Chapter 46

46

* * * *

St. Peter's Basilica.

Or St. Peter's Cathedral. Or St. Peter's Church, sometimes known as the Church of St. Peter, occasionally as the Vatican Basilica, or to some, the Vatican Cathedral.

St. Peter's Basilica, with its many names, is the central sanctuary of Catholicism, the highest-ranking basilica, the largest church, and the cathedral of the Pope, and it is the most sacred, famous, and grand architectural structure on earth.

This has been the case since Emperor Constantine of Rome built St. Peter's Basilica over the tomb of the first Pope, St. Peter, in 326.

In 1506, it was demolished by order of Pope Julius II and rebuilt by Bramante, then passed to Giuliano da Sangallo, Fra Giocondo, and Raphael, and through Baldassare Peruzzi and Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane.

Until 1547, when the seventy-two-year-old Michelangelo was appointed the chief architect of St. Peter's, nothing had changed.

Today, we remember Michelangelo as the architect of this great St. Peter's Basilica.

It took 120 years for St. Peter's Basilica to be completed again in 1626, and Michelangelo served as the chief architect for 15 of those years.

Despite the six architects before him and the two after, why do we remember it this way?

Because Michelangelo made the most decisive contribution to the beauty of this great architectural work.

An artist who, despite all the jealousy and intrigue, redesigned the dome of the basilica, reviving the prototype of grand and balanced Baroque architecture.

This is why we must acknowledge that Michelangelo was not only an artist but also an outstanding architect.

* * * *

"Something else...?"

Ryu Su-hyun turned his head in confusion to follow Kang Seok. Due to his poor eyesight, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked out the window. Through his blurred focus, he saw a building.

It was a creepy old building that fit the abandoned amusement park. A building? Could it be a building? What? Ryu Su-hyun looked at Kang Seok with a disbelieving gaze.

"Surely you're not talking about building something here?"

Even if he had an interest in buildings, it was a difficult request to grant. Building a structure is a very complex process.

You have to consider the floor area ratio, building coverage ratio, building conditions, and most importantly, if the construction is poorly done and results in a flawed design, it can lead to safety issues.

He couldn't just agree to it out of fan enthusiasm or because he wanted to. That's what construction is.

Moreover, this project itself was not one that would support the cost of construction. It was a business of buying a piece of land that was privately owned, and with minimal cost, maximizing the profit margin by renovating a theme photography studio.

The goal and purpose were to create a successful hot spot by hyping the land as if it were abandoned, even though it wasn't, and to extract the profits from it.

Even as he thought this,

'Let's see. Construction costs have risen so much that it now costs 500 to 600 million won to build a building...'

Ryu Su-hyun began to calculate the cost of construction.

Perhaps because of Kang Seok's unwavering gaze, or as an elite civil servant who had successfully handled a major project in the Cultural Arts Department, Ryu Su-hyun instinctively began to tap on a calculator.

Kang Seok dismissed Ryu Su-hyun's thoughts.

"No. I don't plan to build a building."

Unlike what Ryu Su-hyun thought, Kang Seok had no intention of building a building.

Firstly, there wasn't enough time, and secondly, he had no desire to build a building here. Listening to Ryu Su-hyun's explanation, it didn't seem like a project that would yield a reasonable construction cost.

Kang Seok's interest lay elsewhere.

While Ryu Su-hyun and Kang Hyun-do looked at Kang Seok with questioning eyes, Kang Seok's gaze returned to the abandoned building.

Even from a distance, the abandoned building, covered in dust, was reflected in Kang Seok's reddish-brown eyes as he spoke.

"Renovation, or rather, major repairs should be enough."

Major repairs?

Ryu Su-hyun tried to recall.

In architectural terms, major repairs generally refer to a smaller scale of work than expansion, renovation, or reconstruction. Of course, at least the columns or beams, or the load-bearing walls or main stairs, must be modified, changed, or added to be called major repairs.

Still, it was undoubtedly a daunting task for an eighteen, or rather, a nineteen-year-old high school student.

'But why...'

Click. Click. Ryu Su-hyun swallowed as he watched Kang Seok's fingers move. The memory of what he saw on the 8th floor of the Renaissance Mall flashed through his mind.

He remembered the conversation of the people upstairs who regretted not buying the Renaissance Mall instead of the abandoned amusement park.

Kang Seok had mentioned working on the plaster walls for the frescoes. Ryu Su-hyun blinked. It was truly unbelievable, but for some reason, Kang Seok seemed capable.

"Um... So, how do you plan to proceed with the major repairs of the abandoned building?"

Ryu Su-hyun made a gesture indicating he was ready to listen to any suggestions. However, Kang Seok only smiled and did not reveal his plan.

