October 15, 1942Nakamura's study.
"Master Nari…"
I still address Nakamura as my superior.He is Japanese, yet trustworthy.He never discriminated against Koreans.Thanks to him, I have achieved so much success.
'Never forget kindness, but remember your enemies.'
A saying every entrepreneur should never ignore—beyond mere morality.
"Do you have something to say, Chief Kang?"
At 18, I had become a supervisor.I rose solely through credit and ability.There is likely no other Korean who became manager of a large rice shop in Jongno at that age.I was quite successful. No, highly successful.
Now, almost everyone among Jongno merchants knows me.Because I manage a rice store.Wherever rice or barley is sold, even in brothels and factories, people know me.Smiling at customers costs nothing.I treated everyone kindly and politely.And my clients respected me for it.
"I know it may seem presumptuous, but your face looks gloomy."
I had something to say—but could not speak first.Bombing, defeat…I wanted to warn that we must prepare.
'There's nothing I can do. President Nakamura is Japanese.'
No one wishes for their own country to fall.But I am Korean.So I wait for Japan's downfall—and I prepare.Opportunities always come in turbulent times.
In my memory, neighboring countries and businesses grow through war.Japan recovered quickly after its defeat because of such upheaval.The Korean War and the Vietnam War brought us pain—but also growth.I cannot deny that the Republic of Korea's development owes much to the Vietnam War and its bloody lessons.
Now, I must plan for the aftermath of Japan's defeat.To do so, I may need to deceive and manipulate President Nakamura.We must gain his cooperation.
'The world is ruthless when it must be. Nothing goes as planned.'
Though I value grace, I must prepare for the unrelenting reality of survival.
"Is that how I look to you?"
Every evening, I report the ledgers I manage to Nakamura.If anything changes, he is the first to notice.I am treated almost like a member of the family.Sometimes he treats me like a nephew.Sometimes like a son.
'Once you trust… and are not betrayed…'
I know his personality.He doesn't give up easily.And every day, the way he observes me subtly changes.
'He has no son…'
"…Yes."
"I see you have something to say."
As I watch him, he watches me just as closely.'He notices everything.'I cannot ask about myself.Every action I take is scrutinized.
'Why is he suddenly like this?'
Perhaps he saw how a former manager changed when given power.
"Have I told you something before?"
President Nakamura suddenly spoke.
"Yes?"
"I'm talking about the rich. I am self-made. I started doing business in Hiroshima, then came to the peninsula. If I hadn't come here, I wouldn't be where I am today."
I already knew the story.
Nakamura's hometown: Hiroshima.He started as a clerk—just like me.He met a good mentor, built a foundation, and became self-sufficient.
I also know he is Rie's maternal grandfather.
During the early days of Japan's annexation of Korea, Japan established the Oriental Development Company.Korea was a land of opportunity for the Japanese.They needed people to manage Joseon.Perhaps that is why Nakamura moved from Hiroshima.
'Hiroshima…'
I recalled my previous-life trip there.Hiroshima Castle, cherry blossoms… beautiful.
'Atomic bomb…'
A more serious thought hit me.Three years remain until liberation.
"Aren't the cherry blossoms in Hiroshima really beautiful?"
I spoke casually, as if I knew the city.
Nakamura studied me closely.
"Is that what you heard?"
"I heard it from the mistress."
His wife, kind to me, also guided me.I was born lucky.
"Thank you always, Steel Army."
Whenever I visited the house, she smiled and spoke to me warmly.
'Thanks?'
I am earning money for them.I am grateful.Yet it is rare for an employer's wife to express such genuine thanks.
"Let's eat together.""It's okay, sir.""Stop calling me master and ma'am. Let's just have dinner together."
The owner is kind.He takes good care of me.
'Korean!'
The daughter of a fallen noble family.They lost power and started a business.The owner's father held a government post after Joseon fell.
Even the half-senile janitor knows this.Despite age, the master never dismisses his employees.They even hired a caregiver for the old caretaker.
"Yeah… it's that kind of place. But… Japan won't beat America."
He whispered so quietly that only I could hear.
'He is speaking truth.'
Something ordinary Japanese citizens would never dare to say.
'Are we really close enough for this?'
This trust is immense.I believe he does not discriminate against Koreans because his wife is modern and Korean.Miss Rie carries Korean blood.
In a way, Nakamura repays a favor to me, a Korean, for what Koreans once gave him.
"Do you think so?"
I asked calmly.Acknowledging his trust.
But one fact is clear: Nakamura is still Japanese.
"Don't you forget that."
I know, but I cannot say it aloud.I am Korean.
Even higher-level police would be shocked if this were revealed.If rumors spread, I could be jailed.
Thanks to Nakamura's trust, I have avoided conscription.
'He is truly precious to me.'
I must serve him sincerely.No matter what anyone says, 30% of my success started with Nakamura's trust.
Later, some may disparage me for working under a Japanese during the colonial period.They may call me pro-Japanese.
"If you think so, start saving gold now."
I cannot reveal the future,'If I did, you'd call me crazy.'
Still, preparing for the future is wise.President Nakamura likely understands my point.
There is no weakling beneath a gallant subordinate.Above an excellent subordinate stands a capable lord.
"Manager Kang, you need to collect gold?"
He looked at me with questioning eyes, though he already knew the answer.
'He always tests and observes me.'
Wartime or crisis—everyone knows gold and jewels retain value.Few actually act on that knowledge.
I cannot afford to wait.When crisis strikes, the prepared take the future.
"Yes. Because gold never changes.""That's true."
"Gold is gold everywhere." Its value is absolute.
"Gold is convenient. Easy to carry. Easy to hide."
Melt it into suit buttons and paint them black.Hide it in shoe insoles and heels.Melt it into beads and swallow if needed.
'The time is near when I must do this.'
If Japan is defeated, Japanese in Korea will flee.Perhaps Nakamura will too.And that will be my opportunity.
'Red flag.'
When the U.S. military government arrives, enemy property can be acquired cheaply.Of course, connections with U.S. officials will be essential.