Free Web NovelIt was dark around me.
I had been walking alone along a dim, shadowed road for a while.
Then suddenly, my friends appeared. We walked together, slouching, exchanging crude, profanity-laced chatter.
How long had we walked?
The entrance to the market came into view. And far off in the distance, I saw Grandma.
Grandma, crouched on the cold pavement with a basket full of greens.
Our eyes met.
“Hey! Muhyuk, what are you doing?”
“Huh? What? What did you say?”
“We’re meeting up with the girls from Ilgwang Girls’ Middle today, remember? You’re coming, right?”
“Hmm······.”
“This bastard’s trying to skip again. You have to come today, got it? Otherwise, the girls said they won’t show up. Cut us some slack, huh?”
Grandma’s eyes stayed fixed on me, but I didn’t even glance her way.
I pretended not to know her and walked past.
Because of that petty, shallow pride—I didn’t want my thug friends to see my shabby grandmother.
And not long after, Grandma passed away.
I cried. I just cried endlessly.
No, I had no right to cry. I shouldn’t have cried at all.
I had a dream.
Was it from my previous life? These dreams—whether they were memories of the past life or something real—blurred together until I couldn’t tell anymore. My body was drenched in sweat.
A splitting headache throbbed through my skull. I grabbed the water bottle on the small table and drained it in one go.
The cold water jolted me awake.
I picked up my phone and checked the time. Six in the morning.
Without thinking, I called Grandma.
Before the sun was even up, she answered after only a few rings.
― Muhyuk? Why are you calling at this hour?
That familiar voice came through the receiver. For some reason, I missed her more than usual today.
“No reason. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
― Something happened, didn’t it?
“No. Nothing.”
― Really? You’re not sick anywhere?
Grandma was always more worried about me than herself. That made it hurt even more.
“I’m fine. What about you? You’re not feeling unwell, right?”
― No. Grandma’s lived long enough. Don’t worry about me, take care of yourself.
“Again with that! Stop saying stuff like that.”
My voice rose. Every time we talked, it went like this—me nagging her to stay healthy, and her saying she had no regrets left if she died now.
Even after arguing about it, I always ended up calling her again later.
She seemed startled by my sudden tone.
― Muhyuk, are you sure nothing’s wrong?
“······Yeah. Nothing. Sorry for yelling. Grandma, if you ever feel sick, promise me you’ll go to the hospital. No—actually, I’ll tell the bodyguards to take you there regularly.”
― Oh goodness, Grandma can handle it. Those people have it hard enough already. I’ll go to the hospital often, don’t worry.
We talked for quite a while. When I hung up, I felt oddly relieved.
I got out of bed and opened the curtains. The sun was just starting to rise, light spilling into the room.
Lately, dreams of my past life had been showing up more often. Was it some kind of warning not to forget?
Yeah. I still had too many debts to repay to settle down now.
With a faint, bitter smile, I looked out at the city waking up.
“Boss, are you awake?”
I heard a knock.
“Yes. Come in.”
When I gave permission, Manager Ma came in, carrying a cup of hot instant coffee.
I couldn’t help but smile. I had to become stronger—for the sake of the people who stayed by my side.
Taking the paper cup from him, I sat on the edge of the bed.
“Thanks. I’ll enjoy it.”
As I drank the coffee, my thoughts began to settle. The caffeine cleared my head.
“Jessica contacted us early this morning.”
“Jessica?”
“Yes. She said she’s flying back to the U.S. this afternoon, but will drop by before she leaves.”
I nodded slightly. She really was a woman of action, not words.
“Wonder what kind of fun story she’s bringing this time.”
Crushing the empty cup, I got to my feet.
“I’ll wash up. Let her in when she arrives.”
“Yes, Boss.”
After Manager Ma left, I headed straight into the bathroom.
When I came out from my shower, he was waiting with a set of fresh clothes.
“She’s arrived at the hotel lobby. On her way up now.”
Faster than expected. I nodded, put on the clothes he handed me, and stepped out of the bedroom.
Outside, Han Kyungyeong was sitting on the sofa. When he saw me, he waved and smiled.
“Good morning, Muhyuk!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Bright smile, but those dark circles under his eyes told another story.
“Did you even sleep? You look terrible, hyung.”
“Yeah. Things were stable, so I left it with the New York team and got a bit of rest. Just like you said, nothing major happened.”
“Good. That’s a relief.”
I patted his shoulder once and sat down.
“So, what did you decide to do?”
“They said they’ll get back to me in a few days. Didn’t give an immediate answer, but they don’t really have a choice. Coming to me means there’s no one else who can help them.”
While we were talking, the doorbell rang.
“Expecting anyone?”
“Jessica. She said she’s leaving this afternoon.”
“Ah, I see.”
Jessica entered with Manager Ma. After a brief greeting, we sat down together.
“You’re leaving today?”
“Yes. Headquarters ordered me to return.”
“Do they know that you met me?”
I asked if Homeland Security knew about our dealings.
Jessica immediately shook her head.
“No. As far as they know, I came to Japan on vacation. I said I was going to watch the World Cup finals. But there was a skirmish in Korea, so everyone on leave got called back.”
“You’ve got it rough. Did you find out anything?”
“The North Korean navy fired first. U.S. Forces Korea has gone on emergency alert. They think there’s a high chance of further provocations.”
“Further provocations?”
That wasn’t in my memory. Frowning, I asked again, and Jessica nodded firmly.
“Yes. Intelligence suggests there might be another shelling. They say the North Korean navy lost last time, and losing again wounded their pride badly. Rumor has it the general who planned the operation was purged.”
That was no rumor—it was almost certainly true. With Kim Jongil’s personality, if they lost twice, that general’s head was already gone.
“Nothing’s confirmed yet, but all coastal artillery on the West Sea side is open. Which means they’re ready to fire at any moment.”
