BGHS 07

Chapter  07

A New Sponsor

“Mom! Where are you right now?”

Click. As soon as the line connected, Park Seon-hwa shouted loudly into the receiver.

—I’m on my way back. Why? Did you leave something behind?

Kang Yu-jin, Park Seon-hwa’s mother, who had just dropped her daughter off in front of the school and was heading back home, held the brick phone to her ear. The panicked voice and ominous atmosphere immediately caught her attention. Kang Yu-jin gestured to her driver to pull over to the shoulder for a moment.

“It’s not that I left something. Mom, can you come to our school right now?” —Again? “Why? Can’t you?”

Her one and only daughter. Though she could be a bit spoiled at times, she wasn’t a child who threw unreasonable tantrums. Realizing something significant must have happened, Kang Yu-jin let out a soft sigh and replied.

—I’ve already driven quite far, but alright. Where should I go?

“The practical lab. Come to the 3rd-floor practical lab! There’s only one classroom with the lights on, so you’ll see it right away! Love you, Mom!”

Having delivered her message, Park Seon-hwa hung up with a clack. She looked up toward the 3rd-floor practical lab, trying to calm her still-pounding heart.

“Crazy. Seriously crazy. Han Su-hyeon.”

“Sorry, sorry. Did you wait long?”

A moment later, Park Seon-hwa poked her head into the lab where Su-hyeon was waiting, wearing an embarrassed smile.

“What’s up? You didn’t come back for so long that I wondered what happened.”

Su-hyeon chuckled softly and stood up. He had already packed away his drawing and sketchbook.

“Let’s go.” “Huh?” “You said let’s eat. Let’s go to the dorm and eat. I’m hungry.”

As Su-hyeon walked toward the door, Park Seon-hwa stepped forward quickly, catching his hand to stop him.

“Can’t we stay here a little longer? I mean, let’s just eat the boxed meals here.” “Huh?” “No, wait. More than that, I have something to confess to you.”

What’s with her? Su-hyeon tilted his head in confusion at Park Seon-hwa’s rambling words. Closing her eyes tightly before opening them again, Park Seon-hwa spoke with difficulty.

“Actually… sigh. Where should I even start with this?” “What is it?” “You know how I used to ask the other kids for their drawings sometimes, right?”

Park Seon-hwa asked, reading Su-hyeon’s expression carefully.

“Yeah. I saw you do it a few times.” “Well, I didn’t explain it properly back then… but basically, I was collecting them. Ever since I was young, I had a lot of opportunities to come across works by famous painters. My family even had me collect art as part of early education.”

Is she talking about her family background now? Su-hyeon blinked, looking at Park Seon-hwa.

“Um. So, my mom is Director Kang Yu-jin of Ilseon Gallery.” “Huh? Ah, oh. Right.”

At the unexpected confession, Su-hyeon nodded quietly. It was something he already knew, but he hadn’t anticipated hearing it directly from Park Seon-hwa’s mouth. But why was she bringing this up all of a sudden? As he waited quietly for her next words, Park Seon-hwa spoke hesitantly.

“I plan to start my own gallery in the future, just like my mom. That’s actually my goal for entering Sehyun Arts High School. I wanted to refine my artistic eye and meet promising artists early on.” “…I see.”

Things were unfolding differently from the past. In his previous life, Park Seon-hwa had never laid out her background or her future dreams to anyone. Yet now, she was calmly introducing herself.

“Anyway, that’s why I begged for the drawings that caught my eye. When I open my gallery later, I want to host an exhibition with my collection. I asked to see your drawing for the same reason. Ah, of course, if things went well, I intended to pay properly for the artwork. Really!” “Alright, I get it.” “But seeing your drawing today… sigh…”

Park Seon-hwa looked into Su-hyeon’s eyes with a serious expression rarely seen on her face.

“I felt like it’s not something I’m even qualified to judge.” “Huh?” “So, it might be sudden, but I want to introduce someone to you. Would that be okay?”

