episode_0328

“Why are you making that call like that?”

Seeing Jun-ho smoking in a corner, I felt like teasing him. How could he act like he’s having a hard time when he’s the one who got caught by the manager and is being scolded? I couldn’t stand it.

“Oh, hyung, I’m not feeling well, don’t bother me.”

“Who would think I’m bothering you? Huh?”

“Oh, seriously, I’m not feeling well.”

What’s this? He wasn’t the type to react like this normally… Well, as a senior, I guess I can’t ignore a junior’s troubles.

“So, what’s up? Spit it out.”

“Well, my girlfriend suddenly needs money urgently.”

“You had a girlfriend?”

“Oh, come on! I told you back then. Last year during the playoffs, in Daegu. Don’t you remember?”

“Oh, come on! Should I also remember you having a girlfriend?!”

This guy thinks I should be grateful for remembering his name. Now he wants me to remember he had a girlfriend. Is he out of his mind?

“So, is she pretty?”

“Of course, she is.”

Jun-ho got agitated at my words and shoved his phone towards me.

“Oh, she’s quite pretty? Where did you meet her?”

“There, at that club. The one we went to with hyung.”

“Did I go to a club with you even once or twice? Where is that place?”

“There, you know. In Daegu. That place set up by that senior who used to play baseball.”

“Oh, there.”

Is this guy dating girls at clubs? It’s like eating expired food. Hmm… But looking at the girl’s face, she was quite attractive, so I could somewhat understand why this guy’s heart was swayed.

“So, do you match well?”

“Not really? Just give her to me.”

“Oh, come on! What nonsense. I’ll kill you, seriously.”

Seeing him getting angry, it seemed like he really cared.

“Alright, buddy. But how much money does your girlfriend need?”

“20,000.”

“20,000? Is she buying drinks or what? Giving that expression for 20,000 won? This guy turns out to be quite a handful. You’re hopeless. You can’t even get yourself together when I pay for drinks at the club. If it’s 20,000 won, just give it coolly. It’s not like she’s asking for 200,000 won.”

If it were 200,000 won, it would have been worrisome. That’s the price of a wooden bat I used in middle and high school.

“What’s with 2,000 won? It’s 20 million won!”

“…Are you kidding me?”

“Hyung! Hyung! Where are you going?”

Since there was no point in arguing, I quickly left for the break room.

“Just wait a moment, hold on! Listen to me….”

More surprising than the fact that he borrowed 20 million won was the fact that he had 20 million won. To think that such an idiot managed to save 20 million won… Clearly, he must have received a hefty signing bonus as a first-round draft pick.

“Hyung! Ugh… What if Jihye’s company goes downhill?”

“Huh?”

“Jihye’s father’s factory is in a bad situation right now…”

Was that why he looked upset? Not because of the 20 million won.

“Sigh, idiot.”

There seemed to be no response. Worried about this guy’s idiocy rubbing off on me, I quickly left for my room. And then, I called So-young, the person who came to mind.

-“Maeng-ho?”

“Sis. Are you busy?”

-“No, not particularly busy, as you know, the baseball team owner doesn’t really have much to do.”

“That’s true.”

-“But that doesn’t mean I’m going golfing with the old men or anything.”

“Then I’ll go hit those old men with golf clubs.”

-“Haha, just kidding. Anyway, what’s up?”

“Sis, can you lend me 20 million won?”

-“20 million won? Why? Do you want to buy something? I’ll buy it for you.”

“No, with money.”

-“With money? 20 million won? Why? Are you gambling? Or did you get into a fight or something? Who asked you to settle something?”

Money was the reason for Soyeong’s sudden increase in volume. She seemed to think I had gotten into an accident.

“Anyway, you’re worrying too much. I haven’t been in any accidents.”

“Gambling? You know I don’t do that kind of thing.”

“…Really? If you ever consider it, let me know. I’ll look into secure places.”

I felt a bit scared that she might actually investigate.

“So why do you need money?”

“Well, listen. Do you know Junhoo? Im Junhoo.”

“Of course I do. I was the team leader until last year.”

“But his girlfriend asked him for 20 million won. And apparently, Junhoo sent her the 20 million?”

“Really? 20 million won?”

