The impeachment vote for the U.S. president took place at midnight Korean time.
The Golden Gate Korean branch was brightly lit throughout the entire building. Most employees had given up going home and remained at the office, all anxiously watching the TV.
Other financial companies likely shared a similar atmosphere.
As the plummeting U.S. stock market received news that the impeachment articles had passed the House by an overwhelming margin, it attempted a rebound. There were hopes that Ronald’s resignation would resolve the uncertainty.
Hyun-joo also came out of the branch manager’s office to watch the TV with the staff.
Ellie asked Hyun-joo with a look of panic, “So what will happen to Jin-hoo now?”
Hyun-joo extinguished the cigarette she was smoking and replied, “It’s over.”
She had opposed this from the beginning.
Yet her inability to dissuade them stemmed from the firmness of their intentions. Unlike the Brexit situation, where everything was a gamble, she thought experiencing failure this time might not be so bad.
However, as time went on, the situation escalated uncontrollably.
The OTK Company shares were frozen, the U.S. president was moved to declare an emergency measure, and ultimately, an unprecedented impeachment of the president unfolded.
At this point, losing money wasn’t the issue; the concern was whether they could return safely to Korea.
Ellie exclaimed urgently, “We need to go to the U.S. right now.”
Hyun-joo nodded, “That’s the best course of action. Let’s head to the airport immediately.”
If they couldn’t secure plane tickets, she was considering reaching out to Seoseong Electronics to rent a private jet.
However, the resignation announcement couldn’t be completed.
“Gasp!”
“Oh my gosh!”
“Things are getting ridiculous…”
The TV screen displayed images of a collapsed city.
Could that really be San Francisco?
In the Korean branch, there were several Americans working. Those who witnessed the tragedy happening in their homeland were so shocked that they sank to the ground or burst into tears.
Everyone was too stunned to say a word.
After a moment, Ellie, with tear-filled eyes, said, “Jin-hoo was right. The Big One really came.”
Hyun-joo braced herself on the desk with both hands to avoid collapsing.
“I really can’t live because of these kids.”
Unlike most financial firms, Golden Gate had bet on the Big One. They would likely make enormous profits.
Watching the devastated city, she didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad… but regardless, she decided to take comfort in the fact that her brother was safe.
***
OTK Company’s headquarters also had more than half of its employees delayed in leaving, watching the TV in the office.
Kang Jin-hoo had been hoarding raw materials in the market for months. However, he repeatedly stated that the purpose of acquiring these materials was for disaster recovery, not for making money.
That said, he didn’t truly have no intention of making money. He had accurately predicted the disaster and informed everyone about it; how could he not profit from that?
“Wow!”
The employees, who had been cheering, changed their expressions when they saw Henry and Michael Lee. What must the Americans be feeling right now?
Setting that aside, being pleased by such a disaster is not what it means to be human.
Park Sang-yeop mumbled in disbelief.
“I can’t believe he actually got it right.”
Kang Jin-hoo had gained fame by predicting various crisis situations. But upon reflection, Brexit and Ronald’s election were just unexpected events on the scheduled voting days.
There were a number of experts who predicted those (though few made money from that investment).
However, earthquakes were different.
This was not just a question of whether the Big One would come, but rather when it would arrive.
Of course, Park Sang-yeop thought it was unlikely that Kang Jin-hoo would make a wrong choice, but it was unreasonable to have complete confidence based solely on Professor Mohan’s words.
“I can’t shake the feeling that professor might be a fraud.”
In any case, given the instructions to bet on the Big One, Park Sang-yeop acted as directed. Up until this point, he hadn’t been overly proactive.
However, the story changed after Kang Jin-hoo deposited his shares with the state government of California.
If the Big One came, there would be a significant profit, and the share deposit would be voided. Conversely, if the Big One did not come, there would be considerable losses, but the shares would transfer to the California state government.
In other words, profits belonged to the company, while losses were the state government’s responsibility.
With the situation being like this, Park Sang-yeop could invest the company’s money in risky products without any burden. He leveraged the situation to buy put options while simultaneously purchasing dollars and yen in the foreign exchange market and selling emerging market currencies.
The time mentioned by Kang Jin-hoo was until the end of September, and now only a few days remain until that date.
Everyone thought he was wrong.
But today, that event finally happened!
Immediately, the entire American stock market, including the U.S., was shocked and staggered. In contrast, gold, oil, and raw materials soared, and the won-dollar exchange rate quickly surpassed 1,400 won.
As the day breaks, Asian markets will begin to plummet one after another. Stock investors will struggle to sleep tonight.
The exact profit will only be known after liquidating positions, but it will certainly exceed $10 billion. This amount will not only cover the expenses incurred while preparing for Big One but also leave a surplus.
While money is important, Park Sang-yeop thought of something else.
The events of the past month flashed through his mind. Daily protests by conservative groups in front of the company, misleading articles written by irresponsible journalists, media manipulation and fabrication, police merely watching with arms crossed, raids by prosecutors, assaults, and controversies, and so on.
Such events couldn’t have happened without a reason. There was surely a hidden agenda, and he had his suspicions about who was behind it.
“It must be revenge for the Hoseong Savings Bank incident.”
It’s not hard to understand that sentiment. They probably thought Kang Jin-hoo would collapse, but the results turned out to be the exact opposite.
Now, Kang Jin-hoo has become a hero who saved the U.S. from crisis!
Park Sang-yeop untied the bandage from his head and shouted.
“The counterattack begins, you bastards.”
***
The risk of “Big One” emerged two months ago.
The reason is, of course, aftershock awareness. Since then, the federal government and the California state government have been preparing for earthquakes.
