Chapter 19: The Unexpected Winner

As soon as the match ended, the referee approached me.

“Jjamppong Enthusiast, right?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Congratulations on your victory. Would you be available for an interview?”

“An interview? Will it be broadcasted?”

“Yes, it’ll be streamed live on YouTube.”

That’s a bit troublesome.

Of course, I had wanted to draw attention, but it was only meant to be within the game.

I didn’t want to attract attention in real life.

More than anything, the purpose of this was not for fame but to repay a debt of gratitude.

It was merely an insurance for Plan B, and if possible, I preferred to live quietly.

So I decided to politely decline.

“Sorry, but I don’t think I can do that. I could leave a comment, but not a live interview…”

“I see, no problem. Thank you for letting me know.”

The referee didn’t seem flustered and calmly responded.

It was a relief that it didn’t escalate, though. I would’ve had a tough time if any friction had occurred and I ended up not getting the prize money.

After hearing my response, the referee moved to the commentary booth.

It seemed like they were informing the event committee that I had declined the interview.

Soon, a sigh followed by the caster’s explanation reached my ears.

“Unfortunately, Jjamppong Enthusiast has stated that they cannot do an interview due to personal reasons.”

“Oh, that’s really unfortunate. We were hoping to meet them. Gaojing, I’m sure you feel the same, right?”

“Of course. I think the excitement of today’s event owes a lot to Jjamppong Enthusiast.”

“I agree. They really performed brilliantly.”

I hadn’t realized it while wearing the headset, but having them praise me so openly was a bit overwhelming.

The gazes of the other participants were especially difficult to endure.

It was inevitable that they would catch on to the fact that I, Jjamppong Enthusiast, had taken first place three times in a row.

That said, I couldn’t just leave, could I? I had to collect my prize money.

Currently, interviews with the 2nd and 3rd place winners were ongoing, skipping over me for the time being.

“Next question! What do you think of Jjamppong Enthusiast’s play, who took first place in all three rounds?”

What kind of question is that?

Is this what they call “substituting a pheasant for a chicken?”

It seemed like they were desperately trying to mention me in some way.

It felt almost like watching a clueless, nationalistic commentary.

“Really, it felt like they were playing with divine inspiration. It was amazing how they handled the trident so well.”

The answer was even more ridiculous.

Why were they answering like that?

It was almost worshipful, not just respectful.

While I exhaled a deep sigh, the referee cautiously approached me.

“After the interview, the prize presentation will take place…

If it’s difficult for you to stand in front of the camera, would it be better to receive it separately after the event?”

“I’d prefer that, but is that okay?”

I was fine skipping the interview, but skipping the prize presentation might look a bit strange.

The referee smiled kindly and responded.

“The event organizers have decided to accommodate the players’ circumstances, so it should be fine.”

“Ah… In that case, I won’t refuse. Thank you.”

“Okay, please wait a moment.”

The prize presentation followed as scheduled.

The murmurs of the remaining fans could still be heard.

I caught snippets of their whispers.

“Where’s the trident?”

“I don’t know. I heard they refused the interview.”

“How boring. I stayed to see their face.”

Although it was a bit awkward, there was nothing I could do about it.

It wasn’t just about hiding my face; the fact that I was a woman would cause a great deal of confusion, too.

Anyway, once the event concluded, people began to leave in droves.

By the time the once-bustling internet café had quieted down, a referee with a hat on called me quietly.

“There are still quite a few people here. Let’s move to the café on the first floor.”

“Ah, I understand.”

A café, huh.

It’s true that if we talked here, the remaining people would likely hear us right away.

But is there any real reason for the other party to be so cautious? Of course, I don’t mind…

Following the unuSuahlly considerate referee, I left the internet café.

Just before leaving, I made eye contact with one of the part-time staff, who nodded at me with a sparkling gaze. It was unsettling.

It probably wasn’t anything, but just in case, I should make sure to tell them to keep quiet later.

As soon as I entered the café, one person caught my eye.

It was as if a halo was shining behind that man.

“Oh, you’re here! Please, sit down!”

