In Jihon's gaze, there was a clear "What?"

Jaekyung nodded to the side, signaling to follow him, and turned around and moved forward. An ominous sense of uncertainty suddenly seized Jihon. To think that the two of them needed to talk alone at a time like this.

— ...

He would have said to him, "Just talk here," but refrained. If Kwon Jae-kyung himself, and not someone else, insisted on a private conversation, then the topic was really delicate, and extra ears would be out of place.

"I'm sorry, I'll be away for a minute."

In the end, Jihong waited for the CEO's approval, apologized, and stood up. The athlete was waiting for him in one of the back rooms, just from which he came out after manual therapy. When Jihon opened the door and was inside, the guy was already sitting by the window.

"What's the matter?" asked Jihong as he walked over to the table where folders and books were scattered. Jaekyung, looking up at him, immediately went to the point, instead of suggesting that he sit opposite.

— The CEO of Kava came to the pool

"Really?" What for?

I think he found out that I was going to sign with Spoin. He asked me to reconsider his decision, promising that I would not have to participate in the Olympic Games.

"I was expecting such a development of events," Jihong sighed in disappointment. His ominous premonition came true, as always.

"He said that the down payment would remain the same as they had previously offered, but without restrictions on the amount of advertising.

However, Jihong could not imagine that Kava, sacrificing their pride, would meet halfway in order to keep Jaekyung.

"In other words, they are ready to give up the Olympics and force him to star in numerous commercials, while maintaining the same amount of fee..." - Jihon thought to himself.

"They said everything you guessed, hyung.

— Of course. The only difference is the price of the issue, right?

"The CEO even offered to increase the payment if I wanted to.

«... Are they crazy?" thought Jihon. Since Jaekyong wasn't subject to the cap since he wasn't in the big leagues, they could pay him as much as the company wanted, whether it was an upfront or a year's salary. But whatever amounts they offered, there was such a thing as a reasonable limit. Are they really willing to give even 10 billion won to someone who is about to retire?

Of course, these are just words, and when it comes time to sign the contract, they can cut the contribution in half again. But it's crazy all the same. They simply wouldn't be able to raise that kind of money, even if they used all their employees as collateral at home, let alone the company building. It seems that Kava had fabulous sums in circulation. When Jihong sighed dejectedly, Jaekyung, studying his reaction, leaned back in his chair, resting his elbow on the table, and asked:

"What would you do if you were me, hyung?"

"Who knows... I would never be able to be in your place, it's just impossible," Jihon said with a smile.

You need to be able to use your own humility, sometimes belittling yourself and your skills, elevating others, in the name of profit. Such a trick allowed him to easily get out of difficult situations.

How did you manage to get into the PR team with a complete lack of imagination, hyung? When I read the articles published by the agency, I involuntarily compare them with tabloid novels.

Of course, everything depended on the interlocutor, but for such a shrewd and indifferent person as Kwon Jaekyung, sweet speeches and ingratiation would definitely not have an effect.

"Then let me change the wording of the question: what would you say if an athlete you know personally came to you and asked for advice?"

Jihon had no choice but to answer honestly.

"I would advise him to sign a contract with Kava.

"I assumed so. My mother would have said the same thing, so I didn't discuss it with her.

At first glance, it may seem that Jaekyung is attentive to Jihon's situation, but if you delve into the content, his words were more like a threat. The guy hinted that if his mother found out, then the deal with Spoin could fall through. Jihong was confused again and pondered, "This guy... Is he one of those who know how to manipulate? Is he really able to lead people by the nose so gracefully? I was sure of his straightforwardness."

In fact, Jaekyung's style of presenting information didn't matter at this point in time. People were waiting for them in the next room, and Jihon needed to make one decision or another urgently.

"And what are you going to do?"

Jihong dared to ask him directly, and if the guy began to evade the answer, then he would have to act in non-standard ways.

"What do you want, hyung?"

— Of course, I want you to collaborate with Spoin.

"But why?"

— This is the company I work for.

Jihon's gaze clearly screamed, "Isn't it obvious?"

Jaekyung looked at him and immediately said, "Okay. That's what we'll do."

"Wait... A what?

Before Jihong could ask, "Are you serious?", Jaekyung spoke first.

"But there is one condition

"Condition? What condition?" blurted out Jihon nervously.

"Nothing special. It's just that you have to fulfill one of my requests after each shoot," Jaekyung said in a casual tone that made Jihong want to laugh, shouting, "Is that all? Spit once."

However, he pulled himself together and continued seriously, "Are you going to ask for a separate bonus for each promotional offer? If you're expecting me to buy you a car or a house for every video, then I..."

The guy immediately interrupted him, looking him straight in the eyes, "I'm not going to ask you for money. The condition doesn't apply to the company, it's just for you, hyung."

"For me? Jihong asked in surprise, his eyes instantly rounding in shock. -You will... You're not going to bring me up to date?" What exactly do you want?"

— Yes.

"Hey, but...

Jihon wanted to say something, but all the words flew out of his mind. He was so dumbfounded that he couldn't help laughing.

"No, it doesn't make any sense...

"Why doesn't it make sense? Jaekyung asked, "I'm refusing a large fee and cooperating with Spoin. I can contact the company directly, but then you will have to redo the documents, and everything will become even more complicated," he explained, propping up his chin with his palm.

