The next day, upon his arrival in Seoul, Geon fulfilled his promise to Yoonhee and Jie. Having watched movies and taken photos at home, Geon asked them to post these on social media after his departure to the United States.
As time flowed swiftly amidst various preparations, the day of departure soon arrived. Taewoo drove Shihwa and Yeongha to the airport, where they bid farewell to Geon with smiles, only to turn around and wipe away their tears afterward.
Geon's departure was due to his determination not to return until graduation. Though he wanted to look back several times, he feared he wouldn't be able to leave if he did. He also didn't want to show his mother and sister his vulnerable side, so he walked ahead without looking back, trying to be heartless.
Only when seated on the airplane did Geon wipe the tears streaming down his face, seeking comfort in music.
After a long flight, Geon arrived at New York's airport, took a taxi, and was greeted by the black taxi driver with a friendly smile.
"Oh, you're Asian. Are you here for a visit?"
Despite wearing sunglasses and a mask, Geon's uncovered black hair prompted the driver to initiate a conversation. Geon shook his head and replied,
"No, I'm a student studying in New York. I'm just returning from a visit home."
"Ah, I see. Your fluent English suggests you've been studying for a long time. So, where can I take you?"
Checking his watch, Geon noted it was just past three in the afternoon.
"Please take me to the Bronx Zoo."
"Sure, on our way."
Arriving at the Bronx Zoo after a lengthy drive, Geon paid the taxi fare and glanced at his watch again.
'Still about an hour before closing.'
Leaving his luggage at the entrance, Geon felt liberated as he inhaled the familiar air of the Bronx Zoo.
"Hmm~ Ah! The nostalgic smell. Ha! Maybe it's been too long, but I didn't notice the smell of animal feces when I lived here."
With not much time left, Geon sprinted up the hill leading to the zoo. Reaching the tiger enclosure, he shouted enthusiastically,
"Py!"
Identifying Py, a tiger with a long scar across its eye from dominance fights, was not difficult among several tigers.
Py, initially indifferent to Geon's shouts and waves, soon lay down, seemingly uninterested.
Disappointed that Py didn't recognize him, Geon cautiously removed his hat, checking his surroundings.
After making sure no one was around, Geon took off his mask and sunglasses, shouting again,
"Py! It's me!"
This time, Py, who had been swishing its tail in annoyance, looked up and after a moment, sprang up, running towards Geon, stopping at the cliff between the enclosure and the viewing area.
"Py! I've missed you!"
Geon waved frantically, and Py paced back and forth, clearly wanting to approach but hindered by the cliff. Eventually, Geon turned to leave for Ricky, waving goodbye.
"See you later!"
As Geon walked away, Py let out a howling cry.
"Kuhuhuhung!!!"
Startled, Geon waved back once more before moving on.
Reaching Ricky's enclosure, Geon called out excitedly. Ricky, recognizing Geon's voice, stood up on two legs and roared.
"Kwooo!!"
Geon, familiar with Ricky from childhood, was not frightened. He stretched his arm as close as possible to Ricky, expressing his joy and asking about Ricky's health.
"I have to go soon today, Ricky. I also need to see Shihwa. I'll come back soon. Just wait a little longer!"
Geon waved and ran off as Ricky let out a long call,
"Kuuuuuu."
Ricky watched Geon's departing figure intently. Arriving at Shihwa's enclosure just before closing time, Geon was greeted with enthusiastic jumps from Shihwa.
"Shihwa! Big brother's here! How have you been?"
"Ukkikikiki!!!"
Shihwa, expressing joy, suddenly ran off, returning with two young gorillas, lifting them high into the air.
Geon laughed heartily, realizing they were Shihwa's babies.
"Shihwa, are these your babies? Really? You became a mother? Hahaha!"
Waving at the gorilla babies, Geon felt a sudden sadness for arriving late.
"I came too late, I should have come tomorrow. Shihwa, I'll visit again. Take good care of yourself and the babies, okay?"
As Geon waved goodbye, Shihwa banged on the ground and cried out,
"Ukkikikiki!!!"
Shihwa continued to gaze long after Geon had disappeared. Just before the zoo closed, Geon retrieved his belongings and was about to call his mother when he noticed a missed call from Professor Sharon.
"Huh? It's from Professor Sharon."
Dialing back, Sharon answered almost immediately.
"Hello? Kay?"
"Haha, Professor. I've arrived in New York."
"Oh, good. I was wondering since you hadn't called yet. Where are you?"
"I'm at the Bronx Zoo. Came to see the animals."