The importance of prompt response in disasters cannot be overstated. The success of rescue operations depends on how many personnel are deployed efficiently in the early stages of a disaster.
Whether military or fire departments, intense rescue training was conducted for a while. Until then, many thought it was a crazy idea.
People grumbled that they were undergoing unnecessary training because of the aftershocks and Ronald. But when the event actually occurred, the narrative changed.
California military base.
Helicopters were secured to avoid collisions. Therefore, despite a significant shock passing through, there were hardly any damaged helicopters.
Colonel Lucas shouted to his subordinates.
“The military exists for the people! Our mission is to save as many lives as possible! Understood?”
The subordinates responded in unison.
“Understood!”
At this moment, all helicopters were fully fueled and equipped with rescue gear. As soon as the dispatch order was given, dozens of helicopters took off in succession from the military base.
A similar situation unfolded at the fire station.
The San Francisco Bay area was declared an emergency disaster zone, and flammable materials were removed from gas stations and storage tanks were emptied.
Thanks to this, a large-scale explosion did not occur, but power lines were cut, gas pipelines were destroyed, and fires broke out everywhere.
Fires make escape and rescue even more difficult.
Both rescue helicopters and fire helicopters immediately deployed.
***
The military and rescue teams launched operations centered around the danger zones.
The relatively less affected outskirts inevitably faced a shortage of rescue personnel. Civilian rescue teams were deployed here.
Big One shook all of California.
The disaster broadcasts that played at all times proved to be a great help in situations like this. Mario quickly took his family into the shelter in their mansion, waiting for the aftershocks to pass.
At that moment, a crackling sound accompanied by a transmission came through.
“[CK4875. If you can hear me, respond!]”
Mario immediately picked up the radio and responded.
“CK4875. I’m listening.”
“[Please depart immediately for rescue. Is it possible?]”
Mario looked at his trembling family. They shook their heads, indicating he shouldn’t go.
He recalled what the young staff member who set up the GPS and radio had said.
‘If anything happens, your helicopter will be a great help to someone.’
Right now, that someone could be desperately waiting for his assistance.
Mario spoke into the radio.
“Of course. I will depart immediately.”
“[I will send the location of the survivors via GPS.]”
“Understood.”
Mario got on the helicopter. The GPS installed by the staff displayed the location.
His grandson, cradled in his mother’s arms, watched his grandfather board the helicopter with wide eyes.
“Where are you going, Grandpa?”
Mario gave a thumbs up towards his grandson.
“I’m going to save people and come back, Diego.”
***
Silicon Valley, Palo Alto.
Despite the government’s evacuation plan, most citizens remained in the city. With their homes and livelihoods established there, leaving wasn’t easy.
Moreover, most experts and politicians continued to deny the possibility of a major disaster, which provided some reassurance.
Just ten days ago, the headquarters and research labs of numerous IT companies here were operating vigorously. However, due to the government’s oppressive measures, businesses were forced into indefinite shutdowns, and those with nothing to do gathered in pubs inside high-rise buildings to drink during the day.
Two photos were taped to the dartboard.
They were of Ronald and Kang Jin-hoo. People threw darts at the pictures as a game. The photos were riddled with countless holes.
On the large TV mounted on the wall, Ronald’s resignation announcement was playing.
“Who voted that guy as president?”
“Listening to Kang Jin-hoo’s words has led to this!”
Everyone laughed joyfully while drinking.
Beep beep beep!
But at that moment, notifications rang out simultaneously from everyone’s smartphones.
[Massive earthquake reported off the coast south of San Francisco!
Residents in the area are advised to evacuate immediately!]
“What’s going on?”
“Could it be…?”
At first, everyone thought it was a joke.
But in that moment.
Boom!
A violent shock shook the building.
“Ahhh!”
“Ahhhhh!”
The windows shattered simultaneously as if hit by a bomb. The lights hanging from the ceiling fell down over their heads.
People covered their heads with their hands and crawled under the tables. The building continued to shake violently in all directions.
Just before the TV screen went dark, the anchor’s urgent voice came through.
“The Big One has hit! Everyone, run…”
The white man who had just been throwing darts at Kang Jin-hoo’s face burst into tears.
“Damn it! Kang Jin-hoo was right!”
Others felt the same way.
“Why didn’t we listen to him?”
“Who the hell said the Big One wasn’t coming?”
How long had it been?
Finally, the vibrations stopped.
“Is it all over?”
“Are we… alive?”
“Oh, God. Thank you.”
They tried to get up to exit the building. However, the elevator had stopped working, and the staircase had collapsed.
At that moment, the building shook violently again.
“It’s an aftershock!”
The earthquake wasn’t over yet!
The building was leaning slightly to the side. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before it completely collapsed.
Someone shouted.
“Let’s go to the rooftop!”
Most buildings keep the rooftop doors locked to prevent accidents. However, after being designated as an emergency disaster area, it became mandatory to keep them open for evacuation.
They ran up the stairs.
As they reached the rooftop, a shocking scene unfolded before them.
The high-rise buildings that adorned the skyline of the city had collapsed. The roads were split open like crevasses, and people and vehicles alike were sucked into the ground.
Is this really the appearance of Palo Alto?
People collapsed to the ground in despair.
“This, this must be a dream.”
“H-how could this happen…?”
“We should have evacuated earlier!”
“I, I don’t want to die like this! Please, help me!”
“We’re all going to die!”
Suddenly, it felt as if the sky was darkening.
As everyone fell into despair, a young woman shouted.
“That’s not true! Look over there!”
She pointed to the sky, and the people turned their heads in unison.
Countless helicopters were flying, seemingly blocking out the sun.
Nooo, no dust