Chapter 68

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Translator: Wjin

Chapter: 68

Chapter Title: Chairman's Visit and Home Hype

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"Hey, GM, what's with the call at this hour? Has the trade negotiation I asked for already kicked off?"

"What's that supposed to mean out of nowhere? Why's the chairman coming all of a sudden? He's got a packed schedule."

Manager Lee Eun-seok rubbed his face with his hand. The good mood from clinching the winning series today plummeted in an instant.

If someone asked what the big deal was about the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠chairman showing up for a game, he could explain it simply.

It felt like wrapping up a successful training camp only to hear the division commander was dropping by.

And this three-game series was against the Dinosaurs, no less. They already had fierce rivalry vibes, and losing with the chairman in the stands...?

"...That's nightmare fuel."

"Alright... got it. We'll do our best. Not much choice if he's coming."

"Another one?"

'This isn't the end?'

That was at least some welcome news. Rewards like that always boosted player morale.

But the GM's next words plunged Manager Lee Eun-seok back into worry.

The manager pondered for a moment, hand on his chin, then spoke softly.

"You know two-way means basically going the distance as a starter, right? I get it's the chairman's request, so I'll ask Cha Tae-hyun, but if he says it's too much, I won't make him do back-to-back two-ways like that. Maybe once every two weeks at most."

"Alright. I'll check with him and call you back. If it doesn't work out, you'll have to sweet-talk the chairman yourself, GM."

The response came back in a deeply mournful tone.

The manager hung up and clicked his tongue.

'Even the GM's got it rough.'

"Cha Tae-hyun! Come here a sec!"

Cha Tae-hyun, who was grabbing his suitcase after getting off the team bus, hurried over.

"What's up?"

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"Nothing major. You know you're starting tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, sir. Actually, I had something to mention about that."

It looked like he was about to say two-way would be tough,

"Can I do two-way tomorrow too?"

"Hm...?"

An unexpected response came back.

"You sure you can handle it? You'd need to think complete game."

"I tried it once before and it felt fine, so that's why I'm asking. And hey, I'll just finish the complete game."

Lee Eun-seok burst into hearty laughter.

It might be rookie bravado, but from a manager's perspective, it was naturally welcome.

"Fine. Go for it then. But if I think you're straining, I'll pull you. Got it?"

"Yes, sir! Thank you!"

'Thank you, my foot.'

I'm the thankful one.

A rookie handling ace starter and cleanup duties single-handedly.

The manager patted Cha Tae-hyun on the back and headed home with a relaxed expression.

"Lee Seung-tae, your win and your arm! I protected them!"

"Yes... thank you."

"Tae-seop, wasn't my grand slam just refreshing?"

"Sang-jin, haven't you said that like ten times already...?"

"So what? Winning series and a homer! Feels great. Hahaha!"

The players heading home looked in high spirits, despite the long trip.

Which made sense.

The Phoenix were 4-1 in their last five, Spring Phoenix or not—they were in first place.

But what was up with Shin Si-woo?

He'd been all "Si-woo!" cheers during the game, but now on the bus after, he was sulking.

Probably just tired.

I gave perfunctory greetings to the seniors and was heading home first when Shin Si-woo tagged along.

"Something wrong?"

"......Tomorrow's our first home game, right?"

"Yeah."

"My whole family and relatives are coming... Ha..."

He sighed like it was a disaster, and a question mark popped up in my head.

"What's wrong with family coming?"

I'd love it if Ji-hyun came to watch.

"You know my stats lately...... I don't mind sucking since it's on me, but I hate disappointing my family."

I chuckled and poked his chest.

"You're hitting well, man."

"Me...?"

"Yeah. Like I said during the game, it's just bad luck. Have some confidence. I'm telling you straight—you've got talent."

This wasn't pity; it was sincere.

A second-round rookie catcher debuting in the majors without major issues was impressive enough.

Hitting would come with time.

"And so what if you struggle? You think your family will be disappointed seeing you falter? What family does that? They'll cheer you on."

Shin Si-woo nodded, reverting to his usual upbeat self as he squared his shoulders.

"No family like that'—that really puts me at ease. Thanks."

"Whatever. Tomorrow'll go fine, so don't stress. Just rest up tonight."

"Yeah. Will do. Thanks, really."

"How many times you gonna say thanks? I'm out."

Shin Si-woo, who had told Cha Tae-hyun he'd rest up, headed not home but to Sajik Stadium.

'Gotta work extra hard where I'm lacking.'

He'd long given up on matching Cha Tae-hyun. That was too unrealistic.

But he had to at least keep up without dragging the team down.

"Chan-woo sunbae? You still here?"

Walking the corridors, he ran into Ji Chan-woo.

"Oh, yeah... Tae-hyun's starting tomorrow. Can't be a burden like last time. Called the defense coach for some fungo."

"Fungo...? Won't that tire you out for tomorrow?"

"Nah, I was just on the bench today. I'll keep it light—just to stay sharp."

A small gasp of admiration escaped Shin Si-woo's lips.

Sticking around for fungo to avoid burdening a much younger teammate. Mindset alone was worthy of respect.

"You training too?"

Ji Chan-woo glanced at the bat in Shin Si-woo's hand.

"Haha... Yeah, my bat's been off lately. Gotta not drag the team down."

"Wait, you're not even playing tomorrow... Haha."

Ji Chan-woo caught himself mid-sentence and laughed.

"Haha! Yes! I'll keep it light too."

Ji Chan-woo smiled faintly.

"Alright. Let's both do well tomorrow."

"You bet. You're right in front of me in the order—wanna do the Si-woo Ceremony at home if you get one?"

