The Bell Tolls
Having completed all preparations for the bell toll plan, Min-ho was getting ready for work as usual. As he tied his tie in front of the mirror, his phone rang.
“Young master, this is Cheon Dong-gwan calling from Tokyo.”
The voice coming from Tokyo was thick with fear.
“What brings you to call at this hour?”
“It's nothing... no, I told you yesterday that everything was done as instructed.”
“Is something wrong?”
After a brief hesitation, Cheon Dong-gwan stammered his reply.
“To be honest, I'm just anxious. I keep wondering if this is really the right move—what if something goes wrong?”
It wasn't anxiety from a guilty conscience or from handling an overwhelming amount of money. As he said, Min-ho's investment strayed far—very far—from common sense. He'd followed orders faithfully, but the worst-case scenarios kept swirling in his mind.
Min-ho could easily read the inner turmoil transmitted through Cheon Dong-gwan's trembling voice.
“I promised you, didn't I? No matter what happens, nothing will touch your family.”
“I know, but I can't stop thinking about it. I'm sorry.”
“Don't worry. Nothing bad will ever happen to your family, Cheon Dong-gwan. I promise you again—got it?”
“Thank you so much. I just needed to hear it from you one more time, young master.”
“Don't skimp on travel expenses, and if you're feeling under the weather, make sure to see a doctor.”
“Understood. I'll call again this evening.”
“Enjoy your dinner.”
As Min-ho set down the receiver, Choi, the lawyer who had just finished getting ready and emerged from his room, asked, “Is something going on in Japan?”
“No, he just called because he was worried about his family.”
“That's a relief. I was worried for a second that some emergency had cropped up.”
In truth, even Choi hadn't been fully briefed on why Cheon Dong-gwan had been sent to Japan.
As they slipped on their shoes at the entrance, Choi asked Min-ho, “I know it's an investment, but could I ask exactly where you're putting the money?”
“In simple terms... I'm betting my entire fortune that Japan is going to crash.”
No matter that it came from Min-ho's own mouth, it was an unbelievable statement. Choi dropped the shoehorn he was holding and stared at him in bewilderment.
“Young master, did you withdraw your incentive pay and salary from the bank for that reason?”
“Yeah, that's the money. Anything weird about it?”
“No, it's just... I...”
“I'll explain the details on the way. We're going to be late.”
“Ah... yes, sir.”
The two headed out to work, and as they sat side by side, Min-ho explained the specifics of the investment. Even for Choi, the idea that economic powerhouse Japan would collapse was hard to swallow. But knowing Min-ho's insight, he couldn't blindly dismiss it either.
Letting out a sigh that seemed to encapsulate a hundred words, Choi cautiously opened his mouth.
“Does this mean you've even told Chairman Kang about it?”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, it's just... this is practically gambling.”
Min-ho chuckled for a good while at Choi's rabbit-eyed expression before replying.
“It's not gambling. In go, they'd call this a god's move.”
“With all the documents flying in from the Tokyo branch, I assumed Chairman Kang had decided to sell off real estate. I never imagined something like this.”
“We'll see the results later. I'll get out here and walk the rest of the way. See you later.”
Returning briefly to his daily routine, Min-ho opened the door to the credit team office. His partner, Deputy Oh Seong-deok, was the first to spot him.
“I was starting to forget your face. Where the hell have you been?”
“How've you been, Deputy?”
“Thanks to you, better than good—my back's even itching from good luck.”
“Did you sign a house contract or something?”
“Yeah, my incentive came through, so I just signed for a new place. Thanks. It's all because of you.”
“No need. Congratulations, Deputy.”
Oh waved it off with an awkward grin.
“Save the congrats. On a human level, don't I at least owe you a meal?”
“I totally spaced on that. How about you treat me to Korean beef tonight, then?”
“I'll buy you whatever you want. Don't even dream of ditching.”
“I'll skip lunch and wait.”
Senior Deputy Manager Seo Gwang-hun came in late, and upon seeing Min-ho after so long, he pulled him into a bear hug and patted his back.
“Aigoo, look who it is!”
“Long time no see, Manager.”
“I thought you'd never come back.”
“How could I, with you still here?”
“I know you won't give details, but did everything go smoothly?”
“Yes, I handled a few things while moving around with Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon.”
“No news is good news, as they say. You look like you've been thriving—it's putting me in a good mood too. Alright, time to sit down.”
When Min-ho turned, he saw his two colleagues, Dong-ho and Nam-hoon, buried in stacks of documents, sorting credit files with unfocused eyes from pulling all-nighters.
Nam-hoon, looking on the verge of tears at the sight of his savior, pleaded, “Min-ho, save us, man. Please? I'm begging you.”
Min-ho glanced at the mountain of papers.
“You didn't seriously pull all-nighters for days on this, did you?”
“We've been at it nonstop since you went on that business trip. A full night's sleep would be a dream.”
“I'll make sure you get home to sleep tonight.”
“For real? You promised.”
“Finish in two hours. Go wash your face first—no dozing off and getting chewed out by the manager.”
Min-ho took off his jacket and dove into the paperwork. As expected, an old hand was a master. He sorted the files at a blistering pace. Dong-ho and Nam-hoon gaped, toothbrushes forgotten in their mouths, unable to believe their eyes.
The phone on Manager Seo's desk rang.
“Senior Deputy Manager Seo Gwang-hun speaking.”
Seo shot to his feet. He didn't need to see who it was.
“Yes, yes, President. Understood. Sending him up right away.”
Hanging up, Seo gestured frantically.
“Employee Lee Min-ho, the president's calling. Hurry!”
“Yes, sir. I'll finish this when I get back.”
“Don't worry about the files—those two are here. Go!”
“I'll be right back.”
