Overcoming the Impossible
"Huh? What? Whaaaaaat?!" Gorbachev, completely taken aback, stammered in disbelief. 'No, is he serious? He's going to lend me 350 million dollars without a second thought? Is he insane?'
It was a solution he had deemed impossible, yet as it unfolded like a miracle, Gorbachev couldn't hide his expression. In truth, he had been prepared to cling to Yoon-gi’s pant legs and beg if he had refused, offering every special privilege he could muster. If Yoon-gi had still refused, his backup plan was to beg Reagan. But because Yoon-gi had answered so coolly and decisively, Gorbachev found himself shedding tears before he could stop them.
"President Kang Seok-ho, could you step out for a moment?" At Yoon-gi’s formal request, Kang Seok-ho quickly read the room and vacated the seat. Gorbachev’s aides followed suit. Left alone, Gorbachev finally managed to stop his tears.
"I, I apologize. This old man has shown you a shameful display..."
"Not at all. A meteorite is falling toward the Soviet Union; it is only natural to be distraught."
Seeing such profound consideration from a minor, Gorbachev’s estimation of Yoon-gi skyrocketed.
"I thank you once again. However, I haven't offered you any compensation. I only knew you held oil fields worth 1.2 billion dollars, and I spoke to you in desperation..."
As Gorbachev trailed off, Yoon-gi smiled.
"I am someone who respects you as a human being, General Secretary. Since coming to the Soviet Union, I’ve realized that while the people may be equally poor, there was no gap between the rich and the poor. Even the Politburo members didn't possess much wealth. And you, General Secretary, are the same. Unlike North Korea, I could clearly confirm your sincerity in striving for true communism—or rather, 'the happiness of the people.'"
Gorbachev almost teared up again. His plummeting approval ratings meant the people didn't recognize his sincerity. Yet, a boy from South Korea—a country that had been an enemy during the Korean War—understood him. Gorbachev wiped his eyes with a handkerchief and listened intently to Yoon-gi.
"That is why I trust you, General Secretary. If I provide this loan, I know you will repay it. Besides, I am a businessman. It does me no good if the Soviet Union collapses in this situation, does it? Think of how much I’ve invested in Chernobyl."
At Yoon-gi’s witty remark, Gorbachev relaxed slightly and smiled. He had been in a truly desperate situation, wondering how to solve the current crisis, and a massive helping hand had appeared. However, just like Gorbachev, Yoon-gi felt like he had just survived a brush with death.
'Thank goodness... thank goodness...'
Yoon-gi had also been debating whether he should approach Gorbachev first. He had even considered going to Ronald Reagan if that failed. Because, no matter what, he had to stop the meteorite. To stop it, he had to get close to it, and as of 1986, only the United States and the Soviet Union had the aerospace technology to do so. But the moment he approached them, it would take an eternity to explain, "How did you know?" even if he used Guster’s influence.
But thanks to Choi Deok-bae, he knew Gorbachev was planning to call him, and he had a gut feeling it was related to the meteorite. A loan? Since he was the one who caused the meteorite, there was no reason not to provide it.
"Instead, may I ask for one condition... no, a favor?"
At Yoon-gi’s words, Gorbachev nodded quickly.
"Please, speak. If it is something I can grant, I will do anything."
"Please... please stop this meteorite."
It was an obvious request, but a desperate one.
In 1986, the President of the United States was Ronald Reagan. He was a president who truly showed what "hegemonic America" meant. It was no wonder that the current President Trump considered Ronald Reagan his role model. True to his advocacy for American hegemony, Reagan was pursuing a very hardline policy against the Soviet Union. In the U.S., where a gloomy atmosphere lingered due to the defeat in the Vietnam War, Reagan’s popularity was immense. That popularity would last until 2020, with Reagan consistently ranking first or second when people were asked to name the greatest U.S. president.
Because of this, Reagan was not at all pleased with Yoon-gi’s current actions.
"Guster, are you aware that your granddaughter’s husband has just provided a massive loan to the Soviet Union?"
"Yes, I am well aware."
At Guster’s unfazed reply, Reagan wore a strange expression in his White House office.
"You were aware?"
