Coming into the building, Seong-ho followed Chung-seop Jo's lead and toured Silla Future Asset's new office.

"This right here is the China desk. And that will be the spot for the America desk."

Seong-ho nodded and offered Chung-seop some advice.

"Everything on the America side needs to be wrapped up before summer's over."

"Within summer? I'd been planning to have it ready around the end of next year…"

"It needs to be moved up a bit. Things could get busy starting in autumn."

At Seong-ho naming a specific point in time, Chung-seop tilted his head.

"Is there some event happening in autumn?"

"There might be."

At the vague answer, Chung-seop was about to press for details. But Seong-ho turned the topic elsewhere first.

"How are subscriptions to the China fund going? Any response?"

At Seong-ho's question, Chung-seop gave a bitter smile and said, "Last month's sales came to under 100 million won. People have a negative view of investing in a developing country like China. Instead, interest in the REIT-related fund keeps rising. In particular, the Chairman…"

Chung-seop leaned slightly toward Seong-ho and spoke in a low voice.

"He put in 10 billion won himself. And it seems word got around, because inquiries have been pouring in, mostly from wealthy clients. So for the REIT fund, we're planning to launch a second fund soon."

"Good to hear."

Seong-ho wore a satisfied expression and, walking further inside, said, "Thanks to the Chairman, the REIT fund should settle in quickly. Don't worry about the China fund. We're not trying to turn a profit right away anyway, so you can take your time with it."

"Yes. I think so too, but… still…"

Chung-seop mumbled without finishing his sentence.

"It's fine. Just speak freely. Is there some problem?"

At Seong-ho telling him to speak freely, Chung-seop, as if steeling himself, bit his lip once and carefully brought up the matter.

"Representative. There's a cold wave sweeping through the stock market right now. Aside from the REIT fund we launched not long ago, most of our funds are seeing net outflows. People are turning their…