Chapter 145
Chapter 145
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 145
Chapter Title: Jessica
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It was probably around the time of my third solo exhibition, shortly after I married Hyorin.
Naturally, it was held at Director Go's gallery, and as far as I could remember, quite a few people had come to visit.
Even though it was such a big event, the reason I couldn't remember it clearly was probably because of that.
"Jessica."
Suddenly, memories from the past flooded back to me.
"Is this the third one?"
At Director Go's words, I nodded with a smile.
"It's all thanks to you, Director."
"Put some honey on your lips before you lie like that."
"Hey, it's not a lie. If you hadn't offered me a solo show right after my graduation exhibition, I'd still be struggling."
"You're still underestimating my eye for talent."
"Yes."
"Your mouth might be crooked, but you need to get your words straight. It's not that you're lucky—I'm the lucky one. You have enough skill to make it big on your own, even without me."
Wow, maybe because it was the day of my solo exhibition, but Director Go was showering me with praise.
"If you're trying to embarrass me, mission accomplished."
She turned her head and took a sip of tea instead of answering.
Clink.
"By the way, how's newlywed life treating you?"
"Newlywed life? Thanks to you, Director, it's blissfully happy."
"Thanks to me? Someone might think I arranged the marriage."
"Come on, even if you deny it, it's true that I succeeded quickly because of you. And thanks to that success, marriage is smooth and fun."
At those words, Director Go took another sip of tea without looking at me.
Then she tossed out a rather special question.
"So, when are you planning to have kids?"
"Yes? Kids?"
"Yeah, you're married now, so you must have talked about it."
Hyorin and I had discussed it, but it hadn't been that long since we got married—kids already?
A chuckle escaped me.
It felt awkward having this conversation with Director Go, but it was also kind of funny.
I smiled for no reason, and she asked, pausing mid-sip.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Oh, sorry. It's just... funny."
"What's funny?"
"Well, you know. Someone might mistake you for my mother-in-law."
Of course, outsiders might think it was rude.
But we'd spent so much time together that we were close enough for jokes like that.
"Mother... in-law?"
"Yeah, Hyorin said she'd be here soon. You're not planning to make her life miserable as your daughter-in-law, are you?"
I said it playfully with a grin, and Director Go's eyes twitched.
"Huh? What's that reaction? Were you actually planning to?"
When I asked, she buried her nose in her teacup and replied.
"Is it rude to ask when you're having kids?"
"......"
She wasn't joking.
It seemed she was genuinely asking about kids.
I never imagined she'd care about something like that, so it felt a bit awkward.
"Well, you could ask."
Whoosh!
At my words, she widened her eyes and stared at me.
Her face was still expressionless, but her gaze held a hint of earnestness.
But as if realizing it wasn't like her, she quickly buried her nose back in the teacup.
"That's a relief."
Pretending not to notice her reaction, I said.
"Hyorin and I talked about kids recently. We both want them, so we're going to give it a try."
We weren't actively trying, but we'd agreed to welcome one whenever it happened.
"Hmm. Then you need to prepare for kids. You never know when it might happen."
"Yes? Prepare for kids?"
"I know a famous herbalist among my acquaintances. I'll have her prescribe some tonic herbs for your health. Take them and give them to Hyorin."
"Wha—you're giving us herbal medicine?"
"Why? Does this feel too mother-in-law-ish too?"
"No, it's not that..."
I was just curious why she was going so far out of her way.
But I couldn't ask directly.
"Traditionally, elders take care of this stuff. And since you don't know when a child might come, of course you need to prepare. The parents' health is crucial for the child they'll have."
I could feel Director Go's care.
Touched by her unexpected thoughtfulness, I smiled brightly and thanked her.
"Thank you. Hyorin will love it."
"She'd better. It's all for you. You have a fourth exhibition, then a fifth, ahead of you."
What a classic tsundere.
She pretended otherwise, but her words showed she cared about us.
"Yes, yes. I'll draw hard."
With that, I stood up to greet the arriving guests.
"Leaving already?"
Nod.
"Yeah, guests will start pouring in soon, so I need to get ready. Wouldn't want no-shows on my account."
"As if you'd let that happen."
"Oh, so you trust me?"
"......"
She turned and took another sip.
No more responses now?
She just quietly sipped her tea, as if she didn't want to talk anymore.
I chuckled at her behavior and said.
"See you soon, then."
Click.
Stepping outside, I glanced at the bustling interior preparations and headed to the entrance.
I checked the bromides and pamphlets with artwork descriptions, murmuring the lines I'd prepared for addressing the guests.
