29
Chapter 29 The Dignity of a Genius
As Director Lee Seunghun’s car approached the orphanage, Kang Jiseop was already waiting at the gate.
“You’re here already?”
“You still haven’t left?”
Now, the only vehicle remaining by the orphanage wall was the van from the Genius Appears team.
“I had something to discuss with Minho.”
“Without a proposal?”
“Haha, of course not.”
Kang Jiseop grinned and waved a thick stack of A4 papers.
“You’re quite something.”
“Don’t worry about the kids! My team has been playing with them the whole time.”
“You shouldn’t have bothered. We have older kids too.”
“Haha, still, adults are better, aren’t they?”
“Well… that’s true.”
Even while speaking bluntly, the director showed a bit of warmth, acknowledging their effort since morning.
“But like I said before, I only respect Minho’s opinion.”
“Of course. In that case, may I talk to him for a moment? I need to teach him how to use the camera too.”
“Why are you asking me? Ask him directly.”
“Haha, alright. Minho, can you spare a moment?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s go to your workspace first. I’ll teach you how to use the camera.”
“Okay.”
---
“You really learn fast. Must be because you’re smart.”
“It’s because you’re a good teacher.”
“Haha, let’s say it’s both. But you really have a way with words. Even when you hit someone, or take a hit, you do it
smoothly.”
“Did I?”
“Don’t be modest. Everyone can see it. You’re not just smart, you know how to deal with people too.”
“Then I’ll take it as a compliment.”
“Of course it is.”
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you. You forgave my little theft.”
“Let’s just forget about that.”
“Really? You promise?”
“Yes.”
Thanks to Minho brushing it off, the atmosphere grew more relaxed.
“But don’t nitpick my proposal, alright?”
“Do I look that petty?”
“Haha! Not at all! You’re on a completely different level.”
Kang Jiseop proudly spread out his proposal.
But Minho didn’t go easy on him.
“This feels a bit too careless. I spent days preparing just to appear on Quiz 5000. I even made a sculpture weighing
five kilograms. And you’re showing me something scribbled on A4 paper?”
The proposal was rough, handwritten without proper formatting.
“It’s dense, but not very appealing to read. And even if I approve it, there’s no guarantee your station will.”
“There is! I’m pretty influential, you know!”
“Enough to skip executive approval?”
“Not alone. But with you, definitely.”
“Is that so?”
“So just give it a chance. You’ll see how good the concept is.”
“That wouldn’t be fair. Others are following proper procedures in Seoul. I can’t break my own rules.”
“And if I lose you because of that, will you take responsibility?”
‘I expected this.’
“I’m not joking.”
‘I thought he’d at least read it.’
Kang Jiseop realized persuasion alone wouldn’t work.
“Fine. I’ll say it directly.”
He changed his approach.
“That Happy House program? They’re not interested in you or this orphanage. So I’ll build it myself. I’ll invest
heavily. Our program isn’t about showing your abilities. It’s about your dreams. You’ve already written many, right? And
probably more that aren’t written.”
He pulled out Minho’s bucket list.
“If we met earlier, we could’ve filmed your class president election too. Even the gifts you prepared.”
“So you had it.”
“Don’t misunderstand! I didn’t steal it, I found it!”
“I see.”
“You’re not even surprised. Did you give it to me?”
“Of course not.”
Minho kept a straight face.
‘The concept isn’t bad.’
He was interested, but didn’t show it.
“I can just make another notebook.”
“Still, you like the idea, right?”
“It’s decent. Simple is best. But that also means anyone can copy it.”
Kang Jiseop narrowed his eyes.
‘He’s tough.’
“Your only flaw is that you’re not childlike enough. You’re too much like a Quiz 5000 winner.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s just who I am.”
“Haha, fine. I’ll go back to Seoul and prepare a proper proposal.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you actually planning to take the college entrance exam?”
“If necessary.”
“Then you’ll need study materials.”
“Yes.”
“I already bought some.”
He pointed to another container.
“I may not be able to draw like you, but I can at least provide resources.”
“Thank you.”
“No need. I just don’t want to repeat past mistakes.”
“What mistakes?”
“My greatest success and my biggest regret. The last genius I worked with failed to enter university. I rushed things.”
“I see.”
“So I want to do this properly with you.”
Minho listened quietly.
“Can I really take the exam live?”
“I’ll try. If not, we’ll arrange something similar.”
“…Okay.”
“Should we do it?”
“Wouldn’t others try the same?”
‘He’s really cautious.’
“Fine. I’ll go to Seoul.”
“I’ll wait.”
Kang Jiseop paused before leaving.
“Can I ask one thing?”
“Yes.”
“You were returned, right?”
“Yes.”
He answered without hesitation.
‘Unbelievable.’
“Will you talk about it on broadcast?”
“Yes.”
‘He’s on another level.’
“Was your self-portrait meant to express that?”
‘Sharp.’
“Why do you think so?”
“You draw with your right hand, but in the portrait you’re left-handed. That suggests freedom after being returned.”
“Interesting interpretation.”
“So I’m wrong?”
“Partially.”
Minho explained calmly.
“I am left-handed. But my adoptive parents never forced me to change. I chose to adapt.”
“I see.”
“The portrait is about happiness. My insecurity hurt them. I realized I don’t need parents to be happy.”
“That’s complex.”
“I tend to overthink.”
“Everyone does.”
“I just went too far.”
He spoke without emotion.
“I didn’t want my adoptive parents to be hurt because of me.”
“That’s why you painted it?”
“Yes.”
“That’s impressive.”
“They are somewhat well-known.”
“I figured.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not hiding anything.”
“Haha, good. I prefer meaningful stories over cheap drama.”
“You misunderstand. I’m stating facts.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’m not a one-time guest. We’ll meet again. So we should do this properly.”
Kang Jiseop smiled.
‘He’s ahead of me.’
“Alright. See you next time.”
“Yes.”
“Maybe we’ll even build a golf course.”
“That would be nice. If we end up working together.”
‘He knows exactly how valuable he is. It’s almost frightening.’