Chapter 81: Journey to Cuba

Tuesday, July 6, 1920, Morning

New York Port was bustling from early morning, operating with the precision and energy of a massive machine.

Gigantic passenger ships, towering like skyscrapers, were lined up at the docks, while cranes worked tirelessly, loading and unloading cargo.

Seagulls circled overhead, their sharp cries blending with the sound of ship horns and the shouts of people, creating the unique noise of the port.

Lee Jun-hyuk stood at the pier, gazing at the ship where they would spend the next three days.

SS Orizaba. One of the most luxurious passenger liners of its time, traveling back and forth between Cuba and Havana.

The pure white hull glittered in the morning sunlight, and thick black smoke rose from the tall funnels, signaling preparations for departure.

“My goodness, what a gigantic ship!”

Catherine exclaimed in genuine admiration. She wore a light beige two-piece suitable for travel, shielding herself from the harsh sun with a wide-brimmed hat.

“Does a ship that size really float? Are you sure it’s safe?”

James Morgan asked worriedly, leaning on his cane.

He looked paler than usual.

The prospect of a long journey to an unfamiliar place seemed quite burdensome for him at his age.

“Don’t worry, James. This route is very safe, and I’ve heard the Orizaba is the best ship.”

Lee Jun-hyuk reassured him.

He watched as the porters loaded their luggage.

Three trunks made from the finest leather and several bags, large and small. It was a lot for just a week’s trip, but most of it belonged to James and Catherine.

“Mister Lee!”

Someone called out to him.

Turning around, he saw Robert O’Brien.

It seemed he had come to see them off early in the morning.

“Have a safe journey. We’ll guard the company like hawks in your absence.”

“Thank you. Is Dr. Yu Ilhan busy?”

“Yes, he’s practically living at the factory. Since morning, he’s been wrestling with the engineers about expanding a new production line.”

After their great success in Chicago, orders for La Choy had skyrocketed. With the decision to expand their distribution network to Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, production was struggling to keep up with demand.

“Please tell him not to overdo it.”

“Yes, I’ll be sure to pass on your message.”

At last, it was time to board.

Third-class passengers began to board first, climbing the narrow gangway.

Most were immigrants in shabby clothes, clutching modest bundles. They were heading to the unknown land of Cuba in search of better jobs.

Their faces were a mix of hope and anxiety.

Second-class passengers followed next.

Many were middle-class families dressed neatly, and the children were so excited to be on such a large ship for the first time that they chattered loudly.

And finally, it was time for the first-class passengers.

“Welcome aboard.”

The chief steward, impeccably dressed in a crisp white uniform, greeted them politely. He checked their tickets and personally guided them.

“I’ll escort you to your Royal Suite Room on A Deck.”

The main staircase to the deck was wide and splendid.

A plush red carpet was laid out, and paintings of seascapes hung on the walls. It felt like a luxury hotel floating on the sea.

The suite was a set of three connected rooms.

A spacious living room and two bedrooms.

Beyond the large windows, the view was still the bustling port. All the furniture was made of fine mahogany, and a vase of fresh flowers sat on the table as a welcoming gesture.

“Do you like it, sir?”

The steward asked.

“It’s perfect. I like it very much.”

James replied with satisfaction.

They unpacked and stepped out onto the deck.

As departure drew near, a long, low horn sounded. On the dock, those seeing off their loved ones waved handkerchiefs.

“We’ll be leaving soon.”

Catherine said, leaning on the railing.

The sea breeze ruffled her hair, carrying with it the salty scent and the thrill of an unknown world.

The horn sounded a second time, and as the ropes were untied, the giant ship began to move.

Slowly, ever so slowly. As the ship left the dock, the waving people grew smaller and the great buildings of New York receded into the distance.

“We’re really leaving now.”

James murmured softly.

“It’s been forty years since I last went on a business trip when I was young. Back then, there wasn’t a ship as big or fine as this.”

