44
Chapter 44: I’m Sorry
January 1997. All schools in Korea had entered winter vacation.
The children of Happiness Orphanage were busy preparing for their first overseas trip, just a week away.
The director took them to a large department store in Shinseon City to buy clothes for the journey.
“Wow!!”
For the younger children, who had never even visited a clothing shop in Munseon-eup, the department store itself felt like Fantasy World.
“Director! The stairs are moving!”
To them, the escalator was like a roller coaster they had to try.
“Such a fuss……”
Even the older kids, pretending to act cool, couldn’t hide their smiles.
“We can buy a full outfit, right?”
“You should pick more. We’ll be there for a month.”
“What?”
“Choose as much as you want.”
The director wasn’t moved by the store itself—but he smiled just like the children.
For the first time, he could buy them whatever they needed without worrying about money.
If only the others were here too…
He still felt regret and guilt for the children who hadn’t returned, but the days of tightening belts out of pride were gone.
Just come back. I’ll make you happy too.
Now, he was confident.
Donations had begun to flow in—from local leaders, parents, villagers, and even strangers across the country.
Volunteers were offering help.
Even though he was still the only official adult at the orphanage, there were now many people supporting them.
Most importantly, he no longer needed to work part-time jobs.
Yet, even in this joyful situation, some couldn’t smile.
“Don’t you want to buy clothes?”
“No……”
The older students—those about to leave the orphanage—couldn’t hide their unease.
“Then smile.”
“…Okay.”
They were nearing adulthood, facing an uncertain future.
“If you don’t have plans after graduation, want to work with me at the orphanage?”
“What?”
“We need proper staff, not just volunteers.”
For the first time, a clear path opened before them.
“Will you help?”
“Yes!”
Their faces finally brightened.
“Then start working hard. And if you want a higher salary, get a social worker certification—or any certification you want.”
“Thank you!”
“I should be thanking you. You could work somewhere better, but you’re choosing to stay for the children.”
“…Really?”
“If you ever want to leave for a better opportunity, tell me. I’ll support you.”
Words he had never been able to say before—now he finally could.
“I want to get a driver’s license… even a motorcycle one……”
“Get both.”
“What?”
“Both. I’ll even send you to university.”
The director wanted to give them something he never could before—time, support, and hope.
“Study hard if you want to become someone who can support others too.”
“Yes!”
The children, who once lived with excuses and resignation, began to dream again.
I think… I can be happy too.
They had always had hope—but never believed in it.
Now, that had changed.
“Where’s Minho?”
“He went to meet people from a newspaper with PD Kang.”
“A newspaper?”
“He won the grand prize in the New Year Literary Contest.”
“What’s that?”
“His story won an award.”
“…Of course it’s Minho.”
---
“I’m honestly shocked. I knew he was a genius, but winning the grand prize…”
“Are you really the author of ‘After the Tortoise and the Hare’?”
The newspaper representative and publishing editor stared at Minho, unable to process it.
“Yes.”
“Then why use a pen name?”
“I just wanted to.”
“Of course that’s fine!”
The competition ratio had been 5000 to 1.
It was also the first time in 30 years that a children’s literature piece had won the grand prize.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“The prize money will be awarded in March.”
“We’re planning an initial print run of 50,000 copies.”
“That sounds good.”
“Wait… who is this?”
“I’m Kang Jiseop, a PD at ABS.”
“Oh! I watch your show!”
They treated him with great respect.
“Will this also be broadcast?”
“If permitted, yes.”
“Of course!”
Excited, the PD even took out his camera.
“Then maybe we should print 100,000 copies.”
“Haha, you’re underestimating TV.”
“What?”
“A math workbook Minho made sold 100,000 copies in one hour on home shopping. It reached 500,000 in a week.”
“What?!”
“Now imagine a story like this.”
“…You’re right.”
They quickly agreed—at least 500,000 copies.
“Let’s sign the contract.”
The contract was placed in front of Minho.
“But where is the director?”
“He’s out with the children.”
“Then we should wait.”
“Contracts should be reviewed carefully anyway.”
Still, they reassured him—it was a standard agreement.
“Actually, signing with us is part of the contest condition.”
“And the prize is 50 million won.”
The editor smiled warmly.
“Then I won’t sign.”
“What?”
“You can’t win the prize without signing!”
“The prize is an honor, but I won’t sell my work for 100 million won—and give up copyright.”
“You’re misunderstanding. This is normal…”
“Then I’ll start my own publishing company.”
The room froze.
Kang Jiseop stood up immediately.
“You’ll have to give up. Once he decides, he doesn’t change his mind.”
He spoke calmly but firmly.
“Sorry. I’ll give up the prize.”
Minho stood up as well.