I may have thrown away my country after everything it had done to me in my past life, not to mention the atrocities it committed before and after the Day of Advent. (EN: Chapter 29)
However, I could not help that my parent’s lives were irrevocably connected with Korea. Their loved ones also lived here.
I realized that in my previous life when I had taken Mother away from Korea and given her a luxurious life in a mansion with servants. She had been severely homesick even though I had found her sister for her. She missed people, food, and memories of Korea, which was why I kept thinking of my country.
I saw an expensive sedan drive to the meeting place. A driver who worked for Jamie came out and bowed to me.
“My employer instructed me to be your chauffeur and express her thanks for your understanding.”
Jamie thought it no longer advisable to come to my office in the pitiful disguise of a simple hooded jacket, and suggested this to me. The driver remained silent as he drove me to an old building’s underground parking lot.
I met Jamie there and slid into her car as she motioned me with her eyes. The other men in her car moved to the one I came in so we could be alone.
“I had no other choice since the Korean Government is keeping firmer tabs on me.”
“What steps have they taken?”
“They’re listening in and following our board members. We are planning countermeasures that will be effective soon. Please tell your clients that they do not need to worry.”
“Let’s talk business first.”
She had brought evidentiary documents about Jeonil’s property management status. With more than 35 billion dollars funneled into Jeonil, we now own major market shares of more than 230 out of 902 items listed on KOSPI. (EN: Korea Composite Stock Price Index) Inevitably, there would be government surveillance since Jeonil is a foreign firm. Jeonil bought 25% of the Korean economy during the IMF Crisis, ranging from real estate, buildings, and other assets. To them, Jeonil was an even bigger problem after the IMF was over. It would be evident to them that Jeonil may pull out after reaching their profit goal. Then a second economic crisis would start.
“I heard that Chungsik Park was being called the King.”
“…I can explain that.”
“No, support him until he is called the Emperor.”
Jamie’s eyes widened at my words.
“Your position as CEO is unshakable, Jamie. He is Korean, and a Korean will never be Jeonil’s CEO.”
“While you may think I overstepped boundaries, I need an answer to this question.”
“Speak.”
“Do your clients plan to take us out of Korea?”
I turned to the first page of the report where Jamie had listed Jeonil’s estimated profits.
[Jeonil’s estimated value: $149,620,000,000 USD]
I fingered the number with a murmur.
“Not for just this amount.”
While Jeonil could pay the entirety of South Korea’s national budget for two years, I still had future plans.
“Do not reserve funds and invest in the Korean market. And…”
I showed her the title of an article listed on today’s daily paper, which Jamie already seemed to know.
[The Jeonil Group and the Domination of our Economy by Foreign Investors]
The article was about how foreign funds have overwhelmed the Korean stock market after the limit has been increased to 50% of the market shares. Jeonil was named as the biggest culprit.
“I brought you in, Jamie, so this kind of news wouldn’t pop up.”
“That is a progressive newspaper in Korea. I am sorry. You will see an opposition article tomorrow.”
“I did not hire you as CEO to keep reciting that foreign funds had helped Korea in overcoming the IMF crisis. Your Korean board members should take care of that.”
“I understand.”
“Jamie, you look good in front of the camera. Will you put that to waste?”
“I can see where you are going.”
“I know that you’re busy, but I am sure that you know your priorities. Appear on the TV programs that you think best.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t seem like a foreigner despite being in a foreign firm.”
She needed to appear so, at least to the Korean public.
“Don’t disappoint me, Jamie, or my clients.”
**
I would not be able to eat at home for a while, and therefore my mother had made a lovely meal tonight. Father had also come early for a change.
“Where will you stay?”
“The company has prepared an apartment for me near the office.”
“That means you will be living in Manhattan. The company must see some potential in you. You’re going places, kid.”
“Stop drinking. Your son is leaving tomorrow.”
“You should have a drink today too, dear.”
Mother did not really mean it as she poured him another cup and poured one for herself.
“When will you come back?”
“I will come to take my qualification exams once you submit my application forms.” (EN: Chapter 92)
“You’ve thought this through. I was about to say that in order to get a place on Wall Street, you would need to graduate from an Ivy League university. The admissions boards will look favorably on an internship.”
“Please don’t pressure your son.”
“It’s reality. Also, what did I say you need to do if you’re in a jam or become ill?”
“Please don’t worry. I will contact your friend.”
“I know you…please do so. He’s my childhood friend. I stopped him from meeting you at the airport. You wouldn’t like that.”
I had changed my plans to conquer American dungeons first rather than Korean ones because of this. However, the order did not matter much. I smiled.
“Yes, thank you.”
“How about a drink?”
“Hey.”
“I had my first drink when I was about Sunhoo’s age. He should learn from me how to drink.”
This was the first time I had drank with Father in this life, and it felt weird. In my previous life, I had drunk with Father after I had returned to Korea after my failure in Wall Street. Why had I hurt Father’s feelings so much?
Father had drunk a few cups before saying something to me.
“Son, I haven’t lived life to the fullest, but living is like climbing a mountain. It’s hard, but there are times and places you can rest.”
I had heard this in my past life. Now, Father looked at me with worried eyes along with Mother.
“Also, you can climb down to go to another one if you want. If you cannot go on, come back home. Mother and I will be waiting for you.” (EN: They’re such good parents…)