"Japan's reserves are far thicker than South Korea's. The situation is different. Don't scare yourself." Nakayama Takuya offered a word of reassurance.
"But the South Korean government on TV has gone begging to the International Monetary Fund." Eri pointed at the news footage on the screen. "With aid, they should be able to pull through, right?"
"Aid isn't given away for free." Nakayama Takuya sneered. "Every cent of IMF money has its price tag attached.
Once the South Korean government takes that money, it has to play by Wall Street's rules. Open up its financial markets, allow foreign capital to wholly own South Korean companies, and even force those chaebols to sell off assets on the cheap to repay their debts. That's called robbing a burning house—legalized plunder."
Eri shuddered after hearing that.
"That's vicious."
The financial news ended, and it was time for commercials.
An advertisement for a corporate tax consulting firm popped up on the screen, immediately followed by one for an organization specializing in debt restructuring for small and medium-sized enterprises.
They were all precisely targeted at B2B clients.
Eri's mood swiftly shifted away from South Korea's misery, and the corners of her lips could not help rising.
"Father called this afternoon. He was smiling from ear to ear." Eri picked up her bowl again and speared a piece of Apple with her fork before putting it into her mouth.
"The advertisers added more budget?" Nakayama Takuya asked cooperatively.
"More than that." Eri swallowed the Apple. "Those debt restructuring companies have seen their business triple lately. They've treated TV Tokyo's late-night advertising slots like treasure basins. This afternoon, two companies directly started bidding in Father's office for next month's opening sponsorship rights."
Nakayama Takuya laughed.
"Who got it in the end?"
"Highest bidder won, of course." Eri