Chapter 384: Do You Know We’ve Met?

The surroundings were dark.

For a while, I walked alone down the dim path.

Suddenly, my friends appeared, swaggering toward me and cursing as they chatted.

How long had I been walking?

I spotted the entrance to the market up ahead, and there, in the distance, was Grandma.

Squatting on the cold street with a basket full of greens beside her, Grandma looked fragile.

Our eyes met.

“Hey! Mu-hyeok, what are you doing?”

“Huh? What did you say?”

“Did you plan to meet those girls from Younglight Middle School today? Are you coming out?”

“Um…”

“You sneaky punk! You have to show up today, or the girls will bail! We need your help!”

Grandma’s gaze was fixed on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look her way.

I pretended not to know her and slipped away.

I didn’t want those scoundrel friends of mine to notice the sad state Grandma was in.

Not long after, Grandma passed away.

I cried. I cried without end.

No, I didn’t have the right to cry. I shouldn’t cry.

I had a dream.

A dream from a past life? I couldn’t differentiate between that and reality anymore, and sweat soaked me from the nightmare.

An intense headache tormented me. I grabbed the water bottle from the small table and drank it in one go.

Chugging the cold water finally brought me back to my senses.

I checked my phone for the time. It was six in the morning.

Without hesitation, I dialed Grandma’s number.

Before the sunrise, she picked up before the ringtone could finish.

— Mu-hyeok? Wow, what’s this call at this hour?

The familiar voice of Grandma came through the phone. Oddly, I felt a strong urge to see her today.

“What could possibly be the matter? I just wanted to hear your voice, Grandma.”

— Is something wrong?

“No, there’s nothing wrong.”

— Really? You’re not sick or anything?

Grandma always prioritized my well-being, which stung my heart even more.

“I’m fine! What about you? You’re not feeling unwell, are you?”

— Nope. I’ve lived enough, child. Don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself.

“Stop saying that!”

My voice rose. Every time we spoke, it was always about her health versus my own.

Despite our arguments, I always called her.

Grandma seemed startled by my sudden outburst.

— Mu-hyeok, you’re really okay, right?

“… Yeah. I’m fine. Sorry for shouting. Grandma, if you’re feeling ill, go to the hospital. I should really tell the bodyguards to take you regularly.”

— Oh dear, I can take care of it myself. What are those people doing? I visit the hospital regularly anyway.

I chatted with Grandma for quite a while. After hanging up, I felt a little lighter.

I got out of bed and opened the curtains. The sun was just starting to rise, filling my room with light.

Lately, memories of my past life had been surfacing in my dreams. Perhaps it was a warning not to forget my past life?

Yeah. There’s a debt I have to pay that’s far too big to ignore.

I gazed out at the bustling city, a bitter smile forming on my lips.

“Boss, are you awake?”

I heard a knock on the door, perhaps sensing my presence.

“Yeah. Come in.”

As soon as I gave permission, Manager Ma entered, bringing along a warm cup of mixed coffee.

I couldn’t help but smile. To protect the precious ones beside me, I needed to become stronger.

I took the paper cup from him and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Thanks. I’ll enjoy this.”

I sipped my coffee, organizing my thoughts. The caffeine cleared my mind.

“I got a call from Jessica early this morning.”

“Jessica?”

“Yeah. She said she’s returning to the U.S. this afternoon and would drop by for a bit in the morning.”

I nodded slightly. She’s an action-oriented person, not a thinker, for sure.

“I wonder what interesting stories she’ll bring back.”

Crushing the empty cup, I got up.

“I’ll shower, so please let Jessica in when she arrives.”

“Sure, Boss.”

After Manager Ma left, I headed straight to the bathroom.

When I emerged from the shower, Manager Ma was waiting with a change of clothes.

“She just arrived at the hotel lobby and is on her way up now.”

She’s here earlier than expected. Nodding to him, I got dressed and left the bedroom.

As I stepped outside, Han Gyeong-yeong was sitting on the sofa. He waved and smiled when he saw me.

“Mu-hyeok, good morning!”

