Chapter 30

"Sang Hoon."

"Yes?"

After the broadcast, Chairman Wang addressed Sang-hoon Lee by name, as though he considered him an individual. However, Lee Sang-hoon didn't take offense. Acknowledging this, he bowed in front of President Wang.

"You, then no."

"What are you talking about...?"

Initially, Lee Sang-hoon pretended not to comprehend the situation, because it allowed him to discern President Wang's thoughts. While looking at Lee Sang-hoon as sympathetically as possible, Chairman Wang spoke in a gentle voice.

"You shouldn't send such a strong signal to suddenly promote or sell a recommendation. I would be pleased if IC U-Calls declines, but what if it doesn't? If it doesn't decline, it will backfire."

Lee Sang-hoon couldn't retort with 'There's no such thing.' To counter, he would have to provide a valid reason, and what he had to offer was something he couldn't disclose to others. Consequently, Lee Sang-hoon bowed his head, seemingly reflecting on President Wang's words.

"People like us should be open to possibilities and discuss all potential outcomes. You have options, but the decision is yours. However, you must impress upon the members that when I am right, it's my virtue, and when I am wrong, it's their mistake. Otherwise, you may suddenly have to face the consequences. Understand?"

"Yeah, okay."

Lee Sang-hoon didn't appreciate President Wang's words, but he nodded and agreed initially. He knew that the situation would resolve itself eventually.

As Chairman Wang observed Lee Sang-hoon bowing, he rose from his seat and patted his shoulder.

"But it was good for the first time. You can sense the pulse in the room. It's uncommon to have such a commanding presence. Isn't that right, Deputy Jang?"

"Yes. For a first-timer, you did well."

"I'll provide you with a microphone every week, so you are aware of the responsibility, right? If you keep at it, you'll become accustomed to speaking regularly."

Lee Sang-hoon felt a bit flushed as he was reminded that he would be speaking in front of people every week. It wasn't a major concern, but he realized that being in front of people made him feel better.

"Phew. I'm hungry. Today, I exerted more energy, and the lunch I had earlier has been completely digested. Is there anything good to eat, Mr. Jang?"

President Wang emerged from his room, searched for something to eat, and grabbed a bag of cookies from the table near the kitchen. While enjoying the sweets, he glanced at the monitors on Lee Sang-hoon and Jang's desks. Standing in front of Lee Sang-hoon's computer, he examined Lee Sang-hoon's HTS.

"Jumi material? What's this? Why did you buy this?"

With nearly a full mouth of cookies, Chairman Wang suddenly focused on Lee Sang-hoon's HTS. He then grabbed the mouse and began to interact with Lee Sang-hoon's HTS.

"I only bought one of these. Why would I buy something else? Sang-hoon adopts a particular trading style and sticks with it, right? Since I've conversed with people in the US, it would be beneficial to directly invest in US shipbuilding. 'Look, I bought it and increased this rate of return.' It's a great way to communicate with others..."

Chairman Wang continued to navigate the HTS while speaking. Although Lee Sang-hoon's account wasn't his main one, he silently observed President Wang without saying a word.

"People like us need to manage accounts multiple times a day. He might not be well-versed because he hasn't traded at the sales branch, but that's how it is. Continuously manage customer accounts. It's more efficient and quicker to manage multiple positions, so those who emerge after being at the branch habitually dabble in multiple positions. But when you only buy one and leave it alone... The ledger number is also a very early number. Did you buy this at the beginning of the market?"

President Wang's words surprised Lee Sang-hoon. He didn't know if he could determine when it was purchased. It was the first time he realized that such information was available from the ledger number. After momentarily processing his surprise, Lee Sang-hoon replied to President Wang's question.

"Yes, I got it at the beginning."

"Okay? Why? For how many days do you plan to hold and carry it?"

"Yeah, I intend to hold it for a few weeks."

"Ah, swing trading. Are you planning to engage in swing trading? Heh, okay. Whatever you decide, you just need to make money. The manner in which you buy or sell doesn't really matter because it's your account. Do as you see fit. It's a good prospect... is it?"

President Wang tilted his head a few times and then inquired of Lee Sang-hoon.

"Anyway, five individuals have done well today because of you. 1 million won will be deposited next week, with 200,000 won allotted per person. It's not typical for us to do this on payday. I can assure you that the payment will be made a week after the money is deposited without fail. Any objections?"

"No objections at all."

Lee Sang-hoon was content with the system's efficiency. After all, money was deposited on a set date every month, regardless.

"Yes, perform well. I'm very optimistic about you. As your skills improve, we'll allocate a larger amount to your account. So, start off with 1 million won... Whether you engage in swing trading or make individual trades, it's up to you. What I want from you isn't just investment prowess, but the ability to convey a narrative that fosters trust. Go home, look in the mirror, and practice extensively. That's crucial. Your words and demeanor. You have a good foundation, so it's all about honing your communication skills. I appreciate your initiative. Very good."

Chairman Wang gestured with a square hand toward Lee Sang-hoon and then returned to his seat. After tidying up, he left the office, stating that he would depart for home.

After President Wang left, Deputy Jang spoke with Lee Sang-hoon while organizing the emails to be sent to the members.

"Sang-hoon, do you know why President Wang is so fond of you?"

