The Guide - Chapter 3
03. Intoxicated by the Scent of Peonies
Crash! The deceased, startled by the deafening sound that shook the entire Law Palace, looked around nervously while shrinking their necks. They were already intimidated by the hellish atmosphere, which was much more terrifying than they had imagined, and their fear grew even more as the judges, who had been working mechanically without any expression, were startled and started whispering amongst themselves.
“Why is he so angry today?”
“I don’t know. It’s probably because of the escaped criminals? I heard that six of them ran away to the mortal realm recently. They said that he was furious and that he would go catch them himself. I heard that he set a trap near the path to the mortal realm, but they probably aren’t loitering around there if they have any sense.”
“Tsk tsk. How foolish of them. They might be able to avoid the Demon King’s eyes for a little while, but they will never be able to escape the Heavenly Emperor’s hands. Did they not know that their punishment will be ten times harsher if they are caught while escaping? Ignorance is bliss is an undeniable truth, anywhere and anytime.
One of the deceased, who had been listening attentively to the judges' conversation, gasped in surprise. Seon-ju, who had been convinced that she would be reincarnated but was sent to the netherworld when the scale suddenly tilted to the right, had been quietly looking around for an escape route as she felt wronged. The guards, who were holding long and sharp weapons, were guarding every direction, and the fierce flames that felt like they would melt her body if she touched them were burning here and there, but she felt like she would be able to find a way once she left the Law Palace.
Most of the deceased had not been able to come to their senses because of the extreme anxiety that they felt before passing the gates of the underworld, but Seon-ju was different. The first thing that Seon-ju, who had been an insurance planner during her life, felt when she arrived at the underworld was that the scale of hell was absurdly large. The buildings with unique and complicated structures were lined up all over the place, so it didn’t seem possible to keep an eye on every single corner.
If I hide somewhere in there, I don’t think anyone will be able to find me…. Right, since there are so many people, no one will notice if I disappear. I'm just a nobody, how many sins could I have committed? I just lived my life diligently. If you’re born with nothing in such a competitive society, the only way you can live is to step on other people, right? Did I hit someone? Did I kill someone? I just said a few words. Well, sometimes I made up things that didn't happen….
But…. If you are caught while escaping, your sentence will be ten times harsher…. What should I do? It’s not like I did that much wrong, should I just accept the punishment?
Seon-ju, who had been biting her lips nervously as she saw the line ahead of her shorten little by little, heard a judgment for one of the deceased, and she was shocked and she was even more determined to make her escape.
“Gwen Sentieno. For the four counts of fraud and two counts of false accusations, you are sentenced to 60 years. You will serve the entirety of your sentence in the Coal Jade, so please give thanks for this merciful verdict, and reflect on the sins you have committed with your lips.”
Sixty years?! With just four counts of fraud and two counts of false accusations? Seon-ju’s head started working quickly as she was estimating her own sentence. The wrongdoings that she didn't consider that big of a deal and that she hadn’t even bothered to remember were starting to come back to her.
If that is their criteria, then I have to serve at least 200 years just by the things that I can remember right now? Seon-ju, who had been gulping dryly, slowly backed away and approached one of the guards with the least threatening face amongst all of the guards with grim expressions.
“Um…, what is Coal Jade?”
“It is a hell where you swallow fire every day. You swallow fire until your lips and tongue and throat turn to ash, and then they give you a new one the next day. You only have to swallow it once a day and there are no other duties to perform, so it’s one of the less demanding hells.”
Seon-ju, whose face turned white at the guard’s blunt reply, staggered back as she couldn’t hide her shock. No way. I can’t spend a few hundred years like that. She quickly scanned the area, and noticed that the two guards were looking in different directions. Her heart pounded relentlessly.
It’s now. If it’s not now, I’ll never get a chance. She ran without hesitation towards the space between the two guards, and she froze on the spot as soon as she made eye contact with someone.
“What is this daring little rat doing here.”
A handsome man with an impressively beautiful face was looking down at Seon-ju with his head tilted to the side. His voice was not that loud, but the entire Law Palace, which had been buzzing with noises, was suddenly silent as soon as he opened his mouth.
Ah…, so this is the Demon King. The one who was furious because of the escaped criminals…. Although no one had told her, Seon-ju instinctively knew that the man standing in front of her was the most powerful being in this area.
“Judge.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
Ha-yul, who had summoned the judge with white hair, who had been sitting in the highest seat, with a single gesture, looked at Seon-ju, who had just been caught red-handed after only walking a few steps, with a disdainful look. Usually, he would make bets with his guards on whether this silly ghost, who just arrived in the underworld, would be able to escape the Law Palace safely, and watch her with an amused expression, but unfortunately, Ha-yul’s mood was too bad today.
“Deal with it accordingly.”
“Yes, I understand.”
When Ha-yul, who had given a short command, disappeared like the wind while his intense crimson robes were fluttering, Seon-ju’s face, who had been staring at his back, slowly turned black. Accordingly…? Seon-ju, who was quite clever, immediately understood what Ha-yul’s words meant.
- Did they not know that their punishment will be ten times harsher if they are caught while escaping…?
Seon-ju, who felt strength drain from her hands and feet, sat down helplessly. And then, she started trembling like an aspen. But there was no one to give her any sympathy.
Ha-yul, who had returned to his quarters in anger, roughly threw his robes onto the floor. He had been enduring all those silly activities while desperately waiting to see Ga-on in private without anyone else, but that arrogant brat, who had a crush on the woman he had been waiting for, was really frustrating.
Although it was his first time seeing his face, he could tell right away that Ji-won’s heart was with Ga-on. Since males, whether they were humans or beasts, would show their teeth as soon as they felt threatened, Ji-won, just like himself, had recognized Ha-yul as a rival instantly.
How dare a brat who hasn't even lived for thirty years show his teeth at the woman that I have been admiring and waiting for for over 900 years…. Ha-yul, who had been grinding his molars, punched the wall with his fist, and an earsplitting crash resonated throughout the netherworld.
“Your majesty…”
“Don’t come in.”
Ha-yul, who had responded to his servant’s worried voice coldly, opened the floor of his quarters and jumped into the darkness. Ha-yul, who had been continuously falling into the abyss, passing countless different hells, was only able to stop after what seemed like eons.
The abyss. Ha-yul, who had entered the abyss, where there was nothing, not even a small flicker of light or a tiny whisper, started to walk slowly through the pitch dark. He had been walking for a while when a faint light appeared, and only then did Ha-yul, who had been overstimulated, regain his composure.
In the middle of complete darkness where he could not even distinguish the walls from the floor, two white scrolls were floating in the air. They were the same shape and size, but the state of the two was very different. Ha-yul, who had been staring blankly at the scroll that had been tightly sealed with a rope, extended his hand towards the other one, and the loosely rolled up scroll unravelled itself without any sound. Surprisingly, the scroll was a portrait of Ga-on.
Ha-yul, who had carefully opened the scroll, smiled softly after staring at Ga-on’s gentle face, which had not changed much since the last time he saw her, for a long time. The moment that he first saw her face was still as clear and vivid as ever, despite almost one thousand years having passed.
Ha-yul, who had returned to his quarters as he usually did, saw Chae-i sitting on his desk while swinging her legs and clicked his tongue. How dare the dignified Heavenly Emperor act so recklessly…. She doesn’t even realize that the bottom of her dress is riding up. He shook his head and caught the scroll that Chae-i had thrown at him instinctively.
