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4 a.m.
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Lee Jun-hyuk was already awake.
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Outside the window, it was still dark.
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The plantation was silent.
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Only traces of last night’s festival remained.
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A few sheets of paper lay on the desk.
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A draft Contract with Sanchez, and information about Fernandez.
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“Twenty mercenaries…”
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He had to avoid a direct confrontation.
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Meeting force with force would lose them the moral high ground.
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Besides, this was their land.
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Knock knock.
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“Please come in.”
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Jose entered.
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“You’re up early.”
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“Likewise, Jose.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk smiled.
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“And the men we requested last night?”
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“They’re all on standby. Ten in total, including Miguel, Pablo, and Ramon.”
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“Good.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk stood.
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“Let’s depart now.”
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“Now? Where to?”
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“Fernandez’s farm.”
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Jose’s eyes widened.
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“Before they arrive, we’ll get there first.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk looked out the window.
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The eastern sky was faintly brightening.
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“But it’s risky. If they’re armed…”
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“That’s exactly why we’re going at dawn.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk met Jose’s gaze.
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“We’re not going to use violence. We’re going to talk.”
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“Talk?”
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“Yes. A very special kind of talk.”
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Thirty minutes later.
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Eleven men rode horses out of the plantation.
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The dawn mist was thick.
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Only the sound of hooves broke the silence.
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“Mr. Lee.”
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Ramon rode up beside him.
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“Are you sure this is safe? Fernandez is…”
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“I know.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk nodded.
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“But sometimes a preemptive strike is the best defense.”
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They had been riding for about an hour when Fernandez’s farm came into view.
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As expected, it was still quiet.
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There was almost no security.
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“Only two guards.”
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Miguel pointed.
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Two guards were dozing off.
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“Let’s pass quietly.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk said.
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“We’re visitors, not intruders.”
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The group entered the farm silently.
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The main house was visible.
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It was the large residence where Fernandez lived.
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“Wait here.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk dismounted.
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“I’ll go in alone.”
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“That’s dangerous!”
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“It’s fine.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk smiled.
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“If I don’t come out within ten minutes, then you come in.”
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“Yes.”
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He knocked on the front door.
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After a while, a servant appeared.
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“Who is it?”
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“I’m here to see Mr. Fernandez. Lee Jun-hyuk from Santa Rosa.”
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The servant’s face turned pale.
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“H-He’s probably…”
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“Sleeping. Please wake him. It’s important.”
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“But—”
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“Or may I enter myself?”
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Lee Jun-hyuk’s voice was gentle but firm.
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The servant hurried inside.
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About five minutes later—
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“What the hell is this?”
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Fernandez came running out in pajamas.
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His face was flushed with anger.
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“Good morning, Mr. Fernandez.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk greeted respectfully.
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“Good morning.”
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Fernandez glared.
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“How dare you come uninvited at dawn!”
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“Sorry for the unexpected visit.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk bowed his head.
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A short silence.
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Fernandez glanced outside.
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Ten men waited on horseback.
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They were unarmed but looked tough.
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“What do you want?”
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His voice lowered.
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“A talk.”
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“Talk?”
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“Yes. A quiet talk, just the two of us.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk looked at Fernandez.
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His eyes were calm.
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He carried a composure uncharacteristic of someone who had just barged in at dawn.
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“Give me five minutes.”
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Fernandez gritted his teeth.
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But he couldn’t refuse.
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The situation was unfavorable.
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“Come in.”
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The drawing room was luxurious.
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Spain-style furniture. Expensive paintings.
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But dust had settled everywhere, proof that it hadn’t been well maintained.
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“Sit.”
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Fernandez motioned to a chair.
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Lee Jun-hyuk sat.
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“I heard you gathered mercenaries yesterday.”
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He was straightforward.
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Fernandez’s expression stiffened.
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“What are you talking about?”
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“I heard about twenty men.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk spoke calmly.
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“Are you planning to raid my farm?”
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“Baseless…”
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“Mr. Fernandez.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk interrupted.
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“There’s no time. I’ll be honest. You have two choices now.”
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He held up two fingers.
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“First, you go ahead with the raid as planned. But we’re ready, too. Both sides will bleed. And—”
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He paused.
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“You will lose even more.”
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“Is this a threat?”
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“I’m stating facts.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk’s voice was steady.
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“There’s a second option. Sell the farm. I’ll buy it at a fair price.”
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Fernandez sneered.
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“That old line.”
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“I’ll offer $1,500.”
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Silence fell.
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Fernandez’s eyes wavered.
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The offer was higher than expected.
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“I offered Sanchez $1,000.”
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“Sanchez was on the brink of foreclosure. You still have some leeway.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk rested his forearm on the table.
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He leaned forward.
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Their eyes met.
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“But things will change if it’s my business.”
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“What do you mean?”
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“You haven’t paid your laborers in three months, right? How long do you think they’ll keep tolerating it?”
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Fernandez’s jaw trembled.
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“You think they’ll just sit still?!”
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“Some have already approached me.”
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He wasn’t lying.
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At yesterday’s festival, Fernandez’s laborers had also come, looking to Lee Jun-hyuk for support.
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“What will you do if they collectively refuse to work tomorrow morning? The Sugar Harvest Season is almost here.”
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Silence stretched.
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The blood drained from Fernandez’s face.
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Instead of anger, calculation took over.
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$1,500.
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Even after debts, it was a sum that remained.
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“Give me some time to think…”
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“Decide now.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk stood.
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“My offer is valid only here and now. Once I walk out that door, it’s off the table.”
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He truly walked toward the door.
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One step.
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Two steps.
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Three steps.
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“Wait!”
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Fernandez shouted.
