MDSW 8

Chapter : 08

Is She a Genius Even in the Eyes of an Expert?

“So… how was the test?”

After Yoo Rina finished her drawing test, only Director Jang and I remained in his office.

Rina had stepped outside to play with the other teachers while we discussed the results.

Sitting across from him at a table with two cups of coffee, I waited nervously.

“Yes, it was more than sufficient.”

Director Jang spoke with confidence.

Then he leaned slightly forward, his expression turning meaningful.

“Yoo Rina is a genius.”

“G–genius?!”

“Yes. A genius with innate talent—she immediately absorbs anything she’s taught.”

He said it firmly, without hesitation.

“….”

Hearing an expert call my child a genius made the corners of my mouth twitch uncontrollably.

Just moments ago, I was half hopeful, half worried—but now, like any father, my ears turned red and my heart started pounding.

“S-so… what should I do?”

I stammered like an idiot, too excited to keep my composure.

I should’ve asked more calmly—more like the father of a genius.

“A child with such outstanding talent needs a strong foundation. If you entrust her to me, I’ll help build that base so she can fully develop her abilities. I intend to teach her personally.”

Instead of me asking him, it almost felt like he was asking me.

I could sense his genuine desire to support Rina.

“I’d be grateful if you could teach her yourself.”

“Haha… it’s been a while since my heart raced like this. Every line she drew made me wonder what kind of artist she’ll become in the future. It was exhilarating.”

His passion was unmistakable.

Seeing someone care this much about my daughter made me feel like I should do more for her too.

“Is there anything I should be doing? I’ve never experienced anything like this, so I don’t really know what to do.”

“You don’t need to feel pressured. This is just the beginning. As her father, simply support and encourage her—that’s the most important thing. And also the hardest.”

His warm smile calmed me down.

“Support and encouragement… right. That really is the hardest part.”

It struck a nerve.

That was exactly what I lacked in my past life.

And exactly what I wanted to give her this time.

“By the way, sir—Rina mentioned something interesting earlier. She said her mother was also a painter.”

I flinched.

When had Rina even said that? That kid really loved bragging about her parents.

“Yes, that’s right. To be precise, she was a painter… before she passed away. About ten years ago.”

Director Jang paused, startled.

He grew thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.

“Even so, Rina speaks about her so brightly. That’s admirable. Perhaps what she inherited isn’t just artistic talent.”

I agreed.

Even growing up without her mother, Rina had never shrunk back. She was always confident.

“If it’s not too intrusive… may I ask her name? I’m curious what kind of artist her mother was.”

I smiled and shook my head.

“Not intrusive at all. I like talking about my wife too—just like Rina does. Her name was Seol Hee-na. She mainly worked in character art. I’m not sure if you’d know her—she didn’t have a long career.”

“…What? Seol Hee-na?! You mean Seol Hee-na from Yeonhwa University?”

His eyes widened in shock.

“Yes. Do you know her?”

“Haha… so Rina is her daughter. That explains everything.”

He turned toward a small framed photo on his desk—a group picture with students from Yeonhwa University.

“There’s no way I wouldn’t know her. She was a genius too—just like Rina. I taught her briefly back in college.”

“…?!”

That was unexpected.

My wife had a connection with him?

Well… it made sense. She had attended a prestigious university, and someone like him would certainly have taught there.

“She was bright and energetic—always running around. Full of life, never tiring.”

“I know. That’s what made her so lovely.”

“But the moment she sat down to draw, she became a completely different person—focused, almost possessed. That contrast was unforgettable.”

He chuckled, taking a sip of coffee.

“I hope Rina grows up just as brightly as her mother.”

“That’s my greatest wish too.”

After that, we talked more—not just about Rina, but about my wife’s college days.

I found myself smiling more than I had in a long time.

She was someone I always missed.

I don’t know if I’ll do everything right—but I want to do my best to nurture the precious talent she left behind in Rina.

