Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 37

37> What’s Best for the Player (4)

I explained the negotiation process so far to Im Ye-ji and Na Jun-ho.

Based on the offers from the Dragons and the Buffaloes, I compared the advantages and disadvantages of both proposals.

In fact, if we only looked at the total amount of the offers received so far, there was no room for hesitation.

The more I explained, the more the Buffaloes’ offer stood out as overwhelmingly better. It almost felt like I was arguing that the Dragons’ offer, while lower in total amount, might be better for him in some less tangible ways.

When I finished speaking, Na Jun-ho seemed lost in thought, tilting his head slightly as if staring into space for a moment.

It wouldn’t be an easy decision.

As Im Ye-ji said, no matter how much affection he had for the team, it couldn’t be the only factor in a negotiation involving such a large sum of money.

I waited for a moment without adding anything, giving him time to organize his thoughts.

After a while, Na Jun-ho looked at Im Ye-ji and me alternately and slowly said, “I don’t have to decide right here and now, do I?”

“Of course not. It will take more time to fully consider offers from other teams. We don’t need to rush this negotiation,” Im Ye-ji replied, waving her hand dismissively.

“Right? This is my first time with a contract like this, too…” Na Jun-ho said, a bit awkwardly.

“I’m just keeping you updated on the progress so far.”

“That’s a relief. I think I need more time to think. I think I need to talk to my family, too.”

Im Ye-ji put her hands together, naturally intertwining her fingers.

“And I wanted to ask Na Jun-ho what he thinks about something.”

“What is it?”

She pretended not to care, but it seemed that what she had heard at the negotiation table bothered Im Ye-ji as well.

“Does Jun-ho have a particular region he prefers?”

“Region?”

“There are quite a few players who are hesitant about transferring to a team in a smaller city [a city outside of Seoul].”

This was definitely true.

Transferring to a team in a region with which one has no personal connection was by no means easy. It was similar to office workers considering quitting when they were suddenly transferred to a region unrelated to them.

Salary was important, but it was also important to seriously consider whether it was a city where oneself and one’s family could live comfortably.

“It’s not a big deal for me. My child is still young, and for me, playing for the Dragons is like living in another area anyway.”

“That’s a relief then,” Im Ye-ji nodded, sounding relieved.

“So, are you going to proceed with negotiations with other teams besides these two?”

“Yes. There are other clubs that have contacted us, and conversely, we have to make offers as well. We plan to meet in person this week to hear their proposals.”

“I see.”

*Whirr-*

Vibration rang from one of the smartphones on the conference table.

Im Ye-ji picked up her smartphone and stood up.

“Sorry. Just a moment.”

Im Ye-ji answered the phone and went out of the conference room.

I watched the conference room door close completely.

Then, I carefully turned my head towards Na Jun-ho and began, “Senior, by any chance…”

As I hesitated, Na Jun-ho raised his eyebrows as if telling me to speak freely.

“Are you okay with the Buffaloes?”

As soon as he heard my words, Na Jun-ho’s expression turned gloomy in an instant.

“To be honest, it’s not the situation I was expecting.”

“I guess… you wouldn’t be,” I nodded, making eye contact with Na Jun-ho.

“At first, I thought I wouldn’t be swayed even if other clubs made offers, but now that the situation has become like this, I have a lot of thoughts.”

Na Jun-ho sighed deeply and smiled bitterly.

“You’re not keen on offers from other clubs?”

“Um. Actually, I’ve never thought about the possibility of me transferring.”

Many baseball fans would think the same.

Not only Dragons fans but also fans of other teams would think that Na Jun-ho would naturally remain with the Dragons.

“Even I would find it really difficult to decide if I had to give up my retired number.”

“Retired number? Have I ever talked about it?”

Oops.

I made another mistake.

“Who else besides Na Jun-ho is suitable as the first retired number player for the Dragons? Ask any baseball fan on the street. It would be harder to find someone who doesn’t think so.”

“Ah. I appreciate you thinking that way.”

My ability to gloss over things seems to be improving.

“What would Hyun-woo do?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Which would you choose between a retired number and money?”

Well…

Which is more important, honor or money?

When I first talked to Na Jun-ho, I thought he would choose honor without hesitation.

Becoming a legendary player who would remain in the history of a team, and being able to leave his jersey number as the club’s first retired number, seemed like an honor that could not be exchanged for anything else.

But what if he had to give up 2.5 billion won [approximately $2 million USD]?

No matter how expensive housing prices are in Seoul, 2.5 billion won in cash was an enormous amount of money, enough to buy a decent apartment.

If you put a retired number and 2.5 billion won on a scale, which way would it tip?

“It’s a very difficult question for me too.”

“…?”

I tried to subtly gloss over it by turning my gaze, but Na Jun-ho was still looking at me.

Looking at his expression, it seemed I couldn’t get away without answering.

“From a baseball fan’s perspective, I would naturally want you to choose honor. But…”

Na Jun-ho was seriously focused on every word I said.

