Chapter 35: Eun Ga-young (1)

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, player Jeong Tae-woo.”

“Oh, by any chance, are you a good person?”

“Pardon?”

Her expression shifted, a flicker of bewilderment crossing her face.

‘Ah, I messed up.’

My mind went blank for a moment.

Even if she were the ‘good person’ the football god mentioned, there was no way she would know it.

“Hahahaha, I was just kidding because you’re so beautiful.”

I said with an awkward laugh.

“Ah, yes. Thank you, player Jeong Tae-woo.”

‘Phew, that’s a relief. Looks like she’s letting it slide.’

However, an awkward atmosphere still lingered, and the coach seemed to try and clear the air with a dry cough.

“Now, Tae-woo. This person is-“

“Ah, Coach. I’ll introduce myself.”

She gently cut the coach off.

“This is who I am.”

She handed me a business card.

[APEX Agent, Representative Eun Gayoung]

The moment I took the business card, I was stunned.

‘Eun Gayoung, the representative of APEX Agent? Could it be…’

The same Eun Gayoung who appeared in the novel as Yoo Hee-sung’s agent and heroine.

A person who was practically the definition of competence.

‘And she’s a third-generation chaebol heiress, too…’

I looked at her again, more closely this time.

How many women in the world named Eun Gayoung could be this beautiful?

‘I think she’s the Eun Gayoung I know… but why did she come to me instead of Yoo Hee-sung?’

In the novel, her agency grew into a massive powerhouse with Yoo Hee-sung as its cornerstone, but at this point, it was just a fledgling agency with no reputation.

Besides, this was a time when no one knew that Eun Gayoung was a chaebol heiress.

“So you’re an agent’s representative.”

I said as casually as possible.

“That’s right.”

Eun Gayoung replied with a gentle smile.

“I’m sure this is the first time you’ve heard of our agency. Because we’re a new…”

She paused for a moment, then continued with a voice full of confidence.

“But that’s precisely why we want to grow alongside you, Jeong Tae-woo. We want to maximize your potential with our passion and expertise.”

Those words… they were almost identical to what Eun Gayoung said to Yoo Hee-sung in the novel.

There was no doubt that having Eun Gayoung as my agent would make everything easier.

Why else would she be called the epitome of competence in the novel?

She would later come to be known as the ‘Queen of Two Faces’.

For the success of her players, she was as warm and devoted as an angel, but at the negotiating table, she was as cold and uncompromising as a devil.

‘Plus, being a chaebol heiress, money won’t be an issue.’

As I wore a contemplative expression, the coach standing next to me added.

“Tae-woo, you’re a minor anyway, so you’ll need your parents’ signature. You don’t have to give a definite answer right now. But I do think it’s time you got an agent.

The number of teams that have made you an offer is mountainous.”

The coach chuckled, looking a bit troubled.

“And all of them are coming to me. Hahaha.”

“Could I see the contract first?”

“Of course.”

She confidently handed over the contract.

[Professional Sports Player Exclusive Contract

Article 1 (Parties to the Contract)

Player: Jeong Tae-woo (Minor, requires consent of a legal guardian)

Company: APEX Agent (Representative: Eun Gayoung)

Article 2 (Contract Period)

The term of this contract shall be for two (2) years from the date of signing.

However, it may be extended by mutual agreement.

Article 3 (Player’s Rights and Obligations)

1. The player shall participate in matches and training to the best of their ability.

2. The player may not enter into contracts, such as for commercial appearances, with a third party without the prior consent of the Company.

3. The player has the right to consult with the Company regarding matters concerning their rights and interests.

Article 4 (Company’s Obligations)

1. The Company shall do its utmost to protect the player’s rights and interests.

2. The Company shall fully support the player’s national team activities.

3. The Company shall actively strive for the player’s advancement overseas.

4. The Company shall provide support so the player can balance academics and sports.

5. The Company shall provide the player with a professional goalkeeper training program.

Article 5 (Remuneration)

1. The Company shall pay the player 92% of the revenue generated from the contract with the player.

2. In the case of advertising and sponsorship contracts, 85% of the income shall be paid to the player.

Article 6 (Termination of Contract)

1. Both parties may terminate this contract by mutual agreement.

2. The penalty for termination shall be waived if the contract is terminated due to the player’s academic or family circumstances.

