The apartment was quiet, filled with the soft hum of the refrigerator and the ticking of the wall clock. Daniel sat across from his mother at the small kitchen table, the cheque from BlueInk Publishing lying between them like a symbol of new possibilities. His mother's hands trembled as she held it, still trying to comprehend the magnitude of the sum.
"Daniel… this… this is a lot of money," she whispered. "I don't even know what to do with it."
Daniel leaned forward, eyes sharp, calm, and calculating. "Mom… this isn't just money. This is the first step. We can use this to start businesses, invest in stocks, and build capital. We won't just live comfortably—we'll create a foundation for the future."
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Studying the market
In a flashback, Daniel recalled his past life. Jinwoo had spent years studying global and Korean financial markets, and now, in this body, he applied that knowledge systematically.
He studied KOSPI and KOSDAQ, analyzing top companies in technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods. He noted patterns in stock price fluctuations, corporate mergers, and dividend payouts.
He observed emerging Korean startups, e-commerce ventures, and online platforms, recognizing trends in youth consumption and entertainment markets.
International markets were no less important. He watched NASDAQ, NYSE, London, and Tokyo exchanges, noting how foreign investments and global capital flows impacted Korean corporations.
He cataloged real estate trends, small business opportunities, and even microloans and local franchise openings that could yield steady returns.
Daniel's notebook filled with charts, tables, and carefully calculated strategies. His plan was not reckless speculation; it was precise, calculated, and designed to exploit every opportunity in the financial ecosystem.
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Mother's hesitation
His mother frowned. "Daniel… you're ten. Stocks, businesses… these aren't kid stuff. What if something goes wrong? What if you lose the money?"
Daniel's gaze didn't waver. "Mom… I understand your worry. But trust me. I will not let us fail. You'll see progress, and you'll know that this is only the beginning."
After a long pause, his mother finally nodded reluctantly. "Alright… I'll trust you. But promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise," Daniel said calmly.
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Mapping the bullies and their families
After discussing finances, Daniel spent hours cataloging his school bullies' families and connections. He noted:
Names, parents, siblings, and relatives
Family businesses, from restaurants and retail stores to real estate holdings
Estimated wealth and assets
Connections with local politicians, police, and business associations
Some families had legitimate enterprises, but Daniel also uncovered shady dealings:
Bribes to school officials to protect their children from punishment
Unreported cash flow from secondary businesses
Local gangs and thugs quietly supporting family interests
Connections to underground gambling and loan shark operations
Every note was meticulous. He drew mental and physical maps linking people, money, and influence. Patience, observation, preparation. Everything is data. Everything can be leveraged.
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Intensified training
Daniel upgraded his training regimen:
Endurance running now included varied terrains, simulating unpredictable combat conditions.
Shadow sparring incorporated multiple opponents and scenario-based tactics.
Martial arts techniques were intensified, blending strikes, counters, and grapples into seamless flow.
Observation and "Eye of War" analysis sharpened. Every move, every counter, every pattern was recorded in his mind and perfected.
Each session left him exhausted, but sharper, leaner, and more agile.
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Touring the town
After training, Daniel walked through his hometown, cataloging:
Gangster hangouts, local thugs, and areas of influence
Illegal businesses, front operations, and territories controlled by powerful families
Connections between school bullies' families and local authorities
He observed patterns: who controlled which streets, which businesses laundered cash, and which families used intimidation for influence. All information was carefully logged, cross-referenced, and analyzed.
Everything is a strategy. Everything is leverage. Patience now ensures victory later.
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Evening reflection
Back at home, Daniel's mother folded laundry quietly, glancing at him with pride and concern. "Daniel… I still don't understand everything you're doing. But I see how determined you are. I'll trust your judgment."
Daniel nodded, eyes fixed on the city lights outside the window. "This is only the beginning. Step by step, Mom. Soon, everything will change. We will never be weak again."
The apartment was quiet, but in Daniel's mind, a storm of calculation, strategy, and ambition was already raging. Every business, every stock, every street corner, every family was a piece in the puzzle that would one day make him untouchable.
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