Could she mean her mother, Director Kang Yu-jin of Ilseon Gallery? Su-hyeon’s breathing quickened unwittingly.

“Introduce someone? Who?”

He asked just in case—.

“Uh, well, my mom.”

The name Kang Yu-jin really tumbled out of her mouth.

“Whoa.”

Su-hyeon’s expression went blank. His intention in showing her the drawing was simply to break down the wall he had built against Park Seon-hwa, but to get an opportunity to meet Director Kang Yu-jin of Ilseon Gallery… Kang Yu-jin was an absolute giant among giants in the Korean art world.

“Ah, ah. I’m sorry. Did I put pressure on you again?”

Checking Su-hyeon’s reaction, Park Seon-hwa lightly hit her own head with her hand.

“I’m just really impatient. Sometimes I jump straight into things without thinking. I know it’s a flaw, but I don’t do it maliciously—it’s just my way of trying to do really well.” “No. I’m the one who should be grateful.”

Su-hyeon smiled gently.

“You’re trying to open up a great opportunity for me. Of course, the outcome remains to be seen, but you thought highly of my drawing and brought up a difficult topic. Rather than holding it against you, I ought to be thankful.” “Whoa. Really?”

Only then did Park Seon-hwa sigh in relief, placing a hand over her chest and letting out a deep phew.

And then, creak. As if on cue, the practical lab door opened, and a striking, elegant woman walked in, her heels clicking against the floor with every step.

“Mom!”

Park Seon-hwa bounded up from her seat to welcome the woman. So that person is Director Kang Yu-jin of Ilseon Gallery.

“Hello.”

Su-hyeon stood up and bowed politely.

“Ah, hello. I haven’t seen this friend before.”

Kang Yu-jin smiled benevolently, looking back and forth between Su-hyeon and her daughter.

“Yes. My name is Han Su-hyeon. I’m Seon-hwa’s dormitory roommate.” “Ah, so you’re Su-hyeon.”

Kang Yu-jin nodded with a bright smile. Sharp and perceptive, Kang Yu-jin had already pieced together why her daughter had urgently summoned her.

‘She mentioned her roommate was called the “Hand of God” and threw a fuss earlier today about returning to school early to see his drawing. He must have drawn something impressive for Seon-hwa to go through all this trouble to introduce him to me.’

However, he was still just a high school student—a first-year, at that. Kang Yu-jin didn’t hold excessively high expectations.

“Were you two drawing until this late?”

Kang Yu-jin asked, scanning the practical lab. She surmised that the drawing that had excited her daughter was likely in the art tube Su-hyeon was carrying or the sketchbook in his hand. At any rate, since she had come all this way, taking a look wouldn’t hurt. After all, this was Sehyun Arts High School, the prestigious among the prestigious. She was curious to see the skill level of someone standing out the most among the first-years.

“Su-hyeon, is it okay?”

Park Seon-hwa asked, checking Su-hyeon’s expression.

“Should I pull it out?”

Without hesitation, Su-hyeon removed the cover and drew out the piece. And then—.

“…Did you really paint this yourself?”

Upon seeing the artwork, Kang Yu-jin took a firm step closer to it. The smile that had graced her face vanished in an instant.

“Pardon?” “Mom, what do you mean by that!” “No, I’m just taken aback. Your name is Su-hyeon, right? Did this really come from your own concept?” “Ah, yes.”

As Su-hyeon nodded, Kang Yu-jin shook her head and let out a dry, astonished laugh. The smooth, practiced lines. The striking expression of the theme, along with a distinct individuality and message.

‘This is incredible. The technique is astounding, but more than that, his potential to grow into a grand master artist is phenomenal. At the very least, he’s the absolute best among his peers in the country—no, even if you count rising artists in their 20s, he’d easily rank in the top three.’

Kang Yu-jin’s eyebrows quivered slightly. To think a kid like this was at Sehyun Arts High School… How had she not known about him until now?

“Ha, truly amazing. You’re an incredible young man.”