Sitting on the chair, Jaekyung looked up at him, which made his brown eyes seem especially bright. You could even see his thick eyelashes, which touched his cheeks every time he blinked. Jihong felt like he had gone back 10 years when he was much taller than him. Even now, Jaekyung's eyes were clear and clear, barely transparent, and their color had not changed at all. However, everything else seemed completely unfamiliar. As if completely changed, everything remained the same. It's a strange feeling.

"Why do you want to have me at your disposal?" asked Jihong while smiling.

"For me, this will be a huge victory," Jaekyung replied with an emotionless face.

His indifferent attitude made Jihon even more doubtful about whether it was a joke or not.

"You're driving me crazy!" muttered Jihon, pushing his bangs back from his forehead. His neat hairstyle looked a little disheveled now, but he didn't have so much free time to worry about it. Finally, he asked, loosening his tie with a sudden movement, "What the hell do you want to ask for?"

"I'll think carefully about it in the future

"No, you must give me at least a rough idea. I don't want any problems from a legal and moral point of view.

"That will never happen," Jaekyung retorted, clicking his tongue. Seeing his reaction, Jihong realized that perhaps he had been too rude. Given the character of the athlete, he is unlikely to put forward any outrageous condition...

"Well, no. Jihon shook his head. "What kind of person is he?" I hardly know him."

That Kwon Jaekyung he remembered in his youth wouldn't have made such ridiculous demands. He would have signed a contract with Kava right away. And then I would entrust all the worries to them and focus on training, saying only: "I will not do anything now. Since I've agreed to the deal, you should take care of the rest."

"What are you planning to do, hyung?"

Jihon couldn't give a clear answer. He didn't even know what he should do. If CEO Kahn finds out, he will likely terminate all agreements immediately. No, it will even be good if this is the end of it. However, with three lawyers in his pocket, he is able to go much further and even sue Jaekyung, using any ridiculous accusations, whether it is insulting an employee or deception. Jihon was not happy with such prospects. After all, the outcome will be devastating for all parties to the conflict.

There is a simple solution that can benefit everyone. Jihon just has to agree to the rules of the game. In this way, CEO Kang will be happy, and the company will be saved, and Jaekyung himself will feel satisfied, as he will get what he wanted anyway. The only one who will face difficulties will be himself. However, if the company's business goes uphill, then he will receive a salary increase and a bonus. On the other hand, he stands to lose a lot if the agency fails to prevent further losses and ends up going bankrupt, letting Kwon Jaekyung go. Since there are many alphas among athletes, the industry is extremely reluctant to hire omegas. Whether he likes it or not, this is the reality. Based on all the arguments, there is no longer any hesitation.

"I agree...", Jihong said emphatically.

"Really?" the guy asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise.

Jihong looked at him with a condemning look, as if to say, "You're the first to start!"

"In this situation, I have no other option but to agree. Even if I have to pull out one tooth for each of your commercials.

"Without anesthesia?"

— ... Is this really what you're interested in right now?

"I'm honestly interested

Jaekyung's eyes were frozen with a silent question.

"No, only with anesthesia, and I will require implants," Jihon played it safe. "Pulling out teeth without anesthesia is a form of torture, isn't it?"

But Jaekyung didn't seem interested in such details.

"Then I can only shoot 28 videos, and if you have four wisdom teeth, then 32.

"You... Are you really going to do something like that?"

"Of course not, I'll never hurt you, ever," Jaekyung repeated firmly, putting emphasis on the last word.

Strange clarifications only alerted Jihon.

"In any case, if you and I agreed, then write a receipt first," Jaekyung found a blank sheet of A4 paper on the table and kindly handed it to him along with a pen.

"I agree to sign it, but you know that it has no legal force without notarization, right?"

"I know. This is just a formality that will put psychological pressure on you.

Jaekyung revealed all his dark intentions with an unwavering expression on his face. Jihong even regretted what he had done for a moment.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with that, it's literally... Just a receipt, right? It has no legal force. And if we verbally quarrel, then I can present it as proof of the threat," Jihon thought. After convincing himself, he quickly scribbled the text. When he finished, he confidently handed it to Jaekyung.

The guy immediately began to read aloud the content: "Receipt. Spoin's employee, Jung Ji-hong, undertakes to comply with any requests [1] of Kwon Jae-kyung in the amount of one at each commercial shoot. At the same time, he is not obliged to comply with any requirement that is legally, financially or morally impracticable." Even after reading their homemade document, Jaekyung remained silent, continuing to stare into his eyes. Jihon worried that something strange had happened: "Maybe I didn't formulate it correctly or wrote it too rudely... No, it's just conventional paper, does the grammar really have to be perfect?"

"By the way, hyung," Jaekyung finally addressed him as Jihong tormented himself with worries.

"Huh?" What the?

They were both sitting on the same level, and the guy's gaze was getting heavier and heavier.

"Here," Jaekyung said as he tapped the paper, "shouldn't it say 'if it doesn't cause legal problems' instead of 'moral'?"

"What.....?"

"As long as the request isn't legally unacceptable, then it's fine, hyung. Don't you think so?" he blinked, clarifying, and Jihong was confused for a moment.

The guy just smiled at him and folded the document in half. Jihong was so dumbfounded, not even immediately realizing that Jaekyung was smiling at him for the first time. The paper was folded again until it fit in the back pocket. He stood up and said to Jihon, "Well, shall we go? We need to sign a contract."

Without waiting for an answer, he left the room. Watching Jaekyung's tall figure walk away through the open door, Jihong belatedly began to think about the correctness of his choice, "Maybe I just made a big mistake."