- What is it?
- The final candidate. This time, it’s a twenty-two year old girl.
- Twenty-two years old? Isn’t she too young? What kind of decision-making ability does someone at that age have? I don’t expect much from humans who don’t even live for 100 years, but they need to be at least forty to be the Jungcheonju….
- Just look at her.
Ha-yul, who had unrolled the scroll reluctantly at Chae-i’s persistence, hardened his face. And then, with a sharp glare, he stared fiercely at Chae-i.
- So, what do you think?”
- What is your agenda?”
- Ha-yul, the King of the Underworld.
When Chae-i’s tone, which had been playful up until then, became serious in an instant, an overwhelming aura that could make even the King of the Underworld tense filled the air.
- I do not have an agenda. I just find the most righteous one amongst those foolish children. I have shown you three candidates, so it is time for you to make your decision. Do you wish to crown that child as the Jungcheonju?”
He has never regretted the decision that he made that day. Ha-yul, who had been gently touching the knot that was tied securely to the scroll, murmured like he was casting a spell.
“Right, there’s not much time left. I just need two more times. Then she’ll finally be mine.”
Ha-yul, who had nodded in determination, floated the scroll up into the air. And then he went back on the path that he had come from. In the abyss where all the commotion had been erased, the two scrolls were the only things that were left, emitting a subtle glow.
“By the way, Director. Speaking of which…. When I looked at the exhibition proposal, my painting was placed in a… weird spot.”
While Ji-won had been thinking, “He’s finally asking,” he was still wearing a social smile. I’ve been wondering when he was going to start that conversation. When the young artist, who was always so full of confidence, entered the gallery looking anxious, Ji-won had already known what he wanted to talk about.
If he’s here to complain, he should do it quickly and go home, what is it with him talking about cars for 30 minutes? Even though his heart was not in the right place to give sympathy to others, he decided to listen to the complaints of the young and inexperienced artist for now. He was not the type of person to be intimidated by others, but realistically speaking, it was difficult to mistreat a silver spoon, whose father was a member of the National Assembly, and was a former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“Um, we really thought hard about where to put your painting, but… Artist Kim Ye-chan is participating in this exhibition. You know who he is, right?”
“…I do.”
Young-jin, who had been unable to become the disciple of Kim Ye-chan, was discouraged immediately when an opponent that he could not even dream of competing with was mentioned. Of course, you should shrink back when you hear the name Artist Kim Ye-chan, even if you are usually so bold. If you have any knowledge about art, you would know that the pieces that he draws are on a whole other level than your childish scribbles.
“Artist Kim’s pieces are the main pieces in this exhibition. So please understand that… You know how galleries work. I can’t push away a master for the painting of a rookie artist. Artist Kim’s reputation is on the line.”
“I know that, but… my painting was placed in such a corner. I noticed that the light didn’t even reach there… I at least thought that it would be in Exhibition Hall 1. My dad said that you would take special care of it.
Haa, dad… A vein popped out of Ji-won's temple. I wish you all the filial piety in the world. It’s because of your father that your painting that has no merit is being hung up here for two weeks. My curator asked if my nephew, who’s in kindergarten, had drawn it. It's you who has no talent, why should I be embarrassed?
- If it’s really his painting, I would hang it with pride…. But I don’t have a nephew since I’m an only child.
- So you’re really asking me to display this painting? Are you for real?”
- Yes, I’m for real. The person who drew that horrendous painting… Ah, seriously, I can’t even call him an artist. Anyway, the person who drew that painting is Representative Song Tae-yoon’s youngest son.
When he first saw Young-jin’s painting, he had been seriously considering temporarily closing the gallery under the pretense of renovation. If he had not brought in the Émile Gallé vase, he would have probably actually done it.
Hey, I’m doing this despite feeling so ashamed. This will forever be a stain on the exhibition history of my gallery. You must feel like you’ve upheld your pride by now, so why don’t we stop, huh? I'm usually not the type to bend over backwards for others, and I have a lot of things to worry about, so please, please stop before I get angry for real.
Since he felt like his true feelings might come out if his concentration broke even a little, Ji-won had to calm himself by taking deep breaths every so often.
“As you know if you’ve looked at the exhibition proposal, the style of your painting is very different from the other pieces that will be displayed in Exhibition Hall 1. It’s a thematic exhibition, so we have to think about the atmosphere….”
“Then you can just make my painting the main one and hang the others according to my style. The exhibition is still a while away.”
Ji-won had been trying his best to send him off amicably, but this time he couldn’t help but let his expression change. He had thought that he had explained clearly enough, but he was still going in circles? Wow, I really held back this time. But now, I really can't hold it in any longer. Ji-won, who had been hardening his face, stared at Young-jin who had been complaining relentlessly. If he continued to talk nonsense, he was going to tell him how he really felt no matter the consequences.
Don’t you have any shame? Do you have any desire to ruin my gallery? Hey, I have a social status and reputation to protect as well. Everyone in this industry knows that you could graduate even from a monkey school if you just throw enough money. Do you want to embarrass me by making your painting the main one?
Ji-won, who had been staring at Young-jin without saying anything for a while, opened his mouth with a very low voice.
“Artist Song.”
“…Yes.”
“If you don’t like the spot, should we do it next time?”
“Yes?”
“I think the fall exhibition should have a calm atmosphere, but your paintings are so flamboyant and full of energy that they don’t really fit in. So how about putting it in the spring exhibition next year? Then I can also think about where to put it with more flexibility.”
Young-jin, who felt that Ji-won's aura had suddenly changed, subconsciously avoided his gaze and stammered.
“Ah…. That’s a little….”
Right, that would be a problem. I know that you’re trying to build up your resume so that you can get a full-time position at a local art college next year. The director of Sorae Art Gallery called me this morning while crying. You sent a 120 there? You have no talent and no shame. Why would you send a 120 to a gallery that specializes in small pieces?
“Do you want to think about it a little more? I still have some time before the exhibition, so it’s possible to exclude your piece if you want.”
“Ah, no.”
“Then I’ll assume that you have no more objections.”
“…Yes.”
Ji-won, who had been seeing Young-jin off with a smile, roughly took off his tie and started cursing loudly as soon as his car left the parking lot.
“You worked hard, Director.”
Ji-won, who had nodded at his secretary, who had given him a sympathetic look, picked up his car keys and left the office. He was too angry to just stay there.
“I’m leaving.”
“Yes, have a good night.”
Ji-won, who had been looking around while catching his breath, entered the first café that caught his eye and ordered the largest sized iced Americano. And then, he opened the lid as soon as he got his coffee and poured a mouthful of ice. He chewed on the ice loudly, and only then did he feel relieved as the ice went down his throat.
Anyway, I took care of that troublesome guy…. Then I guess the only problem left is the CEO.
- I like you.
The confession that he had made the previous night was almost a disaster to Ji-won. Although he did feel threatened by the appearance of the Demon King, he didn’t have any intention of confessing his unprepared feelings when there was no chance of it succeeding. Ji-won wasn’t that reckless.