"Hm...? The one you always do?"

"Yeah. It's motivating and pretty fun."

'Kinda embarrassing, though...'

Ji Chan-woo didn't mind the request from a junior who got it.

"Sure, if the chance comes."

"You said it! Quick practice then! Si-woo!!!!"

"Si... Si-woo..."

"No... louder!"

"Si! Si-woo!!!"

"Perfect! Si-woo!!!!"

The night sky had long turned pitch black, past quitting time.

In the empty corridors of Sajik Stadium, where footsteps echoed alone,

two men's laughter rang out.

I woke early to find Ji-hyun bustling around setting the breakfast table.

"Ji-hyun, you don't have to make breakfast anymore. You're wearing yourself out. Just use the card I gave you and grab something. Even the expensive stuff."

"Mm. But I gotta make my brother's meals. And today's your big game, right?"

"Today?"

Just a regular season game.

"All the kids in my class were talking about it. They said they're pumped for your game today. Isn't it super important?"

Well, it was important in a way. First home game, and against the Dinosaurs.

"You're crazy popular lately. The kids kept telling me how jealous they were."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm totally popular now because of you."

I'd been worried she wasn't fitting in with friends, so it eased my mind that they were paying attention like this.

"Next time I'm free, want me to swing by your school for autographs?"

"...Mm, it's fine."

"Huh? Why? They'd love it."

"It'd be too much trouble. You're busy."

I couldn't help but laugh.

Where else was there such a sweet little sister? I'd have begged a pro to visit my school for sure.

"Tada! Your favorite soft tofu stew! Loaded it with brisket just how you like. Eat up and win big!"

Hm... Guess I'll have to complete the game today too.

"Obviously. We're winning for sure."

The Phoenix operations team predicted a huge turnout for the three-game set against the Dinosaurs.

Not much prediction needed, really.

First home games ever, hype around Cha Tae-hyun starting, fans buzzing over the still-first-place team with just one loss.

All pointing to a smash at Sajik.

But Phoenix fans were even more die-hard than ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠expected.

"Heh heh... I got online tickets though~."

"Huh? What'd you say, Mi-yeon-ssi?"

Lee Mi-yeon, sneaking peeks at the community in the staff room, flipped her phone over quick.

"Nothing. Just excited to clock out today."

"Haha! Clocking out's always exciting. Friday vibes, huh? Hot date? I've got plans with the hubby too."

"Not exactly..."

Lee Mi-yeon grinned brightly.

"Going to see someone I like."

Phoenix owner and Randeria Group chairman Shin Myung-hoon couldn't stop smiling from the Sajik entrance.

"Man~ Kim secretary, doesn't Sajik feel like coming home?"

'My hometown's Changwon though...'

"Yes. It's comforting."

"Right? Same here. Hahaha!"

The stadium interior buzzed with crowds.

"Waaah! I said I wanted the Cha Tae-hyun special uni!"

"Daddy wanted to get you one too... but they were sold out..."

Lines snaked through the merch shop,

"Hey, Randeria Cha Tae-hyun set dropped—wanna grab some?"

"Saw that. Sajik location throws in a photo card too. Let's go!"

And Randeria burger joints selling Tae-hyun specials were packed.

Pushing through the throngs, the chairman entered the office and grabbed two uniforms from staff.

"Nice! These turned out great. Whaddya think, Kim? Sharp, right?"

He donned one immediately and showed off the back to his secretary.

[Cha Tae-hyun (1)]

"Love that his number's a crisp 1. Perfect."

"Suits you well, Chairman."

As the secretary clapped, the chairman handed him the other uniform.

"Chairman, this for...?"

"Can't hog all the good stuff. Got one special for you too. Take it."

"Haha..."

Kim took it with a wry smile.

Another Cha Tae-hyun uniform.

As he tried stashing it in his bag, the chairman's eyes widened.

"What, not wearing it?"

"Uh...? Well..."

He could play along with the boss, but as a longtime Dinosaurs fan, Kim couldn't bring himself to wear a Cha Tae-hyun jersey.

"Gonna hang it up at home like a display. Too nice to wear."

Quick excuse, but

"Oh? Then I'll grab another—wear that one."

The Phoenix chairman was always one step ahead.

"Yes, sir..."

"Haha! Looks great on you, Kim! Oh, heard the Cha Tae-hyun chant—checked it? Let's practice if not!"

"...Oh Phoenix oh Cha Tae-hyun swing without mercy Cha Tae-hyun..."

"Perfect! Nailed it!"

The dugout's more tense than you'd think.

Good vibes and you're whistling, shoulders bouncing. Bad vibes? Ice cold and awkward.

That's why dugout atmosphere matters so much.

"Mom, dad, cousins... even the ch-chairman. Wh-what do I do...?"

Okay, Shin Si-woo's chicken-hearted shivering was one thing.

"Ha... the chairman, man..."

"Yeah. Last year he came and it was a disaster..."

"Can't he just not come...?"

Even veterans who'd seen him before looked off.

"Su-ho sunbae, did the chairman show up before and we got crushed bad or something?"

Lee Su-ho chuckled.

"Crushed would've been lucky."

What the hell happened?

"You know, Tae-hyun? They say our chairman's got a Phoenix-like temper."

"What? Temper like Phoenix?"

"Burns hot like one. Remember last year, 12-0 loss? Know what he did?"

"What?"

Lee Su-ho gazed wistfully, recalling the past.

"Stormed the dugout and grabbed the starter by the collar. 'You call that pro ball?'"

"......"

I almost asked "for real?" but held back.

It sounded plausible enough.

"...Gotta pitch well today."