Seeing Han Gyeong-yeong’s smile made me chuckle. He was trying to act all bright and cheery, even with his tired eyes.

“Did you get some sleep? Those dark circles under your eyes tell a different story.”

“Yeah. There weren’t any big changes, so I took a little nap after leaving things in New York. As you said, nothing major happened.”

“Really? Thank goodness.”

I patted Han Gyeong-yeong on the shoulder and sat down.

“So what’s the plan now?”

“They said they’d get back to me in a few days. They’re not giving immediate answers, but it’s clear there’s no choice. The only one who can help me now is me.”

As I chatted with Han Gyeong-yeong, the doorbell rang.

“Is someone coming?”

“It’s Jessica. She’s leaving this afternoon.”

“Oh really?”

Jessica entered the room with Manager Ma. After a brief greeting, I sat down with her.

“You’re leaving today?”

“Yes. I’ve been ordered to return.”

“Do the higher-ups know we’ve met?”

I asked if the Department of Homeland Security was aware of my dealings with Jessica.

Jessica quickly shook her head.

“No. They think I’m on vacation in Japan. I said I was going to watch the World Cup final. But suddenly, due to conflicts in Korea, everyone on vacation was recalled.”

“That’s tough. Have you found out anything?”

“I heard the North Korean Navy made the first shots. The U.S. forces in South Korea are on high alert, and they’re reporting an increased risk of further provocations.”

“Further provocations?”

Had there been additional provocations? I asked in confusion, and Jessica nodded firmly.

“Yes. There’s intel about possible gunfire. In the last West Sea clash, the North Korean Navy lost, and they’re reportedly feeling humiliated. There are rumors that the general who planned this operation was purged.”

That wasn’t just a rumor. Knowing Kim Jong-il’s temperament, if they lost twice, the general’s head would definitely roll.

“Of course, that’s not certain. But I’ve heard all artillery in the West Sea is in a ready state. That means they are prepared to fire at any time.”

“What does the U.S. say is the cause of the provocations?”

“This year’s Korea-Japan World Cup has been very successful. Consequently, Korea’s international recognition has risen too. They think it might be a way to send a warning to the international community.”

That conclusion matched my thoughts. It was very typical of the U.S.

They gathered intelligence and reached conclusions in less than a day.

In stark contrast to the Blue House, which was still floundering.

A bitter smile began to spread on my face.

“I heard they also passed the information on to Korea, so they’re probably preparing a response.”

In response to my hollow smile, Jessica returned a small one.

“I need to get going now. I just dropped by. I’ll use the information you provided well.”

“Yeah. Make sure to prevent any terror attacks.”

“It’s as easy as kneading dough and placing it in the oven. If I can’t do that, I shouldn’t be in this line of work.”

“There are plenty of idiots who can’t even knead the dough. But unlike them, I’m sure you’ll do well, Jessica.”

After their brief conversation, Jessica rose and extended her hand.

I stood up too and shook her hand.

After the handshake, Jessica turned to Han Gyeong-yeong.

“James and I will meet separately in the U.S.”

Han Gyeong-yeong smiled slyly as he took her hand.

“It’s an honor for such a beauty to invite me. I’ll be waiting.”

In response to his playfulness, Jessica flashed a charming smile and turned to leave.

I warned Han Gyeong-yeong, who continued to grin.

“Be careful, bro. She’s a nine-tailed fox.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? I’m not interested. Just kidding.”

“Really? Your face says otherwise.”

“Come on! Are you out of your mind? Do you really think I’d stick my head in the tiger’s mouth? It’s not wise to dine with someone working for the government. And I’m a one-woman man. I only have eyes for Aili.”

Han Gyeong-yeong frowned at my suspicion.

“I’m serious!”

“Alright, alright. I believe you.”

I sat back down. Han Gyeong-yeong followed with a pout.

“By the way, how’s the atmosphere in Wall Street?”

“It’s the same as ever. Analysts are predicting a buy for the Yen.”

In the New York financial market, it wasn’t the big fund managers like Warren Buffett and George Soros making the moves.

It was groups known as analysts or strategists who predicted future economies that had the real power.

