SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Sanchez’s expression hardened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Morgan Company, huh…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He slowly took out a cigar and lit it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Lee, I think you’re gravely mistaken.”
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He exhaled a long plume of smoke.
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“This isn’t New York. This is Cuba.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What does that mean?”
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“In Cuba, Cuban laws apply.”
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Fernandez chimed in.
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“Our families have lived on this land for 300 years. We received this land directly from the Spanish Royal Family.”
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“So?”
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“An American company? Morgan? What makes you think that means anything?”
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Gomez, one of the landowners, snorted disdainfully.
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“Just because you have some money, you think you can act like the owner of this land?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee calmly surveyed them all.
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None of the five men were hiding their hostility.
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“Did I do something wrong?”
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“Wrong? Your very existence is wrong. How dare an Oriental be here…”
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Sanchez stopped mid-sentence.
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But the unspoken insult was clear enough.
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“Racism isn’t good business practice,” Lee said coldly.
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“Business?”
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Lopez slammed his hand on the table.
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“This isn’t about business, it’s a matter of tradition!”
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“Calm down,” Sanchez stopped Lopez, then turned back to Lee.
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“This is my final offer: $1,000, cash, right now.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I refuse.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’ll regret it.”
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“That won’t happen.”
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Sanchez stood up.
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The other landowners followed suit.
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“Whatever happens from now on, don’t expect mercy from us.”
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As they turned to leave, Lee called out.
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“Wait.”
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Sanchez looked back.
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“What?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Anyone interested in buying molasses?”
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A tense silence filled the room.
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“Molasses?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There are 200 tons in stock. I’ll sell at market price.”
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Fernandez laughed incredulously.
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“Why would we buy from you?”
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“Business is business.”
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“Mr. Lee,” Sanchez stepped closer.
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He pushed his face near, mixing the scent of cigar and whiskey.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“We don’t trade with you. Not now, not ever.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then I’ll sell it myself.”
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“Hah!”
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Everyone burst into laughter.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Who would buy it? How will you handle shipping?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll find a way.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Find out if it’s even possible.”
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They left.
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No one spoke until the sound of horses’ hooves faded into the distance.
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“Señor…”
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Jose was the first to speak.
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“What will you do now?”
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Lee looked out the window.
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“Carlos, is there a place in Matanzas where I can send a telegram?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There’s a post office.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Good. I need to send a telegram to Thomas Morgan.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“For what?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“For urgent support on selling 200 tons of molasses.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Carlos nodded.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“And Jose.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Start the harvest at dawn tomorrow. Mobilize all eight men.”
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“But transportation—”
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“I’ll handle it.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee’s eyes gleamed sharply.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If they want war…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He clenched his fist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“We’ll give them war.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Jose and Carlos exchanged glances.
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Their faces showed worry, but also a hint of hope.
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No one had ever stood up to them like this before.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Inside the carriage returning to Matanzas.
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Carlos spoke with concern.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Are you sure about this? If we turn them into enemies…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“They already are enemies.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee spoke firmly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“From the start, they never intended to acknowledge us.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“But if we openly antagonize them, we won’t be able to do anything. Recruiting laborers, buying supplies—”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There’s a way.”
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The carriage jolted over rough roads.
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The suspension was terrible.
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But Lee had no time to care.
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One thousand dollars… such a ridiculously low price.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The land alone would be worth more, not to mention the warehouse holding 200 tons of molasses.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Thieves without shame.”
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The carriage arrived in Matanzas.
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The post office was near the central plaza.
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It still used a building from the Spanish colonial era.
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“Wait here,” Carlos said as he entered first.
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Lee sat on a bench in the plaza.
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4 p.m.
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The sun was starting to set but the heat lingered.
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The plaza had a fair number of people—merchants, laborers, and those strolling leisurely.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There’s some life here.”
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About ten minutes later, Carlos returned.
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“I sent it. It should arrive in New York by tomorrow morning.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Thank you.”
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“Any other plans?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee stood.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Let’s go to the harbor.”
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“The harbor?”
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Matanzas harbor was on the city’s north side.
