Chapter 498: Thanks to You, It’s a Great Experience

In Korea, there were quite a few people watching this match.

Thanks to the exclusive coverage on public cable sports channels, some viewers stumbled upon it while flipping through channels.

Moreover, since Coach Hiddink had left the Korean national team to take charge of Leeds United, there were now quite a few Leeds fans in Korea.

“Isn’t that an Asian person next to the owner of Chelsea? Why are the Leeds fans cheering? Does anyone know?”

⤷ “The owner of Leeds United is James Han, a person from Dream High Investment in the U.S., and he’s Korean. So, that person might also be Korean, right?”

⤷ “What? The owner of Leeds is Korean?”

⤷⤷ “No, no. Technically, he’s Korean-American. How can you not know a foreigner with black hair?”

― “Anyway, it means there’s a Korean owner, right? Wow, is that person James Han?”

⤷ “I don’t think so. James Han frequently appears in the media, but that person is much better looking.”

The football community erupted in flames. Discussions about the identity of Kim Mu-hyeok, who was captured on the broadcast camera alongside Roman, began to brew.

― “Then who is it? They must be involved in club operations for Leeds fans to cheer like that. What is this? Seriously, what is it? Does anyone know?”

⤷ “Nobody knows. Moving on. Who is it?”

⤷⤷ “That person could be the actual club owner. Since Dream High is an investment company, that person could just be borrowing the name of Dream High… No, could they be connected to Jungwoo Group? After all, the main sponsor is Jungwoo.”

The broadcast screen turned back to the stands.

But an internet community wouldn’t miss out on such a huge scoop.

― “Someone needs to step in to show they know. No one is?”

Until the match started, wild speculations and rumors about Kim Mu-hyeok swirled around.

But no one truly knew.

They only speculated and wondered amongst themselves.

― “Ah! What the heck, someone just spill the beans already!!”

All this chatter faded quickly once the match began.

They forgot about Kim Mu-hyeok and got immersed in cheering for the football match.

* * *

Finally, the whistle for the match blew.

Roman and I stopped our conversation to focus on the game.

We placed a laptop on the table to check on other matches in real-time as well.

As expected, the game was filled with fouls on both sides.

Due to the changed rules, seven yellow cards were issued just in the first half.

Yet, by then, no goals had been scored.

As the nail-biting first half ended, it was time for a brief breath during halftime.

“Wow… Seeing it up close is unreal. The tension is crazy. And the fans’ cheers are something else.”

The overly excited Myeong-su said, clenching his fist, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

I called Manager Ma and asked for a cold beer.

“Aren’t you not allowed to drink in the seats?”

Myeong-su said cautiously. I chuckled softly and pointed towards the stands.

“Here, it’s allowed. Regular seats are dry zones, but you can drink in the aisles. Besides, who’s going to enforce that? Look over there. Some people are sneaking drinks.”

Myeong-su followed my finger and glanced toward the stands, where he spotted a few people discreetly sipping drinks among the cheering crowd.

Even the security guards turned a blind eye to it.

“As long as there are no conflicts, they won’t impose strict penalties.”

In that moment, Manager Ma returned with cold beer, and I handed a glass to Myeong-su.

“Drink up.”

Taking the glass, Myeong-su downed half of it in one go. His throat clearly dry.

“Ah, this is the taste! This is fun!”

“If you find it fun, that’s all that matters.”

“How’s the game for the other teams? Especially the match between ManU and Liverpool?”

Myeong-su asked, wiping his lips.

I turned the laptop to show him the score.

“They traded goals back and forth. But the other side was a real fight. A mixed martial arts match, I tell you.”

“The rivalry between ManU and Liverpool is famous. It’s been going on for decades. I was a Liverpool fan. I switched to Leeds because of you. How can I cheer for another team when my friend is the owner of this team?”

The match between ManU and Liverpool was fierce. The rivalry certainly played a part, but they were also determined to lift the trophy.

For ManU to lift the trophy, they had to win without a doubt. If they drew or lost, they’d have to say farewell to the trophy.

If we drew this match and ManU lost, our team could take home the trophy thanks to the goal difference.

On the flip side, if ManU drew, our team had to win, no exceptions.

But isn’t Liverpool desperate as well?

No, Liverpool must want to win just as much.

Liverpool was currently in 5th place. It was a crucial match with Champions League tickets on the line.

Winning was their best bet, but at minimum, they had to draw.

That’s because the results of other matches would determine if they went to the Champions League or the Europa League.

“I’d like to experience that match live. ManU and Liverpool, after all.”

Myeong-su said, eyeing the scores enthusiastically.

He had big ambitions. But seeing him so happy, I smiled back.

Leaving Myeong-su, who was alternating between the laptop and the match, I turned to Roman.

“Doesn’t it seem like the game is heating up too much?”

Roman, who had been discussing with the management, turned to me and said.

“We expected this. But fortunately, no player has gotten seriously injured yet.”

I nodded. Despite the fierce momentum of the game, there hadn’t been any major injuries.

If anything, even the coaches were saving their substitution cards, anticipating that an injury might happen during the match.

“But that makes the game enjoyable, doesn’t it? This is what I’ve dreamed of. For a long time. That’s why I suggested to Charlie to take over the football club.”

It truly was enjoyable. Hearing about matches and actually witnessing it; it was indeed a different experience.

“Thanks to you, it’s a great experience.”

“Haha, but Charlie isn’t personally involved in managing the club, right? I’m directly involved in management, which adds a unique flavor to it.”

“He isn’t. I believe it’s better to leave management to professionals. I support them but don’t interfere. This is how I’ve worked with people, and I apply it to our club. I give them authority and trust, but if they betray that, I’ll cut them off without hesitation.”

