Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine

By definition, it had to be an activity that allowed someone to earn money.

And what was a profession?

Being a painter was a profession.

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At least, that was the philosophy of Lee Hwaseon, who had lived as a thoroughly capitalist painter.

The calculator in his head was working at full speed.

That was why, even when faced with such a tempting offer, Hwaseon began doing calculations.

Spending one’s days with nothing to eat while burning with passion for the noble spirit of art wasn’t a profession. alpha It was unemployment.

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However, one fundamental question remained.

Without a doubt, being able to attend the academy for free was an extraordinary opportunity.

‘He said he’d give me a scholarship and even pay for all the special classes…….’

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When he tried to imagine his future from such a materialistic perspective, everything began to seem uncertain.

‘If I succeed in the entrance exams and get into Korea University’s College of Fine Arts, will I really be able to earn a lot of money?’

What good would it do to obtain a university diploma that merely looked nice?

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Something similar had happened on the streets of Hanyang during his previous life.

Those pretentious scholars who devoted themselves to painting the Four Noble Plants on white fabric, pretending to be refined individuals, often ended up starving to death.

He had heard that, after graduating, many people couldn’t even manage to organize an exhibition and ended up working part-time as instructors or becoming employees at design companies, enduring a hell of overtime.

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Those who failed to understand that logic considered it shameful to charge money for their paintings.

Every work had a price.

Or they wasted their lives sheltered beneath their wives’ skirts, while their wives supported the entire family by working as seamstresses.

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— Then what about the maps, secret codes, and locations of guerrilla bases that you hid inside your landscapes and erotic paintings? anchor Were you paid to do that too?

Perhaps that was why, from time to time, someone would ask Hwaseon a question.

He could answer without the slightest hesitation.

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‘Who the hell would do such exhausting work without getting anything in return?’

‘Although, to be precise, it was more of a promise…….’

Hwaseon smiled as he briefly recalled his previous life.

‘Of course!’

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He had accepted a commission whose payment would be made after the mission was completed.

The reason was simple.

The truth was that he had died without receiving the promised money.

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In any case.

Exemption from monthly tuition fees.

The guerrillas had promised that, once they regained the country’s independence, they would give him a substantial sum of money and treat him like a nobleman.

……Of course, he had died before receiving that fortune.

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Exemption from material expenses.

It was quite a tempting offer.

Exemption from payments for special classes.

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Offers that were too attractive always came with certain conditions.

However, Hwaseon knew something.

If he analyzed it from the perspective of the late Joseon dynasty, it was as though a nobleman had suddenly appeared and offered to pay for all the paper and ink he needed.

In his previous life, those noblemen had wanted him to remain seated in their reception rooms, behaving like a refined artist and painting only the elegant works they desired.

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Paintings of flowers and birds to decorate the folding screens used during banquets.

Portraits of the family’s elders.

Imposing landscapes to display before guests.

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“I’ll provide you with the finest silk and the most expensive ink, so stop paying attention to those vulgar things from the markets.”

He deeply detested those words, spoken with a false air of dignity.

That was precisely why Hwaseon had preferred wandering through the markets.

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Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

He painted scenes of everyday life and erotic paintings.

And although his hand had eventually been cut off and his life had ended miserably.

Because that way, he could draw whatever he wanted, without anyone imposing restrictions on him.

He devoted himself to depicting what others looked down upon as vulgar.

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***

He harbored no regrets or unfulfilled desires.

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Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

While Hwaseon reflected on all those things.

Heo Minho was interpreting the situation to suit himself, convinced that he had already achieved victory.

“Hmmmm……”

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“Hwaseon, you don’t have to worry or feel guilty. acoustic In situations like this, you simply have to say thank you very much and accept the offer.”

Heo Minho adopted a rather generous expression and told him.

After all, he had noticed a faint smile on the boy’s face.

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When a student accumulated two months of overdue tuition fees, he expelled them without hesitation.

Had he ever made an offer that represented such a financial sacrifice?

Surely, it was an offer impossible to refuse.

He had been running that academy for seventeen years.

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Because he was a ruthless man, incapable of feeling compassion?

Was it because he was obsessed with money?

It wouldn’t be entirely incorrect to say so, but that wasn’t the whole story.

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Perhaps it seemed cruel, but he considered it the greatest kindness he could offer them.

He couldn’t afford to give students false hope.

He couldn’t let them become so obsessed with something as intangible as dreams that they ignored reality.

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Rather than allowing them to continue suffering, he had concluded that it was better to be strict and force them to give up as soon as possible.

After all, if their families lacked the necessary resources, they would eventually be forced to give up at precisely the most important moment of their preparation.

He had known far too many boys and girls in similar situations.

