth to afford such a stance, Monica's willingness to take responsibility herself is incredibly attractive, especially to someone living a cog-in-the-machine life.
Soo-Young, while watching Monica eat, finally speaks.
"If Ban Jung-Hoon's trial is already over, perhaps it's time to stop this."
"Why should I?"
"Because it's not polite. We can't judge the value of an artist."
Monica tilts her head.
"Then who does?"
"........................"
"That's an interesting point. No one can decide the value of an artist. Of course, it's problematic if it's just one person, but all artists are evaluated by the public. Even those old Renaissance paintings are constantly being judged by the modern public. Is there any artistic value in a painting that the public doesn't want?"
".................."
Soo-Young is speechless again. Monica's point is valid, but she cleverly evades the main issue.
"That's not what I mean, Monica. If the trial is over and his innocence is proven, I suggest we end it here."
Monica rests her chin on her hand and laughs.
"Let it be, who knows? Maybe an interesting painting will come out."
"But to keep a person locked up like that..."
"Oh, that expression is a bit upsetting. That studio is my reflection space."
"That's not what I meant."
"If you're so worried, go check on him while delivering food. If his condition is bad or something, report it to me."
"... It seems I should."
Soo-Young immediately gets up, throws away the leftovers, and heads to Monica's office with packed food.
Monica, still eating, watches Soo-Young with a twinkle in her eye.
"ragazza di buon cuore (good-hearted girl)."
**
It's already been 30 minutes, and I've been lost in thought. Without any information about the other person and just knowing their appearance, I can't possibly know what someone's inner desires are. No, this is normal; I'm not a psychic.
At that moment, a knock accompanied Soo-yeong's voice.
"Excuse me, Mr. Jung-hoon."
"Yes, come in."
Soo-yeong cautiously opened the door and peeked in. She held packaged food in her hand.
"I brought lunch."
"Thank you."
"It's from the cafeteria menu, but it's Japanese cuisine today, so it might spoil soon. It's better to eat it right away."
"Is it sushi?"
"Yes, it's sushi."
"Oh, great. Thank you for taking care of it."
"I'll leave it here."
"Sure."
Soo-yeong placed the sushi down and glanced at the scattered canvases on the floor. Then, she looked at me and asked.
"Are you not doing well?"
"Oh, well. Haha."
Thinking about it, she's been kind to me, but she's also part of the group testing me. It wouldn't be wise to easily expose my weaknesses.
Soo-yeong looked at me in a dilemma, as if wanting to say something. However, after hesitating, she shook her head and asked a question.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
All artists, whether creating writing, drawings, or music, fight with themselves. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't accept help from others.
While creating with their own hands, in the process of creation, they can listen to and absorb others' thoughts.
Soo-yeong offering help wasn't about the painting; it was about this aspect.
"Well, there is something you could help with. Can you do it?"
"I'll listen, and if it's something I can do, I'll help."
Hmm, this person. It's a sincere look, wanting to genuinely assist me. Of course, rushing to conclusions is prohibited.
"I want to know about a person named Monica."
"Yes?"
"I have no idea who she is."
Soo-yeong made a perplexed expression. It seemed she couldn't understand why she needed to know who that person was when she was asked to draw a portrait. I chuckled, scratching my head.
"Well, it's not difficult."
"Then, I'll ask a favor."
Soo-yeong unfolded a folding chair and sat beside me.
"Her name is Monica Rossellini. She's from Roseto Valfortore in Puglia, southern Italy, born in 1989."
Hmm, she's a bit older than me. Looks quite young, though.
But where is Roseto Valfortore?
It's a village I've never heard of. Although I know most famous cities in Italy, this is unfamiliar.
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