Following last year, this year too the Ilhyeon Baseball Club had clinched first place in the regular season.

Compared to the Korean Series championship they hadn't taken in twenty years, first place in the regular season wasn't especially rare. But this year was different — because it was an achievement made with the head of Ilhyeon Group, Chairman Tak-hyeon, in attendance at the game.

"Chairman. This year we'll do our utmost to take the championship."

Following Director Yun, the manager and player representatives, along with every player of the Ilhyeon Baseball Club, gave their pledge to Tak-hyeon that they would lift the championship trophy this year.

"Right. I'll be looking forward to that day too."

Tak-hyeon took Director Yun's hand and patted his shoulder. But his eyes were pointed elsewhere.

"Well then — I'll expect to see all of you again next time… Chief Hwang."

At Tak-hyeon's gesture to Do-beom, Do-beom handed the envelope he'd prepared to Director Yun and the manager.

"Eat as much as you'd like tonight. And as I promised — if you take the championship, I'll give you a gift greater than any of you have imagined. So this year, take it."

"Believe in us and wait, sir."

At Director Yun's booming lead, the players followed him one after another, calling out their promise for Tak-hyeon in loud voices.

"All right. Next time, let's meet again smiling."

Tak-hyeon waved a hand at them and turned to go, and Seong-ho and the others followed after him with their own farewells.

As he walked down the corridor, Tak-hyeon gestured to Seong-ho.

Seong-ho quickened his pace to catch up behind Tak-hyeon and said —

"You called, sir?"

"What's so interesting that you're paying attention elsewhere?"

He meant: while I'm talking to you, what could there possibly be that's worth turning your attention to?

"That's…"

Tak-hyeon stopped walking and turned his head to look at Seong-ho.

Usually, when Tak-hyeon spoke to someone like that, what came back was I apologize or I won't do it again — because at Ilhyeon nothing was more important than what Tak-hyeon said.

But Seong-ho,…