Chapter 15: Connection

A week had passed.

The three farms were quickly stabilizing.

Under Jose’s command, the workforce was efficiently allocated, and most of the laborers who had worked on the Sanchez and Fernandez farms stayed on to continue working.

“This week’s wages.”

Lee Jun-hyuk stepped forward himself.

He took money from the safe and placed it into envelopes, calling out names one by one. The carefully prepared envelopes were a fair reward for each person’s labor.

“Jose Rodriguez.”
“Yes.”

Jose stepped forward to receive his envelope.

The weight of it brought relief to his face.

“Thank you.”

“You’re receiving what you worked for.”

Next was Miguel, then Pablo and Ramon, who each stepped forward in turn.

Over two hundred laborers formed a long line.

It took quite some time, but Jun-hyuk did not rush.

He pronounced each name accurately, met their eyes, and expressed his gratitude.

Experience from 2020 had taught him that trust was built through these small moments.

“Mr. Lee!”

Carlos came running in from outside, breathless.

“A guest has arrived! He’s from Havana, and he seems quite important!”

Jun-hyuk went outside, where a luxurious carriage pulled by four horses was waiting at the farm entrance.

The Spanish Royal Crest engraved on the carriage gleamed in the sunlight.

“Good day.”

A middle-aged man stepped down, wearing a neat suit and holding a silver cane.

His dignified bearing showed the calm authority of someone who had long been at the center of power.

“I am Don Alejandro de la Vega, economic adviser to the Governor-General’s Office of Cuba.”

Jun-hyuk’s heart began to race.

Governor-General’s Office?

For a moment, he was confused.

“Cuba declared independence in 1902, didn’t it?”

But he quickly understood the situation.

“Ah, I see. Officially independent, but the Spanish-descended ruling class still holds real power. They still use the title ‘Governor-General’s Office.’”

It was reminiscent of the Russian Revolution, where many details changed but the overall structure remained intact.

The postwar sugar demand surge was inevitable.

“I am Lee Jun-hyuk.”

“I know. Your name has been heard often in Havana lately. There’s widespread talk that a young Asian man has taken control of three farms in such a short time.”

“That is generous praise.”

“Not at all. It’s truly remarkable.”

Alejandro slowly surveyed the farms with a satisfied expression.

“May we have a private word? Somewhere with no one else around.”

It was a request impossible to refuse, and Jun-hyuk led him to the office.

Alejandro took a sip of the Cuban coffee Jose brought and nodded in approval.

“Good coffee. I will speak frankly. The Governor-General’s Office has taken a deep interest in you.”

“What sort of interest?”

He carefully set down his coffee cup, his face serious.

“To be honest, we were initially worried. A foreigner, especially an Asian, acquiring Spanish-descended farm owners’ lands one after another was not something the Governor-General’s Office looked upon favorably.”

Alejandro paused, gauging Jun-hyuk’s reaction.

“But judging by the results, our opinion has changed. The failing farms have regained vitality, the workers receive fair wages and are satisfied, and production has increased noticeably.”

“I have only done what needed to be done.”

“We all know it was no easy task. That’s why I have come with a proposal.”

Leaning forward, Alejandro lowered his voice.

“How would you like to become the official sugarcane supplier to the Governor-General’s Office?”

Jun-hyuk’s mind raced at the unexpected offer.

Becoming the Governor-General’s official supplier meant tremendous privileges—stable markets, various administrative benefits.

But nothing in this world was free.

Especially such favorable terms surely came with a price.

“There must be conditions.”

“You are sharp. Yes, of course. But the conditions are simple.”

Alejandro leaned back deeply in his chair.

“First, supply 30% of your production to the Governor-General’s Office as a priority. Naturally, you will be paid at market prices.”

It was a reasonable condition.

“Second, notify the Governor-General’s Office in advance if you acquire other farms.”

Jun-hyuk nodded. That was understandable.

“Lastly…”

Alejandro’s eyes sharpened into daggers.

“Please refrain from doing business with American capital, especially the major trading companies in New York.”

Jun-hyuk’s eyes widened.

This was a condition targeting Morgan & Associates Trading Co.

But Alejandro surely knew this.

