Chapter 22

"It's that bad?"

"Yes, it's bad. So, think it over carefully, Sanghoon. I'm stuck here, but you still have the chance to get out. You can just go home like this. I'll explain things to President Wang. I'll say you went to buy a cigarette and couldn't find it... I'll tell him you didn't pick up the phone, so just make your way out. It'd be better to do that," Jang earnestly advised.

In response to Jang's concerned words, Lee pulled out a cigarette himself. He sensed that there was a valid reason behind her warning. However, he was aware that there must be a compelling reason for the book to lead him to this place. He desired to hear the book's guidance, as it promised material wealth.

"I understand. You don't need to worry. As Deputy Jang suggested, I think I want to stay and learn more. Do you understand?" Lee assured.

"Are you aware of the amount people are paying to sit in Sang-hoon's office and diligently take notes on President Wang's lectures?" Jang inquired.

"Paying to attend?" Lee responded.

"Did you know what the study entailed?" Jang asked.

"I thought it was simply a gathering to study stocks. I wasn't aware that it involved payment," Lee remarked, his expression blank.

Deputy Jang smiled as she observed Lee sitting there with a puzzled look. "You have a surprisingly pure side, Sanghoon. That's why I'm saying this. You could attend a reputable school, and if this isn't suitable, you can pursue other options. Why come here and risk tarnishing your reputation? Go somewhere more conventional," Jang advised.

Receiving Jang's words, Lee remained silent. After taking a few puffs from his cigarette and dispersing the smoke, Jang spoke again.

"Each person paid 500,000 won to attend," Jang disclosed.

"500,000 won?" Lee echoed, taken aback.

"And even their attendance was determined by lottery. This means that numerous individuals are willing to pay 500,000 won to attend," Jang elaborated.

Lee pondered whether the seemingly inconspicuous seat he occupied was truly worth 500,000 won for attendance alone. That's because the information he had heard before venturing outside was something that could have been acquired from any book.

"Do you know why so many people are eager to participate?" Jang questioned.

"No, I'm not sure," Lee responded.

"These are individuals who have experienced one or several failures. If they've lost money in stocks before, they attend in the hopes of finding a lifeline. They willingly pay 500,000 won and anticipate the presentations by President Wang as a means of potential recovery... They're desperate to recoup their losses. For them, 500,000 won doesn't hold much value. Some experts charge millions for similar studies and attract members," Jang explained.

"You could do this on your own, right? It wouldn't be easy to make 500,000 won from stock investments," Lee remarked.

"Failure diminishes confidence. You've dabbled in stocks too, right, Sanghoon? Perhaps you haven't experienced failure yet. If you find it challenging to make investment decisions on your own while your confidence is shaken, then you'll be in a similar situation. That's who's up there right now," Jang added.

As Deputy Jang spoke, Lee Sang-hoon took in the cigarette smoke deeply. It was an experience he had encountered through Luho. Though it wasn't entirely their own money, Lee felt he could comprehend their feelings to some extent. The direction set by the book, the success he achieved, and his unwavering faith in the book overlapped with their struggles.

"I understand. Most of our members fall into that category. I earn a million won a month from such individuals," Jang disclosed.

"A million won a month?" Lee echoed in surprise.

"Our membership fee is 1 million won per month, with a 10 million won discount for an annual subscription. The latter is rarely used because most people commit to a full year, yet occasionally there are defectors. The average membership duration is less than six months," Jang explained.

"Why is that?" Lee queried.

"It's about losing everything in their investments and being forced out of the market within six months. Many new members continually join. In the stock market, there are more losers than winners, and when you lose money, you seek assistance. Furthermore, investors are reluctant to leave the stock market entirely due to their vested interests. For as long as the stock market operates, people continue to flow in," Jang elaborated.

After taking the last sip of her drink and discarding the cigarette butt, Jang announced, "I've talked for too long. Let's head back. I'll wait for you."

On their return to the office, Lee and Deputy Jang were greeted by curious looks and a lighthearted jest from Mrs. Park about their relationship. The atmosphere lightened momentarily, and then Deputy Jang casually placed her drink on the table, effectively quelling any further teasing with her stern expression.

