Chaebol

I fished around in my pants pocket.

In my past life… at times like this, I would have pulled out my smartphone and quickly searched for it.

'Tsk.'

Honestly, I visited art museums a lot.

I bought and collected a ton of catalogs with my meager money.

Still, when I needed more information, I looked through art history books, artists' biographies, and even monthly art magazines.

I put in so much effort!

Yet when I need that knowledge the most, I can't remember even a single memory?

I definitely saw it.

'It was some flea market, I think.'

A drawing bought for just 30,000 won turned out to be a Renaissance piece… and how much did they earn from it?

Damn it!

It wasn't even a book I read long ago.

Just 2-3 years ago?

I thought I had paid careful attention!

'And I can't remember this?'

Sure, I might not remember everything.

I'm not a computer, after all. How can I remember every book I've read?

That's what my head says, but.

Then why?

Why do I feel like I've lost money, making my chest feel so tight?

'Is that even your painting? Why are you making such a fuss?'

Even as I tried to comfort myself.

"..."

The tightness in my chest showed no signs of easing.

If I hadn't read it at all, fine, but to miss out just because I can't remember it…

'That's the same as losing money!'

Ahh.

Was I always this greedy?

In my past life, I was content just to be able to write.

How did I become like this?

But those thoughts were brief…

'So what if I'm greedy?'

I suddenly felt a rush of determination.

Even after making a scene for about five minutes.

"..."

The content of the book I read in my past life still didn't come to mind.

Damn it.

But I won't give up like this.

'If the memory is blurry… I just need to make it clear.'

The given information was something from the Renaissance period, or just after.

If it were an Italian artist, I'd remember, but since it's vague, it's likely an artist from the periphery.

'Alright, let's do this.'

With a firm decision, I strode to the counter and said,

"Excuse me, please wrap all the books from here to there."

***

In the car heading home, I clung to the books.

I had bought about 30 books today.

All related to the Renaissance.

Whatever it is, I need to read.

Read until I remember.

'I'm confident in this at least.'

There's no need to read them thoroughly.

Just skim for artists' or artworks' names, looking for clues.

If something catches my eye…

'Hmm, this seems interesting.'

Wait a minute!

Is this the time to read for fun?

That's what my mind says, but.

'Books that were out of print and unavailable in my past life… are abundant here.'

Maybe it's because I have a passion for reading.

Once I start reading, I quickly get engrossed.

By the time I finished two books just in the car.

"Young master, we've arrived."

"Already?"

"Yes. We actually arrived five minutes ago, but you were reading so intently…"

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

With a word processor and dozens of books.

There was so much luggage that several staff members had to help the driver.

Was it too noisy?

"What's all this?"

Song Soo-hee came out to the entrance.

Seeing the procession of books, she asked with wide eyes.

"You bought all this?"

"Yes. I got curious about something. With the money I received, I decided to make a big purchase."

"What made you so curious?"

Instead of waiting for an answer, she looked at the titles of the books.

"All about the Renaissance?"

"Yes."

"Now you're diving into art?"

More for the money… ahem.

"You went to Seoul National University's art department today?"

"How did you know?"

"The department head called directly. He said you were looking at paintings with such bright eyes."

"Oh…"

"You couldn't buy the painting?"

"No. I couldn't get in touch with the artist."

"The department head said he would keep trying to reach him?"

A special privilege only Hyungang can enjoy.

'It's convenient, but.'

Getting used to this would rot me to the core with a sense of entitlement.

'I need to be careful.'

Right after I made that brief resolution.

"You remember that painting, right?"

"Yes, you saw it too."

"I just passed by it, but you picked it out?"

"I just liked it."

"Don't tell your grandfather just that."

"Pardon?"

"He gave you money and asked to be shown first. You need to be able to explain why you liked that piece. Can you do that?"

It wasn't fear of Chairman Park that made her say this.

For her children's sake, Song Soo-hee would speak her mind even in front of her father-in-law.

So why is she saying this?

"It's a learning opportunity."

Song Soo-hee beamed at my response.

"Exactly. Thinking about and explaining why you were drawn to a painting is the best way to learn."

"So, Mom, are you learning too?"

"…?"

"Grandfather told you to visit Insa-dong every day."

"Yeah, that's right."

The conversation wandered off, but it was for the better.

There was something I wanted to ask.

"Mom, you've been visiting antique shops a lot lately. Do you ever find treasures in those places?"

"Treasures?"

