Gold Rush on the Crest of the Wave

At the start of the Special Zone, the protagonist, Ahai, seizes an opportunity and goes from peddling smuggled digital watches to running a legitimate business. Along the way, he keeps studying at night school. This setup captures an era when smuggling was rampant, while the progression from “smuggler” to “shop counter” to “storefront” showcases his business acumen. The details of his night classes also reinforce the theme of learning. Set against the distinctive backdrop of its era, the story focuses on family life, studying, starting a business, and turning one’s life around. The golden finger plays no major role in driving the plot; instead, the story highlights how the protagonist transforms his life through hard work and intelligence in the circumstances of his time.