Transfer Frenzy During International Break
A-match period.
The match between Dortmund and Real Madrid had just ended, and a flood of articles poured out.
The media showered praise on Son Jinho, who notched a goal and an assist against Real Madrid—another powerhouse after Barcelona, the world's strongest team—calling him the next-gen deity.
Past comments from Jurgen Klopp about Son Jinho's attitude were resurfacing, and big clubs began making concrete moves to court the mature pro.
Son Jinho brushed off the transfer rumors with a laugh, saying he'd focus on his current team Dortmund, but the media and public's interest showed no signs of dying down.
"Jino, so where are you transferring to?"
"Haven't decided yet. Thinking after the season."
"Got it. At least give us a heads-up before the articles drop. We need time to prepare our hearts."
Amid the buzz over Son Jinho's transfer rumors, Dortmund faced Hannover in a somewhat chaotic atmosphere.
Dortmund scraped a win thanks to Robert Lewandowski's dramatic header from a corner kick right at the death.
With the Hannover match over and the A-match period approaching...
The overseas players' group chat was buzzing once again.
Everyone except me and Kang Chan headed to Korea for the Asian Qualifiers Round 4 against Iran.
I was practically under house arrest, hounded nonstop by reporters trying for interviews.
Not that it was boring. I was with family.
We were all playing board games together.
This made me reminisce about my childhood.
Mother-in-law and father-in-law always took such good care of me, making sure I never felt my parents' absence.
They doted on me even more than their own daughter Winter—sometimes it felt burdensome.
'Gotta repay them properly.'
As I got lost in memories, Han Gyeowol rolled the dice.
"Hum hum~ Let mom's properties slide easy."
Whistling, she moved her piece to the "Seoul" spot, and her hand started shaking.
"Hey, Son Jinho... just this once, let it go."
"Nope. No mercy."
"What?! You let mom and dad off but not me?!"
"Tsk! How dare you take money so ungratefully when you should repay your parents' grace."
"Aigoo, our son-in-law grew up so upright."
"He sure did."
Father-in-law and mother-in-law nodded approvingly at my words, and Han Gyeowol's lips pouted.
"What about me then?"
"You're my spouse."
In the end, bankrupt Han Gyeowol got a flick on the forehead and sulked.
While I was soothing her for a good while...
"Jino!"
"Mino, what's up?"
"Had some time, so I came to see your face after ages."
Mino Raiola, who'd been helping Paul Pogba settle at Juventus, had come to Dortmund.
"...Paul Pogba."
Man U fan Han Gyeowol eyed Mino Raiola coldly, and he awkwardly sipped his tea. I quickly recalled the past while watching.
This summer transfer window, Paul Pogba moved from Manchester United to Juventus.
Unlike original history, his Juventus move went smoothly.
Mino Raiola and Ferguson couldn't hurl insults forever.
"Ahem. Anyway, Alex Ferguson was waiting for you to join too."
Mino knew I wanted to go to Man United, and Ferguson wanted me there.
Not like they wouldn't see each other again, so they parted amicably.
Anyway, Pogba at Juventus shone as a rotation midfielder with high potential.
Even if not as great as original history, Pogba's success fueled backlash against Ferguson.
But Ferguson ignored the noise. Pogba's attitude was the main reason he let him go.
Ferguson acknowledged Pogba's potential but disliked his discipline issues.
"Hm. Jinho. Got a good offer from Man City... interested?"
Mino glanced at Han Gyeowol—doing prenatal care(?) in her Man U kit—then spoke cautiously.
"Huh? Man City?"
"Yeah. They're offering top-five wages at the club."
"Man...ches...ter...Cit...y?!"
Han Gyeowol looked ready to dark-evolve into a rabid Maltese upon hearing Mino.
"Our Winter's a good girl. You've got Dolly too, right? No getting mad."
I quickly stroked her head to calm her.
Maybe because City took the league title with their Six and the City last season.
Her hatred for Man City was maxed out.
"...Don't just pet noona's head like that."
She grumbled through gritted teeth, barely containing her rage, but her body was honest—leaning her head on my shoulder.
Her head turned toward me, eyes closed, lips puckered.
As my head slowly leaned in...
"Ahem. Save the PDA for after the guest leaves, in your room."
A fake cough rang in my ear.
Oh.
Right.
Father-in-law was here too.