23
Chapter 23 The Scale Has Grown
“Is it really okay to just show up like this without notice?”
“Stop talking nonsense. If we worry about manners, how are we supposed to cast anyone or make a show?”
“But still…”
“If we lose Minho because of this, are you going to take responsibility?”
“…No.”
“Then stop talking and just drive. I brought you along because you’re my junior, so just do what I say.”
“Sorry…”
Jang Cheolsu, a rookie PD at ABS and Kang Jiseop’s university junior, awkwardly drove toward Happiness Orphanage.
“It’s bigger than I expected.”
“Yeah.”
Kang Jiseop had prepared snacks and gifts to win over the kids, but the sight of the large orphanage and the yard full of containers made his preparations feel insignificant.
“We might need to stop by a mart again.”
“Should I turn the car around?”
“Sigh… just go. How many kids are here? What do they need? We need to see it first.”
“Yes…”
“Do your best. Today determines how the rest of your year goes.”
“Yes!”
The production team, already known for their hit documentary about a math prodigy, had high expectations for Do Minho.
“The Genius Bucket List. This isn’t like anything we’ve done before. Bigger scale, higher class.”
“Yes!”
“No one but Minho can do this. He’s not just a genius, he’s versatile. And he has endless things he wants to do.”
“Exactly!”
“Most importantly, the buzz is unmatched. That’s why competition will be fierce. We didn’t drive all the way here for nothing.”
“Yes!”
“But more important than Minho is the director. I met him once. He’s stubborn. Won’t be easy. But don’t worry too much. If we show sincerity, we’ll win him over.”
“Yes!”
“But don’t get cocky. We’re the ones asking. They hold the power.”
“Yes!”
“Alright, let’s get out.”
The van stopped in front of the orphanage.
Before they could even step out, five children came running toward them.
“…What is this?”
They hesitated.
“Are you from Happy House?”
‘Interesting.’
“I’m not, but I know the PD there.”
“Wow!”
“Do you want to go on that show?”
“Yes!”
“Then I’ll talk to my friend.”
“Why?”
“…Huh?”
“Can’t Minho just say it himself?”
“…Right.”
Kang Jiseop scratched his head awkwardly.
“This isn’t going how I expected…”
“Why are you here then?”
“…Well…”
“Wait! I’ll bring Minho’s drawing!”
‘Now that’s what I wanted.’
Finally, he smiled.
“Are there no adults?”
“The director went to work.”
“Work?”
“He’s helping in the fields.”
The children pointed toward the farmland.
“I see.”
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Huh?”
“If the director is working, should you be playing?”
“…No.”
“Go help.”
The male staff ran toward the fields.
“Wait.”
Kang Jiseop stopped them.
“You stay.”
One PD remained.
“The rest go. And you kids, help out too.”
“Yes!”
The female staff carried snacks and ingredients into the kitchen.
“Wow!”
The kids’ eyes sparkled.
“Want some?”
“Yes!”
“Then eat. But not too much. We’ll cook something good.”
“Really?”
“Of course. When will Minho come?”
“At lunch.”
“Perfect.”
‘This is lucky.’
Without the director present, the situation was ideal.
“Do you have many of Minho’s drawings?”
“Yes!”
“What about books?”
“No.”
“No books?”
“No.”
‘How is that possible?’
“He studied a lot in America.”
“America?”
“He lived there before being returned.”
‘Returned?’
The scale just grew.
“Do you know what that means?”
“It means going back to the orphanage.”
Kang Jiseop held back his excitement.
“A genius, a winner, and an orphan who was returned… unbelievable.”
Even the rookie PD was stunned.
---
“This is incredible. Feels like a professional painted it.”
“Seriously.”
They stared at Minho’s drawings.
“But compared to the portrait he gave Joo… these are on another level.”
Unlike the simple sketch, these were fully colored masterpieces.
“I’d like to show these to art professors.”
“This might be bigger than a genius entering a top university.”
“Maybe.”
“But do you really think this kind of house can be built?”
The drawings showed houses with pools, courts, and huge spaces.
“This is unrealistic.”
“Too expensive.”
“Even for a short program, this is too much.”
“Why think so small?”
“Because it’s not sustainable.”
“Still…”
“If we do this once, expectations will rise forever.”
“…”
“And the director doesn’t want publicity.”
“That’s a problem.”
“Honestly… this feels wrong.”
He hesitated.
Using a returned orphan for TV didn’t sit right with him.
“If it doesn’t work, we make it work.”
“…Please spare me.”
“I’ll handle it myself.”
“…What?”
“This is my project now.”
“…Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
“I’ll build everything. Pool, soccer field, basketball court.”
“…What?”
“Genius Bucket List. This isn’t small.”
“….”
“Now get out.”
“Yes…”
Kang Jiseop burned with determination.
‘This will be huge.’