Chapter 45: Blessing in Disguise (3)

“How can a young man like you stay so calm?” Those were the first words Coach Yang Dae-In ever said to him.

“Does my boy really have potential in this?” He could hear his grandmother as well.

Grandma never trusted other people's words. Not because she didn’t want to, but because of what happened in the past.

“Yes.”

The coach nodded with a gloomy smile. Sang-Hyeon didn't know it then, but that was one of the last times he saw his coach smile.

“His hands are still unstable, but archery is all about your mentality. He's something else for sure.”

He pointed at Sang-Hyeon’s holding position for the latter’s grandmother to look at, but she didn’t know anything.

“

Hmph...

I don't know if I can trust…”

“Who told you to trust me? I'm just telling you what I see.”

The coach wasn't too interested in convincing them at first.

“Talent isn’t obvious from the start! You’ll only see the results when you refine it. Then you’ll know if there’s something worthy. It’ll be fine too if he uses such a mentality for other work.”

The young Sang-Hyeon loosened his grip and fired the arrow after the coach finished talking.

“Oh... oh?”

It was probably just a coincidence.

Thwack!

The practice arrow landed straight in the center of the target. However, it bounced off because it lacked a sharp tip.

“!”

The coach also saw what Sang-Hyeon had seen in that brief moment.

“Wow…”

He couldn't hide his surprise.

“That’s impressive. You didn’t lose your aim even as you lost your strength. Otherwise, it would be impossible to hit the center.”

“...?”

Sang-Hyeon looked obliviously at the coach.

“Whatever you do, always live like this. You won’t ever sway even if you lose your strength. Eventually, you’ll get back up and your arrow will find the center of the target.”

“Yes, sir!” Sang-Hyeon energetically replied.

Coach Yang muttered something to himself and pitifully looked at Sang-Hyeon.

“If you can, it’d be nice if you try out archery…”

***

Sang-Hyeon was deeply immersed in his memories as he looked up at the tall buildings.

‘Calm. Collected. Concentration…’

He smiled as he repeated what he heard in the past. The skills that made him a genius archer became traits that he could only put on his resume. Life was strange like that.

“

Ah

, you’re here!” Manager Oh greeted him and walked through the cold breeze with a palpable passion despite his chubby belly and swollen face from drinking too much.

“Hello.”

“The director is probably…” Manager Oh checked his watch and nodded. “He’ll probably come in ten minutes. Should we head in first?”

“Sure.”

The two walked together on the cold path. Sang-Hyeon didn’t mind the awkward silence. He preferred silence because listening always proved more advantageous than speaking.

“Sang-Hyeon, you must not be the type to get nervous?”

“Sorry?”

“Most people meeting the director usually get nervous. Even the big streamers.

Ah

, I meant that as a compliment.”

“Ah…”

Sang-Hyeon recalled his past again.

“I’m... dull by nature.”

“Really? You seem quite clever when you're playing games.”

“?”

“Why do you look so surprised? Of course, I also watch you.

Hahaha.

I'm the one who picked you.”

“

Ah...

Thank you.”

“You also picked your own editor..."

“

Irasshaimase!!!”

They could hear the Japanese greeting as they entered the restaurant.

“

Haha

, this is such an old vibe. Japanese customs never change, right? Let's go in.”

A woman in a yukata guided them as Manager Oh entered with a laugh.

Sang-Hyeon looked around and thought,

‘This place looks fancy.’?

The Japanese restaurant looked like it would cost around 400,000 won per person to dine. Sang-Hyeon hadn't even earned 400,000 won for Punk, so he felt overwhelmed.

“Don’t be too overwhelmed. This is nothing compared to what you’ve done for our company,” Manager Oh told Sang-Hyeon after reading his expression.

“Did I do something?”

“We’ll talk about it once the director gets here.” Manager Oh winked at him.

After a moment, Manager Oh checked his phone and went out. He came back with the director just in time.

“Hello, I’m Yu Sang-Hyeon.” Sang-Hyeon got up and instinctively bowed.

The director had a peculiar light in his eyes.

‘He’s not like the other streamers.’?

Workers in the video game industry weren’t as conservative as others, but they still encountered partner streamers who lacked basic etiquette. They usually anticipated the worst for this reason.

‘At least he gives a good first impression.’?

