Chapter 66
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Park Si-hyun's Rival is Ronaldo?
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As soon as Korea notched its first World Cup win, the people of Korea lost their minds—in the best way possible.
Even a full day after the match ended, the fever lingered everywhere on the streets.
Someone in the subway raised their voice.
"Great! Re! Pub! Lic!"
In an instant, cheers followed.
"Republic of Korea! Republic of Korea!"
The person next to them, passengers in the opposite car, even students holding phones—all clapped in rhythm and shouted together.
"Clap clap clap!"
"Oh Pil-seung Korea! Forever~"
This wasn't just joy over a simple first win.
It was because Park Si-hyun—no, the entire Korean national team—had delivered the exact play Korean fans had been craving.
Overwhelming the opponent, perfect teamwork blending defense and attack seamlessly, moments where speed and skill shone together.
It was flashy, dominant play that made hearts race on its own.
How could anyone's heart not pound?
For Koreans who still carried the deep scars of defeat from the IMF nightmare, this match planted the conviction that we could stand tall against the world again.
[World Cup Effect? Convenience Store Contraceptive Sales Surge Over 3x]
After South Korea's overwhelming 4-0 victory over Poland, reports indicate contraceptive sales at convenience stores have skyrocketed more than three times the usual amid World Cup hype. An industry insider said, "Sales spiked right after the game. Seems the thrill of the first win stirred up national emotions too."
Whoa, the vibe is insane. My pub's sales jumped 20x normal.
Same here? Splurged on a big TV for the shop, thought I'd die from the crowd. But the players scored and brought me back to life.
Feels like the whole nation uniting. Climbed on a truck, waved the Taegeukgi—electric. Want this feeling forever.
High schooler here—the grandma selling spicy chicken at school gave it free if we cheered hard. Felt amazing.
Passed by a chicken joint—guys drinking outside called me over, said eat some chicken. Sat at their table and chowed down.
Park Si-hyun killed it. But Korean fans need to reflect before cheering more. Lots trashed Hiddink as 'five-bread trash,' but it was for us—pitting us against strong teams for experience. Park got hate too at first, but seeing him run hard tugs at the heart.
Agreed. Cursing a 17-year-old kid was pathetic.
We're the blessed generation that lived this. We'll cherish these memories forever, smile telling our kids. Skip the blame—cheer louder instead.
Forget who's at fault—enjoy this moment hardest, cheer loudest. Hiddink said we need your support.
"Ronaldo scored a whopping four goals against Turkey. With all the injury worries before the World Cup even started, he put on a fantastic show out there."
The Brazil vs. Turkey match was shocking enough just from the scoreline.
A rare 6-0 thrashing on the World Cup stage, with four of those goals exploding from Ronaldo's feet.
Mocked as the 'Emperor's Fall' after his final mistakes last World Cup, he shook it off briefly here and proved true class never fades.
No exaggeration to say Ronaldo's play in this World Cup surpassed every 'best ever' moment.
Ronaldo smiled at the reporter's reaction and spoke.
"The injury stress was real. But... there's a player who set me on fire."
The reporter jumped in.
"Who’s that?"
A player reviving the Emperor? Scoop city.
Ronaldo smiled like he read the reporter's mind and answered.
"The kid from Korea named 'Si-hyun' who played on June 4th, before me. The boy who declared he'd claim the 'world's best' title this World Cup."
"Ah, that player?"
The reporter stammered, stunned.
Everyone knew the story.
The young Korean who called soccer's emperor, Brazil's king, a mere mortal—and vowed to take his 'world's best' crown.
It sparked controversy, but most dismissed it as absurd bravado.
Who'd think Ronaldo took it seriously?
Ronaldo caught his breath and continued.
"Thanks to that Si-hyun kid. For igniting me, Ronaldo. Now I'll provoke back. Si-hyun, saw your play. Impressive. For your age, that is. You scored two? I did four. What do you think? Still say you're better than me?"
Ronaldo stared into the camera lens with a provocative smirk.
"If you do, make it to the final. Brazil's going all the way. Won't be easy. But if you get there, win or lose, I'll recognize you as the rival everyone's wanted for Ronaldo."
Clang—Bang!
"Emergency! Emergency! Si-hyun! Where's Park Si-hyun!"
The door flew open, and my roommate Lee Chun-soo burst in, panting.
"Whoa, what's up? It's dinner time. Was just about to hit the sack."
Lee Chun-soo saw me lying on the bed and rushed over.
"Dude, I overheard the coaches talking."
"If it's weird rumors or girl talk again, hard pass. Rest is sacred for athletes—messing with Park Si-hyun's sleep? Trying to sabotage Korea's strength?"
"No, it's... not that. It's important."
'What's his deal?'
Chun-soo hyung's usually playful and loud, but he doesn't barge in during sleep time.
"What? Big trouble? Some controversy?"
If controversy, yeah, worth the fuss.
Koreans were hypersensitive to celeb scandals, held them to high standards.
Athletes got some slack, but anything staining this World Cup positivity? No mercy.
'But I don't recall any mid-tournament scandals...'
Butterfly effect from my arrival?
'Wait, is it about me?'
Chun-soo paused, face paling.
"Ronaldo..."
'Ronaldo? Out of nowhere?'
"Ronaldo provoked you."
"Huh?"
I couldn't help furrowing my brow seriously.
"So... hyung, you're saying you interrupted my precious sleep... over Ronaldo provoking me?"
"Yep."
"Sigh..."
This bolt from the blue—I sat up, breathing steadily.
Lifted the blanket and draped it over Chun-soo hyung,
"Hey, why... wait—ow! Ouch, stop hitting!"
After venting,
Lee Chun-soo sprawled messily, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"When did Lee Chun-soo fall this low... beat by a dongsaeng... my life..."
"Phew, so what'd he say?"
"Curious now? After all the hits?"
"Yeah..."
"Ha..."
Chun-soo sighed deeply and spoke.
"Park Si-hyun, impressive for your age. Scored two? I did four. Still think you're better? Come to the final. Then I'll call you my rival. Like that?"
I was shocked by the 'four goals' part.
Four goals?
Ronaldo originally scored one against Turkey,
Played seven games total, bagged eight for Golden Boot.
Half in the opener already?
'My interview awakened him?'
...Things just got interesting.
Even better.
Beating an awakened Ronaldo proves I'm truly world's best now.
'But... hyung, you know too much detail?'
Phones restricted in dorms. Coaches' talk aside, this was too specific.
"Chun-soo hyung, smuggling a phone? Hiding in the bathroom during dinner?"
"...Secret."
"...Captain!!!"
"Hey!"