Chapter 28

"The stocks following the trend have broken through the upside of the trend. This overshooting phenomenon is reminiscent of my first day at the office when Chairman Wang convened members for a study. Those who participated at that time may recall the concept of overshooting. Am I right, Nyangi-mam? Olmang flower?"

To lend authority to his statements, Lee Sang-hoon referenced President Wang and sought the agreement of other members. The discussions between Nyangi-mam and Olmang flower garnered attention, and as they noted that Nyangi-mam and Olmang flower corroborated Lee Sang-hoon's assertions, others began to lend an ear to his words.

"Indeed, overshooting. What would be the stock price trend after experiencing such an overshooting resulting from the opening of the trend zone?"

"He mentioned an unpredictable, sharp surge."

One member with the username Nyanimam responded to Lee Sang-hoon's observations. He sensed the conversation progressing on its own momentum.

"Absolutely. A significant surge occurs. This surge is difficult to categorize in terms of trends or waves. However, it's likely to encounter a significant pivot. Should it strike a pivotal point beyond 200,000 won, it could swell to 300,000 won, hence my mention of 300,000 won."

Despite his strong tone in reiterating his recommendation and target price, people still regarded him with suspicion.

"Researcher. Who else has mentioned a short-term 50% target for US shipbuilding?"

"Are you suggesting that a 10% entry can be made safely at this time?"

"Hah, my 1 million won membership fee is a waste. Can I get a refund if I ask?"

"Wouldn't it be better to consider IC U-Calls? I heard today's news about a foreign securities company purchasing it through a block deal. Perhaps that's a better option?"

"Yes, IC U-Calls seems more favorable than US shipbuilding."

Lee Sang-hoon noted the IC U-Calls discussion and swiftly verified the stock's price chart, which had surged to around 26,000 won from 25,000 won.

"IC Ukols is off-limits. Absolutely do not engage. If you are holding any, consider divesting before it reaches 26,000 won."

"Beyond the US shipbuilding industry, IC U-Calls is a major focus in the market right now. Why are you unconditionally advising against it?"

Lee Sang-hoon crafted a narrative drawn from the most credible content he had gleaned from the last book, aiming to resonate with the members.

"My margin account is currently overextending. Check if using credit to purchase IC Ucalls through your respective HTS is feasible. Can anyone proceed with this?"

Recalling the securities company announcement he had seen a week before starting work, Lee Sang-hoon noted that credit sales involving IC Ucalls were restricted due to borrowing limits with various securities firms. This sparked numerous conversations on Romannet, eliciting differing opinions on the reasons behind the limitations.

"Given IC Ucalls, there's a volatility bomb. It's a stock that should be shunned, and if anyone is involved, please exit immediately. I realize that my first day wielding the microphone may lead to doubts, but I urge you to steer clear of IC Ucalls."

Upon hearing Lee Sang-hoon's statement, President Wang signalled him to stand, took over the microphone, and addressed the audience.

"Everyone, let's give a round of applause for Researcher Lee's presentation."

Despite brief applause in the chat window, inquiries about IC Ucalls persisted. As concerns arose about openly endorsing the selling of the hottest stock, people regarded them with suspicion.

"What the researcher has shared is solely his perspective. It's not a common stance endorsed by our institution. You are at liberty to consider his insights independently and trade accordingly. If you disagree with the researcher's views, you're under no obligation to buy or sell. There's no need to invest in US shipbuilding, and if you wish, you may even buy IC Ucalls instead of selling. I trust you understand."

Lee Sang-hoon sat down, grabbed a cigarette, feeling compelled to smoke now that President Wang wasn't around.

Amid ongoing discussions about IC Ucalls in the chat window, Lee Sang-hoon pondered how he could assist. He initially considered lending a hand but ultimately dismissed the idea, realizing that it wasn't viable for him to step in and take action.

Entering the IC Ucalls forum on Romannet, Lee Sang-hoon observed heightened discussions and individuals who had taken out loans or leveraged securities to invest. Given the scarcity of block deals by foreign securities companies on the KOSDAQ, they eagerly anticipated future movements in IC Ucalls.

Thinking back to a similar situation he had witnessed, Lee Sang-hoon's internal debate reverberated with resolve.

"Hello."

"Is that Heeyeol?"

"Yeah. Sanghoon, what are you up to at the moment?"

"I'm at work, so I just wanted to check with you. Did you not invest in IC Ucalls?"

"Huh? No, I didn't invest in it."

"Come on, why the hesitation? Did you ever consider IC Ucalls again?"

"No, I didn't. I really didn't."

Kim Hee-yeol vehemently denied any involvement. Despite a certain uncertainty in his voice, Lee Sang-hoon had no choice but to take him at his word.

"Please do not invest in it. Stay away from it completely. A plunge this time will be so severe that recovery may not be possible."

