Humanity Chapter 6.1 - Love - END OF PART 1.

Nestled cozily at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the Ilwan Gallery is often praised as being a work of art in itself.

First, there is the lobby, impressive with its large picture window that fully embraces the light. Beyond that window, a lush forest unfolds, and the trees, from those nearby to those far in the distance, maintained a well-combed texture according to the direction of the wind, adding to the scenery.

Passing through the lobby and crossing a corridor painted so white that it was difficult to distinguish the ceiling, walls, and floor, one soon arrives at this gallery’s main exhibition hall, Exhibition Hall 1.

Inside the high-ceilinged exhibition hall, ‘The Black Wall’, which had been the face of this gallery for some time, was on display.

“‘The Black Wall’ is being taken down, too.”

“I know, right. I thought it would be up for much longer.”

The employees conversed as they watched the massive canvas being moved.

This gallery, which conducted transactions mainly with a small number of wealthy individuals instead of admitting the general public, was a place where the tastes of the gallery’s owner were freely expressed. Although he was known to be quite young, he was rather well-regarded among enthusiasts for his unique aesthetic eye. He was also famous for never selling the works he collected himself.

‘The Black Wall’ was also the personal property of the gallery owner. The Black Wall had decorated the space for a mere season before being taken down as summer drew to a close.

Even if it was a work acquired for an enormous price, if the owner’s mind changed, it would soon be headed for the warehouse. The gallery employees watched with regret as a black cloth was draped over the masterpiece they would likely never see again.

“Do you know what the next exhibition piece is?”

“Well, I heard the Chairman said he would bring it himself….”

“Is it the one he bought in Vienna last time?”

“Didn’t they say he didn’t go on the Vienna business trip?”

The employees disappeared into the upstairs office building, murmuring amongst themselves.

In the meantime, a car entered the parking lot entrance. It was a sports car as pitch-black as darkness, one that seemed to swallow the noon sunlight whole. The car slid quietly into the parking lot.

The man who got out of the car was Han Jiwan, the actual owner of Ilwan Gallery. In his black suit, he looked at a glance as if he were in mourning.

He had a very handsome face, but a long scar on his cheek was its single flaw. With an expressionless face, he swept back a stray strand of hair and shut the car door, thud. In his hand was a small bag.

“You’ve arrived. We are about to move ‘The Black Wall’ now.”

As Han Jiwan entered Exhibition Hall 1, Secretary Choi spoke to him. Han Jiwan nodded and gestured with his hand. It meant to hurry up and get rid of it without the need for annoying words.

In the spot left after The Black Wall was removed, a small display stand was placed. It was a stand he had instructed them to prepare in advance to match the size of the new artwork he brought.

Standing before it, Han Jiwan put on white gloves and took the exhibition piece out of the bag. Secretary Choi stood behind him and glanced over his shoulder at the small sculpture.

At first glance, it was an ordinary shard of glass.

A dark, reddish-black mark was pooled at the end of the shard, as if it had been colored, or perhaps the coloring had been left unfinished.

Under the light, Han Jiwan examined the glass shard, whose tip was extremely sharp, from various angles. It seemed he was looking for the right angle to display it.

Having made up his mind, he soon placed the piece on the display stand. Unlike the common practice of displaying the flat side of a work so it is easily seen, he positioned it so that the sharp tip was aimed at the audience.

“Shall we make this the exhibition piece for the time being?”

“Yes.”

Han Jiwan answered curtly. Slowly taking off his gloves, he stood there with his hands in his pockets, quietly observing it again.

Secretary Choi, facing Han Jiwan’s back, rattled off his schedule and the tasks that needed to be handled.

“And finally… the resumes for the bodyguards have arrived. I have pre-selected some people worth interviewing.”

“……”

“If you review them and let me know, I will schedule the interview dates.”

Han Jiwan did not take the resumes Secretary Choi offered, only glancing at them from the side.

“Not necessary….”

“Pardon?”

“I said, it’s not necessary.”

“Yes… I understand. Then when should I next.”

“Don’t make me say it three times.”

Han Jiwan answered with annoyance. The resumes, shoved against Secretary Choi’s chest as if being crumpled, stuck to his chest.

“Understood. Ah, and.”

Secretary Choi, who was about to step back, asked.

“For the exhibition piece, we need to add a new title and description.”

“……”

“If you tell me the title, I will have it prepared.”

Han Jiwan was silent for a long time.

…Love.

A small sound came from his lips. It was a simple name, but it did not readily match the artwork before him.

The secretary adjusted his glasses with a puzzled expression.

Han Jiwan muttered as if speaking to himself.

“Love, that would be good.”