Scam Experts

As Lee Sang-hoon sat in a subway chair on his journey home, he scrutinized the business card he had received.

"Why does this name seem so familiar?"

Furrowing his brow, Lee Sang-hoon studied the chairman's business card. This nagging sense of familiarity teased his mind, evoking an odd sensation in the back of his head. While he hadn't found the chairman's face to be familiar, he couldn't shake the feeling of recognition connected to the business card.

"Why does this name ring a bell? I've heard this name before... On the business card, it's written as 'Chairman of The Future and Present Stock Research Institute, Wang Hyun-joo.'"

"Wang Hyun-ju. Wang Hyun-joo? Hyunjoo? Hyunjoo!"

Lee Sang-hoon repeated the chairman's name several times, suddenly realizing why it sounded so familiar. The name Hyunjoo was quite common for women, but it was an extremely rare name for a man. Uniquely, there was a noteworthy individual who used the name Hyunjoo, not as a celebrity, but in the world of stocks.

The most eminent figure causing a stir in the stock market bore the name Hyun-joo. During the IT bubble era, this individual, who started as a securities company salesperson, enticed clients to invest in one of Korea's leading online portals, resulting in a monumental success that led to widespread recognition. Rumors abounded, with stories of immense wealth and sizable investments held by Gangnam's elite circulating despite the person being based in local branch offices. It was even rumored that this individual's investments could trigger stock market fluctuations, signifying the massive influence this individual wielded.

Subsequently, this individual rose to become the youngest branch manager and established a securities company, creating a fund under the name X Hyunjoo. Although the newly established Future Asset Securities Company was not initially ranked among the top three, investments from the Future Asset funds soared and made the brokerage firm the most sought-after. This fund garnered the highest demand and yielded exceptional returns, all under the direction of Chairman X Hyun-joo.

"Somehow, this name does sound familiar... Wang Hyun-joo? Wang Hyun-joo... And the company name, Future and Present? Oh, it's coming together. So, it seems that Future Asset's future has indeed transitioned into its present state. I see."

Lee Sang-hoon succumbed to a sense of disappointment upon realizing the chairman's identity.

"This was all for nothing. I should've just gone to sleep or visited the library. What a waste of time."

I had anticipated experiencing a typical company interview, but this turned out to be a position I couldn't accept. There was an air of imitation surrounding the institution, seemingly drawing parallels with the current prominent figure, Chairman X Hyun-joo, and its name resembled that of the renowned stock research institute, creating an impression of grandeur. It felt like a name that could lead to confusion, as if an enigmatic figure fashioned the research institute.

Disheartened, Lee Sang-hoon turned to head home. Nevertheless, even if he were to return home now, he was determined to later head to the library. After contemplating for a while, he ventured to the library again, feeling forlorn.

Upon arrival, Lee Sang-hoon loosened his tie and took a seat with a book. Without the motivation to peruse its contents, he gazed out the window and chided himself for being unsettled by inconsequential matters. While he hadn't expected much, the sense of collapse upon reaching this conclusion was unavoidable.

"Ugh... I should have known better from the moment I participated in an interview without any proper qualifications..."

Turning the pages of the book with a resigned expression, Lee Sang-hoon's attention was drawn to the altered text. As he diverted his gaze and pondered, he considered the peculiar nature of the book's content adapting to his circumstances and questioned whether he was being influenced by the book or if the book was adjusting to his actions.

As he observed the narratives unfold within the book, he began to recognize a pattern, prompting him to contemplate whether his actions aligned with the book's content. A surge of uncertainty perplexed him as he questioned where the book's guidance would ultimately lead him.

After pausing to reflect, Lee Sang-hoon shook his head, attempting to dispel his futile musings. He couldn't help but wonder whether it was wise to continue adhering to the book's guidance. Despite recognizing the book's accuracy in predicting outcomes, he remained uncertain about its ultimate direction.

Lee Sang-hoon ruminated for a moment before attempting to clear his mind of these perplexing thoughts.

"Wow, just focus on making money. Even if it's a challenging path, I'll go for it. Even if it means taking a risk, I'm ready to go. After all the effort, I will not let the opportunity slip away. Let's just keep moving forward, eyes closed, until we reach our goal."

Nothing else mattered now except making money. It was the sole priority. Even if the path to earning money was tough and filled with obstacles, he had the confidence to overcome them. Even if the book steered him in that direction, he was determined to meet it with a smile.

As Lee Sang-hoon considered the rest, he pushed away the thoughts that were beginning to encroach upon his mind.

"The so-called stock gurus manipulate people's desire to earn money through stocks. Only a handful actually profit from the advice of these experts, yet once those few individuals start to promote the benefits, a multitude follow suit. Some individuals, possibly suspecting some financial gain, even adopt names similar to those of celebrities and create chaos in the stock market."

"I guess this pertains to the author, Wang Hyun-ju, whom I met. But seriously, who would trust and invest money in such a figure? Even though my stock experience is limited, I fail to comprehend how people put their trust in such individuals to invest their hard-earned money."