"I won't touch it. Am I crazy? Why would I risk getting burnt again? But... if it plunges this time, it will be disastrous, won't it? People are elated by news of a foreign securities company purchasing it through a block deal."

"You're young. Did you invest in it? I advised you to close your stock account. Did you?"

Lee Sang-hoon's voice rose as he chided Kim Hee-yeol. Kim Hee-yeol's tone seemed to waver as he heard Lee Sang-hoon's reprimand.

"Closing? Closing...I..."

"Hah. I know you didn't. We've been friends for a year or two, and I've known you since high school. You're usually very headstrong and do as you please. Up until now, it was fine... but this time, heed my advice. Absolutely steer clear of IC Ucalls, even if it means selling."

There was a sigh on the other end of the line. After a period of silence, Kim Hee-yeol responded first.

"I didn't buy it. Don't worry. I'll handle it myself."

"Okay. Okay. I'm at work, so I can't talk much longer. I'll trust you, Heeyeol. Understand?"

"Okay. I've got to go. Goodbye for now."

Lee Sang-hoon stared at his phone, feeling unsettled. Despite Kim Hee-yeol's denials, it seemed evident that he had invested in IC Ucalls. Known for his pride, Kim Hee-yeol was the most resolute amongst their friends. He was a person who did as he pleased, often disregarding advice.

It seemed likely that despite past failures, Kim Hee-yeol might have ventured into IC Ucalls once again out of a sense of compensation. He often held strong convictions, regardless of his previous misjudgments. It was imperative for Lee Sang-hoon that Kim Hee-yeol take heed this time around.

"Sang-hoon."

"Yes?"

"Have you previously mentioned this in a public setting and are you bringing it up on the phone now? Isn't IC Ucalls really terrible?"

"Not at all. There are numerous reasons why I'm hesitant to discuss it. But why do you inquire about that?"

Deputy Jang glanced at Chairman Wang, who was speaking fervently, then leaned in to speak quietly to Lee Sang-hoon. The scent of Jang's shampoo pleasantly tickled Lee Sang-hoon's nose. In a hushed voice, Deputy Jang mentioned to Lee Sang-hoon, who closed her eyes and savored the scent of Jang, "Because IC Ucalls is a part of Chairman Wang's holdings."

"Is it? What holdings?"

Deputy Jang shifted his gaze to President Wang, who was passionately engaging with the members. Even though she didn't understand what he was discussing, he was speaking fervently, raising the energy like a commander marshaling an army for a final battle.

When Deputy Jang caught a glimpse of President Wang's demeanor, he turned back to Lee Sang-hoon. "Because recommended shares are distributed to members weekly. It comprises stocks that demand close attention and those that should be purchased... IC U-Calls has been included for a few weeks."

"Is that so?"

Listening to Jang's account, Lee Sang-hoon folded her arms and leaned back. She only grasped the reactions of the crowd after Jang's explanation. It was a stock President Wang had recommended, and many people were buying into it.

"How can I remove it from the recommended stocks and distribute it to the members after selling?"

"Is that doable?"

"I can arrange it and send it to the members via email. Chairman Wang doesn't scrutinize it, so he won't realize that the contents have changed."

Upon hearing Assistant Manager Jang's proposal, Lee Sang-hoon had an intriguing thought. She sensed an opportunity to gain favor with people. Rather than just making a few remarks on the broadcast, including her own story in the document could give her more influence in the future. This seemed like a favorable chance to Lee Sang-hoon.

"Deputy, I have a favor to ask. It's not very positive, so rather than including it in the recommended stocks, it should be placed in the sell recommendation. However, you know, as the deputy, I might be mistaken. Therefore, please include my name as the recommender to protect the chairman from any potential harm. Can you do that?"

"It's not that complicated. If you include it in parentheses and list it as 'Researcher Sang-Hoon Lee,' members will understand the context. They would have seen the broadcast."

"Is that so? If that's the case, the chairman won't be negatively affected if he doesn't act as I anticipated. Also, when you include it in the original, add Miju Chosun as well. If you can include my name and do that, even up to the point of selling off the stocks."

"Hmm... I can do it, but I'd prefer not to assert it solely with my authority."

If Deputy Jang's laughter and remarks had been in a lighter tone, one might have assumed it was a jest. However, Lee Sang-hoon pondered whether he truly intended to carry out the task while observing Deputy Jang's stoic demeanor.

"No. The next time we have time, please treat me to a delicious meal."

"Ah! A meal? Of course. I must treat you to something delicious."

"Yeah."

As Lee Sang-hoon watched Deputy Git Jang and mused with her arms crossed, she thought, 'Great. I appreciate the decision to include my name when distributing emails to the members. Now, when the outcomes become apparent, all the credit will rightfully fall on me. Not on President Wang, but me...'

A smile formed on Lee Sang-hoon's lips.