I Became A Renowned Genius At My Arts High School - Chapter 252



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Episode 252. Presentation (3)

“What did you say?”

Jacqueline’s eyes grew bigger than ever after hearing the whole story.

“Wait a minute. So, you met Mayor Bloomberg during that time?”

Jacqueline, who has heard it all before, confirms it one more time.

“Yes. It’s a long story, but I was introduced to him through Whitney.”

“You’ve already met with Bloomberg twice and made another appointment?”

“Yes. I’ve decided to propose a specific project next time. I have something to discuss with you about that.”

Unlike Jacqueline, Soo-hyun has a relaxed expression.

Jacqueline shook her head in disbelief.

After Bloomberg took office and learned that, unlike his predecessors, he was aggressively pouring money into the arts and culture sector, Jacqueline had been looking for an opportunity to work with him.

But there were a few times when things went wrong and I was feeling discouraged, but then an opportunity opened up in an unexpected place.

‘As expected, he was a huge lucky charm.’

Honey dripped from Jacqueline’s eyes.

Su-hyeon, a new writer who was brought in with great potential.

But then I started to think that maybe what I saw was just the tip of a very small iceberg.

So far, Su-hyeon has achieved results that far exceeded expectations. And now, she is ready to climb another mountain.

Where on earth is this kid going?

Maybe in three years or so, he would become a truly amazing writer.

No, even if this project were successful right now, the position could change immediately. That Bloomberg is requesting a meeting every week.

“Tell me, Soo-hyun. I’ll listen to anything. How can I help you?”

Jacqueline smiled brightly and opened her ears.

At the same time, Soo-Hyeon caught her breath.

I had to briefly recall the past to bring up the story I had prepared.

***

Up and down.

Life is a series of ups and downs.

So at some point, so-called inertia sets in and you get used to the updraft and downdraft respectively.

‘Is it really the end?’

Some people experience fear and despair of a different level than before.

I thought I had indigestion, but I feel like I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and the back of my head feels numb, and I start to wonder if there’s an end to the tunnel where I can’t see even an inch ahead.

A state where only a feeling of endless helplessness dominates me.

Soo-hyun also knew well.

After I put down the picture, I was lost in that feeling for a long time.

Before returning to the past again, that is, after giving up painting for financial reasons and a misdiagnosis.

Su-hyeon often thought that she was like a pattern on wallpaper.

An inconspicuous, uninteresting, and easily replaceable presence.

Personal relationships were nothing special either.

Aside from Yoon-hee, with whom I shared sparkling memories from my pre-school days, I didn’t have any real friends.

At that time, Soo-Hyeon had no hope.

There was no expectation for tomorrow either.

I didn’t want to feel discouraged, so I only occasionally met people in similar situations, but that didn’t really comfort me.

The thought that started out as ‘Why did I become like this?’ expanded to ‘People like us have no hope,’ and it became more painful.

But even that was a blessing.

In the blind spot, there were many people who didn’t even have anyone to talk to.

Was it 2010?

There were two ambulances dispatched to the shabby neighborhood where Soo-hyeon lived, once every two weeks.

What I remember is that the paramedics came with the police.

I was nervous that a violent crime had occurred, but that wasn’t the case.

In both cases, the cause of death was suicide due to desperation.

One of them was a man in his 50s who was a tenant in the basement of the building where Soo-hyeon lived.

Another was a woman in her 40s who lived in a corner building at the end of an alley.

A woman in her 40s said she raised her child alone. It was rumored that she made an extreme choice because she had become a burden to her middle school-aged daughter as her illness continued.

The man in his 50s couldn’t even figure out the reason. Later, I heard from the neighbors that he was a person with no connections.

They both lived close to Soo-hyun, but Soo-hyun didn’t know about their existence.

We haven’t even exchanged a single word, let alone seen each other’s faces.

Although their situation was pitiful, Soo-hyeon felt anxious that her own future might also flow in that direction.

