On a nearly-finished painting are colours of all kind blended to form a breathtaking scene, capturing the beauty of nature only the privilege few could ever chance upon.
Formerly a wide expanse of white, there is now dark sea of blue ocher stretching out with black streaks to emphasise the frightening depth.
Drawn floating on the sea is the silhouette of a small boat with the boatman holding an oar as he stands on his feet to overlook the distance.
The only source of light in the otherwise dark-themed painting is the full moon which brilliance is obstructed by the drifting grey clouds filling out the night sky.
Faint reflections of the full moon can be seen on the oceanic surface, the little brightness is a contrast to its surrounding.
The painter of this wonderful-yet-to-be-completed artwork is Kwon Yi-seul.
A mere hair-width away from the canvas is a pale hand with a brush. It is pointed at a specific spot, hovering about aimlessly. There seems to be a destination, but the way is unclear like a hazy mist.
It stays in that position for quite a while, long enough for the muscles to feel sore and still there is no movement. As if submerged in a frozen lake, unmoving and untouched by time.
Interrupting the stillness blanketing the room is a beige-coloured device which vibrates more than once. The uniquely-shaped device resembling a pager is securely placed on top of several stacked wooden crates tucked in the corner of the art studio.
Displayed on the screen are series of numbers in a pace so quick most wouldn't be able to catch, much less comprehend as it appears to be randomly selected.
The device itself is not designed to steal the attention of the user. Other then the low vibrations that could be felt when worn close to the person, it emits no sound nor flashes of light.
This, combined with the one-minded focus the lone figure concentrates in a single spot on the painting left the movements of the device goes unnoticed.
After the first few vibrations, the device goes completely still, indicating that whatever or whoever has caused it to move, has stopped attempting to.
Several more minutes ticked by in silence before the young painter finally shifts her brush elsewhere. Her attention is now set upon another corner of the painting for the finishing-touch.
Soon, the painting that was once impressive is now closing-in on becoming a masterpiece. As more and more strokes brushed the canvas, the better the painting becomes.
Every drop of the young woman's concentration is spent on the painting and thus the she fails to realise the entry of Assistant Baek into the art studio.
Assistant Baek enters the studio very quietly. With a pair of high-heels, it is nigh impossible to walk without making a sound, yet Assistant Baek accomplishes this with ease.
From where she stands near the doorframe, Assistant Baek can see the prodigious artist the art gallery's employees just clamoured noisily about, painting peacefully undisturbed.
This sight brings a smile to Assistant Baek's face, which is thought by the staffs working on the first floor to be incapable of expression. The cold gaze is warm and the tight line is quirked into a smile.
Assistant Baek looks positively stunning.
As carefully as she can, Assistant Baek takes out her smartphone from the pocket attached to her long-sleeved blouse. This smartphone is set to 'do not disturb' mode as always as required by the building's rules so as not to cause unnecessary noises.
Assistant Baek begins to type out a message to her employer, Kwon Yi-an. The older brother has contacted Assistant Baek when the little sister failed to make a call within the time specified.
As the President of a leading IT company of K Country as well as one of the two brains behind the successful ventures, Kwon Yi-an, this overprotective brother, has a unique communicating device specially-made for Kwon Yi-seul.
Due to her overwhelming status, Kwon Yi-seul does not carry a phone with her. The only method of communication is through the pager-like device that few has access to.
When Kwon Yi-seul is occupied, like she is now, it falls to Assistant Baek to check on her and later informs her condition to her brother.
Assistant Baek is smiling softly as she types the message to Kwon Yi-an: "Miss Yi-seul is immersed in her final painting for this season's art exhibit."
Amidst all of this, the young woman remains ignorant as she pours out her focus on her painting. Never would she notice the extra presence in the studio.
In addition, Assistant Baek is very experienced in making as little noise as possible. After the message is sent out, Assistant Baek surveys the painting supplies scattered about on the floor.
To ensure the young painter's progress is smooth-sailing, there should be no lack of painting supplies. Assistant Baek is the one in-charge of this, she soundlessly takes note of which is now less and what is lacking.
Upon discovering certain flaws that could certainly be better handled, a definite frown flashed past in Assistant Baek's eagle-like eyes which can't be hidden by the glasses.
