Chapter 25

On Saturday, as Chairman Wang enjoyed his meal of jajangmyeon, he conversed with Lee Sang-hoon.

"Let's grab a bite and briefly greet the team," he proposed.

"Formal greetings?" Lee inquired.

"Hmm, just lend me your ear for a moment. Also, make sure to closely follow Deputy Jang's updates this week. You can approach it in your own way, but take your time to figure things out. I value freedom and don't believe in pushing a specific approach on others," Chairman Wang remarked.

"Understood," Lee replied.

Lee Sang-hoon felt fortunate. He was struck by the resemblance between President Wang and a figure he had seen earlier, finding it motivating.

He pondered the strategy of enticing members to buy before making an appearance, a tactic he had observed Luho execute in a similar manner. The distinction lay in the condensed timeline of President Wang's actions compared to Luho's more prolonged process.

Lee casually nibbled on a pickled radish as Chairman Wang gazed at him before turning to Deputy Jang.

"Arrange a meeting with Choi from Gyeonggi Securities," Chairman Wang instructed.

"What's the purpose of the meeting?" Lee inquired.

"Our researcher is new, so request a briefing. We have been lacking in that area for a while. Also, there are a few clients who have relations with Gyeonggi Securities, so I'm suggesting starting there. It's a bit like Gyeonggi Securities, isn't it?"

"It's been quite a change. Our performance is on the decline, so it's hard to determine if that's the reason."

"Did I falter because I wasn't good enough? I faltered because I didn't give the lecture. I should have given the lecture. I can adapt the lectures to suit their preferences."

Lee Sang-hoon quietly savored his jajangmyeon as the conversation focused on lectures, customers, and securities companies. It seemed that interests were intertwining among them.

The trio, indulging in jajangmyeon, coffee, and cigarettes, gathered around at approximately half past one.

"Did everyone enjoy their meal? Shinil Construction is back in play. It sold well. If you think you sold well, try making a move."

Shinil Construction hovered around the 12,500 won mark again. The trading volume was low, and the absence of new incoming volume seemed to dampen the spirits of those holding it.

Using a microphone, Chairman Wang diverted attention from the members' questions about Shinil Construction by calling on Lee Sang-hoon.

"You must have seen Nyanyimam and Olmangkot at the last Saturday session. We have a new addition to our team."

Nyanyimam and Olmangkot, named by Chairman Wang, diligently took notes in the chat window. President Wang noticed their entries and continued speaking.

"If you want to hear the audio only, type 1. If you type 1, I'll try to accommodate you for a while."

As Chairman Wang spoke, the discussions about Shinil Construction dissipated, replaced by a flood of 1s in the chat window. Lee Sang-hoon seemed to grasp why President Wang was urging everyone to type 1. It appeared that President Wang was orchestrating the situation, compelling everyone to hit 1 after each statement, much like a zookeeper training animals.

"Now, we will introduce our new stock expert, Lee Sang-hoon."

President Wang motioned for Lee Sang-hoon to stand up. Lee Sang-hoon complied, approaching the room where President Wang was seated and greeting the audience through the microphone as instructed.

"Hello, this is Lee Sang-hoon. Please take care of me."

Upon hearing Lee Sang-hoon's greeting, Chairman Wang became visibly excited.

"You have no idea how much effort I put into recruiting expert Lee Sang-hoon. He excelled in stock management at a securities company and delivered record returns. I brought him here through personal connections and a bit of persuasion to integrate him into our system. Hahaha."

Thus, Lee Sang-hoon, now embarking on his new role, had been securely positioned as a key figure within Chairman Wang's stock-related system.

"Expert Lee Sang-hoon is currently unable to join the broadcast to get a sense of the atmosphere, but I do plan to consult him once a week for his insights. Perhaps, as a fresh addition to the team, he might be more familiar with the recent developments in the world of systems, unlike myself. If you are excited about this prospect, type 1. If not, type 2. Oh, and by the way, you look handsome. Hahaha."

The chat window quickly filled with 1s. Chairman Wang pointed to the chat window while nudging Lee Sang-hoon, intrigued by the enthusiastic response. He then took hold of the microphone once more.

"I am still a bachelor. You mustn't tease us bachelors, you know? We must protect our esteemed expert, Lee Sang-hoon. Hahaha."

As Chairman Wang continued, the chat window buzzed with stories of local analysts congregating in the laundry. President Wang was thoroughly enjoying the engagement.

"Let's wrap it up. This is our final salutation; until next time."

As they bid their farewells, a message popped up in the chat window, asking for a single event. Lee Sang-hoon glanced at the messages, lowered his head, and took hold of the microphone once more.

"Since everyone desires it, I will propose a promising stock for the next broadcast. Please stay tuned and join us for the next broadcast. I will be waiting."

Upon hearing these unexpected words from Lee Sang-hoon, Chairman Wang quickly seized the microphone and addressed him.

"Are you serious? What are you saying? Are you suggesting a stock pick?"

"I spoke out because it's what people want. What's the issue?"

"It's not so simple to suggest stock picks. You shouldn't just say it because people want it... And this first recommended stock will determine your future. We will discuss it on the next broadcast, which is the day after tomorrow. How do you plan to identify the recommended stock by then?"

