41
Chapter 41: Rising in Status
Governor Seo Chansu looked over the construction site of the new orphanage and spoke.
“It really might turn into a picture-perfect orphanage, just like you said.”
“I guess I won’t be able to leave anymore.”
“Haha, you’re more timid than I thought. Who said you had to leave? Let’s stop bringing up the past.”
“Understood.”
“But you said you want to build a playground?”
“Yes. If possible, I want it to be a place where children from other neighborhoods can come and play freely.”
“A playground where orphans and other children can mix together?”
“Yes.”
“Haha, that’s quite a wonderful dream. Alright, I’ll help. But do you have land for it?”
“We’ll have to find some.”
“What about that land over there, under the dangsan tree?”
“It’s perfect. It’s close to the orphanage and on the way to Sangnok Elementary, so other kids can easily come too.”
“Then I’ll donate that land to you. You can build not only a playground but also a small field. I’ll even have soccer and basketball goals installed.”
Just as Kang Jiseop had said, the governor made a grand gesture.
It was a 200-pyeong plot of land.
“Are you serious?”
“Do you think I joke about things like this?”
“Of course not.”
“Then accept it. I just want to do something good.”
“Thank you very much.”
Director Lee, who had been tense before, became the most polite man in the world at the mention of the land.
“Let’s get along better from now on. You’re a good person, but too stiff.”
“Please take care of me.”
They shook hands.
“But who manages Minho’s money? You, I assume?”
“What do you mean?”
“No need to pretend. I’ve heard things. That boy earns a lot from appearances and commercials. And his painting in Seoul—people say it’s worth tens of millions.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
Director Lee immediately caught the unpleasant implication and reacted sharply.
“So it has nothing to do with you?”
“Of course.”
“Then why are you so upset?”
“Don’t say nonsense. I’m not that kind of person. And Minho isn’t naive.”
“That makes sense. That’s how he succeeded at such a young age. But that orphanage building—it’s yours, right?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve hit the jackpot thanks to him. A building worth hundreds of millions on land worth only a few million.”
“If you’re done, I’ll be going.”
Director Lee turned his back, unwilling to waste more energy.
“I’m trying to give you land. You should calm down.”
“So this is why people chase money.”
“What?”
“As you said, I now have a building worth hundreds of millions. That means I don’t have to bow to you—I can buy land like that myself.”
“How arrogant……”
“And even if I couldn’t, Minho could. He’s already donated tens of millions to help others.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you see it on TV? The Quiz 5000 prize. He donated fifty million to people he doesn’t even know. So imagine what he’d do for the children living with him.”
“So you’re not interested in getting along with me?”
“I’m looking forward to the next election.”
“What?”
“I wonder if someone who blocks children’s playgrounds and cuts funding will be re-elected.”
“Tch……”
“I won’t live like before. There are cameras everywhere now—and people are listening.”
“That’s a perfect condition for reconciliation. When would you like the ownership transfer?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Next Monday, then.”
“Thank you.”
“Still, I hope you understand the value of what I’m giving you. This land means even if you lose your position, you can still help the children—and your assets will grow.”
“You really have a way with words.”
“I’m just honest.”
“Fine. Let’s move on from the past.”
“Let’s help each other. It benefits you more than me.”
Seo Chansu, the most influential man in Munseon County, had ambitions beyond it.
---
“Wow, this is delicious. Did that kid really cook this?”
For the construction workers, the kimbap was touching—but the gamjatang was pure happiness.
“Man, I want a drink……”
“Don’t. There are kids here.”
“It’s not a crime to drink!”
“It is if you cause trouble afterward.”
“Still, it’s amazing. Ten years in construction, and I’ve never eaten something like this.”
“Same here. And it’s actually good.”
“That kid… what is he? Looks eight, but feels like a hundred.”
“They call him a genius. How would people like us understand?”
“It feels rewarding, though.”
“Rewarding?”
“We’re building a home for someone like him.”
“Yeah… you’re right.”
The workers, who had spent their lives just surviving, felt genuine fulfillment for the first time in a long while.
“Thank you.”
The elderly villagers also smiled, feeling a rare sense of happiness.
They even brought side dishes and snacks they wouldn’t normally share, offering them to the children.
It was like filling a long-empty emotional gap.
“From a human-interest perspective, this is perfect.”
The production team was satisfied.
“And it’s entertaining too.”
“What about the governor’s wife?”
“Some parts are usable.”
Eun Sumi, the governor’s wife, had suffered humiliation again in the kitchen.
Trying to redeem herself, she failed to remove the pork smell and even cut her finger, getting pushed out of the kitchen.
Still, she tried to salvage screen time by making snacks for the kids.
“Why does this feel a bit risky?”
“I agree……”
When her tteokbokki was finally served, the children frowned.
“Where’s the meat?”
“What?”
“Minho’s tteokbokki had lots of meat. This one has none.”
To the children, tteokbokki meant beef-filled stir-fry.
“Just try it… it’s good……”
“No thanks.”
They left without hesitation.
“Well, technically, that’s real tteokbokki.”
“I get it, though. After Minho’s version, I can’t eat anything else.”
“Just use imported beef then.”
“Still… imported feels off……”
“You’re joking. The gamjatang you ate and those restaurant steaks? All imported.”
“Really?”
“Of course. That’s how they make profit.”
“Ah……”
“Minho probably would’ve used imported beef too if it were his own money. But since it wasn’t, and to push away those casting directors, he insisted on premium beef.”
“Wow……”
“Looking at his cooking today, he’d do well in business too. It’s not just the taste—it’s the menu design and ingredient choices.”
“I noticed how he divided tasks among age groups. That was efficient.”
“And the menu?”
“It was mostly single dishes, though.”
“That’s what makes it impressive. A single menu is easier for mass production and consistency. He’s not showing off—he’s thinking ahead.”
“Do you think he really planned all that?”
“The kids kept asking for different foods, and he refused. That says everything.”
Kang Jiseop grinned widely.
“At this rate, he might dominate the entire CF industry.”
“I’m more impressed by his patience—he’s waiting for better deals.”
After the show’s success, his advertisement fees had doubled.
“But I’m worried.”
“Why?”
“We signed him for one year. Can we keep him after that?”
“With his professionalism… it’ll be hard.”
“His fee increases with ratings too.”
“Yeah. And it’s rising fast.”
“He might buy a building this year.”
“That’s not the issue. I just hope we can keep him at all.”
“What do you mean?”
“He seems interested in money, but not really. For him, money is just pride.”
Thinking about it, it was true.
He donated huge sums and even turned down high appearance fees.
“He’s not even joining an agency. I thought it was confidence, but maybe he just doesn’t care about fame.”
“So we might lose him in a year?”
“Competition will only increase.”
“We should treat him well—personally.”
“Don’t worry! He calls me ‘noona’ now!”
“That’s… nice.”
Even his kindness had strategy behind it.
“He’s good to everyone. Even when he refuses, he does it gently.”
“That’s true.”
“Then we should treat the orphanage kids well too.”