‘But still, she has solid foundations. Well… this isn’t bad at all.’

Her unique touch, glimpsed in the numerous sketches from the last studio visit, was becoming more prominent.

The transformed style of her paintings wasn’t bad, and his satisfaction grew as she quickly adapted to his teachings.
Above all, he was excited. Excited for the world of her own paintings that she would create.

Ki-tae and Autumn continued their conversation as they left the studio.

“President. But why did you tell me to shed it? Honestly, I still don’t quite understand your intentions.”

Autumn asked candidly. She felt that he would take her question as it is now.

He chuckled softly and said quietly,

“How long are you going to follow your father?”

“……?”

“It might be good for a while. Relying on your father’s fame, you could easily get attention.”

His words were somewhat unexpected.

“Think long-term. You’re his direct child, so you might cunningly avoid the accusation of plagiarism, but that feeling in your paintings will be hard to erase if it’s not a series. Once you start drawing your own works, everyone will know, even if it’s not mentioned.”

“…….”

He looked at her squarely, his gaze intensifying.

“Now draw your own paintings. I never asked you for anything strange.”

“…….”

“Was it specified in the contract? To imitate Yoon Daeho’s paintings?”

“No!”

Autumn nodded as if she understood.

Then, he also slightly smiled.

She hadn’t realized shedding her father’s style was for her own good.

Everyone else had demanded paintings similar to her father’s out of their own greed.

She thought he just wanted to see something new…

That all his requests were for her future.

“If I draw in my father’s style and shine now, wouldn’t that be more profitable for the gallery right away…?”

Regardless of how it might ruin her reputation later.

“Why are you worrying about that?”

“Me?”

“Yoon Gaeul, you’re unexpectedly calculative. I didn’t see that in you.”

“No! It’s not like that…”

Autumn frantically waved her arms and shook her head.

Trying to ask why he cared so much about her, she ended up beating around the bush…

Seeing the flustered Autumn, he teasingly laughed and said,

“Mutually beneficial, that’s why.”

She thought it was all for her, but it wasn’t just that.

“It’s long-term thinking. I don’t make losing deals either. Contracted you because you’re worth it.”

Worth it.

Autumn intuitively realized.

That appraisal was not for the paintings resembling her father, but for Autumn herself.

“Your basics are solid, and above all, your understanding of subjects is high. But harboring an artist known for imitation would tarnish TS Gallery’s reputation. Your grandfather might focus on the present, but I don’t. I can’t allow it in my gallery.”

It’s not just seen as a business.

His directness revealed his deep care for the gallery and his view of art as more than a business tool.

And his high regard for her skills.

To submit new paintings for the next exhibition, she had to work hard, but she felt an inkling that she might somehow manage it, albeit awkwardly.

Unlike before, she felt a surge of motivation.

‘I’ll draw as much as I can and submit. Surely, something worthy will come out.’

Grateful, Autumn didn’t head straight to the annex but accompanied him on his way to the front of the main building. Scanning Autumn, who walked beside him, he casually asked,

“Aren’t you going?”

“I’ll watch you leave and then go in.”

“Why bother.”

“Just because.”

Reaching the front of the main building, Autumn stopped him as he was about to leave.

“President.”

“Yeah, what?”

As he turned around about to get into the car, Autumn slowly spoke.
“Actually, I really had no idea what to do. But following your instructions, it felt like I could see the way forward.”

“That’s good.”

Autumn smiled softly. The corners of his lips also lifted slightly as they faced each other.

The air of the slightly warmer season enveloped them both.

Hesitantly, Autumn brought up the words that had been swirling in her mind. It was a bit of an impulsive move.

“Could you spare some time for me again in the future?”

Seeing the look of surprise in his eyes, Autumn quickly added, as if to justify her request,

“It’s just that, the things you teach me, I can’t learn them anywhere else, and they’re really helpful to me.”

“……Ha.”

His laughter came out, not immediately affirming, and Autumn bit her lower lip tensely.

‘I guess it’s too much to ask from someone so busy?’

She was already grateful for what he had done today.

“It’s okay! I shouldn’t have asked…”

The thought that she had unnecessarily burdened someone so constantly busy only struck her then. Autumn’s smile faded, and she hastily waved her hands.

After all, he had already taken time out of his busy schedule for her today.

Before, he wouldn’t even spare her a glance, just passing by. Now, he not only listened to her concerns but also showed interest, which made it easy for her to make such requests. His unique teachings had overwhelmed her so much that she yearned to learn more.

And today was such a wonderful day.

Autumn smiled awkwardly.

Watching her, he chuckled softly and, just before starting the car and driving away, he murmured softly,

“I’ll come by when I have time.”

His gentle response brightened Autumn’s smile, illuminating the night.