Chapter 19 Fate Expert

"Come with me.

In the midst of sitting and chatting with my friends, Lee Sang-hoon's phone rang.

"Hello."

"Yes, hello. This is the Future and Present Research Center. I'm calling regarding a job application. Is this a good time to talk?"

"Oh, yes. This is fine."

Receiving a call related to a job for the first time, Lee Sang-hoon felt somewhat foolish. Although he had submitted the application, the unexpected call from the research center gradually brought thoughts of it to his mind.

The woman on the other end of the line continued after Lee Sang-hoon's response.

"Do you have time tomorrow morning for an interview?"

"An interview? That works. What time should I be there?"

"Tomorrow. Can you make it at 11? I'll send you the directions."

"Sure, that works for me."

After ending the call, all of Lee Sang-hoon's friends turned their attention to him and inquired.

"Are you going for an interview tomorrow? Where is it? Which company is it with?"

Lee Sang-hoon, who wasn't particularly enthusiastic about seeking a job, elicited curiosity among his friends when he unexpectedly received a job-related call. He casually stashed his phone in his pocket in response to his friends.

"It's a stock research lab. They want me to come in for an interview. I think I can graduate if I have a work certificate. Plus, I want to delve a bit more into stocks, so I'll go for the interview and see how it goes."

"Wow, this guy is something. A stock lab? So you're researching stocks? You've hit the jackpot, haven't you? You're not just good at stocks, you're good enough to get into a lab, right?"

"I just said I'll go and check it out. I don't even know what kind of lab it is. Don't get carried away."

"Okay, you'll do well. Attend the interview tomorrow and let us know how it goes. I'm curious about the place."

"Sure. If it goes well, I'll treat you guys, so don't worry."

Lee Sang-hoon believed that everything was going smoothly. IC Ukols also sold for the expected 25,000 won. When he went to Kim Hee-yeol's house, the stock continued to rise, and within six trading days of purchase, he was able to secure nearly 50% profit."

The initial 2 million won investment had nearly doubled to 4 million won after just two transactions. Although the book played a significant role, Lee Sang-hoon took pride in believing in and enduring the book's contents, which contributed to his success.

Furthermore, despite not submitting many job applications, he unexpectedly received a call. Money wasn't the primary concern, so he felt quite content, thinking that he would have taken up the job even if it involved cleaning and laundry.

After returning home from a night of drinking with friends and contemplating the upcoming interview, Lee Sang-hoon found it difficult to sleep and eventually dozed off at dawn.

"It's getting late, Mom. I need to leave."

Lee Sang-hoon hurriedly spoke to his mother, who was struggling to tie his tie and put on his shoes.

"Sang Hoon, you should at least have something to eat before leaving. Here, have a drink."

"Mom, I'm running late. It won't take long, so I'll just grab something on the way. I need to go."

With a tie in his hand, Lee Sang-hoon bid his mother farewell and dashed out, feeling a sense of exhilaration as if it were his first time going for an interview.

Due to lack of sleep and appetite, Lee Sang-hoon didn't eat before leaving, but the company was only two stops away from his home, so he didn't anticipate being too late. Wearing a tie for the first time since high school, he gazed out of the subway window on his way to Mokdong Station.

Mokdong Station was bustling in the morning, typical for a residential area, as it was not concentrated with office buildings. The specific location for his appointment was an officetel building near his home.

"Is this the right place?"

Lee Sang-hoon admired the building's towering presence and unfamiliar territory. After confirming the address, he proceeded to the 13th floor of the building. Upon arrival, the corridor-style building gave off more of a residential vibe than an office one.

Though not expecting a grand entrance, Lee Sang-hoon hesitated in front of what appeared to be an ordinary door. Despite the clear indication of the number 1314, there was no sign of the Future and Present Stock Research Center. After contemplating whether to ring the bell, he took a deep breath and pressed it.

Dingdong.

The familiar sound of a doorbell echoed through the corridor.

"Who is it?"

"Yes, this is Lee Sang-hoon, here for an interview today."

"Ah, wait a moment."

After a brief pause, the door swung open. The woman who greeted Lee Sang-hoon appeared to be in her early twenties, with subtle makeup. Rather than stepping inside, Lee Sang-hoon asked from the doorway, giving off the impression of visiting a family home.

"Is this the Future and Present Research Institute?"

"Yes, it is. Please, come in."

Guided by the woman, Lee Sang-hoon entered the space. Once inside, it resembled a typical household, complete with a living room, bedroom, and kitchen. Spanning about 15 pyeong, it was furnished with a sofa, TV, and even a computer, giving off a homely atmosphere more than an office setting.

Initially skeptical that such a place could function as a research institute, Lee Sang-hoon remained hesitant, unsure of where to sit or stand. The woman directed him to a round table situated near the kitchen, along with an accompanying chair.

"Please have a seat and wait. The director will join you shortly. Today is a non-broadcast day."

"Is that so? Alright."

Lee Sang-hoon felt a bit perplexed by the mention of the director and the reference to broadcasting. The research center appeared to be in a separate location, and it seemed more like the private office of a simple company president.