"That's a bit premature, I think."

Kang Seok, who had been looking at the abandoned building, stretched his lips into a straight line and added,

"If you're willing to entrust me with the major repairs of the abandoned building at a reasonable price, we can discuss it then."

"Really? But at least some ideas..."

"Isn't the idea the most important part of any artwork?"

Kang Seok, who had referred to the building as a work of art, turned his head. His gaze, seeking agreement, fell on Kang Hyun-do.

"Right, Father?"

"Uh, yeah. That's right."

Kang Hyun-do nodded readily, inwardly surprised by this side of Kang Seok he had never seen before. He had always remembered Kang Seok as someone who was always yielding, patient, diligent, and quietly hardworking. When did he grow so much? Kang Hyun-do was amazed and couldn't close his mouth.

Had Kang Seok always been so confident in expressing his opinions?

He was proud.

And impressed.

"Can you at least give us a hint?"

"A hint...?"

Kang Seok frowned in a triangular shape, then clicked his fingers again. He opened his mouth as if making a decision.

"Darkness and strange phenomena. Relics. And light and sanctity."

"Huh?"

"A hint."

With that, Kang Seok firmly closed his mouth, indicating he would give no more hints.

* * * *

"Mr. Go, it's been a while."

"Yes, it has been a while."

"Congratulations on your solo exhibition. I heard quite a few journalists have already come and gone..."

"Is that so?"

Is it really that special for journalists to come to my solo exhibition? Go Dohan nodded, trying to hide his indifferent expression. Fortunately, the lady in front of him seemed uninterested in Go Dohan and glanced around.

Go Dohan's gaze naturally followed hers. There, a work of art stood majestically. Specifically, Kang Seok's work stood proudly, not hanging on the wall but standing alone like a billboard or a sculpture.

The woman sighed in admiration at the grandeur of the work.

"This piece is really amazing."

"Isn't it?"

Go Dohan's expression relaxed.

The only thing that comforted the restrained Go Dohan was Kang Seok's work and .

Being able to appreciate it even for a short time every day in the same space made him feel so good. Go Dohan nodded sincerely.

"By the way, I heard the artist who created this piece is publishing a [Figure Sketch Collection]..."

"Oh, really? That's great! ...Can I get a copy? Honestly, I was quite disappointed that the piece wouldn't be for sale."

The woman clapped her hands in delight, and Go Dohan trailed off, sounding regretful.

"That's still a few months away. If you want, I can ask the gallery director to let you know when it's published through the gallery."

"Thank you so much. What a relief. Mr. Go, did all the pieces sell out this time?"

"Unfortunately, they all sold out."

"Hmm... Then, how about we take a look at some of the other artists under you, since it's been a while?"

The woman giggled, covering her mouth, and the ring on her finger sparkled. As Go Dohan nodded and handed her over to a gallery docent,

Buzz, buzz.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

Go Dohan took out his phone and frowned at the name on the screen. It was Park Ji-yeop. What could be the reason for this call?

"Why."

━ What is this?

"What?"

Ah.

As soon as he spat it out, Go Dohan realized what Park Ji-yeop was talking about. He had just passed on Kang Seok's sketch to Park Ji-hoon that morning.

He must have just opened it now. A crooked smile appeared on Go Dohan's lips. He was so pleased to have seen the sketch before Park Ji-yeop that if he had a tail, he would have wagged it happily.

"You're just looking at it now. It's called Marktub. I was told to pass on that it's a sketch for a piece to be featured in the upcoming human anatomy project."

━ It's an incredible anatomical drawing. This isn't from a cadaver? I never thought Kang Seok's level would be this high... It's amazing how he can depict the human body in such detail, and he even reflects diseases. It's like he's dissecting a surgical patient in real-time and drawing it. Do you understand?

"Uh-huh."

Go Dohan nodded. He couldn't not understand. Although not as deeply as Park Ji-yeop, who was known for his expertise in human anatomy, Go Dohan had also delved into the human body for quite some time.

That's why he knew. The sketch was so perfect that it made him jealous just knowing it was done by a high school student. And yet, Go Dohan was thrilled.

Kang Seok would stay in the art world longer than him. With that level of skill, even if he wanted to leave, he wouldn't be able to leave the art world.

Heaven wouldn't allow it.

━ But is it possible to make a 3D model of this?

Go Dohan's brow furrowed. He was walking towards the gallery entrance for a better phone call. As he walked, people bowed and acknowledged him.

"What do you mean? Kang Seok's 3D modeling skills are outstanding... Haven't you seen them yet?

━ What are you talking about? What haven't I seen?

Go Dohan stopped abruptly. The gallery entrance was right in front of him. He thought deeply, ignoring the voice from the phone.