If the situation does not improve no matter how hard you struggle, and if things that are difficult to handle, such as financial difficulties or illness, wash over you like waves, how long can you endure?

It was a difficult problem.

It was a difficult problem that was extremely difficult to solve on one’s own.

***

“A vending machine?”

Memories of the past and problems of the present.

And the subject of the new project that was born from Soo-Hyeon’s eyes was a vending machine.

When I revealed that keyword, Jacqueline raised her eyebrows and asked back.

“Mayor Bloomberg has already said that he is discussing ways to prevent suicide in a variety of ways. The main ones are things like telephone counseling and reforming health care services.”

“It is something that professional organizations should take the lead in. But I think the arts also have a role to play.”

“Yes. It may be difficult to find a fundamental cure, but there is nothing better than art to move the heart.”

“I’m going to use a vending machine there… … Interesting. Let’s hear more.”

Jacqueline leaned forward and listened to Soo-hyun.

Jacqueline was thrilled to have caught Mayor Bloomberg’s eye and had the opportunity to propose a project.

She was determined to provide all the support she could.

This young writer was sensually following the trend and expanding his world and territory at a frightening pace.

Just watching the talent that surpassed expectations was a satisfying and delightful thing.

“First, I’m thinking of requesting that this project be carried out simultaneously with other campaigns. They said that things like consultations would be done relatively quickly.”

“So?”

“People who need to talk will call or visit a counseling center, but what I pay attention to are people who don’t even have the will to talk.”

“No will?”

“Yes. I’m planning to put vending machines for them in a few places.”

Su-hyeon took out a small notebook from her bag. There were a few simple sketches tucked inside.

“The name of this vending machine is ‘Gift.’ As the name suggests, it will hold gifts. Anyone can receive them by pressing a button. Oh, and I’m also thinking of putting a short message card inside the gift. I’m thinking of something like ‘You are Special.’”

“I guess it depends on what kind of gift it is.”

“That’s right. I’m thinking about a few different things, and I think the contents will vary slightly depending on where I put it. But I’m going to put in CDs with music, photos, books, and my drawings.”

“Su-hyeon’s painting?”

“Well, since this project is my work, wouldn’t it be right to include my drawings? I think it would help in some way.”

“Soohyun.”

Jacqueline opened her mouth to confirm.

“Are you sure you’re not going to put in a copy or something, but an original, a genuine item?”

“Yes. Will that be a problem?”

Soo-hyeon tilted her head and quickly added.

“I don’t know much about the mechanical structure, but I’ll try to draw a picture within the permitted specifications. Something the size of a postcard shouldn’t be too difficult, right?”

Jacqueline laughed out loud at those words, as if she was dumbfounded.

“What is this? Don’t you envy the Super Bowl?”

In Korean terms, it’s like winning the lottery.

It was no exaggeration.

Jacqueline was drawing out what would happen next based on the plans shared by Soohyun.

If the project gets an explosive response, the price of Su-Hyeon’s paintings included in it will skyrocket to an invaluable level.

Among those who have decided to commit suicide, if there are people who are experiencing financial difficulties, this may be resolved in one go.

This will create another aftermath, and Soo-hyun, the main character of the project, will receive a lot of attention.

This could potentially be across the United States, or even further… … .

“A painting that melts the frozen heart of a person. That alone is touching, but if it turns out to be a painting by a famous artist, it would be a truly amazing event.”

Jacqueline nodded slowly, mulling over Soo-hyun’s words.

“That’s a secondary issue.”

But Soo-Hyeon continued speaking in a calm tone.

“The reason I want to put pictures in vending machines is because I hope that even just one person will see them and change their mind. So first of all.”

Su-hyeon spoke clearly and concisely.

“My biggest goal and mission is to draw pictures that provide comfort.”

The conversation that day became longer.

From procuring vending machines for demonstration and putting new designs on them, to random gifts to put in the vending machines, to deciding on the tone and theme of the pictures Soo-hyun would draw, hours passed by in a flash.

