Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 295

Another Dream (1)

Our agency experienced significant changes during this off-season [stove league season is a Korean term for the off-season when player trades and contract negotiations occur].

Following Donald Watson and his family, who had already relocated to the United States, Michael Scott and Oh Seok-hoon also moved out of the agency’s accommodations.

It was unprecedented; players were leaving instead of new ones arriving.

Oh Seok-hoon, in particular, seemed to be a mix of worried and excited about the challenge of adapting to a completely new environment.

He couldn’t easily dismiss his concerns, perhaps due to the different cuisine compared to what he was used to, and the pressure of competing against unfamiliar players and needing to perform well immediately.

Knowing his anxieties better than anyone, I planned to travel to the United States as often as possible this season to support him.

Meanwhile, the other players were diligently getting in shape for their respective clubs’ spring training camps.

So Young-joon, especially, who was entering a contract year [becoming a free agent at the end of the season], was more proactive than ever.

Perhaps inspired by Oh Seok-hoon’s successful entry into the major leagues with a lucrative contract, I sensed his earnest preparation.

I contacted Sky Corporation to immediately begin promoting So Young-joon as a potential free agent.

And Park Sung-joo, who had signed a free agent contract for a record-breaking amount, also seemed unusually determined.

He expressed a sense of responsibility for receiving such a large sum and a strong ambition to set new records.

He was preparing his body as if it were the regular season, aiming to surpass 50 home runs and break the single-season home run record.

Choi Woo-jin, who was scheduled to make his professional debut in a few months, couldn’t contain his excitement and was accelerating his preparations for spring training.

He was already actively coordinating with Han Kyo-jin, who would be his primary catcher.

The other players were also training intensely, diligently preparing for the upcoming season.

Despite the cold winter, our training grounds were filled with fervent energy.

While the players were focused on the next season, our agency was busy organizing a new project.

It was a charity tournament.

This event was designed to entertain baseball fans during the off-season and provide our agency’s professional players, as well as those aspiring to turn pro, with an opportunity to play in front of a live audience.

All proceeds from the tournament were earmarked to support amateur baseball programs.

We announced the charity tournament schedule immediately after the Korean Series [championship series of the KBO League, South Korea’s professional baseball league] concluded.

Within days, the online tickets were sold out in under an hour.

Finally, the day of Dream Agency’s inaugural charity tournament arrived.

Not only domestic players but also Donald Watson, who was based in the United States, returned to Korea to participate.

The agency’s accommodations were buzzing with activity from early morning as the players prepared.

Jung In-kyu, who had arrived first, was sitting on the sofa, breathing heavily.

I approached him, patted his shoulder, and, noticing his pale complexion, asked, “In-kyu, what’s wrong? You look like you’re about to pitch in the World Series.”

Jung In-kyu was scheduled to pitch that day.

“I know, but is it really something to be this nervous about?”

I suppressed a laugh and massaged his shoulders.

“You mentioned the stands would be packed today, right?”

“Yeah, completely sold out. Twenty thousand people will be there. Are your parents coming too?”

“Hoo, hoo, hoo. They’ll be there.”

Jung In-kyu’s breathing was as rapid as his heartbeat.

“I need to greet them after a long time.”

“Representative, I’m really nervous. Do you think I’ll be able to pitch well?”

He grabbed my hand and asked anxiously.

“You’re not even a professional player. What does it matter if you don’t pitch perfectly?”

“Do you know how much pressure it is knowing our players are watching? How embarrassing would it be if the coach can’t perform on the mound?”

“I understand how you feel, but in this state, you’ll likely perform worse if you try too hard.”

“Wow, I’m really nervous. What do players do when they’re nervous?”

Jung In-kyu’s breathing showed no signs of slowing down.

Just then, So Young-joon and Choi Woo-jin, who had finished getting ready, entered the living room.

I gestured for them to come over.

“Young-joon, come help In-kyu calm down.”

“What’s wrong with him now?”

So Young-joon glanced at Jung In-kyu, who was visibly trembling.

“He’s nervous because he’s pitching today.”

Choi Woo-jin, standing beside him, couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Coach, you told me to just throw like I practice at the stadium.”

“At this rate, we should take him to the hospital before the game,” So Young-joon added, struggling to suppress his amusement.

Lee Joo-hyuk, who had also finished preparing, walked into the living room carrying his equipment bag.

