A Business Proposal
Surprise and embarrassment.
Neither could be expressed in words.
Business. Partner.
The proposal was far too unexpected.
“Actually, if this contract succeeds, it could be a record that even the youngest head of department could aim for.”
“But… why did you say no?”
“That’s for you, not for me.”
She took a sip of whiskey.
The line from forehead to nose bridge, lips, and neck dropped.
Was the alcohol effect gentle, or was the skin slightly flushed?
“The main sponsor contract is correct to do when selected as national representative. Even if the compound isn’t a medal event and Korea has no great results on the world stage. If we break through the Korean qualifiers, many people think that’s even more amazing.”
I nodded quietly.
Most Koreans only watch archery during the Olympics.
Korean archery is the world’s strongest, and of course they only know it as a medal-winning event.
In reality, most people don’t even know the difference between recurve and compound.
She quietly pulled another document from her bag.
[Kim In-ha Brand Plan – Author Jeong Soo-yeon.]
“… Is this PR?”
“Didn’t you know? I’ve been doing that since earlier. I dressed up this outfit and did makeup to stand out in that area.”
A light laugh escaped me unknowingly.
Too honest.
I thought it was overly dressed up, but this was all calculated.
She withdrew her smile and continued with a serious voice.
“Go is limited to Asia, but compound is a sport that gets more attention in the US and Europe.”
Her gaze paused briefly, then met mine again.
“I thought about it. Indeed, where is the limit of In-ha’s talents? Go and archery? If in each different field of talent they show such prominence, how far will the area expand, it’s also too curious as an individual.”
“… Doesn’t seem easy?”
“I won’t say I can’t. It’s exciting.”
Jeong Soo-yeon, the witty team leader.
[Confirming the evolution possibility of your talent 'Baduk'. Next is the 'Realm of Enlightenment'.]
Perhaps the Realm of Enlightenment could manifest in other mind games too.
The possibility that S-rank archery talent didn’t distinguish between recurve and compound.
Self-stimulated by that possibility.
Jeong Soo-yeon team leader placed her finger on the whiskey glass and slowly slid it down.
“Kim In-ha. You are a person who can become a brand in itself. And if I am the one who creates it, won’t it be something I can trust?”
“… Nice.”
Sincerely.
Recognizing value is a big deal.
Even things not yet proven.
If it’s a person who gives that belief that I can do it… I want to believe.
“Shall we toast?”
I quietly raised the glass.
Fruit aroma.
High alcohol.
A bit strong for my soju mouth, but this alcohol suited this conversation at this moment.
Clink.
The glasses clinked.
With a light, clear sound.
“Ah, and Kim In-ha.”
She put down the half-empty glass, propped her chin, and looked at me.
Half-lidded eyes.
Alluring.
“… If business partner isn’t to your liking, you can refuse anytime.”
“Now?”
“I’m quite open, though. Instead…”
The eyes of the trailing off her held both mischief and sincerity.
“I quite like that side… What about the other side?”
Jeong Soo-yeon narrowed her eyes.
A smile that anyone would find attractive.
And a tear-inducing eye.
I, who had been distracted for a moment, laughed lightly.
“… You make it so there’s no escape hole.”
Jeong Soo-yeon smiled quietly.
“Let’s go far together. Kim In-ha.”
I nodded my head very slightly.
Her words lingered with a thrilling echo.
* * *
I saw the red light ahead through the steering wheel and stepped on the brake.
Heading to the Korea Baduk Association.
Today was the opening ceremony of the National Go Tournament and the draw.
Different from the Ciel Bank Cup held at the hotel, the National Go Tournament is held at the Korea Baduk Association headquarters.
Essentially a revival.
So, the organizers seemed to weigh symbolism more than formality.
At that moment, a text notification rang from the car Bluetooth speaker.
[Compound National Team 2nd Selection Schedule Notification]
Player Village check-in.
Three-day training camp schedule.
Final top 8 selected as reserves.
Subsequent evaluation matches will determine top 4 for Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games; bottom 4 for Asian Cup and Archery World Cup.
“… Only aiming for Olympic gold.”
Next year is the Olympics year.
Since World Championships and Olympics don’t coincide in one year, the only international tournament I can participate in is the Olympics.
Until the day I wear the Taeguk mark, I planned to focus everything.
And.
“After the 2nd selection ends… contract with Team Leader Jeong.”
A 1-person planning company that combines management and agency.
Abandoned the Ciel Bank headquarters promotion, a person who went all-in on me.
There was only one condition in her proposal.
National team selection.
And I was ready to fulfill that condition.
Far away, the Korea Baduk Association building came into view.
The Baduk board logo attached to the exterior.
Seeing the familiar pattern, my heart became even more peaceful.
“It feels comfortable now that it’s my main job.”
Parked, headed to the 1st floor Baduk TV studio where the draw would take place.
