Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Loving Hands
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The name of the painting that Daeun drew became "Loving Hands".
Hyorin's hand, full of love for Daeun.
Daeun's hand, full of love for Hyorin.
Perhaps it was the most ideal title.
But the surprising thing was that simply attaching a name to the work completely changed how people viewed it.
"Suddenly, so many people are participating that we're short on the envelopes and paper we prepared. Please wait just a moment, and we'll quickly prepare more and resume the auction."
Branch Manager Inayeon bowed repeatedly to the crowd, asking for their understanding.
At that moment, Representative Kwak, who was sitting in the front row, spoke up with an anxious look.
"This is more popular than I thought."
President Jeong nodded in agreement.
"Because there's no pretense."
"No pretense?"
"Unlike jaded adults who embellish their paintings, this one expresses love just as it is. You won't find a piece like this anywhere else."
Nod.
For the first time, Representative Kwak nodded in agreement with President Jeong Wooyeol's words.
"I have to admit that. There's definitely something in this painting that tugs at the heart."
Their conversation gave me a lot to think about.
'Daeun really has an exceptional ability to infuse her emotions into her work.'
It wasn't just about capturing her own feelings well.
Daeun's perfect memory ability didn't just recall the situation—it recalled the emotions from that moment as well.
That's why, throughout the painting process, a smile never left her face.
It wasn't just a memory; she was reliving that moment, feeling truly happy.
'A blessing...?'
In that sense, Daeun could feel everything about her mom just by recalling the memory.
But on the other hand, her ability still made me uneasy.
No, more precisely, it was the worry of a parent fretting over their child.
Step, step.
At that moment, the staff who had gone to the back returned and began distributing paper and envelopes to the crowd.
Only after handing them out to everyone who wanted to participate in the auction did Branch Manager Inayeon take the microphone.
"Please write the bid amount for the work on the paper you've received, and once you're done, place it in the box up front. We'll close submissions exactly 30 minutes from now, so please make sure to write your bid and submit it without delay. Once all auctions are complete, the highest bid among those submitted will win. Now, let's begin the auction."
Since it was a sealed bid auction, there were no special restrictions.
It was a game where you had to gauge others through subtle cues, form the perfect amount, and write a bid higher than anyone else's to succeed.
Representative Kwak seemed freshened by this auction format but still maintained his relaxed demeanor.
"A sealed auction is certainly fitting for a situation like this."
President Jeong smoothly followed up.
"Whether sealed or not, it doesn't really matter, honestly. You just write an amount no one else can match. Ah, but maybe Representative Kwak can't manage that?"
It was a kind of provocation.
But Representative Kwak didn't fall for President Jeong's taunt.
"Well, for owning a magnificent piece like this, that value is certainly worth paying. Unlike some, I'm buying it with my own money, not company funds."
"Company funds? You say such scary things so casually. Let's call it an investment for a smooth exhibition."
"You love that word, investment."
"And you're the normal one?"
As their voices rose, the verbal sparring between them intensified.
It felt like a fight where sparks could fly, with some pretty harsh words flying, but strangely, it didn't feel serious.
As I pondered why, Director Go approached me.
"I knew those two would be at it again."
"Yeah, it's not the first time they've done this."
"People with the same eye for art naturally become rivals."
The same eye...
"Well, they do seem to appreciate Daeun's work."
Swish.
Director Go turned her head and gave me a cold stare.
"Wh-why?"
"Appreciate? So you think everyone here raised their hand for Daeun's sake?"
"Ah, no, that's not..."
I stammered a bit, and Director Go delivered a rather stern piece of advice.
"People who buy paintings aren't charity workers. They think it's worth that much and want to own it enough to pay the price."
When I graduated from university and held my first solo exhibition, I still had a bit of that rebellious phase from my early twenties.
Back then, Director Go had given me the same advice.
"The value of a painting isn't set by the artist. It's set by the viewers."
Even if I, the artist, wanted to sell it for hundreds of millions, would people actually buy it at that price?
Thanks to Director Go, I was able to adjust my thinking a little back then.
"So, just watch. The auction results will show you how highly people value Daeun."
At her words, I glanced over at Daeun.
With the auction in progress and conversations with people, Aram Go was watching her for me.
"Daeun, what do you think of this painting?"
"If you read the picture, it's donating money, so I like it!"
"Really? Then this painting is..."
"Um, it's similar to the earlier one!"
"Similar? So it's sad?"
"Yes, the picture is sad!"