Seeing him, So Young-joon said to Jung In-kyu, “Hey, Joo-hyuk doesn’t seem nervous at all.”

“Joo-hyuk has had tryouts before. Maybe that’s why he’s so calm.”

Choi Woo-jin approached Jung In-kyu, who was still trembling.

“Coach, first, take a deep breath.”

Choi Woo-jin took Jung In-kyu’s hands and demonstrated a deep breathing exercise.

Jung In-kyu followed suit, taking several deep breaths.

“That’s a truly heartwarming sight,” I said to So Young-joon, bursting into laughter.

Meanwhile, players who had finished preparing were gradually gathering in the living room.

Oh Seok-hoon, Park Sung-joo, Choi Jung-hwan, Go Ji-hoon, Jang Soo-young, So Young-joon, Na Joon-ho, Seo Sung-min, Choi Woo-jin, Jung Min-woo, Michael Scott, and Donald Watson.

The living room felt crowded with just the players present.

So Young-joon, after counting heads, looked at me and asked, “Representative, it looks like everyone’s ready now?”

“We’re about to leave. Let’s gather for a quick pep talk before we go.”

I clapped my hands to get the players’ attention.

“Everyone ready to have some fun?”

“Yes!”

“Forget about the pressure for today, let’s just enjoy ourselves!”

“Let’s show everyone that Dream Agency knows how to have the most fun!” So Young-joon shouted, clenching his fist.

“Let’s go!”

I grabbed the luggage, and we all headed out.

We boarded a bus together and traveled to the dome stadium where the charity tournament was being held.

* * *

Upon arrival, my staff and I began making the final preparations for the event.

Jung In-kyu and Lee Joo-hyuk were scheduled to play in today’s game, so they were excused from all setup duties.

I was busy with the staff, ensuring everything was in order.

By the time we were nearly finished, it was almost time to open the gates to the audience.

“Hyun-woo.”

I turned towards the voice and saw Lim Ye-ji approaching with a bright smile.

Kim Min-hwan was walking alongside her.

“Representative Lim, you’re here? Team Leader Kim, welcome.”

Players from YJ Agency were also participating in today’s charity tournament.

With Dream Agency and YJ Agency collaborating, we were able to assemble a player lineup that resembled an All-Star Game.

“Hyun-woo, congratulations. Dream Agency has become a truly impressive company. You’re even hosting such a wonderful tournament.”

“It was much easier thanks to YJ Agency’s support.”

“You’re welcome,” Lim Ye-ji replied with a gentle smile.

I turned to Kim Min-hwan and continued the conversation.

“Team Leader Kim, have you been practicing?”

Kim Min-hwan was also scheduled to bat soon.

“It’s not easy to exercise after such a long break. My son will be watching, so I have to get at least one hit.”

Kim Min-hwan mimed a swing and took a deep breath.

“But you look like you’ve been working out?”

“Really? I’ve been putting in the effort, so I’m glad to hear that.”

“But are you sure you’re okay with facing Ji-hoon, senior?”

Kim Min-hwan had specifically requested to face Go Ji-hoon.

“Yeah, I’m curious to see how good Ji-hoon’s pitches really are.”

“But even if he throws softly, it’ll be difficult to get a hit off Ji-hoon, right?”

I tilted my head and smiled.

“I told him to pitch like he would in a real game. Like when he faces hitters during the regular season.”

“Are you sure that’s okay? He’s a 17-game winner.”

“When else will I get the chance to see Ji-hoon’s pitches from the batter’s box?”

“If you get a solid hit today, you’ll never forget it?”

“Hoo, that’s right. I’ll give it my best shot.”

Kim Min-hwan nodded resolutely.

“Then we’ll head inside now,” Lim Ye-ji said to me with a smile.

“Yes, see you later.”

Lim Ye-ji and Kim Min-hwan walked away after hearing my response.

I was busy greeting numerous guests afterward.

From the general managers of domestic professional clubs to sports reporters, including Lee Soo-min, a wide range of people attended.

Therefore, if the players training at the agency delivered impressive performances in today’s game, they had a good chance of being scouted immediately.

Meanwhile, the players who had finished warming up were changing into Dream Agency’s home and away uniforms.

Soon, it was time for the fans to enter.

“Okay, let’s get started.”

The players moved to the booth set up at the stadium entrance to sign autographs for the fans.

Shortly after, the audience began to stream in.