He must have recognized me right away, likely because of the referee who was beside me. He greeted me immediately.

I hesitantly sat down across from him and greeted him.

“Hello.”

“Oh, it’s an honor to meet you.”

As I bowed my head, the light seemed to shine even brighter.

No, it wasn’t because he was handsome. It was just the reflection of the fluorescent light from his shiny bald head.

In contrast to his sparse hair, his round belly made him look like a friendly middle-aged man.

“He’s the Executive Director of Router.”

Router.

It’s a domestic gaming gear development company.

While it’s hard to call it huge, the quality is good, and it’s well-known among gamers.

And it’s the host of this event as well.

And the Executive Director, huh?

I don’t really know much about companies, but that seems like a high position, doesn’t it?

I suddenly felt nervous.

I’m not particularly good at socializing anyway.

I’ve been playing games all the time, so I guess it’s no wonder.

On the other hand, the Executive Director started the conversation quite caSuahlly.

“Wow, I really enjoyed today’s event. My heart was pounding the whole time, and I couldn’t wait to try this out myself.”

“Thank you for watching and enjoying it.”

“By the way, may I ask you one question?”

He leaned forward cautiously, and his serious tone made me a bit serious too.

What could he possibly want to ask?

“…Yes, go ahead.”

“Are you really a Trident one-weapon user?”

“One-weapon” refers to users who only use one weapon exclusively.

However, in this game, weapons are randomized, so it’s rare for someone to truly be a one-weapon player.

Currently, it’s more synonymous with someone who specializes in a particular weapon,

though sometimes, a few eccentric players might stick to just one weapon as a concept.

It was a surprisingly simple question, and I scratched my head before answering.

“Not really… I just wanted to try using the Trident today.”

“Oh wow. Isn’t that even more impressive?”

“I was surprised watching it too.”

The referee, who had been silently listening to our conversation, chimed in.

“Anyway, I really enjoyed the match today. Here’s your prize money.”

The Executive Director placed a check for one million won on the table.

Nice. I’ve now earned a quarter of my target amount.

I just need to earn 3 million more.

“And please take this as well.”

“0124…?”

“It’s my business card.”

I looked at the small business card handed over along with the check.

Router
Executive Director Park Byunggon

“Why are you giving this to me…?”

“Haha. It’s not because I’m the Executive Director of the company, but as a fellow user who enjoys this game.”

“I’m just expressing my gratitude for letting me watch such an exhilarating match. ”

“If you ever need help, feel free to contact me. I’ll assist you within my limits.”

In that case, there’s no need to decline.

I tucked the business card into my pocket and gave a slight bow.

“Okay. I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you.”

“Then, lastly, may I take a picture?”

“Eh? A picture?”

“Well, it’s for company reporting purposes. ”

“It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have anything to show for the winner, right? Don’t worry, there won’t be any leaks to the public.”

“If that’s the case. Okay. I understand.”

In front of the referee’s camera, I awkwardly smiled while holding the check.

Since I was wearing a mask and a hat, I doubt anyone would recognize me properly.

Click.

The picture was taken, and that was it.

It was quicker than I thought. It hadn’t even been 5 minutes since I entered the café. I hadn’t even ordered anything.

As I left the café, I noticed the sun was already setting.

Has it really gotten this late? As soon as I realized, I suddenly became very hungry.

Come to think of it, I didn’t even have lunch because I was focused on the tournament.

I should head home.

Suah must be waiting for me.

I wonder if we sold much jajangmyeon today.

Most of the orders are for delivery, though. It’s unlikely.

I can already picture it. She’ll be standing at the counter of the empty restaurant, waiting for customers who won’t come.

She never realized that the direction was wrong from the start.

It’s not jajangmyeon; it’s jjambbong.

It’s no use.

I’ll have to convince Suah as soon as I get home.

First, I’ll change the signboard.

What’s with that old-fashioned “Jajang King” title? We should be something grander, like the “God of Jjambbong.”

Lost in that imaginative consulting, I found myself at home before I knew it.

“I’m back…”

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was startled.