The director could tell that Sang-Hyeon didn’t just stay at home and play video games all day. He reached out for a handshake.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

The director could feel the weight of Sang-Hyeon’s handshake. It was a different sensation he hadn’t felt from other streamers. Upon closer inspection, he could see the visible muscles in Sang-Hyeon’s arm.

‘Hmm?’

Brr...

One of Sang-Hyeon’s arms shook. Perhaps he was nervous? Or...

“Let's sit.”

“Yes.”

The three sat in front of the table and the chef came out as if on standby.

The chef served them their first dish and said, “This is scallop. It goes best with salt and wasabi. And this is spotted ratfish. It's best eaten with shoyu dressing. Enjoy.” Then he disappeared.

“

Ah

, I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself.”

The director handed his business card to Sang-Hyeon.

‘Director, Han Tae-Ho.’

The name gave off a strong impression.

“I... don't have a card yet.”

“

Ah

, I’m aware. Don’t mind it too much. Despite my age, I’ve met more streamers than Manager Oh over here.”

“Hahaha.”

After a short laugh, the three began eating.

“

Mmm.

The ratfish is good. I like the sushi here and the appetizers too. Especially if I’m paying with the company’s card.”

“Hahaha.”

Director Han’s joke made them all chuckle and Sang-Hyeon proceeded to eat his dish.

“Have you been to places like this? I was surprised my first time.”

“

Ah...

I came a couple of times against my will.”

Manager Oh whispered something into the director’s ear.

“Oh, really? At Ahsung Corporation?”

The director's face glowed when he found out that Sang-Hyeon used to work at Ahsung Corporation. ‘Wow, this one is something else. He’s unique compared to other streamers.’

‘I actually got in through connections…’?

Sang-Hyeon knew better than to speak up. He just continued eating.

‘It’s quite delicious.’

He wasn’t sure if it was because he also appreciated the food with his other senses, but the intense sensation in his mouth overwhelmed him. It didn't feel like a meal, but a dream.

“The owner of this restaurant, Toji-san, makes one of my favorite nigiri. Now that you mention Ahsung... isn't one of their directors a regular here? I think he’s part of the board…”

“Yes, are you talking about Director Lee? I’ve also heard that as well,” Sang-Hyeon asked.

“

Ah

, yes. Lee Chil-Sung, we went to the same high school.”

Sang-Hyeon pretended to be surprised. Only a few stood at the top of the corporate pyramid hierarchy. They were likely familiar with each other. Other than the CEOs, the executives must’ve grown up in similar environments.

“No wonder you gave off a similar vibe.”

This statement could potentially be rude if the comparison was unfavorable. However, Han Tae-Ho and Lee Chil-Sung were close and took pride in their friendship.

“Is that so?

Hahahaha.”

Han Tae-Ho seemed to like it.

“Still, he’s better. I might be popular with Westerners, but everyone knows Ahsung.”

This was a signal to compliment the company.

“That’s because you're on the global stage. My previous co-workers always wanted to transfer to your company.”

“You’re a good talker. I guess that’s expected from a streamer.” Han Tae-Ho responded in a dull tone, but couldn’t hide his satisfaction.

The director grew fond of Sang-Hyeon, who was different from other small-time streamers.

The nigiri that Han Tae-Ho raved about came out as their fourth dish.

He also asked Sang-Hyeon the inevitable question that popped up in his mind, “I’m curious. I understand the potential of streaming is very good, but it’s also risky. Why did you leave Ahsung? Did something happen?”

He wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t like Sang-Hyeon because it might come off as rude. However, Han Tae-Ho took an interest in Sang-Hyeon and sought to grow closer. He wanted an in-depth examination of Sang-Hyeon because they also had much to lose in this partnership.

‘This is a good sign.’

Sang-Hyeon took it positively. He could’ve taken offense, but saw it as a question that would only come up in the later stages of an interview. He had reached that stage now.

‘This is my opportunity to grow closer to Han Tae-Ho.’

Sang-Hyeon needed him to solve the

Battle Large?

crisis. The admin team would definitely listen to a big company like Punk.

Befriending someone with power had several advantages. These individuals could change someone's life with a few conversations.

Sang-Hyeon thought this would be the perfect moment to bring it

?

up.

‘Now should be a good time…’

This would be the first time he told a stranger why he began playing virtual reality games.

“I used to be a professional archer, and I was quite good.”

“An archer?”

Han Tae-Ho’s eyes lit up with interest.