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Lee Jun-hyuk stopped and slowly turned.
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“Yes?”
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“$1,500. Are you sure?”
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His voice cracked.
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“In cash.”
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“When?”
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“As soon as we sign the Contract.”
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Fernandez sank down.
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His pride clashed with reality.
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A Spanish farmer in his forties.
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A man who had lived as the land’s ruler all his life.
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And now, forced to bow to a young Asian.
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“The laborers…”
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He muttered.
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“Will they really strike tomorrow?”
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“I’m not the one telling them to.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk said quietly.
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“They’re choosing themselves. I just showed them an alternative.”
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Another silence.
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Outside, the sky brightened.
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Birds began their early morning calls.
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“Alright.”
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Finally, Fernandez spoke.
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“I’ll sell.”
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“A wise choice.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk sat again.
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He took out documents prepared earlier.
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A draft Contract.
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Only the amount was left blank; everything else was written.
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“Sign here.”
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Fernandez read the Contract.
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His hands trembled.
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But he showed no particular emotion.
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It was a clean sales agreement.
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“You had this planned from the start.”
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“What do you mean?”
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“Sanchez and I—it’s all part of the plan, isn’t it?”
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Lee Jun-hyuk shrugged.
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“I just took the opportunity. Given the situation you created.”
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Fernandez gave a bitter smile.
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He took the pen.
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Signature.
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“Now it’s yours.”
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The bitterness left his voice.
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“Thank you. The laborers will be treated fairly after the takeover.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Good. That’s the way.”
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Fernandez stood.
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Suddenly he looked older.
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Like ten years had been added overnight.
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“Mr. Lee.”
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He called out at the door.
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“You came looking for me? You could have just waited.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk turned.
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“I didn’t want to see bloodshed.”
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“Is that all?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He hesitated.
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“You must have had dreams once. When you first started this farm.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Fernandez’s eyes wavered.
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“I don’t know how those dreams turned out this way, but at least I wanted to give you a chance to end things with dignity.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Silence.
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Long and heavy.
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“Go.”
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Fernandez turned his back.
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“I don’t want to see you again.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk stepped outside.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Dawn had already broken.
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Golden sunlight bathed the land.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was the beginning of a new day.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Lee.”
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Jose came running.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Are you alright? Is something wrong?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s over.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk showed the signed Contract.
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“Now we have two farms.”
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The group looked surprised.
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No one expected this outcome.
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No violence, no threats.
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Just a single conversation at dawn.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Let’s return.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk mounted his horse.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There’s much to do.”
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Sanchez and Fernandez.
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Two large plantations now under their control.
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***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The ride back was quiet.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Only the sound of hooves cut through the morning air.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Lee.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Miguel rode up beside him.
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“How were you so confident Fernandez would accept?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I wasn’t.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk looked straight ahead.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I only judged the probability as high.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was true.
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Every gamble has risks.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But it was a calculated risk.
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Fernandez’s finances, personality, pride.
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Every factor considered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re brave all the same.”
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Ramon admired.
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“Without shedding a drop of blood…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Blood was spilled.”
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Lee Jun-hyuk muttered.
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“Invisible blood.”
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They neared the plantation.
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Smoke rose in the distance.
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Preparations for the morning were underway.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Jose.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, Mr. Lee.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“We need to reorganize personnel today. To efficiently run three farms.”
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“I’ve already been making plans.”
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Jose smiled.
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“Twenty years’ experience isn’t easy to beat.”
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He was reliable.
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Because of people like him, this was possible.
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They arrived at the farm entrance.
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More people than expected had gathered.
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News had already spread.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Mr. Lee!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“He forced Fernandez to his knees?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Impressive!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Cheers erupted.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk dismounted.
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He passed through the crowd and headed to the office.
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“Carlos.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, Mr. Lee.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Send a telegram to Morgan & Associates Trading Co. Inform them we acquired two additional farms.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Understood!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Carlos hurried off.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Closing the office door, fatigue rushed in.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His mind had been on edge since dawn.
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Only now did the tension ease.
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He sat in his chair.
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The documents from yesterday lay as before.
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Two new signed Contracts had been added.
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“Three months.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He calculated silently.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The time left until sugar prices skyrocketed.
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Before then, production had to be maximized.
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Three farms.
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A total of 4,000 acres.
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Properly managed, they could yield enormous profits.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But—
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The problem is funding.”
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A significant amount went to acquisition costs.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Operating funds were tight.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Especially the wages for newly hired laborers.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Should I ask Mr. Morgan for additional investment?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He pondered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He didn’t want to give up more shares.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But there was no other option.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Knock knock.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Please come in.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was Zhen Hao.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Sorry to bother you when you’re busy.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Not at all. What is it?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao spoke cautiously.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Do you need additional funds?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk’s eyes sharpened.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You anticipated that?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“To operate three farms, you’ll need a lot of capital. Just in case.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Smart as always.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“My father has an interest. Not as an investment, but as a loan.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What are the terms?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“2% monthly interest. And…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao smiled.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Our exclusive purchase rights to the original sugar mill.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Not a bad deal.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
On the contrary, it was good.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Securing a stable sales channel while gaining operating funds.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Up to $5,000 is possible.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Zhen Hao added.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Think it over. There’s no rush.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
After he left, Lee Jun-hyuk looked out the window.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The sun had fully risen.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The farm was bustling.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The start of a new day.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The scale is growing faster than expected.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Faster than anticipated.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But not a bad thing.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Opportunities don’t wait.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Suddenly, a face came to mind.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
James Morgan.
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Investor and mentor.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He was probably waiting for news in New York by now.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Lee Jun-hyuk was fortunate to have good news to share.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He picked up his pen.
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And began drafting his report.
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