Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 171

170. The Rematch

The playoffs between the second-place Incheon Rangers and the fourth-place Team Magicians were just a day away.

Incheon, having navigated a tumultuous season marked by a late managerial change, had swiftly reorganized its roster in about a week, regaining much of its former strength.

Lim Jun-young’s shoulder, pushed to its limits by the previous manager, Hwang Byung-ho, had been a major concern. Fortunately, detailed examinations revealed no serious issues.

The presence of their ace, Lim Jun-young, made a significant difference in the best-of-five playoff series.

As news of Lim Jun-young’s condition circulated, media outlets naturally began discussing players eligible for Free Agency (FA) [a system allowing players to sign with any team] this season.

[Ryu Han-gyul, Lim Jun-young, and Choi Kyung-jae: What’s next for the KBO’s [Korean Baseball Organization] BIG 3 pitchers?]

Regardless of their offensive or defensive capabilities, the future moves of three top-tier pitchers—Ryu Han-gyul, Lim Jun-young, and Choi Kyung-jae—were the subject of intense speculation.

Ryu Han-gyul, in his seventh season and qualified to play overseas, Choi Kyung-jae, entering his first FA period, and Lim Jun-young, nearing his second FA qualification, were all highly sought after.

While the ten professional baseball teams worked tirelessly behind the scenes to recruit these BIG 3 pitchers, an unrelated event unfolded in a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of New York City.

* * *

“Young Master, in summary, we assess a high probability of war between China and Taiwan within the next two years. This could temporarily reduce the US GDP by over 5%, inevitably impacting our family’s holdings. Therefore…”

“Haaam, Joe, I understand. So, if China takes such action, we must respond with immediate economic and military retaliation, right? To the point where their losses equal ours? Am I correct?”

“Precisely. Young Master, your grasp is remarkable.”

“But Joe, I’m only seven years old. Shouldn’t I be exempt from this level of detail? After all, Mother and Father are present.”

“As the heir to the Ropel family, this level of understanding is… um…”

The dark circles beneath the seven-year-old Young Master’s eyes stirred Joe Wilson’s conscience.

Was he pushing too hard? Regardless of the boy’s importance, he was still only seven.

The Chief of Staff, feeling a pang of regret, shifted the conversation to a topic more likely to engage the boy.

“Young Master, do you recall our last discussion on the next-generation all-solid-state battery market?”

“Yes, I remember. You said Chinese companies were likely to commercialize it first, correct?”

“That’s right. Currently, there’s an 80% or higher chance of China succeeding first. Major European companies and some American firms are investing heavily in that area.”

“Really? That’s odd. Just a year ago, in Switzerland, that…”

“Are you referring to the ICJN Research Institute?”

“Yes, that’s it. Back then, the Swiss ICJN Research Institute was considered the frontrunner, wasn’t it?”

“Indeed.”

“Then those who invested in Switzerland are in trouble. Anyway, why are we discussing this? It doesn’t concern us, does it?”

“Ah, yes, my point is… I discovered something interesting while investigating the ICJN Research Institute.”

“Something interesting? What is it?”

A spark of curiosity lit up the boy’s eyes.

He knew from experience that his Chief of Staff’s ‘interesting’ stories always led to something significant.

“The ICJN Research Institute, facing financial difficulties, sought large-scale investors. A few months ago, someone affiliated with Goldman Sachs invested $33 million.”

“33 million? That’s not much.”

“True, but that investment made them the third-largest shareholder of the ICJN Research Institute.”

“I suppose they were abandoned by the market quickly. With so little money, they’re the third-largest shareholder… um, but Joe, I still don’t see the interesting part?”

“Ah, I neglected to mention something crucial.”

Even a genius is still only seven. Joe Wilson understood how to pique the interest of a young child.

The detail that would truly capture the boy’s attention was finally revealed.

“The investor is someone the Young Master knows.”

“Someone I know? Who? Is it someone from our family?”

“No. Here’s a hint: he’s Asian.”

“Asian? Um… who is it? Tell me, Joe.”

As the boy’s eyes widened with anticipation, Joe Wilson smiled.

“It’s Han Su-hyeok.”

“Han Su-hyeok?”

“Yes, the baseball player you admired during the last WBC [World Baseball Classic]… remember?”

“I know him! Of course, I know him. Oh… so it’s that hyung [Korean term for older brother or male friend]. Does he invest in things besides baseball? 33 million dollars is a lot for an athlete, isn’t it?”

“According to our investigation, it’s inherited money, not earnings from baseball.”

Despite efforts to conceal it, the resources of a Korean chaebol [large family-owned conglomerate] were no match for the Ropel family’s intelligence network.

The little boy, upon learning the source of the investment, grew serious.

The ‘hyung’ who had inspired him at the WBC, the one who briefly made him dream of becoming a baseball player, was in danger.

It was a pittance to him, but the boy understood, at least vaguely, what that money meant to ordinary people.

The boy, lost in thought, finally spoke.

“Joe.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Mother told me to run a company myself to gain experience, right?”

“Indeed, Madam did.”

“Okay, I’ve decided.”

“What are you planning?”

