Chapter 110: Why Don't You Give It a Try?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 110: Why Don't You Give It a Try?
“I’ll be back after I win.”
Before the match began, Hyun-kyung shouted with a face full of confidence.
Looking at her expression, it seemed like she would take an easy victory today.
“Don’t get too cocky. Your opponent is a famous player who made it all the way to the Round of 16.”
“Oppa, you’re way too nitpicky.”
Hyun-kyung walked off with a broad grin, clearly in high spirits.
“I’m definitely going to win, so you better get ready, too.”
“For what?”
“Did you forget already?”
Hyun-kyung stood on her tiptoes and whispered into my ear in a tiny voice.
“You said you’d give me a m-a-s-s-a-g-e if I won.”
“Did you want one that badly?”
“Yes.”
Hyun-kyung gave a bashful smile.
“Of course I’ll give you one. Just make sure you win. I’ll give you as many as you want as long as we’re in America.”
“Got it!”
After giving Hyun-kyung one last boost of encouragement, I headed back to the stands.
I took my spot in the VIP seats to watch the match in person.
I had wanted to go to the coach’s box, but since I wasn't a pre-registered staff member, I couldn't follow her onto the court level.
Hyun-kyung and Coach Lee had specially arranged these VIP seats for me after hearing that.
I liked the seats; they offered the closest possible view of the players.
Before Hyun-kyung’s match, I watched the other players compete.
They’re good.
“Hup!”
Pang!
“Haap!”
Pang!
The matches were fierce, a constant tug-of-war between the athletes.
I could feel their passion and desperation radiating off them.
The atmosphere was entirely different from watching on TV.
The players cheered every time they scored, and the fans erupted with shouts of congratulations and applause.
I could even sense the sheer will of the opposing players as they tried to pull themselves together and make up for lost points.
Whenever a player pulled off a move that bordered on a miracle, the fans let out collective gasps of admiration.
Just two players commanded the attention of thousands of people filling the stadium.
Everyone watched their every move, holding their breath.
The players poured out their inner fire to win.
The vivid sense of being there, something impossible to feel through a screen, made my palms sweat as I instinctively clenched my fists.
“Wow.”
As the previous match was drawing to a close...
“So, this is where you were?”
I heard a familiar voice.
“Oh, Olivia?”
She was wearing sunglasses and a black baseball cap, dressed in casual clothes just in case someone recognized her.
“I heard you were a rehabilitation trainer. Why aren't you in the coach’s box?”
“I wasn't able to register in advance.”
“Aha.”
“I figured you’d come to watch.”
“Of course. But I never imagined you’d be in the seat right next to mine.”
Having said her piece, Olivia sat down beside me.
An awkward silence settled between us.
“I guess the secretary you brought last time didn't come.”
“He’s waiting outside the stadium. This is my personal schedule.”
“I suppose you don't take him along on your personal business.”
“…….”
Silence again.
I tried to strike up a conversation to lighten the mood, but Olivia’s tone was ice-cold.
She didn't seem to have any intention of talking.
She just stared silently at the court.
Just then, Hyun-kyung entered the arena.
Walking in to the applause and cheers of the crowd, Hyun-kyung waved her hands around before her eyes met mine.
Seeing me, Hyun-kyung smiled and made a finger heart.
Then, she started hopping around to warm up for the match.
Olivia, who had been watching the scene quietly, asked, “What exactly is your relationship with Miss Im?”
Her voice was sharp enough to cut skin.
She was glaring at me while pretending to be nonchalant, but I could read the emotions behind her eyes.
Jealousy and loathing.
“With Hyun-kyung?”
“Yes.”
Olivia looked me straight in the eye.
She was practically radiating a dark desire to hear an answer right this second.
“I wonder if I should tell you.”
“Are you saying it’s the kind of relationship you don't want to talk about?”
Seeing this reaction, I was certain.
This woman had feelings for Hyun-kyung that went beyond those of a typical investor.
She didn't just seem to be looking out for her athlete.
“It’s not really like that.”
I deliberately took my time, letting out each word slowly and calmly.
“I just don't see any reason why I have to tell you, Olivia.”
“What did you say?”