Once the ship cleared the harbor, it began to pick up speed.

The Statue of Liberty passed by on the left.

With her torch held high, she seemed to be blessing their journey to a new world.

It was time for lunch.

The first-class dining room was dazzlingly splendid.

A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and every table was draped in fresh white cloths. Waiters were preparing for service.

“Would you like to order?”

A waiter brought over the menu.

It was a course of the finest French cuisine.

“We’ll have today’s recommendation.”

James ordered.

The soup arrived first.

The rich lobster bisque had an exquisite flavor.

Though the ship swayed slightly, it wasn’t enough to cause discomfort.

“Are you seasick, Grandpa?”

Catherine asked with concern.

“Not yet. Thankfully, the sea is very calm.”

The main dish was a tender filet steak. The fact that they could eat such a meal while floating in the middle of the sea was simply amazing.

“By the way, who is this Jose?”

Catherine asked.

“He was originally the manager of the plantation I acquired, but now he’s in charge of all our business in Cuba.”

Lee Jun-hyuk explained.

“He doesn’t talk much, but he’s the most trustworthy person I know. He’s worked quietly on that plantation for over twenty years.”

“And what about this Delgado?”

“He’s… a rather complicated man.”

Lee Jun-hyuk paused to think.

“He was once a loyal subordinate of my old enemy, Escobar. At first, he even tried to kill me. But now, he’s the most enthusiastic employee of La Choy, and my man.”

“That’s a fascinating story.”

James said.

“It’s a good example of how anyone can change.”

After the meal, they stepped back out onto the deck.

By now, New York had completely disappeared from view.

All around them was endless blue sea, the horizon stretching on forever.

“Shall we take a look around the ship?”

Catherine suggested.

The first-class section was truly luxurious.

There was a refined lounge, a library filled with rare books, and even a smoking room for gentlemen. There was a small swimming pool as well, though it had not yet been filled with water.

They also passed through the second-class area.

It wasn’t as grand as first class, but it was clean and tidy.

But the third-class section was a completely different world.

“How about third class?”

Curious, Catherine led them downstairs.

It was truly different there. Narrow, dark corridors with tiny rooms packed together like a beehive, and crowds of people everywhere.

The air was poor.

Perhaps because of bad ventilation, the smells of dampness and food mixed together. Here was the harsh reality faced by the immigrants chasing hope they had seen on deck.

“That’s enough, let’s go back up.”

James frowned, clearly uncomfortable.

That night, since James was tired, they had dinner via room service.

“Tomorrow will be a whole day at sea.”

Catherine remarked, looking out the window.

As the sun tilted westward, it painted the sea in shades of gold.

“Yes. By tomorrow evening, we should arrive at Havana Port.”

“It’s a long journey.”

James went to bed early, and Lee Jun-hyuk and Catherine stepped out onto the deck once more. The night sea was tranquil, and the sky was ablaze with stars never visible in the city.

“My goodness… there are so many stars.”

Catherine tilted her head back to look up.

The Milky Way shone clearly, like a river of light.

“In the lights of New York, you can’t even imagine a sky like this.”

Lee Jun-hyuk stood beside her.

“In the countryside near Pyongyang, you can sometimes see stars like these.”

A cool sea breeze blew.

The July night wind on the Atlantic Ocean was gentle.

“I’m worried about Grandpa.”

Catherine said in a small voice.

“I saw him secretly taking nitroglycerin at dinner.”

“It seems the sea voyage is harder on him than he expected.”

“When we reach Cuba, we’ll make sure he gets plenty of rest.”

Other passengers were also out on the deck.

Some couples strolled arm in arm, whispering their love, while some gentlemen smoked cigars, lost in thought.

The first-class night was peaceful and elegant.

“What should we do tomorrow?”

Catherine asked.

“In the morning, I plan to read a book in the library.”

“That sounds good. I brought a book as well.”

“What book?”

“Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’.”

“Ah, a romance novel.”