Several reporters seemed to want to talk to me, but the atmosphere was cautious as the opening was about to start.
When arriving at the studio, most participants were already there.
“Kim In-ha sensei, please sit here.”
Following the staff’s guidance, sat at the prepared seat.
Among domestic articles, many were faces from the Ciel Bank Cup draw.
“Kim Eun-woo 9-dan.”
Undisputed #2 in domestic Go ranking.
Flawless Go.
“Park Eun-jung 9-dan.”
Empress.
A player who has held the Korean women’s #1 ranking for over 10 years, a player with domestic ranking 13th.
Other top players within top 10 had broken through qualifiers to enter the main round.
“Team leader said the National Go Tournament is an important milestone.”
The tradition and authority of the title “National Go”.
She said it was the completion of the brand story.
And next is Compound national team.
Not an issue, but completion of narrative.
A trigger to create a multi-talent story as one.
That was the National Go Tournament.
And most importantly.
“… Said I don’t need to contract with only one sponsor.”
The most shocking statement.
There would be a main sponsor, but no need to be bound by it.
Currently, the important thing is raising the value of the name “Kim In-ha”.
A female MC ascended to the stage.
Her low, dignified voice spread through the microphone.
“The greatest tournament, the traditional tournament National Go Tournament… has been newly revived with the DN Automobile nameplate. Starting now, I will begin the opening ceremony announcing the splendid start of the 60th DN Automobile National Go Tournament.”
Applause poured out.
Followed by the opening remarks of the Korea Baduk Association president and DN Automobile director.
And finally, the draw began.
“First, ranking seed draw. Kim Eun-woo 9-dan, please come forward.”
Kim Eun-woo 9-dan came out to the stage following the name.
Sharp features.
Tall stature that suits a suit well.
He received the microphone and stated his resolve.
“Since childhood, I’ve admired National Jo. I want to follow in his footsteps.”
Kim Eun-woo 9-dan, who left a short impression, drew the ball.
12.
Right next to it, on the tournament bulletin, his name was attached.
“Special invited player for National Go Tournament also participated. China’s Zihao 9-dan.”
With the MC’s cue, a man appeared.
Strong jawline, distinctive wolf cut.
Wore a suit, but far from the typical pro player image.
“That’s him.”
One of the top Chinese Go players mentioned by researcher Park sensei.
Chinese ranking 9th.
But couldn’t evaluate him only by ranking.
With a quirky personality, during games he might slap his own cheek, bang his head, throw stones if displeased, and leave without hesitation.
A rogue in the Chinese Go community.
But a genius whose skill no one can deny.
If he hadn’t publicly criticized Lu Quanyi’s cheating on SNS and not received a Chinese Go Association punishment,
As always, he would have been in the top three of Chinese rankings.
Zihao 9-dan stood on the stage, and through interpretation, the question was conveyed.
“If picking a winning candidate personally, who would it be?”
He put the microphone to his mouth.
“Me.”
Spoke like a joke, but his eyes were full of confidence.
“The reason is simple. Because Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan is not participating.”
The audience stirred.
A provocative statement far from modesty.
But before the feeling of being ignored, the air in the venue became heavy.
Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan, who notified non-participation due to traffic accident aftereffects.
The organizers couldn’t hide their regret, and some players couldn’t hide their relief.
The fact that they didn’t have to face him.
And I was the first.
“I wanted to face him.”
An oddly mismatched relationship.
The match against Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan was a bubble again this time.
Zihao 9-dan slightly lifted the corner of his mouth.
“… Finally, I’ll try my best to say sorry for winning in a Korean tournament.”
He put down the microphone and drew.
4.
To the one returning to his seat, the gazes of Korean players lingered for a moment.
No words, but eyes that weren’t pleased.
“… I also received such gazes.”
At the Ciel Bank Cup, the reactions from Chinese players and reporters.
Emotion strangely reflected like a mirror.
My chest was hot.
And.
“A bit uncomfortable.”
Zihao didn’t point at me.
But the statement ignoring all of Korea was strangely stimulating.
The MC called my name.
“Next is Kim In-ha 9-dan.”
I quietly stood up from my seat.
Received the microphone and climbed to the stage.
“Recently showing good form by winning the Ciel Bank Cup. Please say your resolve.”
A calm request.
I took a short breath and looked down below the stage.
Countless gazes were directed at me.
“… There seem to be those who are mistaken, so I’ll correct it first.”
A moment of silence passed.
In that silence, the gazes became even more focused.
“Korea has more than just Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan.”
His absence is regrettable.
But that doesn’t mean there are no top players in Korea.
“I will definitely defend the title of National.”
The voice was calm, but the weight of the words was never light.
I slightly lifted the corner of my mouth.
“This tournament becoming someone else’s party… I don’t really like it.”