Since Kwon Jaekyung started playing for the national team at a young age, everything related to contracts was handled by his mother. Kwon Jaekyung himself was not very interested in such a thing and even after he became an adult, he left such powers to her. Jihong knew (based on rumors in the industry) that his mother was very rational, intelligent, and well-mannered. Simply put, she was a person who knew how to use a calculator well.

Jakyung won't bother with paperwork. Since his mother did not like to waste time, they would probably start negotiations right away, choosing one place that could provide the best conditions. Kava would certainly have been such a company, because it offered the most lucrative contracts compared to other agencies. Despite its name, which began with K (Korean), it represented a branch of a well-known, international company based in the United States. Of course, the U.S. sports market and the Korean domestic market had significant differences. In Korea, the concept of sports agencies was not established, so when Kava came into existence, they had to face a lot of challenges and learn through trial and error. With a huge down payment and the provision of various amenities, they have been able to attract many athletes. As a result, it became almost impossible to outplay them, since they had enormous financial power.

Kwon Jaekyung's mother knew about this and seemed to have discussed the terms of the contract with them beforehand. So, it was clear that no matter how desperately the other agencies tried, she would say that they were busy and would not be able to meet with them.

"What the hell is Spoin talking about?"

Even though it is a relatively young company that is less than 5 years old, it seemed that Managing Director Guo was determined to at least try. What kind of person is he in general?

He had experience as a manager in a large company. Later, he decided to join his grandson's agency when he was already of retirement age. But all he did was flaunt his arrogance. He believed that someone like him was needed by the company to set system standards. And instead of conscientious performance of duties, he paid more attention to the promotion of his grandson. This time, Jihong didn't even listen to what the old man was saying. After all, he was just going to try his luck, like the others. The old man tried to arrange a meeting thanks to his acquaintances? But what kind of connections are we talking about in general? Even if he knew someone, it was clear that it was at best some kind of distant relative of Kwon Jaekyung.

And although he somehow managed to get hold of contact information, arranging a meeting seemed impossible. It would be difficult to talk to him on the phone for more than a minute, unless he took a picture of a drunk and peeing Kwon Jae-kyung on the street. But Kwon Jae-kyung is more likely to ignore such a threat, because he doesn't care if a scandal breaks out or not. No, he simply wouldn't urinate in the street. Obviously, the old man's attempt to use connections was quite ridiculous and unlikely to bring any result.

"Forget it. Just pretend you didn't hear it. First of all, does it even make sense for Managing Director Guo to arrange a meeting with them? Perhaps the CEO doesn't expect much either.

— As expected

Assistant Manager Nam clicked his tongue again as the receiver on Jihon's desk rang at the same time as he turned helplessly in his chair. The flashing of the red light indicated an internal challenge.

"Hello," says Assistant Manager Jung Jihong of the Public Relations Department," as soon as Jihong answered the call, he was greeted by the insistent voice of Managing Director Guo.

[Oh, Mr. Jeong, please go to the managing director's office right now.]

"You should come as soon as you hang up. Hurry up...", Jihon thought. The managing director relayed his message and immediately hung up without even bothering to listen to his response.

«………»

Jihon remained motionless for a while. It was the first direct call from the managing director since he joined the company, with an ominous feeling that he couldn't hang up right away.

"Mr. Jeong, I heard you know Kwon Jaekyung?" - Managing Director Guo's voice boomed as soon as Jihong entered the office.

— … Me, sir?"

He replied with a puzzled look on his face, pretending not to understand what he was talking about. Fortunately, he had prepared for such a scenario in advance and practiced how to react, avoiding any mistakes, such as blurting out, "Oh yes, I know him, sir."

– Oh, if we are talking about when we trained in the same sports complex...

Managing Director Guo's fist slammed the table, prompting Jihong to continue, "Yes, that's right, sir. But hundreds of other people probably trained with him. The swim centre was connected to the primary school next door, and there was a swimming class every two weeks in each class."

Jihon deftly distorted the truth. Although he and Kwon Jaekyung were actually receiving individual training, he didn't see the need to divulge such information. Why should he confess to everything when he had to hide at least one? (from possum: cunning beaver :D)

"So you never spoke to him at all?"

But hiding and lying are completely different things. Jihon was tormented. If he lied, would Managing Director Guo really forget about it? There was a strong temptation to say, "Yes, that's right," and end it, but he knew it wasn't that easy, since Managing Director Guo wasn't one to give up easily. In addition, if he is later caught in a lie, it will be even worse. In the end, Jihon decided not to continue this farce.