Catherine laughed.

“It reminds me of us. It’s about a love that overcomes class, race, and all the world’s prejudices.”

They walked a little more.

They went to the stern and then turned back.

Only the soft hum of the engines and the rhythmic sound of the waves accompanied their steps.

At eleven, they each returned to their rooms.

“Good night, Mr. Jun-hyuk.”

Lee Jun-hyuk lay down on his bed.

The gentle rocking of the ship felt rather comforting. He gazed at the starlight pouring in through the window.

A year ago, he had crossed this sea alone, desperate. Now, he was crossing it with the person he loved.

Wednesday, July 7

When he opened his eyes in the morning, the ship was still sailing on the open ocean.

Coming out to the living room, James was already up, reading the newspaper.

“Did you sleep well, sir?”

“The ship’s rocking kept me from sleeping deeply.”

Catherine soon appeared.

Wearing a sky-blue dress, she looked as fresh as the morning sunlight. Breakfast in the dining room was pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs. The coffee, likely made from Cuban beans, was especially fragrant.

“What’s on today’s agenda?”

“In the morning, I’ll be in the library. In the afternoon, I’ll rest on deck.”

“I’ll rest in my room. I’m still a bit tired.”

The library was larger and grander than expected.

Lee Jun-hyuk chose Adam Smith’s ‘The Wealth of Nations’ once again, while Catherine really did begin reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

The two of them sat side by side on a sofa by the window, each lost in their own book.

From time to time, they glanced at each other and shared quiet smiles, but there was no need for conversation. Just being together was happiness enough.

By lunchtime, they went to the dining room.

James came out as well, looking noticeably healthier than at breakfast.

“After seeing nothing but the sea, I feel as if a weight’s been lifted off my chest.”

In the afternoon, they lay on sunbeds on the deck, enjoying the sun.

The warm sunlight and the cool sea breeze made for a perfect combination.

Toward evening, something faint appeared on the horizon.

“What’s that? Another ship?”

“No, it’s an island. Probably one of the smaller islands of the Bahamas.”

Small islands lush with palm trees gradually appeared.

It was a sign they were nearing the tropics.

Dinner was a banquet hosted by the Captain.

All first-class passengers were invited.

Lee Jun-hyuk wore a tuxedo, and Catherine donned an elegant evening dress.

“You look truly beautiful.”

“Thank you, Mr. Jun-hyuk, you look very handsome as well.”

The Captain was a cheerful Englishman in his fifties.

“Is this your first time in Cuba, madam?”

“Yes, it is. I’m very excited.”

“Are you traveling for business?”

The Captain asked Lee Jun-hyuk.

“Yes, I own a small sugar plantation there.”

“Oh, Cuban sugar is of the finest quality in the world. Especially these days, I hear the prices are stable, so it’s a good time for business.”

Lee Jun-hyuk smiled inwardly.

Just a few months ago, this Captain could never have imagined how he had shaken up those ‘stable’ sugar prices.

The banquet proceeded through seven courses, and since they were in international waters, fine wine flowed freely despite Prohibition.

After the banquet, Lee Jun-hyuk and Catherine stepped onto the deck again.

The night sea was as before.

Stars filled the sky, and the moon was bright.

“Tomorrow, we’ll finally be in Cuba.”

Catherine said, her voice full of anticipation.

“A bit nervous?”

“Yes, a little. I’ll finally see with my own eyes the world you’ve built from scratch.”

“It’s nothing special. Just blazing sun, sugarcane fields, and good people.”

“No, to me, it’s very special. Because it’s the world you made.”

They walked on, hand in hand.

“Do you think, someday, we could go to Pyongyang together, just like this?”

Catherine asked.

“Of course. I’ll make sure of it.”

The wind blew.

Now, mixed in the breeze was the unfamiliar scent of tropical flowers and earth.

It was the fragrance of the tropics.

Tomorrow, they would arrive in Cuba.