Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 207

The Asian Games boxing rules follow an amateur format.

Just like the Olympics, it's three rounds of three minutes, with a one-minute rest in between.

And just like the Olympics, the heavyweight division had a unique twist here.

Due to the relatively small number of athletes in the category,

the qualifiers were skipped, and they started from the quarterfinals.

This was an inevitable outcome, given the scarcity of heavyweights in Asian Games boxing.

So, while the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games was held on August 18,

the heavyweight boxing competition didn’t begin until August 28.

In other words, it wasn’t about starting hot from the opening ceremony.

It was scheduled in a way where some medals were already decided, with the important games left to play.

It was like starting from the most exciting part.

"I like that there are no preliminary rounds, I can save my energy."

"Energy? Why the sudden concern?"

"Obviously because of Kim Donghu, what else?"

Perhaps that’s why.

The athletes were more tense than ever.

The heavyweight boxing schedule would start at the quarterfinals.

Just three matches.

Only three people would get the chance to face Kim Donghu.

"Is facing Kim Donghu really that important?"

"Coach, no need to downplay it. You don’t have to make it sound like that to ease our nerves."

"...."

"Kim Donghu is the biggest wall in amateur boxing right now. You know what that means."

A measure of skill.

The most objective evaluation of their own abilities.

Rumor had it that he’d already knocked out a few professional heavyweights at Drake Gym.

Though that information wasn’t confirmed, there was something about it that felt believable.

No way could a monster like that fail to make an impact in the professional world.

"Ugh... I need to stop my hands from shaking before the quarterfinals."

All the athletes, except for Kim Donghu, were extremely nervous.

"The one you need to beat to win the gold is Kim Donghu."

Is there any comedy like this?

"I think some people from WBC came over this time."

"From the pros?"

"Heavyweight. They probably came to watch Kim Donghu. See how well he does... and how much money he could bring in."

"Money?"

"Yeah, money."

Though the order of things had gotten a little mixed up,

if Kim Donghu won the gold at the Asian Games this time,

"His value will skyrocket. He’s already conquered the world with the Olympics, now if he wins the Asian Games, he’ll prove himself once again."

It wasn’t luck, it was skill.

No one could say it was just luck. But conservative organizations usually wanted to see multiple forms of proof.

"And with his star quality... once that’s confirmed, countless love calls will come pouring in."

And then, of course, there was Kim Donghu’s bold and straightforward personality.

"If the pros call him, what did he say?"

"If they pay enough, he’ll think about it."

"Yeah, Westerners love that kind of boldness."

It was clear to anyone that his position was that of the underdog.

But his skills? Not at all an underdog—he was a monster.

The Asian Games may have been a regional competition, but it was drawing attention from all around the world.

It was the natural charisma of a born star.

"Quarterfinals... this is going to be exciting."

While the heavyweight boxers were overflowing with expectations for Kim Donghu,

"Great movie, you were still as cool as ever."

"Isn’t it just because you see me that way?"

"Of course, what woman wouldn’t think her man is handsome?"

Kim Donghu smiled brightly as he saw a familiar face after a long time.

"Aw, now you’re making me embarrassed."

"You were embarrassed back then too."

"Well, you were too."

"Yeah, that’s true. But I don’t think you’d be like that now, huh?"

"What do you mean?"

"...I think you know exactly what I mean. Isn’t that a bad hand?"

"What man wouldn’t touch his woman?"

***

"Not Tyson, is this really right?"

Yerim mentioned a famous boxing anecdote and chuckled.

"We haven’t seen each other in a while, and you’re already hurting people."

"Who came in and kissed me first?"

"I thought I’d be able to control myself after watching the movie, but I just couldn’t."

Time quickly passed, and by August 28th,

the first match was fast approaching.

***

Interest in boxing in South Korea has been quite minimal.

While it's somewhat familiar due to dieting and body shaping,

it wasn't at a level where it could be called a major sport.

However...

<"Ah! Our nation's pride! Kim Donghu is stepping into the ring!">

All of the sudden, popularity was being forcibly dragged along by one individual.

From the commentators to the casters,

the lineup, the schedule, the number of cameras, and more were all meticulously prepared.

This wasn’t just a couple of lines in an article.

They were broadcasting Kim Donghu’s boxing match with complete focus.

<"He looks to be in incredible condition, doesn’t he? His self-care is amazing.">

<"That’s right. For such a big match, most people would be nervous, but... Kim Donghu doesn’t seem bothered at all!">

<"It’s really impressive, considering he’s already set an unprecedented record at the Olympics!">

<"Ah, and right now, it seems that China’s Han Lei has stepped into the ring first and is saying something.">

<"Is it a provocation? Based on his tone, it sounds like it.">

The commentators continued to discuss the strangely tense situation unfolding in the ring.

Suddenly, the heated atmosphere started building.

The issue was, only the opponent seemed to be getting heated.

Kim Donghu, however, maintained his calm demeanor.

<"Ah, Kim Donghu, with his wise expression! He just laughed it off. What great character.">

<"Honestly, when you talk about Kim Donghu, his character is beyond words, there’s no way to start explaining.">

To cool the heated atmosphere, the match was delayed for about two minutes.

During this break, the broadcasters couldn’t afford to make the moment dull, so they quickly took the opportunity to speak up.

<"Ah, speaking of which, we have a clip from his previous interview. Should we take a look?">

<"Sounds good! Let’s see Kim Donghu’s incredibly confident interview... let’s watch!">

Using this delay as a breather, Kim Donghu’s interview footage aired on TV.