New Employees With an Annual Salary of 1 Trillion Won - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 27. Ghost Story (2)

 

 

 

Only after receiving the luxury bags did my colleagues seem to finally regain their composure.

As if just remembering there was something they hadn’t said yet, someone raised their voice.

 

“By the way, have you checked the stocks?”

“Stocks? Saera Technology? Where would I have had time to check that in the United States? Did they fall?”

“Fall? They went up even more! As soon as the news of the collaboration contract with Samjin Electronics was reported in the media, they skyrocketed.”

 

Without anyone taking the lead, we all checked the stock price window.

In the meantime, Saera Technology had hit the daily limit up for 5 consecutive days while we were in the United States.

Manager Kim rubbed his eyes several times and checked the stock price window again.

 

“Why are the stock prices like this? Just because they signed a contract with Samjin Electronics, they hit daily limit up for 5 consecutive days?”

“Rumors spread that Samjin Electronics signed a contract where they were closer to being the subordinate party rather than the dominant one. They actually did sign the contract in a way that unconditionally accommodates Saera Technology.”

“The mighty Samjin Electronics took a humble stance? Wow, Saera Technology really is impressive.”

 

Saera Technology, which had only been listed for a few months.

Samjin Electronics, one of Korea’s representative large corporations, bowed their head to collaborate with them.

So the stock price had no choice but to rise.

 

“Then how much did it go up?”

“The maximum daily increase is 15%. Calculated with compound interest, it’s almost doubled.”

 

Saera Technology had an IPO price of 2,300 won.

Even before we went to the United States, it had already risen nearly 10 times.

Nevertheless, the upward trend didn’t break, and it doubled again in just 5 days.

 

“The stock that was 2,300 won has easily exceeded 50,000 won.”

“We put 5,000 into Saera Technology and 5,000 into Dream Rain. Just from Saera Technology alone, we made 1 billion won. And since Dream Rain is also continuously rising, we’ve made almost 2 billion won.”

 

Everyone stared at the chart in a daze.

The number 2 billion, which would be difficult to accumulate even working a lifetime, had popped up before our eyes – who could be in their right mind?

 

Of course, I wasn’t bewitched.

I had to calculate how to turn this investment money into perfect shackles.

 

“But Employee Lee invested 1 billion won. So how much did he make?”

“He put in 10 times more than us… 20 billion won!”

“It doesn’t feel real. It hasn’t even entered my account yet.”

“But how long are we going to hold onto this? Isn’t 20 times enough? I think it’s about time to pull out.”

 

Saera Technology’s gears were still spinning rapidly.

Although there were many more cracks throughout the structure than before, it had durability that would last several more months.

 

And it still wasn’t enough.

About 2 billion won per person couldn’t be called perfect shackles.

 

“I’d like to hold onto it just until the end of this year.”

“Isn’t that being too greedy? When we started this investment, no one thought it would go up 20 times. Didn’t we just want to earn a bit more than bank interest?”

 

Department Manager Oh Jung-tae shook his head.

True to his background as a patent attorney, he was always sensitive to risks and valued judgments based on performance.

On the contrary, Manager Kim had a strong aggressive tendency and presented the opposite opinion this time as well.

 

“Even if we can’t eat it, it’s still meat! When will we get to sit at a table like this again? I’m going further!”

“Hmm, then how about those who want to pull out do so, and those who want to keep holding continue holding?”

 

The President stepped in to mediate.

Usually the employees followed the President’s opinion, but this time was different, and I was the same.

 

“I hope we can all wait together a little longer.”

“The youngest is right. If some sell and some don’t… feelings might get hurt later. They say even when your cousin buys land, your stomach hurts, and money is even worse. It’s better to earn together and lose together.”

“Then what should we do? Take a vote?”

“I will unconditionally follow the youngest’s opinion. This investment also hit big because we did what the youngest suggested. So I’ll keep holding.”

 

All eyes flew toward me and stuck.

They wanted certainty, and I gave them the answer they wanted.