However, the moment he saw Ga-on’s face as she was smelling the flower, his mouth started moving as if he had been injected with a truth serum. Ji-won was usually not easily flustered, but that time he had really broken into a cold sweat. How am I supposed to deal with this? Should I just brazen it out? What if I’m kicked out of Jungcheon forever? As he was racking his brain, unable to find a solution, and moving his dry lips, he heard a response.
- Okay. I also like you, Director Cha.
Ga-on didn’t even realize that his words were a confession. His strength drained away. But, Ga-on, who had been smiling brightly while Ji-won was still shocked, had looked up at the sky and said nonchalantly.
- It looks like the rain is stopping soon, should we head back?
It felt like a martial artist, who had been saving his strength while preparing for a long match, had been KO’d without a chance to show his skills right from the beginning of the first round. He was frustrated that he couldn’t show his true skills, but more than that, it was unbelievable that the opponent that he had been beaten up by with a single punch didn't even know why he had collapsed.
She doesn’t see me as a man at all. Or she has never even thought about that possibility. Ji-won, who had been holding his head in pain, called the one person that he could tell this story to. He desperately wanted to drink, but if he drank alone on a day like this, he might be found dead the next morning.
[Hyung. I’m working right now….]
“Director Seo, let’s drink. Come to my place.”
[Huh? It’s not even four o'clock yet? Let’s meet up later. I’ll go there after I finish work.]
“Come here now. I have my reasons for saying these words in the middle of the day, don’t you think?”
There was a brief moment of silence, and he heard some noises. He thought that Do-gyeom must have moved to a quieter place since he could hear footsteps going up the stairs. He must have thought my voice sounded serious.
[What is it? You were so excited the other day, why do you sound like that? Why are you being so dramatic? Did you do something wrong?]
Something wrong…. I did. And it’s a big one.
“Yeah.”
[You were with the CEO for the entire day yesterday, what did you do wrong in that time…. Wait a minute! Is this about the CEO?]
“Haa…. Yes.”
[What? Are you crazy?! Did you confess to her by any chance?]
“You’re a psychic.”
[What?!]
Ji-won, who had been picturing Do-gyeom jumping from surprise, smiled slightly. He had thought that it was just a saying that half your worries would go away if you talk about it with someone, but he had to agree with those words for the first time today.
“And I got rejected. Completely.”
[Ah….]
“She didn’t even think about the possibility that I was hitting on her. She was just looking at me like a puppy wagging its tail at its master, she thought I was cute.”
Ji-won felt slightly hurt since that analogy seemed way too perfect. Do-gyeom, who didn’t know what to say to Ji-won, who had suddenly shut his mouth, remained quiet.
[Um…, wait for about an hour. I’ll go there as soon as possible.]
“Okay.”
[Don’t drink alone before I get there. Okay?]
“Okay, okay.”
Ji-won, who had been taking a big sip of his cold coffee that had been left untouched, let out a deep sigh. He had been claiming that coffee is not coffee unless it’s hot, but strangely enough, the bland coffee, whose ice had half melted, tasted okay.
“Ah, seriously…. Why am I acting like this these days? I wasn’t the type to be so meddlesome.”
Do-gyeom, who had hung up and was going down to his studio, sighed after noticing a young woman still standing in front of the building. It was shocking to him that Ji-won, who had been so cold-hearted, was acting so foolish because of a woman, and it was also a pain that he had to take care of a former girl group's main vocal, who had shown up with a ghost.
The ghost, who had been clinging to Ro-a as they entered the studio, was startled as soon as she saw Do-gyeom and ran away. Although she kept loitering near the building, she didn’t get close to Do-gyeom, so she was quite smart. Although she had a young face like a high school student, she wasn’t your average ghost since she had a sharp and fierce look in her eyes. And she’s probably attached to an object since she can’t run away completely.
“Sorry. I had to take an urgent call.”
“It’s fine.”
“You picked a… difficult song. Let’s listen to it.”
“Yes.”
Ro-a, who had been taking deep breaths with a nervous expression, changed her demeanor completely as soon as the intro started playing. Do-gyeom, who had been preparing to write down the parts that needed to be corrected, put his pen down before the first verse had even ended. Her voice was naturally clear and resonant, and her breathing and enunciation were quite good. She had been washing dishes for two years? Then she must have looked for places where she could practice alone since she maintained this level of skill despite that.
During the four minutes that Ro-a was singing, Do-gyeom continuously clicked his tongue. It’s a waste that she was hidden all this time. How can her voice be like this? Are all girl group main vocals this good these days? How could she not become famous? Ah, the daughter of Ji Entertainment’s CEO. I understand how PD Kang feels now. I’m so frustrated that I want to help her no matter what.
Do-gyeom, who had been shaking his head with a bitter expression, glanced at the bracelet on Ro-a’s wrist. That bracelet seems to be the reason why her life has been so difficult.
“You did well.”
“…Thank you.”
Ro-a, who had stepped out of the recording booth while hesitating, gulped as she was watching Do-gyeom’s expression. She had barely managed to sing because she was out of it, but her heart dropped as she saw that his face was grim. It seemed like he didn't like her voice.
Actually, she hadn’t really believed that she would be able to get a song from Do-gyeom. Do-gyeom’s song had popped out instinctively when he had asked which composer she wanted to work with, but since his name had disappeared from the music industry, she hadn’t thought that Yi-seo would know who he was.
-
When Yi-seo, who had been making a strange expression, had told her to go meet with Do-gyeom tomorrow, she had thought that she was dreaming. She had thought that she had already used up all her luck in her life because she had started working with PD Kang…. She couldn’t sleep last night since she couldn't believe that it was real. I should have gotten some sleep no matter what. I needed to be in top condition, but it seems like he doesn’t like my voice. Just as Ro-a had been wiping her sweaty palms on her clothes, completely defeated, Do-gyeom had opened his mouth.
“Do you know how to read music?”
“Yes, I used to play the piano when I was young.”
“That’s good. I don’t make guide recordings when I work. I’m the type that doesn’t leave behind any recordings of my voice. I’ll give you the music sheet and the instrumental track together, so practice accordingly. Give me your number, so I can send you the files. You have to do five songs total, but we can’t do them all at once. Let’s just finish two before the press conference. You can practice here if you don’t have a place to do it.”
“Are you… giving me the song?”
Do-gyeom’s face was slightly bewildered when he saw Ro-a, who had raised her head sharply, trembling her lips. What kind of nonsense are you talking about? I let you in here because you’re supposed to get a song from me.
“Didn’t you come here to get a song from me?”
“Thank you! I’ll work hard!”
Do-gyeom, who had been feeling slightly embarrassed while watching Ro-a bowing her head more than 90 degrees, slightly furrowed his brows. He had been thinking that he would mention it once they got closer, but he couldn't hold it in since that bracelet was bothering him too much. He thought that he might look like a crazy person, but he thought that he should at least mention it.
“Ro-a ssi. Is that bracelet an important item to you?”
“Yes? Ah, yes. It was the last gift I received from my mother before she passed away….”
Oh, Mother. Where did you even buy this and put it on your daughter’s hand? Do you even know what you put on her? If I get rid of this kid with a scary look in her eyes, another one will be attached.
“But, why are you….”
“It’s up to you whether you believe me or not, but that bracelet doesn’t look good to me. Not only is the energy itself bad, but it’s interfering with you working in this field. If it wasn’t something important, I would tell you to throw it away right now, but I can’t say that since it’s a keepsake. Let’s just take it off when you’re working, just in case. Please don’t wear it when you come to my studio if possible.”