“You’re just an investor, not Hyun-kyung’s family.”
“So, it’s the kind of relationship you can't tell an investor, but you can tell family… is that it?”
“Just know that it’s not a suspicious relationship. Leave it at that.”
Olivia clenched her fists.
“If possible, I’d prefer it if you didn't approach Miss Im. She is my person.”
“Don't approach her… are you talking to me?”
“Of course. I won't ask what your motive was for approaching Miss Im. The motives of men are always obvious.”
This wasn't just hostility toward me.
It was a fierce animosity toward the biological category of 'men' itself.
That prejudice was clearly influencing her evaluation of me.
“Since I know all about it, stop bothering her and disappear from Miss Im’s life.”
“That’s a bit overbearing, don't you think?”
“Overbearing? It’s a perfectly reasonable suggestion. I am an investor who has put a massive amount of capital into Miss Im.”
Blue eyes glared at me from behind her sunglasses.
“I invested in her because I see high market value in Miss Im. If you are someone who will lower that market value…”
“You don't need to worry about that.”
“Excuse me?”
“I am someone who will raise Hyun-kyung’s market value, not lower it.”
“Someone who will raise her market value? You’re quite confident.”
“Of course. Hyun-kyung will show you my worth today, Olivia.”
“…….”
She was about to say something, her lips parting slightly.
“The match is starting.”
Pang!
The match began with Hyun-kyung’s serve.
Olivia, who had been growling and glaring at me until a moment ago, stopped the psychological warfare and focused on Hyun-kyung.
“Haaaap!”
Pang!
She couldn't take her eyes off Hyun-kyung as she sweated and struck the ball.
She was so focused on the match that it was hard to believe she was the same person who had been clashing with me just seconds ago.
I don't think she’s just focusing on the match, though…
Every time Hyun-kyung’s body became soaked with sweat, Olivia’s face grew redder, and she habitually licked her lips.
She definitely wasn't just watching the game.
“Haah, haah… she’s stunning.”
Watching Hyun-kyung take the first set with overwhelming dominance, Olivia swallowed hard.
Then, she belatedly realized I was looking at her.
“You must really like her.”
“It’s none of your business.”
Talk about a massive difference in temperature.
Once the match started, Olivia lost all interest in me.
The feeling was mutual.
We weren't exactly on good enough terms to sit and chat while watching Hyun-kyung play.
Pa-ang!
The match ended with Hyun-kyung’s smash landing perfectly in the corner of the court.
“Nice!”
Olivia, sitting next to me, threw a punch into the air and cheered.
Hyun-kyung bounced around the court, enjoying her victory.
She flashed a V-sign at me, and I responded to her greeting by smiling and clapping.
I also felt Olivia’s uncomfortable gaze glaring at the exchange.
*
I read the breaking news articles about Hyun-kyung advancing to the Quarterfinals.
The articles were flooded with comments.
Most of them were congratulating Hyun-kyung on her victory.
It’s true that fans only love a sports star when they’re winning.
“Oppa, did you see? I told you I’d win easily!”
After the match and her doping test, Hyun-kyung approached me with a bright smile.
“I saw. You’ve really improved.”
“It’s because your massages were so effective, Oppa.”
Victory really is the best medicine.
Perhaps because she was satisfied with her performance, the smile never left her face.
On the other hand, Olivia’s expression crumpled as she overheard.
She clearly didn't like the fact that I was being praised.
“Great match.”
Olivia, who had been standing silently next to me with her sunglasses on even outside the stadium, finally spoke.
“Oh? Ollie, you were here too!”
“The way you completely crushed your opponent was impressive.”
Taking off her sunglasses, she spoke with a smile.
“It’s all thanks to you believing in me, Ollie.”
“Fufu, is that so? Thank you for saying that.”
After giving Hyun-kyung a soft smile, Olivia glanced at me briefly.
“By the way, about that massage Miss Im mentioned.”
“Are you interested in getting one too, Ollie?”
“I’ve become a bit curious. I was surprised by how quickly you recovered your energy after struggling in the Round of 32. Truly…”
Olivia paused for a moment and glared at me.
“I want to experience for myself whether it’s really thanks to this man’s rehabilitation, or if there was some other reason. If our athlete is receiving the wrong kind of training, I need to be on guard.”
