DASH

Chapter 114

The morning after visiting the hospital, Jihong called Director Kang first. Since he had a good understanding of the nature of their peculiarities, Jihong did not hide the situation. He honestly explained everything and asked for consent to a two-week vacation. As expected, the man was visibly surprised at first, but soon calmed Jihon down, telling him not to worry and get a good rest.

"Oh, by the way. Kwon Jaekyung also wants to take a short break after finishing training with Oliver," Jihong added casually.

Fortunately, Mr. Kang took it without question: "Well, since Kwon Jaekyung decided so, then okay.

The director had always tried not to interfere with the training process, and he had a strong belief that Jaekyung would do a great job on his own.

"By the way, Deputy Yang called again yesterday.

Jihong, of course, did not want to elaborate. Deputy Yang is a member of the coaching staff of the Korean Sports Association. If he contacted at this time of year, there could only be one reason: to send Jaekyung to the upcoming winter training camp of the national swimming team.

Of course, Mr. Kahn had politely made it clear two months ago, when the issue had just begun to come up, that it was hardly possible. After that, he refused three or four more times. However, the Association, it seems, was not going to give in and continued to exert pressure, even to the point that it called two days before leaving. They even suggested that Jaekyung join later, in the middle of the training camp, if it didn't work out right away, clearly intending to get his way.

"The association knows very well that he has never gone yet," Jihon said.

"That's why they're so persistent. They want to show that Kwon Jaekyung, who ignored all the demands of the Federation, respects their events," Director Kang replied ironically.

Both the Federation and the Association, as always, cared more about their reputation than about the interests of the athletes.

Jihong clicked his tongue silently, and Mr. Kang, as if remembering something, added, "Oh yes, by the way, Han Yoosung will also miss the training camp.

"Really?" Jihong asked, surprised.

That's what Deputy Yang said. That's for sure.

"And the reason?"

"The same as Kwon Jaekyung. He says that he wants to choose a more effective training method for himself. It looks like Kava is going to bring in a foreign coach for him.

Jihon couldn't help laughing.

"What, did you decide to imitate even this?" Jihon joked, but Mr. Kahn replied unexpectedly seriously.

"That's not the right word. Even Deputy Yang immediately noticed that Kava seemed intent on making Han Yoosung the "second Kwon Jaekyung".

"What kind of 'second'?" thought Jihon. As long as the main indicator, that is, sports achievements, was far from the level of Jaekyung, all these attempts to imitate only caused laughter. Simply ridiculous.

Previously, due to the fact that Jaekyung ignored all events, people always criticized him: they say, a young boy thinks he knows what about himself. However, as soon as he began to achieve stunning results, everyone quickly jumped in.

How did he understand this? Jihon was inwardly surprised. It seemed to him that he had perfectly concealed his feelings. This guy is really psychic.

"Hmm... Probably because the Olympics will most likely be your last," he finally admitted.

After all, the end of his career after the Olympics was the most reasonable option. Jihon also did not plan to persuade him to continue further.

"I just thought that before you left, you should have participated in the general training camp at least once. I think it's a good experience not only for you, but also for the younger ones. This opportunity to watch the work of a world-class athlete like you would be a real lesson.

"Come on. It doesn't do me any good," Jaekyung replied curtly, and finally cut open his pancake.

Jihong watched as Jaekyung, deftly folding a huge piece in half, threw it into his mouth entirely.

— I agree. At this stage, it makes no sense for you to waste time for someone else's good," he concluded.

Jaekyung nodded curtly, confirming.

Jihon, looking at him attentively, suddenly asked cautiously:

"By the way, how do you like it?"

"The same as always," Jaekyung said casually, as if it wasn't even worth discussing.

"Is everything all right?" No oddities? Taste and smell as usual?

Only after these words did Jaekyung realize that he was worried about the side effects. A mixture of surprise and annoyance appeared on the stubborn man's face.

"You'd better worry about yourself.

"I'm fine," Jihon said, grinning.

His side effects appeared quickly, but as soon as he stopped taking the drugs, everything immediately returned to normal. Hearing this, Jaekyung breathed a sigh of relief.

"And the appetite?" he specified.

— Within normal limits.

"Then here, eat," Jaekyung suggested, and cut off a piece of his pancake.

He was obviously trying to choose a place with less syrup, but it was useless: he poured two whole packages on one pancake, so that the piece was literally drowning in sweets.

"No, I'd rather eat this," Jihon refused, reaching for his chicken roll.