Do-gyeom nonchalantly watched Ro-a’s face, which had been flushed, turn pale. I’ve done everything that I could do to help you. There is nothing I can do about you seeing me as a crazy person.
Expensive liquor and ice buckets were scattered on the marble floor of the penthouse living room, which had a view of the Cheongdam bridge through the large window. Although it wasn’t sunset yet, the homeowner was drinking straight from the bottle, and finished a 700ml bottle of liquor in 20 minutes. I remember it was over 400 dollars at the duty-free store, he shouldn’t drink like he is drinking soju.
“Hyung. I understand that it's pathetic but at least put some ice in it if you’re not going to have any snacks with it. Do you want to regret it tomorrow? You called me here to clean up your body or something?”
“Have you ever seen the King of the Underworld?”
Do-gyeom’s eyes widened slightly at the sudden question of Ji-won, whose eyes were still clear even after drinking such strong alcohol like it was water.
“I have, sometimes he comes to Jungcheon. He seems quite close with the CEO….”
“Really?”
“When did you even meet him?”
“Yesterday. That bastard seems interested in the CEO.”
Do-gyeom made a slightly worried face at Ji-won’s sharp voice.
“Hyung. Not everyone has the same taste as you. It feels slightly disrespectful for me to divide the King of the Underworld and the Jungcheonju like that…. Aside from that, your preferences are very unusual. Aren't you scared of the CEO? You’ll go straight to hell if she cuts you with her sword, and you’ll never come back.”
“Does the King of the Underworld usually run around and catch ghosts like a bounty hunter?”
Ji-won, who had been lost in thought, suddenly asked an unrelated question. I’m wondering if this hyung is in his right mind. Even though he was doubtful, Do-gyeom answered his question honestly.
“That’s…, not usually the case. The netherworld has a pursuit team.”
“Hmm. Then what was that shady bastard doing calling the CEO out to the mountains where there were no people?”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Demon King set a trap in Taebaek Mountain. He’s supposedly catching escaped criminals. But realistically speaking, there is no way that escaped criminals would go back and get caught in the trap, right? And he made it so that guides couldn’t even approach, so the Jungcheonju had no choice but to go there herself.”
“It does sound a little weird when I listen to you…. But the Demon King and the Jungcheonju? Isn’t that a relationship with no future? The CEO will eventually go to the heavenly realm. It’s not like they’re a weekend couple.”
Is that so? Am I overreacting because I have a crush on the CEO? No, the way he was looking at me was clearly filled with hostility…. Just as Ji-won, who had narrowed his eyes, was about to open his mouth, he heard the sound of someone pressing the passcode to the door lock.
“Did you invite someone else?”
“No.”
“Then who is that?”
“Seriously…. Who else could it be but Yeon Hae-su.”
Hae-su, who had a red swollen cheek and was wearing a stained shirt, stopped in his tracks when he ran into the two. Ji-won, who had already been in a bad mood, distorted his face.
“What are you doing here? Why are you entering someone else’s house without permission? Do you want to be arrested for trespassing?”
“Huh? Hyung. You were home. I thought you wouldn’t be here at this time.”
“If you thought I wouldn’t be home, then you shouldn’t have come here.”
“Hyung, I spilled coffee on my shirt, so I came here to borrow some clothes. I was too embarrassed to take the subway. It smelled too much.”
“Without the permission of the owner? This bastard is a complete criminal. Not only are you trespassing, but you’re trying to steal as well?”
Hae-su made a hurt expression at Ji-won’s blatant accusations.
“I’m not stealing, I’m borrowing…. And you were the one who gave me the passcode.”
“I told you to come in because I was going to be late that day, not to just barge in like it’s your own house whenever you want!”
“Hey, okay, okay. I won’t do it again, so please let me off the hook this time. I’m in a bad mood right now.”
Ha! Ji-won, who had been sneering, threw his slipper at Hae-su’s head with all his might.
“Ouch! That hurts, hyung.”
“Hey, do you think I’m in a good mood right now? You really came here to die! You’re adding fuel to the fire.”
“Why are you in a bad mood? Did something happen?”
When Hae-su’s eyes sparkled with worry and curiosity, Do-gyeom, who was shocked, nudged Ji-won’s arm. Please stop talking, hyung. You’re going to slip up in front of this guy.
“Ji-won hyung lost a lot of money in stocks today. By the way, what’s wrong with your cheek?”
“So, you know how I have the national team selections next month? I’m going to training camp soon, so I asked my girlfriend if she wants to go on a trip this weekend.”
“And?”
“But, she said that she can’t because it’s a red day. When I asked what a red day was, she didn’t even answer me. She just kept scolding me for not knowing such simple things.”
Ji-won and Do-gyeom, who had been trying to listen to what he was saying, furrowed their brows at the same time. But Hae-su, who had been getting more and more worked up, wasn’t paying attention to his hyungs’ expressions anymore.
“When I was listening to what she had to say, it seemed like she was talking about her period. Why can't she just say period and has to say it’s a red day? It’s not even a disease or a curse word.”
Ji-won, who didn't even want to acknowledge his existence, closed his eyes and tilted his head back, and Do-gyeom, who had been trying his best not to talk with Hae-su for too long, couldn’t hold it in this time.
“Don’t you have even a sliver of sensitivity?”
“My feet are very clean, hyung.”
“That’s what I’m saying. You have no sensitivity.”
Hae-su, who had been sticking his lips out at Do-gyeom’s words, moved the snack plate to his side and continued speaking.
“Anyway, so I said that I’m going to training camp and I won’t see her face for a while, so I asked her if she could wait a day and do it on Monday. And then, she slapped me across the face. And then she poured her coffee on me…. What if she was drinking something hot? I didn’t commit any crime, does she have to do this to me? If you’re going to slap me, then at least don’t pour coffee, right?”
“Seriously, that little brat is dating, but….”
Ji-won, who had been grinding his teeth, put his arm around Hae-su's shoulders and said kindly. Do-gyeom, who had sensed danger at that excessively gentle voice, quickly moved back, but Hae-su, who had been busy eating grapes, did not notice.
Wow, Shine Muscat! So much of it! Right, that’s what I expect from Ji-won hyung!
“Hae-su.”
“Yes?”
“I’m in a really bad mood right now, and you didn’t notice and kept fooling around in front of me, so I hit you. And then you got a nosebleed. So did you get a nosebleed or did you pee blood?”
“Um…. I got a nosebleed.”
When Hae-su responded innocently while looking around nervously, Ji-won’s eyes sparkled dangerously.
“Really? Then you should be able to stop your nosebleed since girls can hold back their period, right? Should we experiment today and see if that’s possible?”
Ga-on, who had unrolled a scroll on the table, had been staring at the letter that was written using characters that were no longer being used in the mortal realm. It was the letter that Ha-yul had sent before setting the trap in the mortal realm, but Ga-on only received it after she had already been there.
- I apologize, CEO. We received several letters from the netherworld at once, and it didn’t have your name on it, and there were no other markings either, so I didn’t realize right away.
