Chapter 224

Thanks to Choi Mi-kyung’s prayers at Seonnyeo Rock, Jin Hyuk caused a stir at the September competition.

Everyone who didn’t know Jin Hyuk called it a “stir,” so it must be true.

[In the morning, it was 100 meters; in the afternoon, 200 meters. With the final scene of a high school track athlete setting a new Korean record in the 100-meter dash, we conclude the nine o’clock news. Thank you for watching.]

Dugudugudugu-.

With a powerful BGM, the athletes crouched at the starting line dominated the screen.

Among them, the attention of the family was drawn to the athlete in lane 4, who boasted an unmatched physique. Just by looking at the back of his head, you could tell whose son he was.

[Taaang-.]

If the word “overwhelming” were to be visualized, this would be it. It was more of a solo performance than a race. The protagonist in the blue uniform, number 195, painted the red stage all by himself.

It was a pity that it wasn’t a dynamic Olympic broadcast with cameras chasing the athletes. But since all the athletes were captured in one frame, you could feel the gap.

In the center of the screen was the athlete, and below it, the stopwatch raced breathlessly.

[Taaang-!]

[Waaaa-.]

A dynamic sprint that seemed to leap out of the screen, a roar-like crossing of the finish line. It was a perfect run that captivated everyone.

Uncharacteristically, Jin Hyuk even performed a celebratory gesture. With a powerful punch thrown into the air, the crowd filling the stadium cheered.

[Waaaaa-!]

[Pshu pshu pshu- ppeoppeopeng-!]

The spectacular smoke fireworks that burst one after another couldn’t be left out.

「10.30」

Even on the screen that magnified the record, the crude firework effects exploded.

Kkeuk-.

Son Kwang-yeon, who had been holding his breath, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, while Han Yu-young had a dazed look, as if drunk. The expression on their faces seemed to ask, “Is that really our son?”

It couldn’t be helped.

The athlete on the screen was running like a wild horse, while our son was half-asleep, holding his younger siblings. Dressed in an oversized T-shirt with stretched-out sleeves and worn-out sweatpants with knees sticking out, he looked like just an ordinary country boy.

“Ttaa-!”

“Aigo, aigo!”

Kahaha-.

Whenever Jeong Won-i hit his older brother’s thigh or back, the younger sibling pretended to die, and Jeong Won-i would burst into laughter every time.

He had seen his dad play like this with Yoo Jin when she was a baby and was just copying it. Of course, he had played like this with Yoo Jin when she was little too.

“Ttaa-!”

“Aigo, aigo!”

Kahahaha-!

Jeong Won-i was still full of energy, but Yoo Jin wasn’t.

“Is our baby sleepy?”

“Uung-.”

Yoo Jin, nestled in her brother’s arms, was almost asleep, drowsy.

It was understandable, as she had just come back from floating leaf boats and catching crabs at the sea with her brother after his competition. They had also gone to Gubong Mountain, which they had climbed for the first time last weekend. Even though Yoo Jin’s legs were still short, her lung capacity was excellent, and she climbed the mountain better than Choi Mi-kyung.

Jin Hyuk, who was teasing Yoo Jin’s eyelashes with his finger, remained silent under his parents’ intense gaze.

‘This is embarrassing.’

Still, as always, his parents’ attention felt fresh and affectionate.

That’s why he was determined to run even harder.

“If you set a new record, will you go to the Olympics?”

“You have to meet the qualifying standard to go to the Olympics.”

Although he hadn’t reached his personal best, Jin Hyuk knew that his best time was just a reference record set under special conditions. Naturally, comparing it directly to official competition records was nonsensical.

Son Kwang-yeon nodded, letting out a small sigh of regret.

“Ah, what a shame. If only it were one second faster…”

Is that a word or a fart, Dad?

Jin Hyuk’s mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Cutting 0.01 seconds requires bone-grinding effort and environmental help, and you’re talking about 1 second?

Isn’t 9.30 a record that won’t be surpassed for decades?

“So, this time it doesn’t meet the Olympic standard?”

“No. It doesn’t qualify for the Olympics. But the Olympic qualification is determined by the record in the year the event is held.”

“Oh, so there’s still a chance?”

Jin Hyuk’s cheeks flushed under his dad’s attention.

‘It seems difficult at this point.’

Overcoming limits and improving records were two different things.

He was already pushing himself to the limit, but dramatic improvement in a sport that relies solely on the body without equipment isn’t easy. It’s fortunate that his well-trained body keeps his condition stable.

“So, who will represent our country at the Olympics?”

“Given the current trend, probably no one.”

“Huh? That can’t be. There must be a national team.”

“If no one meets the Olympic standard, the team isn’t even formed.”

It’s a principle that applies to many record-based sports.

No matter how talented an athlete is, if they don’t meet the Olympic qualification, they’re just a local representative.

National team? More like their own league.

“Wow. The Olympics are really tough.”

That’s why athletes who compete in the Olympics are respected.

And that’s why they go to such lengths to qualify.