“Even if you play baseball for a longer time, wouldn’t it be difficult to have another opportunity to earn this much money?”

Even if Na Jun-ho re-qualified for FA [Free Agency] in four years, he would be 36 years old at that time.

Even if a hitter’s career is long, 36 years old would definitely be past his prime as a player.

There was no guarantee that declaring FA at that age would not become a retirement announcement.

“I guess so? That’s why it’s even harder.”

Na Jun-ho sighed deeply once again.

I could feel deep concern in his expression.

“The negotiation isn’t over yet. I’ll try to get the best possible conditions.”

“Thank you.”

Did he really have to choose one of the two options?

Was there no way to have both?

No new method came to mind right away, but I wanted to create a method somehow.

Suddenly the door opened and Im Ye-ji’s voice was heard.

“Sorry. I suddenly got an urgent call.”

“It’s okay.”

Im Ye-ji smiled brightly and returned to her original seat.

“I will continue to deliver important information to Na Jun-ho as the negotiation progresses. If there is anything urgent, we can talk on the phone, or Ye-ji or Hyun-woo can visit you in person.”

“Yes. I understand.”

Na Jun-ho nodded.

“Hyun-woo, is there anything else you haven’t told Na Jun-ho?”

“No. That’s all.”

“Then shall we finish here today?”

At Im Ye-ji’s words, I nodded and stood up.

Na Jun-ho also slowly got up and straightened his clothes.

“Na Jun-ho, can we look forward to good news tomorrow?”

Tomorrow was the day of the Golden Glove Awards ceremony.

He had performed well as an outfielder again this year, and with the advantage of being on the winning team, he was sure to win without difficulty.

“I hope so.”

A faint smile appeared on Na Jun-ho’s lips.

“Then, let’s meet at the awards ceremony tomorrow.”

“Yes. See you tomorrow.”

Na Jun-ho met Im Ye-ji’s and my eyes in turn and left the conference room.

Im Ye-ji turned her head and made eye contact with me.

“Hyun-woo, you also attend with me tomorrow.”

“Me?”

Was she talking about the awards ceremony?

At the sudden suggestion, my voice grew louder without me realizing it.

“Of course.”

“Is it okay for me to go there?”

“You’re already well-known as an agent, and above all, you’re Na Jun-ho’s agent. In the middle of negotiations, it would be more awkward not to show up at such a place, wouldn’t it?”

“Is that so? I never expected to go to the awards ceremony…”

For me, including the Golden Glove, the awards ceremonies held at the end of the year felt like TV shows featuring celebrities.

I thought it was only possible in my dreams for me to go to that place.

“Above all, club officials will all be there. It’s a good opportunity to make a proper impression.”

Come to think of it, tomorrow’s awards ceremony was a rare opportunity to meet all club officials in one place.

I could meet them and shake hands naturally, and in the process, there would be quite a bit of information to gain from the negotiation progress.

“That’s right. I’ll be preparing.”

It wasn’t easy to hide my excitement.

* * *

The next day, I arrived much earlier than the appointment time to meet Im Ye-ji.

I checked my appearance in the mirror until just before getting out of the car.

I had gone to the beauty salon early in the morning to get makeup and hairstyling.

From the moment I went up to the first floor, my every move would surely become a source of news for reporters, so I wanted to prepare properly if possible.

I wasn’t a celebrity, but I didn’t want to overlook even the smallest details.

While I was looking in the mirror and grooming myself until the end, Im Ye-ji’s car was entering the underground parking lot.

*Screech.*

Her driving was surprisingly rough.

*Bang.*

Closing the door was cool too.

She walked towards me, her shoes clicking with every step.

As always, Im Ye-ji, who always presents herself perfectly, didn’t look much different from yesterday.

It must take diligence to maintain that level of polish on a regular basis. Anyway, she is an amazing person.

“Hyun-woo. Are you all ready?”

“Yes. Perfect.”

“Then shall we go up?”

“Let’s do that.”

I nodded towards Im Ye-ji.

The elevator we were on arrived on the first floor and the door opened.

In front of the venue, there was a red carpet and a photo zone.

I felt like I had become the owner of the party that would be held today.

Reporters were busily snapping photos of the players standing in the photo zone.

Im Ye-ji and I tried to avoid the photo zone and pass by quietly.

But,

“CEO Im, can we ask you for a photo!” a reporter shouted in a booming voice.

Thanks to that, the eyes of the other reporters were also directed at us.

“Shall we?” Im Ye-ji smiled leisurely and walked to the photo zone.

Then, she struck a pose as if she was used to it and took pictures. She answered the reporters’ questions with ease.

I, who was in the corner, was busy looking around and admiring the splendid atmosphere that I was experiencing for the first time.

Around the time Im Ye-ji’s time was coming to an end…

“Kang Hyun-woo! Can we ask you for a photo!” The loud-voiced reporter from earlier called me this time.