"Yes, Mr. President. Actually, my granddaughter’s husband asked me not to tell anyone, so I kept it quiet, but I felt I had to inform you."
"Oh?"
As Reagan seemed intrigued, Guster looked around with an apologetic expression at the White House staff and security guards present in the Oval Office.
"Everyone, step out."
Reagan dismissed the others without a moment’s hesitation. If Guster had intended to assassinate him, he could have been killed right there. But Reagan trusted Guster, so he took the extraordinary measure.
"Thank you, Mr. President."
"Now, tell me. What is your granddaughter’s husband trying to do?"
Guster stood respectfully and spoke in a low voice.
"My granddaughter’s husband’s goal is to transform the Soviet Union into a capitalist system."
"No, what did you say?"
Reagan was shocked by the sudden answer. He was so surprised he even stood up from his chair. While Gorbachev had allowed foreign investment in state-run Soviet businesses, the idea that it would lead to the total capitalization of the Soviet Union was an extreme analysis. It was no wonder Reagan was stunned.
"Currently, my granddaughter’s husband is pouring all his efforts into winning Gorbachev’s favor. In that situation, when Gorbachev desperately requested a loan, it was difficult to refuse."
"Hmm..."
However, Reagan’s mood didn't improve. Capitalization was one thing, but it was a fact that Yoon-gi had interfered with America’s plans.
"At that time, my granddaughter’s husband proposed a plan, and I authorized it."
"You authorized it?"
At Reagan’s sharp gaze, Guster nodded.
"That is correct."
"Why?"
"Because my granddaughter’s husband intends to attribute the credit for the loan to you, Mr. President, once the matter is resolved."
"What do you mean by that...?"
At the mention of giving him the credit, Reagan’s tone softened slightly.
"If the U.S. solves this meteorite issue alone, the Soviet Union will surely fall into a state of anarchy. Then, we would have a pretext to send troops to the Soviet Union under the guise of maintaining order."
"That is true."
"But would the public agree to that?"
"Hmm..."
Reagan couldn't confidently say "yes." Guster quickly exploited that opening.
"We already know the outcome of the Vietnam War. The aftereffects of that war haven't even faded yet, and you want to send a massive number of soldiers to the Soviet Union again? Furthermore, the Soviet Union is a region of biting cold. There will be tremendous backlash."
"Sigh... but this is the best way to collapse the Soviet Union."
Guster smiled.
"No. My granddaughter’s husband will build a friendship with Gorbachev and attribute the credit for this loan to you. He will say, 'In fact, this loan was only possible because of President Reagan’s extraordinary permission.'"
"What is he planning to do after that?"
Reagan’s curiosity grew as he became interested.
"My granddaughter’s husband will induce a summit between Gorbachev and yourself to take place in the United States, and he will capitalize the Soviet Union. And that credit, too, will return to you."
Reagan’s eyes widened, and he almost stood up again.
"You’re going to give me the credit for capitalizing the Soviet Union?"
Guster nodded.
"Yes. My granddaughter’s husband’s company, YK, is a group of businessmen. Therefore, he thought about who would be the most efficient person to receive the credit for the Soviet Union’s capitalization. The conclusion was you, Mr. President. In fact, this is top-secret information, but I am telling you because of the nature of the situation. I will provide more details later."
Guster hinted that he wished to end the conversation on this topic. Of course, Reagan had no complaints. In fact, Reagan’s heart was pounding and his breathing had quickened.
'A president who capitalized the Soviet Union...!'
Reagan’s expression turned serious again, and his breathing became regular.
"Can a mere chaebol really accomplish that?"
"Heaven’s luck was on his side."
"Heaven’s luck?"
Reagan widened one eye slightly, reacting as if he didn't quite understand.
"Currently, my granddaughter’s husband attempted to enter the Soviet Union faster than anyone else, and he succeeded. And his personal assets are immense. Gorbachev had no choice because he knew the extent of my granddaughter’s husband’s wealth."
"Indeed...!"
"A businessman who stylishly lends 350 million dollars to a 'virtually economically underdeveloped country.' What kind of relationship will this businessman have with Gorbachev?"
"Surely, their rapport will skyrocket."