With the book laid open, Lee Sang-hoon retrieved Wang Hyun-joo's business card from the desk. Upon examination, he noted the business card's sturdiness, realizing it could even stick to a wall if tossed. The famous X Hyun-ju's business card was certainly distinctive in its own right.

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

Lee Sang-hoon contemplated the business card in his hand, pondering over the implications of the book's recommendations. No matter how he examined it, the book seemed to be directing him towards Wang Hyun-ju, a private stock expert. He couldn't help but worry about the potential consequences if he were to disregard this guidance.

Even if I were to disregard the book's guidance and pursue another path, it could still suggest a different direction. Perhaps I could invest in stocks, and then the book would adjust its content accordingly. However, all these possibilities felt like ventures into the unknown. While it was not a problem to explore these avenues, the outcomes remained uncertain. I would have to take some risks.

Closing his eyes, Lee Sang-hoon grappled with the realization that he was someone who could unreservedly seize an opportunity when it arose. He was reluctant to squander any chance. Disregarding the book's guidance would only result in no further entries, akin to killing the goose that lays golden eggs. The current opportunity was no laughing matter; it wasn't something he could dismiss as a waste.

To Lee Sang-hoon, books were akin to a treasury capable of constructing a golden tower.

"Let's go for it."

Gathering his thoughts, Lee Sang-hoon rose from his seat, clutching the book. His steps towards home were solemn, laden with purpose.

His mother, waiting at home, anxiously awaited Lee Sang-hoon's return, pondering whether the interview had gone well. In a few words, Lee Sang-hoon conveyed that he would return to the office the next day, prompting his mother to express delight and take his hand in joy.

***

Upon arriving at the office, Lee Sang-hoon found the female employee, Jang Dae-ri, waiting and opening the door for him, an hour earlier than the appointment time.

"I honestly didn't expect you to show up."

Jang, standing at the door, expressed her surprise at Lee Sang-hoon's early arrival.

Lee Sang-hoon was able to observe Jang in greater detail during this second encounter. She stood at about 165 centimeters tall with an angular visage. Her straight hair and slender wrists and ankles, accentuated by loose-fitting attire, gave her a dry, refined air. Her sharp features made her somewhat unapproachable. While her occasional smiles highlighted her prettiness, her upturned eyes and small mouth had a somewhat cutting effect on anyone who looked at her.

Smiling at Jang's somewhat difficult demeanor, Lee Sang-hoon responded, "Of course. I did promise to come."

"Did you make an appointment?"

She quizzically tilted her head, seemingly dismissing Lee Sang-hoon's earlier doubts.

"Come inside for now. If you decide to continue with your office access, I will inform you at that time."

Lee Sang-hoon opted not to protest or convince her that he initially intended to skip the appointment. This was due to his own uncertainty about whether he would ultimately commit to the meeting.

As he entered the office, Lee Sang-hoon noticed that the table where he had sat the previous day had been moved to the center, and a whiteboard had been positioned in the kitchen area, suggesting a forthcoming meeting. Deputy Jang stood before the table, addressing Lee Sang-hoon.

"If you feel like contributing, please lend a hand. I realize it might not be ideal to ask someone who is on the fence, but I could really use the help. Doing it alone will take quite some time."

"I'm here to help. What do you need me to do?"

Without hesitation, Dae-ri Jang handed a handful of cookies to Lee Sang-hoon, who had removed his suit and hung it on the chair.

"Please place the sweets on the table by your seat and the beverage can over there. Also, distribute these handouts accordingly. Ensure that all the marker pens on the whiteboard are functional. If any pen is dry, there are replacements in that drawer. Dispose of the dry pen and replace it."

"Do you know who is coming?"

As Lee Sang-hoon arranged the sweets, he noticed Jang observing him closely. She chuckled and seemed burdened by the conversation. Nonetheless, Lee Sang-hoon made an effort to maintain a cheerful expression, as he sensed that his visits might be smoother if he continued to fulfill his duties.

"Oh! I forgot to mention your tasks for today. This is the day when the President gathers members for a study session. It's more like a mini-lecture. Five members will attend and listen to the president's presentation."

"A mini-lecture?"

"Since the venue is small and only a few people attend, we refer to it in that manner. Our objective today is to share some of the chairman's techniques and encourage members to become VIP members."

Though Lee Sang-hoon wasn't entirely clear about the term "VIP member", he felt he had some comprehension. His parents had taught him that VIPs hold a special status, even within multi-level organizations, inspiring members to optimize their earnings. He recognized a similarity between the concepts being discussed here and those of a multi-level organization.

"This sounds fairly straightforward. I just need to prepare and wait, and later, I'll handle phone calls after the lecture."

"Phone calls?"

"I'll brief you on that later."

Deputy Jang ceased speaking and focused on preparing a variety of beverages. Lee Sang-hoon refrained from further inquiries, as he surmised that it might bother her. Subsequently, he silently completed his task.