"I heard you didn't even finish elementary school?"
"I went for a short time… then learned the rest by myself."
"A self-learner?"President Nakamura gave a strange smile.
At that moment, something flashed in my mind — the look in his eyes the first time he saw me.Those eyes that seemed to see a little bit of his younger self in me.
Maybe that's why he was watching me so closely.No one needs to understand and use people better than a merchant or businessman — because everything in business is done through people.
"Yes. Somehow I learned to read and write, and I also picked up some math."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Master."
Japanese people care a lot about the master–servant relationship.At Nakamura's store, I'm the only one who calls him "Master Nari."Everyone else just calls him "boss."
That makes me different from them.
"Then find the errors in this ledger."
The boss handed me the ledger.I located all the wrong entries and read them out loud.
But the problem wasn't just typos.If the income records were being manipulated, then the numbers should have been carefully adjusted to hide the fraud.
But the inconsistencies were obvious everywhere.
You tried to hide it… but it's all showing, you idiot.
If President Nakamura realizes that Manager Han has been manipulating the books…he'll be fired soon.
"Hahaha, I see."
I actually wanted the boss to know that I could read and write Japanese easily.
I had been teaching writing to Samsoon, Miss Rie's maid.At first, I taught her Korean.Then I taught her basic Japanese reading and writing.
She must have told Miss Rie… and Miss Rie must have told the boss.
Anyway, word has spread — I can read, write, and even calculate properly.
"Manager Han."
President Nakamura called him calmly.
But that calm tone…and those eyes…
He had already decided something.
"Yes, sir."
"From now on, Cheol will keep the rice store's ledger."
This was practically a several-level promotion.
Now that I could do calculations with an abacus or by hand, the work would be easier than physical labor.
But I wouldn't relax.
For a merchant, trust is important — but diligence and sincerity come first.
Look at his sleeves.President Nakamura's cuffs were worn down.
A rich man could wear new clothes every day.If he wears something tattered, it isn't carelessness — it's humility.
People like him appreciate hardworking, humble people.
"You already knew?"Manager Han looked surprised.If I hadn't flattered him earlier, he might have protested harder.
"And bookkeeping isn't easy, so your workload will be reduced."
For three months, I'd only done physical labor — errands, deliveries, sweeping.
Above me were delivery workers, then collectors, then foremen.The bookkeeper was a position far above mine.
Why such a sudden jump?
There had to be a reason.
Manager Sang-seok!Manager Han's right-hand man.
If I kept the ledger… he wouldn't be able to tamper with it anymore.
Of course he'd oppose it.
"Yes, he's still young, but I'll teach him well," Manager Han said.
But his face was stiff.
President Nakamura's gaze said clearly:
I don't trust you anymore.
"I suppose that's appropriate."
"Yes, Master…"
I always called him "Master Nari," never "President."If I call him master, he will take care of me.
"From now on, bring the ledger to my house every day."
That meant he no longer trusted the manager at all.
He didn't understand the hidden meaning…
It was basically a warning.And also a sign that the manager was getting one last chance.
"Yes, I'll do that," Manager Han said stiffly.
"Cheol."
"Yes, Master."
"Why do you call me Master? All subjects of the Japanese Empire are equal before His Majesty the Emperor."
He was talking about ideals far from reality.
There's no such thing as equality for the poor.
In the past, class created discrimination.In the future, money will create class.A world will come where capital becomes power.
And in that world, I will rise to the top.
"Because you take responsibility for feeding me and clothing me.You look after me.That makes you my master."
I answered without hesitation.This is exactly how I think — and exactly what Japanese people secretly want to hear.
Japanese culture has an "inside" and an "outside" self.They show friendliness outwardly, but inwardly they hide their true feelings and compete fiercely.
"You're really good at flattery! Hahaha!"
I scratched my head shyly again.
"Bring some new rice."
"Yes, Master."
He was calling me to follow him.
Something else is coming, I can feel it.
Another opportunity.