 

“I’d like to hold onto it for just a few more months.”

“Will it really be okay? These days there are even ghost stories going around about IT companies being dangerous because of Y2K and whatnot.”

“After going to COMDEX this time, I saw there’s no need to worry. Most IT companies in the United States have already prepared countermeasures for Y2K.”

 

Y2K, also known as the Millennium Bug.

The problem that computer systems might malfunction because they couldn’t distinguish between 1900 and 2000.

It was an issue that actually existed, but it was spreading like an excessively exaggerated ghost story.

 

But technically, it was a sufficiently solvable problem.

Although complex, it could be solved by modifying algorithms or updating programs.

 

“Nostradamus also said the earth would be destroyed this year.”

“So you’re saying we should settle our stocks now and play until we die before the end comes? What kind of talk is that from someone who’s studied quite a bit?”

“Fine! If we die clutching money, at least we won’t have to worry about travel money in the afterlife.”

 

Colleagues trembling with anxiety.

Of course, I was also slightly anxious in one corner of my heart.

Although the government and large corporations had distributed Y2K patches,

some of the software our company used still seemed likely to malfunction.

 

“May I personally check the programs the company uses?”

“We’ve been receiving and using patches distributed by GL Group since last year, but if Employee Lee wants to do it, of course you should.”

“We haven’t received patches separately since the department was sold off, so checking is necessary. There shouldn’t be major problems, but minor errors might occur, so I’ll check.”

“Yes, there’s still some time left until the new year, so take your time looking. Don’t overdo it. And tomorrow is a day off, so rest well at home. Everyone, let’s go home early today.”

 

As expected, I was comfortable at the company.

A perfect gear structure.

If even one gear were to fall out of here, it would lose balance.

When everyone gathered in one place like now, I felt stability, and to protect the current structure, I could do anything.

 

***

 

The savory smell of soybean paste stew that I hadn’t experienced in so long.

Only now did I truly feel like I had returned to Korea, and my lost appetite was slowly coming back to life.

 

“American food was so greasy that my stomach is still churning.”

“You’ve been through a lot, my son. Is there anything else you want to eat?”

“Mom! There’s another son here too! Can’t you see me? If you put all the side dishes only in front of my brother, what am I supposed to eat?”

 

My younger brother expressing his grievances.

But as soon as I pulled out a shopping bag, he immediately changed his tune.

 

“Where do you think you’re glaring at me? Take this and eat quietly.”

“What is it? Ooooh! Baseball spikes and even a glove!”

“I heard these are products that even major leaguers use. But what’s with a glove costing over a million won?”

“It’s an HOH product! This is hard to find even in Korea. The spikes are totally awesome too!”

 

I spent over 2 million won just on baseball equipment.

Actually, I didn’t know much about baseball.

But the United States was the country of baseball, and among the Private Equity Fund staff, there were many people who had knowledge beyond being baseball enthusiasts to expert level.

I carefully selected them with their help, and seeing my younger brother’s expression, they seemed to be decent items.

 

“Now don’t you dare say your performance is poor because you’re outclassed by equipment.”

“When have I ever blamed equipment? A master should be able to perform well even hitting with wooden chopsticks. …But didn’t you spend too much money? You should have bought gifts for our parents instead.”

“You’re saying things you don’t mean. And do you really think I’d only take care of you? Of course our parents come first.”

 

I also handed a shopping bag to Mother, who was removing fish bones beside me.

It was the same brand as the luxury bags I had given to my colleagues, but inside was a high-quality bag that cost more than twice as much.

 

“What is this? What kind of bags do I carry around that you bought something like this?”

“I bought it in the United States so I can’t return it. And you’ll probably have to go to school often because of Hae-seong soon, so you need to establish dominance.”

“I really don’t need this…”

 

Her words and actions were different.

While she kept saying “I don’t need it” with her mouth, she carefully set down the luxury bag next to the wardrobe as if handling a sacred object.

