The Green Sanctuary and the Unexpected Feast

“You’re less than I thought. Quite dull. What on earth was Goo Jae-kyung doing while I was living with my teeth clenched? What did you do to end up so pathetic?”

“You… how dare a thing like you…!”

“Yes, a ‘thing like me’ is asking because I’m worried about the great Goo Jae-kyung. You’re the Vice President of GH Distribution, aren’t you? And yet, I heard you’re barely hanging onto a department store and a fading home shopping channel after losing the fashion and courier divisions to Goo Jae-eun. Just how badly did you mess up?”

Jae-hwi was well-acquainted with the details of Jae-kyung’s notorious first marriage. A few years ago, the eldest son and daughter of two conglomerates—groups that practically propped up South Korea—had wed. After just six months, they headed for divorce. Following a fierce legal battle, Jae-kyung was forced to surrender half her assets to her ex-husband.

The court had ruled that Jae-kyung was the party responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. While the public only knew of an “affair,” her actions couldn’t be summarized by such a simple word. The divorce proceedings had begun when her husband returned from a business trip to find three men in their marital bed at once.

Since that incident, she had been deeply out of favor with Goo Kwang-hyun. She had once insulted Jae-hwi’s biological mother—a woman she had never even met—claiming that their father had sought out a Russian dancer to satisfy his perverted sexual desires. To think that she, of all people, had inherited those very desires from her father was nothing short of a comedy.

“But do you know? Come to think of it, there’s one thing I’m grateful to you for. I plan to reward you for that part. It’s just a bit early for that… they say it’s bad luck to pop the champagne too soon. So just wait. Don’t fall apart yet. Don’t collapse. It wouldn’t be fun if you did.”

The cold night wind tousled Jae-hwi’s hair. The gaze revealed beneath was even more chilling than the crescent moon hanging over his shoulder.

“You said it once, didn’t you? That life isn’t fun because you have everything.”

On the day he heard that story from his secretary—who had heard it from a rookie actor frequenting Jae-kyung’s bed—Jae-hwi had laughed until his stomach hurt. Life isn’t fun? As a brother, he couldn’t let such a tragedy stand.

“It’s about to get very interesting.”

“…….”

“Look forward to it, Noona.”

Jae-hwi flashed another gentle smile at Jae-kyung, whose lips were bitten white, and stepped back. As he walked away, leaving behind a trembling Jae-kyung who glared at his back, a light dusting of snow began to swirl in the air.

“Almost everything has been sold already.”

“Yes.”

“How does it feel? From planning and scouting to promotion and management—this is the first exhibition you’ve handled as Deputy Director.”

“I’m relieved the response has been good, but… it’s a bit disappointing that no one seems to recognize Artist Han Ga-ram’s work.”

“Hmm… they’re a newcomer, after all. You know how it is. Most of our clients view art as an investment rather than an object of appreciation.”

Taerin nodded and lifted her teacup. The bitterness on her face stemmed from the fact that it was she who had discovered Han Ga-ram and introduced them in Gallery Won’s first exhibition of the year.

It was largely thanks to Hong Won-young’s trust in her eye that she was able to hang three pieces by a rookie among the works of famous artists. Won-young had given her full support and told her to go for it, which gave Taerin the courage to try.

But now, with the exhibition nearly over, only Han Ga-ram’s pieces remained unsold. It made her feel ashamed; she had practically snatched the paintings away from the artist—who had initially refused to participate—by promising she would sell them at a high price.

“These are people who won’t even glance at a piece unless there’s a history of awards or at least some media exposure. Artist Han is a purely domestic talent with no overseas studies or flashy titles to their name—someone who relies solely on the work itself.”

“Yes….”

Watching Taerin’s dejected expression, Hong Won-young set down her reading glasses and smiled.

“Alright, that’s enough talk between the Director and Deputy Director. Don’t be upset. If it really doesn’t work out, I’ll just buy them with my own money.”

“Mom….”

Taerin let out a short laugh, and Hong Won-young widened her eyes as if to ask why she was reacting like that.

