Ti passed relentlessly.
A container ship carrying disaster relief supplies and aid products produced in China arrived at the San Francisco port. Electronic equipnt sent from Soseong Electronics’ factory in Vietnam also began to arrive.
These items were set to be stored in a rented warehouse.
While the initial production volus could be transported by ship, later quantities would need to be flown in.
We continued to stay at a hotel in Silicon Valley, receiving updates about the company’s situation and closely monitoring movents from the U.S. governnt.
A week had passed since the briefings from the White House, but there had been no announcent regarding evacuation drills. It was likely dismissed due to concerns it could spread anxiety about earthquakes.
Vice President Bauer said in a Fox News interview, “As soone from Hawaii, I’ve heard countless tis since childhood that the Kilauea volcano would erupt. But nothing has happened so far, right? The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) is carefully reviewing all data and consulting with academia, and they’ve confird that the likelihood of a big one is extrely close to zero. Even if a small earthquake were to occur, both the federal and state governnts are preparing all necessary asures. I urge the dia to refrain from fueling anxiety with their articles and to trust in the governnt’s announcents. We will thoroughly investigate and take strict actions against those spreading rumors or false information that incite public unrest for personal gain.”
It was essentially a warning for to keep quiet. The dia also pointed this out.
One good thing was that Professor Mohan seed to have more confidence than before. If he had succumbed to worsening public opinion and retracted his claims, the situation would have beco more complicated.
I received a call from Hyun-joo.
“You’ve done enough. It’s too dangerous now. Do you know what the situation is like?”
“Yes.”
As the likelihood of the big one was denied, public opinion continued to worsen. Stepping outside the hotel now, it wouldn’t be surprising to have rotten tomatoes thrown at .
“Hurry back to Korea with Taek-gyu.”
Next, I spoke with my mother.
“Your na keeps coming up on the news lately. What in the world are you doing there? Are you trying to worry your mom?”
“…I’m sorry.”
After enduring a long lecture and finally getting a break, I received a call from an unknown number.
“Hello.”
The caller was none other than Professor Mohan.
[I turned off my phone for a mont because calls were pouring in. This is Carrie’s phone.]
The professor spoke urgently.
[Oh! More importantly, I just discovered sothing crucial.]
“What is it?”
[There’s a high possibility of an earthquake occurring in xico City before Big One arrives. You can consider it a precursor.]
“How likely is it?”
[As of now, it’s over 80 percent.]
“I see.”
I nodded absentmindedly, and at that mont, sothing flashed in my mind.
-xico City Earthquake-
Another earthquake?
South Arica, too, is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so earthquakes occur frequently. The 2015 Chile earthquake is a pri example.
[Why are you silent? Can you hear ?]
I snapped back to reality.
“What’s the magnitude?”
[It’s expected to be around M7.0. Compared to the Big One, it won’t even be one-fiftieth.]
Still, is it considered a major earthquake? Then how severe is the Big One?
“Understood. Please contact if you discover anything new.”
As soon as the call ended, Taek-gyu asked.
“What did you see this ti?”
“There will be another earthquake before the Big One arrives.”
“What?”
As expected, though I couldn’t determine the timing or scale, Professor Mohan had clearly stated that it was a precursor to the Big One.
Is there a way to utilize this information?
I called Ellie.
“I have sothing to ask you.”
***
Three days later.
I requested an ergency press conference. The venue was the hall on the second floor of the hotel where we were staying.
“Is the paperwork you asked for ready?”
[Just sent it.]
I turned on my computer.
“I checked it.”
Ellie asked with a worried tone.
[Are you really going to do this?]
“I can’t think of a better way right now.”
Doing the right thing requires great courage.
“You didn’t tell Hyun-joo, did you?”
[Of course not.]
If she found out, she might co right over and try to talk out of it. If she learns later, we’ll both be in big trouble.
Ellie asked .
[Did you intend to do this from the start?]
I had previously asked her if she would be okay with losing everything.
“I’m sorry.”
[For what?]
“For not saying it first, and for asking you for this paperwork.”
Ellie replied in a deliberately cheerful voice.
[It’s fine. I don’t know much about earthquakes, and I don’t understand why you’re going this far, but… I believe in Jinhoo’s sincerity.]
“Thank you.”
I didn’t realize how empowering it could be to have soone believe in .
Ellie said playfully.
[Hmm, there must be better words than just saying thank you.]
“I plan to say it in person.”
[I’ll be looking forward to it.]
After the call ended, I printed the docunts that Ellie sent.
I looked at Taekgyu and said, “You don’t have to do this too.”
“What do you an? If we’re going to do it, we should go all out. Where do I sign?”
I signed first, and then Taekgyu grabbed a pen. Without any hesitation, he signed.
“Anyway, an earthquake is going to happen.”
“But what if things go wrong?”
“It’s okay. I have my sister. Even just a 3% share from her will be enough for to live comfortably.”
“Ah…”
Could it be that he knew it would co to this and gave his sister a portion of his share?
Taekgyu placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Sotis, I might give you so pocket money, my friend.”
“…Get lost.”
Well, even if I said that, I felt sowhat reassured. There are plenty of people willing to take care of , so I don’t think I need to worry about starving in the future.
I looked at the watch Ellie gave . “It’s ti. I’ll be back soon.”
“Have a good trip.”
***
The press conference room was already crowded with nurous journalists.
Major Arican dia outlets such as CNN, NBC, and Fox News, as well as local newspapers, were present.
When I announced the press conference, I didn’t expect so many dia outlets to gather. It made feel quite successful.
As soon as I entered, a barrage of caras was aid at .
