Gifts and Leashes
The air in the French Concession of Shanghai in May, heavy with the humidity and heat of the sea, was unpleasantly muggy.
However, even in this weather, which would normally send the discomfort index soaring, the office of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was filled with joy.
"500,000 dollars... I’m so stunned I can’t even find the words."
Even Kim Gu, the Minister of Internal Affairs, known for having nerves of steel, was clicking his tongue in disbelief at the sheer scale of the funds remitted by the Korean National Association in the United States. It was an astronomical amount, considering the annual budget of the Provisional Government rarely exceeded 70,000 dollars—this was effectively seven years' worth of funding.
But there was something even more surprising.
"According to the telegram from the Association, they say an amount of this magnitude will arrive once more in the next half-year."
"Then, does that mean 1,000,000 dollars? Good heavens......."
At the words of Finance Minister Kim Gap, Chairman Yi Dong-nyeong, who had been listening from behind, could not hide his shock. To them, a million dollars was nothing short of a magic wand that could make anything possible. With this money, they could surely carry out all the tasks necessary for Korea's independence that had been stalled due to a lack of funds.
Although, there was a minor problem.
"...Comrades, is it truly right for us to accept this money?"
"Minister of Foreign Affairs."
"I don’t know about now, but until last year, a man named Al Capone was the most notorious gang leader in America. I am not sure if it is right to use money that likely came from him for the sake of independence. I only fear how other nations will view us if this fact is revealed."
Foreign Minister Oh Young-seon’s expression was stiff as he finished speaking. He wasn't wrong. Using money from a criminal to fund an independence movement could deal a fatal blow to their legitimacy if it ever came to light.
"But, the person who developed the new medicine and informed the world that Korea still exists is also his son-in-law, Comrade Lee Jun."
It was Kim Cheol, the Minister of Military Affairs, who answered.
"They say he is even called a 'saint' in America now, so I don't think receiving money from such a person will be much of a stain. Besides, Comrade Lee Jun said there would be no problems at all, so shouldn't it be fine? You know well enough, Comrade, that this money will be a great strength to our comrades suffering in Manchuria."
"...That may be true, but......."
"The decision has already been made."
It was then that Chairman Yi Dong-nyeong spoke up.
"I cannot say this money is entirely untainted, but we must also consider the reality of our situation. With this money, we can do everything we haven't been able to do until now. If we do that, won't the liberation of our motherland be brought even a little closer?"
Faced with the Chairman’s troubled face, they could say no more. He continued.
"It is said to be a situation of riding a tiger—once started, you cannot dismount. Since the work has already begun, let us focus on utilizing this opportunity well. Since Comrade Lee Jun sent this money with great difficulty, it would not be right to agonize over such issues, if only for his sake."
"Then, I will redraw the budget based on this money."
"Because of the recent righteous uprising, the situation in Japan is chaotic, and those sinister bastards will surely plan another invasion. To prepare for the worst, let us first provide sufficient support so our comrades in Manchuria can hold their ground."
'I cannot let an opportunity worth a thousand pieces of gold slip away. I will... I will surely achieve the liberation of Korea.'
Watching the people disperse to carry out their duties, Yi Dong-nyeong’s fist clenched tightly.
"Hmm......."
Sitting in the president's office, I stared intensely at the sheet of paper on my desk. It wasn't this quarter's sales or the construction status of the pharmaceutical plant. I pointed at the paper with my finger and spoke. Specifically, I was referring to the mascot of SMC Milk drawn on the paper—a man in white clothes who was supposed to be Al.
"This looks a bit different from the original character. What happened?"
I had envisioned a macho hero with muscles all over his body, like Popeye, but what was sent by King Features Syndicate, the comic distributor run by Mr. Hearst, was a milk delivery man with an ordinary appearance—the kind I’d see twice on my way to work. No, where the hell did my hero who beats up villains with milk bottles go!
"Ah, I was just about to mention that."
To my question, the man from the distributor smiled nonchalantly.
"This draft was proposed by the cartoonist who is scheduled to be in charge of this character, saying it was a better direction."
"Does that 'direction' mean changing a hero who defeats villains into a friendly milkman who lives next door?"
"Yes, that’s exactly it!"
...No, was he serious?
I was just being sarcastic.
Before I could even process the absurdity, the man took out something else and handed it to me.
"This cartoonist is planning a new work, and it has the feel of a... daily life sitcom, of sorts."
"And?"
"He said that rather than a standalone work with a short run, appearing consistently as a supporting character in his own work would be more helpful for corporate advertising."
"...Is it standard in this industry to change a client's request however you like?"
No, even so, this is way too different from what I asked for.
