As Jihong struggled to think of something to say, Miss Shim took the lead.

[In any case, assistant manager, I gave my number at the request of the sponsor, but in fact, we are already actively negotiating with another company.]

"It must be Kava

[Yes, it's fun to pretend not to understand, even though there's already an article on the subject. So, let me be clear. I think we'll probably sign with them.]

Her decision was quick, just as Jihon had expected. He was impressed by her directness, as she did not leave room for further conversation out of politeness, but preferred to give a clear answer right away. People react differently to a direct refusal. But Jihong felt that it was far more reasonable to give a clear answer right away than to torment someone with false hope. This approach allowed the rejected person to quickly give up and move on, which leads to a decrease in time spent and their own efforts.

"I understand," Jihong muttered, pretending to be disappointed. In this situation, he should politely answer: "I understand. Kava is a great company and I am sure they will be very supportive of Mr. Kwon Jaekyung. If there is anything we can do for you, please contact us."

However, he still had one last mission to complete: "I'm sorry, but you're Mr. Kwon Jaekyung's mother, aren't you?"

[What? Of course.]

Mrs. Shim seemed somewhat puzzled, wondering why Jihong had asked such obvious things. Despite this, Jihong, while maintaining a soft tone, added, "Ma'am, do you remember me? We met a long time ago in the sports complex of the city of Ilsan."

[Really?]

Mrs. Shim reacted with some coldness, pointing out that she had met a large number of people and might not be able to remember everyone. However, Jihong remained unfazed and continued to speak in a friendly manner, "Yes, I trained there and even greeted you a few times. At that time, Mr. Kwon Jaekyung was probably in the fourth or fifth grade."

[Ah, is that so...?]

Mrs. Shim's voice sounded a little cautious as Jihong mentioned training. After all, at that time, many athletes were engaged there. After a short silence, she asked again.

[Wait, repeat your name, please]

"My name is Jung Jihong, ma'am."

[Oh my God!] A sudden burst of excitement rang out on the other end of the phone.

[Really? Athlete Jihon? Oh my God! Oh my God! How small the world is!]

"However, I am no longer an athlete.

Mrs. Shim replied quietly, [Oh, I see.]

Her disbelief of the situation was evident as she kept repeating, [Oh my God, what the hell, incredible!]

Finally, the familiar tone of her voice was heard.

[So, you retired from the sport and now work at an agency? Do you really work there?]

"Yes, ma'am. I work for Spoin"

[I understand. Oh my God...]

Mrs. Shim didn't seem to know what to do. She knew it was strange to talk about it now, but she couldn't dismiss Jihon either.

"It's a really good company. Our CEO used to be a volleyball player who played in a professional league. He understands the situation of athletes better than anyone else. We strongly believe that we can provide excellent support to Mr. Kwon Jaekyung, so we really want to meet and talk with you, ma'am," Jihong maintained a friendly but more polite tone, seeking to highlight the company's strengths and build trust by reminding them of their acquaintance in the past. However, Mrs. Shim was still Mrs. Shim.

With [Yes, I know. Such a company will undoubtedly put the interests of the athletes above all else. But what should I do? Now we are almost done with the negotiations with Kava. We only have to sign the documents. And if we contact another company at this stage, it will be inappropriate, right? You mentioned that we don't have to sign a contract, but it is very strange to take up your time.]

In other words, she made it clear that she was not interested in renegotiating the contract and did not intend to give anyone false hope. Jihon admired her directness again. Perhaps management can try to convince her by saying, "We'd be happy to have a short meeting. This will not be a waste of time, but a great opportunity." However, Jihon did not want to continue this farce.

In a situation where a decision has already been made, trying to change it will only tire both parties. "I see. I know what you mean, ma'am. You are right. If the contract has already advanced up to this point, it would be impolite to intervene. Kava is a great company and it will undoubtedly be a great support to Mr. Kwon Jaekyung in many ways. You made a good choice, ma'am," Jihong concluded his answer by praising his opponent with a moderately positive opinion.

[I think you called me on purpose, Mr. Jihong, but I'm sorry it turned out that way.]

"No, you shouldn't, ma'am. I was more surprised that you remembered me. "He really meant it. - To be honest, I thought a lot before calling you. I was afraid that a sudden discussion of this matter might confuse you, but I was surprised when you recognized me. Thank you."

