Chapter 97 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 97 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

We asked about each other's well-being and responded in kind.

Once the mood was ripe with trivial banter exchanged nonchalantly, Henri broached the main topic.

"True ignorance is not the absence of knowledge, but the detestation of it, the refusal to learn. The world is full of such ignorant people. Life is too short to spend with those devoid of talent. I need a friend like you, Ban."

Misantropy.

At this time, Henri had been used and marginalized so much that he harbored a deep loathing for humanity.

However, knowing that he couldn't leave this psychiatric hospital on his own, I used the information I had about him to persuade him.

"But Henri, the reason we can sit in the shade today is because someone planted a tree a long time ago. You shouldn't hate humanity itself. The need for connection and community is as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food."

Henri looked me in the eyes and said,

"I don't want to care about what people think of me or what they say. I know who I am. But it's really hard to put such simple words into action. Truth without the backing of love makes that truth exceedingly unpleasant and the bearer of it loathsome. I have plenty of such people around me."

That just prolongs your stay here, Henri.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

"Friendship is like a bank account. You can't keep withdrawing from it without making deposits, Henri."

Henri sighed and looked out the window.

"Relationships are like glass. It's often better to leave them broken than hurt yourself trying to put them back together."

No, Henri.

If you go on like this, you'll be here even longer.

Henri mumbled to himself, a mix of grumbling and resignation.

I've drawn many paintings to prove to the doctor that I'm still capable of pursuing my art. How many more must I draw before the doctor realizes he can't keep me here? I want to leave. They have no right to keep me locked up.

It's not because of the paintings, you fool.

I know.

I know how Henri eventually got out of the hospital.

Looking at Henri, who was focused on my words, I said,

But through all this, I met a friend who stood by me.

A friend in the same situation?

No, Henri. She was from a well-off family. Not as prominent as yours, but she was born into a family that built a large house in the capital, well-known in the South of France.

Did she hang out with someone poor like you?

Yes, in fact, initially, I was skeptical like you. Was it out of pity? Was she befriending me because she felt sorry for me?

Did you find the answer?

The answer always lies in the process of seeking it. But to this day, I believe in my friend and our friendship as genuine.

Hmm.

I resumed sharing my life story.

My first breakthrough as a painter came from a project with a large corporation. And it was that friend who arranged this job for me.

Well, in truth, Youngju just suggested I enter a competition, but still, if Youngju hadn't mentioned it, I would have missed out. So, it's all thanks to Youngju.

If that had happened, I wouldn't know what would have happened next. So, Young-ju deserves credit.

"I was thrown into another relationship. It was a woman named Monica from Italy. She gave me numerous opportunities, and I seized most of them."

"Italy? Has Italy entered Joseon?"

". I don't know that well, but somehow it happened. And Monica introduced me to the youngest daughter of a conglomerate owner, and now I maintain a relationship with her while gaining fame."

"Did she also host the exhibition you mentioned earlier?"

"That's right."

Read ahead by supporting me on Ko-fi

.