Friends

Lee Sang-hoon's parents urgently opened his door and entered as he squeezed his fists in the living room. 

"Sang Hoon, what happened?" 

"What's wrong?" 

Lee Sang-hoon smiled brightly and spoke in a raised tone, "It's organized. Done."

"Okay?" 

When Lee Sang-hoon shared the story he wanted to tell, his father approached him looking as if he might collapse. 

"How much did you organize? Did you do it for 9,500 won as I said yesterday?" 

"I did it for 9,800 won." 

"That's a lot," his mother exclaimed and sat down, crying with her hands together. 

"Thank you. Thank you." 

Although it was a home without religious beliefs, his mother was praying to someone in heaven unknowingly. 

"Good job, Sang Hoon. You worked hard. I really struggled." Lee Sang-hoon's father praised him, patting his shoulders. 

"If it was 9,800 won, did we lose 200?" 

"After fees and taxes, it's still a bit less," Lee Sang-hoon replied. 

"Okay, let's consider it as family trip money. It's great. There are really unbelievable things in the world, aren't there, honey?" 

"Thank you so much. Yesterday I lost more than 20 million won, but it feels like a dream that it's now reduced to 2 million won." 

When Lee Sang-hoon's mother shed tears of joy, his father, unable to contain his happiness, paced around the room. 

"Done, done," Lee Sang-hoon told his delighted father, as if he had achieved something. 

"I sold it today so the money will come the day after tomorrow. I'll transfer it to our bank account immediately, so check it then." 

"Great job. I feel good today, let's go out and eat together." Lee Sang-hoon's father expressed his relief. 

"Sang Hoon, you did well. I believed you would help us," Lee Sang-hoon's mother reassured him.

"Never get involved with them again. Don't dwell on 2 million won as a painful lesson." 

"And today, I will meet some friends after a long time. After a few days of caring, I want to go out and take some rest." 

"Okay. Let's enjoy a good meal today," Lee Sang-hoon suggested. 

In an attempt to offer pocket money, Lee Sang-hoon blocked his father's hand from reaching for his wallet, saying, "I have money. Don't worry."

"I can't just give you a nominal amount. I have to give my son some pocket money on such a great day."

"Alright. I had a tough time, so I received pocket money from my dad and bought a lot of delicious food."

"Yes, thank you."

Laughter echoed through Lee Sang-hoon's home after a long time.

***

"Hurry up, we're running late."

As Lee Sang-hoon emerged from his house with his bag in hand, three friends were waiting with their car outside the apartment building.

"Hurry up, the sun will set if we wait for you any longer."

"Sorry, I was just about to come out, but I got a call."

"You got a call? When we're all here waiting for you? To Lee Sang-hoon, the man of the world?"

"You're out of your mind. Do you think I have no one else to call?"

"No?"

"Hahaha."

The friends accompanying Lee Sang-hoon in the car were his high school buddies who he hadn't been able to meet for a long time. They were the friends he'd hang out with almost every day in his early 20s.

After organizing his affairs and meeting his friends, the conversation turned to taking a trip while enjoying some drinks, eventually leading to an impromptu decision.

Graduate school friend Lim Gyu-chan, university friend Kim Hee-yeol, Baek-soo Lee Jun-hwan, and Lee Sang-hoon, who was still in college, piled into Baek Lee Jun-hwan's car and set off for a breath of fresh air.

"It's been 3-4 years, huh? Time really flies when we're all together."

Driving the car, Lee Jun-hwan reflected in the mirror. Despite being unemployed, he had the most comfortable life among the group, thanks to his family's wealth.

Lee Jun-hwan's family had significant assets, and his father handed down his grandfather's wealth without depleting it, maintaining a life of leisure. Seeing his son largely enjoy life, Lee Jun-hwan's father, who had seen his own father's fortune squandered in business, encouraged him to have fun at home and spend money on enjoyment rather than getting into trouble. He believed it was a better choice to invest and have fun rather than taking unnecessary risks in business.

On the other hand, Kim Hee-yeol's family lived on the opposing side of the economic spectrum. His parents worked regular jobs and struggled to make ends meet. Hee-yeol Kim, not particularly interested in academics, was coerced into attending a third-tier university that his parents wanted, and even after attending for 10 semesters, he remained far from graduating.

Im Gyu-chan excelled academically since high school, and as a result, he continued his studies at a top university and pursued graduate school. Despite being a critical thinker, he had the most empathetic heart among the three, making him the person Lee Sang-hoon turned to when he faced troubles.

As they drove without a female companion, the trio engaged in endless banter. Their interactions were always lively and engaging, ensuring that conversation flowed even as they cruised in the car.

Meanwhile, Lee Sang-hoon found himself preoccupied with thoughts about Luho as they chatted.

Despite going to the library every day, the contents of the book remained unchanged. He couldn't discern if it was truly evolving or if the Luho story was the only substance it contained.

One thing was clear—things were unfolding as detailed in the book. Luho failed to recover 10,000 won, and its value was on a downward trend. As the book predicted, the transaction price surged, drawing in numerous single hitters for what seemed to be the world's first single hitting contest.

Lee Sang-hoon made an effort to focus on the book, but ultimately, he decided to clear his mind and enjoy time with his friends.

"Hey, don't you have a girlfriend?"

"What? Where did you meet a girl?"

Having money and a well-groomed appearance, Lee Jun-hwan frequently changed partners.

"No, it's not that. I've been going to the sauna with my father lately."

"The L hotel sauna? Isn't that membership worth tens of millions?"

"What sauna membership costs tens of millions? Can sauna water be anything other than tap water?"