The letter itself wasn’t very long. Just like Ha-yul had said, it was a notice to say that they would set a barrier near the path between the mortal realm and the netherworld in order to capture escaped criminals. Ga-on, who had been rereading the letter, furrowed her brows.
Why did he send such an important letter so casually? Ha-yul was usually so persistent about contacting Ga-on immediately, even if it was about the smallest of matters. It was strange that he was being so relaxed while informing her of something so serious.
Even though neither Ga-on nor Ha-yul was the type to get hung up on formalities, it was only right to get prior approval when there was an incident that affected their area of jurisdiction like this. And up until now, Ha-yul had never been negligent in these processes.
Moreover, she hadn’t thought much about it when she first met Ha-yul in Taebaek, but now that she was reflecting on it, there were some things that bothered her. First of all, the method itself didn’t seem like it would be that effective in capturing escaped criminals, and it was also odd that the King of the Underworld himself had set foot in the mortal realm for such a minor matter.
The King of the Underworld has been acting strangely lately…. Is he really doing it because he’s bored? He did say that it was boring for him to just be cooped up in the netherworld, but it didn’t seem like he was the type of person to act on a whim. He might not seem calculating because he always has a smile plastered on his face, but Ha-yul was the type of person who put meaning into even the clothes that he was wearing. He would never act without any agenda.
“CEO, did you cough?”
Ga-on, who had been deep in thought, rolled up the scroll without any hesitation as soon as she heard Hee-ju’s careful voice from outside. There must be a reason for it. It’s already in the past, and Ga-on didn’t linger on problems that she couldn't solve on her own.
“I’m awake.”
“Then I’ll come in.”
“Okay.”
Ga-on, who had glanced at the blood pressure monitor that Hee-ju had brought in, obediently gave her arm while sitting down. It had been a long time since she stopped thinking things like, “Why is she making such a fuss when I have a guaranteed lifespan anyway.” It’s more comfortable for her to just do what she asks while listening to Hee-ju’s nagging. It was a truth that she learned from years of experience.
“CEO, when should I prepare your meal?”
“Let’s go to the main building now. Ah, I think I had a schedule with the business department today….”
“Yes, the vice president is supposed to come at 10 AM. The secretary will bring the business report by 8 AM.”
Hee-ju, who had been walking faster, entered the dining room before Ga-on and gave a signal with her eyes, and the workers who had been waiting started working quickly.
Ga-on, who had been looking over the perfectly set table even before she had the chance to sit down, sighed quietly. Aside from the rice and soup, there were almost twenty small plates with neatly organized and appetizing side dishes.
There’s no need to do all this in the morning…. The reason why Hee-ju still didn't know about Ga-on's preferences, even after being her caretaker for all those years, was Ga-on's own fault. Ga-on, who knew that Hee-ju had to start working in the early hours of the morning to prepare a table like this, had been trying her best to taste each and every side dish. So, even if there were dishes that she particularly liked, she couldn't take more than one or two bites.
Madam Kwon is already over sixty, so shouldn’t she start preparing for retirement? I need to tell the next caretaker to prepare simpler meals. Ga-on, who had been trying the side dishes one by one as she usually did, stopped for a moment as she saw the buchimgae that was shaped like a full moon. On top of the small and cute buchimgae, five pine nuts were arranged in the shape of flower petals.
Why did she even do all this… It's not even like I’m going to finish this plate, she could have just made three or four of them. Although she felt that Hee-ju’s time and effort had been wasted, Ga-on continued to eat her meal without saying anything.
- Mrs. Suwon. Thank you for your efforts, but you don’t have to put so much effort into preparing the meals.
- Yes? Your highness, what are you talking about? Is it not to your liking?
- No, that’s not it…. There’s rice and soup, so two or three side dishes should be enough…
- Are my dishes…, not good?
- …No. They were all very good. I was just worried that Mrs. Suwon might be having a hard time…. I shouldn’t have said anything. Do what you’ve been doing.
From that day on, Hee-ju put even more effort into her cooking. Ga-on, who had unintentionally caused the opposite of what she had intended, had no choice but to keep her mouth shut about her meals. She should have just picked the dishes that she liked. If she did, then Madam Kwon might have felt hurt at first, but she would have had an easier time. But at that time, Ga-on had also found it difficult to say much to someone new.
Ga-on, who had been eating the soft and chewy buchimgae, regretted her words for the first time in a long time. Ga-on usually liked crispy foods, and she especially preferred buchimgae that was crispy enough to make the roof of her mouth hurt, but since she was not honest from the beginning, she had not been able to eat crispy buchimgae at home for over forty years. Since there was no way she could tell her how she truly felt, she had to eat whatever she was given until Hee-ju retired.
She also remembered the gamjajeon that she had eaten the other day as she felt slightly frustrated. Ga-on suddenly felt sorry for Hee-ju as the crispy texture of the gamjajeon, which would crunch with every bite, came back to her. It was the same at the restaurant that day.
- I feel sorry for Madam Kwon. I couldn’t eat breakfast properly this morning, and she would feel upset if she saw me enjoying my meal here.
- It's natural to enjoy the food that you eat outside. Restaurants have to use seasonings to make their food more appealing to their customers since they can't stay open if they don’t have customers. Madam Kwon probably uses only natural ingredients, so it doesn’t have that stimulating taste.
- That’s why Madam Kwon doesn’t like me eating out.
- Yes. So please try your best to eat the healthy food that Madam Kwon makes for you and only eat junk food like this with me from time to time. I’ll always accompany you whenever.”
He is such a kind kid. Ga-on smiled faintly as she thought of Ji-won’s neat face and the pleasant smile he had had on his face all the time they were together. She hadn’t had the time to take a good look at his appearance before, but since their business trip to London, they had eaten many meals together, so she naturally became familiar with his face. Ga-on found out that Ji-won had very handsome features when they were having their last dinner in London.
He must be very popular. He has such charming looks and he has a gentle and meticulous personality, and he’s surprisingly mature for his age…. I feel refreshed whenever he’s with me. Is that what people call a “warm guy” these days?
“CEO, the secretary is here.”
“Is he in the guesthouse?”
“Yes.”
Ga-on, who had put down her warm cup of tea, slowly got up. Although she was the CEO in name only and there were other people who were doing the actual work, she had to be aware of the work process since she was the final decision-maker of the company.
“When did you say CEO Brandon is returning?”
“At the end of next month.”
“Really? Then go over the contract details with Northern Europe before that. Do it secretly and carefully. Also check the changes in the assets of the executives in the US.”
“Yes. I understand, CEO.”
She would notice some strange points just by looking at the finalized reports. It’s so difficult to find someone who is both competent and honest. Ga-on, who had sighed briefly, started reading the report that was filled with complicated terms and numbers.
I handpicked her. I did know that she would take advantage of her position slightly, but it’s hard for me to trust her if she’s changing the scale of the profits for an entire continent. While I am still alive, I will continue to manage Jungcheon even if there is no company, but I have the responsibility to make sure that the next Jungcheonju doesn’t struggle financially. We are not living in an age where people can be ordered without any compensation in the name of Heaven's will.
As Ga-on started to focus with a serious expression, the quiet guesthouse was filled with nothing but the sound of flipping pages. The afterimage of the handsome young man with a pleasant smile had long since disappeared.
“Ugh…. My stomach hurts. Huh? Where… am I?”
