Chapter 237: The Lost Twenty Years

“Boss Kim.”

Ambassador Kimura, who had been biting his lip for a while, spoke in a stiff voice.

“Do you think our Japan is doing this out of fear of you?”

I just smiled and crossed my legs, choosing not to respond.

Perhaps he read the mockery in my smile, for Ambassador Kimura’s face flushed red.

“Not even the Korean government treats me this way. But you, a mere businessman, dare to treat an envoy from Japan like this?”

“It seems we cannot afford the luxury of hosting an uninvited guest. So, what brings you here unannounced?”

Ambassador Kimura clenched his fists, his hands trembling.

“…Please fulfill the terms we negotiated with Representative Eva.”

A loud laugh escaped me. Truthfully, the Japanese cabinet must be getting anxious.

After laughing for a while, I wiped the smile off my face and turned serious.

“The negotiations have collapsed. You make quite an audacious demand considering the party involved in the negotiations was attacked in Japan.”

“If you don’t comply, we’ll hand the semiconductor division of NEC over to Il-sung.””

I scoffed at the lame threat and raised a single finger.

“Do as you please. I plan to act as I wish too. My only demand is that the Japanese government directly finds the perpetrators behind Eva’s attack and hands them over to me.”

It was commendable that he could guess who created the deal using the connection between Eva and me.

However, a threat about merely handing over NEC’s semiconductor division wouldn’t be enough to stop me.

“Even if you hide the culprits, I’ll definitely find them. No matter how much information you try to conceal or manipulate.”

It was quite amusing that the other side was already panicking and making futile threats without even having started.

“Keep pretending you don’t know. Japan’s lost decade will become a lost twenty years.”

Perhaps feeling insulted, Ambassador Kimura bit his lip again.

“Just wait. You will pay for underestimating Japan.”

The sight of Ambassador Kimura leaving a warning in halting Korean was genuinely comedic.

It seemed Japanese people still held an outdated notion that Korea was beneath them.

But how dare he issue such a trivial warning to someone who could shake the very foundation of the Japanese economy by dismantling the Cheongpung Group.

I glared at him with a cold gaze and spoke softly.

“One week. Bring the forces behind the attack on Eva before me within a week. If you can’t present the culprit, provide some information. Otherwise, I will destroy the Japanese economy, regardless of the cost. Make sure to convey my words exactly to the Prime Minister.”

I could hear him grinding his teeth as I faced his eyes filled with malice. I finally said the last words.

“If you have nothing more to say, I would ask you to leave.”

As I openly issued a dismissal, blood eventually burst from Ambassador Kimura’s tightly clenched lips. He rose from his seat, spitting out each word with contempt.

“I will never forget this humiliation.”

I slowly shook my head at his stubbornness.

Not wanting to respond further, I leaned back against the sofa and closed my eyes.

Soon, the sound of the office door slamming shut echoed in the room.

“Are you okay? Didn’t you provoke him too much?”

Han Gyeong-yeong, who had only been listening, asked while looking toward the door.

I opened my eyes and shrugged. I might have been a bit too provocative.

“Japan is not a nation that listens to mere words, so this is necessary. They did shout for a deadly fight even while their people were burning in World War II.”

“Still, isn’t this giving them time to prepare?”

I chuckled at Han Gyeong-yeong’s worried comment.

“Do you really think the Japanese government can control the forex and derivatives markets now filled with nothing but greed?”

The derivatives market was where people from all around the world, blinded by greed, gathered. Even if the U.S. put its mind to it, they could never control such a market.

It’s a place where people, unfazed by the collapse of entire nations, only cared about their profits. I intended to use my money to throw Japan to them.

“If I were just trying to make a profit, I wouldn’t have made such a decision. But if the goal is to cause disruption in the market at the cost of my losses, I can lead the Japanese economy to ruin with just half of my wealth.”

Even after the attack on Wall Street and the mere tens of billions of dollars of forex assaults, Japan had declared its surrender.

Of course, the neglect from the U.S. government played a huge role, but for the Japanese government, intervening carelessly in the markets was not an easy task either.

If the Japanese government were to intervene despite the potential losses, their credibility in the international community would surely plummet. If that happened, it was inevitable that foreign capital would flee like the tide.

“Prepare for the attack right away, Older Brother. Staying in Pyeongchang-dong while keeping an eye on the Dream High headquarters should work, right?”