“I’ll make the Swiss ICJN Research Institute my first company. Inform Mother immediately and handle the arrangements.”

“You want to help the baseball player Han Su-hyeok?”

“Well, firstly, I dislike the idea of a Chinese company, a potential future adversary, dominating the all-solid-state battery market…”

A playful smile touched the boy’s lips.

“It’s not a significant sum, but if a baseball player loses his fortune, it might affect his performance, right? I want him to focus solely on baseball. You’ll assist me, won’t you, Joe?”

“Of course, Young Master. Everything will be done as you wish.”

The research institute in Switzerland, originally destined to pioneer the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries before fading into obscurity due to Chinese competition—a butterfly effect caused by Han Su-hyeok’s regression—was about to have its fate rewritten.

Han Su-hyeok’s 45 billion won [approximately $33 million USD], invested based on a single memory from his previous life, was on the verge of being swallowed.

But today, thanks to the decision of a Young Master captivated by Han Su-hyeok’s WBC performance, the Swiss ICJN Research Institute would lead the global all-solid-state battery market.

Even if other companies or groups emerged, nothing would change.

They were dealing with the Ropels, the unseen power brokers of America.

“But Joe.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“That ‘hyung’ is talented at baseball, but a disaster when it comes to investing.”

“No one excels at everything.”

“Is that so?”

* * *

“Achoo!”

“A, B, C, D… um, that one wasn’t very fun, was it, Oppa [Korean term for older brother or male friend, used by females]?”

“Pooeeeee… Achoo!”

“Oh? Are you catching a cold? Just a moment. I’ll make you a warm cup of tea.”

“Oh, okay, thank you. Um, is someone talking about me? My ears keep tickling. Why is this happening?”

Han Su-hyeok, who had boldly invested 45 billion won based on a vague memory from his past life,

Despite the earnest warnings of investment expert Min Tae-hyun, had declared ‘all-in,’ insisting on putting all his eggs in one basket,

Han Su-hyeok, who would have lost that fortune if not for the intervention of a certain baseball-obsessed boy, couldn’t tear his eyes from the TV screen, even as he sneezed.

The fifth game of the playoff series between the Incheon Rangers and the Seoul Magicians was underway at Incheon Stadium.

In the top of the 9th inning, Incheon’s ace, Lim Jun-young, took the mound to thwart the Magicians’ final rally.

The ace, who had started the first game of the playoffs and pitched seven scoreless innings, was now closing out the series.

It wasn’t the manager’s decision.

Lim Jun-young’s appearance was entirely his own choice.

Before the game, Lim Jun-young had told reporters:

‘I’m determined to reach the Korean Series and face the Warriors and Han Su-hyeok again. Yes, I admit he’s an amazing player, greater than I am. But even if Lim Jun-young loses to Han Su-hyeok, the Rangers won’t lose to the Warriors.’

Lim Jun-young’s words were sincere.

With the score at 5-4 and the Magicians threatening a comeback, Lim Jun-young entered the game after Incheon’s closer, Kwon Gil-yong, allowed consecutive hits to the first two batters in the top of the 9th.

His fastball, reduced to 148 km/h [approximately 92 mph] due to overuse since the end of the regular season, still intimidated the Magicians’ hitters.

Ttaaak!

“Out!”

The hit by Kim Seong-soo, the Magicians’ veteran, resulted in a 4-5-3 double play, ending the game and securing Incheon’s victory.

A series record of 3 wins and 2 losses.

The team advancing to the Korean Series was decided.

The Warriors and the Rangers, who had battled for the regular-season championship, would face each other again for the Korean Series trophy.

“Oppa, where will Lim Jun-young go? Do you know?”

“Um.”

Min Ye-rin had moved into the space vacated by the three classmates who had occupied our house throughout the semi-playoffs, simply because it was close to the training center.

At first, watching baseball with her had been awkward, but after five consecutive days, that awkwardness had largely dissipated.

To be honest,

I was becoming more accustomed to having someone around than being alone.

I was tired of talking to myself in an empty space.

I longed to share stories about baseball and my daily life.

I wish I hadn’t experienced this.

Having grown used to companionship, I dreaded returning to my previous solitude.

“Ye-rin-ah.”

“Yes, Oppa.”

“By the way, the house across the street. Do you know why it’s still empty?”

“Ah, that house.”

“Yeah.”

“I rented it.”

“What? Why?”

“In case it gets too noisy and disturbs your rest. This is the top floor, so there’s no noise from above, but there might be some noise through the walls. So, I rented it. Now, we’re the only ones on this floor.”

“Ye-rin-ah…”

“Hehe.”

I’m just a fool who can only play baseball.

Yet, I’ve always believed I was right, that my thoughts were the only valid ones.

I thought there was no one to help me, and even if there was, I didn’t need it.

But that wasn’t true.

The person named Han Su-hyeok was living with the support of many people, support I hadn’t even recognized.

If I had realized that sooner, I could have avoided hurting innocent people.

“I’m hungry.”

“Ah, just a moment. I’ll quickly make you something to eat.”

“No, I want udon from that place in front. Shall we go out together?”

“Udon! Udon! That’s my favorite… Let’s go, Oppa! Quickly!”