Chapter 43

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Translator: Silver Dragon

Chapter: 43

Chapter Title: Goal and Colchester United

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While my agent, Doo-sik hyung, was negotiating the acquisition price with the owner of Colchester United, Goal—my child after 200 years—was about to make his entrance into the world.

Tremble, tremble—

Even for an old monster like me who'd lived 200 years, becoming a dad was a first. What if something went wrong with Yu-na? Wasn't she too young to give birth? Look at her body! Could such a delicate woman really handle childbirth properly? All sorts of worries flooded my mind.

Tremble, tremble—

My growing anxiety had my leg bouncing nonstop when the grandfather next door, President Nuñez, calmed me down with his steady voice.

"It'll be fine. Relax."

So lost in my nerves that nothing registered, I nearly snapped at him for a second. But then it hit me—he was kindly filling in for Doo-sik hyung during his absence for the acquisition talks, alongside sister-in-law Soo-yeon.

"Hmm. Say, Jesus. Does your son have a godfather? If not, I'd like to take that role."

Now that this regression loop might finally break, everything around me felt a bit different.

In my past life, I'd have shot down an offer like that instantly. But this time, I couldn't help thinking: what if something happens right after I break the loop? What about the kid?

Memories surfaced of teammates like Luis García, Roberto Fabianski, Luka Savić, Pedro Rodríguez, and others offering to be godfather.

Such grateful words. But when Nuñez mentioned it, I instantly compared their fortunes to his.

They say it's custom to buy gifts for the godfather's family at Christmas too.

Finishing that thought, I thanked President Nuñez.

"Sure, we'd be grateful if you would."

He flashed a satisfied smile at my answer.

"Heh heh heh heh."

While I chatted with President Nuñez, Yu-na safely gave birth.

"Waaah—!"

Following the nurse's guidance, I carefully cradled the baby.

A fluffy warmth bloomed in my chest.

This kid was really mine? I could hardly believe it.

"Waaah—"

I'd never dreamed the cries of fussy babies could bring such joy. I stared at him with a goofy grin plastered on my face, while sister-in-law and Nuñez—now the baby's godfather—watched us with warm smiles.

"Oh my, he looks just like the young master. Definitely a handsome boy."

"Yep, born to wear the white kit well."

I couldn't agree with them.

Hmm... He was still all wrinkly and kinda ugly right now.

Real Madrid

Valdebebas first-team training ground.

Among the gathered Real Madrid players, those in the "Jesus faction" had been protesting loudly against Jesus Joo since morning training.

"Boooooo—! Slave to dirty capital!"

"Jesus, awaken!!"

"Frontman for the bourgeoisie!!"

"Jesus, awaken!!"

Jesus Joo picked his ear nonchalantly in the face of the protesters and stated his opinion boldly.

"If you're jealous, make more money."

The protesters jeered playfully once more at his remark.

"Booooo—! Discriminating with your wealth"

"Jesus, awaken!!"

"Frontman for the bourgeoisie!!"

"Jesus, awaken!!"

Jesus burst out laughing at their reaction, and the protesters dropped the joke, approaching to congratulate him.

"¡Ay, amigo! Congrats!"

"Gracias."

Accepting their cheers, Jesus thought to himself.

'Ah. Hope I can clock out early. Miss Goal.'

Ahead of afternoon training, he bonded with the veterans over their shared "new dad" status, sharing a table for lunch.

"Jesus! Doesn't the world look new now that you're a dad?"

"Everything's fresh. Can't wait to get home to my son. No clue why Jorginho didn't retire and played one more season."

"Heh heh, once real parenting kicks in, you'll get it."

Afternoon training wrapped up smoothly too.

"Alejandro!!"

Screeech—sway—

"Yeah~"

Back home, Doo-sik hyung—who'd returned from the UK trip—and his daughter Hye-na were playing with Goal.

"Uncle!!"

Hye-na, giggling at Goal, spotted me and came sprinting over, latching on and chattering away with her little mouth.

"Goal's so cute! Wanna play with him quick!"

I patted Hye-na's head and glanced at Doo-sik hyung. Sister-in-law soon pried Hye-na off me like a cicada and took her back to Goal. Hyung flashed a thumbs-up, signaling the negotiations succeeded.

"Acquisition price around 5 billion. Club ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠finances aren't dire—solid deal. Issue is the manager's old and retiring. Most staff under him are bailing too. The ones staying seem incompetent or unpopular. Probably need a full staff overhaul."

Hearing Doo-sik hyung, a perfect manager candidate popped into my head.

"Hyung, hold on."

I cut him off and messaged the guy I'd already mentally appointed.

Manager secured. Pedro could handle staff too. Just finalize the acquisition. I nodded and told Doo-sik hyung to proceed.

He eyed the vacant GM spot.

"GM position's open. How about me?"

I shut it down cold.

"Hyung, you got no eye for prospects. Nah. Stick to agenting."

Might seem harsh for family-like hyung, but as I've said a million times, he needs it blunt. Dude's so dense, polite talk would've had him GM-ing EPL dominators in his dreams by now.

"..."

I left sulking Doo-sik hyung and headed to the room to see Goal.