“Got it. I’ll finish all the preparations and wait.”

I felt assured with Han Gyeong-yeong in charge. After what happened in China, he had become comfortable using my money as a weapon.

We were fully prepared to drop a weapon more terrifying than a nuclear bomb on Japan.

Time flew by, and soon a week had passed. I sat in my study in Pyeongchang-dong, awaiting news from Japan.

However, the call came not from the Japanese government, but from Eva.

—Boss.

“Eva, are you ready to come to Korea?”

—Yeah. I’m all set.

Eva had wanted to finish her work in Japan, but with the shareholders’ meeting in Korea looming, she had no choice but to return. She had to lead the meeting, as it had been months in the making.

“Then come right away. Move with your security team when you do.”

—Understood. Boss, by the way, the Japanese government contacted the Russian Embassy.

Since they had come to seek me out directly in Myeong-dong, it was easy to infer that they had gone to the Russian Embassy as well. They must have brought up something about Eva.

“Really? What did they want?”

—They asked the Russian ambassador to hand me over.

To ask for Eva to be handed over at the Russian Embassy—such actions were not unexpected from them.

“Do you know why?”

—They requested me to come to the police station as a witness for the last attack. The Russian ambassador refused to summon me.

They likely intended to detain Eva under the guise of a summons and negotiate with me. I couldn’t help but click my tongue at such pathetic behavior.

“So, you can’t even leave for the airport?”

—That’s why I called, Boss. Even if I go to the airport in the Russian ambassador’s car, I doubt they’ll grant me exit there…

Things just got complicated. Rubbing my temples, I spoke softly.

“Understood. Just wait for a moment. I’ll find a way.”

—Okay, Boss.

After ending the call with Eva, I called for Han Gyeong-yeong.

“Older Brother, let’s get started.”

Han Gyeong-yeong nodded slightly and asked cautiously.

“Is everything ready? By the way, did you talk to Eva? Is she okay?”

“Those madmen asked the Russian ambassador to hand over Eva. The so-called national power is trying to pull off actions akin to thuggery.”

“Hah… are they out of their minds?”

I couldn’t help but curse. While I was trying to find a way to smuggle Eva out of Japan, it was time to start the attack against them.

During the week, Han Gyeong-yeong had been preparing steadily and reported that our chances of victory were promising.

However, he added that I would have to be prepared to lose astronomical amounts of money just to achieve the goal.

But for my safety and that of those around me, such a loss was nothing to consider. By all means, I would mobilize all the force I could.

It was my plan to engrave in everyone’s minds what would happen if they touched me by attacking Japan this time.

“Money can be earned anytime. So, Older Brother, carry out the plan as discussed.”

“Understood. I’ll attack both the foreign exchange and derivatives markets simultaneously. Taesan Financial will also move in on this.”

This was the debut of Taesan Financial in overseas markets, thanks to Han Gyeong-yeong’s suggestion.

“I’ve proposed we attack together with Chairman Ha Myung-hoon. There’s no better event for debuting on the world stage for the first time.”

Seizing a good opportunity, it seemed Taesan Financial gladly accepted as well. I nodded in satisfaction.

“However, we planned it so that Taesan Financial would reap substantial profits.”

“Since you’re in charge, I’m confident you’ll handle it well. Be sure to destroy the Japanese economy swiftly and decisively.”

“Okay. Then I’ll start the moment I leave.”

After Han Gyeong-yeong left, I was left alone to think of a way to bring Eva out of Japan. I started tapping my fingers on the table, deep in thought.

Suddenly, a method came to mind, and I dialed a number.

The ringing tone echoed, and a voice came through the receiver.

“Chairman Medvedev.”

“—Mr. Kim, it’s been a while. I’ve heard about the situation in Japan.”

The person on the line was Medvedev. I remembered him as I had previously engaged with him through Russian channels about identifying the culprits.

“You haven’t found any information on the Russian Mafia yet?”

—It’s not easy. It’s a total mess over here.

“Have you still not managed to get it sorted?”

—It truly is a disaster. It’s said that nuclear weapons can even change hands in the black market.

After the Soviet Union collapsed and Yeltsin came to power, various weapons once owned by the Soviet military began to circulate on the black market.

Given the involvement of so many soldiers and mafias, even though Putin came into power and attempted to root them out, Soviet-made weapons still circulated in the underground.