The installation was set up two days before the exhibition, or the day before. Yes, it was February 14th. When was the last time Park Ji-yeop visited the Saemaeul Gallery? February 6th? Yes, February 6th.

Go Dohan returned his phone screen to the home screen. The voice continued to leak from the phone, but Go Dohan had already taken his ear away from it.

He didn't notice the sound of cars passing by from outside.

━ Go Dohan? Can you hear me?

"It's February 26th today. You really haven't seen it."

━ What are you talking about?

Because you don't know, you're doubting whether Kang Seok can make a human model. While Go Dohan was also skeptical about whether he could express all the details, he didn't think Kang Seok couldn't make a 3D model.

Go Dohan, standing at the entrance, turned his head to the side.

was blooming like a flower. Could a human not make something like this? As he looked at , which was so close to real flowers that it could deceive the human eye, he thought,

"What is this?"

━ What is this?

Park Ji-yeop, with bloodshot eyes, passed through the gallery entrance.

The same voice echoed from both the phone and reality.

It was the moment Park Ji-yeop finally faced .

* * * *

The blue sky, cleared of clouds, revealed the sun, making it warmer than usual for winter. Winter is almost over. Kang Seok, who had loosely draped his padded jacket over his arm, unbuckled his seatbelt to get out of the passenger seat.

The truck had just parked in front of the glass workshop.

"I'll be back."

Kang Seok opened the truck door and greeted.

"Come back early today."

"Really?"

Surprised by Kang Hyun-do's sudden words, Kang Seok turned to look at the driver's seat. Kang Hyun-do squinted his eyes, looking at Kang Seok with a gentle gaze.

"Mrs. Baek is making braised short ribs today."

"Braised short ribs?"

Kang Seok, who knew that his mother, Baek Myung-hee, was famous for her braised short ribs, was surprised and asked.

"She went to the market to show off the wallet you gave her and found some cheap meat. She says it's thanks to the wallet you gave her that she's living in luxury."

"Haha. Sure. I understand. I'll try to come back as early as possible today."

"Got it."

Kang Seok, who had gotten out of the passenger seat, waved and watched as Kang Hyun-do started the engine again. Enjoying the pleasant afternoon, the truck glided down the road.

.

.

.

No one is here.

Kang Seok, who had entered with a spare key, looked around. It was dark. The fact that not a single light was on made it feel real that Jo Dong-beom had left him in charge of the workshop and gone to Busan Haeundae.

– "Master, I heard that a glass workshop in Busan Haeundae is making quite unique vases."

– "Really?"

– "They're called wave-shaped vases. The artists learned it from a couple. I think I should go on a business trip to check it out. I'll give you the spare key, so don't worry and use it comfortably."

Even though Jo Dong-beom said it was fine, he seemed to have set a two-night, three-day schedule and left for Busan.

Kang Seok turned the key and opened the door leading to the workshop garage. The kiln in the workshop was cold, giving off a chill that made it feel more like winter than the warm air outside.

Thud, thud.

The workshop, converted from a garage, echoed with his footsteps. Kang Seok walked silently to the end of the workshop. His pace was neither slow nor fast.

At the end of his walk was a black bag. Inside were materials used for special makeup and surgical dummies. When he saw this, Kang Chae-young had interrogated him, thinking he was entering a makeup competition.

Kang Seok bent down and slowly took out the materials.

Materials he had never handled before.

Interest sparkled in Kang Seok's eyes.

'Should I try making one as a test?'

The sketches he had drawn at home after eating meat the night before popped out of his bag. Kang Seok took out a heart sketch without blinking.

He planned to make a heart.

Kang Seok opened the alginate bag with the feeling of an alchemist. A powder resembling a light pink and cherry blossom color was revealed. The scent that rose to his nose was minty.

Kang Seok poured the alginate into a workshop mixing bowl without hesitation. He then mixed it with water in a 1:1 ratio. His actions were so quick that anyone watching would have mistaken him for an expert.

Most special makeup artists who handle alginate apply it directly to the body to create a mold. If Kang Seok were making something like a heart, which can't be directly applied, he would need to create a clay model.

When alginate is mixed with water, it initially flows like water and cannot be shaped, and it hardens quickly, so this is necessary.

However,

Kang Seok scooped up the alginate as if rejecting all these methods. He slowly kneaded the sticky, not quite solid, not quite liquid, clay-like substance.

Try standing a hundred lines of flowing clay on a desk. Can they stand? Under Kang Seok's hands, it was possible. Even though it should have collapsed, the alginate stood on the desk in an unstable position.

Thump, thump.

Playing with the water as it slowly hardened, it was like when God molded humans from clay.

Slowly, but not too slowly, as Kang Seok shaped it, it slowly dried. It was like exposing a tidal