50
Chapter 50 I’ll Do It Next Time
February 1997. Mino and his friends’ trip to America came to an end.
‘What a shame…’
Even though each of them had taken over two thousand photos, including group pictures and countless others, they still felt reluctant to leave.
It was because they had been so happy.
Fantasy World, a place of dreams and hope. The San Diego Zoo, the largest in the world. The Grand Canyon, which felt like another planet. Niagara Falls, cleansing both body and mind just by looking at it. Flathead Lake, as clear as crystal.
Children who had never even been to a small baseball stadium in Korea visited a famous MLB stadium in New York, even if it was off-season.
They went around tasting famous restaurants that gathered flavors from all over the world, watched musicals on Broadway, and experienced a trip that satisfied their eyes, ears, mouths, and hearts.
For children who would have been making snowmen back home, playing in the ocean at Santa Monica Beach in swimsuits became a special memory.
The luxury hotels and room service, which made them laugh at the phrase “home is best,” were also unforgettable.
Above all, what made them happiest was being able to create memories with good people without worrying about money.
“Mino, we can come again next time, right?”
The children didn’t understand how much money had been spent on this trip. They didn’t even know how big one million won was, let alone the two billion won used for the journey.
So they confidently asked for “next time.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Next time, let’s go to Switzerland instead.”
Mino accepted their request in his own way.
“Switzerland?”
“A beautiful country in Europe.”
‘I’ve never been there, though.’
“Let’s do a Europe tour this summer.”
“More fun than America?”
“Of course.”
‘By then, I’ll be even richer.’
Mino could say that because he had signed a contract with Fantasy World for his book The Rabbit and the Tortoise After.
Despite being a rookie, he received a $100,000 advance and 15 percent of net revenue as royalties.
He would also receive 5 percent of net revenue from comic adaptations.
Additionally, he signed an animation deal with Fantasy Pictures, earning 1 percent of net profit as the original creator.
Even before finishing the manuscript, he secured contracts for the turtle version, the cheetah version, and a new story titled Invitation from the Zoo.
The total advance alone reached $500,000.
Including merchandise rights, he might become a millionaire within a year just from fairy tales.
Fantasy Group was eager to make that happen, rushing publication and promoting his work even before release.
Characters from his story would appear in magazines to build anticipation.
The chairman of Fantasy Group even provided his private jet for Mino’s return.
“That’s incredible.”
“I told you. Mino is a VVIP.”
To the children, the smaller private jet seemed unimpressive compared to the plane they took before.
But to the adults, everything about it felt extraordinary.
“No waiting, straight to boarding.”
It was a privilege.
“Make sure we broadcast this.”
“Leave it to me!”
The production team was thrilled.
“Why are the seats so big?”
Children who only knew economy class were amazed.
“Yeah, this is nice.”
Mino sat down, thinking.
‘Should I buy one someday?’
Then he took out his notebook.
‘Let’s write.’
He began writing the turtle’s version of The Rabbit and the Tortoise After.
---
“Why is the Fantasy Group chairman’s jet coming here?”
“I have no idea.”
Airport staff were puzzled.
“Maybe they’re planning to build Fantasy World here?”
“Seriously?”
“They succeeded in Tokyo, so maybe they’re targeting us.”
“But wouldn’t China make more sense?”
“True. But who knows?”
They laughed it off—
Until one employee checked the passenger list.
“…Wait.”
“What?”
“The passengers are all Korean.”
“What?”
“And… this Do Mino… isn’t he that Do Mino?”
Silence fell.
“…The age matches.”
“And the timing too.”
“They traveled together!”
“…This is insane.”
The same boy people doubted—
Had succeeded.
“This is going to be huge.”
“The publishers who tried to buy him out will regret it.”
They could already see the future.
---
“Mino, is it true you signed with Fantasy Publishing?”
“Did you really receive a million-dollar contract?”
“Does this mean your debut in comics?”
Reporters flooded him with questions as soon as he arrived.
“…Fast as always.”
Before Mino could answer—
A woman stepped forward.
“Do Mino has signed with our company, but we cannot disclose details.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m Skylar White, his editor from Fantasy Publishing.”
Behind her stood foreign staff.
The reporters froze.
“…It’s real.”
“When can Korean readers see his work?”
“There are no current plans for Korea.”
“No licensing?”
“Not at the moment. Please contact me for further inquiries.”
It was clean and efficient.
Mino liked it.
Thanks to her, they escaped the reporters easily.
But—
A new problem appeared.
“Mino, you did fine art too?”
Skylar saw his painting and lost her composure.
“Why did you stop?”
“It’s not fun.”
“But it’s a gift!”
“Why did the cheetah stop running?”
“…Still…”
“I’m not quitting. I’ll draw again when I want to.”
“…Really?”
“Of course.”
She smiled like a child.
“Promise.”
“Okay.”
Mino held her pinky.
‘Will that day come?’
He didn’t lie.
But he knew—
Surpassing his past masterpiece wouldn’t be easy.
Still—
There was hope.
“…Why didn’t I smile better back then?”
That regret lingered.
Because inside—
He was still an adult.
“Then when will you write?”
“Now.”
He sat down.
But then—
“Mino! Let’s play!”
The children came running.
Skylar tried to stop them.
“Not now, he’s busy.”
“No. You come later.”
“…What?”
“I work better before sleep. Until then, don’t interfere.”
“…But…”
“You came to make me comfortable, right?”
“…Yes.”
Her plan to control him failed instantly.
“…I see.”
Mino smiled.
Then stood up—
And went to play.