July 8th.
Thursday afternoon.
After a long journey across the vast open sea, the voyage was finally coming to an end, and the outline of Cuba began to appear on the horizon.
At first, it was nothing more than a faint line, shimmering like a mirage, but as the ship drew closer, the shape gradually became clearer.
Blue palm trees and buildings painted in exotic colors.
The solid Cuban Fortress guarding Havana Port revealed itself first in all its majesty, and behind it, the romantic city slowly unfolded.
“It’s Cuba! We’ve finally arrived!”
Catherine clung to the ship’s railing and shouted like a child.
The hot tropical wind fluttered her hair, and her face was filled with pure excitement.
“Do you remember? The place where we first met was also on a ship, bound for New York.”
She turned to Lee Jun-hyuk, beaming radiantly.
“Now we’re headed the other way, to Cuba… It’s really amazing. That we’ve become a couple and are together like this.”
“How could I ever forget the day that brought me the greatest fortune in my life?”
“That’s right. I remember your first impression, Jun-hyuk. You were so charming—kind and a true gentleman.”
Catherine laughed shyly.
Just then, James Morgan appeared on deck, slowly tapping his cane. The three days at sea had clearly taken their toll on his elderly body, and his face looked pale.
“Heh, so we’ve finally arrived.”
“You’ve worked hard, James.”
The ship began to slowly approach the harbor.
A skilled local pilot boarded the vessel as it reduced speed.
On the dock, a crowd of people was waiting.
Some waiting for family, others for business partners, and…
“Is that Mr. Jose over there?”
Catherine pointed to a spot on the pier.
There stood Jose.
Next to him, in a neat black suit, were Delgado—looking like a completely different person—and his secretary, Carlos. When they spotted Lee Jun-hyuk, their faces broke into broad smiles and they waved enthusiastically.
“Ah, yes, Delgado and his secretary are here too.”
It took another long thirty minutes before the ship was fully docked and the heavy gangway was laid.
At last, disembarkation began.
First class passengers went off first.
Lee Jun-hyuk supported James Morgan.
As soon as his feet touched solid ground, color returned to James’s face at last.
“Truly, a person must walk on land to feel alive.”
“Mister Lee!”
Jose ran up and hugged Lee Jun-hyuk tightly.
His hands were still calloused and rough, but warmer and more trustworthy than any other.
“It’s been a while, Mr. Jose. Have you been well?”
“Of course, thanks to you, Mister Lee.”
Jose’s gaze turned to Catherine and James.
“I’d like to introduce you. This is my fiancée, Catherine Morgan. And this is her grandfather, Mr. James Morgan.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Jose said in clumsy English, but with sincere and respectful manners.
Delgado stepped forward.
He was a changed man.
The rough, sly henchman who had once been Escobar’s loyal dog six months ago was gone, replaced by a smart, confident gentleman with shining eyes. His neatly pressed suit and polished shoes spoke of his success.
“Mister Lee, I’m truly happy to see you again.”
Delgado spoke fluent English.
“When you sold all the sugar at 24 cents a pound, I thought you must be a magician who could see the future.”
“I was just lucky, Mr. Delgado.”
“Don’t be so modest. You seemed to know everything.”
Carlos also greeted them respectfully.
Two cars awaited them.
One was a brand new Cadillac, the other a Ford.
They got in and headed to the hotel.
Havana’s streets were alive with vibrant energy.
Street musicians played cheerful guitar melodies, and in open-air cafes, people sipped fragrant Cuban coffee, chatting and laughing.
There were street vendors selling cigars, and fruit sellers with mountains of mangoes and pineapples stacked high.
“It’s such a lively place,” Catherine said, unable to take her eyes off the passing scenery.
“It feels like a completely different kind of energy from New York.”
“In Cuba, time flows very slowly—and happily,” Lee Jun-hyuk explained.
Hotel Nacional.
True to its reputation as Havana’s finest hotel, its entrance lined with palm trees exuded grandeur.
“Welcome back, Mister Lee!”
The hotel manager personally greeted them at the entrance.
The Royal Suite Room on the top floor was a dream—its balcony offered a panoramic view of the emerald Caribbean Sea.
“Wow…”
Catherine ran out onto the balcony, unable to contain her awe.
“It’s so beautiful. It looks just like a scene from a postcard.”
James headed straight to his room to rest after the long journey. Lee Jun-hyuk sat with Jose and Delgado in the living room to hear a business report.
“Second quarter net profit is 210,000 dollars.”
Jose reported.
“That’s far beyond expectations.”
“Mr. Delgado did a tremendous job expanding our sales network. He brought in 20% more buyers and negotiated more favorable prices.”
Delgado gave a modest smile.
“I only did what Mister Lee taught me. Be honest in business, and build long-term trust—that’s what you told us.”
“How are the plantation workers doing?”
“Everyone’s well. Ah, and Miguel had his second child—a boy.”
Jose smiled warmly.
“He named the boy ‘Jun-hyuk Miguel Rodriguez.’”
“After me?”
“You’re not just a boss to them—you’re their hero, the one who changed their lives. You doubled their salaries and even built a clinic for them to go to whenever they’re sick…”
Lee Jun-hyuk fought to hide his overwhelming emotions and turned to the next file.
“How is the plantation expansion going according to Plan?”
“Yes. We purchased another 500 acres to the east. The plantation now covers 2,000 acres in total.”