"Like undiscovered masterpieces, for example."

Maybe she thought it was typical childlike curiosity.

Song Soo-hee gave a peculiar smile.

"Why are you curious about that?"

"I read that it happens sometimes in books."

"Yes, it happens occasionally. But Ji-hoon, everyone has the same idea."

"..."

"People flock to Insa-dong, hoping to find hidden treasures."

"So the good stuff is already gone?"

"Right."

"Then why do you still go to Insa-dong?"

At my question, Song Soo-hee hesitated for a moment.

I'm just a child, after all.

She must be deciding how much to explain.

"In foreign countries, when someone passes away, they often hold a flea market. They distribute the belongings at a low price because they can't just throw them away."

"Yes."

"In contrast, there's not much of that culture in Korea. So when they don't know what to do with the belongings…"

"They come to Insa-dong."

"Right. They bring the belongings there, sometimes for appraisal."

"Then, newly arrived items might be better than the old stock?"

"Exactly. That's why I go every day."

'Belongings.'

'A culture not present in Korea.'

'Flea market.'

Some songs transport me to a different time as if I were in a time machine.

For me, Song Soo-hee's words did just that.

***

A cold winter day.

An afternoon after finishing a part-time job at the school cafeteria.

Lying under an electric blanket, peeling tangerines.

Yes, I was reading that book at the time.

'An Architect's Death.'

'A Flea Market for Selling Belongings.'

'An Old Drawing.'

'A painting bought at a flea market turned out to be genuine?'

What a windfall.

I still remember the warmth of the blanket and the sweet scent of tangerines filling the room.

I probably had instant noodles for dinner that night.

"Ji-hoon, are you happy about something?"

"Huh?"

"You suddenly smiled so brightly."

"...?"

"You were talking and then smiling like you're the happiest person in the world."

"Was I… smiling?"

"Yes, you're still smiling."

I touched my face.

Sure enough.

Grin.

My lips were turned up.

"Oh, that's because I just remembered something."

"Hmm?"

"I suddenly remembered a forgotten assignment."

"Why are you smiling about having an assignment?"

Because… it's a treasure from the belongings.

And it's genuine.

"Mom, thank you."

"For what?"

Song Soo-hee, not knowing my thoughts, looked puzzled.

"Mom, I'm in a hurry, so I'll head up."

"What's gotten into you?"

"I have a pressing assignment."

"Ji-hoon, wash your hands first."

"I'll wash them upstairs!"

I practically ran up the stairs.

***

In Ji-hoon's room.

I turned on the word processor and typed the information that came to mind.

This happened in Boston in the 2010s.

An architect had died, and there was a flea market for selling his belongings.

There was an old drawing among them.

If it had been an oil painting, they would have taken it to an expert appraiser.

'But it was just a drawing.'

Thinking it was nothing special, they sold the drawing for only 30,000 won.

But what a surprise!

The drawing turned out to be a piece by Albrecht Dürer (one of the most important artists in German art history)!

Not just an undisclosed work… but a final piece.

After thorough examination by top Dürer experts, it was confirmed as genuine.

Its estimated value is about 20 billion won by today's standards!

A drawing bought for 30,000 won is worth 20 billion won?

It might be the greatest investment return ever…

'The important thing is.'

Only I know all this.

Of course, the information is still incomplete.

'America, Boston, Architect, Dürer.'

It's still like looking for a needle in a haystack in China.

'But if the needle is worth 20 billion won, wouldn't you look?'

I need a plan.

Hmm.

I can't fly to America at 11 years old to search myself.

'I need to send someone.'

To scour Boston thoroughly, I'd need at least dozens of people.

Let's see.

Including round-trip airfare, accommodation, and fees…

'It'll cost close to 100 million won?'

A dizzying amount.

But the shock was brief.

'Is 100 million a problem? The reward will be at least two hundred times that!'

I quickly composed myself.

"Phew."

Since it's a kind of business, should I seek investment?

'If I ask Song Soo-hee…'

I shook my head.

What parents would welcome their 11-year-old son fooling around to make money?

And asking for a billion won?

'It would be weirder if they agreed.'

Sigh.

I've just recalled it, but now I'm stuck because of my age?

A sigh escaped my lips.

'…Wait!'

An idea came to mind.

The one person who might listen to an 11-year-old if there's money involved.

'Grandfather?'

It's possible.

But.

'How do I bring it up?'

I bit my lower lip in thought.