Chapter 14

IC Ukols represented a distinct type of operation compared to the previously emerging Luho. While Luho had been characterized by a meticulously orchestrated operational state, IC Ukols was more aptly regarded as a state of operation driven by human greed. It lacked precise calculation, and its operational strategies were notably clumsy at the time. However, as greed overwhelmed all rationale, IC Ukols essentially symbolized the culmination of avarice.

"Wait. So, the stock Lee Jun-hwan mentioned was involved in this operation, and it was deemed as a weaker operational phase compared to Luho? That's it. How did the contents of the book change?"

Lee Sang-hoon retrieved the book and scanned his surroundings once more. Yet, the book remained unchanged. Speculating that there may have been alterations on another page, he flipped to a different section, only to find the same content as before.

After briefly reviewing the book's contents, Lee Sang-hoon decided to explore other matters and redirected his attention to the bookshelf.

"IC Ucalls, upon entering the KOSDAQ, fell prey to entities primarily engaged in corporate mergers and acquisitions, leading to the transfer of management rights. Subsequently, it served as a springboard for indiscriminate mergers and acquisitions involving gaming companies and display developers. At the time, the stock market and financial sectors were thriving, prompting IC U-Coles to be selected as an attractive investment option for capital seeking viable investment opportunities. All of these actions had been orchestrated from the outset by those spearheading the acquisition, aiming to unload the company after establishing it with borrowed capital, rather than their own."

"These are not mere speculative claims."

The more Lee Sang-hoon delved into the details surrounding IC U-Kols, the more disheartened he became about the actions of those who had obtained control over IC U-Kols. It seemed like a classic case of deception. The act of misleading ordinary investors by presenting dubious prospects was indistinguishable from fraud.

"No. Is this a failure on the part of the Financial Supervisory Service, or a lack of investigation? It's absurd."

He also pondered whether he had overlooked his responsibilities in fostering a healthy market. However, as his agitation subsided, another thought surfaced. He considered that even the FSS might have been unaware of the situation.

"But then again, after the fact, it's a strategy and a scam. Perhaps there was no way to know at the time."

Turning his attention back to the book, Lee Sang-hoon continued his exploration.

"In the end, the stock price, previously in the 2,000 won range, skyrocketed to over 20,000 won within half a year, only to plummet after reaching a peak of 28,800 won."

As he reached the end of the book's content, Lee Sang-hoon rifled through the pages in search of further details, but to no avail.

"Is this the conclusion?"

A sense of frustration washed over him. It felt as though there might be more written, but all he found was the decline following the high of 28,800 won.

"Does it feel like they left me hanging in the middle of events? If it began in a similar manner to Luho, the subsequent developments during the decline should have been included. Why is the content missing? What's the rationale?"

After reviewing the material once more, he was still left with the account of the price plummeting after reaching its peak. There was no depiction of the extent or the potential developments of the situation. It seemed unlikely that it would conclude in this manner. Something hinted at an impending significant decline.

Frustrated, Lee Sang-hoon rose from his seat and made a resolute decision to immediately ascertain the current status and appearance of IC Ucalls.

After tidying up, Lee Sang-hoon swiftly made his way home, dashed to his computer, and checked the IC Ucalls chart.

28,300 won.

The price of IC Ucalls hovered around 28,300 won, slightly below the 28,800 won mentioned in the book.

"Hmm? Is today the day it peaks? Will it hit a high and then plummet?"

Hurriedly arriving home, Lee Sang-hoon contemplated purchasing IC Ucalls at 25,000 won. With roughly a 20% profit margin remaining, he pondered seizing the opportunity.

However, as the price peaked and began to decline, he hesitated. With no insight on the ongoing situation, and having experienced the setbacks of Luho, he was apprehensive about taking any risky actions.

A mix of regret and disconcerting thoughts swirled in Lee Sang-hoon's mind.

"Everyone makes mistakes. Why do I always wish I had known earlier? It's not worth dwelling on."

Leaning back in his chair, a sense of confusion overcame him, leaving him feeling unable to take any action.

Just then, the phone rang, a rare occurrence.

"Hello."

"Sang Hoon, it's Jeongho."

"Um, what's up? What's going on?"

He received a call from a former colleague from graduate school, which was unusual as they weren't particularly close.

"The department head wants to see you at school."

"The department head? Why?"

The phone call felt odd as he hadn't committed any major transgressions, and the caller wasn't someone he had a particularly close relationship with.

"You haven't been attending classes lately, have you?"

"Classes? It's my last semester, so why does it matter? I attend whenever I need to. Is there a professor who would fail a final-semester student for attendance? Everyone knows I'm in my last semester of my 4th year."

"I've heard that your lack of credits might prevent you from graduating because of your poor attendance."

"What? I can't graduate?"

Lee Sang-hoon abruptly straightened up in his seat and assumed a more formal posture to answer the call.

"Alright. So it means I might be failed due to insufficient attendance. The professor is calling, so I should go and talk to him quickly. I think I need to use a different phone number."

"What? A professor might fail me because of attendance? Who? No, I have to leave now. Can I come in today?"

"Come right away. That's why I called. Hurry. If you delay, the professor might not be available."

Immediately after ending the call, Lee Sang-hoon hastily dressed and rushed to school. The campus was just an hour's subway ride from his home, motivating him to hurry so as not to be late.

