The Famous Millionaire

“Yu Zuung,” said Yujong.

Hyunwoo’s eyes suddenly popped out, “Yu Zuung? I didn’t know she had such talent.”

Kyungsu was as much surprised.

Actually, he didn’t feel she was competent enough. Though she was pretty, her drawing ability was far behind her friends, he felt, but he was wrong. She was armed with the best ability, compared with her friends.

As if to confirm, Hyunwoo asked, “Is she good enough? She drew some good characters by chance, didn’t she?”

“In my opinion, this has nothing to do with coincidence. If she drew them by incidence, at least one or two was supposed to be bad, but all the six characters she drew depicts the characteristics of each so accurately,” said Kyungsu.

Suddenly, Hyunwoo coveted her, not just for simple labor in Vietnam. He wanted to bring her to Korea and hire her as a full-time employee here.

“Brother Kyungsu, why don’t we bring her over here for a test? If she is really talented, we can hire her as a full-timer here.”

With a bright face Kyungsu replied, “I’d welcome such a beauty as a full-timer here with open arms, of course.”

Jihun also seconded, “If you can, that’s the best for all of us. Just bring her here as soon as possible!”

Hyunwoo called Zuung immediately as the time difference was only two hours.

“Wow, President Hyunwoo. What’s up?”

Confirming the caller, she instantly picked up her phone.

“I’d like to invite you to Korea one of these days. When can you come?”

“Really? I can come anytime as I have a passport. Even today.”

As expected she reacted very positively.

“As you have to attend classes during weekdays, why don’t you come during the weekend? Let me ask Sungji Na of N&C to buy you a plane ticket.”

After the call, he called Sungji. Sungji was really glad to know Hyunwoo wanted to take her to Korea. “Let me buy a ticket for her flight to Korea this coming Friday, or Saturday morning at the latest.”

Hyunwoo had an expectant look on his face after the call. If she was really talented, he was willing to sign a long-term contract with her for plenty of contract money.

Suddenly, Hyunwoo thought of Jungah and Myunghoon Koh.

Both of them had also special animation talent. In fact, they should have claimed the major credit of the success of Duckling Fly music video, Garbage World and Tuti & Angelica, but they were working as part-timers who received 2 million won per month.

I think I have to hire them as full-timers and give them a good salary commensurate with their talent, Hyunwoo decided.

At the BNB office, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” said President Sachung Lim as he read the newspaper.

As soon as the door opened, Manager Kim rushed to him and said, “Sir, I’ve found it!”

Though he gave Kim some direction 15 days ago, Lim clearly remembered that.

“Really? Who is it?”

“He is Myunghoon Koh. Don’t be surprised, though. He’s not a full-time employee of Ani & Funny. He’s only a contractor.”

“Contractor? How can a talented guy like him work as a contractor at such a small company? Are you sure?”

“Definitely,” said Kim confidently. That was true. As a contractor, Myunghool also helped his parents run a rice cake factory when they were short-handed.

Sachung was full of excitement. Myunghoon was like a gift sent by God to his company BNB.

“Scout him unconditionally. You should not lose him.”

“Got it. I’m going to offer him an annual salary of 50 million won.”

“In addition to the compensation, offer him a signing bonus of 100 million won for the five-year contract. Hurry up!”

“Yes, sir.”

Rubbing his hands, Sachung said, “Myunghoon Koh. How can a genius creator of facial expressions work as a contractor? Ani & Funny is my savior, hahaha.”

Two days later, Dukwoo Jang, Nami’s boyfriend, was supposed to arrive from China after wrapping up his business trip.

“I think I have to see Myunghoon and Jungah before that day,” said Hyunwoo.

Leaving for Seoul early in the morning, Hyunwoo called Myunghoon to confirm the time and location for their meeting.

But there was something weird about the way Myunghoon picked up the phone. He looked hesitant to meet Hyunwoo.

“Did you say you’re coming today?” asked Myunghoon.

“I told you already. I think I can have lunch with you if I’ve heading for Seoul now. If you can’t, let me know when it’s convenient for you.”

But he didn’t answer quickly and replied with a sigh.

“Okay, I’ll see you in the morning then. I have an important appointment in the afternoon.”

“Hahaha. Do you have a date?”

“You know I don’t have a date at the moment,” said Myunghoon with an awkward smile.

“You make me more curious about your appointment. Are you seeing someone for a job interview?”

At that moment, Myunghoon didn’t say a word.

Hyunwoo got a strange feeling at the moment. He might have got a good offer from some other company.

“Did you get an offer?”

“Just a personal appointment,” said Myunghoon, refusing to answer all along.

“Okay, then. I think I can see you around 11 am.”

After the call, Hyunwoo headed for Seoul quickly.

Myunghoon was at the coffee shop they were supposed to meet when Hyunwoo arrived.

“Long time, no see! How have you been?” said Hyunwoo, holding his hands gladly.

“Yes, I hope you’re doing well.”

Hyunwoo felt Myunghoon acted rather strangely today.

“What’s wrong? Something bad in your family? Or did you really receive a good offer? Just tell me. It’s not a sin to find a job at a good company, as you know.”

“Nothing. Let me tell you later.”

Hyunwoo asked several times, but he wouldn’t reply.

Nodding, his head in resignation, Hyunwoo took out a contract paper, which he made after discussion with Kyungsu and Sanggyu. Both suggested 35 million won in annual compensation, citing that Myunghoo worked at home.

But Hyunwoo felt the worth of Myunghoon was much higher than that, so he offered 50 million won at least. Kyungsu and Sanggyu were strongly opposed to it, so Hyunwoo came up with a compromise. It was 5 million as a one-time bonus and 40 million won in annual compensation. It was much higher than what he got paid now as a contractor.

However, Myunghoon scratched his head and said in the negative, “Sorry, I can’t leave Seoul.”

With a bright smile, Hyunwo said, “Don’t worry. You can work at home just like you used to.”

Still, Myunghun wouldn’t budge.

Letting out a sigh, he said, “I’m sorry. I’ve got a complex problem personally. I don’t want to talk about it now. Shall we talk next time?”

Suddenly, Hyunwoo got nervous. He was about to lose Myunghoon, followed by Angela.

Myunghoon was as precious as Angela to Hyunwoo. The facial expressions of the characters appearing in Garbage World and Tuti & Angelia, which Myunghoon modified, were one secret of their great success, but it was up to Myunghoon to make the final choice.

“Okay, then. I think I came here at the wrong time.”

Hyunwoo stood up first, but Myunghoon didn’t stop him.

“Sorry, let me call you later.”

“It’s alright. I’m going out to see Jungah.”

They left the coffee shop.

Myunghoon couldn’t think straight.

Which company should I choose?

He had to stay with Ani & Funny if he valued his personal ties with Hyunwoo.

The offer from BNB was too sweet. Not only compensation but also job security was better at BNB.

On the other hand, there was no future guarantee at Ani & Funny.

Though the music video Duckling Fly hit the jackpot, it had nothing to do with the animation business. Hyunwoo could make some money, but he would never know when Ani & Funny could generate profits.

I’ve made a decision. Personal ties wouldn’t earn bread for me.