Chapter 208
Chapter 208
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 208
Chapter Title: Daeun's Portrait of Smiles
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Daeun kept asking me to tell her about the movie, but I couldn't.
It wasn't just because it was a rated-R film kids couldn't watch. The content wasn't exactly uplifting either.
"I'll show it to you next time, I promise."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I pinky swear."
I swallowed the rest—"when you're older"—keeping it to myself.
"Okay! Then Daeun will wait!"
I gave her a bright smile at that, and only then did she start drawing the autograph for Taerin again.
Letting out a sigh of relief at the sight, I turned to Taerin.
"That role you took back then was pretty memorable."
"Oh, the genius mathematician?"
"Yeah, exactly. The way she calculated everything to play her cards... it felt almost robotic, like a computer."
I'd actually recognized her from that movie. Apparently, there were real people who played blackjack using mathematical calculations.
Of course, the calculations themselves were illegal, so it caused issues.
Still, it proved geniuses like that really existed.
'Come to think of it, does that make Daeun a genius too?'
A genius at memory.
Daeun's ability was practically superhuman.
Though in reality, that memory came with its own hardships.
From an entertainment perspective, though, nothing was as amazing as her talent.
Taerin laughed as she responded to my ramblings.
"Sigh, speaking of which, it was brutally tough to film. If I'd been a real genius, maybe, but playing one when you're not? I had to memorize everything."
"Yeah, I can imagine."
"Seriously, I memorized the script so much that I was rehearsing it in my dreams."
She laughed about it now, but I couldn't fathom how grueling it must have been.
If someone asked me to do that, I'd probably fail miserably.
"Oh, since it came up—if you're curious about filming, I can invite you to my next project. It might be fun to watch."
"An invitation?"
She must have been mulling over my offer to keep the studio open to them.
"Sigh, we'd just be a bother. No need to feel obligated."
"No, really! I'd love to have you there. Sure, every set has its own vibe, but they're more fun than you'd think."
A film set, huh.
Thinking back to filming that variety show with Erina, it had been surprisingly enjoyable.
Daeun loved it too.
No idea when it'd happen, but if we went, it might be a blast.
"Then call us when shooting starts. We'll bring something tasty."
"Wow! You're really coming?"
Somehow, our reactions had flipped.
But who cared who was more excited.
I grinned.
"Daeun will love it too."
Erina lit up like a kid at that.
She even pulled out her list of postponed projects—ones she'd shelved due to her slump—and started picking one, saying she needed to get started soon.
'Feeling better?'
Her expression and tone were worlds apart from when she'd first arrived.
Touring Daeun's works must have comforted her plenty.
Good.
We ate our fill.
No, we stuffed ourselves to the brim.
With extra-large portions on top of the generous servings, what did you expect?
But the quantity was no complaint.
"Wow, this is really delicious."
Not just polite talk—it was genuinely tasty.
So good we scarfed it down without noticing how full we were.
Even Daeun ate nearly half.
"Glad you liked it. I eat alone at home a lot, so I end up knowing all the best spots."
I picked up the flyer that came with the delivery and said,
"Where's this place? Gotta save the number for next time. Thanks to you, Taerin, I found a gem."
She beamed.
"I'm happy you enjoyed it."
Thud.
That's when Daeun hopped lightly off her chair and dashed back to her drawing spot.
About five minutes later...
"Daddy, Daeun's done!"
"Already?"
"Yeah! All finished!"
She must have nearly completed it right before the food arrived.
That explained how she wrapped it up so fast.
"Let's see."
As I approached her...
Whoosh!
She hid the drawing behind her back.
"Pretty auntie! Close your eyes! Daeun will bring it! Daddy! Daeun's giving it to pretty auntie herself!"
Taerin nodded eagerly, eyes shut tight, clearly delighted.
"Done! They're closed!"
"Then Daeun go!"
Pat pat pat!
Daeun ran over, picture still hidden.
Taerin extended her hand blindly...
And Daeun handed over the signed drawing with a grin.
'Okay.'
I'd glimpsed it as she passed.
