24
Chapter 24 Genius’s Bucket List
“This is getting in the way. There are too many people here.”
Hwang Wooseon, the main writer in charge of preparing the food, showed slight irritation toward the inexperienced staff who were creating more work than helping.
“You girls just go clean or something. Leave the cooking to us.”
“It doesn’t really look like there’s anything to clean.”
The youngest writer pointed at the already tidy interior.
“Then go play with the kids. Read them storybooks or something!”
“Yes… but is it really okay to do all this without the director’s permission?”
“No, it’s not.”
“…What?”
“But what choice do we have? If someone doesn’t want to appear on broadcast, words won’t work. You just push forward shamelessly. After all, if we’ve prepared food and helped with chores, do you think they’ll kick us out?”
“But still…”
“The kids let us in. They’re eating the snacks we brought. And someone who cares about these kids won’t treat us harshly in front of them.”
The main writer smirked as she pointed at the five children sitting comfortably on the sofa eating snacks.
Just then, the director, who had gone to the fields, appeared in the living room.
“What is all this?”
He looked more startled by the staff occupying the kitchen than the men helping in the fields.
“Hello.”
Kang Jiseop greeted him casually.
“You are…”
“You remember me.”
“…What is this about?”
“I’d like to explain somewhere quieter.”
“…Alright.”
Relief spread through the production team.
“Let me be direct. I want to film a program called Genius’s Bucket List with Minho.”
Kang Jiseop placed Minho’s notebook on the table.
“It’s about making his dreams come true.”
He opened it.
“Honestly, I was surprised. For someone who won Quiz 5000, his dreams are simple. Treating other kids well, becoming class president… they’re not grand goals.”
“And yet you want to broadcast it?”
“Of course. His age and victory alone are enough. And… being an orphan is also a strong story. I even heard he was returned.”
The director’s expression hardened at that word.
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not focusing on that. I prefer admiration over sympathy. This isn’t a sad story program. It’s entertainment that should amaze people.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“So… will you allow him to appear?”
“He wants to.”
‘As expected.’
Kang Jiseop’s excitement rose.
“But there’s an issue. The show requires filming his daily life. That means revealing he’s an orphan. Possibly even showing other children.”
“That’s fine. I’ll take responsibility.”
“Thank you.”
“But the kids want to appear on a different program.”
‘Not easy.’
“Minho also wants to build a new orphanage.”
“That’s why he went on Quiz 5000.”
“To fund construction?”
“No. To buy this building. Assuming another program would cover construction.”
“I see.”
“I already own this place.”
“….”
“The donation on his list should be crossed off.”
“He’s generous.”
“He doesn’t want to live like he owes anyone.”
“Impressive.”
“In any case, ask the children. I’ll respect their choice.”
“Understood. But your support would help.”
“What do you mean?”
“This program can gather sponsorship. We can build the orphanage he dreams of.”
“Is that so?”
The director remained cautious.
“It requires proving his genius further. Academic achievements, recognition… things like that.”
“Do other shows do this?”
“No. But large-scale projects need justification.”
“I see.”
“Frankly, building one orphanage costs more than building several houses elsewhere.”
“That makes sense.”
The director still seemed unconvinced.
“May I make a call?”
“Go ahead.”
Kang Jiseop called another PD on speaker.
The conversation made it clear that other programs wouldn’t take such risks.
After hanging up, he spoke again.
“This orphanage doesn’t fit their concept. But I’m different.”
“….”
“I’ve already proven how profitable genius content can be.”
His voice grew firm.
“If you agree, we can verify Minho’s ability this week and start construction this month.”
“I’ll let the children decide.”
“So if Minho agrees, you’ll cooperate?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect.”
Just then, the sound of cars approached.
“Seems like more people are coming.”
“Indeed.”
Kang Jiseop walked to the window.
Minho was returning.
But he wasn’t alone.
Other broadcasting teams were arriving as well.
‘This isn’t good.’
Even worse, they came more prepared.
Minho had already revealed his school publicly.
Meaning any network could find him.
Kang Jiseop quickly grabbed the notebook.
But what he held was only a handful of ideas.
Minho, on the other hand, had countless plans in his mind.
“Hello?”
The director answered a sudden phone call.
His expression stiffened.
Kang Jiseop immediately sensed it.
‘This is serious.’
‘A creditor? Or… his adoptive parents?’