"Hmm, I'm a bit jealous. You come back to the US and head straight for the animals."
"Haha, it's not like that, Professor."
"Just kidding. Have you found a place to stay? After the incident, you sold your house and moved to the zoo before going back to Korea."
"No, I'll be at a hotel for a few days. My agency said they'd arrange a place for me."
"Your agency? Ah, Fantagio, right? You became quite the topic with that model auction."
"Yes, Professor. And my former manager is moving to the US soon, so we'll probably live together."
"That so? Do you have dinner plans? I have something to discuss."
"No, I'm free. Professor, please treat me!"
"Haha, sure. How about we go to B.B. King for old times' sake?"
"Wow, yes! What time shall we meet?"
"It's five now, so how about six-thirty?"
"Okay, Professor! See you then!"
After hanging up, Geon smiled to himself.
'I should go early and greet Sambho and the staff.'
Upon arriving at B.B. King Blues Club, a line of people was waiting to enter for the evening performance. The club had become even more popular after Geon's performances there became a global sensation during his stay in Nepal.
As Geon attempted to enter, bypassing the line, a security guard stopped him.
"You need to wait in line. Look at all these people waiting."
Geon looked around and approached a security team leader he recognized.
Recognizing Geon, the team leader quickly nodded and allowed him inside, surprising the security guard who initially stopped him.
"What's going on, Boss? Someone you know?"
"Shh, it's Kay."
"What? Really?"
"Keep it quiet!"
Inside, Lillian approached Geon, asking for the number of guests. Recognizing him, she exclaimed with surprise and called for the boss, Sambho, who greeted Geon warmly, inviting him into the office.
"So, you're back for good, Kay?"
"Yes, I'll be staying here again."
Their reunion was filled with joy and anticipation for Geon's new chapter in New York.
"Wow, business is doing well, isn't it? It seems to be doing even better than when I was here, which kind of makes me feel left out?"
"Don't say that. After Kay left, business was good for a while, then we hit a slump. Our efforts in Nepal caught people's attention again, and business has been picking up for a few months now. We make sure not to forget Kay's contributions by sending donations to Nepal every month."
"Wow, really? Good job!"
While sitting on the office sofa and chatting with Sambo, Lilian came in with coffee, placed it on the table, and exchanged a smile with Geon.
"I'm glad you're back, Kay."
Geon smiled back and said, "Thank you, Lilian. I've missed this place a lot."
"You must be planning to re-enroll in school soon, right?"
"Yes, I need to. The timing for re-enrollment is a bit off, so I guess I'll be busy with preparations and settling in here until early next year."
"I see. I hope you find a place without running into another stalker situation like last time."
"Thanks, Lilian. The company should take care of it, so I don't think I need to worry, haha."
Lilian looked at Geon anew and said, "Now you're a bona fide star with an agency. Impressive, Kay."
Geon laughed it off, "Well, I've had an agency since I was 19."
"Really? I guess the signs of a star were there from the start, haha. Anyway, continue your conversation. Oh, Kay, did you come alone?"
"No, I have a dinner appointment with Professor Sharon from Juilliard."
"Oh, is that so? Boss, we have a VIP room available. Should we guide Professor Sharon there when she arrives? It might be hard to dine in the hall due to fans."
Sambo nodded and said, "Do that. But, Kay, since we're offering the VIP room for free, could you greet the guests in the hall when you leave? It'll be a great gift for those who came looking for you."
"Haha, you're still looking out for your interests, I see. Sure, Sambo."
After Lilian left and they were deep into catching up with laughter, Geon received a message that Sharon had arrived. He said goodbye to Sambo and left the office, closely followed by four security guards. The security team, led by the head of security, encircled Geon as they moved.
"We'll escort you to the VIP room."
Geon, pulling his hat down low, followed the security guards. The VIP room, with one wall entirely of blackened windows, allowed guests to see out while preventing those outside from seeing in.
Once at the door, the head of security said, "We'll handle the entrance security, so please go ahead."
Geon smiled and extended his hand, "Thank you, sir. I've always just called you the head of security. May I know your name?"
"It's Anatoli Arlovski, Kay."
As Anatoli shook hands with Geon, the other guards eagerly introduced themselves, expressing their admiration and excitement. After exchanging pleasantries, Geon entered the room, leaving the security team outside, marveling at the encounter.
Inside the VIP room, contrary to his expectations of finding Sharon alone, Geon was surprised and delighted to see Daniel Weiss, a familiar face.
"Daniel Weiss! It's been so long!"
