Chapter 400: The Collapse of Confidence

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**Investing in Failure**

Investigations into financial investment firms revealed that their operations were compliant and legal, leaving only bad luck and unfortunate stock picks to blame.

In Japan, the past year had seen a surge in investment enthusiasm, with stocks and futures dominating conversations. Now, that fervor had dissipated, replaced by fear and caution. Mortgage finance companies, once bustling with activity, now faced a stark silence.

The financial excitement that once gripped Japan had been swept away by this wave of disaster, likely to take years to recover. This period might later be remembered as the "Decade of Financial Disappearance."

Previously, as stocks appreciated, people splurged, and the red-light district thrived. Now, with investments crashing, many had become impoverished, and even the once-bustling businesses of the red-light district suffered.

One business, however, saw an increase in demand. Some people turned to it as a means to numb their pain and forget their troubles.

The Japanese Prime Minister and the Cabinet debated Japan's suitability for financial investments and decided to halt overseas financial ventures. They prepared to issue executive orders to shut down several financial companies.

Shigeru Yoshida sought Hardy's advice on this matter. Since it involved a foreign company and was complex, Hardy deferred to the Japanese government's decision.

A few days later, several mortgage investment firms announced in newspapers: "Due to investment failures, we are suspending operations and dissolving the company. Shares will be sold to Wells Fargo Bank, and mortgage agreements will also be transferred."

And just like that, the investment companies exited the market, and their once-prominent leaders disappeared from the public eye.

Wells Fargo Bank soon announced it had completed the acquisition of these companies' shares in Hans Pharmaceuticals and held all mortgage agreements. They pledged to recover customer losses by using existing stock values to return funds to investors.

Wells Fargo's actions appeared generous to the Japanese public. Many flocked to the bank to retrieve whatever funds they could, fearing even this small amount might vanish.

Mr. Bucheon had invested over $200,000 in mortgage antiques but was left with only around $1,000. He felt as if his wealth had shrunk by 200 times. His neighbor, who had invested $2,000, was now left with just a few dollars, which led him to tears.

Bucheon, though facing significant losses, hadn't cried. He consoled the weeping neighbor, who lamented losing not only his investment but also his mortgaged property. He feared eviction and homelessness.

Bucheon approached a bank counter with a mortgage receipt, asking to redeem his favorite antique, the Qianlong Jade Seal, which was mortgaged for $1,680. He offered all his remaining cash, including recent stock returns, totaling just over $2,000.

The bank clerk, maintaining a polite demeanor, informed him that the agreement stipulated a full redemption of the entire mortgage, including commission and interest. Bucheon was stunned.

He asked, "It needs to be redeemed all at once?"

"Yes, sir," the clerk replied.

"How could I possibly have that much money at once?" Bucheon stuttered.

The clerk's polite smile remained. "The agreement specifies that the principal, commission, and interest must all be paid. You'll need approximately $12,000 more."

Bucheon felt as though he'd been struck. He left the bank, disheartened and resigned to the reality that he might never recover his antiques. Many others were in worse situations, having mortgaged their homes and facing displacement.

After the stock redemption process, many Japanese faced severe consequences, including floating corpses in the sea, reflecting the crisis's depth.

The Japanese government instructed newspapers to withhold reporting on the aftermath.

At Hardy Manor, Sayuri, now an accomplished massage therapist, attended to Hardy, who relaxed in contentment. Sayuri's recent hosting success and upcoming film project were promising. Hardy promised her a prominent film release in Japan, Europe, and the United States, aiming for an Oscar.

Sayuri was grateful. With Hardy's influence, her career was poised to flourish during Japan's artistic low.

Meanwhile, the Japanese financial crisis had subsided. The government decided to avoid international financial investments for the time being. Wells Fargo Bank's intervention had somewhat alleviated the situation, but the market was still recovering.

Not long after, Dr. Hans, who had been missing, reappeared in South Africa. He was investigated by American authorities, but the findings were surprising. Dr. Hans's drugs were confirmed effective, contrary to earlier reports of fraud.

The investigation team's press conference revealed that the American Financial News and the New York Times had reported inaccuracies, leading to the stock crash. Dr. Hans's new drug, ethambutol, was indeed effective against tuberculosis, contrary to earlier claims.

The revelation shocked many. The Financial News and New York Times faced criticism for their misleading reports, damaging their reputations.

In reality, Hardy, Andy, and Henry had orchestrated a complex scheme. They initially planned only to deceive Japanese investors, but serendipity led to a genuine breakthrough in Hans Pharmaceuticals. Their operation was legally sound, relying on strategic manipulations rather than fraud.

In the aftermath, Japan's investors faced their losses, with some jumping to their deaths, driven by despair. The Japanese Prime Minister and cabinet were left speechless, grappling with the fallout.

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