"That is it. Gorbachev will surely have many points of contact with my granddaughter’s husband. Through those contacts, he will make the Soviet Union capitalize."
Guster’s words didn't end there.
"Of course, it is not a 100 percent certain plan. But it is the only plan with zero risk. If the U.S. tries to destroy the meteorite alone, there is a possibility that we might not stop it at all. If that happens, the end of the Cold War will be the least of our problems."
"Actually, that was my biggest worry as well. Of course, NASA said, 'It is certain that we can minimize the damage from the meteorite,' but..."
"Even if we minimize it, rather than sending soldiers to a Soviet Union that has become a hellscape of anarchy after the meteorite falls, it would be better for history if you capitalized the Soviet Union through peaceful means."
"That is certainly true. I understand. I will not ask any more about this."
"Oh, and CIA agents will begin to infiltrate the YK Group’s Soviet branch as ordinary employees, little by little."
"Wait, was the Director aware of this?"
"Yes."
"Haha, well..."
There were things even the President didn't know about America. Reagan clicked his tongue and gave a bitter smile.
"Oh, finally, my granddaughter’s husband had one request. This is the very reason he wanted to attribute the credit for this work to you."
"What is that?"
Guster told Reagan the request Yoon-gi had made to Gorbachev.
Thanks to Reagan’s unofficial permission, Yoon-gi succeeded in securing a 350 million dollar loan from the U.S. government based on a portion of his rights to the oil fields. Soon after, thanks to transferring this loan to the Soviet Union, a joint operation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union began.
Finally, Yoon-gi met the expedition team members. The request Yoon-gi had made to Reagan, which Guster had relayed, was none other than to be allowed to see the expedition members for a while.
At first, they had looked at him with cold eyes, thinking, 'Why is a chaebol here when every minute and second is precious?' but thanks to Yoon-gi’s unique charisma, they were soon conversing with him freely.
"Smith, what do you want to do most when this operation is over?"
The person with the highest tension in the expedition team, who could be called the 'mood maker,' was none other than Smith. When he was singled out first, Smith spoke of his wish without hesitation.
"Me? When the operation is over, I want to have a barbecue party with my family. I risked my life to come back alive, so I deserve that much luxury, right? Actually, my wife was dead set against it, but I volunteered anyway. If I hadn't done it and the operation failed, it would be like I let my family die, wouldn't it?"
Smith’s words spread through the communication channels of the two spaceships, and the expedition members all formed a consensus with bitter smiles. In fact, the reason they had voluntarily participated in this operation, where they might die, was for their families.
"Since you’re having a barbecue party, how about having it at a million-dollar house? A house with a large heated pool, three stories, and a gardener and butler walking around."
"Whoa, that would be awesome! But my reality is a 50,000 dollar house in Texas. I guess I’ll just have to grill barbecue in a tiny garden with my family."
As Smith laughed, the expedition members chuckled along with him, though they also wore bitter smiles. However, Yoon-gi’s following words were spectacular.
"I’ll make that happen for you."
"Huh?"
At Smith’s confused question, Yoon-gi smiled and repeated what he had said.
"I’ll make that happen. If this operation succeeds, I’ll buy you a million-dollar mansion, so have your barbecue party there."
"...Hey, stop joking."
"I’m serious. So, don't you dare die in this operation."
"Hey... uh... um... a-are you serious?"
At Smith’s shocked response, Yoon-gi smiled brightly.
"Of course. I’ll do the same for everyone else. Ellie, what do you want to do if this operation succeeds?"
"Oh? Me? I’ve always wanted to live without worrying about money for the rest of my life..."
"Then, I’ll deposit a million dollars into your account. Nikolai, what do you want to do?"
This time, Yoon-gi asked the Russian team member.
"Uh... I... I want to ride a foreign car that women would jump into the moment I pull up on the street, and I want to be covered in luxury brands from head to toe."
"When the operation is over, come to YK Department Store and take a million dollars’ worth of luxury goods for free. I’ll buy you a foreign car with the remaining money."
Suddenly, the expedition members started telling Yoon-gi their hopes one after another, and Yoon-gi gave them hope, a reason to live, and bolstered their fighting spirit for the operation. No matter how important the cause, isn't personal reward the greatest driving force that moves people?