Individual investors often made decisions based on their analysis.

If fund managers moved hundreds of millions of dollars, the popular analysts could shift tens of millions to hundreds of millions.

So, they always moved along with hedge funds.

“It’s already begun.”

Han Gyeong-yeong frowned.

“If the Japanese government successfully defends itself, many individual investors could suffer severe losses. But it seems analysts create their reports on requests from hedge funds, so they’re safe. They don’t take responsibility when things go wrong.”

That was true. Analysts only provide analyses; they don’t take responsibility.

“What’s the current daily trading volume for the Yen?”

“Over 200 billion. An all-time high!”

The global daily foreign exchange trading volume is around one trillion dollars, meaning nearly a quarter is being traded in Yen.

“Wow, that’s insane.”

“The Japanese Ministry of Finance has declared war. There are already rumors of hedge funds suffering losses. Sometimes they sell ten billion Yen in the forex market per minute to buy Dollars!”

As I anticipated, Japan’s Ministry of Finance was fully committed.

“They will probably try to keep the rate at 110 yen per dollar. For the hedge funds to profit, it needs to be around 90 yen per dollar.”

“That’s correct. I’ve heard hedge funds’ target is 80 yen. What if we try to catch up to the Japanese government’s positions?”

“Like I said before, this fight is one where nobody can win. It’s not worth clashing with Wall Street.”

Once again, Han Gyeong-yeong looked disappointed as he pouted.

“Just wait patiently; a bigger opportunity will arise. It’s enough to earn with oil.”

The fight between the Japanese government and the hedge funds would likely end in victory for the Japanese government.

But if the hedge funds withdrew and the Japanese government stopped intervening, the Yen would plummet to the low 100s.

That meant it would crash even lower than before the intervention.

If I positioned myself then, I would be able to make a fortune.

Since there was still more than a year left, I didn’t need to share this with Han Gyeong-yeong.

He was already a suspicious person, and there was no need to fuel his doubts. I’d end up being asked for lottery numbers next.

“Let’s head out for breakfast.”

I went downstairs with Han Gyeong-yeong to the restaurant in the hotel.

We were having a light meal and chatting when it happened.

“Stop!”

Manager Ma spoke threateningly.

I turned to the source of the sound, seeing Manager Ma and the bodyguards blocking a group of men.

I frowned at the sight of muscular men facing off against each other.

Setting down my chopsticks, I asked, “What’s going on, Manager?”

Before he could answer, I heard someone call my name from behind.

“Kim Mu-hyeok!”

As the person who called me stepped forward, the men facing Manager Ma stepped aside.

I had never seen the man before, but there was something familiar about his face.

“I am Daigo Tadashige.”

As I nodded, Manager Ma finally released the bodyguards blocking the way.

Daigo Tadashige slowly approached, leaning on his cane.

In front of me, he spoke. His frame was frail, but his eyes shone brightly.

“Do you know me?”

I knew, but there was no need to flaunt it. I shook my head slightly.

“I don’t know. Who are you?”

“Haha, an old man who loves Korea wishes to speak with a young entrepreneur. Would you spare me some time?”

He could disguise himself as a businessman? There was no reason to refuse.

I turned to Han Gyeong-yeong beside me.

“Bro, why don’t you head upstairs first?”

Han Gyeong-yeong read the atmosphere and nodded slightly before getting up.

“James Han? Or should I call you Han Gyeong-yeong?”

Daigo Tadashige playfully acknowledged Han Gyeong-yeong.

“You know me?”

“How could anyone not know you among the Japanese? The young monster from Wall Street who wounded Japan so deeply.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

There was a sharpness beneath those words. Not wanting to engage in more conversation, Han Gyeong-yeong answered only to avoid scrutiny, then walked away.

As Han Gyeong-yeong’s figure faded away, Daigo Tadashige finally turned to me.

He had already hidden away his malice and replaced it with a friendly smile.

“May I sit?”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

As Daigo Tadashige sat down, people in the restaurant started to leave one by one.

Soon, only Daigo Tadashige and I remained in the spacious hotel restaurant.