IWSF – Ch 183

Time passed relentlessly.

A container ship carrying disaster relief supplies and aid products produced in China arrived at the San Francisco port. Electronic equipment 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 volumes 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 movements from the U.S. government.

A week had passed since the briefings from the White House, but there had been no announcement 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 someone from Hawaii, I’ve heard countless times 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 confirmed that the likelihood of a big one is extremely close to zero. Even if a small earthquake were to occur, both the federal and state governments are preparing all necessary measures. I urge the media to refrain from fueling anxiety with their articles and to trust in the government’s announcements. 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 me to keep quiet. The media also pointed this out.

One good thing was that Professor Mohan seemed to have more confidence than before. If he had succumbed to worsening public opinion and retracted his claims, the situation would have become 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 me.

“Hurry back to Korea with Taek-gyu.”

Next, I spoke with my mother.

“Your name 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 moment because calls were pouring in. This is Carrie’s phone.]

The professor spoke urgently.

[Oh! More importantly, I just discovered something crucial.]

“What is it?”

[There’s a high possibility of an earthquake occurring in Mexico 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 moment, something flashed in my mind.

-Mexico City Earthquake-

Another earthquake?

South America, too, is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so earthquakes occur frequently. The 2015 Chile earthquake is a prime example.

[Why are you silent? Can you hear me?]

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 me if you discover anything new.”

As soon as the call ended, Taek-gyu asked.

“What did you see this time?”

“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 something to ask you.”

***

Three days later.

I requested an emergency 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 come right over and try to talk me out of it. If she learns later, we’ll both be in big trouble.

Ellie asked me.

[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 someone believe in me.

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 documents that Ellie sent.

I looked at Taekgyu and said, “You don’t have to do this too.”

“What do you mean? 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 me to live comfortably.”

“Ah…”

Could it be that he knew it would come to this and gave his sister a portion of his share?

Taekgyu placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “Sometimes, I might give you some pocket money, my friend.”

“…Get lost.”

Well, even if I said that, I felt somewhat reassured. There are plenty of people willing to take care of me, so I don’t think I need to worry about starving in the future.

I looked at the watch Ellie gave me. “It’s time. I’ll be back soon.”

“Have a good trip.”

***

The press conference room was already crowded with numerous journalists.

Major American media 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 media outlets to gather. It made me feel quite successful.

As soon as I entered, a barrage of cameras was aimed at me.

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 governments must immediately establish evacuation plans and rescue measures for residents.”

I communicated the strategies established by Professor Mohan, who divided the affected areas into A1, A2, and A3, directly to the media. Everyone looked astonished.

“Are there any questions?”

As soon as I finished speaking, the journalists bombarded me 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 assessment 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 me to be speaking like this: I was either mad or had another agenda.

That’s why they were treating me 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 some criticism regarding the investment. 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 investments, 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 Mexico 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 government’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 me?

I took out the documents I had brought.

“I will deposit the entire stake of the representative and vice-representative with the state government of California. If nothing happens by the end of September, 97% of OTK Company’s shares will belong to the state government 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 camera and said, “The Big One is sure to come.”

***

After the press conference.

We sent the deposit documents to the court, notarized by the lawyer. There’s no turning back now. If Big One doesn’t come 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 some 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 come, and I’m telling them to get ready. If just a few of them would believe me, 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 time.

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 American 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 me 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 some 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 outcomes.

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.

Some began leaving San Francisco and Silicon Valley first. A few companies also joined the exodus. It became difficult to find large trucks and moving vehicles.

Emergency supplies like food, bottled water, and medical 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 apartment with a lifetime 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 developments 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 plummeted, and unrelated stocks fell due to fears of an economic slowdown.

The chaos spread beyond California, reaching the entire United States and the world.