That moment, I understood why Daeun insisted on drawing on the autograph.
'Such a sweetheart.'
The picture brimmed with Daeun's pure kindness.
"You can open now!"
Taerin swallowed hard and slowly opened her eyes.
Then...
"Huh?"
She looked at the drawing in her hand.
Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.
"I... I really... really didn't want to cry..."
"Hee! Pretty, right?"
Nod nod!
"Yes, so pretty... I... really... so..."
I totally got her reaction.
What Daeun drew for her was none other than...
'No way she'd draw Taerin.'
A portrait of Taerin beaming radiantly.
Wishing for her pretty smile, it was Daeun's best shot at comfort.
Maybe the greatest gift she could give.
"Auntie! Auntie looks super super pretty when she smiles! Daeun likes auntie's smile!"
"Yes, I'll smile. No matter how tough things get..."
She flashed a toothy grin at Daeun.
"I'll show you."
On the way home.
I watched Daeun swinging her legs in the bus seat and asked,
"But Daeun."
"Yeah, Daddy!"
"Why'd you suddenly draw for auntie?"
I'd been wondering.
She could see the works anytime, so it seemed plenty.
Selling a painting would be nice, sure.
But I was curious.
What prompted her to offer a drawing?
Daeun grinned.
"Because same as Daeun!"
"Same as you?"
"Yeah! So Daeun drew it!"
Taerin had lost her mother.
Daeun hadn't said much about it.
But she'd clearly thought it through deeply.
Felt a connection, maybe, or...
'Wanted to comfort her.'
No one knew that pain better than Daeun. She'd comforted her in her own way.
'Really...'
Whose daughter was she? Her heart was too kind.
I smiled at her.
"You did great."
"Really? Daeun good?"
"Yeah, so good. I'm so proud and honored that you're my daughter."
"Hee!"
She beamed at the praise.
I pulled her into a tight hug.
She took it as praise.
But really, it was comfort.
My comfort for her.
And mine too.
Mutual solace.
"Thanks, Daeun."
And so our long summer drew to a close.
"Daeun! Ready?"
"Daddy! Wait! Ask Daeun to wait a bit!"
"Daeun! We're late! Hurry!"
"No! Daeun still getting ready!"
The house was chaos from morning.
Partly because we'd worked late for today's schedule.
Squeeze.
'Of all days to oversleep!'
The real issue was me.
I'd set multiple alarms before bed, but why didn't they go off?
They did. I just didn't hear them.
"Daeun! Done?"
"Yeah! All done!"
The door opened, revealing Daeun...
"No, what's in the bag?"
It was bulging, strapped to her back, and she grinned wide.
"Emergency!"
What on earth did she pack to make it burst like that?
If we had time, I'd empty out the extras.
"Fine, fine. Let's head out now."
"Yeah! Daeun all ready to go!"
In the end, no time to check.
Whoosh!
I scooped her up.
"Daeun, Daddy's running. Hold tight, okay?"
"Okay! Daddy!"
Gripping her extra firm in case she slipped, I burst out the door and ran.
Thud!
Down the steep hill I flew, like some superhero.
Adjusting speed so she wouldn't get hurt.
'Time's tight.'
Urgency spurred me on.
Thud!
Normally ten-plus minutes from home.
Superhuman sprint got us to the main road in three.
And there...
Jungeun, checking his watch frantically, yelled,
"Kanghyeok! Daeun! Hop in!"
"Yeah!"
Whoosh! Thump! Click!
I dove into the car, buckled Daeun into her seat, then myself.
Jungeun shouted,
"Here we go!"
"P-Please."
He hung a determined look, turned the key...
And floored it.
Vroooom!
My part was done.
Now his turn.
Had to push to make it on time.
But he assured us confidently,
"Hang on tight, everyone. We'll make the graduation exhibition, no matter what!"
Today's big event: the year's graduation showcase.
Why the rush?
Nod.
Professor had asked me to give the keynote speech.
I nodded apologetically.
Then Daeun beamed and yelled,
"Uncle, drive!"