“Is there any reason I can’t? I genuinely like them. I realized why you kept standing in front of that artist’s paintings.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You’ve always liked green, Taerin. That artist uses green in so many diverse and beautiful ways. Looking at them feels healing. They’d be perfect for an office. Better than keeping a high-maintenance plant.”

“Right?”

“Exactly.”

Taerin beamed at her mother, who was validating her artistic eye.

“How was your business trip?”

“It was enjoyable for the first time in a while. It was a business trip, but I felt like I was on vacation. It’s all thanks to you. Because you held down the fort so well as Deputy Director, I was able to travel the world during the busiest season.”

Hong Won-young’s eyes sparkled like a young girl’s. It seemed she was telling the truth; her hollow cheeks, long thinned by nervous exhaustion, finally had some color. Taerin loved seeing her this way.

“Next time, let’s go together.”

“If the opportunity arises.”

“Opportunities are things you make. Don’t live a dull life. I always tell you that.”

Hong Won-young’s thin hand, patting the back of Taerin’s, was warm. Taerin felt a surge of effortless affection and let out a quiet breath.

“Yes, Mom. I will.”

The feeling of warmth spreading through her brought a natural smile to her face. As she watched Taerin, however, Hong Won-young’s expression suddenly stiffened as if she had remembered something.

“But, Taerin.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I heard a strange rumor… about Director Jeong.”

Hong Won-young referred to her future son-in-law, Jeong Se-hyeon, by his title. At the sudden shift in topic, Taerin realized the rumors about Se-hyeon seeing another woman had finally reached her mother’s ears.

Worry surged in the eyes that carefully searched hers. Taerin narrowed her eyes for a moment, then shook her head with a laugh and a shrug.

“Mom, it’s not like that.”

“…It’s not?”

“No. Since the engagement has been going on so long, people are just starting to talk. People are so strange—they just make things up out of thin air.”

“Really…?”

“You know Se-hyeon isn’t that kind of person. He’s so good to me. I actually found out about those rumors from him first.”

“Did you?”

“Yes. I laughed because it was so ridiculous, and he apologized for letting me hear such nonsense. I told him it was just a baseless rumor and he had nothing to be sorry for, and he just went, ‘I guess you’re right.’ We laughed so much that day.”

“Well, if that’s the case, then I’m relieved….”

Taerin maintained a stoic front for her mother, who still looked unconvinced. Her expression suggested that absolutely nothing was wrong and there was no need for concern.

“Taerin.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Are you truly living the life you want?”

It was a question she had heard many times. When choosing her university, her major, when going to America for grad school, and when getting engaged upon her return. Every time Taerin made a major decision, Hong Won-young asked. Is this what you really want? Is this your choice?

Because it was a familiar question, Taerin didn’t hesitate.

“Of course.”

Taerin nodded with certainty and looked her mother in the eye. She didn’t forget to lift the corners of her mouth into a soft smile as the older woman searched her eyes for the truth.

“I see.”

Just as Hong Won-young finally relaxed, a knock at the door drew their attention. Han So-yeon, the Operations Manager, opened the door.

“It looks like we don’t have to worry about the lunch menu today!”

“Huh?”

Han So-yeon looked flushed and excited for some reason. Her voice was higher and brighter than usual.

“A magnificent feast was just delivered for the Deputy Director.”

“What…?”

“And there’s enough for all of us! Come out quickly and see.”

Tilted her head in confusion, Taerin stood up with Hong Won-young. They followed Han So-yeon to the staff lounge inside the gallery office. There, in the spot where the sofa usually sat, was a wide table that hadn’t been there before. And….

“What on earth is this?”

The table, draped in a fresh cloth, was covered in beautifully packaged lunch boxes. Through the transparent lids, she could see gimbap, radish wraps, spring rolls, vegetable sticks, meat skewers, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and seasonal fruits packed tightly together.

There was soup and tea prepared on the side, and even napkins and utensils were perfectly set out. The charming and tasteful lunch set looked both elegant and appetizing.

Taerin’s gaze followed the meal—likely set up by a professional catering company—until it landed on a flower basket at the very end of the table. As she stepped toward it, Assistant Manager Choi So-ra handed her a small envelope.