Thus, obtaining significant results would likely take quite a while.

—But soon, there will be good news.

“Thank you for that, Chairman. The reason I called today is to inform you that an attack is going to take place against Japan.”

—Hmm…

A prolonged silence echoed through the receiver.

“With that in mind, I was thinking of bringing Eva back to Korea. I hear the Japanese government requested the Russian embassy to hand her over.”

—I’ve already been informed. I told them not to hand her over, so don’t worry. I won’t betray a friend’s trust.

The decision to shelter Eva at the Russian Embassy rather than the Korean one shined through. I chuckled lightly at Medvedev’s resolute words.

“Of course, I know this. That’s not a concern.”

—As long as she’s protected by our embassy, Japan won’t be able to act recklessly.

There was a strong confidence in his voice.

“Medvedev, I know this is difficult, but can you personally escort Eva to Russia? I trust you above all else.”

—Are you asking me to go to Japan directly?

“Yes, you’re the only one I can truly rely on.”

I would have preferred asking Putin, but having the president personally involved required a lot of preparation.

After telling him to hold, silence persisted on the line. I calmly waited for his response.

—I’m sorry for the delay in answering. I was checking my schedule… I’ve informed Putin as well. If I get his permission, I’ll enter Japan tomorrow to bring back Representative Eva.

“Thank you. I won’t forget this kindness.”

—A request of this level is nothing between us.

Though Medvedev downplayed it, it was a significant action for Putin’s closest aide to step in.

Of course, I would have to repay him adequately, but right now, securing Eva was the priority.

“No, I insist. I’ll repay you properly.”

I had received too much assistance from Putin and Medvedev lately.

It would be rude for one side to keep receiving without giving back. If the balance tipped too heavily in one direction, the relationship might inevitably crumble.

—Now that Mr. Kim has said that, I’m quite curious what it is you intend to give me.

Even after making a difficult request, Medvedev laughed for quite a while. I couldn’t help but chuckle along with him, feeling a weight lift.

* * *

“Damn! How dare a pathetic Joseon man threaten us? Kim Mu-hyeok, you fool!”

Japanese Prime Minister Masado Hasaki sat in his office, receiving a report from the Japanese ambassador in Korea.

After venting his anger for a while, he called in the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Foreign Minister.

“Foreign Minister! What did the Russian ambassador say?”

“He said they absolutely cannot hand her over.”

“Why is the Russian side so protective of Representative Eva?”

As the Prime Minister slammed the table while asking, the Foreign Minister hesitated before replying.

“…It appears President Putin and Kim Mu-hyeok have a close relatinship. He trusts Kim Mu-hyeok so much that he’s lft all investments from Korean companies in Russia to him.”

“There are no friends in international relations! Such absurd nonsense!”

The Prime Minister’s furious outburst echoed through the Prime Minister’s office.

“Are we moving together with Wall Street again? Just like last time?”

“No. The Americans suggested keeping quiet this time. It seems Dream High will be acting alone.”

“I cannot surrender to some Joseon brat. This time, we must do whatever it takes to stop them.”

The revelation that Wall Street was behind the attack had left a deep scar on Japan’s pride.

A mere company led by a Korean representative shaking Japan’s economy was a significant blow.

“Chief Cabinet Secretary, what will happen if the contracts between Japanese banks and them are terminated?”

“…Without government support, they will surely go bankrupt. That’s why we negotiated with Representative Eva. We had agreed that in exchange for handing over the semiconductor section of NFC to Jungwoo Group, they would terminate the contract and repay in installments.”

The Chief Cabinet Secretary responded calmly.

“So you mean the government must inject public funds now?”

“Yes, it’s absolutely necessary.”

Upon hearing the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s answer, the Prime Minister frowned.

“And if we allow this bank to go bankrupt?”

“Then a crisis will strike Japan that will far exceed the one Korea faced in 1997.”

The Prime Minister’s concerns deepened. The words of Kim Mu-hyeok about Japan’s lost ecade echoed in his mind.

“Have we prepared any measures after injecting public funds and saving them?”

“We will proceed with the planned bank mergers… .”

Nodding slightly at the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s explanation, the Prime Minister decided that putting out the urgent fire came first.

“Then let’s prepare that at the Ministry of Finance.”

“Public funds? That will place a heavy burden on national finances.”

“But we can’t let a Korean take over a Japanese company, can we?”