TJ.
The founder of Nexcy Soft, who created the ultimate Korean RPG 'Blood Alliance'.
He was recognized for creating a major RPG in the barren gaming landscape of Korea, but.
After the smartphone era, he introduced a toxic charging model, pushing both revenue and resentment to the extreme, making him a very complex figure.
"Did you go to the same school as my brother?"
"No, I live in Gangseo-gu."
As I looked puzzled, Yoo-geon added an explanation.
"There was a gathering for aspiring developers."
Ah, like a club.
I slowly looked over the faces of the others.
It seemed like there might be more familiar faces among the seven of them.
Especially the one with the bushy hair and large glasses.
He wasn't as exposed in the media as TJ, so I'm not certain.
But if I'm right, he later creates a search engine and becomes one of the richest people in Korea.
Maybe because I stared too blatantly.
"Ah, this guy is Gong Hyeong-jun. His school is probably… Hyundai High, right?"
Gong Hyeong-jun.
Yeah, HJ.
Many of the chaebols who rode the IT wave had names ending in J.
Anyway.
TJ and HJ…
I don't recall hearing about any close ties between Yoo-geon and these IT chaebols.
They wouldn't really have anything in common, other than both being alumni of Seoul National University.
But them hanging out like this means…
'History might have changed.'
Well, it would be stranger if the future continued as it was, given that Yoo-geon developed games.
'Still unexpected though.'
Anyway, if things go well later, it might produce quite an interesting outcome.
Yeah, after winning F1, it would be fun to go into business with them…
'Wait!'
If I win F1, I should retire, why am I thinking about what comes after?
Cough.
I quickly bowed my head and then greeted them.
"I'm a bit busy, so I'll see you again next time."
I really do want to fulfill my grandfather's dream through F1.
'But still.'
I didn't want to put off my own dreams because of my grandfather.
Manchester United!
Didn't I finally secure the acquisition after a tremendous effort
'Ferrari is important, but! My long-held dream is equally important!'
Yeah, I need to take care of myself first.
After all, I need to be happy to earn the Ferrari acquisition money!
'Hehehe.'
I headed straight to Hyungang FC's youth team.
To meet the heroes of the 2002 World Cup in advance.
When I arrived, a staff member briefed me.
"These are the three promising players we'll send to Manchester."
The oldest-looking one was an upper elementary school student.
His facial features were as distinct as those of Tennessee.
If an alien were to ask what good looks are, this kid would be more than enough to answer.
"His position is a striker, and he's very skilled technically."
"Yes, I'm aware of it."
"Excuse me? You knew…?"
"I had looked at the data beforehand."
It's not a lie.
I had seen it far in the future.
Hmm.
The second boy was small and acne-ridden, a shy one who kept bowing his head.
But when he held the ball, his face turned incredibly serious.
"He's diligent and altruistic, works hard both in offense and defense, and has an especially good soccer brain."
"Is his stamina good too?"
"Yes. Stamina is indispensable."
Why wouldn't it be?
He was said to have the heart of two men.
The youngest looked just like a 'child'.
"He's the most competitive. He absolutely refuses to lose, even against older peers, and isn't intimidated at all."
"He seems unusually fast?"
"Yes. His speed is definitely the top."
Smirk.
These three, with their talents alone, would go on to play in Italy, England, and Spain.
Considering the infrastructure at the time, it's almost miraculous!
'Of course that's impressive, but…'
If those extraordinary talents are pushed intentionally from a young age.
Just how far could they grow?
Now, the important thing is to find someone with a boundless sense of responsibility to nurture these children.
Luckily, I know just the person.
Perhaps he's the man with the best output among all Korean soccer coaches.
Smirk.
I told the staff with a smile, "Please contact Cheonma FC."
***
Son Woong-chul considered himself a failed player.
Just another regular resource, the kind you'd find three or four of on any team.
That's why he trained to death.
If he didn't have extraordinary talent, he thought he had to run two, three times as much.
When he felt like he was about to collapse, gasping for breath.
Chwak. Da-ang!
He would shoot desperately.
Three thousand times a day with each foot, left and right.
He wouldn't leave the field until he met his quota.
Tuk. Tuk. Da-ang!
He was obsessively focused on the basics.
A slow learner could establish a foundation for growth by solidifying the basics.
A genius could look back at the basics to maintain humility.
According to Son Woong-chul, regardless of talent, every player should be faithful to the basics—that was his soccer philosophy.
But even he faced trials.
"Ah- ack!"
Achilles tendon rupture.
An injury severe enough to jeopardize his career.
He devoted a full half-year to rehabilitation, but sadly, the situation did not improve.
And today, he finally heard the news of his discharge.
"Just on your birthday… I'm truly sorry to have to tell you this."
Birthday?
Son Woong-chul zoned out for a moment after hearing that.
'I can't even remember the last time I celebrated my birthday.'
Just being able to make a living from soccer was enough for him.
In clichéd terms, every day felt like a birthday, so there was no need to celebrate anything specific.
But now.
