Episode 5 (Part 2)

The Additional Investment That Became Irreversible

The procedure for adding more funds was the same as before.

I simply followed the instructions sent via LINE and made the transfer. That was all.

But this time, the instructions came directly from someone claiming to be a “representative” of the securities company.

The bank account they sent me was a Japanese bank account— and not under a corporate name, but an individual’s name.

For a moment, something felt off.

“Why is it a personal account if it’s a securities company?”

But I didn’t think any further. The flow of events up to that point had already numbed my sense of danger.

After completing the transfer, I suddenly wondered:

“Can I really withdraw my money?”

To test it, I requested a withdrawal of several hundred thousand yen.

The reply came:

“Large withdrawals take time to process.” “Small amounts can be handled the same day.”

So I requested a small withdrawal.

And indeed— the money arrived in my bank account that same day.

In that moment, almost all of my doubts disappeared.

“I can withdraw properly.”

That single fact made everything feel legitimate.

Looking back now, I realize it was all a performance designed to gain my trust.

Once the deposit was confirmed, trading resumed immediately. I followed the uncle’s instructions, and the results were the same as before:

Profits appeared.

The numbers on the screen kept increasing. That erased any remaining suspicion.

Around that time, she also sent messages:

“I made a profit of 20,000 dollars today.”

I was shocked—and impressed.

Then she asked:

“How was your result today?”

I told her mine, and she replied:

“That’s good.” “It’s going smoothly.”

Before I knew it, this exchange had become part of my daily routine.

Looking back now, I realize:

I was being manipulated—subtly, skillfully.

By comparing my results with hers, I wanted to earn more. I didn’t want to fall behind.

Without noticing, I had been drawn into a competition.

At that point, I was no longer “investing.” I was competing.

“I knew it was safe.” Or maybe I just wanted to believe that.

She also sent reassuring messages:

“That’s great.” “Now you can feel at ease.”

I trusted her completely.

But in reality, I had already stepped into the next stage— a flow I could no longer reverse.

Once I increased my funds, the hurdle for the next step became lower.

“Maybe just one more time…”

That feeling arose naturally.

Once people experience success, they try to repeat it. That dulls their judgment.

And right at that timing, another suggestion arrived:

“Next, we can aim even higher.”

Those words became the decisive push.

At that time, I had no idea where I was heading.

But one thing was certain:

I had already entered a flow I could no longer escape.

End of Episode 5 – Part 2

→ Continues to Episode 6