Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 99

99. I Don’t Think This Is Right (6)

Fortunately, Go Ji-hoon regained consciousness overnight after being rushed to the emergency room and was moved to a general ward.

I stayed by his side the entire time, and only after confirming he was fully conscious did I finally head to work.

My mind was in turmoil during my commute.

I told myself this should never happen, but the thought that it might have been a common occurrence before nagged at me.

To get some clarity, I immediately sought out Kim Min-hwan.

Kim Min-hwan, after hearing my story, looked visibly uncomfortable.

“So… all of that is true.”

“Yes, exactly as I’ve described.”

“I knew CEO Lim was the type to do anything to close a deal…”

Kim Min-hwan trailed off, his complex feelings plain on his face.

“Has this happened before?”

“There have always been various strategies leading up to free agency [FA, when a player’s contract expires and they can sign with any team]. Sometimes they’d try to lower a player’s grade and get a more favorable contract by pushing for a trade mid-season. Other times, they’d block moves the club was trying to make. Players use those tactics too.”

I had experienced Jang Su-young’s trade firsthand not long ago.

“That’s child’s play compared to this.”

“I suppose you could say that…”

“How much did Team Leader know?”

“I didn’t know anything. If I’d had even a hint, I would have stopped it immediately.”

Kim Min-hwan shook his head emphatically.

“Then what do you think about this, Team Leader?”

Kim Min-hwan paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking carefully.

“Um… this is a tough one to swallow. I don’t understand why it had to be done this way.”

“I’m relieved you feel the same way.”

“So, what are you going to do now?”

Kim Min-hwan asked, looking at me with concern.

“I have to speak with the CEO directly. This is completely wrong.”

“What if nothing changes? If it’s CEO Lim’s style, she might not budge.”

People can have differing opinions even when looking at the same situation.

Since life rarely presents clear-cut right and wrong answers, I’ve always believed every opinion holds some value.

But this time was different.

“If that’s the case… I’ll have to change things myself.”

“You’re going to change it?”

Kim Min-hwan tilted his head, as if not immediately grasping my meaning.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

I didn’t want to dwell on the worst-case scenario.

* * *

I entered the CEO’s office with a heavy heart.

“Hyun-woo, how’s Ji-hoon doing?”

I wanted to believe Lim Ye-ji’s concern for Go Ji-hoon was genuine.

“He regained consciousness earlier and is recovering in a general ward.”

“That’s a relief.”

Lim Ye-ji took a deep breath, seemingly relieved.

“CEO, do you know why Go Ji-hoon collapsed?”

“Well? We’ll need a detailed examination to be sure, but wouldn’t it be from the strain of training? He’s such a dedicated player.”

Did she genuinely not know, or was she feigning ignorance?

“From what I understand, the severe dizziness Go Ji-hoon is experiencing is a side effect of painkillers.”

“Side effects of painkillers?”

Lim Ye-ji’s gaze flickered momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure.

“CEO, you’re aware that Go Ji-hoon has been taking painkillers constantly, right?”

“What… what are you talking about?”

“To be precise, you unilaterally decided on this course of action, correct?”

“I don’t understand what you’re saying at all.”

Lim Ye-ji shook her head, putting on a truly clueless expression.

“I’ve spoken directly with Professor Park Jung-joon. And with Go Ji-hoon as well.”

“……”

Lim Ye-ji’s expression hardened when I mentioned those names.

“Contrary to what you said at the meeting, Professor Park Jung-joon stated that Go Ji-hoon needs rest and treatment. He also said that he’s barely functioning with the help of painkillers.”

“Isn’t it normal for athletes to experience pain and receive medical treatment during the season? It would be hard to find a player who doesn’t.”

“But it’s not normal to play while taking painkillers so excessively that they collapse, especially when the doctor has advised rest.”

My voice grew louder with anger.

“If we have important situations like free agency coming up, shouldn’t we find a way to play the game, even if it means using such methods?”

“If there are crucial games immediately ahead, maybe. But we’re talking about an entire season.”

“What’s important to Go Ji-hoon isn’t just one or two games, but the entire season.”

Lim Ye-ji’s voice was firm.

“The results won’t change much just because he plays a few fewer games.”

