Chapter 139: How About Seeing Your Uncle in Person?

“How is it seeing your uncle in person?”

“Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki?”

“Yes.”

“Nothing special. Just your typical chaebol second-generation, I guess.”

“Just that?”

“They’re all pretty much the same. They live like royalty from birth, so they seem special, but when you peel back the layers, they’re no different from regular people. Except…”

Oh Se-hyun blinked, recalling his impressions.

“Their demeanor is a bit different. Cautious and pretending to be humble. That can seem special.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“It’s an accurate assessment. Being a ‘regular person’ isn’t an insult. Smart people, average people—they’re all regular people. Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki is just a slightly smarter regular person. But he wears the clothes of a chaebol second-generation, so he looks special. I’m just a regular person too, you know.”

Miracle’s investment returns were among the top, drawing in many people who managed significant funds.

Among them were clients who belonged to the chaebol class, and a dedicated team was operated for them. Oh Se-hyun compared his uncle to them.

“You’re the only special one. Oh, and your father is a bit special too. Though by completely opposite standards.”

The reason I’m special is because I’m wearing the clothes of a chaebol third-generation.

The real me inside those clothes is just an ordinary person who knows a little about the future. Oh, and I’m a bit special in how fiercely I grit my teeth and push forward.

“Isn’t it difficult to work with your uncle? Isn’t his probing game intense?”

“He’s four years older than me, but he keeps using formal speech. I told him a few times to speak casually, but he doesn’t change his attitude. That was a bit novel. Those types usually look down on everyone.”

Without the familiarity of calling each other ‘hyung’ or ‘dongsaeng,’ comfortable conversation doesn’t happen. It’s all official business talk. No probing, which is a bit unexpected.

“By the way, that guy openly calls you a competitor.”

“Does he?”

“Vice-chairman Jin Young-ki said he’s trying to crush you, right? But this guy seems like he wants to bring you onto his side. Is it the difference between the eldest and second son?”

“Probably a personality difference. Let’s observe a bit more.”

Just then, a manager knocked on the office door with a report. It was the stock status of New Data Technology.

Starting at 1,480 won, New Data Technology’s stock price climbed steadily. After quickly surpassing 10,000 won, it seemed like it would soon reach 15,000 won, ten times the initial price, but it couldn’t break past the 10,000 won mark.

The stock market generally considered this stock price a success, and the prevailing expectation was that it would settle in the 5,000 to 6,000 won range once the initial hype died down.

“Once people start selling their shares, a manipulation attempt will begin again. The price will fluctuate up to 50,000 won, and each time, those who lost money will regret it when the price rises, buy back in, and then panic sell when it drops again, continuing to lose money.”

That’s typical of retail investors. They don’t buy low and sell high; they sell low and buy high. It’s a truly baffling investment strategy.

Experts like Oh Se-hyun repeat the opposite pattern of buying and selling, making profits even amidst the volatility.

However, even these experts didn’t expect the stock price to soar above 50,000 won.

I was eagerly waiting for my aunt to appear.

As President Lee Sang-soo said, if Soonyang Electronics invests, she will definitely obtain that information beforehand. She’s not someone who would sit still after hearing such valuable intel.

She’s already struggling with a lack of funds, so there’s no way she’d miss an opportunity to make what’s practically free money.

Hasn’t Soonyang Electronics’ investment been confirmed yet?

* * *

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Older brother decided?”

“I don’t think so. Would the vice-chairman’s approval really be needed for a mere 20 billion won investment? He only issued a general directive for active venture investment last year, and the practicalities have been handled by the working-level staff since then. He probably only approved the total investment amount.”

Jin Seo-yoon perked up at the information provided by the managing director of business administration.

“But Director Im, wasn’t Soonyang Electronics only investing in internal venture teams? How are they investing in external companies?”

“I’m not privy to the details. However, the few people who know this information are scrambling to buy up stocks under borrowed names.”

Director Im’s eyes darted around incessantly.

He was reporting this to Jin Seo-yoon for two reasons.

One was to confirm with Jin Seo-yoon whether Soonyang Electronics’ investment was definite, and the other was to show off his intelligence network and abilities by being the first to uncover this information if the investment actually happened.

“Did you find out the investment announcement date?”

“That’s a bit…”

“Why?”

Jin Seo-yoon glared at Director Im, whose eyes kept rolling, focusing intently on understanding any hidden intentions.

“They haven’t set a date, but they’ll announce it when the stock price hits 20,000 won.”

“20,000 won? What’s it at now?”

“It’s hovering around 10,000 won. Some people are already selling…”

“Director Im!”

“Yes!”

At the sharp voice, Director Im involuntarily stood at attention.

“If you’re going to find something out, find it out properly! What is this? Isn’t this something you brought up to cover the company’s funding shortage? If it goes wrong, it’ll only create bigger problems. How can I trust you if you keep spouting such foolishness?”

“I’m sorry, President.”

“I’m giving you two days. Figure it out accurately. If you show up looking uncertain again, I’ll have to reconsider my opinion of you. Remember, your position as an executive is only a temporary one-year term.”

Director Im bowed his head and retreated, as if trying to hide his flushed face.

Jin Seo-yoon focused on the two numbers, her mind racing.

When the stock price reaches 20,000 won, Soonyang Electronics will invest. This means the stock price will definitely rise to at least 20,000 won. Moreover, once Soonyang Electronics’ investment is announced, the stock price will skyrocket again. At least double.

