Chapter 4

Over his shoulder, Lee Sang-hoon overheard a tale about his parents purchasing a house for 100 million won with a loan of 10,000 won. As the value increased from 10,000 to 40,000, it felt as if they had swiftly recovered significant losses in one swift move.

Another junior, appearing envious, inquired if Lee Sang-hoon was indeed lucky. The ongoing conversation led to a discussion about the remarkable surge in the value of the stock called Luho. The junior emphasized that the rise from 1,000 to 40,000 went largely unnoticed, creating an air of mystery and allure around the stock.

As he continued to sip his beer, the junior remarked on the courage required to invest steadily in Luho amid its gradual rise, expressing admiration for those who had the resolve to do so.

Lee Sang-hoon, although initially uninterested in stocks, began to feel more intrigued as he absorbed the excitement and stories shared by his fellow juniors.

The conversation turned towards the general behavior of stock investors, with the junior underscoring the significance of enduring a fourfold increase in the stock's value over just a few months, finding it impressive. The discussion delved into investment strategies, including the concept of leaving funds with a securities company for stock trading, as well as the potential benefits of investing in a fund.

Expanding on this, the junior highlighted the emerging trend of funds yielding significant returns compared to traditional banking interest rates, especially with the influx of Chinese investments. As the discussion unfolded, Lee Sang-hoon, recalling news reports about the upward trends in stock markets and the promising economic growth in China, found himself drawn in.

One of the juniors shared his personal investment approach, combining both the fund and stock market for potential gains, and emphasized the accessibility of stock information through online communities, shedding light on the support available for those interested in stock trading.

These days, isn't it all about the internet? Everything is right there. You don't have to fear it like an old man. With a little study, anyone can do it, isn't that enough?" Lee Sang-hoon echoed this sentiment in his mind, half apprehensive and half intrigued by what his juniors had shared so easily.

As he dwelled on their talk, he found himself gradually favoring the idea of investing in stocks. As he rode the subway home, he observed a stock craze, with commuters engrossed in stock-related materials.

Upon reaching home, Lee Sang-hoon swiftly turned on his computer, finding himself in a stock community. He perused various stock-related sites, finally settling on Romannet, a platform that seemed like a suitable community for stock discussions.

After delving into the forum on Luho, he was amazed by the sheer volume of posts, predominantly concerning whether to buy or sell, with a few highlighting recent gains. It became evident that his father had made a shrewd purchase at a low cost, leading Lee Sang-hoon to ponder the potential rewards of investing and studying further in this area.

His exploration led him to a discussion about the US shipbuilding company, where Luho's potential was likened to surpassing the value of the shipbuilding company. Despite these intriguing discussions, he shut down his computer, feeling like there was more for him to understand before diving in.

As he lay back in his chair, he reflected on the transformative power of a single well-placed investment and decided to visit the library the following day to educate himself further. Arriving at the library in his casual wear, he was initially disheartened by the beginner-level stock books he encountered, which seemed laden with empty promises and outdated information.

Despite his initial disappointment, Lee Sang-hoon sifted through a few books, noting that they often focused on historical charts and past trends. However, as he delved deeper, a newfound confidence slowly began to take root within him.