“No. It will make a significant difference.”

“No matter how big the difference, we shouldn’t endanger the player’s life. Let’s drop this.”

If she admitted her mistake and reversed course now, it could end as a minor incident.

“Hyun-woo, have you ever considered why I made that choice?”

Lim Ye-ji clasped her hands together and looked me in the eye.

“That’s the question I’ve been wanting to ask. Why did you do it?”

“To give the player the best possible outcome as an agent, of course. What other reason could there be?”

“It’s a dangerous choice that could ruin his career. How can that be the best outcome?”

“That’s why he’s receiving treatment. The frequency of his hospital visits has increased significantly.”

Frequent physical therapy would be beneficial.

But the doctor’s recommendation for rest must be for a reason.

“The biggest problem is that the player is completely unaware. Go Ji-hoon doesn’t know what kind of treatment he’s receiving or why he feels strange.”

“Even if Go Ji-hoon knew everything, would he make a different choice?”

“Yes?”

“If he finishes this season strong, he’ll sign a huge contract and receive billions of won in signing bonus alone.”

“Is money the only consideration? If he pushes himself like this, he might need even more extensive rehabilitation next season. We should prioritize his long-term health, not just the immediate financial gain.”

“What’s the difference between rehabilitating this year and next year?”

“What do you mean?”

I frowned.

“Either way, he won’t be able to play for several months if he starts rehabilitation now, right? We’re just postponing it. He’ll still be sidelined.”

“What if the injury becomes much more severe next year because of this season’s overexertion?”

“Even then, it would be a profitable deal for the player.”

“Yes…?”

My eyes widened as I heard that unexpected answer.

“Pitchers are more affected by age than hitters. Regardless of how successful a player has been, their value decreases with each passing year because future performance expectations diminish.”

“……”

“Especially since Go Ji-hoon will be 33 next year. That’s not young for a pitcher. If he has to postpone free agency, he’ll be 34. It’s too old to command a big contract as a pitcher. No matter how good he is, it will be difficult to get clubs to open their wallets. That’s why it’s crucial for him to sign a contract as soon as possible, isn’t it?”

“What if his injury becomes so severe that he misses an entire season?”

“Then he can get treatment at his leisure, because the contract will be signed.”

“Huh……”

If he rehabilitates immediately after signing a lucrative contract, he’d inevitably be labeled an overpaid player.

It was sacrificing the player’s hard-earned reputation for the sake of money.

“Am I wrong?”

“I completely disagree. I don’t think this is right.”

I shook my head firmly.

Lim Ye-ji laughed derisively.

“What are you going to do about it?”

I took a deep breath, pulled out my smartphone, and showed her the audio recording on the screen.

“I’m going to make this public. It will have a devastating impact on the reputation of both you and YJ Agency, right? I’m a fairly well-known agent now. No amount of power can bury this news.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Lim Ye-ji’s eyes narrowed.

“If this is the only way to protect the players, I have to do it.”

“What if I don’t change my mind?”

“Then I’ll have no choice but to use this method.”

I shook my smartphone.

“Is your ultimate goal to bring me down?”

“Of course not. I’m trying to choose the best path for the players.”

“How does damaging the agency’s reputation benefit the players?”

“I’ll take the players who want to come with me. I’ll leave the others behind. If you don’t interfere and cooperate, I won’t disclose this incident.”

“You’re going to start your own agency?”

“Yes. I can no longer agree with your philosophy.”

Lim Ye-ji seemed surprised by my unexpected answer, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Do you think the players will want to leave YJ Agency? This is the best agency in the country. A new agency can’t compare.”

“I’ll let the players decide.”

“If you stop here, I’ll forget everything that happened today. And I’ll provide you with generous compensation after successfully negotiating Go Ji-hoon’s free agency.”

Lim Ye-ji’s eyes hardened as she continued.

“Even if you create your own agency, you won’t be able to establish yourself in Korea as long as YJ Agency exists.”

I didn’t hear the words I had been expecting until the end.

“I have no desire to gain money and fame by compromising my values. I wouldn’t be able to face the players.”

I stood up and bowed to Lim Ye-ji.

“I learned a lot from you. Thank you for everything.”

And I left the CEO’s office without looking back.