As soon as they entered the stadium, they were greeted by the waiting players.

And naturally, the autograph session commenced.

Since it was a rare opportunity to see Korea’s most popular players in one place, the autograph line remained long.

Our players spent time with the fans, displaying even brighter smiles than usual.

So Young-joon, in particular, joked with each fan while signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Amidst the bustling event, a child holding hands with his parents approached me.

As soon as I saw him, I jumped up and waved.

“Lee Hyun-ah!”

It was Kim Lee-hyun, whom I had met at the hospital with Oh Seok-hoon previously.

I had invited him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to fulfill his dream of standing at the plate with Park Sung-joo.

“Wow, mister!”

“Lee Hyun-ah, come on in.”

At my gesture, Kim Lee-hyun let go of his parents’ hands and ran to me.

“Mister, can I really go in with Sung-joo, mister?”

“Of course. Lee Hyun will be the first to stand at the plate later.”

“Wow! Can I see Oh Seok-hoon, mister, too?”

“Of course. I asked him to stand on first base.”

“Oh, awesome!”

Kim Lee-hyun couldn’t contain his excitement, perhaps because he was thrilled just imagining it.

An MBS [broadcasting station] official approached me and whispered in my ear.

“Representative Kang, it’s time to move now.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I finished my last greeting and headed towards the commentary box.

As I walked, I could see the audience filling the seats.

The stadium was packed with spectators wearing Dream Agency uniforms.

Just seeing that made me feel overwhelmed.

And I spotted Olivia, mingling and cheering with the fans in the audience after a long time.

* * *

Today’s charity tournament was also scheduled to be broadcast on TV through MBS.

Thanks to that, I was able to work with the same commentator I had partnered with during the last international competition.

I joined him in the commentary box to provide color commentary.

The commentator began in a cheerful tone.

“Hello, viewers. While the excitement of Korea’s victory is still fresh, we are back to greet you with Dream Agency’s charity tournament. Representative Kang Hyun-woo, please say a few words.”

“Hello, this is Kang Hyun-woo from Dream Agency. Thank you so much for your interest in Dream Agency’s charity tournament. Our players have been working hard to prepare. We hope you enjoy the show and offer your support.”

“Dream Agency has many talented players, so I’m really looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a great time together.”

Meanwhile, Kim Lee-hyun, holding a bat, was walking onto the field with Park Sung-joo.

“Who is the child walking with Park Sung-joo now?”

“That’s Kim Lee-hyun. He has been battling acute leukemia for a long time. He dreams of becoming a baseball player and is a big fan of Park Sung-joo.”

“Ah, I see. I’m looking forward to Park Sung-joo’s wonderful first pitch.”

Before the ceremonial first pitch, Oh Seok-hoon was standing on first base, Seo Sung-min and So Young-joon on second base, and Na Joon-ho on third base.

Kim Lee-hyun and Park Sung-joo, approaching the plate, put their hands together and shouted, “Fighting!” [a Korean expression of encouragement].

While Kim Lee-hyun took his position at the plate, Park Sung-joo moved to the side and crouched down.

As Kim Lee-hyun assumed his batting stance, exclamations erupted from the audience.

-Wow!

“Oh, that’s a perfect stance. He looks like he could be a baseball player?”

“It’s exactly the same as Park Sung-joo’s stance. He must have been practicing for a while.”

Shortly after, Park Sung-joo carefully threw the ball.

Kim Lee-hyun confidently swung his bat.

Thwack!

The batted ball bounced and rolled towards second base.

“Oh, he made good contact!”

Kim Lee-hyun grabbed Park Sung-joo’s hand and started running towards first base with all his might.

So Young-joon, who caught the ball, threw it towards first base at a very slow speed.

Oh Seok-hoon, waiting at first base, caught the ball and looked at the umpire.

“Safe!”

The first base umpire shouted, extending both arms.

Kim Lee-hyun, upon hearing the call, smiled brightly and high-fived Park Sung-joo.

He also made sure to high-five Oh Seok-hoon, who handed him the ball.

“This moment will be unforgettable for Kim Lee-hyun?”

“I hope to see him back in this stadium as a baseball player in the near future.”

With Kim Lee-hyun’s ceremonial first pitch completed, the players began to prepare for the game.

“Now, let’s start enjoying Dream Agency’s charity tournament in earnest!”

Now it’s time for the festival to begin.