I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy-Chapter 94

But where was he?

If Master hadn’t reincarnated, he’d likely still look the same as he did in the past.

But considering his age, he would’ve lived decades longer by now.

The thought was oddly unsettling.

Come to think of it, Master always seemed to leave traces connected to him wherever I went.

Whether it was a masterpiece or even just a doodle.

Maybe this time too, what seemed like coincidence would reveal itself to be fate.

It felt like Master had predicted my movements and set things in motion ahead of time.

Either way, I had no other leads. I’d just have to follow the trail.

The only thing I know for sure is that he’s somewhere here in China.

He had disappeared a long time ago.

He might have already left China, considering the doodles must’ve been drawn years ago.

What would I do then? Just accept it and move on.

I was stuck here for six months anyway.

Might as well spend the time restoring paintings.

With those thoughts, I returned to the school with the chairman.

Classes were still ongoing, so I couldn’t head home yet.

...Maybe I should just claim I’m sick and go home.

But my conscience wouldn’t allow that. So, quietly, I endured the lessons until school ended.

On the way home.

"So? Where were you earlier?"

"Hm? Oh. Just at the museum, checking on something."

Hong Yea-Hwa and I were walking down the street together.

The other two?

“Yul-ah, how about we try this place next?”

“And this one after that!”

They were fully embracing their roles as food-loving high school girls.

I couldn’t get used to the greasy food here.

Maybe it was just my taste buds.

Whatever the reason, they’d split off from us to indulge in snacks.

"The museum... because of the masterpieces?"

"Well, yeah."

"Why are you so obsessed with those paintings? Did you come to China as an exchange student just for that?"

"Hmm. Let’s just say it’s partly to keep a promise."

Yea-Hwa tilted her head. From her perspective, it made sense—she didn’t know my full circumstances.

"And there’s someone I need to find here. It’s not just about the paintings."

"That person... is it your Master?"

"Oh... Did I tell you that?"

"Yep. You mentioned it during the Prize competition."

Wow. She remembered something from a year ago?

I knew Yea-Hwa was sharp, but remembering an offhand comment like that...

She really was something else.

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"It’s not that big of a deal. I just have some personal questions I want answered."

"Hmm. Want me to help you find him?"

"Really? That’d be great, but honestly, I don’t even know..."

"Know what?"

Her head tilted the other way now, her crimson hair swaying gently.

Watching her for a moment, I decided to explain.

It had been years since I’d last seen Master. I couldn’t even remember his face clearly.

I wasn’t even sure if he was still here.

"This might be harder than I thought," she admitted.

"That’s putting it lightly. Master’s always been... how should I put it? Like a sage."

"Hmm. So, does that mean he’s better at painting than you?"

Her narrowed eyes locked onto mine, challenging.

What was this? A duel?

Instead of rising to it, I just chuckled.

"Maybe when I was younger. But now, I’d win easily."

That’s what I said, but...

How on earth did he manage those doodles? The angel sketch was particularly baffling.

I still thought of Master as a monster capable of drawing worlds yet to be born.

"Please. You’re only eighteen."

Her amused laughter lightened my mood.

Work was work, but moments like this were for enjoying.

"Have you considered that he might’ve met you ten years ago?"

"I doubt that’s the case."

Yea-Hwa smirked at my response.

At that moment...

"Exactly! Ten years ago, Eun-i didn’t have a Master!"

"Right on!"

The other two suddenly chimed in, startling me.

At some point, they’d rejoined us, food still in their mouths.

"You’re not even—never mind. Guess you were hungry."

I wondered how long this running gag would continue.

"We’ve known Eun-i since she was four, and she’s never had a Master!"

"I’ve known her since she was ten!"

"See?"

What were these two up to now?

As the chaotic chatter continued, we eventually arrived home.

“Home” might not be the right word. Maybe “boarding house” fits better.

Our family wasn’t the only one staying here.

The families of these three girls also lived here.

I’d thought it would be too small for so many people.