In her mind, Assistant Baek has already singled out the responsible one for this oversight. The rest of her time is spent on making sure there is no more mistakes to be addressed.
Assistant Baek readies herself to leave as quietly as she entered. Just before exiting, Assistant Baek pauses in place and turns to face the young painter whose unwavering focus holds strong.
From here, Assistant Baek can only see the delicate back of Kwon Yi-seul and a small part of her profile. It's not her first time being faced with such a sight, yet Assistant Baek can't help but be mesmerised each time.
And like every other time, Assistant Baek takes out her smartphone and aims it towards the girl, the screen showing the young woman in its frames but careful not to include the painting she is working on.
A warm smile blooms on her face as Assistant Baek observes the picture she just conspicuously captured with her smartphone. A single picture of Kwon Yi-seul is more than enough to make Assistant Baek's day.
Assistant Baek thus vacates the art studio with a satisfied heart which is conspicuously reflected in the pair of eyes behind the protective shield of her glasses.
In the empty hallway, any warmth and gentleness that were only a few moments ago resting in Assistant Baek's gaze is now obsolete, as if it was never there.
The exclusive second-floor is quiet as Assistant Baek traverses soundlessly. It isn't until Assistant Baek walks down the stairs did the click-clock of her heels sounded once more.
The art gallery's workers are quick to notice Assistant Baek's return. Some are more liberals with their welcome than the others, while some throw shy glances.
Ignoring the excited whisperings, Assistant Baek strides confidently past the crowds and towards a certain man who is standing far, but within visible distance of the other workers.
Manager Kim stiffens. He realises he is in trouble. Being the oldest person in the art gallery doesn't mean he is free from scoldings even with K Country's social hierarchy that prioritises one's age.
"Manager Kim, there is a matter I need your attention on," Assistant Baek says crisply as she stops at a respectable distance from the older man.
The crowds has long ceased making noises as they realise Assistant Baek isn't in her greatest mood due to a mistake on Manager Kim's part. It's best not to draw unnecessary attention on their person unless they seek job termination.
Manager Kim's whole person is rigid, his movements robotic. He tries, to no avail, not to let it show as he leads Assistant Baek to his small office where the documents relating to the art gallery are stored and managed.
The small office is meant as documents depository and thus it is widely filled with files upon files that are neatly arranged for easy-finding. There is not a single chair inside, but the sliding-ladder can substitute as acceptable-seat when needed.
It is often called Manager Kim's office because the documents are off-limit to the other workers, but Manager Kim and Assistant Baek. Also, it is where the two senior workers hold their 'private conversation' which translates to 'addressing mistakes'.
Assistant Baek is quick to start the discussion, "Manager Kim, I discovered several...slip-ups that could certainly be better handled as I surveyed Miss Yi-seul's art studio."
The black-notebook Assistant Baek always carries on her person makes an appearance as she flips the pages to read the list to Manager Kim. The workers often joke that the notebook is akin to that of a death note as it can cost them their jobs.
"First, there is one unused, unopened, can of B17 and three empty can of B16. B16 and B17 are similar in colours but are ultimately different. I believe due to a shortage of B16, Miss Yi-seul has to blend various colours to produce B16," Assistant Baek narrates, her eyes narrowing as she recalls of the possible-grave mistake.
Manager Kim has known this as he was the person to deliver the paint cans to the second floor in the designated space for Kwon Yi-seul to take when she eventually needs it. The matter with the two paint cans, he is the one who knows most.
"This...Miss Yi-seul's recent paintings were focused around B16 as the base colour and our usual inventories aren't enough to make-up the usages. I have already placed additional orders, however as they have yet to come, I thought B17 was similar enough to be a substitute in the meantime," he explains weakly.
"Manager Kim," Assistant Baek cuts in sharply, "in regards to painting, I believe we are in full-agreement that Miss Yi-seul knows best. If she chose not to use B17 and instead blend other colours to get B16, then it means B17 can't be its substitute."
"...I apologise, Assistant Baek. I will rectify this matter as soon as possible," Manager Kim lowers his head obediently, he feels shame instead of anger at his mistakes being addressed by a younger generation.
"Thank you, Manager Kim. I understand it is difficult on you, but Miss Yi-seul needs the supports she can get. Ensuring her painting supplies are sufficient is highly important," Assistant Baek says, her voice returning to its usual quality.