Daniel stood up quickly, extending his hand, "Haha! Kay! I've been waiting. It's really been a while."
Geon, shaking hands with Daniel, turned to Sharon, "Yes, Daniel. It's really been a while. But you're here with Professor Sharon?"
Daniel laughed, looking back at Sharon, "I contacted Professor Sharon and learned that you and I had a dinner arrangement, so I rushed over."
As they settled at the table, Geon mentioned, "It's good you did. I was planning to visit anyway. How are Abigail and Kate?"
"Abigail would probably scratch my face off if she knew I met you alone, haha. Ah! Kate got married a few months ago."
"Oh~ That's good news."
Sharon, feeling left out, puffed up her cheeks, "Hey, you two men. It's been a long time for me too, you know?"
Geon, laughing, turned to Sharon, "Haha, no, Professor. You were the one I wanted to see the most!"
"Tch, too late now."
"Really, it's true. I even played my instrument at night in Nepal, thinking of you."
Sharon, initially skeptical, softened at Geon's words, "Really? Can I believe that?"
"Of course. By the way, have you ordered yet?"
Sharon looked out at the hall, "No, Lilian guided us here and mentioned that Sambo is treating us to a VIP course meal today, thanks to you, Kay. Looks like I'm getting a free meal because of you, haha."
"Ah, that sounds like Sambo. He wouldn't make a losing deal, so don't feel sorry and enjoy it to the fullest."
"Oh? Some kind of deal?"
"Haha, he asked me to greet the guests in the hall later."
"Ah, the businessman in him shines through. If word gets out that Kay has returned, it would naturally lead people to assume you'll frequent this place more often. That would attract even more customers. Truly impressive business acumen."
"That's why he runs such a successful club."
Shortly after, several staff members arrived with plates of hot food, filling the table with a variety of dishes. As Lilian placed a steak in front of Geon, he looked bewildered.
"How are we supposed to eat all this, Lilian…"
Lilian covered her mouth, chuckling, "Ho-ho, the boss ordered it. I'm just following orders."
Lilian waved her hands several times before leaving, and the serious dining began. As they caught up on each other's lives, Geon turned the conversation to Daniel.
"So, Daniel. Before I left Korea, Professor Sharon mentioned you were looking for me several times. Is everything okay? Did something happen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art again?"
Wiping steak sauce from his mouth with a napkin, Daniel set down his fork, his expression turning slightly more serious.
"No, it's not that. Actually, about two months after you went to Nepal, I received a call from an old friend. He was wondering if it might be possible to get your help."
Geon, sensing a shift in the conversation, put down his knife and asked, "Your friend? What kind of help does he need?"
Daniel looked towards Sharon, who shook her head slightly. Geon, curious, pressed on, "What's going on?"
Daniel started to speak, but Sharon interjected, "No, Daniel. It might seem like a good thing, but getting involved with those people could have unpredictable consequences. As your professor, I don't want to expose you to potentially harmful influences."
Daniel looked reluctantly at Sharon, then at Geon, who implored, "What is it? You can't just leave me hanging."
Sharon sighed and signaled Daniel to proceed. He took a deep breath and faced Geon, "There's a girl. A beautiful girl who hasn't spoken since experiencing a major shock. It's been about four years. Since the incident, she's become like a doll without emotions. Despite her father's efforts and considerable expenditure on renowned hospitals, she remains silent."
Geon, surprised by the turn of the conversation, asked, "A girl? How old is she?"
"She just turned eleven last month."
Geon thoughtfully inquired, "And what exactly do you need from me? I'm not a doctor."
Daniel looked earnestly at Geon, "One night, while watching TV with her father, she saw your UNICEF fundraising broadcast and cried. For the first time in four years, she showed emotion. Her father, seeing this, tried to contact you through his connections, learning that you and I know each other."
Geon, understanding the gravity of the situation, turned to Sharon, "But Professor, why is this dangerous for me? It sounds like a request to help a poor girl. Of course, I'm not sure if I can be of any help."
Sharon and Daniel exchanged looks before Daniel reluctantly nodded. Sharon then turned to Geon, "Kay, Daniel's request might be for a good cause. However, you need to know who's making the request."
Geon, puzzled, asked, "Isn't it the girl's father? I mean, since he's been spreading money around hospitals, he must be wealthy, right?"
Sharon took a deep breath, her expression filled with concern, "The girl's father is Gregory Miocic. He's the boss of the Russian Red Mafia, having established himself in the United States five years ago."
"Excuse me??"