Chapter 238: Chapter 238: Aiming for 150 Yen
As Han Gyeong-yeong opened the door to the prepared office in his Pyeongchang-dong mansion, a wave of heat hit him. The room felt sweltering, more like midsummer than early winter, thanks to the warmth radiating from the computer.
"Right. Just throw it out there. Do what I say! Damn it, I told you to follow my instructions!"
He yelled into the phone, his frustration boiling over as he tossed the receiver away, scowling.
"Hyung, what's wrong? What's not going your way?"
At my voice, Han Gyeong-yeong turned, his face a mixture of stress and annoyance. Rubbing his temples, he asked,
"Ah, Mu-hyeok. When did you get here?"
"Just now."
I picked up a chair next to me and set it down in front of him before taking my seat.
"What's up? Any issues?"
"The folks at the U.S. headquarters keep pushing back on me."
"Hmm…"
I could understand their predicament. It was natural to feel uneasy trying to handle absurdities while the boss was absent.
But at Dream High, we didn't need staff who contradicted the boss's opinions.
Traders were lined up, eager to join Dream High, which offered the most favorable treatment on Wall Street.
"So who's leading the resistance?"
"Don't worry about it. They're ultimately going to do what I say. That's what's important."
It hadn't even been a day, yet it was evident that stress was already taking a toll on Han Gyeong-yeong, his hair a jumbled mess.
"After this is over, let's refresh the staff at Dream High. Seems like we've stagnated for too long."
"Hoo… Right, sounds good."
Managing Dream High was Han Gyeong-yeong's responsibility, so I moved straight to the point.
"What's the situation?"
"As of now, we've injected a billion dollars and are betting on a rise in the yen on the futures market. If there are any forces trying to profit, they'll take the opposite position against us."
The forex market, open all day long, had daily trading volumes exceeding one trillion dollars.
A mere billion dollars wouldn't significantly sway it. The yen alone had a daily trading volume around two trillion, meaning our cash infusion was minimal in comparison.
However, forex dealers never miss a chance.
Having witnessed significant bets on the yen's rise in the futures market, speculators would likely bet against it, starting to throw their own yen onto the market.
"We'll keep throwing a billion dollars daily. The dealers will keep betting against us in the futures market."
"And stocks and bonds?"
"We'll need to work on that starting a week from now."
Han Gyeong-yeong's plan was exceptional. I nodded in agreement, anticipating the foreseeable future.
The Nasdaq crash had led to a weakening of the dollar in response.
As significant funds flowed abroad, there were attempts to lower interest rates to revive the stock market, but the impact was limited.
With the introduction of the euro in 1999, a currency to potentially replace the dollar emerged, resulting in a decreased yen's share in Japan's foreign reserves.
"Isn't the dollar sitting at about 102 yen now? Let's aim to push it to 150 yen."
This decision arose from grappling with what could be a blow to Japan's economy, whether through yen depreciation or appreciation.
"If it happens, the U.S. might respond. They could pressure Dream High."
"I'm aware of that."
"No matter what kind of seduction or threats come our way, don't back down. I'll take responsibility for everything."
Japan didn't want extreme fluctuations in the exchange rate.
If this continued, it would lower national credit ratings, jeopardizing the yen's status as the world's third reserve currency, following the U.S. dollar and the euro.
"I wonder how the Japanese Prime Minister feels right now."
A sardonic smile crept onto my lips.
* * *
Medvedev, upon receiving a request from Kim Mu-hyeok, first sought Putins approval. Once granted, he set aside all else and boarded Putin's private jet, heading to Japan.
Japan was put on alert by Medvedev's sudden visit, who was a strong candidate for the next Chief of Staff.
Upon arriving in Japan, Medvedev immediately made his way to the Russian embassy.
As he rode in the car towards the embassy, he listened to a report from the Russian Ambassador in Japan, his expression growing serious.
"So the Japanese government is indeed acting this way?"
"Yes, Chairman."
This visit was simply prompted by Kim Mu-hyeok's request.
The recent Russia-Japan talks hadn't gone poorly, fostering a thaw in relations between the two nations.
