25
Chapter 25 Give Me the Proposal
There was no hotel chef, but a table resembling a luxury hotel buffet had been set up in the yard of Happiness Orphanage.
The containers took up much of the space, so there wasn’t enough room for dozens of people to eat together, but by splitting the tables, it didn’t feel cramped.
“Wow!”
The children, more than ten of them, who had never seen such a feast, stood in line holding their plates, unable to hide their excitement.
“But some kids aren’t back from school yet!”
Even as they drooled over the food, they remembered the others.
“There’s food saved for them, so just eat.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Thank you!”
Even though the feast had been prepared to win over Do Minho, the sight of the children happily eating brought warm smiles to the broadcasting staff.
“Is ABS really planning another genius program?”
Even in this peaceful moment, the competition between networks was intense.
“They’ve done it once, so they want to do it again.”
“I see. But honestly, the last one didn’t end that well. Minho, do you know?”
“Are you saying an eight-year-old should’ve entered Korea University? Otherwise he’s not a genius? Minho’s smart enough to understand nonsense like that, right?”
“Why are you all arguing? Can’t you just compete fairly?”
“Exactly. Minho isn’t going anywhere. Just wait your turn, right?”
The CBS and DBS teams spoke calmly, but they were no less eager.
“Minho, what do you think?”
“Yes.”
Minho understood them perfectly and played along slightly.
“So, how about appearing on our program? It’s a quiz show with high school students, so less pressure—”
“What’s the prize money?”
“…What?”
“And the ratings?”
“…That…”
With just two questions, Minho shattered their expectations.
“I do like quiz shows. But after winning Quiz 5000, would it make sense for me to go on a high school-level quiz show? Would an MVP from the major leagues go play in the minor leagues?”
“…No.”
“That would be a downgrade. And I’m busy, so I can’t appear everywhere.”
‘He’s not ordinary.’
They had underestimated him.
Minho didn’t want just any program. He wanted the right one.
A program where he would be the main figure, not a temporary guest.
Even if it was new.
“What about our program? It’s called ‘Korea’s Top 1%’. It showcases extraordinary people like you.”
“I know it.”
They smiled.
“There’s no prize, but we pay appearance fees.”
“But can I really show everything I have in ten minutes?”
“We can make a special episode just for you!”
“Then could you give me a proposal?”
“…What?”
The staff were stunned.
“I don’t want to appear unless it’s truly a great plan. It could damage my image.”
‘He knows exactly what he’s doing.’
His ambition was clear.
Not just to appear—but to gain something valuable.
“Do you know ‘A Genius Appears’?”
A PD from BBS stepped forward.
“Yes.”
He wasn’t from that show, but from a famous quiz program.
“I want to create a program centered on a genius like you. Not just your current abilities, but everything you can do.”
“I see. But I can’t decide based on words alone.”
“Then prove yourself again. Appear on my quiz show and win.”
“That would make things simpler. Just show my abilities.”
“Exactly. And our show has higher ratings and bigger prizes. You can even win an apartment worth one hundred million won.”
“…I see.”
For the first time, Minho responded softly.
The others fell silent.
Meanwhile, ABS wasn’t in a comfortable position either.
Their advantage—the bucket list—could easily be replicated.
Then the children spoke up.
“Why didn’t Happy House come?”
“Aren’t we going there?”
“Wait a bit.”
Minho was still waiting for a response.
“Don’t worry. Even without them, I’ll build a great orphanage.”
“Really?”
“Have I ever lied?”
“No!”
The children trusted him completely.
“Then can we trade the drawings for toys?”
“Of course. They’re yours.”
“Yay!”
The staff immediately seized the opportunity.
“I’ll buy you toys!”
“I’ll buy two!”
“I’ll buy ten!”
The power shifted from Minho to the children.
“Then what is Minho drawing now?”
“He’s in there!”
They pointed to a container.
Inside, there was the smell of oil paint.
But the canvas was gone.
“Minho!”
The kids rushed out.
‘Did someone take it?’
The suspicion fell on Kang Jiseop.
---
“How is it?”
Kang Jiseop had brought the unfinished painting to an art professor for evaluation.
“I thought this artist had retired.”
“…What?”
“How did you get this? Soyoung wouldn’t give away an unfinished piece.”
“You’re mistaken. Someone else drew this.”
“…Who?”
“A boy.”
“…What?”
The professor stared again.
“…I see. Similar style, but different.”
“So it’s comparable to a professional?”
“Not a professional?”
He frowned.
“Is he a student? Not even an art high school student?”
“No.”
“Then where?”
“First grade. Sangnok Elementary.”
“…What?”
Kang Jiseop smiled.
He had found something extraordinary.