He was offering it regardless.

“I have already signed a contract with Morgan & Associates.”

“I know. But that contract won’t last forever, will it?”

Alejandro smiled with subtle meaning.

“The Governor-General’s Office seeks a long-term partnership. Ten, twenty years down the line. American merchants… well, they leave when profit dries up.”

It was a reasonable statement.

But Jun-hyuk thought of James Morgan’s face.

The old man who had believed in him and invested.

He could not betray him.

“Please give me some time to consider.”

“Of course. But not too long—we cannot wait indefinitely.”

Alejandro rose from his seat.

“Oh, and one more thing. This is not an official proposal, but…”

He lowered his voice again.

“A large farm in the Santa Clara region will soon be up for sale. It’s over 5,000 acres. If you become the official supplier, you will get first rights to purchase.”

A definite carrot.

5,000 acres was larger than all the farms Jun-hyuk currently owned combined.

“An interesting proposal.”

“Glad you think so.”

Alejandro took up his cane.

“I will contact you again in a week. Until then, I hope you make a wise decision.”

After he left, Jun-hyuk sat in his chair for a long time.

The situation was complicated.

If he accepted the Governor-General’s offer, the business would sail smoothly.

But his relationship with Morgan would inevitably end.

“No.”

He shook his head.

Success gained by betraying trust never lasts.

That truth had not changed, neither in 2020 nor 1918.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Jose entered, his face full of worry.

“Did they say what the Governor-General’s Office wants?”

“They’re trying to draw us in.”

Jun-hyuk briefly explained the situation.

Jose’s face darkened.

“If we refuse…”

“There will be pressure, in many ways.”

“Then what do we do?”

“We find a way.”

Jun-hyuk looked out the window.

The sun was setting.

The farm was still bustling with workers.

Though peaceful on the surface, a storm was brewing beneath.

“Jose, call Zhen Hao.”

“The Chinese merchant?”

“Yes. And have Carlos come too.”

After Jose left, Jun-hyuk took out a sheet of paper.

Neither the Governor-General’s Office nor Morgan. A third path.

That key might be…

“Mr. Lee, you called?”

Zhen Hao and Carlos entered.

“Please sit. There is an important matter to discuss.”

Jun-hyuk looked at the two men.

Different backgrounds.

Different understandings.

But that could be their strength.

“It seems the time has come to form a new alliance.”

Zhen Hao’s eyes shone.

“The Governor-General’s Office has moved.”

“Did you know?”

“I heard rumors. Recently, suspicion toward American capital in Havana has increased.”

Carlos spoke cautiously.

“Refusing the Governor-General’s offer would be dangerous. They are absolute power here in Cuba.”

“I understand.”

Jun-hyuk nodded.

“But I cannot accept it. I have a promise with Mr. Morgan.”

Zhen Hao frowned.

“In that case, there is only one way. We must reach a position the Governor-General’s Office cannot touch.”

“Not easy.”

“But not impossible.”

Zhen Hao leaned forward.

A calculating merchant’s smile appeared on his face.

“Mr. Lee, are you familiar with the Chinese Merchants’ Association of Cuba?”

“I’ve heard of it.”

“My uncle is the vice chairman. It’s a large organization with over 300 members.”

Carlos looked surprised.

“That big?”

“It’s not visible on the surface. But we quietly and firmly spread our roots.”

Zhen Hao looked at Jun-hyuk.

“If you ally with the Merchants’ Association, the Governor-General’s Office will find it difficult to apply pressure. We have considerable influence too.”

An intriguing proposal.

Jun-hyuk fell into thought.

The Chinese Network could be a powerful defense.

But with that came responsibility.

“What is the price?”

“Sharp as always.”

Zhen Hao smiled.

“Simple. Sugar supply monopoly and priority participation in future ventures.”

“Is that all?”

“And…”

Zhen Hao hesitated before speaking.

“As Asians, we must survive together. Here, we are always outsiders.”

Heavy words.

Carlos cautiously added,

“I have a proposal as well. Among the local Cubans, many resent American economic domination. If we unite with them…”

“That’s a dangerous idea.”

Jun-hyuk shook his head.

