Chapter 33: Black Monday (2)

The day after Black Monday.

“How… how could this… happen…?”

Despite hearing about it numerous times, the employees stare at me with a mixture of awe and fear. They didn’t believe it would actually happen.

“Will we be arrested? This…”

I pat the trembling employee’s shoulder, smiling faintly.

“It’s fine. No one else knows, right? We all acted within the law.”

In truth, my actions were minor.

Black Monday’s impact will be similar to the original timeline. The additional 2.6% drop in the Dow is significant…

But my apparent success far exceeds my actual actions.

How do the Daeha Securities employees perceive me?

No one accurately predicted Black Monday. They merely analyzed the causes afterwards.

But I predicted the crash and manipulated the market to trigger it.

To them, Black Monday seems to have been caused by me.

Like a magician’s trick. The actual cause is different… but repeated actions and results create a false impression.

Ah, this person did this, and this happened!

And so.

To those with partial knowledge of my actions… I’m a genius and a madwoman.

I manipulated global markets with just $1 million.

This is how I pursue power. I…

Will create a meticulously crafted myth, making others fear challenging me.

Even when the 21st century arrives and my future knowledge is obsolete.

***

On Black Monday, $500 billion evaporated from the US market alone. Examining global markets…

$2 trillion in losses occurred in October.

Panic selling swept through Wall Street, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the City of London, etc.

Hong Kong’s index plummeted -50%. The Dow’s 25% drop was significant; Hong Kong’s 50% drop is unimaginable.

Australia -45%, Spain, London, Japan -30%, Canada -25%…

This isn’t a single stock; it’s the entire market index over a month. Daeha Securities employees now avoid my gaze.

The US Senate and House were in an uproar, holding financial hearings.

Circuit breakers and sidecars were implemented; the newly appointed Fed chairman, Greenspan, flooded the market with liquidity.

All as I knew.

‘The impact is still limited.’

While I accelerated the panic, unlike Japan, which suffered a severe crash on Friday and Tuesday, the US still has a solid fundamental.

Even Ha Youngil’s fund’s $100 million profit isn’t particularly noticeable.

“…Is this real? $100 million?”

Ha Youngil, returning from Wall Street, looks at me like I’m a ghost. He knows my plans and predictions.

He, more than anyone, needed to know the extent of the US market crash.

“Hehe, I told you, I’m a genius.”

My childish smile causes Ha Youngil to frown.

“I’m rational and dislike superstition, but I understand why people seek faith and superstition. Did you… receive divine revelation?”

I shrug.

“God gave me my genius mind. Similar.”

“…”

It’s not false. No one believes in a deity or the supernatural as strongly as I do. Not even the Pope.

“Anyway, this is enough seed money, right?”

“More than enough. It’s net assets, not borrowed capital. Considering upcoming investments, it’ll be $300-500 million, not just $100 million.”

Soros Fund manages around $1 billion. Ha Youngil’s fund instantly became a mid-sized hedge fund from an unknown boutique fund.

Advertising our Black Monday prediction will yield great results.

“The New York market stabilized faster than expected. I thought the US was going to collapse during Black Monday…”

Ha Youngil looks at me incredulously.

I predicted Black Monday and the US’s recovery.

“$100 million is reasonable. It’s not like the loss falls only on one side; they were aggressive investors too.”

My initial capital was around $1 million… some was spent on preparation… 100x return is reasonable.

I used significant leverage; I needed to profit this much.

“We could have earned much more. The market was like that for days.”

Ha Youngil looks slightly regretful, but accepts my judgment. The remaining profit was used for networking.

Profit from short selling and options trading means someone loses. Earning too much is risky now.

Not that I didn’t profit. I returned some. It was actually $700-800 million.

“It felt good, right? Those high-and-mighty people begging a young Asian trader.”

He chuckles, nodding.

“Indeed. Remarkable. Those banks and funds, seemingly invincible, were on the verge of collapse, begging a novice fund manager.”

I told him to only take what he could reasonably get; they wouldn’t get anything for free; they had debts to repay.

“I won’t be so lenient next time. Then, even bankruptcy will have solutions.”

Honestly, it’s a bit regrettable. Money is never enough.

Ha Youngil felt the same.

“Right. $100 million in net assets…”

The fund is now large; there won’t be another opportunity like this.

$10 million in personal investment, $100 million with the fund…

I’ll probably earn $1 billion next time. I’ll have the power to protect it.

I nod, my eyes shining. It’s time to operate a full-fledged hedge fund.

“We can advertise this. We’ve networked with investment banks and other funds… we have the authority and people to hire. Right?”

“Haha, that’s true. Even before coming to Korea, so many wanted to join the fund. I could only meet you after a month.”

“Prioritize loyal employees. And, though it sounds insane, prioritize ethical ones.”

We all chuckle.

“Haha! That’s a funny joke.”

Ethical people on Wall Street.

That’s practically nonexistent. Even if they exist, they wouldn’t join Ha Youngil’s fund.

Those who would join a fund that became a Wall Street legend through insane strategies and leverage…

Are only one type.

Ambitious young people who want to become legends themselves.

“Ha, that’s true. You understand, right?”

“Yes, people who won’t harm the fund and won’t openly break the law.”

That’s right.

Surprisingly, on Wall Street, simply following the law makes you ethical.

After Black Monday… I lie on my bed, pondering.

Honestly, I’m not particularly ethical. I’m a typical fund manager, driven by ambition.

“But… maybe I’ll try being good this life.”

It might be nice. Mercy is for the strong, not the weak. With enough money and power, pretending to be good is better.

I’m not a superhero; I die if stabbed. I don’t need more enemies.

“…Miss, did I misunderstand ‘good’?”

Lee Sihyeon, massaging my shoulders, looks at me incredulously. She’s wearing a tank top and dolphin shorts, revealing a bit of skin.

“No? You understood correctly.”

I take out a crisp 10 million won check and place it in Sihyeon’s cleavage. Her body trembles slightly.

“Wow, this works. Alright, I’m good now, right?”

“…”

Hmph.

Life is too easy.