Section Chief Hwang Jeong-min watched Min-ho head to the president's office with eyes full of resentment.
That kid's definitely hiding something... I need to dig into it...
***
JK Credit Info President's Office.
Like anyone, President Kang Myeong-seon had her dreams and ambitions. Her grand goal was to lead this company brilliantly and ascend to group vice chairman.
Of course, the key to Myeong-seon's lofty dreams was the lucky charm Min-ho. Contrary to expectations of smooth sailing, Min-ho had been away far more than anticipated. Moon Sang-oh, the butler, no longer answered questions about him. The unexpected summons to Seongbuk-dong felt off, but she had no clue what was happening.
Tormented by worries, Myeong-seon finally called Min-ho in.
“President, Employee Lee Min-ho has arrived. Shall I send him in?”
“Yes, send him in—no coffee.”
“Yes, President.”
The door opened, and Min-ho entered. Myeong-seon greeted him with her usual bright smile.
“Hey, nephew, long time no see.”
“I've barely started work, and you call me in already? Looks bad.”
“Everyone's used to it now. Anyway, where've you been wandering? Not even a phone call?”
“Things came up.”
“Not even telling your aunt... That's a bit hurtful.”
“I'm telling you so you won't get upset—you'll find out soon. Just wait a little.”
With half-lidded eyes, Myeong-seon sidled behind Min-ho, peering intently at the area around his tailbone out of habit.
“Nephew, tell me my guess is wrong.”
“No, it's right.”
She tilted her head, then patted his butt as usual.
“Weird... You're the fox, but no tail. Who'd you let cut it off?”
“What's that supposed to mean out of nowhere? The hero doesn't die in the opening scene.”
To achieve her burning ambition, she needed Min-ho. Things weren't unfolding as smoothly as planned. Despite her threats to disown him after one more screw-up, Chairman Kang had summoned him—a clear sign something had swayed his heart.
Seated, Myeong-seon couldn't hide her creeping anxiety. Pretending calm, she lit a cigarette and broached the subject.
“You went to see Grandpa, right?”
“Yeah, why suddenly?”
“Your dad calling you out of the blue was odd enough.”
“I fixed a big issue, had a simple meal, got praised for doing well lately, and came back.”
“That's really all?”
“What else would there be? No reason or need to lie to you.”
“Makes sense. He wouldn't suddenly hand you an affiliate to run.”
Unlike her usual directness, Kang Myeong-seon was beating around the bush. She kept crossing and uncrossing her legs, blinking faster than normal. She hid her thoughts, but her body betrayed her.
Min-ho already saw right through her.
“Want me to guess what you're thinking, Aunt?”
“Oho, got a fortune teller here? Go ahead, try.”
Min-ho pointed his index finger skyward.
“You're looking up there, right?”
Myeong-seon knew exactly what he meant but feigned ignorance.
“What are you on about?”
“Chairman? No way. You want that empty vice chairman seat.”
She waved it off vehemently, denying it—but that only confirmed it in Min-ho's eyes.
“What do you take me for? I have no such greed.”
“Impatience ruins good things. Don't worry—I'll get you a big gift soon to brag about to Grandpa.”
Too eager, Myeong-seon leaned forward on the sofa.
“What? What's this? What gift?”
Min-ho teased as he stood.
“I'll tell you later, President. Gotta get back to work.”
“You can't just drop that and leave!”
“Pick green persimmons, and they're bitter and bland. Let them ripen sweet and pretty, and I'll bring them over.”
***
Min-ho left the office with only cryptic words. She'd called to uncover something, but ended up more confused.
Is it possible Min-ho's holding the biggest key to that vice chairman seat? Nah, no way.
She denied it, but knowing his abilities better than anyone, her anxiety grew. Puffing her cigarette, she pieced together fragments of thought, but no picture formed. Everything was vague and murky. Her mind was a storm of chaos.
Assuming some deal between Min-ho and Chairman Kang Jin-gwang, Myeong-seon picked up the receiver to call Seongbuk-dong.
Usually, Moon Sang-oh answered calls there. Today, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang picked up himself.
“Huh? Dad?”
“What brings you at this hour?”
“Just wanted to hear your voice, obviously.”
Chairman Kang saw through her dark intentions.
“Sounds like you're after Sang-oh, not your old man today.”
“No, I was gonna ask Butler Moon for your schedule and head over.”
“Your old man's not going anywhere. Come after work.”
“I'll bring something tasty. But is Butler Moon sick? What's going on?”
“Sent a gift via Sang-oh. It'll arrive soon.”
Simple matters were handled over the phone. Today felt different. Moon Sang-oh moving personally meant something major.
She pondered but drew a blank.
“No idea what it is, but I'm looking forward to it? Dad? Why no answer?”
At that moment, a breaking news bulletin on the radio left Chairman Kang frozen, speechless.
[Breaking news. Moments ago, Finance Minister Hashimoto Ryutaro made an emergency announcement on total loan quotas.]
[A drastic measure banning all new real estate loans effective immediately. This is to curb inflation...]
The party born of endless greed rang its death knell. No one had dared imagine it ending. The seemingly eternal revelry curtained down in lonely silence.
Everyone had optimistically assumed it was just another rate hike. Everyone except Min-ho. He'd predicted a far stronger card beyond rate increases.
And it hit exactly. Thanks to heeding his advice, Chairman Kang had liquidated most assets in Japan, letting out a sigh of relief.
Myeong-seon shouted urgently at her suddenly silent father.
“Dad! What's wrong? Are you okay?”
“Nothing. Don't worry—send Butler Moon back as soon as he arrives.”
“Huh? The gift?”
“I'll send it later. Busy now—gotta go.”
Chairman Kang hung up hastily and dialed the Tokyo branch directly.
“President No, report the situation.”