Chapter 13 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 13 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

At an Italian restaurant in Yeouido.

Heo Il-Woo, the manager of MG Electronics' marketing team, cautiously spoke to Monica.

"Are you really going to choose that painting?"

Monica, tasting the appetizer of goat cheese and pepper with onion soup, silently nodded her head.

Team Manager Heo glanced at a man sitting opposite her, who wore a serious expression.

"What do you think, Department Head Kim?"

In a large corporation, a department head might not be perceived as very powerful, but those with this title in a business division are among the most powerful and responsible.

Department Head Kim, looking unperturbed, quietly observed Monica, who was focused on her lunch, and then spoke up.

"Senior Designer Monica."

Monica, still sipping her soup, responded.

"Yes."

At first glance, it might seem impolite, but the position of a senior designer is actually higher than that of a department head.

After scanning the surroundings, Department Head Kim spoke in a low voice.

"I've seen the painting you selected. I can understand the choices for the first and second prizes, but the grand prize is incomprehensible. Are you really planning to award it to that painting?"

Watching Monica only nod her head while eating her spoonful of soup, Department Head Kim touched his forehead and sighed.

"The prize money for the competition is not a waste. It's a small amount after all. However, the manpower and time invested cannot be wasted. If such a painting, which is not even suitable for design, is selected as the grand prize, not only our internal staff but also the contestants who participated in the competition will not understand."

Finally, Monica put down her spoon, wiped her mouth carefully, and spoke.

"It's a simple problem to solve."

Both Department Head Kim and Team Manager Heo looked surprised.

"Excuse me?"

The men, surprised by this revelation, asked.

"Are you saying he didn't receive any money? For a painting that fetched such a high price in modern times?"

Monica leaned on her chin and laughed.

"Van Gogh committed suicide with a pistol in Auvers-sur-Oise. The painting was made in lieu of medical fees for Dr. Gachet, who treated him."

Department Head Kim asked in astonishment.

"So... he painted that as payment for medical fees? A painting that's worth $82.5 million?"

Monica shrugged her shoulders and said.

"Back then, it wasn't even worth $8."

"Because it wasn't worth $8 at the time."

Monica looked at the two quietly and opened her mouth.

"It's the same situation now."

The two looked at each other and exchanged glances.

'What the hell is she talking about? Do you know?'

'I have no idea, sir.'

Monica cleared her throat and said.

"Let me ask you a question. Director Kim?"

"Yes?"

"Imagine you went back in time and met Van Gogh. There is his picture in front of you. Van Gogh is desperate to sell his paintings to make a living."

".?"

"You saw Van Gogh selling his paintings in the market, such as Starry Night or Cafe Terrace at Night. The price of the picture is about $10. What would you do?"