“Getting involved with anti-American movements would be fatal for the business.”

“You don’t have to be directly involved. Providing jobs and fair treatment is enough to gain their support.”

That made sense.

Jun-hyuk looked between the two men.

Chinese merchants and local Cubans.

Different perspectives, but both needed solidarity for survival.

“Good. But with principles.”

Jun-hyuk spread his fingers as he spoke.

“First, all dealings must be legal. Second, maintain political neutrality. Third, profits are to be distributed fairly.”

Zhen Hao nodded.

“Of course.”

“One more thing.”

Jun-hyuk’s voice grew firm.

“This alliance will betray no one. Betrayers will lose everything.”

A heavy silence fell.

Zhen Hao was the first to extend his hand.

“I promise.”

Carlos followed suit.

“I swear as well.”

Their hands met.

Different skin tones, languages, cultures.

But in this moment, comrades with a shared goal.

“Let’s set detailed plans within a week.”

Jun-hyuk said.

“Before the Governor-General’s Office comes calling again, we must clearly define our position.”

After the two left, Jun-hyuk was alone again.

“This is getting complicated.”

The original plan had been simple.

Hold on until sugar prices rose, then sell at the right time.

But reality was never so simple.

He took out the Account Book.

Checked income and expenses for the week.

Fortunately, the numbers matched, but there was little surplus.

The cost of operating three farms was higher than expected.

Should he ask the Chairman for a loan?

That risk could become another shackle.

But missing this opportunity would be foolish too.

Knock, knock.

An unexpected visitor.

Ramon.

His expression was tense, unlike usual.

“Sorry to bother you at a time like this, Mr. Lee.”

“It’s alright. What is it?”

Ramon looked around cautiously and lowered his voice.

“I just saw some suspicious people lurking near the farm…”

Jun-hyuk’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“How many?”

“About five. They were on horseback, but not workers.”

Governor-General’s Office spies?

Or another faction?

“Call Jose. And Miguel too.”

“Understood!”

Ramon rushed out.

Jun-hyuk opened the desk drawer.

Inside was his Colt Revolver.

A gift from Morgan when he left.

“I hoped I wouldn’t have to use this.”

He checked the gun and strapped it to his waist.

Five minutes later, Jose and Miguel arrived.

“We need to strengthen security.”

Jun-hyuk stated decisively.

“Starting today, set up 24-hour shifts. Always have at least two guards at the farm entrance.”

“Has something happened?”

Jose asked anxiously.

“Nothing confirmed yet. But it’s better to be cautious.”

Miguel clenched his jaw.

“They’re planning something again. This time we won’t let it slide.”

“Don’t act rashly.”

Jun-hyuk calmed Miguel down.

“We can’t be the first to use violence. We’ll lose our justification.”

At that moment, the sound of horses’ hooves came from outside.

All three tensed simultaneously.

“I’ll check it out.”

Miguel moved to leave, but Jun-hyuk stopped him.

“Let’s go together.”

The three went outside.

Two riders stood at the farm entrance.

One carried a torch, revealing his face.

An unexpected visitor.

“Sanchez?”

It was the very Sanchez who had sold his farm just a week ago.

But the arrogant demeanor he once had was gone.

He looked subdued and anxious.

“Mr. Lee, I have urgent news.”

“At this hour?”

“I couldn’t come during the day—there’s surveillance.”

Sanchez looked around nervously.

“Let’s talk inside. It’s dangerous out here.”

Jun-hyuk hesitated briefly, then nodded.

Something serious was unfolding.

Sanchez seemed to hold the key.

“Please come in.”

Jun-hyuk led him to the office.

Sanchez sat down and immediately requested water.

He looked parched.

“What’s going on?”

“There are rumors that you will reject the Governor-General’s proposal.”

Sanchez set down his glass.

“Is it true?”

Jun-hyuk remained silent.

“Silence speaks volumes.”

Sanchez gave a bitter smile.

“You’re in big trouble. Turning the Governor-General’s Office into an enemy…”

“So that’s why you came? To warn me?”

“No.”

Sanchez shook his head.

His eyes showed desperation.

“I came to help. No, I think we can help each other.”