However, Medvedev felt slighted. He had heard that due to Japan's refusal to extradite Eva, diplomatic tensions would need to be faced, and all cooperative efforts with Russia were put on hold.
"You too, will be entering Russia with me."
"What?"
"Don't make me say it twice."
Receiving Medvedev's icy glare, the Russian ambassador nodded instead of questioning him.
Currently, Medvedev had solidified his position as the second-in-command, gaining Putin's trust.
The ambassador knew too well that falling out of Medvedev's favor would likely lead to a demotion and eventual ousting.
"Still, you handled this matter well. You've protected one of Kim Mu-hyeok's close aides, leavng him deeply indebted to Putin now."
Recalling Kim Mu-hyeok, who vowed to repayhis debts, Medvedev praised the Russian ambassador. In the midst of their brief exchange, the Russian embassy appeared before them.
Stepping out of the car, Medvedev quickly walked toward Eva's residence.
"Greetings, Representative Eva."
Medvedev greeted, speaking fluent English, and Eva replied proficiently in Russian.
"Welcome, Chairman Medvedev."
"You know Russian?"
"I can manage basic conversations."
Seemingly pleased by Eva speaking Russian, Medvedev smiled.
"I heard you faced some complications. Once negotiations with the Japanese government wrap up, you should accompany me back to Russia, then head straight to Korea from there."
"I was informed by the boss. Thank you."
Eva responded with a slight bow, her face clouded with worry as she raised her head once more.
"But even though you've come, they won't easily grant permission. The boss has already initiated a currency attack against Japan."
"I received that update from Kim as well."
The currency crisis was stoking Japan's anxiety, prompted by the wave of violence sweeping through East Asia.
Feeling the pressure, the Bank of Japan was making every effort to defend the exchange rate. If Japan's foreign reserves ran dry, the repercussions could extend throughout Northeast Asia.
But there seemed to be no willingness to halt the assault once it had begun.
The continuous selling of dollars by Kim Mu-hyeok and the forex deales betting against the yen in the futures market was starting to shift the tide significantly.
"That's for Kim to sort out. My goal is to get Representative Eva out of Japan. If the Japanese government attempts to block that, it implies you're willing to face diplomatic tensions with Russia."
Putin's Russia was not the same as Yeltsin's. Unlike Yeltsin, who was cautious of Western nations, Putin cared little for their opinions.
Knowing Putin's disposition well, Medvedev held several means to pressure the Japanese government.
"Then please rest easy. I have a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister."
After Medvedev bowed and exited, Eva sank onto the bed.
Though her face looked unfazed during their conversation, feelings of self-hatred now clouded her features.
"Damn… I'm just a burden to the boss."
Only Eva's low murmur echoed in the room.
In preparation for Medvedev's unexpected visit, the Japanese Prime Minister held discussions with the Chief Cabinet Secretary.
"We absolutely cannot allow Eva to leave the country."
"But if you say she's headed to Russia, then there's no justification for blocking it."
"It doesn't matter. We can always create a reason. Forge ahead by using the terrorist incident that occurred in Tokyo as leverage."
If Eva flew out of Japan like this, it would mean the end of everything. Thus, the Chief Cabinet Secretary bore a weighty expression as he spoke.
"Just because Eva is in Japan doesn't mean Kim Mu-hyeok will stop his momenum."
"This is our final bastion for contingencies. For the sake of facilitating negotiations, we absolutely need to hold her in custody for now."
Driven by the Chief Cabinet Secretary's strong resolve, the Japanese Prime Minister finally made his decision.
"Chairman Medvedev has arrived."
Upon the chief secretary's report, the Prime Minister rose from his seat and exited with the Chief Cabinet Secretary.
"Haha, welcome."
With a disingenuous smile on his face, the Prime Minister extended his hand to Medvedev, who returned the gesture with a practiced grin.
The sound of camera shutters and flash bulbs from domestic and foreign reporters enveloped the Prime Minister's office.
After the greetings, Medvedev's and the Prime Minister's parties sat across from one another. After some pleasantries and discussion about the purpose of the visit, the official meeting commenced.