Article 7 (Special Provisions)

1. The Company shall support the player’s psychological counseling.]

‘Huh, is she really the Queen of Two Faces? This contract is insane.’

While typical agents usually take a commission of 10-20%, this contract proposed a mere 8%.

This was far below the industry standard and an extremely favorable condition for the player.

Moreover, considering the flood of commercial offers I would get for my handsome face, the 15% fee for endorsements was also low.

Considering that agencies typically take 20-30% of advertising revenue, this too was an exceptional offer.

‘At this rate… this contract is practically custom-made for me. And the contract period is only two years…’

“From what I can see, these terms are ridiculously good for me.”

“Yes, our agency may be new, but we pride ourselves on having capital that is second to none.”

Listening to Eun Gayoung, I fell into thought for a moment.

The terms were undoubtedly in my favor, but I wanted to hear the conviction from Eun Gayoung, the woman who would rise to the top of the agent world.

“But I’m curious as to why you’re offering such great conditions. Do you believe I’m worth that much? I’m still just a first-year high school student.”

Hearing my words, Eun Gayoung looked at me with a serious expression and answered.

“Player Jeong Tae-woo, your potential is enormous. We are certain you will become a world-class player. This contract is not just an investment in the you of today, but in the you of the future.”

“Hahaha, thank you. I’ll contact you again after discussing it with my parents.”

I replied with a smile.

As expected of Eun Gayoung, to have such a keen eye already.

If I don’t become a world-class player, who will?

‘Well… I’m sure Eun Gayoung will sign a contract with Hee-sung, too.’

***

“Interesting,” Eun Gayoung muttered to herself.

He was the first man who had looked at her without a hint of ulterior motive.

The men I had met at chaebol parties with my father always looked at me with eyes full of desire.

Their gazes felt as if they were sizing me up like prey, and it made me feel disgusted every time.

‘I thought all men were like that when they saw a pretty woman.’

I had felt those kinds of stares more than once just walking down the street.

At first, I thought Jeong Tae-woo would be just another one of those men.

But player Jeong Tae-woo paid no mind to my appearance, his attitude showing that he only saw his own vision.

‘Am I ugly?’

The thought crossed my mind, that’s how little attention he paid to my looks.

“It’s actually a relief. If he had harbored any ulterior motives because of my face, we couldn’t have worked together.”

As the youngest daughter of the SC Group, I had always been kept in check by my older brothers.

They probably wanted me to remain a naive youngest child, hiding in our father’s shadow.

But I wanted to achieve success with my own abilities, my own strength.

This agency business wasn’t just about making money; it was my challenge, proof of my capabilities to show my family.

That’s why I came to Jeong Tae-woo.

Watching his games, I had instantly recognized the potential he possessed.

No, everyone must have seen it.

That glittering, uncut gem shone more brilliantly than any other player.

“We have arrived.”

The driver’s voice pulled me from my deep thoughts.

“Yes, please take me to the office.”

As I got into the car, I began to formulate a plan in my head.

‘I need to revise the contract to make it even better. So good that he’ll want to sign it on the spot…’

***

The conference room of Manchester City.

Key figures began to gather in this place, which could be called the heart of the club.

One by one, the seats around the luxurious wooden table were filled.

The formal suits of the club executives, the tracksuits of the manager and coaching staff, and the casual attire of the scouts mingled together, creating a unique atmosphere.

In this conference room, with a partial view of the Etihad Stadium outside the window, important decisions that would shape the club’s future were about to be made.

Ahead of the regular meeting, the attendees’ faces were serious.