Lee Sang-hoon had never fathomed that his graduation might be in jeopardy due to poor attendance. Even in his final semester, he never entertained the notion that attendance could hinder his completion of studies.

When Lee Sang-hoon arrived at the department head's office, it was already around five o'clock in the evening. He was informed that the professor had left the office and gone to the LAB room. Without hesitation, Lee Sang-hoon made his way to the LAB room.

"Come in."

Lee Sang-hoon greeted the professor and stepped into the department head's office, where the head of the department was waiting for him behind his desk.

"You arrived quickly. Did you come directly from school?"

"No. I received a call at home and came straightaway."

"Really? You made it here so promptly despite coming from home? It seems your residence isn't far. Very well. The sooner we address this, the better for both of us."

Lee Sang-hoon seated himself on the sofa and observed the professor. The head of the Department of Electronics had been a professor for five years, wielding considerable influence within the engineering school. His summons were heeded with haste.

The professor sat down and extracted a cigarette, using a lighter to singe the end of it – a peculiar ritual that perplexed onlookers. Despite the belief that this act dissipated the cigarette's moisture, it didn't appear to alter the taste, causing observers to abandon this practice.

With a cigarette between his lips, Professor Lee addressed Lee Sang-hoon.

"Beginning this year, our school system has undergone a change. After each class, professors are required to record student attendance on the computer. You are aware that the school policy stipulates that missing 1/3 of classes results in a failing grade, aren't you? If you miss class five times, it results in an F."

"Yes, I understand."

Lee Sang-hoon replied, then closed his eyes. It had been barely a month since the start of the semester, yet he had already missed 5 classes. The professor's call might be related to that.

"You've already missed 5 classes, which results in a failing grade for attendance. Are you aware of this?"

"Yes, I understand."

"It seems you don't have a strong attachment to your studies... Do you intend to pursue the 9th semester?"

"Yes, I aim to graduate as soon as possible."

"It's not easy to change your program, and modifying attendance records is particularly complicated... If you were ill, you would need a medical certificate, but that isn't an option now. However, there is a simple solution. I reached out to discuss this."

"What is the solution?"

Eager to graduate, Lee Sang-hoon was prepared to do whatever it took. Continuing to attend classes had become increasingly difficult for him, and it had become a source of embarrassment.

"You plan to seek employment after graduating, don't you?"

"Of course. I need to earn a living because our family's financial situation is not ideal."

"Understood. By the end of the semester, secure a job and obtain a certification of employment. I will facilitate your graduation based on your employment status."

"A certification of employment?"

"Yes, given the emphasis on student employment rates, the school will facilitate your graduation with just one certificate of employment."

Lee Sang-hoon fell silent for a moment, lowering his head in contemplation. Upon gathering his thoughts, he raised his gaze and inquired of the department head.

"Professor, so, if I obtain a certificate of employment, does it exempt me from attending my other classes?"

"Are you suggesting that you can forego attending classes altogether?"

"Yes, it seems to imply that if one subject is exempted, the remaining subjects will also be exempt. Is that not so?"

"Yes, that's right. If you hold a certificate of employment, attendance in other classes is not mandatory."

"Alright, I will secure a job by the end of June and acquire my employment certificate."

"Very well. I've considered this carefully. It would be a concern for our department if you were unable to graduate due to attendance issues with graduation so near. You may resign from the company after acquiring your employment certificate; one such certificate will suffice. I will handle the rest."

"Yes, understood. Thank you for your understanding, Professor."

Feeling relieved, Lee Sang-hoon harbored no regrets about his decision. Graduation seemed imminent now that he could obtain a job certificate by securing a job. Nonetheless, he felt disheartened at the thought that his days at school may be coming to an end.

Bowing to bid his farewell, Lee Sang-hoon opened the door and stepped into the corridor. He encountered senior graduate students gathered at the end of the corridor, where they were smoking. Greeting them, he joined in and retrieved his own cigarette, engaging in conversation.

"Was the conversation productive?"

"Yes, he mentioned that the professor requested attendance upon the presentation of the employment certificate."

"Good to hear. Nowadays, the school prioritizes employment, so it appears that an employment certificate holds significant weight. Make good use of it in such circumstances."

"Right, of course."

One of the senior students, who previously feigned recognition of Lee Sang-hoon, turned to his companion beside him.

"So, what have you decided to purchase? Please share. Don't dine alone this time..."

The senior in question was Gyeong-woon, who had appeared uncertain in the presence of female juniors during his prior encounter with the department head. While he acknowledged Lee Sang-hoon's greeting, he feigned ignorance and stood proudly with a cigarette in hand.

Unperturbed, Lee Sang-hoon simply continued to smoke, prioritizing his own objectives over displaying any semblance of pride.

"Come on. Share it. Let's relax a little."

The presumptuous senior spoke to the keen junior as if he were bestowing a great privilege upon him.

"Fine, stop sulking like a child. I'll share, but you're the only one who needs to know."

After divulging this information, the senior glanced briefly at Lee Sang-hoon. However, Lee Sang-hoon maintained his facade of obliviousness, taking a drag of his cigarette and averting his gaze. The senior glanced at him once more and then spoke quietly to his companion.

"IC Ucalls. The IC Ucalls stock."

"Why would a senior student be discussing IC Ukols?" wondered Lee Sang-hoon as he pretended not to pay attention, his gaze fixed elsewhere. The mention of IC Ucalls caught his attention, although he continued to avoid acknowledging the conversation.