Do-gyeom, who had barely managed to open his heavy eyelids, looked around with his blurry vision. After struggling to recall his memories, he realized that he was in Ji-won’s house, but he couldn’t remember how he had gotten from the living room to this room.
He vaguely remembered drinking with Ji-won until late at night after throwing Hae-su, who had passed out after three glasses of liquor, into the guest room.
- What are you going to do now?
- What do you mean what am I going to do? Is there any other way? I’m just going to stick to her like glue.
- Until when?
His last memory was of Ji-won, who had not answered that question, downing a glass of alcohol.
“Water…”
Although his head felt like it was about to explode even with the slightest movement, Do-gyeom, who couldn’t endure the thirst that felt like his throat was burning, opened the door with a grimace. He had been hearing some noises, and as soon as he opened the door, he heard clear voices.
“Shouldn’t you at least pretend to eat it out of courtesy?”
“I’ve never seen such a shameless bastard. Courtesy? Is it courteous to make salt porridge and force it down someone’s throat?”
“It is a little salty, but… I still made it with care since early in the morning….”
Ji-won’s eyes became even fiercer at Hae-su’s grumbling.
“Care? You call wasting your time with your pathetic cooking skills care? Care is making something edible! A little salty? Did you lose your sense of taste? No, I don’t care about that. Clean this mess up before you leave, okay? If I see even a single grain of rice on the floor when I get back, you’re dead, got it?!”
“…”
“Don’t you answer me?!”
“…Yes.”
Ji-won, who had been glaring at Hae-su with a grumpy face, downed a glass of cold water and walked out of the kitchen. Wow, hyung is surprisingly good at drinking. He drank at least three times more than I did, how is he so fine? Do-gyeom, who couldn’t even stand up straight and was leaning against the wall, clicked his tongue as he saw Ji-won in neat clothes.
He’s strong.
“Are you going to work?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you feeling okay? I’m so dizzy right now.”
“No, I’m not feeling okay. Still, unless there is an official schedule, my rule is that I can leave whenever I want, but I have to come to work on time.”
Ji-won, who had been walking towards the front door with a frown, stopped for a moment and looked at Do-gyeom’s face, then clicked his tongue disapprovingly.
“Go back to sleep if you’re not feeling well. Don’t collapse on the street.”
“Yes.”
Ji-won, who had been fixing his clothes in front of the mirror that was attached to the shoe rack, went outside without changing his expression. Do-gyeom, who had been slowly walking towards the kitchen while leaning against the wall, stopped in his tracks, shocked at the mess that looked like it had been hit by a bomb.
“Hyuuung.”
Hae-su, who had been pouting with a discouraged look, ran towards Do-gyeom with a bright expression, but Do-gyeom, who had quickly scanned every corner of the kitchen, couldn’t bring himself to be nice to Hae-su.
“What’s with this mess in someone else’s house?”
“A mess?! Ji-won hyung doesn’t usually eat breakfast, so I made this because I thought it would be bad for him to go on an empty stomach after drinking last night. But he doesn’t even appreciate my efforts…. He’s so mean.”
“You used six pots to make one bowl of porridge?”
“It just happened…. It kept sticking to the bottom. I have a lot left, do you want some? It’s a little salty, to be honest.”
“Haa, give me a bowl.”
Do-gyeom, who had been carefully taking a bite of the porridge, which looked white but smelled burnt, ran to the sink and spat it out before he could even taste it. Although he was determined to at least pretend to eat it since Hae-su had insisted, he couldn’t cover up that terrifying salty taste that felt like seawater that had been boiled down ten times with his meager sense of camaraderie.
“Are you crazy? How much salt did you put in this to make it taste like this?”
“I followed the recipe! That famous blogger clearly said that I should put three spoons of salt!”
Three spoons of salt for one bowl of porridge? Is that a recipe that you use to spite your enemies? Do-gyeom, who had been carefully checking the phone screen that Hae-su handed to him with a suspicious look, clicked his tongue with a dumbfounded expression.
“Hey. This is a lowercase t. Not tablespoon, but teaspoon. Don’t you know teaspoon? It’s the small spoon that you use to drink tea.”
“…Really?”
“No, even three teaspoons of salt wouldn’t make it taste like this. How much did you scoop?”
Hae-su, who finally realized that he might have made a mistake, scooped a heaping spoonful of salt while looking around nervously. It was at least twice the amount of a normal spoonful.
“Ugh, I’m going crazy because of you. Where did you even find a measuring spoon…. Hae-su, a spoon of something when it comes to cooking is a leveled spoon. Not like you’re scooping sand with a shovel. Didn’t you learn that in home economics? What were you even doing in class?”
“Don’t you know what kids who do sports do at school? I was sleeping, duh.”
Tsk tsk. This is why elite sports are so problematic. Since they only do sports since they were young, they have no basic knowledge. No, I guess this is Yeon Hae-su’s personal problem. I can’t put him in the same category as me. Hae-su became upset at Do-gyeom’s obvious look of disdain.
“What, you think winning a medal at the Olympics is easy? How can a person do everything perfectly? Haven’t you heard of specialization?”
“You know so many things for a kid who only knows sports. Stop fooling around and clean up! Before Ji-won hyung gets really angry.”
Ji-won, who had barely made it through the morning by drinking water as he felt his stomach churn, got up as soon as it was lunch time. He was about to go eat some haejangguk and sleep when he heard a familiar ringtone.
[Zenith Security Office]
“Ah….”
What is it now. I’m not in any condition to be chasing ghosts right now. Ji-won, who had been staring at the caller ID for a moment, clicked his tongue and answered the phone.
“Yes, this is Cha Ji-won.”
[Director Cha, this is the security chief.]
Ji-won, whose brows had been furrowed because of his dull headache, widened his eyes slightly at the unexpected voice of Hyun-ho. If the security chief had personally called him, it probably meant that it was something related to Ga-on.
“Yes, go ahead.”
[The CEO is going to Gapyeong this afternoon, and she asked me if you could accompany her. It’s something about looking at a painting.]
One side of Ji-won’s lips curled up at the security chief’s courteous request. Hyun-ho’s words, which implied that there was a choice even though they both knew that it was an order, and his carefree attitude while Ji-won himself had decided to avoid the headquarters just that morning made him cringe.
However, his answer was short and simple, which was the only possible answer in the first place.
“Okay.”
[The CEO is in an important meeting right now, so she’ll be ready to leave around 2 PM after her meeting and meal.]
“Yes. But, I drank too much yesterday, so I can’t drive. I don’t even have my car right now.”
[Ah, please don’t worry about that. I’ll tell Manager Im to pick you up on his way. I'll have him call you ten minutes before he arrives.]
Ji-won, who hung up, sighed deeply while looking at the ceiling. All sorts of thoughts were coming to his mind, but he didn't have the time to agonize over it. He had dark circles around his eyes from lack of sleep, and since he hadn’t had anything to eat, he could smell alcohol with every breath. He didn't have much time to look decent before 2 PM.
Ji-won, who had quickly finished a bowl of haejangguk, ran home and took a hot bath with bath salts to sweat it all out. He didn't have a minute to spare since he had to put on a face mask, dry his hair carefully, and pick out even his cufflinks, but thanks to that, he was able to meet Ga-on in his usual relaxed and elegant appearance.
“Hello, CEO.”