So that she can watch from above and smile.

So that she can be happy, wherever she is.

* * *

“Oh my, what is all this?! Why did you buy so much?”

As I drove into the apartment complex, I ran into Mrs. Choi.

She greeted Rina warmly, then her eyes widened at the pile of items in the back seat.

“We went for her art consultation today. I picked up a few things on the way.”

“A few?!”

On the way home, I stopped by an art supply store.

Director Jang said we only needed basic paper, a 4B pencil, and watercolor tools—

but as a father whose pride was sky-high, there was no way I could stop there.

I ended up buying everything in sight—even things I’d never seen before.

“Wait—there’s more in the trunk too?! Are you opening an art shop or something?!”

“Mom, can you help me carry this?”

“…Yeah. If I don’t, your back’s going to give out.”

Luckily, I ran into her.

Otherwise, I would’ve made four trips back and forth.

“Grandma! I went to an art academy today!”

“Aww~ our Rina went to art school? The teachers must’ve been amazed, right? You’re so good at drawing!”

“Yes! I got tons of compliments!”

“Of course you did! You’re the best!”

Watching her proudly brag, I smiled to myself.

This wasn’t just “compliments.”

An expert had called her a genius.

My daughter is a genius…

As a parent, nothing could make my heart race more.

A genius recognized by a top expert…

Would I even be able to sleep tonight?

Even on the way home, I felt like I was floating.

“Phew~ finally done. Seriously, why did you buy so much? Did they tell you to prepare for an exhibition already?”

Mrs. Choi glared at me after we carried everything inside.

But instead of feeling guilty, I lifted my chin smugly.

“…?”

She blinked, confused.

“Why are you acting like that?”

Mom, your granddaughter is a genius.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you sick?”

She’s a genius.

“Seong-woon… your expression is weird…”

Our treasure is a genius!!!

“You’re starting to scare me…”

Nothing could ruin my mood today.

Someone could hit me out of nowhere, and I’d still laugh it off.

Because—

My. Daughter. Is. A. Genius.

Flop—

I spread my arms and fell onto the bed.

I could almost see Rina’s future projected on the ceiling.

Dressed in an elegant gown—

The star of an exhibition in London.

People admiring her artwork—

Rina explaining her pieces fluently in foreign languages—

And me, watching proudly from afar.

The perfect future!

Compared to that, even my past success felt insignificant.

That’s right—my daughter will grow up to be a refined, world-class artist…!

“I’m gonna be a webtoon artist~!”

…?

My fantasy shattered instantly.

I turned my head—Rina was passing by the bedroom door.

A webtoon… artist?

Something felt off.

I got up and followed her to the living room.

She was lying on the floor, drawing in her sketchbook.

I peeked over her shoulder.

She was drawing a hero that looked like me, fighting monsters.

The quality was absurdly high for a doodle.

“Rina…?”

“Yes?”

“What are you drawing?”

“A comic. This is Dad Ranger.”

“D–Dad Ranger?”

I was flattered… but something still felt off.

“Do you like drawing comics too?”

“I always read webtoons on your phone.”

“Yeah, I know… but I didn’t know you liked drawing them.”

She just likes them, right…?

Then suddenly, she held up her sketchbook and smiled brightly.

“I decided today.”

“…What?”

“Hehe. I’m going to be a webtoon artist.”

…!!

I froze.

“Why… a webtoon artist? What about… London exhibitions?”

“Huh? London?”

I was flustered.

This was the first time she had ever talked about her dream.

It’s not that being a webtoon artist is bad, but… what about London? The exhibitions?

“The director told me I have a lot of talent. If I work hard, I can become someone amazing.”

“That’s right! You can! But why… a webtoon artist?”

I couldn’t help asking.

Her answer was short.

Simple.

“Because webtoon artists make a lot of money.”

“….”

I was completely blindsided.

It felt like I’d been hit on the head.

…My daughter is… a capitalist.