Manager Kim nods gravely, he has known from when he was accepted into this job, that in this art gallery, Kwon Yi-seul has but one focus: painting. To acquire and supply what she needs to paint and to manage the art gallery are why they are hired. Instead of being burdened, the workers here are proud that they could support Kwon Yi-seul who brought immeasurable honour to K Country.
"I understand, Assistant Baek. I assure you, this would never happen again," Manager Kim promises determinedly, his dark-eyes that were dulled with age momentarily regaining its shine.
The workers at the art gallery are carefully selected from vast choices of personnels, their professionalism is indubitable. When mistakes are made, they are to be properly addressed.
In the case of one Jun Jung-hwan, whose works were remarkable during his short-career, he resigned as he could no longer bear Assistant Baek's weighty gaze after his failed-flirting-attempt.
A pleasant nod later, Assistant Baek informs Manager Kim of today's schedule after a brief reminder, "As for the rest, I will have the list posted on the board. I would appreciate if you could complete them before you got off work. Also, in about two hours, Miss Yi-seul would be leaving the art gallery. The final painting would be done by then, please have it displayed on the prepared area unless Miss Yi-seul says otherwise."
Managed Kim expresses his understanding, when he recalls he has forgotten something. "Assistant Baek, for the pre-opening today, it will happen at eleven..."
"...I believe the initial arrangement is for it to begin at twelve," Assistant Baek brings back her heavy momentum, her tone chilling.
For the second time today, Manager Kim feels like the temperature around him is arctic-cold. "I-I have received quite a number of feedbacks from the invitees, suggesting for the pre-opening to begin an hour earlier as it would be more convenient for them. Of course, I have intended to speak to Assistant Baek about this, but I was preoccupied with other matters and it slipped my mind until just now."
The heavy silence is not good for Manager Kim's fragile heart and he was about to apologise with his head lowered when Assistant Baek finally responds with a sigh.
"While I could have been informed earlier, there is nothing to be done now. Two hours are certainly enough for Miss Yi-seul to finish her painting, but we will barely make it with the preparations. The problem is..." Assistant Baek sounds tired, it's such a rare occurrence that Manager Kim feels even more guilty due to the late notification.
"I understand your concerns, Assistant Baek. I will instruct the staffs to keep watch for the guests while Miss Yi-seul exits from the back-entrance," Manager Kim readily offers.
As Kwon Yi-seul is a national figure whose talents are highly appreciated, there are some overzealous fans entirely devoted to her. In a pre-opening like this where only few handfuls are invited, the attendees are either the wealthy and influential, or the maniac.
In addition, it is not unusual for people to be at the gallery early as some prefer to enjoy the artworks quietly without any other company. There are usually two types of people who came before the time of the event: the politely-dedicated and the crazily-fanatic.
If it's the former, then Assistant Baek can be rest assured. However, if it's the latter, then there would be troubles to manage.
As Country K's Michelangelo, Kwon Yi-seul is exceedingly famous amongst the public. From best-selling books, top-hit songs and masterpiece paintings, Kwon Yi-seul is the person behind them all.
Inarguably, such a god-like figure attracts the utmost devotion of many.
While some may have enjoyed the fame, Kwon Yi-seul is the quirky-type of prodigy whose sole interest lies in her artworks.
In Assistant Baek's professional opinion, it is best if Kwon Yi-seul's appearance in public is limited. Many have fantasised about the centurial-figure Kwon Yi-seul, and as such, it should remain a fantasy.
"I will leave the arrangements in your hands, Manager Kim. I will be escorting Miss Yi-seul and I will be leaving with her. Should there be anything, please contact me," Assistant Baek finishes with a slight nod before she excuses herself as elegant as she entered.
The old Manager Kim scrambles to return the younger woman's courtesy even if he isn't obliged to it. For Manager Kim, Assistant Baek is his superior whose professionalism is classes above his, thus his due respect.
In this Masterpiece Art Gallery, there is no cut-throat working environment as in the offices. The workers are friendly with each other and there is no blaming one another.
With Kwon Yi-seul as the centre, there exists no higher levels but a flat ground where everyone else is at. In this way, an everlasting peace is achieved.