She was definitely hostile toward me.
She wasn't even trying to hide it anymore.
In fact, she had been making it blatant ever since we watched the match together.
That she was targeting Hyun-kyung.
So, I should stay away.
Even after seeing the results, she’s acting like this.
She must have seen that my presence was having a positive impact on Hyun-kyung.
She must know that Hyun-kyung’s performance improved significantly because of my massages.
And that I had perfectly treated her injury.
She couldn't be unaware.
Despite all that, the reason she was trying so hard to push me away was...
It’s not just because of Hyun-kyung’s value that she’s wary of me.
The real reason she was checking me.
It was clear that Olivia had feelings beyond that.
Those feelings were...
Affection.
She had feelings for Hyun-kyung.
Whether it was possessiveness or simple love, I didn't know, but one thing was certain: she would do anything to win Hyun-kyung’s heart.
If I left her alone, she would definitely interfere with my relationship with Hyun-kyung.
What should I do?
Hyun-kyung shook her head firmly at her words.
“Jae-ho oppa is the real deal. If you’re curious, why don't you try a session this time?”
“Hmm….”
Olivia scanned me from head to toe and nodded.
“I happen to have some time left, so that sounds fine. Is it possible?”
That’s unexpected.
I didn't think she’d agree to a massage so readily.
I was sure she’d refuse.
Ah, wait.
Is she doing this on purpose?
Is she going to take my massage and PT, then claim it’s ineffective so she can replace me?
That’s it.
What a transparent scheme.
Of course, Hyun-kyung, unaware of Olivia’s ulterior motives, was jumping for joy.
She was probably just happy that I had an opportunity to have my skills recognized.
“Haha, Ollie, you’ll love it once you try it. When you get a massage from Jae-ho oppa, it feels like both your body and mind become clear!”
“I hope so. That way, I can keep seeing him for a long time without having to fire him.”
Olivia said, her eyes gleaming.
As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on me.
I could feel her clear intent.
The absolute determination to get me fired.
If that’s how you want to play it.
I have my own ways.
I had thought about resolving this through gentle conversation.
But if she’s going to come at me like this, the story changes.
Since she’s volunteered to step onto my home ground herself...
I guess I’ll have to register her as a gym member, too.
Then she won't bother me about Hyun-kyung anymore.
It looked like I’d have to deal with her using everything I had.
“Fine.”
“Then we shall escort you.”
“Whoa, you startled me.”
As soon as I accepted, a female secretary appeared out of nowhere and bowed to us.
Hyun-kyung and I were startled by her sudden appearance, but Olivia seemed used to it and remained calm.
“Let’s go. I happen to have a space prepared.”
Olivia’s mouth was smiling, but her eyes were not.
*
Olivia looked at Jae-ho and thought to herself.
I don't know what kind of tricks that man used to make Miss Im fall for him, but…
It didn't matter.
The motives of men like him were always obvious.
And he’s a massager who puts his hands on a woman’s body?
His goal was undoubtedly the woman’s body.
A sports star of Hyun-kyung’s caliber would naturally have high value.
He must have been trying to get his hands on her somehow.
He had wormed his way in through 'rehabilitation' at the exact moment when Hyun-kyung was at her weakest.
I should have been there then.
It happened while she had briefly turned her attention away from Hyun-kyung to look into major investment opportunities.
He might have gotten lucky and won Hyun-kyung’s favor, but it wouldn't work on Olivia.
If he tries to touch me with even the slightest lewd intent, I’ll use that as an excuse to kick him out.
If it was to drive away someone lusting after her precious treasure—a treasure she hadn't even been able to touch yet—then she could endure the hand of a loathsome man touching her.
She was prepared for that much.
Once Miss Im realizes that he’s just another pathetic man full of sexual desire, she’ll come to loathe him.
When that happened, she would lean on Olivia and depend on her even more.
Unfortunately, Olivia was overlooking two things.
The first was that Jae-ho was a gym trainer, not a massager.
And the second was the fact that her precious treasure, Hyun-kyung, had already spent an intense night with Jae-ho and been thoroughly 'defiled' by him.