27
Chapter 27 Lacking Consideration
“Minho, can I take a look at Shin Soyoung’s art book?”
Even after the professor left, the curiosity about Shin Soyoung didn’t fade.
Minho’s oil painting would take time to complete, but discussing and interpreting art could be done instantly.
But Minho gave an unexpected answer.
“I don’t have it.”
“Come on, just show it! Say a few more things too!”
“I really don’t have it.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“But earlier you said—”
“I said that so he would leave.”
“…What?”
“I don’t know what kind of relationship you have with her, but I didn’t want to talk with someone who spoke about her like that.”
“…Ah.”
‘So he really is a fan.’
The staff nodded.
“Our Minho really put him in his place.”
‘That was a high-level bluff. Calm, but a clean strike.’
‘Much better than confronting him directly.’
‘He’s more impressive the more you watch him.’
Even those used to creating provocative content for ratings felt humbled by his approach.
“Still, the professor said your style is influenced by Shin Soyoung.”
Kang Jiseop, as if nothing had happened, continued interviewing.
“Yes.”
Even without realizing it, Minho had absorbed her style.
Though he had only lived with her for four years, he had spent that time immersed in her work.
Even after leaving, he continued chasing what he believed was hyperrealism, which in truth was her influence.
His talent had not fully bloomed because he had been unconsciously imitating her.
Yet ironically, his work now resembled hers even more—while surpassing it.
If her level was six, his was nine.
Her style began with her, but was completed by him.
His adoptive father, Do Kyungsoo, had also influenced him.
He had followed a similar academic path, studying chemical engineering and joining the same company.
Even after being separated, he wanted to show them he had grown well.
A form of revenge, and also comfort.
The time he spent with them had been sweet.
Now, however, things were different.
His talent had already surpassed Shin Soyoung’s.
But his past as an adopted and returned child was still recent.
“So how did you become her fan?”
It sounded like a simple question, but carried deeper meaning.
“Just because. Now can I have my painting back?”
Minho shifted the topic calmly.
“Haha, you said it was a failure!”
“Exactly. That’s why I can’t give it away.”
“Are you a perfectionist?”
“It’s not that. You took it without permission. If I give it to you, others might do the same.”
“…That makes sense.”
“So please return it. If I give it away, I’ll give it to someone else.”
“Yeah, give it back!”
The other PDs immediately jumped in.
“Minho, can I have it then?”
“Play rock-paper-scissors.”
“Let’s auction it!”
“Yeah, that’s better!”
“No. I can’t sell a failed piece at a high price to people who’ve already helped me. Should I split it like Solomon?”
“…That’s not bad.”
“Let’s divide it!”
“Agreed!”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
“…What?”
“Solomon didn’t cut the child.”
“…Ah.”
“A failed work isn’t trash.”
Kang Jiseop smiled.
‘He’s interesting.’
Even the others couldn’t help but laugh.
‘Whoever gets him wins.’
But one person was the happiest.
“When can you appear on my show?”
It was the PD of the housewives quiz program.
“You’re not seriously putting an eight-year-old on that show?”
“Yes.”
“That’s insane!”
“Viewers want something entertaining.”
“What about the participants?”
“They’ll complain, but they’ll enjoy it.”
“And the prize money?”
“I’ll increase it.”
“You’re crazy.”
“We can afford it.”
His strategy was simple.
Money.
“Minho, when do you want to appear?”
“Do I have to keep winning?”
“…What?”
“Can’t I just beat the top winner once and get the main prize?”
“…What?”
His plan collapsed instantly.
“Did you think I’d chase small prize money after donating fifty million?”
“….”
“I’d rather take the college entrance exam and broadcast that.”
‘That’s brilliant.’
The others lit up.
“That could attract sponsors too!”
Minho continued calmly.
“Anyway, you should go back and prepare proper proposals and contracts. Get approval from your executives.”
“…That’s true.”
“Then please leave.”
“…What?”
“Not all the kids are comfortable with you being here.”
“…Ah…”
Some older children had stayed in their rooms, uncomfortable with the attention.
“What about the cameras?”
“Take them down.”
“But you said filming was okay!”
“I want to appear on TV, but not at the expense of others here.”
“What if we leave just a few staff?”
“Would you let strangers stay in your house just because you have space?”
“…No.”
“Then the same applies here. Unless everyone agrees, filming is not allowed.”
He made his position clear.
“And next time, don’t film without permission.”
He glanced at the cameras still recording.
‘I lacked consideration.’
“It’s not just about majority opinion. Even one person’s discomfort matters.”
Silence fell.
“In the end, it’s a competition of proposals, right?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. I accept. But leave the camera. I’ll teach you how to use it.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“What if it gets lost?”
‘So he doesn’t trust them completely.’
“Don’t misunderstand. I just don’t want unnecessary problems.”
“I see. Then I’ll just give it to you.”
“…What?”
“Take it. Film yourself.”
Minho accepted.
“My things can be given away easily. Everyone here knows that.”
Director Lee, who had been listening, smiled.
“Minho, come with me for a moment.”
‘Is Do Kyungsoo here?’
Minho followed him.