But thanks to Dad’s knack for arranging things, the house was spacious enough to accommodate us comfortably.

It was a three-story standalone house with plenty of rooms.

Recently built, it had modern facilities that made it very comfortable.

But there was one thing I hadn’t accounted for.

The presence of them.

Originally, these girls were supposed to stay with their exchange student hosts.

For some reason, they’d ended up living here instead.

Even when I asked, no one gave me a straight answer.

Not even the teacher overseeing the exchange program would explain.

Why bother with the exchange program if this is how it’s handled?

I sighed as I stepped inside.

The second and third floors were typical rooms for living.

The first floor had the kitchen, living room, and other essential spaces.

Adults used the second floor, while kids stayed on the third.

After school, I always felt a bit drained.

Maybe I had more energy when I was at the museum.

The girls went inside, and I stretched my neck before taking off my shoes.

"Son, you’re back?"

"Yeah. Oh, here’s a gift."

While the girls scattered to their families, Mom came out to greet me.

On my way home, I’d passed some shops and picked up something for her.

Between the air pollution and her health, it wasn’t easy for her to go out often.

So, I figured it was better to grab something while I was out.

"Ooh... What’s this?"

"Some kind of yakgwa-like snack?"

Since only Dad and I could speak Chinese, I gave her a simple explanation.

It was supposedly a traditional Chinese treat.

Honestly, I just bought it because I thought Mom and Yoon might like it.

Women often crave sweets in unfamiliar places, right?

...Or maybe not.

Mom smiled and thanked me before taking it to Yoon, who was lounging in the living room.

Without school to worry about, she looked completely at ease.

So jealous...

Jealousy might be a losing game, but this was a battle I couldn’t win.

"Yoon, you don’t even come out to greet me anymore."

"You wouldn’t understand this ennui, Brother."

"What are you even saying?"

The moment she spotted the snack Mom brought, Yoon’s eyes lit up.

High school girls, middle school girls—it didn’t matter.

Give them sweets, and all was well.

At least her teeth are still fine.

Suppressing a laugh, I put my bag down.

Even if I didn’t carry much, I still had to look like a proper student.

Otherwise, I’d come across as a delinquent.

"Where’s Dad?"

"He said he’d be late today. Something about a meeting."

Mom answered while sitting next to Yoon.

Dad, your ungrateful son is truly sorry for all the trouble he’s causing.

Please endure just another year and a half, and I’ll make it worth your while.

Living here feels... unbalanced.

Aside from Dad, me, and Choi Ye-Seo’s father, all the other residents were women.

The gender ratio was skewed heavily in their favor.

It’s a bit uncomfortable, honestly.

If I were still a girl, it might not have been an issue.

Sighing internally, I glanced around the spacious living room.

It felt twice the size of a normal family’s living space.

This was the communal area for the four families living here.

"Ooh!"

I felt something cling to my leg.

Looking down, I saw a toddler.

"Yena’s been waiting for you all day," said Yoo Ji-Hye, one of the other mothers, munching on the snack I’d brought.

Squatting down, I gently pinched Yena’s chubby cheeks.

"Sigh. Having a handsome son means losing him to everyone else."

"We’re just leftovers," Mom quipped back, laughing with Ji-Hye.

"Alright, Yena. Go back to your sister now."

"Nooo!"

The toddler, Choi Ye-Na, was Ye-Seo’s younger sister.

She was only two years old.

I’d seen pictures of her through Ye-Seo before, but she’d grown so much.

Seeing her brought back memories of Yoon as a baby, and it warmed my heart.

"Yena, you’re making your sister sad," Ye-Seo pouted.

Immediately, Yena scampered over to her, just like her sister.

After exchanging greetings, I headed up to my room and changed clothes.

Washing up quickly, I lay on my bed before heading back downstairs.

Tomorrow, I’ll start the search.

Finding Master felt harder than looking for a needle in the desert.

But I had a hunch about where to begin.

The high school I was attending here—Beijing No. 3 High School.