Mary, deeply upset after bumping into the painting, blames herself. She looks at Yong anxiously.
Mary: I'm so sorry.
Yong (angrily): Your apology means nothing to me! Look what you did to my painting... You ruined everything!
Mary (distressed): I'm really sorry... I was distracted and didn't see you.
Yong: Ugh… You've ruined all my plans for today—because of your carelessness!
Mary, overwhelmed with guilt, doesn't know what to do. She feels ashamed as everyone is looking at her. Suddenly, a man named Nicholas approaches her.
Nicholas: Are you okay? Your clothes are completely stained.
(He pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and offers it to her.)
Nicholas: Here, use this.
Mary, still dazed, looks around and takes the handkerchief.
Mary: Thank you.
Yong, even more irritated, looks at Nicholas.
Yong: Really? In the middle of all this, you're still trying to show off? Unbelievable.
Nicholas (calmly): Don't you think it's partly your fault? Who brings a freshly painted canvas to an exhibition? You could've at least let it dry first.
Yong: So now it's my fault?
Mary: No, no… he didn't mean it that way. I know this was my fault. I don't know how to make up for it.
Nicholas: Actually, that's exactly what I meant. It was your fault.
Yong: Stop it, Nicholas. I don't have the energy to argue with you.
Yong angrily picks up his painting and walks into the exhibition hall. Mary watches him go, heavy with guilt.
Nicholas: Don't beat yourself up. It was an accident. You didn't mean it. Come inside and clean up a bit.
(He glances around.)
Nicholas: The restroom is over there. I'll tell someone to come and help you.
Mary (smiling faintly): Thank you… that's very kind of you.
Mary walks to the restroom and stares at herself in the mirror.
Mary (to herself): So careless… You ruined everything. Who knows how long that poor guy worked on his painting…
A woman enters the restroom and notices Mary's stained outfit.
Woman: So you're the one who got paint all over. I'm Helen. Nicholas asked me to come help you.
Mary: Nicholas?
Helen: Yeah. Seems like you've met but don't really know each other yet.
Mary: Right… I just met him outside.
Helen (looking at the clothes): Oh dear… this dress is beyond saving. Wait here—I'll go to my car and get you something to wear. I think we're about the same size.
Mary: Thank you… I'm so sorry to trouble you.
Helen: Don't be silly, sweetheart. These things happen.
Mary nods in gratitude and Helen leaves. While waiting, Mary thinks about Nicholas and remembers how he handed her the handkerchief and looked at her with concern. She smiles to herself, then quickly shakes her head.
When Helen returns with the dress, Mary changes and walks back to the gallery with her. Nicholas sees them from a distance and approaches.
Nicholas: Helen… Always prepared for everything. I owe you again.
(to Mary)
Nicholas: I didn't introduce myself earlier. I'm Nicholas, the organizer of this exhibition.
Mary (smiling): I'm Mary. Nice to meet you.
Nicholas (smiling): Likewise. That dress suits you… though not as much as your own did.
(Helen squints at him playfully.)
Nicholas (laughs): Kidding, kidding!
They all laugh.
Helen (to Mary): I'll go catch up with my friends. You enjoy the exhibition.
Mary: Thank you again.
Nicholas: So… you seem to like painting, right?
Mary: Yes, very much. I actually wished my own painting could've made it into this exhibition—but it didn't.
Nicholas: So, are you one of the academy's students?
Mary: Yes. Do you work with the academy, or organize exhibitions independently?
Nicholas: A bit of both. I paint too, and have worked with many of the instructors for a long time.
Mary (surprised): Are you one of the instructors?
Nicholas (smiling): Not officially, but you could say I'm my own teacher. Want to see one of my paintings?
Mary (smiling): Sure, I'd love to.
They walk together through the gallery and stop in front of one of the prime displays.
Nicholas: Here it is—my painting.
Mary (examining it): It's beautiful.
Nicholas: I was expecting a bit more praise.
Mary: I'm not very familiar with this style, but from what I see, it's very impressive.
As Mary continues looking at Nicholas's painting and others nearby, she suddenly spots Yong standing in the corner, watching the entrance.
Mary (to Nicholas): That man… the one whose painting I damaged…
Nicholas: You mean Yong? Forget him. He always acts like he's the only real artist.
Mary: Is he one of the academy's teachers too?
Nicholas (laughs): A teacher? No way. He's been a student there for years.
Mary (sadly): I really feel bad for ruining his work.
Nicholas: It's fine. Don't dwell on it.
A few women come over and start talking to Nicholas. He looks at Mary.
Nicholas: Just a moment. I'll be right back.
While Nicholas talks to the women, Mary glances toward Yong. She hesitates, but then walks up to him.
Mary: Mr. Yong...
(Yong looks at her briefly, then turns away.)
Mary: I'm really sorry. It shouldn't have happened. I know how much effort must've gone into your painting.
Yong: At least you realize that. But it wasn't just about effort.
Mary: If I were in your place, I'd be just as upset. Please… tell me how I can make it right.
Yong, seeing how truly remorseful she is, starts to calm down.
Yong: You don't have to. I overreacted a bit. I'm sorry, too.
Just then, a young woman enters the gallery, and Yong notices her.
Yong: Excuse me, I have to go.
Yong walks over to the girl. At first, they talk quietly, but it soon turns into a heated exchange. Mary watches in surprise. Then, a man and woman approach Yong, and he greets them respectfully. After a brief chat, the man and woman walk toward the section behind Mary, looking at the paintings.
Woman (to the man): See? He made excuses again. Says he's a painter, yet his work isn't even on display.
Man: He's been fooling our daughter with that story.
Woman: Well, now she'll finally see the truth—he's not right for her.
Mary overhears this and suddenly understands why Yong was so upset.
The young woman, now visibly angry, walks over to her parents.
Daughter: Mom, I have something to do. I'll come home later.
Mother (smiling): Alright, dear. We won't stay long either.
As they leave, Mary notices the sadness on Yong's face but doesn't dare to approach him again....