"Of course, we tried to persuade him, but he asked if you could at least take a look at the manuscript......."
If anyone heard this, they’d think he was Walt Disney. The problem was that Walt Disney himself had rejected my proposal, saying he was too busy.
"...Well, let's see it."
Who knows, it might be a great masterpiece. I wouldn't say that and then show me trash.
"Here it is, sir."
With those words, the man handed over a document consisting of several pages. At the top of the document, which contained character sheets and a few panels of what looked like a comic strip, the title was written.
[Blondie]
Hmm, it’s a character that feels very familiar. I feel like American comics with this vibe appeared in the newspapers I saw at home during my childhood in my previous life. Well, there's no law saying it has to be that one. More than that.......
It’s funnier than I thought?
"It’s light and good. Seeing that there aren't many panels, it doesn't seem like the company character will appear very often, though."
"That part can be adjusted during the production process. I will tell the cartoonist."
"Then, how will the advertising contract proceed?"
"Cases like this aren't very common, but it’s typical to support it from the production stage. In exchange, you, sir, will hold the copyright to the character."
"Well, then let’s proceed that way."
It’s not that urgent, so if the reaction is bad, I can just remake it into a hero comic.
Having finished the conversation about the comic contract, I sent the man away.
"Consigliere."
It was then that Rizzo entered the office.
"What is it?"
"They say the BOI has begun a search of the Mitsui & Co. Chicago branch."
They’re starting to move, too. If they’ve eaten the evidence I gave them, they have to digest it. Then, I should start moving as well.
"Please call Mr. Goojik and Mr. Ahern."
"Do you mean right now?"
"Yes, I need to prepare to welcome our guests."
Even if they are rather unfriendly guests.
The BOI, the Bureau of Investigation, visited the SCC headquarters two days after the search of Mitsui & Co. began.
"This is the BOI. We’re here to investigate matters related to Japanese spies."
"In that case, the company and I are the victims."
Not a costume, I mean real victims. I just happened to know about it beforehand. But our agent’s attitude was stubborn.
"We understand that Union President Joe Aiello, who is pointed to as the mastermind behind the bombing attempt, is related to Mr. Capone. You are Mr. Capone’s son-in-law. Please cooperate with the investigation."
"If you’ve brought a proper warrant, of course."
"If it’s a warrant, here it is. Now, everyone, move!"
With the man’s words as he presented the warrant, about ten BOI investigators behind him entered the office and began pulling out documents to look through or take away. Well, there wouldn't be much to find anyway. If you know a guest is coming, shouldn't you clean up in advance?
"I heard this is a chemical company, but what business do you do exactly?"
It was then that the man who presented the warrant approached me and asked a question.
"Didn't you investigate that already?"
"It’s a formal procedure, please answer."
"Currently, we are supplying plastic products to the military in connection with DuPont."
"So you’re a military contractor."
"I’m just very patriotic."
If you love the United States this much, wouldn't you pay that much in taxes? Why waste time raiding such a model citizen?
"As you know, we plan to start producing new medicine within this year. If you have any more questions, I can even give you a tour. Although, since we’ve licensed the production to DuPont, there isn't much to see."
"I’ll decline. I’ll find out during the investigation anyway."
"Then, I have something I’d like to ask instead."
Attack over? Then is it my turn now?
"Did you find anything at Mitsui & Co.?"
"...I cannot tell anyone other than those involved."
"If you think about it, I’m a victim, so wouldn't I be involved?"
"That’s not allowed."
Well, of course he’d say it’s not allowed. I didn't really intend to hear it anyway.
"That’s a shame. I was hoping things would work out the way the Director wanted."
"...Are you acquainted with the Director?"
"Ah, you didn't know? I guess I said something unnecessary."
Toward the flustered agent, I smiled and continued.
"Please forget what I said just now. Then, I hope you obtain what you desire."
That was enough. Because the only thing I wanted to convey to Mr. Hoover, the Director of the BOI who was tearing my factory apart, was just that one sentence. Since it would be troublesome for both of us if I directly said that I was the one who threw the gift and leash of a Japanese spy, I only mentioned it indirectly. If it’s that hoarder of a man, he’ll be able to grasp my intention without difficulty.
"I’m leaving work early. If there’s anything you want, don't hide it, just take it all out."
After telling the office staff, I headed to my Cadillac where Rizzo was waiting.
"You’re out early, Consigliere."
"I have somewhere to go."
"Where should I take you?"
To Rizzo’s question, I answered briefly.
"For now... let’s go to the Hearst Building."
It’s annoying to visit every time. I guess I’ll have to buy a newspaper company sooner or later.