“Yeah, I’ve been seeing you often these days.”
“Yes.”
“By the way, Director Cha. Are you not feeling well?”
Ji-won's picture-perfect smile faltered slightly, then went back to normal.
“No, I’m not feeling unwell.”
Really? He does look a little pale today. Ga-on, who had been looking at him with a puzzled expression for a moment, took her eyes off of him at his denial. And then, she showed him a small booklet and asked him a question.
“Do you know Un-wol Min No-hak?”
“Yes. He’s a painter who was active during the late Joseon period. He drew mainly landscapes, and especially several paintings titled ‘Geumgang Mountain’.”
“Have you seen the actual pieces?”
“Yes, they’re in the city art museum. Does this have something to do with where we’re going today?”
“Yes. CEO Mo of Mochang Construction is a very famous collector of oriental paintings, and it’s said that he has two of Un-wol’s ‘Geumgang Mountain’ paintings in his vacation home.”
Ji-won’s eyebrows went up. How did he even get those? For a private individual to own two of them.
“The real ones?”
“I don’t know. It’s not that important to me whether they are real or not. Anyway, CEO Mo’s family has been having several people get sick recently, and it’s said that one of the two paintings is haunted.”
As they passed the huge gate that had opened automatically after driving up the smoothly paved mountain road, a neatly organized garden spread out before their eyes. And at the end of the garden, a huge mansion, which was too big to be considered a vacation home, stood proudly.
It was a very classy and well-built house using high-quality materials, but it didn’t seem like it had a good aura, just like what they had heard about it being haunted. Ga-on, who seemed to be thinking the same thing, sighed after looking over the mansion.
“There is something here.”
“Is it something similar to the ghost that was at the Rosenbaloff manor?”
“It’s different from that ghost…. Anyway, let’s take a look at the painting first.”
As they stepped inside the house, an elderly man with white hair and a large build was waiting for them on a wheelchair. He bowed his head politely as soon as he saw Ga-on.
“It’s been a while, Jungcheonju. Please excuse me for greeting you while sitting down. My legs are not in a good state, so I couldn't come out to greet you.”
“It’s fine. Anyway, it’s been a while, CEO Mo.”
CEO Mo, who had been looking at Ga-on, whose face hadn’t aged a day despite over fifty years having passed, wiped the cold sweat with his handkerchief.
His first encounter with Ga-on was at the construction site of Mochang Construction’s first large-scale apartment complex. The passionate man in his twenties, who had just started to grow the small company that he had inherited from his father into a medium-sized company, had been frustrated at the continuous accidents that were causing delays to the construction.
He had thought that it was strange ever since he purchased the land. It wasn’t easy to clear the land, and then a part of the ground had collapsed as the building was starting to go up, and one of the workers had been severely injured. It was a time when he might be kicked out of the construction if things got serious and the government caught wind of it. He desperately needed to find a solution.
- The spirit of the land is angry since there are so many loud noises on a usually quiet land. We need offerings to appease him.
The shaman that he had contacted after so much asking around had demanded ten million won as soon as she had scanned the construction site. Although it was a construction that he absolutely could not give up, it was still quite a large amount of money at that time. However, since there was nothing he could do without taking any action, he decided to have a ritual to appease the spirit of the land.
Since they couldn’t hold the shamanistic ritual in the middle of Seoul in broad daylight, the time was set at midnight. A moonless night. The shaman, her disciples, and CEO Mo were the only ones who quietly entered the construction site. And it was there that he saw Ga-on for the first time.
- Oh my, Jungcheonju.
The moment the young woman in a stylish suit entered the construction site, the old shaman, who had been so full of herself, was startled and bowed down completely. CEO Mo was shocked by the shaman who had been so sensitive about her long skirt getting even a speck of dust, prostrating herself on the dusty ground.
- H, how did you… come to such a wretched place? This is something that we lowly people should be dealing with….
- It doesn’t matter how hard you try to collect those coins, you can’t take even a single penny with you.
- …Yes?
- I’m saying this because you’re accumulating sins that you won’t be able to wash away, even though you can recognize who I am. Do you think you can pay for your life with the things that you’ve accumulated in your barn?
Although CEO Mo didn’t understand what Ga-on’s cryptic words meant, the shaman, whose face had turned black, started trembling without raising her head. Ga-on, who had taken her indifferent gaze away from the shaman, turned her head and stared at CEO Mo. CEO Mo, who didn’t know who Ga-on was, felt his pride hurt as he was losing a staring contest with a woman who seemed barely twenty years old. But, he eventually had no choice but to lower his gaze.
- If you don’t cut down that tree, you will never be able to build anything taller than that.
- What are you… talking about…?
CEO Mo, who had turned his head following Ga-on’s gesture, looked dumbfounded as he saw the large pine tree standing in the center of the land. It was a pine tree that had been protecting that area for over 500 years, and since the shape of it was so impressive, he wanted to keep it no matter what. The fact that he had firmly promised to protect the tree was the reason why he had been able to persuade the elders who had been refusing to sell their land.
It was a very difficult and costly task to continue construction without touching the tree. But, he had never even considered getting rid of it. He briefly thought about transplanting it, but he didn’t want to mention it anymore when he heard that it might die if the roots were damaged. To be honest, he couldn’t believe what Ga-on, whom he had just met, had said to him.
- We’ll see if it makes sense or not.
- That’s not possible. They said that it’s a tree that brings good luck. It’s said that a very sacred soul resides there….
- It's just something that you wanted to believe. There are no ghosts that bring good luck to living people. If they do something beneficial, it’s just a byproduct of their own needs, not because they have any good intentions towards humans. They don’t even have the power to do so.
- But…. It was the guardian deity of this village….
- It probably kept away other evil spirits since its energy is very strong. It just hadn’t caused any harm because it had been receiving offerings. But, it won’t just stand there and do nothing as something taller than itself presses down on it.
Ga-on, who had cut him off coldly, turned around and left.
- Either way, this land, including the tree, belongs to you. If you don’t want to cut it down, then I’ll leave.
It was exactly half a month later that CEO Mo made his decision. Although he didn’t believe what Ga-on had said to him and he didn’t want to cut the tree since it was such a shame to get rid of it, he had no choice but to make up his mind after six workers had accidents in just two weeks. The shaman, who had to give back the ten million won that she had received, had refused to step foot on the construction site despite CEO Mo’s desperate pleas, and just kept saying that he had to do what the Jungcheonju had said to him.
- Step aside. And no matter what you hear, do not respond to it.
The pine tree, which was so thick that a grown man couldn't wrap his arms around it, screamed and was cut in half when Ga-on swung her sword made of water. After cutting it down and burning it according to Ga-on’s instructions, the accidents that had been happening almost every day stopped instantly.
He was only able to find out after so much research that Ga-on was the owner of Joonggeon Trading, the predecessor of Zenith Company. Of course, CEO Mo, who had received her help, couldn’t just pretend that he didn’t know anything. But the gifts that he had carefully picked out were all returned, and eventually, the box filled with cash that he had sent as the last resort was returned with a blunt warning.
- I did not help you. I simply sent the evil spirit where it belonged. This is not something that a mere human can repay, and not something that can be done while still alive.
Is she threatening to kill me if I keep contacting her? CEO Mo, who was intimidated, had no choice but to give up on repaying her.