Some were looking at their tablets, reviewing data for the last time, while others formed small groups, exchanging opinions in low voices.

“Let’s begin the meeting.”

“I’d like to speak first.”

Manchester City’s chief scout, James Brown, raised his hand first.

“Oh, it’s been a while since you’ve been this proactive.”

“Of course. I’ve discovered the players who can rebuild our collapsing Manchester City.”

“Ahem.”

Several executives showed their discomfort at James Brown’s blunt words, but he paid them no mind.

“Watching the recent Olympic matches, I’ve compiled a list of players our team needs.”

An image of Jeong Tae-woo appeared on the beam projector.

“An Asian?”

“He’s handsome, I’ll give him that. But why should we bring in an Asian player? Is he that good?”

“Hmm… That player is a goalkeeper, but don’t we already have Ederson?”

‘Hah, this is why I can’t stand the executives…’

James Brown sighed inwardly.

It pained him to think that his beloved Manchester City had crumbled because of these executives who only saw players as money.

“Currently, I believe our team’s weakness is our defense.”

“How can one goalkeeper remedy our team’s defensive weakness?”

“I can assure you, this player is no mere goalkeeper.

His ability to read the game and his build-up play can transform our entire defensive line.”

James paused for a moment and looked around the room.

Right, showing them would be more persuasive than a hundred words.

“I will now show you a video of player Jeong Tae-woo’s plays from this Olympics.”

He picked up the remote and operated the projector.

Instantly, a highlight reel of Jeong Tae-woo’s performance unfolded on the screen.

The first scene showed Jeong Tae-woo catching the ball at the edge of the penalty box and delivering a precise long pass to a forward.

“Huh, his vision is good. To see that from there.”

“The pass is accurate, too.”

“That’s something Ederson can do as well.”

After the first scene, the executives still felt it wasn’t enough, but as the video continued, they gradually fell silent and focused on the plays.

Scene after scene played, showing Jeong Tae-woo anticipating the opposing team’s attack, boldly coming out to block dangerous chances, and saving a penalty kick.

Finally, the last scene.

With the match about to end, he caught the ball from a corner kick and quickly launched a counterattack.

The room was filled with gasps of admiration as his quick decision and precise kick sent the ball all the way to the front of the opponent’s goal.

When the video ended, James spoke again.

“This is the ability I was talking about. He’s a player who can do more than just stop goals; he can bring a new wind to our team.”

A deep silence fell over the conference room after James’s presentation.

The executives glanced at each other, seemingly waiting for someone to speak first.

Just then, Manchester City’s manager, Peter Guardian, who had been listening quietly until now, spoke up.

“Hmm.”

He cleared his throat and said.

“James, your eyes are as sharp as ever.”

“Thank you.”

“So, what’s the transfer fee? If it’s reasonable, I’ll use my authority to make sure we bring him in.”

Peter Guardian, Manchester City’s manager, was newly appointed after leading the mid-table German Bundesliga team, Freiburg, to a championship victory the previous season.

He was the club’s ambitious signing for this season and currently held the most powerful voice within the club.

Although a manager’s position could be terminated mid-season if results were poor despite an ambitious signing, Peter Guardian’s bold tactics and player selections had lifted Manchester City, which had finished 13th last season, to 8th, further solidifying his position.

The executives listened intently to Peter’s opinion.

They all knew his approval would directly lead to a signing.

“He is currently part of a student football team in South Korea.”

“A student team, you say?”

“That’s right. As of now, player Jeong Tae-woo is an amateur, so there is no transfer fee.”

“Hahahahahaha!”

At James’s words, Peter Guardian burst into laughter.

After composing himself, Peter looked around at the executives and said.

“Gentlemen, I’ve made up my mind to sign him. What are your thoughts?”

“Haha, if it’s our manager’s word, of course we should sign him.”

“I wanted to sign him the moment I saw him.”

However, Manchester City was not the only team that desired Jeong Tae-woo.

The prelude to the battle for his signature had just begun.