Once the meeting ended, the journalists all left the Prime Minister's office, and the smiles that had adorned Medvedev and the Prime Minister's faces vanished as if they were mere illusions.
With that, an oppressive tension filled the office.
"Prime Minister, the Japanese Cabinet is demanding that our embassy hand over Representative Eva of Future Investment, who we are protecting, is that correct?"
The first to break the silence was Medvedev.
Grappling with a parched throat, the Chief Cabinet Secretary lifted the glass of water before him as he answered on behalf of the Prime Minister.
"She is related to an incident that occurred domestically, a terrorist incident. According to international law, there is no issue, and wouldn't it be appropriate to hand her over to the Japanese police? We are merely making a fair request."
"Fair request?"
"Yes, a fair request. We still hold that opinion. We hope you'll hand over Representative Eva."
Unlike when the journalists were present, the atmosphere in the meeting room turned icy.
As the absurd remarks continued, Medvedev sighed deeply before speaking.
"I have already received reports from the Russian Ambassador in Japan. You were told to prepare for diplomatic tensions. Are you now threatening Russia?"
"No, I said it's a fair request."
As the Chief Cabinet Secretary reiterated his claim of a fair request like a parrot, Medvedev's voice grew louder.
"Listen here, Chief Cabinet Secretary! That's called a threat. Furthermore, you've said you'll halt all agreements we intended to move forward from the Russia-Japan summit? Is this really the official stance of the Japanese government?"
At Medvedev's words, surprise flickered across the Prime Minister's face. He then turned his gaze toward the Chief Cabinet Secretary beside him.
"Chief Cabinet Secretary, what's going on here?"
"That is…"
"No, no, even if the matter is significant, it's essential to distinguish between what needs to be said publicly and what shouldn't."
Watching the Prime Minister chastise the Chief Cabinet Secretary, a mirthless smile crept across Medvedev's lips. The moment the phrase 'politics is a show' came to mind was unmistakable.
"Don't say that the Chief Cabinet Secretary made those comments without the Prime Minister's approval."
The Prime Minister glared once at the Chief Cabinet Secretary, who had gone silent, and then began to directly converse with Medvedev.
"It's a misunderstanding, Chairman. I assure you I'll fully fulfill all the agreements made during discussions with President Putin."
"I've already reported this to President Putin, and he is quite upset. Prime Minister, this is a matter of dignity."
At those words, the Japanese Prime Minister squeezed his eyes shut, a throbbing headache overtook him.
Negotiations with Russia had been progressing positively for months, including matters regarding the Kuril Islands.
"Tomorrow, the Russian ambassador will return to our home country with me unless there is an official apology from the Japanese government."
"Apology? I can express regret, but I've never seen a country apologize to another in international relations."
Indeed, Japan had never once apologized to any nation.
Not when they pushed East Asia into the spiral of war, and even still today.
Though it was an utterly brazen statement, Medvedev continued to speak.
"The Russian ambassador, along with Representative Eva, will be returning to Russia with me."
"That's unacceptable!"
Before the Prime Minister could respond, the Chief Cabinet Secretary intervened.
"She's a person of interest linked to a terrorist incident, which posed a severe threat to our national safety."
"I'm not sure what connections you believe exist. Is this also the Prime Minister's perspective?"
The Japanese Prime Minister nodded.
"It aligns with the thoughts of our Japanese Cabinet."
"I see."
With both hands clasped together, Medvedev rested his chin on them as he leaned across the table.
As he inclined his body toward the Japanese Prime Minister and his party, his gaze was as chilling as ice.
"Will you have no regrets about this?"
"You will be the ones regretting this action."
With every interruption from the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Medvedev scoffed. The unyielding confidence displayed by a mere bureaucrat was excessive.
"Fine, do as you wish. Russia will also act as we see fit."
Once again, silence enveloped the Prime Minister's office.
How much time passed? With a pale face, the Chief Secretary opened the office door and stepped inside. Bowing his head in greeting, he immediately approached the Prime Minister to whisper in his ear.
As the Chief Secretary continued speaking, the horror on the Prime Minister's face became impossible to conceal.
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