Chapter 14

Talented and a once-in-a-decade find!

Park Ji-hoon looked at the title on his phone screen, and his tired body suddenly surged with energy. He raised his hand and gently rubbed Park Min-ya's head, a look of deep satisfaction in his eyes.

Due to his intense boxing training recently, and the fact that he was so exhausted that he had lost control of his body, his touch was a bit too strong, causing Park Min-ya some pain.

However, Park Min-ya did not shake her head to avoid it, nor did she move her arm holding the phone. She carefully swiped the screen for him—it was already late at night, and he always came back very late, sometimes even falling asleep on the sofa.

Park Ji-hoon no longer had the heart to read through all the praise; the title alone was enough! After all, this was the unanimous evaluation of three professors from Seoul National University!

"Tomorrow, I'll try to come back earlier," he said softly, withdrawing his hand.

"Okay," Park Min-ya finally put away her phone.

"I'm very happy," Park Ji-hoon murmured softly.

Park Min-ya bit her lip tightly. There was little joy on her face; instead, there was a hint of sadness and heartache.

Her shoulders were tense, as if she were suppressing something.

"Make more good food tomorrow," Park Ji-hoon instructed.

"Okay," Park Min-ya responded softly.

"And don't get arrogant!" Park Ji-hoon was afraid she would become proud and let her grades drop after entering university.

"Okay," Park Min-ya replied again. She couldn't bring herself to say more than a few words, fearing she would cry.

Park Ji-hoon noticed her mood, turned his head slightly, and looked at her. "Don't cry! I'm really happy!"

It was better not to say anything, but as soon as he said this, Park Min-ya couldn't hold back. She sobbed, reached out her arms, and hugged his neck, burying her head in his shoulder and crying.

"Sniff, sniff, sniff..." Tears flowed like a spring, quickly soaking Park Ji-hoon's clothes.

Before junior high school, although she had the title of "genius," it wasn't very prominent because there was an even more talented genius in the family—Park Ji-hoon.

No matter what exam it was, Park Ji-hoon always came first. Even in national-level competitions, the first place was always his! In the eyes of neighbors and school faculty, if he didn't attend Seoul National University, it would be a loss for the university, not for him!

Comparing Seoul National University's status in Korea, one could understand just how talented he was!

However, to everyone's shock, Park Ji-hoon actually gave up the college entrance exam! Even the media was surprised, and the school principal rushed to the Park family every day!

But Park Ji-hoon didn't leave himself any backup plan. He directly went to serve in the military after his coming-of-age birthday, even abandoning his rising career in the entertainment industry!

In the eyes of the outside world, a genius had fallen.

However, Park Min-ya knew that her brother had given up the college entrance exam for her! It was a cliché but a reality that plagued poor families—money! At that time, the family's situation wasn't just about tuition, but living expenses! If he had勉强 entered university, the cost would have been her having to drop out!

In the end, Park Ji-hoon chose to leave the opportunity for her, and even had a falling out with their father over it.

"Make your brother proud, and he will be happy!" This was what Park Ji-hoon said to her before entering the military.

So, when she heard him say, "I'm very happy," she couldn't hold back her emotions any longer.

Five or six years of pent-up feelings erupted! Park Min-ya's tears increased, and her sobs grew louder, causing her shoulders to shake.

Park Ji-hoon didn't say anything; he just reached out and gently stroked her head, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

On the other side, in the Girls' Generation dormitory.

Jessica also saw the prominent title on the computer screen and read it aloud, "Talented and a once-in-a-decade find!"

"Ah!" Tiffany exclaimed, her eyes wide as she hurriedly leaned in to look.

Tae-yeon couldn't help but be curious too.

However, when the two saw the student ID photo in the report, they both froze, and their curiosity was instantly doused.

How could they forget?!

Although they couldn't connect the figure they saw that day, they would never forget those lively eyes and those bold eyebrows.

"What's wrong?" The other members noticed their unusual behavior and looked over.

"Nothing!" Tiffany quickly said, "Do you have any information? I want to see this person's information!"

Yoon-a, Sooyoung, and the others suddenly looked hesitant, even the usually well-behaved maknae Seohyun didn't respond.

"Hmm?" Tiffany sensed something and directly grabbed the mouse, scrolling through the webpage.

How could such a genius not have an introduction?