“What’s the U.S. assessment of the cause?”
“They think it’s a show of force—a warning to the international community. The World Cup went too well, raised Korea’s global profile, and North Korea didn’t like that.”
Pretty much what I had thought. Typical of America to reach that conclusion so fast.
They gathered intel and formed an analysis within a day, while the Blue House was still floundering in confusion.
A bitter smile escaped me.
“They’ve already passed our compiled information to Korea. So I’m sure they’re preparing a response.”
Jessica matched my faint smile with one of her own.
“I have to go now. Just stopped by briefly. I’ll make good use of the information you gave.”
“Please. Stop the terror attack.”
“If all I have to do is put the dough in the oven, and I can’t even manage that, I shouldn’t be in this job.”
“There are plenty of idiots who can’t even handle the dough. But you’ll do fine, Jessica.”
After our short exchange, she stood and extended her hand.
I rose and shook it.
She then turned to Han Kyungyeong.
“I’ll see James in the States.”
Han grinned slyly, taking her hand.
“It’s an honor to be invited by such a beautiful woman. I’ll be waiting.”
Jessica answered his jest with a dazzling smile, then turned and walked out.
I looked at the still-smiling Han and warned him.
“Be careful, hyung. She’s a nine-tailed fox.”
“Huh? What are you talking about? I’m not interested. I was just being polite.”
“Really? You’re still smiling.”
“Oh, come on. You’ve lost your touch. You think I’d stick my head into a tiger’s mouth? You never sit at the same table with someone from the government, kid. Besides, I’m a one-woman man. My heart belongs to Ailee.”
I gave him a doubtful look, and he scowled.
“I mean it.”
“Yeah, yeah. I believe you.”
I sat back down, and he followed with a grumble.
“So, how’s the mood on Wall Street?”
“Same as ever. Analysts are predicting yen appreciation—they’re telling everyone to buy yen.”
The people who moved New York’s financial market weren’t guys like Warren Buffett or George Soros.
It was the so-called analysts and strategists—the ones predicting the future economy.
Most individual investors made decisions based on their reports. freewebnσvel.cøm
Fund managers moved hundreds of millions, but a popular analyst could move billions.
So they always acted in sync with private hedge funds.
“It’s already begun.”
Han frowned.
“If the Japanese government holds out, a lot of private investors will take massive losses. But these so-called experts release reports favoring hedge funds just because they’re paid to. And even if they’re wrong, they never take ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ responsibility.”
He was right. Analysts only analyzed—they didn’t bear the consequences.
“What’s the daily yen trading volume now?”
“Over two hundred billion. Record-breaking, huh?”
Since global forex turnover was about one trillion dollars a day, that meant nearly a quarter was yen.
“Wow, that’s insane.”
“The Ministry of Finance is going all-in. Rumor says some hedge funds already took huge losses. They say the ministry’s dumping ten billion yen per minute, buying dollars instead.”
As I expected, Japan’s Ministry of Finance had gone all out.
“They’ll defend 110 yen per dollar at all costs. For hedge funds to profit, it has to drop to around 90.”
“Yeah. Their goal is 80 yen, apparently. Should we take the government’s side this time?”
“I told you before—this fight has no winners. No reason to pick a side and start a war with Wall Street.”
When I refused again, Han smacked his lips in disappointment.
“A bigger stage will open soon. Be patient. We’re making enough off oil anyway.”
The clash between Japan’s government and hedge funds would look like a Japanese victory at first.
But once the hedge funds retreated and the government withdrew its intervention, the yen would crash—falling below even pre-intervention levels.
That’s when the real money would be made.
Still over a year away, though. No need to tell Han yet.
The man was already suspicious enough. Tell him this, and he’d start asking me for lottery numbers next.
“Let’s grab breakfast.”
We went down to the hotel restaurant.
As we were eating and chatting casually—
“Stop right there.”
Manager Ma’s sharp, warning voice cut through the air.
I turned my head. He and the security team were blocking a group of men.
The opposing men, all well-built, stood facing them down. My brow furrowed.
Setting my chopsticks down, I asked,
“What’s going on, Manager Ma?”
Before he could answer, a voice called my name from behind them.
“Mr. Kim Muhyuk.” freewebnovel.cσ๓
The man who had spoken stepped forward, and the others parted to the sides.
I’d never seen him in person, yet his face was unmistakably familiar.
“I am Daigo Tadashige.”
I nodded once, and only then did Manager Ma step aside, ordering the guards to lower their stance.
Daigo Tadashige leaned on his cane and walked slowly toward me.
He stopped before me and spoke. His body was frail, but his eyes burned with vitality.
“Do you happen to know me?”
I did, but there was no reason to show it. I shook my head slightly.
“I don’t. And you are?”
“Haha, just an old man who loves Korea, wanting to talk with a young businessman. Would you spare me a moment of your time?”
So he was pretending to come as a businessman. There was no good excuse to refuse.
I turned to Han Kyungyeong.
“Hyung, go on ahead.”
Sensing the mood, Han nodded slightly and rose from his seat.
“James Han—or should I say Mr. Han Kyungyeong?”
Daigo greeted him with a friendly smile.
“You know me?”
“How many Japanese wouldn’t know you—the young monster from Wall Street who scarred Japan?”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
His words had thorns. Han gave only a polite, minimal reply and walked away.
Daigo watched his retreating back, his eyes narrowing.
I didn’t miss it. Behind that calm gaze was killing intent he couldn’t fully hide.
Once Han disappeared from sight, Daigo turned back to me.
That killing aura vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by a gentle smile.
“May I sit?”
“Of course.”
As he sat down, people around the restaurant began quietly leaving their seats.
Moments later, only the two of us remained in the vast hotel dining room.