Glancing around, Lee Sang-hoon noticed a wall-mounted TV, another desk and computer adjacent to the one where the female employee sat, and a small room with sliding doors. He presumed that the chairman's seat was likely beyond those sliding doors.

The seating area where Lee Sang-hoon was instructed to wait featured a round table capable of accommodating five or six people, alongside a whiteboard. Additionally, there were water purifiers and microwaves, providing an office-like environment. However, it wasn't a perfect fit for an office, leaving one slightly perplexed.

After spending around 20 minutes watching the TV, the door creaked open, and a person entered.

"Phew, it's already feeling like summer. So hot."

A man with half his head exposed, standing at a height of less than 170, entered while wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.

"Hmm? Who might you be?"

Pausing as he spotted Lee Sang-hoon, the man politely inquired with the female employee.

"He's the one here for today's interview."

"Ah, really?"

Upon hearing that he had come for the interview, the man entered without acknowledging Lee Sang-hoon. As soon as he sat down, he turned on the fan to circulate the air and began to peruse a document.

"Lee Sang-hoon?"

"Yes."

A person unknown to Lee Sang-hoon, who was engrossed in the document, suddenly called out his name and motioned for him to come in.

"Please, take a seat."

Lee Sang-hoon awkwardly stepped into the chairman's office through a door that seemed unsuitable for entering.

"Sit."

A simple chair was placed in front of him. Lee Sang-hoon found it amusing to be seated in such a place, but he had come with the mindset of gaining experience, and decided to proceed with the interview.

"Okay. Are you from XX University?"

"Yes."

"You're attending a good university. In the electronics department. Why did an electronics student like yourself apply to our lab?"

"I applied because I want to delve deeper into the study of stocks."

"That's a deep study of stocks... By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to delve deeper than you would at a conventional securities firm. Welcome aboard."

"Have you dabbled in stocks yourself?"

"Yes, I've been gradually buying and selling."

"Isn't trading stocks difficult?"

"Yes, it's not easy."

Putting down the papers, the chairman smiled as he gazed at Lee Sang-hoon's face. Lee Sang-hoon also observed the chairman's face closely. At first glance, the chairman appeared to be in his 50s, likely due to his receding hairline, but in reality, he seemed to be in his early to mid-40s.

His warm smile and healthy complexion left a positive first impression, complemented by his upright and poised posture.

In contrast to Lee Sang-hoon, who briefly observed the chairman's face, the chairman scrutinized Lee Sang-hoon's features for an extended period, signaling an employee named Jang to retrieve a camera. Without a word from the chairman, Jang brought the camcorder, switched it on, and aimed it at Lee Sang-hoon.

"I'm sorry, what is this?"

Confused by the unexpected turn of events, Lee Sang-hoon glanced back and forth between the man referred to as the Chairman and the woman named Jang Dae-ri. However, without acknowledging Lee Sang-hoon's bewilderment, Jang Dae-ri urged him to focus on the camcorder.

"Take a look here."

"Uh, okay."

Unintentionally complying with Assistant Manager Jang's instructions, Lee Sang-hoon felt as though he was partaking in a camera audition. Despite feeling inclined to comment on the unusual presence of the camera during an interview, the Chairman's praise interjected before Lee Sang-hoon could voice any concerns.

"You have a good voice and a strong presence. What do you think when looking at the camera?"

"The camera captures well; it presents a composed appearance."

"Great. I'm impressed. This kind of composure isn't common, but it's exceptional. I like your demeanor."

Lee Sang-hoon, who had never received such praise before, beamed with a newfound confidence.

"Did you say your name is Lee Sang-hoon?"

"Yes."

"You mentioned having experience in stocks. What has been your rate of return?"

"I have limited experience, but the results have been favorable."

Lee Sang-hoon chose to phrase his response in a more favorable light, reframing his two instances of stock trading as a more cohesive narrative for the interview.

"As for stocks, you can gradually shift your focus to our priorities over time. I am more interested in other matters than stocks, Lee Sang-hoon. What are your thoughts?"

"Yes? What does that entail?"

Suddenly, Lee Sang-hoon felt embarrassed about appearing overly ambitious. He hadn't shown any signs of greed or ambition, but perhaps the mention of his experience in stocks suggested otherwise.

"We offer an incentive-based system rather than a conventional salary. Your earnings are dependent on your performance. You could potentially earn 100 million won in a month or just 1 million won. However, your compensation shouldn't be below that of other office workers. Isn't that right, Deputy Jang?"

Instead of overtly agreeing with the chairman, Deputy Jang nodded in assent. However, her expression seemed somewhat strained.

"Tomorrow, we have a prospective member orientation at our institute, so I'd like you to attend. Our members will have an opportunity to assess you more thoroughly tomorrow. Can you make it?"

"Tomorrow?"

Saturday posed an inconvenience for Lee Sang-hoon, but he found it difficult to decline after witnessing the chairman's impressive demeanor.

"Very well. I'll be there."

"Then, we'll see you tomorrow."

With a smile, the chairman turned his attention back to Lee Sang-hoon.