“Of course, I respect Charlie’s approach as well. Leaving it to professionals can be quite soothing. Nevertheless, I find managing this club way more enjoyable than running a business in Russia.”

Roman genuinely looked pleased.

If managing a business in Russia felt like walking on thin ice, here, he could do as he pleased without worrying about others’ scrutiny; it made sense.

“Oh, the players are coming out now.”

Roman said, looking toward the field, and I turned my head to watch.

Both teams were entering and starting to take their positions.

“Now, the results of our bets will come out in the second half.”

“But what happens if it ends in a draw?”

Roman asked, and I shrugged.

“Then all this talk will have been for nothing. Let’s begin.”

The second half kicked off, and Roman and I began cheering for our respective teams.

The game started with slightly calmer energy than the first half.

Perhaps because so many cards were given in the first half, there weren’t any severe tussles.

However, small and large fouls were still continuous, and eventually, a free kick was awarded right in front of Chelsea’s penalty line.

“Oh! This is a good position.”

Roman said, his face lit up. It made sense, as it was an opportunity for Chelsea. I nodded.

It was right in front of the goal, not too far from the penalty line.

Myeong-su nudged my arm.

“Fortunately, it’s not a penalty kick, but that’s a risky position, right? It’s definitely within striking range.”

“What can I say? It’s a foul, after all.”

When I spoke indifferently, Myeong-su seemed to lose energy and replied bluntly.

“You sound more like an owner than I do. Are you a robot? You need to be more nervous and cheer, this is the moment!”

“I can’t do anything about this. I just have to trust the players and wait.”

“Ugh, what a boring guy.”

While we were chatting, two players prepared to take the free kick. It was Zola and Lampard.

“Who do you think will take it?”

“Probably Lampard? His kicks are more precise than Zola’s. What do you think, Myeong-su?”

“I think Zola will take it. At this distance, speed matters more than precision.”

The players formed a wall, fiercely battling for their positions.

A moment later, the referee signaled that it was okay to kick.

The player taking the free kick was Lampard.

Lampard’s shot flew towards the corner of the goal, following a perfect arc, and went in.

― “Wooaaah!!!”

The Chelsea fans in the away section roared with cheers.

Roman too clapped alongside the management beside him, looking delighted.

“Hey, are we losing this?”

Myeong-su nervously asked, clutching his head.

Today’s match was a future I had unknowingly shaped.

I couldn’t offer a concrete answer, but somehow, I didn’t have a feeling that we would lose.

“We could lose or win. But why do I feel like we’re going to win?”

“What? What kind of nonsensical talk is that?”

“It’s just a feeling. I think we’re going to win today. Plus, there’s still plenty of time left.”

There were still about 30 minutes left in the match. A comeback was entirely possible.

“Haha. We are winning right now.”

Roman grinned widely and turned to me.

“The match result hasn’t been decided yet.”

The match resumed, both teams fiercely exchanging possession.

But the game started to turn unfavorably.

A reckless back tackle led to one of Leeds’ midfielders being sent off due to accumulated warnings.

The fouled player couldn’t get up and ended up being replaced due to injury.

It was a 10:11 matchup.

In a normal game, they would strengthen their defense, but Hiddink made a different decision.

He substituted a defender for another forward.

And the decision bore good results. Player Ronaldo unleashed a powerful long-range shot from 30m, scoring the equalizer.

The home team’s cheering section erupted with a roar that echoed throughout the stadium.

The song for Ronaldo filled the stadium, tying him for the top scorer.

“It’s now a tie.”

I said to Roman, who nodded anxiously.

“But our team still has the advantage.”

“That’s true. We have one more player on the field.”

I shifted my gaze to the laptop. The match between Liverpool and ManU was also heated.

Seeing me, Myeong-su pointed his finger at me again, calling me a robot.

“Still no goals on both sides.”

The match restarted. It was all about attacking now.

But the nets remained stubbornly undisturbed.

With regular time finished, 6 minutes of stoppage time was announced.

Simultaneously, the match between ManU and Liverpool ended in a draw.

“Liverpool drew, and Arsenal lost.”

I informed Roman of the results, and his face brightened as he calculated the possibilities.

“Regardless of the match outcome, our team secured a Champions League ticket.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you. I hope to bring in players in the transfer market to ensure we do even better next season.”

As Roman and I chatted, time continued to pass.

And just before the final minute, a forceful back tackle hit Ronaldo near Chelsea’s goal.

The player who fouled received a red card without a warning, and Ronaldo remained down on the pitch.

“Hey, isn’t Ronaldo injured?”

“I don’t know.”

“Ronaldo usually heals quickly.”

“Let’s wait and see.”

Could he make a comeback if he’s injured again?

Medical staff rushed onto the field, signaling that the game couldn’t continue. Ultimately, Ronaldo was carried off on a stretcher.

Hiddink brought on Alan Smith, who wasn’t in good shape, instructing him to take the penalty kick.

This penalty kick would likely be the last. Regardless of whether it was scored or saved.

Both teams remained on edge until the end.

Hiddink cleared the goal, sending the keeper into the opposing half.

This was to look for any potential long ball opportunity.

The cheering section fell silent, watching intently.

It felt like there were only Alan Smith and the two goalkeepers in that vast stadium, staring each other down.

Taking a deep breath, Smith charged in for his run-up.

The result was a goal.

― “Wooooo!!!”

Home fans erupted into cheers.

Players on the pitch and substitutes praying outside rushed onto the field.

Their faces beamed with bright smiles as they descended upon Alan Smith.

The final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.

“I won, Roman.”

A smile naturally spread across my face.