Ga-on, who had been hiding her identity while Joonggeon Trading Company had become Joonggeon Corporation, and then Zenith Company, only started appearing in public after Zenith Company had grown at an alarming pace and become one of Korea's top twenty companies. Although he had been keeping an eye on her from afar, he had never thought that he would meet her like this again.
“I heard that you bought a painting that talks a lot.”
“That’s what they say. Please take a look. But, who is this young man…?”
“He is my employee. The director of Gallery Hwadam.”
“I’m Cha Ji-won.”
CEO Mo’s gloomy face brightened slightly as Ji-won bowed politely.
“Ah, Hwadam. I’ve heard about it. They say that you have good taste for someone so young. Kim Ye-chan also gave you a piece, right? I really wanted to go there if I could walk properly. They say that it’s a very good exhibition.”
“Thank you.”
Ji-won, who had responded curtly, gritted his teeth. He was filled with renewed hatred for Song Young-jin who had ruined that beautiful exhibition, and he was frustrated that he couldn’t show how he really felt.
“This way.”
Ji-won was speechless when he entered the room that CEO Mo had guided them to. Dozens of rare paintings, starting from Buddhist paintings from the Goryeo dynasty, were hanging on the walls of the huge room, and the temperature and humidity were perfectly controlled, just like any other art gallery. It was clear that the owner of the room treasured his paintings.
Unlike Ji-won, who had been looking over each piece with wide eyes, Ga-on had fixed her gaze on one spot as soon as she entered the room. The two paintings that were hanging side by side on the wall were almost identical in size and shape, and a tiger hunter with a rifle was walking through a deep and luscious mountain where a sage might appear at any moment.
“It’s that painting.”
“Yes, Jungcheonju. I’ve had the painting on the left for over thirty years, and I got the one on the right about four years ago. Ever since I got that painting, my family has been falling ill one by one, and my legs became like this…. I asked someone to take a look, and they said that one of the two paintings is haunted.”
“Yes. I can see that as well.”
“No one could even get near the painting. Most of them couldn’t even enter this room. I was so sorry to bother you with something like this, but I had no choice but to contact you.”
“You did well. This is what I’m here for.”
CEO Mo, who had clearly become relieved at Ga-on’s casual response, asked her very carefully after a while.
“Which painting is it exactly?”
“It’s the one on the left.”
“Nothing like this has ever happened before, why now all of a sudden….”
“It’s because it didn’t like you bringing in the one on the right.”
“How… can I get rid of the ghost?”
CEO Mo’s eyes, which had been courteous, flashed with greed. Oh no. Ji-won, who had been quietly listening to their conversation from a distance, clicked his tongue. It seems like the painting is more important to him than preventing his family from getting sick. I guess other shamans probably told him to burn it. Since that’s the fastest and most effective way. He must have called the CEO all the way here because he wanted to keep the painting no matter what.
“I don’t think I can do it the way that CEO Mo wants. As you know, I use water, so the painting will get wet. Oriental paintings are especially weak against humidity.”
The wrinkles around CEO Mo’s eyes, which had been filled with anticipation, were now full of disappointment when even Ga-on, whom he had been relying on, shook her head. Ji-won, who had been quietly ignoring the elderly man’s pathetic greed, suddenly noticed something and tilted his head. Wait a minute, what is this? Ji-won, who had gotten closer to examine the painting, furrowed his brows.
“CEO Mo. The painting on the right is a fake.”
“W, what? I got a certificate of authenticity for that.”
“I don’t know who issued that certificate, but anyone who knows even a little about paintings will be able to tell right away. You treasured your painting too much. If you had just shown it to other people, you would have found out immediately.”
“What’s your reasoning? You’re not even a professional appraiser, how can you just tell that it’s a fake just by looking at it?”
“This doesn’t even need to be appraised. Do you see the hunter’s rifle? The hunter on the left is holding a matchlock rifle, which had been used by tiger hunters in Joseon since the 17th century. But the hunter in the painting on the right is holding a lever-action rifle. It looks like the Winchester Model 1894, which was first developed in the late 19th century…. Artist Un-wol probably never saw a rifle like that in his life.”
Ji-won, who had been carefully revealing the truth, narrowed his eyes slightly. CEO Mo would have paid at least a few billion won for that painting if he had thought that it was real, and although he seemed quite embarrassed, he didn’t seem that shocked. Ji-won sighed softly.
Either you knew and bought it anyway or you made it yourself.
Unlike CEO Mo who had been avoiding Ji-won’s gaze, Ga-on, who had been listening to the explanation attentively, nodded slowly with an expression that said that she agreed.
“It seems like Un-wol was very displeased with his fake paintings circulating.”
“Are you saying that the ghost that is possessing this painting is Artist Min No-hak himself?”
“I can’t say for certain since his face is turned, but it seems like he doesn’t deny it, so probably.”
“Then will it be fine if we get rid of the fake?”
“It’s already too late for that. Un-wol has already become an evil spirit. A corrupted spirit causes harm to the mortal realm by its mere existence. Whether it intends to or not.”
Ga-on, who had been quietly watching CEO Mo’s eyes shaking, laughed softly. He’s still worried about his painting even though things have become like this. Humans are still this foolish even when they are over seventy.
“Will it take about half a month for you to make your decision again?”
“W, well…. Jungcheonju, this is a painting that is worth over 10 billion won by current market price. No, and it’s also a painting that I’ve cherished for a long time….”
“Don’t even think about putting it on the market since you know the state of the painting. I’m telling you this for your own good as well. Remember that you will be punished for the wrongdoings you have committed.”
“…Yes.”
Although he nodded politely, CEO Mo didn’t say that he wanted them to take care of the painting right away. Ga-on and Ji-won quietly left the house, leaving CEO Mo, who had shut his mouth. Flowerbeds that were made of expensive natural stones were lining the path to the parking lot, and white peonies in full bloom were emitting a gentle fragrance.
“I didn’t know that peonies smelled this good.”
“Right, these ones smell particularly good.”
“They say that it’s a flower that symbolizes wealth and honor, that’s probably why rich people like it.”
Ga-on smiled slightly at Ji-won’s sarcastic comment. Well, it seemed very pretty even to a young girl who didn’t have anything.
“A flower is just a flower. It doesn’t matter what humans call it.”
Ji-won slowly turned his head at that slightly wistful voice. The moment he realized that the emotion in Ga-on's clear eyes was longing, Ji-won felt slightly angry. Why is it that I can see it so clearly? It’s frustrating that I can’t pretend not to see it. Ji-won was frustrated by the gap in time that could never be closed. He felt stifled by the feelings that no one else could understand.
[Around 5 AM today, there was a huge fire in the vacation home of CEO Mo Hyeon-seok of Mochang Construction, and it was put out after three hours at 8:12 AM. Fortunately, the fire didn’t spread to the nearby mountains, but the building was burned down completely, and CEO Mo, who had been recovering at his vacation home, died from smoke inhalation. Dozens of his paintings were all burnt to ashes in this fire, and it’s said that some of them were considered cultural assets, so the art community is estimating the damage to be worth hundreds of billions of won. Moreover, it’s said that there is not even a photo of Un-wol Min No-hak’s ‘Geumgang Mountain’, which CEO Mo purchased four years ago, causing much grief to the art community….]
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