Lee Sang-hoon had spoken with conviction because he believed in something. When he returned home that day, he had a premonition that his mother would bring a book with something significant written in it, leading him to confidently share his stock recommendations.

"I have a personal secret that I intend to resolve."

"A personal secret?"

President Wang regarded Lee Sang-hoon with skepticism. It had only been the second day since Lee joined the office, and he had not witnessed any stock discussions or transactions. While Lee exuded a sense of confidence, it seemed implausible for him to assert the existence of a secret item related to stock matters.

"I won't let you down."

"That's not the issue. However, you should carefully consider and present your thoughts during the next broadcast. People are eagerly anticipating it, and it could serve as a great starting point for you. But if you make a misstep, people may be less receptive to your future contributions, so think it through. I want to see you succeed."

Following his remarks to Lee Sang-hoon, Chairman Wang resumed using the microphone.

"Have you all heard about our researcher, Sang-hoon Lee? They say our researcher had analyzed some very promising stocks even before joining our team. I will disclose those stocks. Are you not looking forward to it? Join us at the next broadcast, where we'll reveal the answer to this anticipation. Don't forget to tune in, as the next broadcast will be a special one, and I'll restrict access for non-members. If you are using a trial coupon and are curious about Researcher Sang-Hoon Lee's insights, I encourage you to purchase a one-month membership card. Access to this valuable information is available with a membership purchase."

President Wang seized the opportunity Lee Sang-hoon had presented to promote membership sales. Lee Sang-hoon cynically acknowledged President Wang's actions.

"This wasn't my recommendation anyway, so it's inconsequential if things go awry. But President Wang, capitalizing on the anticipation and curiosity surrounding the new face, saw a business opportunity in attracting two or three new members."

Following this, the narrative delved into Lee Sang-hoon's career journey, the next broadcast, and inconsequential small talk until the market closed at 3 o'clock. Chairman Wang concluded the broadcast with a brief farewell and promised to reconvene on Wednesday for the next broadcast.

"You've had a long day."

Deputy Jang bid farewell as the broadcast concluded, and Chairman Wang got up and wiped his sweat.

"It's been tough. Sang-hoon, take a seat soon. I'm too exhausted to eat because of the hectic day. I spoke on the microphone for the first time today and managed to maintain composure with a steady tone. When you head home, carefully consider the stock recommendation. The time for your spotlight may come sooner than expected."

"I understand. I will prepare diligently."

"Very well, then. I'll take my leave. I've expenended too much energy chatting all day. You continue your hard work."

Chairman Wang wiped his brow with a handkerchief, then departed the office. Lee Sang-hoon bid him farewell and returned to his seat.

"Will you head home immediately after the original broadcast?"

"Sometimes I do, other times not. But today seems different, so I'll head out early."

"What's different about today?"

"Sang-hoon dangled a lure to attract new members. You may not be aware, but he'll probably receive several solicitations to join. The chairman prefers not to be around when such calls come in, which is why he leaves his seat first."

"I see."

Lee Sang-hoon nodded and gazed at the door through which President Wang had exited. Chairman Wang's character was becoming clearer to him – a typical Khondae who valued reputation and evaded responsibility. He appeared friendly but sought an exit strategy when things got tough, a trait Lee Sang-hoon had observed several times that day.

"He's not someone to be trusted. I would rather confide in Deputy Jang."

Observing Deputy Jang's demeanor, Lee noticed that even in the warm weather, Jang exuded a frosty aura.

"Deputy, may I leave first today? I didn't get a chance to see everything due to my sudden arrival in the office."

"Of course. Once the market closes, you're free to leave. I will do the same."

After their exchange, Jang pulled out a cigarette. While President Wang was present, he refrained from smoking, but as soon as President Wang left, he lit up.

"Very well, then. Let's leave first. See you tomorrow."

Lee took his bag and rose from his seat. He felt a sense of relief as he thought about home. During his jajangmyeon meal, he had asked his mother if she had brought a book, and she texted to confirm that she had placed it on his desk. Lee felt a surge of emotion, uncertain whether to laugh or cry as he read the message.

Lee Sang-hoon took the subway home and lamented the lack of wings, wishing he could have flown instead. As he hummed, his mind raced with thoughts about diving into a new book in the coming weeks.

"I'm home. Mom, where are the books?" he called out.

"I was just about to look for the books. I'm glad you're home," his mother responded.

"Okay. Are they on the desk?" Lee inquired.

"Yes, as we texted earlier, they are on the desk. But you're home earlier than usual," his mother commented.

"Yeah, it worked out that way," Lee said.

He quickly made his way to the desk and espied the book he had been anticipating, still wearing his coat.

"The book on value investment strategy," he muttered to himself, leafing through the pages.

However, as he ran his hands across the pages, he realized that something was amiss. Despite the visual appearance of the book, the pages were oddly blank, devoid of any printed content.

"What? This can't be right," Lee exclaimed, feeling perplexed. He closed the book and inspected it once more, noticing the indentations left by his nails as he had flipped through it earlier. However, upon closer inspection, he found that the expected text was nowhere to be found.

In his hands, Lee held a seemingly ordinary book with no discernible content.

"What is this? What's going on?" Lee cried out in frustration.