“Leave everything related to machinery and production to the gallery. I’ll form a team to support this project right away, so Su-hyeon, you should just focus on the content, that is, drawing the pictures.”

“Fortunately, it overlaps with my class assignments this semester, so I think I’ll be able to save time.”

“hmm?”

“Lisa, this semester’s class. I signed up for a class where we draw a series of drawings on a free topic. I do my homework and prepare a project. It’s killing two birds with one stone. Just like when I worked with Humphrey last time.”

“ah.”

Jacqueline laughed.

“I knew it was going to happen, but I still do this sometimes. Sometimes it feels so awkward that Soo-hyun is a student.”

Jacqueline checked her watch and cleaned up her place.

“I’d like to talk more, but Su-hyeon has to go work quickly. Oh, the demonstration is literally just to help you understand the project, so don’t push yourself too hard. Mayor Bloomberg is a smart guy, so he’ll immediately see the value of this project even without a finished drawing.”

“Yes. I will pay attention to my stamina distribution.”

“and.”

Jacqueline laughed playfully.

“Can I join you in this meeting? I’ll also need to take on the role of Soo-hyun’s manager.”

“ah.”

“I want to see what Bloomberg’s reaction will be to the double meaning of the gift you mentioned later and the fact that Soo-hyun’s drawing is mixed up in the vending machine.”

“What’s your expression?”

“It’s more accurate and more fun to see things for yourself than to hear about them.”

“haha.”

Su-hyeon shook her head and laughed as she felt something like a lump in Jacqueline’s heart.

“Yes, do that, Jacqueline.”

A few more days passed.

***

When something that shouldn’t happen ends up happening, Koreans feel proud when they bring up the Miracle on the Han River.

However, it seems that the indomitable will and the challenge to the impossible are not exclusive to Koreans.

This time, Soohyun was surprised.

As Jacqueline said, for the past week, all Su-hyeon had to do was draw pictures.

Jacqueline, who understood Su-hyeon’s blueprints without fail, put together a sensible team and personally led them to complete the vending machine to be used in the demonstration.

It was a perfect vending machine with no deviation from the design and details that Soo-hyeon had handed over.

“It’s like you completely entered my head and then left?”

Jacqueline shrugged her shoulders as Soo-hyun exclaimed in admiration.

“I’ve been working with some of the most demanding artists in New York for a long time.”

“Haha. Thank you for your hard work. Actually, I didn’t expect this level of quality.”

“I’m glad you liked Soo-hyun. Now all I have to do is win Bloomberg’s heart.”

Jacqueline nodded, and a moment later, Bloomberg arrived at the meeting place.

“… … It’s a gift.”

The corners of Bloomberg’s mouth twitched in delight as he learned what the vending machine was for.

“It’s a warm attempt. And the expandability would be amazing.”

“That’s right. We’ll start with a few areas, but if the response is good, we can increase the number of vending machines.”

“The types of messages and gifts contained there will also be different?”

“Yes. At some point, we will need support. It will be touching to see people who can give gifts join us.”

“But the greater emotion is the second meaning of the gift.”

Bloomberg said with a faint smile.

“Among those who received the gift, those whose hearts have recovered will now share what they have.”

That was about the second project that was going to be done over a period of time.

Su-hyeon wondered if those who were affected by this project could have a positive influence on people in the same situation, and came up with the idea of ​​having people bring letters or small gifts telling their stories, and then putting those in the vending machine.

That is, the gift received blossoms into talent.

That was the second meaning of the gift.

“Then can I try it out myself now?”

Bloomberg stood up.

Now that I have a good understanding of the outline, I am determined to press the vending machine button myself and check out the contents of the unexpected gift.

At the same time, Jacqueline’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, and Soo-hyun’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Bam.

Bloomberg pressed the button.

Rattling.

The gift fell.

Bloomberg’s eyes sparkled with inexplicable joy as he took out the box and checked its contents.