Soyeong looked surprised by my words. Even being a third-generation chaebol, Soyeong’s reaction to asking for 20 million won was like this. While 20 million won might not be a big deal for Soyeong, it was only natural for anyone to feel uneasy when asked for money. Even for a third-generation chaebol, Junhoo’s actions were really something.

“Is that so? But sis, isn’t 20 million won a bit much even for you?”

“Well, if I can give, I will. But money matters need to be clear. And although it doesn’t concern me, usually, recipients don’t like it when money is just handed over. Even when I was in middle school… Oh, never mind. Anyway, money needs to be handled properly.”

Was Soyeong even stricter due to being a third-generation chaebol? The rich are peculiar in certain aspects. Is that how they became wealthy? Well, considering Soyeong runs her own agency, it made sense.

“That makes sense, right?”

“Yeah. But well, it’s their life, so they have to figure it out themselves. They’re adults.”

“Got it. I just called because I found it ridiculous.”

“Yeah, train well. Can’t wait to see you.”

“Yeah, waiting.”

“Train hard, then. I’ll hang up.”

After talking with Soyeong, Junhoo’s actions seemed even more unreasonable.

“Anyway, that’s why I have to manage my juniors. Especially this guy, Im Junhoo. No matter how I think about it, it’s unsettling.”

With thoughts of needing to manage his juniors more, I left the room.

*

“How’s that guy? Will he come over?”

“He’s all in. He’s fallen for me. Just wait a bit. Seems like there’s not much deposit left. He’ll need more money soon.”

“Alright then. Connect me around that time.”

“Got it.”

While Junhoo worried about his girlfriend, she was smiling and chatting with Kang Hocheol. The reason why former baseball player turned gangster Kang Hocheol generously helped baseball players expand their connections almost for free was simple. It was to find innocent players like Junhoo.

Junhoo fit the type of player Kang Hocheol was targeting. With little money, not much experience, and being a young pitcher, Junhoo had all three elements Kang Hocheol sought.

The reason Kang Hocheol was looking for players like Junhoo was straightforward. Players like Junhoo were easily tempted by dark offers. And the dark offer, of course, was match-fixing. With enough money, there was no need for match-fixing, and it was difficult to involve experienced players in such activities. Moreover, the position of a pitcher made it the easiest to manipulate games, making Junhoo the perfect fit for Kang Hocheol’s plan.

Gang Ho-cheol, a gangster, was connected to an illegal sports betting operation and had plans to slowly entangle Im Jun-hu into becoming a slave of match-fixing. When it became too difficult to handle financially, he extended a helping hand through his girlfriend. The intention was to involve him in the plan even once, making him a slave who could be threatened based on match-fixing actions and used at will.

“So, I just keep borrowing money?”

“That’s right. Keep borrowing money. When the exhibition games start, you’ll get involved. Exhibition games are nothing compared to the regular league; they’ll be a breeze. If that’s all set… Hehehe.”

With the thought of making quick money with a small investment, Gang Ho-cheol couldn’t help but smile.

“I hope we start soon.”

“Just wait a bit. Your life is about to change.”

“I’ll trust only you, Oppa.”

“Just trust me. Come here.”

Meanwhile, Choi Ji-hye, who was having an affair with Im Jun-hu’s girlfriend, couldn’t hold back her laughter thinking about the impending disaster. As they gazed at each other and laughed, their exchange of glances soon led to a passionate kiss. Thus, Choi Ji-hye accepted Gang Ho-cheol’s touch, and the two began to intertwine.

“I hope Mr. Ji-hye’s father is okay. It wouldn’t be good if he went bankrupt. How much money do I have left now? Ah… I shouldn’t have bought the car, I combined it with the championship bonus for no reason.”

While his girlfriend was in another man’s arms, Jun-hu was consumed with worry about her. Oblivious to the fact that his girlfriend was cheating on him, he focused on his training.

“Jun-hu.”

“Yes, Coach.”

“You’re doing well. You know you and Chan-young are both candidates for the starting five this season, right? Work hard. In my opinion, you have a higher chance than Chan-young.”

“Got it! Coach! I’ll work hard!”

Thus, Jun-hu dedicated himself to training hard to secure a spot in the starting lineup. By the time the money borrowed from his girlfriend exceeded 30 million won, the spring camps of each team had ended, and the date for the exhibition games was fast approaching.