The Mysterious Art Museum

Chapter 42 (1) - The Mysterious Art Museum

Minyoung, with a curious look in her eyes, pulls out her phone in the elevator and searches for something before showing it to me.

"Look at this."

Is it a video?

The video Minyoung shows is a refrigerator advertisement uploaded on YouTube.

A famous female celebrity seems to be mimicking Monica's demonstration in front of the board, acting in the video. It looks great with the fantastic lighting and the beautiful celebrity, but honestly, Monica seemed prettier than this actress.

Watching the video, I nod and say, "The ad turned out well."

Minyoung, still observing my nonchalant face, taps a part of her phone. What's she showing me next? I look where her finger is pointing and am struck dumb.

What's this, a mistake?

Why are the views like this?

Eight million views?

For a refrigerator ad?

I look at Minyoung with eyes about to pop out. She smiles and says, "It's only been two days. Can you believe how popular it's become?"

I'm speechless.

The ad was good, but was it that shocking for the public compared to Monica's impressive demonstration?

Then, right on cue, I get a call from Monica.

I fish out my phone from my pocket and show it to Minyoung, asking, "Do phones work in this elevator?"

"Ha, it's a five-star hotel, artist."

Hmm, should've known since it's a five-star hotel. Anyway, it seems to have reception.

"Can I take this call?"

"Of course."

Ugh, speaking English on an empty stomach. But I have to.

"Hello, Monica. This is Ban."

- Jung Hoon! Why aren't you answering your phone? You're not still out painting portraits, are you?

Hearing Monica, I'm reminded of our first meeting. I didn't answer my phone, so she went to my house and found out from my landlady that I was in Ikseon-dong.

I laugh and respond, "Ha, I was out painting portraits until recently. But now, I'm at President Minyoung's hotel."

- Oh? So, you got a second commission?

I glance at Minyoung before saying, "Seems like it."

- That's wonderful news.

"Thanks to you. But what's up? Is it about the refrigerator?"

- You knew?

"I just heard from President Minyoung. The ad response is great."

- Ah, for the first time, MG Electronics' ad impact has surpassed five stars. The marketing department is out celebrating with a company dinner.

I suppress a laugh internally. MG Electronics, known for its anti-marketing team, must be thrilled with this success.

"That's great news."

- You haven't heard about the sales figures, have you?

"I was just discussing that with President Minyoung. But I doubt she knows the exact numbers yet?"

- Right, even as a major shareholder, she probably doesn't know yet. But she must know about the stock situation, right?

Stocks. They have nothing to do with me. I don't own a single share.

Nor do I have a securities account.

"Are there a lot of pre-orders?"

- With the ad doing so well, of course.

"Over 300 units?"

I ask because I get incentives for sales over 300 units. Then comes her laugh.

- Ha ha, Jung Hoon, you have a knack for humor.

Huh? What's funny?

After a good laugh, Monica says with a smile in her voice, "Already 5,000 pre-orders."

I'm speechless.

The elevator doors open on the first floor.

But my mind freezes in place.

5,000 units? 5,000?

Wait, how much was the refrigerator?

Let's say it's 2 million won each. That's 40,000 won per unit at 2% incentive.

4,700 units after subtracting the first 300?

I mutter, dazed, "That's over 180 million won..."

Minyoung, listening beside me, smiles. I hear Monica's voice through the phone.

- That's just the pre-orders. Once they hit the national department stores and MG Electronics' own stores, sales will soar.

If Minyoung hadn't been ahead, I would have jumped for joy right there in the elevator. The incentives are this frightening? I manage to hold back my laughter and ask, "How much was the refrigerator?"

- The price?

"Yes."

- 1.46 million won.

Wow, cheaper than I thought.

So, 29,200 won per unit. Heh, still over 130 million.

"I can't believe it."

- What?

"No, not you, Monica. Thanks for letting me know."

- Let's meet soon. I have something to talk about.

"Of course, I'll call you."

Worried about revealing my materialistic thoughts, I quickly ended the call.

My facial muscles twitched, barely holding back laughter. Thanks to Min-young walking ahead and occasionally glancing back, I desperately tried to contain myself.

With the payment for Monicas painting, the advance from MG, and the incentives, I might be able to afford a security deposit. Then my family could live together, right?

The most important thing is a steady income source.

Essential to get rid of the basic living assistance label.

And Min-young walking ahead is going to help me with that.

I dont know how many murals shell commission, but it will take a few months at least.

Min-young turns around after my call ends and says,

You heard, right?

Ah, yes.

I barely held back another burst of laughter. Min-young smiled and said,

Thanks to you, MG Electronics stock went up 3% in one day. I made some money too.

I have no idea how much stock she owns, so I cant grasp how much shes talking about. Besides, I know nothing about stocks anyway.

Im glad I could help.

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