After a short break, President Wang's lecture resumed. Lee listened attentively, noting that the content was familiar and principle-based. He had been wary about the strange narrative, but upon examination, he couldn't discern any significant issues. President Wang delivered the lecture enthusiastically and meticulously without deviation.

As the lecture continued, Lee pondered, 'In the end, it's a story of individuals who have lost money and are eager to recoup their losses, each paying 500,000 won...'

Lee maintained his attentive stance, absorbing President Wang's insights on the Elliott Waves and their significance in trading tactics.

"So you're saying they each paid 500,000 won for this?" 

Upon learning about the 500,000 won investment, Lee began to question the value of President Wang's teachings. While the information wasn't inherently incorrect, he began to wonder if it truly held a 500,000 won value.

Following the lesson on the Elliott Wave, the remaining time was spent drawing a trend line. Lee found it astonishing that something as simple as a line could occupy so much time.

Glancing at the wall clock, Lee noticed it was on the brink of striking 12 o'clock, just as President Wang was concluding his discussion of Eulchu.

"I have something special to propose to the five of you," President Wang announced.

The five members immediately halted and turned their attention towards the leader, displaying a keen focus on his words.

"As you know, there's about a 5-second delay between what I say and what you hear, making it difficult for many to act on my real-time instructions. I've been pondering this for some time, and after much effort, I've devised a solution. It won't be feasible with a large group, so I'm offering this special advantage exclusively to those present," President Wang explained.

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy with anticipation as President Wang elaborated on his proposal for a copy trading account that would mimic his real-time trading actions. This account would replicate his buy and sell orders according to his guidance, with a default allocation of 20 million won per account and a limit of 10 accounts. President Wang extended this opportunity to the five individuals present, urging them to evaluate it carefully and get in touch.

In the midst of this revelation, President Park inquired about the possibility of applying for multiple accounts. Lee noticed a subtle shift in President Wang's expression as he responded to President Park with an unchanging demeanor.

"You may handle a few, but in that case, I'll restrict it to 3 accounts to ensure fair opportunities for others. Is that acceptable to you?" President Wang proposed.

"Thank you, President," the individuals expressed gratitude in response to President Wang's words. After receiving acknowledgement, President Wang checked the time and addressed Deputy Jang.

"Is 5 o'clock alright, Deputy Chang?" President Wang inquired.

Deputy Jang affirmed with a nod, prompting President Wang to conclude the meeting.

"I'll only be available until 5 o'clock. I apologize for keeping everyone here on a Saturday evening. Well done, everyone," President Wang acknowledged, drawing applause from the attendees as they concluded the session and exited.

Lee Sang-hoon found himself puzzled about the nature of the 500,000 won gathering.

"Phew. I'm hungry. Deputy Jang, please order some Jjajangmyeon," President Wang requested as he took a seat in front of Lee Sang-hoon. After settling in, he lit a cigarette and addressed Lee Sang-hoon.

"Let's start with twenty per person," President Wang proposed. "I'll receive calls from potential sign-ups, and if anyone signs up through you, I'll pay you 200,000 won per individual," he explained.

Lee narrowed his eyes and observed President Wang, noticing an altered impression from their previous interactions. The more Lee looked, the more he noticed, the more he scrutinized, the more he discerned.

"In the case of my assistant, I offer fifty each. He's experienced and has been with me for a while. However, you're less seasoned and may not fully understand the role. I'm offering you twenty per account. Do you understand?" President Wang clarified.

"If one person applies for two accounts, you mean forty?" Lee asked.

"Correct. Understanding instructions well translates to successful outcomes. Isn't that right, Deputy Jang?" President Wang affirmed.

Deputy Jang responded briefly, cleared the table, and avoided making eye contact. President Wang continued to discuss the offer with Lee Sang-hoon, inquiring about his understanding and addressing potential scenarios.

"Let's start with twenty. How does that sound?" President Wang prompted.

"Then, if I'm unable to maintain a single account, do I lose the opportunity for the other?" Lee inquired.