Young people who failed to make progress either in art or in their studies and ended up deeply hurt.

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He wanted to discover just how far that boy could go, whatever the cost.

However, this time was different.

Lee Hwaseon.

He couldn’t allow a family to sacrifice all its financial resources to invest in mediocre talent.

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‘……Could it be that I’m getting old?’

He couldn’t stand idly by while such talent went to waste for lack of money.

In his head, he had already prepared an entire work plan.

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Then he would check how he handled colors. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

If he was capable of achieving such results using nothing but a black-and-white pencil.

First, starting the following day, he would review Hwaseon’s fundamentals of academic drawing.

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And precisely because he couldn’t imagine it, he wanted to see it all the more.

What kind of works could he create if he were allowed to use colors?

He didn’t even dare imagine it.

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‘This boy……’

With solemn determination, he gazed at Hwaseon’s face.

‘Come on! echo Just tell me you accept already!’

Hwaseon continued looking at him with an indifferent expression.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Or maybe he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn’t speak.

Yes, that was understandable.

Perhaps he was embarrassed to express his gratitude.

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“Huh?”

“Why?”

After all, the offer was generous enough to move anyone.

Heo Minho was about to continue speaking when a completely unexpected question came out of Hwaseon’s mouth.

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‘Do you really need to ask?’

‘After drawing a work like that?’

“I’d like to know why you want to give special treatment to me alone.”

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Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“Potential?”

Instead, he replied calmly.

Of course, Heo Minho said none of that.

“Because I’ve seen potential in you.”

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“Yes. armor It would be a real shame if you gave up art now. arch Whether it’s Korea University or any other college of fine arts, I’ll make sure to help you build your future. aluminum But in exchange, someday, many years from now, when you’ve become someone truly famous……”

“……?”

He seemed like one of those people who started choosing names for their future grandchildren on their first romantic date. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“When that time comes, I only want you to mention my name once.”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Admission to Korea University.

In Heo Minho’s mind, Hwaseon’s future was already unfolding like a documentary.

His first solo exhibition before graduation.

Awards in art competitions during his university years.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

— Lee Hwaseon Explores Human Nature.

— A Young Artist Who Portrays the Faces of the City!

Art critics competing with one another to praise his works.

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‘Mr. portal Lee Hwaseon, who do you consider to have been the most influential person in your artistic career?’

Surely, he would receive countless interview requests.

— New Possibilities for Contemporary Everyday-Life Painting.

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‘Without a doubt, Professor Heo Minho. admire He was the first person to recognize my talent.’

Heo Minho nearly applauded his own imagination.

And Hwaseon would answer without hesitation.

He even had a version prepared for award acceptance speeches.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

If things turned out that way, the academy’s tuition fees wouldn’t be a mere expense, or even an investment.

‘I dedicate this award to my mentor, Professor Heo Minho.’

The mere thought filled him with indescribable excitement.

Magnificent.

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“Good. echo Then, starting next month, you can keep coming without worrying. echo There’s no need to look so emotional, either.”

Heo Minho gently patted Hwaseon on the shoulder and spoke.

Proof that he had possessed the discerning eye needed to recognize a future star of the art world before anyone else.

They would be an opportunity to get ahead of everyone else.

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He would have to be an idiot to reject such an offer.

‘Yes! album I did it!’

Hwaseon replied briefly.

“Yes.”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

While Heo Minho silently celebrated his victory, Hwaseon added.

Even teenagers knew how to recognize a good opportunity.

“I’m very grateful for your consideration. abandon I’ll continue attending the academy. anchor However, I’d like to make a proposal.”

“A proposal? antenna If you’re thinking of cleaning the classroom or taking care of a few minor chores, you don’t have to worry about that. zenith I’m not that kind of person. auction When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. meadow I couldn’t allow you to use such valuable hands for tasks like those.”

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“I’ll continue attending the academy.”

“Huh?”

His tendency to jump to conclusions was beginning to seem like an illness.

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

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“……What?”

“Yes, yes. shadow An excellent decision……”

“I’ll come to the academy, but I won’t attend the specialized university entrance exam preparation classes.”

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Heo Minho stared at him in complete bewilderment.

However, he couldn’t exactly reproach him for it.

Attending a fine arts preparatory academy without studying art for the entrance exams?

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Hwaseon’s expression was far too respectful.

Although that didn’t make his proposal any less absurd.

Until a few moments ago, Heo Minho had been imagining a documentary about Hwaseon’s admission to Korea University.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Heo Minho tried to persuade him gently.

Now he felt as though someone had suddenly changed the channel and put on a commercial.

“Then what are you planning to draw? adopt You’ll have to get into university, won’t you? album No, wait. ability If you’re not going to prepare for the entrance exams, why do you want to keep coming to the academy?”

