December 2, 2005
Day 47 of Ascension
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06:30 AM, The Article Drops
Mrs. Han brought the newspaper to breakfast, her face a mix of pride and concern. Seoul Economic Daily, page B3:
"Blue Bird's Genius: How an Orphanage is Breeding Entrepreneurs"
The article featured:
· Photo of Je-hoon in the library (carefully staged, not looking at camera)
· Interview quotes emphasizing "community effort"
· Description of Blue Bird Foundation's programs
· Mention of coffee timer invention ("practical innovation")
· Director Kim's comments about "vocational training for the digital age"
ZEO scanned the text for risks:
𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙨:
· 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚: 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 (𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤)
· 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙚: 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 (𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜)
· 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮: 92% (𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢)
· 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩: 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮
Director Kim beamed. "Already three calls this morning. Donors interested."
Je-hoon nodded. "Good. But we need systems to handle interest."
"Meaning?"
"Standardized donation process. Transparent reporting. Designated coordinator."
"I'll handle it," Mrs. Shin volunteered.
The breakfast mood was electric. Children whispered, pointing at Je-hoon. Some looked impressed, others resentful.
Tae-woo whispered, "You're famous."
"Temporarily. Fame fades. Systems endure."
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08:00 AM, The First Consequence
As Je-hoon walked to school, a black SUV pulled alongside. Window rolled down. Park Joon-ho.
"I told you to stay out of the spotlight."
"The reporter approached us. We didn't seek it."
"Nevertheless." He handed Je-hoon a business card different from last time. "My assistant. Any future media inquiries go through him first."
"A condition?"
"A courtesy. For your protection."
Translation: damage control. Park family didn't want unexpected stories.
"I'll consider it."
"Do more than consider." The window rose. SUV drove away.
ZEO logged: 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙. 𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
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10:00 AM, School Attention
Teachers treated Je-hoon differently. Mrs. Lee: "The article mentioned your math competition. Pressure's on."
Classmates stared. Whispers: "That's him." "Genius orphan."
Mi-so approached during break. "My dad saw the article. Said we should feature you at the store. 'Local hero' promotion."
"Not necessary."
"He'll pay. ₩20,000 for Saturday appearance."
Business opportunity versus overexposure. "One hour. No photos beyond store."
"Deal."
𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘽𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙣.
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12:00 PM, The Unexpected Call
During lunch, the school office summoned Je-hoon. "Phone call. A Mr. Kang from Seoul National University."
Je-hoon took the call in the office.
"Kim Je-hoon? Professor Kang here. Mathematics department. Read about you. Impressive."
"Thank you."
"We have an accelerated program for gifted youth. Starting next semester. Full scholarship, boarding, advanced curriculum."
A path out of the orphanage. But also isolation from his growing operations.
"May I have details?"
"Information packet mailed to the orphanage. Application deadline: December 20th."
"I'll review it."
"Your competition performance will factor in. Do well."
"I intend to."
Opportunity. But timing problematic.
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14:00 PM, Production Scaling
At Mr. Han's shop, orders had increased post-article. 38 new inquiries about coffee timers.
"We need to scale production," Mr. Han said. "Can't handle 100+ units monthly alone."
"Train two more assistants. Orphanage teens. Pay them ₩5,000 per day."
"Your foundation kids?"
"Yes. Create manufacturing training program."
"Smart. Creates jobs, scales production."
They drafted a simple training manual. Basic electronics assembly, quality control, packaging.
Blue Bird Foundation's second vocational stream: light manufacturing.
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16:00 PM, The Donor Meeting
Director Kim arranged an emergency donor meeting. Three new prospective donors wanted to meet "the genius."
Je-hoon prepared talking points:
1. Foundation's mission (vocational training)
2. Measurable outcomes (income generated, skills learned)
3. Sustainability model (revenue-generating programs)
4. Future expansion plans
The donors were a retired couple, a small business owner, and a corporate CSR manager.
The retired couple: "Inspiring! We'll donate ₩5,000,000."
The business owner: "Practical. We'll provide internship opportunities."
The CSR manager: "Our company matches employee donations. I'll set up a campaign."