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Smaller than Havana’s but still busy.
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Ships loaded with sugar and molasses were docked.
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“What’s that over there?”
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Lee pointed.
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“That’s the Chinese Quarter.”
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“Chinese?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, quite a few Chinese immigrants live there. Mostly small-scale traders.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee’s eyes sparkled.
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“Let’s go.”
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The Chinese Quarter was at the eastern edge of the harbor.
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Small shops crowded tightly together.
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Signs were written in Chinese.
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The signs were in Cantonese.
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“Do you speak Chinese?”
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Carlos asked.
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“A little.”
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Lee didn’t actually know Chinese but could recognize some characters.
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Most people his age wouldn’t know either unless they worked in related fields or were scholars.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They entered a shop.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Inside were all sorts of sundries—Chinese tea, porcelain, textiles, and medicinal herbs.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Welcome!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A man in his fifties greeted them in Cantonese.
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Lee replied in English.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Hello. Do you speak English?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Ah, English? A little.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The man spoke in halting English.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“How may I help you?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“My name is Lee Junhyuk. I’m Korean.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Korean?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The man’s eyes widened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Oh, nice to meet you! I am Wei Liang.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They shook hands.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“How did you come all this way…?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I run a farm—the Santa Rosa Plantation.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Oh, I’ve heard. An Oriental bought a plantation.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Rumors had already spread.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Are you interested in trade?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee asked directly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Trade? What kind?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Molasses. About 200 tons.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang’s expression turned serious.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“200 tons of molasses… what’s the price?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“At market rate.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Shipping?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s the problem.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee was honest.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The Spanish landowners won’t cooperate.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I see.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang nodded.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Those people have always been like that. Many of us Chinese have suffered from them.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Do you have any independent shipping routes?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang paused, then said,
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There’s a small boat. Originally used for Chinese goods…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Can it carry molasses?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It can. But…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His voice lowered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“…it could be dangerous. They won’t leave us alone.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’m willing to take that risk.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee said firmly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang studied him carefully.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was rare to see a young Oriental show such resolve.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Wait a moment.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang went inside the shop.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Voices speaking Cantonese were heard—probably family.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
About five minutes later, he returned with another man.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A younger Chinese man in his early thirties.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“This is my son, Zhen Hao. He speaks English better.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Nice to meet you.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee shook hands with Zhen Hao.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Father told me you want to ship 200 tons of molasses?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, that’s right.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Our boat is small. It can only carry about 50 tons at a time.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then we make four round trips.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s the issue…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao hesitated.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Please, speak.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The Spanish landowners control the harbor. Small operators like us have to stay quiet.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll pay enough.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s not about the money.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao shook his head.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If we confront them, we won’t be able to do business either.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The atmosphere grew heavy.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Carlos watched with a helpless expression.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang spoke to Zhen Hao in Chinese.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They argued briefly before sighing.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“My father says we should help fellow Orientals.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Really?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, but there are conditions.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Tell me.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“First, shipping costs $5 per ton. Cheaper than market but comes with risk.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Fine.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Second, shipping only at night. Between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“No problem.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Third…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao looked at Lee.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If something happens, we won’t be responsible. Understand?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I understand.”
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Zhen Hao looked to his father.
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Wei Liang nodded.
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“Good. When do you want to start?”
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“As soon as possible. Even tomorrow.”
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“Tomorrow’s too soon. How about the day after tomorrow at dawn?”
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“Fine.”
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They shook hands.
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“Oh, and…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Wei Liang took something from the counter.
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A small wooden carving.
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A symbol of good fortune was engraved on it.
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“Good luck.”
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“Thank you.”
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They left the shop.
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Darkness had already fallen outside.
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“It’s settled.”
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Carlos breathed a relieved sigh.
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“This is the first step.”
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“But it could be really dangerous. If they find out…”
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“They mustn’t.”
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Lee smiled.
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“Only Jose will know. We’ll only use two or three trustworthy workers.”
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“Still…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Carlos.”
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Lee looked at him.
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“It’s already started. No turning back.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
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On the train back to Havana.
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Lee did the calculations.
