From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 274: Call To Coach Richard

By the time Dayo left the Airport, the sky above Seoul had already begun to dim.

The day had drained more out of him than he expected—not physically, but mentally. The weight of his family made Dayo feel a bit sad and tired.

He went straight home.

A shower came first, long and hot, washing away the stiffness from his shoulders. He changed into something comfortable, ate lightly, then sank into the couch, letting the silence settle. For the first time since the airport, he allowed himself to breathe.

Time moved quietly.

More than thirteen hours later—after crossing oceans, time zones, and exhaustion—his family finally landed in the United States.

Dayo was still awake waiting when the call came.

His phone vibrated beside him, the screen lighting up with his mother’s name. He picked up almost immediately.

"Hello?"

Her voice came through tired but relieved. "We’re home."

That single sentence loosened something in his chest.

"Thank God," Dayo said softly. "I was waiting."

"You didn’t need to stay awake," she scolded gently. "The flight was long."

"I know. I just wanted to hear your voice."

There was a pause on the line, the kind that carried unspoken emotion.

"We’re fine," she continued. "Everyone’s fine. The girls are already arguing about food."

Dayo chuckled. "That didn’t take long."

"You should sleep," she said. "You’ve had enough on your plate."

"I will," he replied. "Just... rest well, okay?"

She repeated the same reminders she always did make sure you eat properly, don’t overwork yourself, call more often. Dayo listened patiently, responding with soft reassurances until she finally sighed.

"Alright. Sleep."

"I will. Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight."

The call ended, leaving the apartment quiet again.

This time, the quiet felt bearable he took a deep breath with a smile on his face and went to bed.

The next morning came early.

Dayo went for a jog as usual, letting the rhythm of his footsteps clear his head. By the time he returned, sweat clinging lightly to his skin, the sun was already climbing.

He sat on the edge of his bed, towel draped over his shoulders, scrolling absently through his phone.

Then it his phone rang.

Jeffrey.

Dayo smiled before answering.

"What’s up?" he said.

There was a short silence on the other end, then a dramatic sigh.

"Wow. Is this how you greet someone you promised something?"

Dayo frowned slightly. "Promised what?"

Another sigh—louder this time. "Brother. Seriously?"

It clicked or rather he acted like he forgot.

Dayo laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Relax. Of course I haven’t forgotten you."

"Hmph," Jeffrey replied. "You scared me."

"You think I’d forget something like that?" Dayo said. "You know better."

There was a pause, then Jeffrey’s tone softened. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

"Of course," Dayo replied calmly. "Just focus, okay? I’ll handle the rest."

"Really?"

"Yes. Relax."

"...Thank you so much, brother."

"Take care of yourself."

The call ended, and Dayo didn’t waste another second.

He opened his contacts and scrolled to a number he hadn’t called in a while.

Coach Richard.

The phone rang once.

Twice.

Then—

"Did the sun rise from the west today?"

Dayo laughed. "Come on, Coach Richard."

"So you still remember I exist?" coach Richard continued dryly.

"You know that’s not true." Dayo smiled while scratching his neck.

"Hm," the coach replied. "This one you’re calling me... are you planning to compete again? World Games? Nationals?"

Dayo exhaled lightly. "Coach, I’m sure you’ve seen the news."

A brief silence followed.

"Yes," the coach said. "I have."

"So you know how busy i am right?"

"Yeah but I can’t help but even wonder how even know how to direct."

Dayo smiled faintly. "You’ve never changed."

"Neither have you," the coach shot back. "Always acting like you already know the ending."

"Would you prefer I panic?"

"No," the coach said. "That would be boring."

They shared a short laugh.

"So," the coach continued, "why are you really calling?"

Dayo’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. "It’s about my brother."

There was movement on the other end, the sound of someone sitting up.

"Your brother?"

"Yes. He wants to swim."

The coach paused. "Swim?"

"Yes."

Another pause—longer this time.

"...Alright," the coach finally said. "Tell me."

Dayo leaned back against the bed. "He’s serious. He’s been training quietly for a while. And I believe that with proper guidance—"

"Stop," the coach interrupted.

Dayo blinked.

"I’ll train him."

"...That fast?"

"If you’re calling me about him, then he’s worth my time," the coach said. "I trust your eyes."

Dayo smiled.

"Thank you, Coach."

"Don’t thank me yet," the coach added. "I’ll make sure he becomes better than you."

Dayo laughed. "You knows that’s no possible right? ."

"And one day, I’ll be right."

The coach paused again. "So. How talented is he?"

Dayo’s voice lowered slightly. "Olympic standard."

The line went quiet.

"...That good?"

"Yes."

The coach exhaled slowly. "If you’re saying that, then I believe you. You’ve never been wrong when it mattered."

That was true.

Back when the scandal issue blew up and he was thrown to be Head coach for the swimming Dayo was the one that practically saved him, he had identified talent that others overlooked athletes who later became national standouts and created a huge comeback no one ever saw coming. The coach knew this. He knew Dayo didn’t exaggerate.

"I’ve been bored," the coach admitted. "Too long without seeing real potential."

"Then you won’t be disappointed," Dayo said.

"Good," the coach replied. "Send me his number."

"I will."

"And when I see you next," the coach added lightly, "you’re buying me something from Korea."

Dayo smiled. "Deal."

After the call ended, Dayo immediately dialed Jeffrey.

"Brother?"

"It’s done," Dayo said. "I’ve sent your number."

There was silence.

"...Done?" Jeffrey repeated.

"Yes. Focus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Jeffrey swallowed. "I won’t waste it. I promise."

"I know."

"...Thank you."

Dayo’s voice softened. "Make me proud."

"I will."

The call ended.

Dayo set his phone down and looked out the window.

The noise online was still there. The accusations hadn’t vanished. The people behind it all were still confident, still pushing.

But none of that mattered right now.

Now back to work