[God, how can I forget you? Jaekyung liked you so much.]

Mrs. Shim was also quite adept at flattery, just as she had been ten years ago. Whenever she saw Jihon, she would ask him different things, and at the end, she would always say, "I hope you recover from the injury soon, Jihon. You have to look cool. Jaekyung likes you very much." Of course, Jihong did not believe all her words.

[I'll call you back later. Let's meet and have lunch sometime.]

Everything was the same as before. Jihong knew that he would be in trouble if he took her words at face value. He had experienced this many times. Admitting it to be a polite lie, he replied what the other person would like to hear: "Yes, I'll be waiting, ma'am. I know you must be busy, and I've taken up so much of your time. Please say hello from me to Mr. Kwon Jaekyung," with a smile on his face, he ended the conversation and casually shoved his mobile phone into his pants pocket.

Jihong believed that he had done some of his work. If he says that it is impolite to interfere at the stage of signing a contract with Kava, then Managing Director Guo will have no choice but to give up. Jihong sighed a few times and reached for a pack of cigarettes lying on the table. Taking a deep puff, he felt relieved for a moment. Smoking at the beginning of the workday is not very appropriate, but he reasoned that he could afford it, given what he had to do. He slowly enjoyed his cigarette. Upon returning to his office, he immediately received a call from Managing Director Guo. The idea of lighting another cigarette crossed his mind, but Jihong resisted the temptation, put down his phone, and stood up.

"Despite my best efforts, there is nothing more I can do. I'm sincerely trying to conserve my resources, so if the other party refuses, then I have nothing to offer," trying to find the most polite and respectful way to express his thoughts, he made it to the fourth floor, where the managing director's office was located. Knocking on the door with a frustrated expression, Jihong heard a voice say, "Oh, come in."

Jihon took a deep breath and opened the door. "Oh, Mr. Jeong!"

Managing Director Guo jumped up from his seat as if there was a spring attached to his ass. The old man ran out of the table like a flying squirrel, patted Jihong on the back, and chirped, "I just got a call from Department Chief Choi! He said we'd meet tomorrow afternoon and talk!"

Jihon blinked, refraining from asking who it was. It seemed that the managing director had anticipated his confusion and quickly explained, "Oh, you don't know the head of the department? He is in charge of Kwon Jaekyung. Department Head Choi from the Swimming Federation!"

"Ahh," Jihon muttered curtly.

Since Kwon Jae-kyung did not have an agency, this person helped him by finding temporary sponsors through the federation's athlete support department. Jihong had heard that the general manager was some kind of Choi, and it was about him.

«……….»

Suddenly, he came to his senses and asked, "If someone in this position asked for a meeting, does that mean they're going to meet the company halfway? Kwon Jae-kyung? With our company? Really? Why?"

Before Jihong could voice his questions, Managing Director Guo interrupted him impatiently.

"I think Mrs. Shim said something like, 'Since Mr. Chung contacted us directly, shouldn't we give them a chance?' Sometimes it is simply impossible to ignore the connections between people. Besides, you're technically Kwon Jaekyung's songbae, right?

"Does it matter if I am his songbae or not if I don't play sports anymore? We didn't even train together, but only talked a few times," he wanted to express his thoughts insistently, but he couldn't bring himself to challenge the high-ranking person. Instead, he kept a smile and replied, "Yes, sir. I'm glad she remembered me. It's good that everything turned out so well. Then it's time for me to get back to work and..."

"Of course, of course, go

Managing Director Guo said, waving his hand and interrupting Jihong in mid-sentence. With a cheerful look, the old man personally opened the door and added, "And since you won't be away for an hour or two tomorrow afternoon, you must take care of everything in advance so that it doesn't affect your work."

Stunned by the belated words, Jihong turned around and asked, "Excuse me? Sir, why do I need tomorrow afternoon... Could be...? Do you want me to go too, sir?"

"Well, I told you! Managing Director Guo widened his eyes and replied. - Why do you ask about such obvious things? Mrs. Shim really wants you to attend the meeting, Mr. Jeong. Thanks to your efforts, it will take place, which means you have to be there."

«……….»

Jihon was speechless. At that moment, he desperately wanted a cigarette.