Is this happy playing career really ending forever today?
Just like that… so meaninglessly?
He had never even imagined a life without soccer.
"Thank you for everything."
Son Woong-chul had to bow his head heavily.
RRRR.
Just then, a phone ring erupted at just the right moment.
"..."
It felt like a giant siren ringing towards his life.
This must be how his unrequited love for soccer ends.
Just as he was forcefully swallowing the tears that welled up.
"Hold on a moment, Woong-chul."
Not wanting his swollen eyes to be seen, he half-raised his head.
"Would you consider being a coach?"
The manager brought up an unexpected proposal.
"Not for our team. You'd have to go to England… to teach kids?"
***
I heard Son Woong-chul was in a desperate situation.
Even if not as a player, he desperately wanted to remain in the soccer world, perhaps as a coach.
But.
"..."
He hesitated to respond immediately.
It seemed he was repeatedly questioning whether he was suitable for this job.
After all, it's a matter involving the lives of children.
It's more about whether he can do it, rather than whether he wants to.
After a long pause, Son Woong-chul finally spoke heavily.
"I appreciate the offer, but… whether it's right for me to teach children with bright futures…"
"What are you talking about? You'll make an excellent teacher."
"I was just a third-rate player and… retired early, how could I…"
"I've heard that Europe places a great emphasis on the basics."
"...?"
"Aren't you someone who adheres strictly to the basics?"
Son Woong-chul scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
"Plus, since they are young children, it would be great if you could also teach them about character, like a father."
"Like a father, you say?"
"Yes."
"But… I don't have children, how would I…"
Ah, that's true.
But in the distant future, everyone will see how upright your (world-class) son has grown up to be.
But what can be said about that.
"You won't be doing it alone. There are local staff members too, so don't feel too burdened."
Ah, and one more thing!
"When you get to Manchester, there will be a kid from Brazil."
"From Brazil?"
"Yes. Especially with him, please make sure he grows up right. Perhaps… make sure diligence becomes part of his character."
The thought of Son Woong-chul nurturing a diligent Zico…
You can almost hear the excitement of soccer fans from here!
Anyway.
This moment nearly completes the setting for Manchester United.
***
Meanwhile, at an American racetrack.
Ssh-woo-woong!
Olivia pressed the accelerator madly.
Speeding over 200 kilometers per hour.
Then, as she approached a corner, she moved her foot to the brake.
'Now?'
No, let's hold on a bit longer.
Yes, more.
Just a bit. More! MORE!
She held on until the very last moment, then.
Gruuk.
She pressed the brake and turned the steering wheel.
Taking a corner at 150 kilometers per hour.
"Yeeet!"
It felt like a giant magnet was pulling on the car!
Suddenly.
"...!"
It seemed like she was going to spin out, but.
Whisk.
She immediately turned the steering wheel the opposite way to counteract.
As the vehicle, which had been sliding its rear tires, barely recovered.
'That's it!'
Olivia pressed the accelerator as if she had been waiting for this moment.
The terrifying speed pushed her head back.
She focused solely on the scene in front of her, continually turning the wheel.
There was no room for hesitation or stray thoughts in these moments.
She completed exactly 40 laps before exiting the circuit.
The cockpit was very narrow.
It was difficult to get out of the kart without detaching the steering wheel.
Perhaps that's why.
The coach who had been waiting came over and first helped her take off her helmet.
"You've set the best record for women."
"What about including men?"
"Still in the top three."
Even though that was said.
Honestly, it didn't mean much.
The men's division completed at least 50 laps.
Even with worse times, finishing the race was a basic requirement.
In contrast, Olivia had great skills but lacked stamina.
Her concentration noticeably dropped from the 40th lap.
She wanted to keep going, but the risk of an accident was high enough for a return signal to be sent.
"You've done great just to get this far."
Regrettably, the coach's consolation didn't register with her at all.
"Why? Do you really want to go pro?"
If this had been before she entered the royal academy, she definitely would have nodded.
But now, she didn't even understand her own feelings.
"..."
She just stared blankly at the steering wheel.
'It's already time to get off work.'
***
After saying goodbye to Son Woong-chul, I got into the car.
If there's one thing I regret about being young, it's that I can't drive yet.
I really want to drive this nice car myself!
Sigh.
As I was swallowing my disappointment and looking at the driver.
"Please take me to the house in Hannam-dong."
"Ah, young master."
"...?"
"The chairman has instructed me to take you to Jungang Market."
"What? Suddenly?"
The driver looked like he didn't know the exact reason.
But there seemed to be one thing he did know, as he cautiously spoke.
"I heard there's an old restaurant there that the chairman really likes."
Grandfather likes an old restaurant in Jungang Market?
"If you look in the chairman's memoirs, he learned about alcohol there for the first time..."
That moment of realization!
"Is Brother Yoo-geon also coming?"
"Yes. Team 2 will bring him."
It was now clear.
Today is… the day I learn about alcohol with Yoo-geon hyung!
I was quietly savoring the anticipation.