I took my seat and said,
“The purpose of this press conference is to warn about the dangers of Big One. The scale of Big One is beyond what you can imagine. The federal and state governnts must imdiately establish evacuation plans and rescue asures for residents.”
I communicated the strategies established by Professor Mohan, who divided the affected areas into A1, A2, and A3, directly to the dia. Everyone looked astonished.
“Are there any questions?”
As soon as I finished speaking, the journalists bombarded with questions.
“I received information that you were in a coma for a week after the last earthquake. Is that true?”
“Have you undergone an assessnt from a psychiatrist?”
“What do you think about the rumors that you are spreading false information for personal gain?”
“Do you truly not have such intentions?”
Suddenly, the atmosphere felt like a hearing.
Nobody believed in the possibility of Big One. Thus, there were only two reasons for to be speaking like this: I was either mad or had another agenda.
That’s why they were treating like a lunatic or a speculator. In this situation, no matter how hard I tried to explain, it would simply sound like an excuse.
“First of all, I am perfectly sane. I know there are misunderstandings. I want to clearly state that I have not invested for personal gain, nor do I plan to resell and make a profit.”
The reporters shouted in unison.
“How can we believe that?”
“Have you ever engaged in derivatives trading under a pseudonym?”
“Do you intend to transparently disclose the transaction history?”
I anticipated so criticism regarding the investnt. Nevertheless, it’s absurd if investors foresee a crisis but still refrain from investing.
Indeed, hedge fund operator Michael Burry of Scion Capital predicted the U.S. real estate crisis, made investnts, and earned significant profits. Even the investors who funded his fund before the crisis broke out did not believe his claims.
“I firmly believe in Professor Mohan’s words. A major earthquake will occur in xico City in mid-September. This can be seen as a precursor to the Big One. By the end of September, the Big One will arrive.”
The reporters erupted in unison.
“What is the basis for that?”
“Are you denying the governnt’s assertion that the Big One is impossible?”
“Can you prove here that it’s not just for speculative purposes?”
If I don’t stake everything, who will believe ?
I took out the docunts I had brought.
“I will deposit the entire stake of the representative and vice-representative with the state governnt of California. If nothing happens by the end of September, 97% of OTK Company’s shares will belong to the state governnt of California.”
The room fell into silence in an instant.
I looked at them and asked, “Does anyone still think I’m crazy or that I’m trying to profit from speculation?”
The reporters, who had just been throwing disguised accusations, were left speechless, their faces filled with surprise.
I looked directly into the cara and said, “The Big One is sure to co.”
***
After the press conference.
We sent the deposit docunts to the court, notarized by the lawyer. There’s no turning back now. If Big One doesn’t co by September, we’ll both be broke.
At least the hundreds of millions I’ve accumulated through dividends and salaries, along with the house I live in, will remain, so that’s so relief, right?
Calls were pouring in from all directions—Chase Southwell, Warren Buffet, Chairman Im Jin-yong, Senior Sang-yeop, subsidiary executives, and more.
They all asked why I made such a choice, and I repeated what I had said at the press conference.
It’s because Big One will co, and I’m telling them to get ready. If just a few of them would believe , it would be a huge help.
While I was receiving calls from various places, Taek-gyu also answered Hyun-joo’s call. Just looking at his expression, I could tell how badly he was crushed.
After the call, Taek-gyu said, choking up.
“I feel like there’s blood coming from my ears.”
“Yeah. You’re fine.”
It might be best to avoid answering Hyun-joo’s calls for a while.
After receiving dozens of calls and finally catching a breath, the hotel phone rang this ti.
Who could be visiting?
I picked up the receiver.
“Hello.”
The other party spoke in a shouting tone.
[What are you trying to do right now?]
Finally, I received a call. I had been waiting.
“I see you watched the press conference.”
[Every Arican must have seen it. What on earth were you thinking by holding that press conference? Was my warning a joke?]
I spoke calmly.
“Didn’t you ask to bring cash instead of a promissory note?”
How much is OTK Company worth?
No matter how low you estimate, it’s over $100 billion.
“I’ve staked everything on Big Won coming. This is solid evidence supporting Professor Mohan’s claims, and it’s cash I can show you.”
He asked, seemingly incredulous.
[Are you really crazy?]
Now the ball is in the Stamper administration’s court. If they were unaware before, now that they know, they must take so action.
If damage occurs from an earthquake, they will have to bear political responsibility. If they went through the chaos of evacuation and an earthquake doesn’t happen, they will still bear political responsibility.
Ultimately, they find themselves in a position of weighing those two outcos.
I asked Ronald.
“Now there’s only one month left. What will the President do?”
***
The situation changed rapidly after the press conference.
It was inconceivable for anyone to stay in San Francisco believing in Big Won’s potential.
So began leaving San Francisco and Silicon Valley first. A few companies also joined the exodus. It beca difficult to find large trucks and moving vehicles.
Ergency supplies like food, bottled water, and dical kits were flying off the shelves. Walmart’s aisles were empty, and many items on the largest online shopping platform, AMZ, showed “Sold Out.”
Conversely, the complaints from residents who remained in the area erupted.
Who would be pleased hearing about an imminent earthquake after buying an apartnt with a lifeti of savings?
Real estate prices in San Francisco and Silicon Valley had soared alongside the economic recovery and growth of IT companies. Yet, all those transactions vanished in an instant.
Multiple significant sales contracts fell through, and planned developnts were postponed. Construction companies building in the city faced dilemmas.
The financial market also plunged into shock. Stocks of IT companies with headquarters or operations in Silicon Valley plumted, and unrelated stocks fell due to fears of an economic slowdown.
The chaos spread beyond California, reaching the entire United States and the world.
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