In other words, 40,000 won is guaranteed.

“Four times…”

Missing this opportunity would be foolish. But considering the tight financial situation, she had to be cautious, very cautious.

She picked up her handbag and pressed the intercom.

“Have the car ready. I’m going to Yeouido.”

* * *

My aunt stormed into the office, skipping greetings and immediately mentioning the company’s name. She must be in a hurry.

“New Data Technology. I hear this company is hot right now?”

Oh Se-hyun chuckled, even letting out a dry cough at Jin Seo-yoon’s beaming face.

“Representative Oh, you weren’t aware? That’s disappointing.”

“President Jin, there have always been hot stocks. That company is just one of them. Nothing special.”

“This one is special. Your information is lagging behind.”

My aunt looked back and forth between Oh Se-hyun and me, waiting.

It was as if she wouldn’t reveal what she knew until we offered something.

But Oh Se-hyun shook his head with a firm expression.

“President Jin, I urge you not to be fooled by gossip. You’ll be getting those 400-500 won tip sheets now, but believing those will cause big trouble.”

“Representative Oh, it’s not gossip. It’s information leaked from elsewhere…”

“No matter how accurate the information is, please don’t even think about investing in stocks. Your personal assets are already pledged as collateral, and so are the company’s shares, aren’t they? If you recklessly touch company funds, there will be no turning back. I’m saying this not as a creditor but as an investment expert and a close associate.”

I was incredibly grateful for Oh Se-hyun trying to dissuade her. Isn’t it a characteristic of immature second-generation chaebols to become even more convinced of their own ideas when people try to stop them?

Unsurprisingly, my aunt’s voice rose in indignation.

“Representative Oh, aren’t you mistaken? You’re just a creditor. Not a shareholder. And isn’t temporarily using company funds legal?”

“What if losses occur? You’re not in a position to cover them, are you?”

“That’s why I came here to confirm the facts. Instead of getting angry right away!”

Oh Se-hyun sighed, watching my aunt who wouldn’t listen.

“Well, instead of this, how about we exchange some opinions? If we check the facts first, Aunt might see things differently…”

As I spoke, gauging Oh Se-hyun’s reaction, a bright expression returned to my aunt’s face.

“What do you think, Representative Oh? Isn’t Do-jun’s idea good? I’ll tell you first. Soonyang Electronics will invest 20 billion won soon. The stock price will rise again. Knowing this, isn’t it hard to just sit still?”

“President Jin, we already know that. But in the world of investment, you can’t trust anything until the cash is in your account. Even when an investment contract is signed, deals fall apart all the time in this industry.”

Oh Se-hyun spoke as if trying to persuade a clueless novice, but my aunt just scoffed.

“Representative Oh, you’re so frustrating. I’ve canceled investment contracts after signing them plenty of times myself. I know the basics. That’s why I’m saying it with confidence. 20 billion won is the level of a mobile phone design service fee for Soonyang Electronics. What’s there to hesitate about?”

She came here wanting to hear only the answers she desired. And we had to give her the answers she wanted. That’s what I wanted.

“Unusually, they’re planning to announce Soonyang Electronics’ investment when the stock price hits 20,000 won. Doesn’t that mean it will rise to at least 20,000 won? And once the investment announcement is out, it’ll double immediately. Am I wrong?”

“So, you want to buy at 10,000 won and sell at 40,000 won, is that what you’re saying?”

I spoke, looking displeased at my aunt who kept picking out the words she didn’t like.

“Exactly.”

“Then why are you telling me to proceed?”

“To ease some of the anxiety…? Something like that.”

Oh Se-hyun said with a short sigh.

“President Jin, you’ve invested in stocks many times, haven’t you?”

“Of course. You’d be making a big mistake if you saw me as an amateur retail investor.”

“That’s not it. But have you ever invested by squeezing out every last penny you had? To the point where a failed investment would bring a major backlash?”

My aunt smiled and nodded.

“I know what you mean, so stop there. ‘Don’t gamble when you’re at the edge of a cliff. You’ll lose your life, not just your money.’ Isn’t that what you’re saying?”

When you look at stock charts with a desperate heart, you lose your reason whether you win or lose money. Losing is a given, and if you win, you can’t leave the gambling table until you lose it all.

“Since you know, I won’t say it twice. Sell everything at 40,000 won. That’s all I have to say.”

Oh Se-hyun spat it out as if he couldn’t be bothered to say more.

“40,000 won, you say? It’s been a while since our opinions aligned. I was thinking the same thing. Ho ho.”

“Yes, it’s fortunate, but please keep in mind. There’s a significant market manipulation force involved here. If you follow the stock price as it continues to rise, you won’t know when it will suddenly crash. Even at 40,000 won, it’s four times the initial price, isn’t it? Don’t be greedy for more.”

“I was only thinking that far. Stop nagging.”

My aunt had finally heard the words she wanted. Having confirmation from an expert like Oh Se-hyun that her judgment was correct, she would gather all the funds from her subsidiaries to buy shares of New Data Technology.

And after making a fourfold profit, she would be overwhelmed with excitement and completely forget Oh Se-hyun’s warning.

She might hesitate for a moment about whether to reinvest all that money, but seeing the stock price dancing again, she would absolutely not be able to resist the burning greed.

And thus, she would run headlong into the dead end I desired.