Although he didn’t achieve his target record, Jin Hyuk felt it was important that he had moved forward. And discovering the potential for further improvement was a big gain.

‘The headwind was strong, but it wasn’t impossible to run. A bit disappointing.’

Rather than blaming the environment, he chose to feel a sense of unexpected relief.

It was a tension that kept him from becoming complacent or overconfident.

‘Breaking the junior world record is still out of reach.’

Rather than the thrill of breaking an adult record, the reality that he wasn’t yet at the level to compete on the world stage lit a fire in his chest. Only by reaching Olympic-level performance could he easily resolve his military service. There’s the Asian Games, but if possible, he wanted to compete on the most famous stage.

Sujung had said it.

If he goes to the military, he’ll be ruined.

Did she say she’d beat him up?

By running hard toward his goal and cherishing each moment, he believed he would eventually meet that person in the future. It’s not like he’s deliberately thinking about someone. It’s just that no matter how hard he tries to forget, the thought keeps coming back on its own.

“But if you set a new record, do you get anything?”

“I heard the federation or association gives a reward.”

“Oh, how much?”

Han Yu-young, who had been proudly listening to the father-son conversation, chimed in with difficulty.

“I don’t know. Since I have an agency, I’m not sure if it goes to them or directly to me.”

No matter how much they give, it can’t compare to the dollars Hong Ki-jun gives.

Money wasn’t a concern for Jin Hyuk. Not before, not now. He believed that as long as he wasn’t uncomfortable or destitute, it was enough. He had no place to spend money and didn’t know how to, so he just saved it.

That’s a problem to worry about later; right now, another person is giving him a headache.

‘Ah, Chairman Yoo Se-ra…’

Tomorrow’s morning paper is a concern.

Seeing Yoo Se-ra jumping around during the day, it seemed unlikely that this would pass quietly.

The smoke fireworks, which cost 5 million won per shot, were fired three times in one go.

Pshu pshu pshu- ppeoppeopeng-!

‘This is dizzying.’

***

Huff huff-.

His legs felt heavy as he ran step by step on the dirt track.

Son Yoo-jin’s plans for the day were ruined.

She had planned to go to Gubong Mountain with Jang Gun-i and his friends. It would have been better to go with her brother, but he wouldn’t be back from school until night. She was scared to go alone, but with Jang Gun-i, Hong-shi, Cheon-ma, Gwang-ma, and Geom-ma, the five warriors, she wasn’t afraid.

“Owek-.”

But the cruel sky decided to rain.

Adults might appreciate rain at the right time, but for Son Yoo-jin, who loved running around like a restless soul, it wasn’t a welcome guest.

“Oweee-.”

So Jang Gun-i, Hong-shi, Cheon-ma, Gwang-ma, and Geom-ma curled up in the cramped doghouse. Geom-ma, who had been peeking at the second floor because the first floor was too small, was chased away by Jang Gun-i.

Moon Seok-il, Jang Jin-nam, and Yoo Tae-hwa watched Son Yoo-jin with admiration but didn’t stop her. So Son Yoo-jin could run without interference. The occasional nausea was the only hindrance.

“Oweeee-.”

Haengun-i was nowhere to be seen.

There’s a hawk in the neighborhood, so she always worries when Haengun-i leaves the nest. Hawks are vicious, using their sickle-like claws and beaks to snatch chicks and sparrows—ugh.

Haengun-i is a smart bird, so he should be safe. She left the window slightly open, so when the rain lightens, he’ll find his way back.

“Oweee-. Haigooo-.”

She stopped running and wiped the drool from her mouth with her sleeve.

She had only run two laps, but her stomach was churning, and her head felt stiff.

“Yoo-jin, if it’s too hard, walk instead of running.”

“I have to run—Oweee- run—Owee-.”

Her mom, who was taking care of Jeong Won-i on the sunbed by the pool, tried to stop her, but Son Yoo-jin had to release her energy this way. Her brother had told her that releasing energy would help her sleep well at night.

The nausea could be resolved by stroking her stomach once.

Like this, gently.

“Mom, is Jeong Won-i asleep?”

“Yes. He’s asleep.”

Jeong Won-i was so sound asleep that he didn’t wake up to the splashing pool water, the uncles’ workout shouts, or the clanging of exercise equipment.

“Do you want to be a runner too, Yoo-jin?”

Her mom smiled like an angel.

“I don’t know. My brother said to try everything I want to do. Yes, yes—he said I need to be healthy to do that, so I need to eat well and sleep well. I’m running to sleep well. Swimming isn’t hard anymore.”

Han Yu-young’s smile didn’t fade as she looked at her smart daughter.

Though she stumbled a bit like a child, she spoke quite logically.

“Ouch-.”

Son Yoo-jin, who had been catching her breath, suddenly grabbed her chin.

It was because of a pain that came from nowhere.

It was the same toothache she had experienced at school in the spring.

“Yoo-jin, what’s wrong?”

Her mom’s eyes widened in surprise.

She didn’t want to worry her mom, so she quickly tried to recover—.

She warmed her hands while holding her chin.