Total potential new funding: ₩8,000,000+ annually.
But with conditions: regular reports, site visits, "success stories."
Accountability increased.
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18:00 PM, The Medical Follow-up
Dr. Lee called Je-hoon to the clinic urgently. The elderly diabetic patient from yesterday was back.
"The ulcers..." Dr. Lee showed Je-hoon. "80% improvement overnight. Medically improbable."
The wounds showed remarkable healing—new tissue formation, reduced inflammation, minimal infection.
"The dressing solution worked well," Je-hoon said.
"Beyond well." Dr. Lee lowered his voice. "I tested the solution. Standard antiseptic. Nothing extraordinary."
"Perhaps his system responded exceptionally."
"Perhaps." Dr. Lee studied him. "Whatever happened... it's good. But be careful. Miracles attract attention."
"I understand."
The patient beamed. "Young doctor has magic hands!"
A reputation beginning. Dangerous but useful.
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19:30 PM, The Capital Decision
Je-hoon reviewed his finances:
𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡: ₩575,000
𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙: ₩100,000
𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙘 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚: ₩400,000+
He needed to allocate capital strategically:
1. Manufacturing expansion: ₩200,000 (tools, inventory, space)
2. Education fund: ₩100,000 (books, materials, possibly SNU program)
3. Emergency reserve: ₩100,000
4. Investment opportunities: ₩175,000
The investment fund could be deployed. Moon's kiosk expansion required ₩300,000 capital for first location. Je-hoon's 5% equity for ₩15,000 investment plus consulting.
Worth the risk. Kiosks could generate ₩500,000+ monthly revenue per location.
He decided: invest ₩50,000 across three kiosks for 15% total equity.
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21:00 PM, The Long-term Calculus
Je-hoon updated his projections:
By End of 2005 (4 weeks):
· Capital: ₩1,000,000+ target
· Monthly revenue: ₩500,000+
· Network: 60+ contacts
· Products: Coffee timer established
· Education: SNU program decision
By End of 2006:
· Capital: ₩10,000,000 target
· Monthly revenue: ₩2,000,000+
· Network: 200+ contacts
· Products: 2-3 additional
· Education: High school equivalency complete
· Independence: Possible
The pace was accelerating. The article had been a catalyst—positive overall despite Park Joon-ho's interference.
He needed to leverage the attention while building systems that would outlast it.
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22:00 PM, The Soo-jae Message
Late SMS:
From: SJ
Message: Article saw. Joon-ho furious. Board now aware of you. Mixed reactions. Some see opportunity. Others threat. Your move? - SJ
Critical moment. How to position?
He replied:
To: SJ
Message: Not threat. Resource. Foundation creates skilled workforce. Timer demonstrates practical innovation. HJ Group needs both. Strategic alignment possible. - KJH
Position as asset, not adversary. Offer value.
Reply came quickly:
From: SJ
Message: Board meeting Dec 10. Same day as your competition. Coincidence? Propose: Visit foundation after competition. See operations. Neutral ground. - SJ
December 10th. Math competition morning, HJ Group board afternoon. Strategic timing.
He replied:
To: SJ
Message: 4 PM. Tour available. Bring interested board members. Data speaks. - KJH
A test. Would she bring allies or adversaries? Would she come alone?
Either way, preparation needed.
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Day 47 Summary
𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙮: 𝙀𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨:
· 𝙎𝙉𝙐 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢
· ₩8 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜
· 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜
· 𝙆𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨:
· 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙅𝙤𝙤𝙣-𝙝𝙤'𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮
· 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 "𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚" 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
· 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠
· 𝙃𝙅 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙮
𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 10: 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮
1. 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜)
2. 𝙃𝙅 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 (𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙤𝙣)
3. 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
8 days to prepare.
The stakes were rising.
The public eye was watching.
The game entered a new phase.
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𝘿𝙖𝙮 47: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙚𝙮𝙚
1 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚 → 4 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨
1 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚 → 3 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨
1 𝙙𝙖𝙮 → 1 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩
𝙉𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨. 𝙎𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙.
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End Episode 17