"Thank you for coming today... The first piece I'll introduce is..."
As I walked toward the entrance.
Creak.
I ran into someone entering through the door.
"Huh?"
"Yeah."
A woman with heavy makeup, short bobbed brown hair.
A strong whiff of cosmetics hit me.
"Who's this?"
Tilting my head at the unfamiliar face, the woman looked at me and asked.
Staring straight at me, a bit like someone spaced out.
"Um... I'm here for the solo exhibition."
I smiled brightly and replied.
"Ah, you must be an invitee. Hello. I'm Kanghyeok Lee, hosting today's solo exhibition. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. I'd love to usher you in right away, but it hasn't started yet—we have a bit of time. If it's okay, perhaps wait in the lounge next door for about 30 minutes..."
"That's fine."
"Yes?"
"I can wait longer."
Hmm... Why is she staring at me so intensely while saying she can wait?
Wondering if something was bothering her, I smiled even brighter than usual.
"Sure, then let me guide you to the lounge..."
She extended her hand and introduced herself.
"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. Hello. I'm Jessica, running an investment firm in the US."
Huh?
Her sudden introduction left me with nothing but a smile.
People didn't usually introduce themselves like that here.
But Jessica did it so confidently.
"Never pegged her for American."
She had an exotic vibe, but I hadn't guessed American.
Her Korean was so natural, I never thought she was foreign.
Click.
Thinking that, I opened the lounge door.
"Please wait here."
"Ah, thank you."
As I turned to leave.
"Um, excuse me."
She stopped me.
"Yes?"
"My throat's a bit dry. Do you have anything to drink?"
"Oh! Of course. What would you like? Coffee, juice—anything's ready."
"Espresso possible?"
"Absolutely. I'll get it right away."
Smiling, I turned to leave again.
Then Jessica called me once more.
"But, artist?"
"Yes?"
"I'm really curious, so can I ask one question?"
"A question?"
She wouldn't leave me alone.
But I couldn't be rude to someone who'd made time for my exhibition.
"Sure, as long as it's not too tough. What's on your mind?"
"Um..."
She'd asked permission but now hesitated.
Was it something sensitive? Just then, she asked.
"How old are you, by any chance?"
"Yes? My age?"
"Yeah, your age."
Why ask my age here?
Her question made no sense, but it wasn't something I couldn't answer.
"26."
"Ah, 26. I'm 29."
"Haha, you're older than me."
What was this really?
"What's your hobby? Do you just paint all the time?"
Seriously, what?
I couldn't grasp her intent.
If I knew her goal, fine—but I didn't.
Everything from the start was a mystery.
All I could do was answer.
"Uh, yeah... Mostly painting."
"What do you like then? I love movies and eating."
"......"
No idea why she was asking.
But I could guess her purpose.
"Is she asking about my tastes?"
Age, hobbies, likes—it was clear.
Her questions reminded me of something Jungeun Park had said.
'Is this a stalker fan?'
He'd mentioned in passing.
Famous artists get stalker fans like celebrities.
Even more obsessive about private lives than with idols.
They share info on sites.
'Hmm.'
Never thought I'd get one.
I didn't know how to handle it, but best not to give real info.
I didn't like movies much, preferred travel.
But vague answers would do.
"Yeah, I like that too."
"Really?"
Her face lit up, thinking she'd learned something new.
Spot on, I thought, nodding with a smile.
"I'll get your coffee right now. Just a moment."
Click.
To avoid more grabs, I hurried out.
I ignored a voice from behind and rushed to the pantry.
'Drop it off quick and go.'
The exhibition was starting soon.
No time for this.
I brewed the espresso fast and headed back.
Knock knock.
"Coming in."
Opening the door, I saw Jessica standing, face flushed.
"Here's your coffee."
"Ah, thank you."
"Sure, I'm busy with prep, so see you at the event."
Handing it over, I said something she couldn't refuse and turned.
As I opened the door to leave.
Click.
"Excuse me."
Jessica called again.
I considered ignoring, but...
Grip.
She grabbed my sleeve, forcing me to turn.
"Wha... what's up?"
Forcing a smile, I looked back.
Then...
"Um... Painter Kanghyeok Lee. Do you have a girlfriend by any chance?"
Wh-what did she just say?
Girlfriend out of nowhere?
Her bombshell caught me off guard—I started shaking my head.
Thud!
Something heavy dropped behind me.
I turned instinctively.
'!!'
There stood Hyorin, frozen, her bag on the floor.