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200 tons shipping cost: $1,000.
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Molasses sells for about $130 per ton.
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Total: $26,000.
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After deducting shipping and other expenses, $24,000 remains.
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“With this money…”
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He could restore the plantation and still have some left.
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Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.
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The Spanish landowners wouldn’t just stand by.
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But there was a way.
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“They must have a weak point.”
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Monopolies, collusion, price fixing.
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They were surely engaging in illegal activities.
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When the train arrived in Havana, it was past 9 p.m.
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Returning to his lodging, Maria waited anxiously.
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“Señor! You haven’t eaten dinner…”
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“I’m fine. I’m tired and just want to sleep.”
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“You should eat something, at least a little.”
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Maria brought him warm milk and bread.
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The warm milk soothed his stomach.
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His spirits lifted a bit.
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At 5 a.m. the next day, Lee was already awake and prepared.
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He had to leave earlier than yesterday.
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There was much to do on the plantation.
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He sipped coffee and opened the notes he made the day before.
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Check harvestable areas.
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Begin work with laborers.
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Organize warehouse and inspect molasses.
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Select trustworthy workers.
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“Señor?”
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Maria appeared.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re up early.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I need to get to the plantation soon.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What about breakfast?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll eat something quick on the way.”
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Maria busied herself preparing breakfast.
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Fried eggs, toast, and fruit.
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“Maria.”
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“Yes?”
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“Are there any available workers around here? I need people for work.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Maria thought for a moment.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I have some farmhands, but plantation work is tough…”
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“I’ll pay well.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Really? I’ll ask around.”
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At 6 a.m., Carlos arrived.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Are you ready?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, let’s depart.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
On the way to the train station.
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Carlos spoke anxiously.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The news probably spread yesterday.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I expected that.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I don’t know what will happen on the plantation.”
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“That’s why we have to move faster.”
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On the train, Lee reviewed his plans again.
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First shipment scheduled for dawn the day after tomorrow.
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Until then, they had to select and pack the molasses.
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They also needed trustworthy laborers.
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“I hope Jose cooperates.”
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Arriving in Matanzas, they took a carriage.
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On the way to the plantation, Lee recalled the agreement with Zhen Hao.
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At 2 a.m., molasses had to be transported from the plantation to the harbor.
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“Attention!”
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As soon as they arrived at the plantation, Lee called out.
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Jose came out of the office.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re early.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What about the laborers?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“They’ll be here soon.”
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“Good. Let’s go to the warehouse.”
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They opened the doors.
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Lee could see more clearly than before.
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Sacks of molasses lined the walls.
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“We need to inspect these sacks.”
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Lee opened one.
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Fortunately, it wasn’t damp.
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The quality looked good.
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“Jose, who can we trust?”
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“Trustworthy?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes. Someone who can keep secrets.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Jose thought briefly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Miguel, Pablo… and Ramon.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Call the three.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Ten minutes later, three laborers arrived.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel was the sturdy man Lee had seen yesterday, in his forties.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Pablo was in his thirties, Ramon in his late twenties.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I have a special task for you.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee spoke.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It may be dangerous, but I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The three looked at each other.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What kind of task?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel asked.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s transporting molasses. But…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee lowered his voice.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It must be done at dawn, in secret.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Why secret?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Don’t you see? The Spanish landowners are interfering with us.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel’s expression hardened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“So we have to avoid those people.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes. We’re trading with Chinese merchants.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Silence fell.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Ramon spoke first.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll do it.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Ramon!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Pablo was surprised.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s dangerous.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Still… how long has it been since I had a job and got paid?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel sighed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“How much will you pay?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Five pesos per day. More than double usual.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The three’s eyes widened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Five pesos…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“And a bonus if it succeeds.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel nodded decisively.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Alright, I’m in.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Pablo nodded as well.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Thank you.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee said sincerely.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then let’s begin. First, inspect the molasses sacks…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At that moment, the sound of hooves came from outside.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Several horses.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Looking out, Lee saw it wasn’t the Spanish landowners.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They wore uniforms.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s the Police.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Jose said in a tense voice.
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