Surprised by Kyu-chan's words, Hee-yeol confronted him. Lee Sang-hoon remained silent, yet the sauna tales from Lee Jun-hwan always sounded otherworldly.

"The membership includes everything, access to the sauna, health facilities, and hotel restaurants. Since it retains its value and can be sold later, it's akin to depositing money in a bank, not disappearing anywhere."

"Deposit money in a bank? Does it accrue interest?"

"Not exactly. There are price fluctuations, much like a golf membership. You pay a separate fee while having that membership, ensuring your money doesn't vanish."

"Interesting. It's like a whole different world. Isn't it, Sang-hoon?"

Kim Hee-yeol nudged Lee Sang-hoon and inquired, seeking his approval, as Lee Sang-hoon seemed an easy person to talk to.

"Right. So what did you hear?"

"Oh, I was just talking about that."

As Lee Jun-hwan's car neared Dangjin on the West Coast Expressway, the conversation turned to a man considered a stock expert in the sauna. 

"Is the story about buying stocks?"

"Do you know my father? He dislikes investing money in businesses or stocks the most."

"Your father does indeed dislike that. He gives you pocket money, allowing you to live without engaging in any profit-making activity. He intends to hand over the reins later, allowing you to simply manage the building. It's a form of wisdom, isn't it?"

"Don't mind Hee-yeol's words. Just continue your story."

Im Gyu-chan spoke on behalf of Kim Hee-yeol, insisting that Lee Jun-hwan continue speaking despite the interruptions.

"No, the gentleman mentioned that the stock market is about to become exciting. He believed that a time will come when even mothers with their children and rural folks in their boots will frequent the market. As a result, he suggested that having a fund in it might be advantageous."

"I recall hearing similar news a few months ago, so there doesn't seem to be anything groundbreaking. Despite that, everyone in our lab room either invested or even directly dabbled in stock trading."

"A graduate student at your university? Hm, interesting. So, are you seeking substantial returns? Hey, a rest area. Let's make a quick stop at the rest area."

"What rest area are you referring to now? We'll have to pass through the toll gate. There won't be a rest area. If you're truly fatigued, just let me know. I'll pull over somewhere reasonably priced for you to rest."

"Ah, understood."

Im Gyu-chan chuckled and shook his head as he gazed at Kim Hee-yeol—unpredictable and difficult to adapt to. He then shifted his attention back to Kim Hee-yeol and, looking over at Lee Sang-hoon, commented, "Seems the returns weren't as favorable as I had anticipated. It appears that stock trading is quite challenging."

"It is indeed difficult. Very challenging."

Upon finishing his brief remark, Lee Sang-hoon glanced out the car window. Kim Hee-yeol then teasingly prodded Lee Sang-hoon's side and inquired, "So, have you tried your hand at stocks? How did it go?"

"I did. It was quite a roller coaster ride."

Although Kim Hee-yeol's comment was meant to jest with Lee Sang-hoon, given his sincere tone and expression, Kim Hee-yeol and Lim Gyu-chan exchanged glances. Surprised, Lee Jun-hwan, still gripping the steering wheel, turned to Lee Sang-hoon and remarked, "You dabbled in stocks? You fool. Stay away from it."

"What have I even done?"

"Why would you? Don't get involved. Among my father's associates, I've heard stories about someone amassing and losing a fortune playing the stock market, and according to him, stocks aren't conducive to ordinary individuals profitably. He stressed on the notion of investing in real estate instead, stating that land never depreciates."

"Come on, it's easy for wealthy folks like you or property buyers to say that. Even if someone like Sang-hun or myself wanted to purchase land, we're not in a position to do so."

Hee-yeol Kim spoke to Jun-hwan Lee on behalf of Lee Sang-hoon. Despite getting along with Lee Jun-hwan, sometimes, their conversational focus shifted due to their differing backgrounds.

"So, why did you do it? What's the harm in trying? It's not wrong to explore such avenues. I don't view stocks negatively. We need to invest. In today's world, investment is essential except for individuals like you who don't have to worry much about money."

Lim Gyu-chan was aligning with Lee Sang-hoon.

"You're aware of my father. The HU group."

"Ah, the multi-level company. What about it?"

"I believe they were involved in stock trading. My father even took out a mortgage loan. I was instructed to disengage from that."

"Alright. How did it pan out?"

"It's settled. I did incur some losses, but fortunately, it seems to have been resolved quite well considering I could absorb that loss."

"That's good to hear. Where did you manage to exit without incurring losses? I hope so."

Im Gyu-chan displayed genuine happiness, as though it were her own affair. Lee Sang-hoon sported a smile, not quite realizing when he had last seen Im Gyu-chan so sympathetic. Lim Gyu-chan's empathetic approach led to Lee Sang-hoon feeling comforted.

"My two friends, I haven't finished speaking. Should I just let go of the steering wheel and sit back?"

"Alright, this fella is quite intense. Go on, what's up?"

"I didn't intend to suggest that I had to invest in the fund, but the gentleman mentioned that there are peculiar rumors circulating within the Myeongdong bond market currently."

"What kind of rumors?"

"Have you heard about a company called IC Ukols?"

"What does this company do?"

"I'm not sure. However, word on the street is that money circulating in the Myeongdong bond market is being directed towards this company. Consequently, traditional businesses have reported difficulty in obtaining funds from Myeongdong. People involved in the bond market are diverting their money and getting trapped here..."

"Alright. That sounds unusual. What's the name of your company?"

"IC Ucalls."

As they conversed, the four reached Anmyeondo Pension.