Continuing her admiration, Kang Yu-jin stared at the “first impression” for a long time before slowly flipping through Su-hyeon’s sketchbook resting on the desk.

“Ha…” “Heh…”

Low, sigh-like exclamations followed continuously. Every time she turned a page, the furrow in Kang Yu-jin’s brow deepened. He had already grasped his own subject matter and was developing his own artistic style to express it. It was truly a gift of innate genius.

‘The more I look, the more sensuous it is. This child… he might even become a world-class artist. Though it’s unprecedented… I can’t afford to miss out on a talent like this.’

Overwhelmed by shock, a fiery conviction swelled inside Kang Yu-jin’s heart, and she finally spoke with a resolute expression.

“Su-hyeon. I am Kang Yu-jin, the director of Ilseon Gallery.”

Kang Yu-jin extended a hand, reintroducing herself.

“Ah, yes.”

Should I say it’s an honor? While contemplating, Su-hyeon carefully took Kang Yu-jin’s hand. Kang Yu-jin looked at Su-hyeon warmly and spoke.

“It seems my daughter has found a truly precious treasure. Su-hyeon, by any chance, would you be interested in receiving sponsorship from our Ilseon Gallery?” “…Pardon?”

When Su-hyeon was rendered speechless by the sudden proposal, Kang Yu-jin offered a gentle smile.

“I want to properly nurture you into an artist. Of course, receiving sponsorship doesn’t mean you’ll sign an unfair contract, face restrictions on your artistic activities, or suffer any loss of profits. It’s meant to cover your tuition and living expenses so you can focus entirely on your work, while we act as your manager to promote your art. If things go well, we can manage international affairs and help with your future exhibitions.”

What is happening? Even after hearing the full explanation, it felt surreal. Not an established artist, but a novice—and a mere high school student at that—receiving sponsorship from Ilseon Gallery. While the specific terms remained to be discussed, judging by Ilseon Gallery’s scale and her tone, it was clear she was offering to lay down a paved path to success for him.

“Are you really offering to sponsor me?” “Of course. Ilseon Gallery places great importance on discovering and fostering artists early on.” “But why me…?” “Well, my eyes and my heart are telling me to do so. Does it feel too burdensome?” “Ah…”

It was a proposal that felt daunting yet irresistibly tempting. As Su-hyeon hesitated, Kang Yu-jin chuckled and nodded.

“Don’t worry. The responsibility for this decision rests entirely on me as the director. You don’t have to feel burdened at all.” “Yes…”

Su-hyeon let out a deep breath without realizing it. He had received sponsorship once in his past life, too. That was during his senior year of university, and while he was grateful, it wasn’t on a grand scale—just a space to paint and a small allowance for living costs.

‘But this time, the scale is entirely different.’

Su-hyeon looked back and forth between Kang Yu-jin and Park Seon-hwa standing before him. One of the top galleries in the country, Ilseon, sponsoring him right from his first year of high school. With this, his range of choices in the future would expand exponentially. Returning to the past was a blessing in itself, but dreamlike events kept unfolding one after another.

“If it’s too sudden, would you like some time to think it over?”

At Kang Yu-jin’s gentle question, Su-hyeon shook his head.

“No. There’s no need for that. Thank you very much. I look forward to working with you.”

Su-hyeon bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude to Kang Yu-jin.

“My goodness. Aside from your art, your personality and appearance are completely to my liking. We can’t just stay here. Let’s go out together. We ought to celebrate properly.”

Kang Yu-jin laughed heartily, wrapping one arm around Park Seon-hwa and the other around Su-hyeon.

“What would you like to eat? Today, Ilseon is treating you to whatever you want!”

In the end, leaving the boxed meals safely stored in the dormitory refrigerator, Su-hyeon and Park Seon-hwa left in Kang Yu-jin’s car. It was a day when a green light—unlike anything in his past life—turned on in Su-hyeon’s journey. With Ilseon’s sponsorship, Su-hyeon was granted another opportunity to make choices entirely different from before.