"No, definitely not," Jihon retorted firmly. But Assistant Manager Nam couldn't gracefully hush up the subject: "Usually, a strong 'no' often means 'yes', right?"

Seeing his friend playfully teasing him, Jihong felt a wave of regret. If he had known that this would lead to such a result, he might not have brought up the topic at all. But again, he cannot bear what is happening without sharing it with anyone.

"He asked me to comply with his wishes (i.e. requests) and told me to quit smoking immediately after signing the advertising contract, as if I would stop immediately. What kind of nonsense?"

Of course, he said the same thing to Jaekyung, "What nonsense. You say, 'Quit smoking,' and once I agree, the habit will magically evaporate?"

Of course, everything did not go as smoothly as he wanted.

"Try it, hen.

— I tried even before I got a job in the company, and more than once. If it were that simple, I wouldn't be smoking now.

"Well, at least reduce your nicotine intake. You have good endurance, but a small lung capacity, which affects the ability to stay underwater for a long time.

Jaekyung wasn't going to back down anytime soon. Trying to reason with him, Jihon switched to soft tactics.

"Hey, Jaekyung-ah. I'm not even a swimmer. Does my lung capacity matter?

This approach didn't work either.

"I hate it

"Why?"

"For some unknown reason, I just don't like it

Since the request was not morally or legally problematic, there is no way to refuse.

"Haa......," Jihong sighed, feeling a mixture of irritation and resentment in his stomach. At the same time, he took a drag on a cigarette with a tinge of anger, trying to express his displeasure: "Well, since he has already set a condition, he is free to use it as he pleases. He could demand completely different things, for example, to stand in line at a popular restaurant. But he suggested that we go to the pool together and quit smoking. What a game of beloved, some kind of devilry."

Jihon choked from suffocation, as if he had been cornered. He let out a silent scream, briefly crumpling the poor filter.

"So, how is Kwon Jaekyung? Any news?" a colleague's question took Jihon by surprise, prompting him to get out of deep thought: "Huh? What?"

– I mean his preparation for competitions

"Oh, that's what it's about," Jihon's anxiety immediately dissipated.

"Hmph, it's going pretty well

There were only three weeks left before the Pan-Pacific Championship. Currently, Jaekyung is not just in good shape, but in the best. And the results of the athlete have always been impressive. This indicates that he is quite capable of achieving his goal of winning five gold medals. On top of that, the media game Spoin – reporting on Jaekyung's excellent condition, official predictions merged with the world of advertising, creating an atmosphere as if Jaekyung had already won a Grand Slam tournament.

"Manager Yun seems to be working hard

The manager of Yoon Kyuwon, a key member of the PR department, was of great help to Kwon Jaekyung's hastily formed team. Manager Yun, who once played volleyball, is a junior assistant to the CEO. He is someone Jihon can count on given his extensive connections in the industry and the support he provides.

"Haa, I wish everything went as smoothly as

Assistant Manager Nam exhaled smoke, almost sympathizing with him. He then pulled out an ashtray and asked, "Anyway, how many endorsement contracts has Kwon Jaekyung signed so far?

"There is only one that has been confirmed for sure

Jihong extinguished his cigarette and, using his now free right hand, counted on his fingers.

- Let's see if he agrees to other advertising campaigns... it will be... one, two, three... six

                                                                                                   ***

"So, I have four wishes left, right?" asked Jaekyung, removing the handle.

—... Is this the only thing that worries you now?

He has just signed the contract, and he is already estimating their number even before the ink is dry. Jihong sighed heavily and replied, "Shouldn't you ask about the graphics or concept of the video? Or at least double-check the payment details?"

— The company will take care of all the worries

The tone of his voice sounded as if the details didn't touch him. The guy was really indifferent to his affairs, but this is too much. He showed no interest in commercial shooting. And its advertisement will be seen by a huge number of Koreans. Perhaps the videos will be more people than even real sports games. Instead, he is fixated on ridiculous desires, and advertising is only a means to fulfill them.

"Hey, why four?, - Jihon muttered to himself as he looked through the papers. - I went to the pool with you yesterday and the day before yesterday"

Jaekyung's face contorted, "You came yourself, saying you wanted to swim."

"Oh, really?"

Jihong turned on the fool, pretending to be focused on the documents. However, Jaekyung is the one who won't let things go awry.

"Hyung, you know it's a luxury to have a separate lane. Then I should have charged you for the use and also for the swimsuit

"Come on, don't be so petty.

He will not be able to recoup his money by doing such tricks for no reason. In addition, he was the first to propose. If you follow his lead, Jaekyung will continue to be impudent in the future. Therefore, one should remain steadfast, even if it is necessary to face an iron wall.

"Don't ask for anything more

Jaekyung chuckled as Jihong put the documents into a clean folder with somewhat rude movements. Jihong was well aware that his words were a bit meaningless, but he couldn't back down now. Since I have begun to be stubborn, then I will have to bring everything to the end.

"And I thought... Quitting smoking is not realistic at all. The task is not trivial. Some people even participate in special programs for non-smokers. If I really succeed, then you will already have to fulfill 10 of my conditions

"I agree, Hen

—… Are you implying that I'm going to fail?

"No way. I'm sure of you

Jaekyung blurted out instantly. Because of his mechanical reaction, Jihong forgot his determination and burst out laughing.

"Are you a robot?"

Jaekyung has always been expressionless by default. No matter what he said or how he behaved, his behavior hardly changed. He could furrow his brows a little when he was irritated, but nothing more. However, he looked quite happy today. He had no idea how lucky Jihon was.

"By the way, how long will we have to wait?"

Jihon looked out of the waiting room. Dozens of people had been fussing behind the glass walls for almost two hours. Fortunately, Gwacheon High School gave them permission. Jaekyung usually trained from three to six. But, thanks to certain circumstances, they managed to secure the place from 13:00, but even in this case there were already three. Jiheon wondered why it took so long, as they were only going to film Jaekyung's swimming. It looks like they're having trouble setting up the lighting.

— I hope that soon

As soon as Jihong answered, there was a knock on the door. He opened it, finding a makeup artist. She spoke cautiously, "It looks like we're going to get started. Can I fix my makeup quickly?"

— Of course

Jihon held the door, inviting her in. He expected Jaekyung to grumble about the kind of makeup they put on him, but thankfully, he provided his face to the makeup artist, even though he showed signs of irritation.

Suddenly he asked: "Won't it wash away in the water?"

— Absolutely not, the makeup is super long-lasting. It is practically made for underwater filming

"Then how do I take it off later?"

"You need to use a special product. Don't worry, I'll do it

"Why should I be worried?"

Jaekyung's answer probably meant, "This is your job, why should I care?"

However, the employee seemed to perceive the question as "I trust you," which made her smile from ear to ear.

Whether it was a misunderstanding or not is irrelevant. Jihon felt relieved. The guy was probably in a great mood, as he calmly communicated with other people.