 

“There’s also a gift for Father. It’s a nutritional supplement that’s rumored to be the best in the United States, so please tell him to take it every day without fail. I’d like to tell him myself, but it’s hard to see his face these days.”

“That’s what I’m saying. He should come home before midnight. He’s struggling every day just to sell one more chicken… Jeong-hu, you should never do self-employment. Stay attached to The Company. Once you come outside, every day is a war.”

 

This year would be the last time my family would struggle.

I planned to realize investment profits next year.

With that money, I could buy a decent apartment, and Father wouldn’t need to fry chicken anymore.

 

“But Hae-seong, are you doing well with your performance these days?”

“Why are you like this! I’m a starting pitcher batting third. Do you know how hard it is for a sophomore to play as a starter? You should know since you’ve prepared for competitions too, but pushing out seniors isn’t easy.”

“You need to have that level of skill to make a living.”

 

Even while talking with my younger brother, I was planning my meal.

3 pieces of braised beef, 4 pieces of galbi, 10 strands of seasoned vegetables.

I needed about this much side dishes to finish all the remaining rice.

 

“Coach likes me so much. But I’m a bit worried because our school’s performance isn’t good this year. I heard rumors that Coach might be replaced.”

“If performance is poor, replacing the coach is natural. Still, wouldn’t you be recognized if you just have the skills?”

“Of course! No one among the sophomores has faster pitching speed than me. And my batting average is also in the top ranks. I can do more than my share wherever I go.”

 

Honestly speaking, from my perspective, it was slightly excessive confidence.

A promising player within the school was just a frog in a well, and he was only positioned at the starting line now.

 

“Try working hard enough to be selected for the Youth National Team level. That’s what you need whether you go to university or turn professional.”

“Coach said that if I get my body in shape during this year’s winter training, the Youth National Team is definitely possible.”

 

It was hard to completely believe what a coach who would be replaced soon said.

Still, my younger brother’s skills didn’t seem to be completely terrible.

 

“Let me know when Coach gets replaced. I’ll go pay my respects at least once.”

“You’re going to go?”

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to go with her than for Mom to go alone?”

“I’d be grateful if you did that. I should go train now. I’ll go swing the bat refreshingly to help digest too. And… thanks for the glove and spikes!”

 

Gift offensive.

It was the only way to train my bear-like younger brother.

The money wasn’t wasted since he would at least cosplay as a good younger brother who listens well for a while.

 

As I was looking fondly at my younger brother’s departing figure.

I heard Mother’s small sigh from beside me.

 

“Sigh!”

“Is there something wrong?”

“It’s not a big deal, but they’re saying the Baseball Club monthly fee will increase starting next year.”

“How much is the monthly fee?”

“Right now we’re paying 400,000 won per month, but starting next year they want us to pay 500,000 won per month.”

“It’s that expensive? That’s 6 million won per year.”

 

There was a reason why people said you shouldn’t let your kids do sports if you don’t have money.

Since a regular office worker’s monthly salary was around 1.5 to 2 million won, it was definitely a burdensome amount.

 

“I wouldn’t say anything if it were just the monthly fee. In a little while it’ll be winter training season, right? Then parents have to split and pay for everything from training ground rental costs to accommodation costs. And if you add competition entry fees and equipment costs, it’s more expensive than most universities.”

“Are other schools like this too?”

“Private schools are said to be somewhat better, but Hae-seong’s school is public. Still, this is with support coming in from the Alumni Association.”

 

Now I understood why Father fried chicken until late at night.

I should have known earlier, but I realized it too late.

 

“From now on, I’ll pay for the money that goes to Hae-seong.”

“I didn’t say this to burden you. Of course mom and dad should pay.”

“I received quite a large bonus after coming back from the business trip to the United States. I can definitely afford to pay that much. I’m saving my salary diligently, so don’t worry.”

 

Actually, I was only pondering how to spend the money accumulated in my bank account without having decided anything.

I had been saving it because I didn’t want to spend it recklessly, but I could take it out and use it anytime for my family.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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