"I tried to establish a relationship with him, but only a few times. I could count on the fingers of one hand how many times I talked to him in a year.

"What, everything is so bad? Managing Director Guo expressed sincere surprise. "But at least you greeted each other, didn't you?"

"No, we weren't that close.

"Really...?" Managing Director Guo's face showed disappointment.

If Jihong pushes a little, he might be able to get off topic, and the old man will say, "Okay, okay. You can go back to yourself."

Relieved, Jihong pursed his lips, convincingly showing that he was sorry: "First of all, Kwon Jaekyung and I had different training times, so we didn't have the opportunity to get closer. Moreover, Kwon Jaekyung was then... A little reserved, few people talked to him, except for the coach. Even the coach seemed to interact more with Kwon Jaekyung's mother than with himself. She seemed to be the intermediary between Kwon Jaekyung and the outside world. Personally, I often talked to his mother more than to him."

"Oh, that's wonderful! Suddenly, Managing Director Guo cheered up and shouted. "The contact number I received belongs to Mrs. Shim, she is Kwon Jaekyung's mother!" The sponsor told me that they don't have the athlete's contact number, only his mother's number. Oh my God, isn't that fantastic? You can contact Madame Shim! Aha! Oh, that's really great news. How wonderful!"

«... I screwed up," Jihon thought, biting his lip.

(from possum: you were outplayed and destroyed, zayush :D)

He just wanted to emphasize that Kwon Jaekyung was an unsociable person who had a habit of keeping other people at a distance. As a result, he said more than he should have.

"Here is the contact phone number of Ms. Shim. Call her and tell her that you got the number from Managing Director Guo from Spoin. Don't forget to mention that you're the Jung Jihong they once knew, okay? You have to tell her this, no matter what," Managing Director Guo excitedly handed over a business card. After receiving this with trembling hands, Jihong couldn't help but wonder, "Isn't that why I had that strange dream last night? It seemed that this was ordinary nonsense, but in the end he turned out to be prophetic?"

After leaving the managing director's office, Jihong returned to his department and headed to the smoking room, taking only a cigarette and a mobile phone with him. Fortunately, the room was empty, probably due to the early morning. Settling into the corner, he looked at the business card in his hand. It wasn't her number. The business card belonged to a sponsor who provided contact information to Managing Director Guo. But the mobile phone number on the back of the business card should belong to her.

«………»

A small sigh escaped Jihon. There is no point in speculating about why things turned out the way they did. It was a reality that he couldn't change, no matter how disappointed he felt. Instead, he needs to focus on solving the problem at hand. No, there was really nothing to worry about. What power does an employee like him have? He must follow the instructions of his superior. The task at hand was not something impossible, he just needed to call and arrange a meeting.

Yes, he would have to remember their friendship ten years ago, but he could not afford to do whatever he wanted at work. Compared to a host of other problems, this is something more insignificant. Ultimately, it will be up to the other side to decide whether or not to agree to a meeting. He will just do everything in his power. As soon as Jihong made his decision, he immediately took out his mobile phone from his pocket. If he continued to hesitate, then the fear and excitement would only increase.

With great care, he dialed the number, double-checking the 11 digits on the business card. When he pressed the call button and waited, the other party answered after a few beeps.

[Good afternoon.]

Jihong was stunned by the voice of an elegant middle-aged woman. This was because Kwon Jaekyung's mother, whom he vaguely remembered, did not have such a voice. But the memories of ten years ago were blurred, because he did not communicate with her so often. Putting these thoughts aside, Jihong spoke in the most reserved and professional tone he could: "Hello, ma'am. You're worried about assistant manager Jung Ji-heon from the sports agency Spoin. I contacted you at the number I received from Managing Director Go Hyunseok."

He felt anxious and wasn't sure if she would ask who Managing Director Goh Hyunseok was. Fortunately, Kwon Jaekyung's mother quickly replied, "Ah, yes," acting like she knew him.

[Is this the managing director who was given our contact number by the sponsor?]

"That's right, ma'am.

[But why didn't we get a call from the managing director himself...?]

There was dissatisfaction in her tone. She seemed to wonder why she had been contacted by a simple assistant manager rather than the managing director, given that she had given her number to someone of a higher rank. Jihong fully understood her, and this reaction was not unfounded. In any case, it was impolite.