She was chatting about Painter Son Jeongsun's paintings when our eyes met.
I nodded lightly, expressing my thanks.
"Ah!"
Aram Go's eyes widened, and she asked Daeun's permission.
"Daeun, Auntie has to step away for a bit. Can you stay here and look at the paintings just a little longer?"
"Yes! Daeun is good at that! Daeun waits well!"
"Oh, what a good girl. Auntie will be right back."
"Yes!"
Then Aram Go hurried over to me and asked cautiously.
Fortunately, there was still time before the auction ended, and the bustle meant it didn't interfere much.
"Senior!"
"Aram, thanks so much for watching Daeun. Must be tiring."
"Oh, no, it's nothing. Actually, it's fun playing with Daeun. Ah, but that's not the point! Did you know?"
What was this sudden question?
"Know what?"
"About Daeun. In my eyes, she's a genius. An art genius."
Had she just realized that now?
A smile naturally formed on my face.
"Thanks. I'm glad you think so highly of her."
But Aram Go had a very serious expression.
"No, I mean it—she's a real genius. She's only five; she probably doesn't even know how to read properly yet. How does she read all the emotions the artist intended?"
At that, I turned my gaze to Daeun, who was standing alone in the back.
'Emotions.'
I'd heard something similar when we visited Director Go's gallery.
That Daeun had an eye for paintings.
Director Go, who had been listening beside us, spoke casually.
"You just noticed? She was right there when you did the mural, and you still didn't know..."
Director Go's face was expressionless as always, but the vibe she gave off was clearly displeased.
But Aram Go ignored her aunt's reaction completely.
"Well, Auntie, you've got years of experience. I'm still just a student."
"I'm curious what excuse you'll have after graduation."
"By then, I'll have some other reason, right?"
"..."
Caught in the aunt-niece standoff, I tried to subtly step back when Director Go spoke first, easing the tension.
"Daeun definitely has artistic talent. But talent alone doesn't make a genius painter. Depending on how you polish the raw gem, it could end up as just a stone or a dazzling jewel."
She looked at me as she said it.
"So, take responsibility."
"Daeun is more precious than my own life. Even without you saying it, I'll do my absolute best to make her happy."
At my words, not only Director Go but Aram Go's expression softened a bit.
But Director Go turned away, leaving one last remark before leaving.
"Don't ever forget those words."
Step, step.
Director Go walked off briskly into the distance. Aram Go, watching her go, smiled awkwardly.
"W-well, then I'll come back after the auction ends."
"Ah, yes. Thanks."
The conversation ended a bit abruptly.
I wasn't sure if I'd said something wrong, but anyway.
Time flew by, and the sealed auction finally concluded.
A short while later.
Branch Manager Inayeon, who had gone backstage, returned holding the results of the sealed bids.
"We thank everyone who participated in the auction. We've checked all the bid sheets, and we've confirmed the winning bidder."
Daeun, now by my side, shrugged her shoulders lightly at the explanation.
Of course, while mumbling "thump thump" under her breath.
"Thump! Thump!"
"Now, we'll announce the name of the winning bidder."
Rustle.
Branch Manager Inayeon unfolded the bid sheet and showed it to the crowd.
"The final bid amount is fifteen million won. And the winner of the 'Loving Hands' piece is..."
Swish.
She pointed to the very front row of the auction seats.
"Kwak Uncheol."
With the auction's end, Painter Son Jeongsun's exhibition concluded successfully.
On the way home.
Director Go gave us a ride all the way to the alley in front of our house, so we got back to the neighborhood comfortably.
Walking hand-in-hand with Daeun up the alley to our house, I asked the bouncing girl.
"How was today?"
"Today?"
"Yeah, we looked around the department store, the exhibition, and you even drew a picture in front of everyone."
"Ah, mazin'!"
Daeun's eyes sparkled as she smiled shyly.
"At first, I was a little shy! But thinking of Mommy while drawing made it not shy at all!"
"You drew it thinking of Mommy?"
"Uh-huh! It felt just like Mommy was right next to Daeun!"
"Really?"
"Here, here!"
Swish.
As she spoke, Daeun proudly pulled out the photo Aram Go had given her.
Aram Go had brought a Polaroid camera today, saying we had to commemorate it.
We ended up taking photos with Representative Kwak, who won the bid, and even President Jeong Wooyeol, who looked envious.
All together, with Daeun's 'Loving Hands' painting in the center.
"It's real."
Daeun beamed at me and replied.
"Daeun is super super happy. Thank you, Daddy."