Jang's query piqued Lee Sang-hoon's interest. Initially, he had fathomed that President Wang's peculiar treatment toward him was because he was a new employee, but he felt it was excessive.

"I've been curious about that too. Do you have the answer?"

Deputy Jang turned to face Lee Sang-hoon, gazing intently at his countenance.

"Chairman Wang says you're advancing well, so let's see..." Deputy Jang mimicked the hand gesture that President Wang had directed toward Lee Sang-hoon.

"Yes. How does that relate to me?"

"Chairman Wang aspires to be on television. He lectures and delivers speeches, but couldn't make it on TV. The producers and PDs observed Chairman Wang's appearance and rejected him. People who are stock experts should inspire confidence through their appearance, but he can't do that."

Suddenly, Lee Sang-hoon clenched his teeth, fought back a smile, and turned his head, finding it challenging to suppress his amusement as he watched Deputy Jang burst into laughter. It was difficult to contain his mirth because he knew exactly what Deputy Jang was alluding to.

President Wang's appearance didn't exude trustworthiness. To be frank, he had the look of a kindly uncle known in the neighborhood. Clearly, his impression was far from that of a stock expert. Lee Sang-hoon could see it in his eyes, so he comprehended the sentiments of the producers and PDs.

After a brief outburst of laughter, Deputy Jang swiftly composed herself and continued speaking.

"So I searched for someone who could represent me in a broadcast. Several individuals were considered, and among them, Sang-hoon's appearance was the closest to what President Wang desired. He might not be conventionally handsome, but his appearance instills a sense of trust in viewers due to his facial features."

"Deputy, are you saying you weren't so handsome in front of you?"

"Take a look in the mirror."

Lee Sang-hoon joked, but felt irritated by Deputy Jang's remarks delivered without any change in expression.

"That's how it is. You may not realize it, but don't place too much trust in them. They are all doing it for their own gain from Sanghoon."

"I understand. I'm well aware."

Lee Sang-hoon reflected on his conversation with Deputy Jang.

'I'll play along as well. The notion of being a victim was mistaken. Instead, I could be the predator. I could disrupt what President Wang has carefully built, or I could benefit from it.'

Turning to the computer, Lee Sang-hoon looked at the HTS with a laughter unknown to Jang.

The US Joseon Dynasty continued its upward trajectory after Lee Sang-hoon's communication to the members and concluded with an approximate 2% increase, while Jumi Materials fluctuated during the trading day and ended with a neutral outcome.

"Oh, here. Here."

Lee Sang-hoon received a call from his university friend, Heo Ji-hoon, after a long time, just as he was about to head home. After agreeing on a meeting place, they decided to gather at Pimatgol in Jongno.

Before securing a job, Lee Sang-hoon had received multiple calls from friends. However, he often avoided them, citing a busy schedule.

He deliberately evaded them because he felt uneasy about meeting former classmates and acquaintances who were thriving in their careers, while he was not. However, now he felt differently. This was because, much like his peers, Lee Sang-hoon had a business card with his name on it.

"It's been a while."

"Yes, it has. How have you been?"

"Good, good. I'm already craving a drink with the gang."

The bar where these friends convened was reminiscent of their college days. Although the place appeared to be less populated than before, the decor, sofas, and tables remained unchanged. The only notable difference was the professional attire they donned.

"Hey there! It feels like it's been ages since I last saw you."

"Yeah, it's been a while for me too. You look just as young as you did back in school. When we were students, you still seemed like a kid."

"Hey, I'm in my mid-twenties now."

The individual Lee Sang-hoon was conversing with was Jang Eun-ji, who held a casual discussion with him, having enrolled in college after being discharged from military service. She possessed a more intense engineering mindset than her male peers, Lee Sang-hoon included. Despite being a woman, she dressed in the same style and attire, featuring the same hairstyle, throughout the week. She was a junior who, after two years in school and her military service, resembled more of a male peer than a female one.

It was not an unfamiliar sight to see a junior in a smart suit, with makeup and hair neatly tied.

"Oh, Senior Sang-hoon. It's really you."

After a visit to the bathroom and using a handkerchief to dry his hands, the approaching junior turned out to be Go Bo-ram, often seen in the company of Jang Eun-ji. The two of them were always together, interacting with senior male peers.

"Long time no see. You guys haven't changed a bit."

In addition to Jang Eun-ji and Go Bo-ram, Kang Min-seok and Choi Hyun-woo were also seated. Lee Sang-hoon greeted them all and enjoyed the sense of nostalgia, feeling as though he had returned to his school days after so long.

Following a brief discussion about each other's current circumstances, the conversation shifted to Lee Sang-hoon.

"So, you now work at the stock lab?"

"Hmm. How did that come about?"

Heo Ji-hoon inquired about Lee Sang-hoon's occupation as he examined the business card that was presented to him. Everyone else also focused their attention on Lee Sang-hoon's business card. The card bore the engraved words "Lee Sang-hoon Lee, Stock Research Institute Researcher."

The high-quality, durable business cards garnered admiration akin to Chairman Wang's cards and were impeccably designed.

"Wow, the business card looks impressive. It's very professional. Stock Lab. The company sounds impressive as well. I never would have guessed you'd end up in stocks when we were in school."

Jang Eun-ji examined Lee Sang-hoon's business card, regarding him with an inscrutable expression.