‘Ah, I’ll live.’

The pain that had shot from her chin to her head subsided.

She opened her mouth and found the sore spot with her index finger.

“Ouch-!”

How could this be! It was fine, but when I touched it, it hurt again!

“Where, let me see. Ah- open your mouth.”

“Ahhh-.”

Good girl Son Yoo-jin obediently opened her mouth as her mom instructed.

“Is it here? Here?”

“Uh-, eh-.”

She nodded with her mouth open, and drool dripped down, but her mom didn’t mind.

When her mom pressed her finger, she felt her tooth wobble.

“Our daughter, it seems like her baby tooth is about to fall out. When baby teeth fall out, permanent teeth come in.”

Ah, since she graduated from kindergarten, she must be losing her baby teeth.

But isn’t the next step after baby teeth the national teeth?

Permanent teeth? That sounds a bit silly.

Her mom, who had been examining her, smiled softly.

“It’s still a long way from falling out. There’s no cavity, and it’s clean, so let’s leave it.”

“Okay.”

Phew, what a relief.

She had heard that if a tooth wobbles, she has to go to the scary dentist.

“But what’s that?”

Her mom was holding a cup with steam rising from it.

Son Yoo-jin knew what it was.

It had a fragrant smell and a bittersweet taste. It reminded her of coffee-flavored candy. That liquid she had once begged her brother to let her taste—coffee.

Son Yoo-jin, being a sensitive child, knew that too.

“Mom, can I have a sip—.”

“Yoo-jin, if you drink this, you won’t be able to sleep. You’re exercising to sleep well, right?”

She tried to sneak a taste, but her mom was firm.

“Okay, hehe-.”

Oh well.

She realized once again that her tricks don’t work on her mom.

***

Shabang shabang-.

The sunlight shattered brilliantly through the half-open pink curtains.

It looked like a princess’s room, but with a large desk, a throne-like chair, and sofas arranged like royal guards, it was more like a queen’s room—no, an office.

The essence of black magic, a thick, dark potion.

The steam born from the darkness was sucked into the two tunnels hidden within the slender nose.

Huuuuung-.

As if following the law of action and reaction, a strange snorting sound escaped from the tunnels.

“Uuuua-, kill me-.”

Yoo Se-ra had enjoyed espresso since her study abroad days in Italy.

The rich coffee aroma that warmed her heart seemed to relieve even her shoulder stiffness.

“Those bastards. They picked a good title.”

Words as fragrant as coffee pleased her eyes.

Yoo Se-ra’s smiling eyes scanned the morning paper.

「The Future of Korean Track and Field!」

「A New Star Who Appeared Like a Comet in Korean Sprinting!」

「The Maverick of the Sports World, Yoo Se-ra’s Masterpiece」

A maverick, how anti-authoritarian and innovative.

At this moment, the smell of newspaper was more fragrant than espresso.

Seeing that only fragrant newspapers have been published for days, it seems the newspaper guys are managing the printing press quite well.

However, Yoo Se-ra’s face, which had been reading the article with a pleased expression, gradually began to distort.

Because of another article that made a creaking sound.

‘What is this?’

Pfft-. A sigh-like breath escaped.

It was a hot, deflating breath, like poking a fried egg bubbling on a hot pan with chopsticks.

「Long-term Elite Sports Investment Bears Fruit」

「The Talent Spotted by the Track and Field Federation Was Different After All.」

「Does SI Sports Plan to Rot Its Athletes for Domestic Use?」

The hand holding the small espresso cup trembled.

“Damn it…”

-Dang. She held back the curse and tightly closed her eyes.

Haaa-, she exhaled a long breath to release the heat trying to invade her forehead.

Those with responsibilities and positions must not let their emotions boil over recklessly. One of the things she learned from her father, Honorary Chairman Yoo Myung-sun, while pouring her adolescence into reason and intelligence, was mind control.

Thanks to that, Yoo Se-ra was able to solidify her cold image externally.

She rummaged through her jacket, took out her phone, and pressed speed dial 1.

She had done enough, but the malicious forces trying to shake her needed her heroic husband’s help.

It should be okay now.

Click-.

– Saw the paper.

The person on the other end, answering as if waiting, was so welcoming. He had already guessed the purpose of the call. Yoo Se-ra’s lips curled up at her husband’s voice.

– What should I do?

Huh? I hadn’t thought that far.

Ah, damn puberty.

“Oh, oppa-. I’m here-.”

– Do you want the federation or the media?

Oh, Jesus Christ Super Hero-. Is such a powerful man really my husband?

A sense of faith rose from deep within her.

It was a sweet faith that melted away the stress and humiliation she had been receiving from her daughter lately. She should go back to the church she only attended for baptism. But what was my baptismal name again?

– You’re thinking of something else again, aren’t you?

So sharp.

How can I not respect him?

“Haa- my head is so hot I’m going crazy. Do, do that. Do that for me.”

– Haa-, really…

A sigh-like sound came from the receiver. More precisely, it sounded like a disappointed reaction.

There seems to be some misunderstanding here.