"Hey, wait. You're going to do commercials, aren't you? Oh, I'm sorry, do you plan to participate in advertising campaigns, sir?"

"Let's make up your mind whether to speak formally or not, hyung, it's a distraction."

"Okay, you're going to do commercials, aren't you?"

In the end, Jihon abandoned the officialdom and repeated the question in simple language. Jaekyung crossed his arms over his chest in puzzlement.

"I have to. After all, I'll sign a contract with you

He did say it, although there was a look on his face that expressed a complete lack of desire to take part in such a thing. Most likely, he wants to fulfill his mother's cherished wish. But if that were really the case, then...

— How many commercials do you plan to star in?

"Not too much

— "Not too much" – how much, in your opinion?

"About one or three

"This is it," Jihong couldn't help but chuckle when he heard the unexpected answer. Jaekyung looked at him, expressing some concern.

"Jaekyung-ah, listen.

Jihong tapped the table with his fingertips and spoke in a softer tone, "The fee will be at least a billion won with your current popularity. It cannot be lower than the declared amount. Although each sport is different, we cannot ignore the size of the fee offered to the best athlete, who is also number one in the world. If we do that, the whole market will go crazy. Which will subsequently affect other athletes. They will wonder how much Kwon Jae-kyung earns and assess their advance as nonsense. Do you understand what I mean?"

Jihong explained as kindly as he could, as if he were dealing with a child. And of course, it didn't work. Instead of answering, Jaekyung stared at him as if asking, "Why do I need this information?"

After feigning equanimity, Jihong continued to explain, "Now, let's say we give you a billion won. From the moment you sign the contract, we have to cover the costs of adjusting your schedule and filming. You can reimburse everything later, or we will split the prize money in the agreed ratio for the organization and management of your projects. But swimming does not bring much money even at major competitions. You know that, don't you? In addition, you will not even participate in competitions within the country, since you are part of the national team. Moreover, if you leave the team, we will no longer be able to count on making a profit from the prize pool. So, how do we cover the cost of the fee we pay you?"

Jaekyung, as expected, remained silent. In the end, Jihong replied himself: "Whenever a commercial is made, we calculate a certain percentage of the advertising fee and deduct the commission. It's not just us, all agencies work this way. In the case of league players, they sign contracts with the club, receiving a commission, but since you are not a league player...

"Good. I'll do a few more videos

"....Really?", Jihong asked incredulously. He explained everything, but he didn't expect Jaekyung to understand the situation and meet halfway. He just wanted him to see the company's point of view as well. To be honest, he even thought that he was greedy. Kwon Jaekyung was not one to care about the opinions of others. But now Kwon Jae-kyung was willing to cooperate? Kwon Jakyung, not anyone else.

"What...?"

"Don't tell me that he will say, 'I'll do three more,' that's twice as much," Jihong looked at the guy with bated breath.

"I'll do as much as you tell me

Another incredible answer flew out of Jaekyung's mouth.

"As much as we ask?"

"Yes

— Even if the number exceeds a dozen? Will you agree anyway?

"Well... I've already answered

Jaekyung spoke as if annoyed, but then added, rubbing his hair, "But will I get so many offers?" Jihong sneered at the absurd question. Kwon Jaekyung didn't seem to realize how popular he was now. However, he was already feeling frustrated at the thought of working with this incredible athlete in the future.

"I am sure that thanks to this pose alone, you can take part in 12 more advertising campaigns.

"What posture?"

"I'm talking about the one where you passionately stroke your hair with your hand

Jaekyung seemed surprised and asked, "Did I do that?" before standing up abruptly, "That's it. The rest of the conditions should be the same as for other athletes, so please send me the contract by tomorrow."

"Hey, do you think it can be drawn up so quickly?" It will take at least three, no, at least two days

"Okay, then within 48 hours. If that happens later, I'll think you don't want to make a deal with me and look for other options.

Not until midnight the day after tomorrow, but in 48 hours. Jihong knew that Jaekyung was the kind of person who didn't care about other people's circumstances, but not that much.

"I need to sign it and announce it publicly as soon as possible, otherwise Kava will continue to bother me," he said, as if anticipating.

"So he noticed," Jihong sighed loudly, not expecting to hear the reason. "He's really smart."

Today, Kwon Jaekyung continued to surprise him time after time. Ten years ago, they often bumped into each other, but almost did not greet each other. Today's conversation was much deeper, longer and more significant than the words they exchanged in total for the entire year of communication. Jihon still had a lot to learn about him.

"I see. I fully understand the urgency. We will prepare as soon as possible," Not wanting to waste time, Jihong quickly stood up from his seat.

                                                                                                              ***

Director General Kang, contrary to Jihong's expectations, was wary of the news: "You know, Mr. Jeong. Nothing is absolute in this industry. Such good conditions should definitely be questioned."

Jihon shared his thoughts. It wasn't just luck, it was more like waking up to find a whole field of pumpkins instead of a single one. If he hadn't overheard the conversation in the hotel lobby, he might have been just as suspicious of Jaekyung's intentions. Favorable conditions were more for Spoin than for the athlete. No, to be quite honest, Spoin prevailed.

"It's true that negotiations with Kava have been suspended, sir. And Kwon Jae-kyung was annoyed at the prospect of looking for another organization. Kava wants to sign him as soon as possible and continues to harass him. But if he hurries up and gets into cooperation with others, this can also become a problem.

"Indeed," CEO Kahn quickly agreed. - This industry is full of scum. Many of them are scammers. They have done nothing worthwhile, they are only capable of scratching their tongues." Looking at the excited director, Jihong nodded, "Yes. Kwon Jae-kyung understood that only Kava could afford such a huge fee. There are other agencies out there, but no one can compare to them. And in the end, the rest will have to adjust the conditions when they realize that Kwon Jaekyung will not participate in the Olympics. And he doesn't want to waste time on meaningless discussions."

"So that's why he's willing to cooperate with us. What the hell, should I consider his decision to be generosity?

CEO Kahn found the idea absurd and laughed. Jihong wanted to say, "It's not that he's generous, he just finds it tiresome," but he restrained himself. Whatever the reason, the CEO's impression of Jaekyung is about to change for the better, and there is no need to spoil the atmosphere. Jiheon realized that they needed Kwon Jae-kyung to save the company from bankruptcy in a few years.

– By the way, why does he not plan to participate in the Olympic Games? I mean, I was also an athlete, maybe he doesn't want to show a deterioration in his own performance. But I believe that next year he will still be able to perform well. Two wins in a row would be a sensation.

The way he shook his head and clicked his tongue was a hint of pity for the early departure of a brilliant athlete. As a citizen of the Republic of Korea and a former swimmer, Jihong certainly shared his feelings. But...

"Wouldn't that do us good, sir?" Thanks to the current situation, we were able to attract Kwon Jae-kyung

"Mr. Jeong, sometimes you can be so heartless. You are very rational

"You're more likely to be very sentimental, sir.

"That's why the agency is in a terrible situation now," Jihon thought to himself.

"Yes, you're right, we're very lucky," CEO Kahn finally agreed, seeing the reality in front of him. When they came to a common denominator, Jihong began to scroll through all possible options.