Waking up the next day, Joon-won followed his usual routine. After freshening up, he prepared for work. The store was bustling with the morning rush of students and office workers when he arrived. Before heading to the back to change, he decided on a quick breakfast, grabbing a few sandwiches.
He approached Eum Kyung at the counter, who was busy ringing up customers. "Good morning. Looks like it's as busy as ever."
"Ah, Joon-won, you're finally here. Come help me already; I'm exhausted." Eum Kyung barely looked up as he scanned the sandwiches.
Joon-won handed over the money, chuckling. "Give me a minute. I'll finish these and come out to help." He headed towards the back, hearing Eum Kyung's tired sigh as he continued working.
He ate quickly, devouring the sandwiches, and took a swig from his water bottle. Changing into his work clothes, he joined Eum Kyung at the counter. Eum Kyung, visibly relieved, slumped into a chair, closing his eyes while Joon-won took over, efficiently managing the remaining customers.
In about 20 minutes, the store finally emptied. Both of them sat down, catching their breath. As they relaxed, Joon-won learned more about Eum Kyung. He was an aspiring novelist, spending his afternoons writing after a nap. Although his book from last year wasn't a big hit, it had done moderately well. He worked at the store to support himself financially, juggling the job with his writing dreams.
"It's tough finding inspiration," Eum Kyung admitted, rubbing his temples. "I try so hard, but good plot ideas elude me. Now that my book earnings are gone, I'm stuck doing night shifts here."
Joon-won sympathized. "Bring your book tomorrow, and I'll read it during my free time. I can give you some feedback."
Eum Kyung's eyes brightened at the offer. "Really? That would be great. Thanks, Joon-won." He stood up to change clothes just as Gah Soo entered the store.
"Oh, Joon-won, good morning. Where's Eum Kyung?" she asked, greeting him with a cheerful smile.
"You're right on time today. He just went to change," Joon-won replied, pointing to the back door. She nodded, heading off to get ready. Eum Kyung emerged soon after, gave a quick wave, and left.
The shift went smoothly. Only a couple of customers, mostly older ladies, wandered in. Joon-won and Gah Soo chatted, with Gah Soo doing most of the talking while Joon-won listened.
"That teacher is such a pervert and so dumb," Gah Soo huffed, venting about her university problems. "Who doesn't know about investments? Even someone with no financial knowledge should know that! He used that stupid question to try and get closer to a girl."
"What's investing?" Joon-won interjected, genuinely curious.
Gah Soo looked at him as if he had grown another head. "What? You don't know about investing? Are you dumb?" she exclaimed, her tone laced with disbelief. Joon-won's deadpan expression made her realize he was serious. "Alright, alright, I'll explain."
She launched into a simplified explanation of investing, looking quite proud of herself. "You give money to a company in return for shares. Later, you can sell those shares for a profit."
Joon-won found the concept fascinating. "So, we give others money and get something called shares in return, which we can sell later for more money?"
"Exactly," she said, nodding. "But it's not easy. There are risks. People have lost everything from bad investment decisions. You need to research thoroughly before investing. The market is unpredictable."
Joon-won nodded, absorbing her warning. He understood that while investing could be lucrative, it was also fraught with risk. "Do you invest?"
Holding her chin high, she replied proudly, "Of course, I do. But I invest small amounts for short terms, so my profits are modest."
'Bigger the investment, bigger the risk, hence bigger the reward,' Joon-won mused.
"Do you want to try investing?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
He shook his head. "No, I don't have spare money to invest. Besides, it sounds too risky for me right now. Maybe in the future, but not now."
"That's smart," she said, nodding approvingly. "Don't invest when you don't have much money. If you ever decide to, consult me first. I can help you choose a good company."
Joon-won appreciated her offer and nodded. Their shift continued without much trouble, chatting intermittently until Joon-won's shift ended at 1 PM. He left with some food in hand, thinking about the new information he had learned about investing.