“Excellent. Continue expanding as finances allow.”
Just then, Catherine came out to the living room.
She had changed into a cool, pale yellow dress perfect for Cuba’s warm weather.
“Shall we go out for dinner?”
“Yes, let’s. I’ve reserved Havana’s best restaurant—La Bodeguita del Medio. Hemingway loved that place too.”
It was a ten-minute walk to the restaurant.
The setting sun dyed Havana’s old buildings a golden hue.
Sweet cigar smoke and the rich aroma of coffee mingled in the air, and somewhere in the alley, lively salsa music played.
“Cubans must really love music and dance,” Catherine said, watching the street musicians.
“For them, music is a part of life,” Delgado explained.
“Whether sad or happy, they sing and dance.”
James remained at the hotel.
La Bodeguita del Medio was small, but its history and reputation lived on. The walls were covered with autographs and messages from countless famous visitors.
“We’ve prepared a special table for Mister Lee on the second-floor terrace.”
The owner himself came out to guide them.
It was a spot with a wonderful view of the street below.
For drinks, they ordered Mojitos, Cuba’s signature cocktail.
The rum base was refreshing with a scent of mint.
“How is business in the United States?” Jose asked.
“La Choy has expanded to Chicago. We plan to expand across the entire country.”
“That’s amazing. In just six months…”
“It’s all thanks to meeting a truly outstanding partner named ‘Yuilhan.’”
Just then, Delgado spoke carefully.
“Mister Lee, there’s something I wanted to tell you today.”
He paused and gazed out the window.
The sunset painted his face red.
“Six months ago, when I first met you…”
Delgado’s voice trembled.
“I was truly worthless then. I lived like Escobar’s dog. Violence and threats were my daily life, and I believed that was true power.”
Jose quietly chimed in.
“Mr. Delgado has changed a lot. Even the workers sincerely respect him now.”
“Mister Lee, if you hadn’t given me a second chance…”
Delgado looked at Lee Jun-hyuk with genuine eyes.
“I’d probably still be living in that darkness. You didn’t just give me a job—you gave me a new life.”
Catherine looked at Lee Jun-hyuk with a moved expression.
A warm silence settled over the table.
Just then, the waiter brought the food.
The fragrant aroma of spices filled the table.
On the plates were dishes arranged as beautifully as works of art.
“Let’s make a toast.”
Jose raised his glass.
“To the happiness of Mister Lee and Miss Morgan. And to the prosperity of us all!”
The clear chime of Mojito glasses rang out.
From the street, another song had begun.
The trumpet and bongo drums blended in the lively Cuban rhythm.
The Cuban traditional dish ‘Ropa Vieja’ was truly fantastic. The tender beef melted in the mouth, and the black beans and sweet plantains made a perfect harmony.
“I’ve never tasted food this delicious in my life.”
Catherine said, full of genuine admiration.
As they ate, they shared many stories of what had happened in Cuba over the last six months.
“How is Judge Mendoza these days?”
“He’s in excellent health.”
“And Chairman Wang Xiaoming?”
“The Chinese Merchants’ Association business has really taken off. He says it’s thanks to Mister Lee, and he’s eager to see you again soon.”
While eating the sweet Flan that came for dessert, Catherine asked,
“What will we see when we visit the plantation tomorrow?”
“There’ll probably be a small welcome party the workers are preparing for Mister Lee.”
Jose smiled.
“They all want to see you. Especially Miguel—he’s dying to introduce his son ‘Jun-hyuk’ to you.”
By the time they left the restaurant, night had fallen deep.
Under the streetlights, people were dancing salsa to music coming from somewhere.
“This city is truly romantic.”
They returned to the hotel.
In the lobby, Jose and Delgado said their farewells.
“We’ll pick you up again at 9 a.m. tomorrow.”
In the elevator, Catherine clung to Lee Jun-hyuk’s arm.
“Today was wonderful. Both Mr. Jose and Mr. Delgado are truly remarkable people.”
“At one time, Mr. Delgado was trying to have me killed, but now he’s one of my most trusted colleagues.”
When they entered the room, James was reading in the living room.
“How was dinner?”
“It was fantastic, Grandpa. You must come with us tomorrow.”
Lee Jun-hyuk stepped out onto the balcony.
A cool breeze from the sea brushed his cheek. In the distance, the lighthouse blinked regularly, and the gentle sound of the waves could be heard.
Catherine came to stand beside him.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
“The plantation workers will be surprised to see you.”
“Why?”
“They’d never imagine I’d bring such a beautiful fiancée.”
Catherine laughed happily.
“Will they… like me?”
“Of course. There’s no one in the world who could dislike you.”
A short silence followed.
The two of them leaned side by side on the railing, gazing at the moonlight stretching a silver path across the sea.
“I wonder if going to Pyongyang in December will feel something like this,” Catherine said quietly.
“A bit nervous, but mostly very excited…”
“Probably. But it’ll be all right.”
Lee Jun-hyuk gently held Catherine’s hand.
“As long as we’re together, anywhere is fine.”
At eleven, everyone went to their rooms.
Lee Jun-hyuk lay down in bed.
Tomorrow, after six months, he would meet the people of the plantation he’d built with his own hands.
Much would have changed.
The faint sound of salsa music drifting in from outside felt like Havana’s night welcoming him home, a lullaby just for him.
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