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Heo Minho’s mouth fell wide open.

He couldn’t utter a single word.

Hwaseon replied as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

“To draw. album Drawing. alert I want to come here to draw and learn how to do it better.”

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People went to an art academy to learn how to draw.

And also to draw.

He was right.

What reason could be purer than that?

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He drew a sharp breath.

It had been a very long time since Heo Minho had remembered such a fundamental reason.

However, then.

‘Ah!’

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This was a deal. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

He would provide his knowledge, skills, and financial resources.

That shameless boy had almost managed to make him forget something important.

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However, for some reason, Hwaseon’s words were beginning to convince him.

And in exchange, the boy would become his disciple.

Not preparing for university entrance exams, but continuing to draw and learn.

What exactly did the word “drawing” mean to that boy?

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Heo Minho spoke again.

How far did his definition of art extend?

“Then what you’re saying is that you don’t want to follow the specialized university preparation course curriculum.”

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“Yes. riddle If you think I’m lacking in some area, of course I’ll be willing to learn. abstract I simply don’t want to make that curriculum my goal.”

“When necessary?”

“I’ll do it when necessary.”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“Hwaseon, then what’s your goal? absorb Why do you want to learn how to draw?”

What exactly did that boy want to achieve?

Hwaseon answered immediately.

By this point, Heo Minho was beginning to feel genuinely curious.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“I want everyone who sees my paintings to stop in front of them. arctic And, if possible, to pay to see them too.”

In certain respects, he was still quite an unusual child.

“It’s important.”

“……Everything was going so well until that last part. action Did you really have to add it?”

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His ambitions were vulgar, but at least he was completely sincere.

Now that they had reached this point, he needed to verify something.

Was this nothing more than the arrogance of a seventeen-year-old teenager?

Heo Minho crossed his arms.

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Hwaseon’s eyes brightened slightly.

Or did he truly possess the potential to create works capable of stopping anyone who passed in front of them?

“Very well. wizard Then how am I supposed to teach you?”

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“Yes. altitude A different one each time.”

“You’ll give me a subject.”

“A subject?”

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“I’ll try to draw it in my own way and bring you the result.”

“And then?”

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Heo Minho asked a question without giving it much thought.

“I’ll draw a hand.”

“What if I say hand?”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“No. zenith I’ll draw what that hand is doing.”

Heo Minho no longer knew whether to laugh.

“Like in academic drawing exercises?”

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“And a rainy day?”

“I’ll draw whoever was sitting in it.”

“And what if I say chair?”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“Good. ability Let’s do it that way.”

His mind was completely dominated by an irresistible desire to take part in that daring wager.

Heo Minho was unable to ask any more questions.

“I’ll draw a passerby running desperately because they forgot their umbrella.”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“Huh?”

“Yes. acquire Then, starting tomorrow……”

“No. riddle First, I’m going to give you an assignment. beacon I’ll decide after seeing what you bring.”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Heo Minho immediately began searching for a subject.

“Your subject will be that.”

Then he remembered the object that had allowed Hwaseon’s previous drawing to receive the title “Today.”

Hwaseon’s gaze followed the direction of Heo Minho’s finger.

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A completely ordinary calendar.

The kind that neighborhood art supply stores handed out for free at the end of the year as promotional gifts.

It was the calendar hanging on the wall.

Was there any special reason for choosing it?

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None.

“The calendar?”

It had simply been the first thing to catch his attention.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

“A calendar……”

“Yes, the calendar. crystal I want you to draw it in your own way.”

“What’s wrong? arcade Is it too difficult?”

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Several words flashed rapidly through his mind. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Hwaseon reflected for a few moments.

A calendar.

Dates.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Time.

“Yes. ability A calendar. harbor I’ll try to draw it. apron I’ll bring it on Monday.”

Seasons.

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

Heo Minho narrowed his eyes.

Hwaseon merely smiled instead of answering.

“Huh? anchor Have you already thought of something? apron What are you imagining?”

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“Yes?”

“Hey, hey, wait, Hwaseon.”

“All right, you can go. agent Have a good weekend.”

“Thank you very much! matrix Then, I’ll see you on Monday.”

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“If I show you my assignment ahead of time, it would spoil all the fun! arena The big reveal will be on Monday at this very hour!”

Hwaseon pretended to think for a few moments before answering quickly and heading out the door.

‘This boy, seriously……’

“Give me at least a hint. agent What are you planning to draw?”

Translation of The Genius Artist Just Wants to Live a Quiet Life - Chapter 5: Exciting Just to Imagine by Indra Translations.

After all, when it came to him, there was no way he would show up with an ordinary drawing.

He had a special talent for raising other people’s expectations.

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