Park Min-ya, born on October 20, 1991... That was it! The information was pitifully scarce, but in contrast, one piece of information stood out.

Favorite entertainer: Park Ji-hoon (completely adored, from elementary school to junior high, high school, and even now, her idol)!

Tiffany and Tae-yeon felt as if they had been hit hard on the back of their heads. If they had any doubts before, they were now 100% certain!

An idol from elementary school to university, what an exaggeration! Did they know each other since elementary school?

Jessica blinked, finally understanding why Yoon-a and the others had that expression!

"I'm going back to my room," Tae-yeon said, turning to return to her bedroom.

After she left, Yoon-a and the others quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Pan, how is Tae-yeon and Ji-hoon oppa's relationship?" Yulri couldn't help but ask.

Tiffany shook her head and said, "I'm going back to my room too."

The other members looked at each other, all puzzled. It couldn't be that they broke up just because of that incident? It would be like a happily married couple suddenly divorcing after a single argument, too hard to accept!

They thought Tae-yeon had reconciled with Park Ji-hoon when they saw her accept the choreography the company arranged for her at the concert! Who knew...

The atmosphere in the dormitory became much heavier.

The members all went to rest one by one.

Only Seohyun, after searching for some information, returned to her room.

...

Every year before New Year's Day, the three major Korean TV networks hold grand ceremonies, including the Music Battle, Acting Awards, and Entertainment Awards, a total of nine events. Comedians, singers, and actors all participate, making it a very lively time!

Park Ji-hoon had participated multiple times, though he hadn't won many awards. However, this year, he didn't even have the time to participate or watch—over the past three days, he had only slept for three hours! In the Korean entertainment industry, such things are common, but it is a significant burden on the artists' health.

On one hand, he was the lead actor, and on the other, he was the assistant director.

Don't think the position of "assistant director" is a big deal. His technical skills are impressive, but to many, it's just a self-imposed hardship!

The title of director sounds impressive, but in reality, it's not much different from the vague term "artist." The truly successful directors at the top are the ones who shine. Even some main directors often struggle to make ends meet, let alone an assistant director like Park Ji-hoon!

This position only brought him some experience and a good-sounding title. In terms of practical benefits, it just meant better treatment for meals. Filming a movie? Lee Jeong-beom had only just started his second feature film!

The news of his contract termination with the agency had also spread.

Many entertainment companies, including the famous SidusHQ, had extended offers, but all were rejected.

The conflict in the parking lot and S.M. Entertainment's subsequent actions were like undercurrents beneath the surface, with no news leaking out, as if they had quietly passed.

On the contrary, the evaluation of Park Min-ya by the three professors from Seoul National University, although overshadowed by the grand year-end award ceremonies, was the hottest topic among students!

With a beauty level of a campus queen and talent surpassing that of a top student, how many students wouldn't be moved or aspire to her?

Even some entertainment companies had tried to contact Park Min-ya. Unfortunately, Seoul National University would not disclose her contact information, and her previous high school had agreed not to share any of her information—she was the undisputed top celebrity and treasure of the school!

This high school was the same one Park Ji-hoon had attended! Despite many high schools trying to poach students throughout their three years, she had never wavered.

The school agreed to keep her information confidential to repay her loyalty.

No one knew she was Park Ji-hoon's sister, not even her closest friends, who only knew she had a brother.

After the interview, she seemed to have disappeared, not appearing again. However, this only added to her mystique, making many students plan to attend Seoul National University's opening ceremony to catch a glimpse of her.

In reality, Park Min-ya spent almost every day at home.

She had originally planned to go home for New Year's Day to be with her father, but with Park Ji-hoon's current condition, she couldn't leave. She told her father and stayed to continue taking care of Park Ji-hoon.

Every time he came back, he was drenched in sweat, often lying directly on the sofa. Not only did his clothes need to be washed daily, but the sofa cover also had to be changed frequently. If taken to the laundry, it would add up to a significant expense over time. Moreover, there was the issue of his meals and health... Park Min-ya even searched online for massage techniques to learn.

Park Ji-hoon's ability to persist was closely tied to her care. Imagine if, after being so exhausted that he couldn't even lift his arms, he still had to cook, wash clothes, and clean the room—how could anyone keep going?

Temporary passion can help make decisions, but true success comes from perseverance!