Chemistry

9. A month in the life of a chemical company team leader(2)

“Audrey perfume?”

Song Boyeong’s eyes widened as she was setting down the plates. It was a familiar look, as if she knew something. Jeong-woo, sitting across from her, became curious.

“Is it famous?”

“We can’t sell it because we’re not there.”

“I don’t have a good grasp for these things. The information is limited with just internet searches. I wonder why there are so many perfume companies.”

Song Boyeong quickly continued her explanation, sensing Jeong-woo’s curiosity.

“Not many companies make perfumes that cost 100 million per bottle. Audrey is one of the top ones.”

“1, 100 million?”

A liquid with a value that evaporates several million won with each spray. The thought of gathering a year’s worth of bone-crushing salary just to buy a single bottle of perfume sent shivers down his spine.

“It’s quite surprising. With limited production, the premium price is at least two to three times the base price.”

However, Song Boyeong seemed unfazed by the price. Instead, she couldn’t believe the fact that Michèle had come looking for basic ingredients.

“Audrey establishing a new factory in Korea. My friends would go crazy if they found out. They always complain about not being able to buy it because it’s always sold out.”

“Do you have a senior friend who buys 100 million won perfumes every time? How wealthy are they?”

Jung Woo exclaimed in admiration. Song Boyoung, who had once struggled to make ends meet, felt a shiver run down her spine. Jung Woo extended the cup of water placed next to him.

“Why? Are you afraid I’ll ask for an introduction? I’m not that shameless.”

“No, it’s about the daughter of a friend I know.”

Seeing Song Boyoung’s firm gaze, Jung Woo lightly laughed.

“I might have a friend like that if I cross six or seven degrees of separation. If I meet them, I’ll introduce you.”

“It’s fine. My preferences…”

Song Boyeong glanced briefly at Jeong-woo and pursed her lips.

“There’s no need to disclose my preferences. Anyway, I’m not interested in wealthy men at all.”

“Well, I am.”

Song Boyeong’s playful spoon motion with the spoon suddenly froze.

“W-when you suddenly say it like that, I wasn’t prepared mentally…”

“What?”

Jeong-woo quickly corrected Song Boyeong, who seemed to have misunderstood something.

“I said I like men with a lot of money. Soo-chan needs to win the lottery quickly.”

Song Boyeong’s ears perked up.

“Who cares what others say? If Soo-chan wins the lottery and becomes loaded, I’ll have to give him a resounding slap on the cheek with a bundle of cash.”

“What are you talking about?”

When Jeong-woo chuckled, Song Boyeong lightly bit her lip and muttered, “Oh, forget it.”

“Enough! Let’s talk about ‘cells without a genome’ instead.”

“What’s blocking you this time? I feel like you’re always in a rush, senior. If you can’t do it on Sundays, you can do it during the week, and if you can’t do it during the week, you can do it on Sundays.”

“Just because it’s urgent. It’s not that I can’t meet Jeong-woo for the sake of studying.”

While discussing Dr. Cheon Seung-guk’s thesis, Song Boyeong suddenly remembered something and asked.

“By the way, who’s going to be in charge of the Audrey project? If it’s big enough to establish a factory line, it’s not just a typical collaborative task. At least someone with a high seniority like Seung-ju or Jin-gi. For the basic materials, maybe Ho-chan senior?”

“For now, it’s me.”

Upon hearing this, Song Boyeong laughed again.

“Oh, surprise! I might actually faint from that! Ah, I’m just kidding!”

“I wish it were just a joke too.”

「Day 1」 – Central Research Institute

On Monday morning, Jeong-woo’s commute began with a sense of tension.

No matter how unpredictable Director Songgu’s intentions were, it was common sense not to assign him as the team leader, considering he was the youngest member of the research institute. With a small hope that he would be placed in the next center after the basic materials, he spent the weekend in anticipation.

He sat down in the research lab and took out his newly acquired laptop, turning on the company network program.

As he logged into his account, he noticed that there were emails coming in from various sources.

[Patent Analysis Team, Assistant Manager Kim Da-hee. The patent application for the de-icing agent formulation has been completed.]

[Previous nanotube research. The team leader suggested exploring its potential and pushing forward. If it is designated as a research patent application, substantial support can be obtained.]

It was a welcome sound, but Jeong-woo shook his head with a bitter smile. If he wasn’t careful, all of his personal research could be postponed indefinitely.

[Technical Support Team. The Air Purification Research Team is interested in the modifications to the Eksamtu RO filter. They have requested detailed research data…]

Even other departments were showing interest in the research data that he had intended to pass on when he left the basic materials division. It seemed like they had caught wind of it despite working with open-source materials and registering a few results on the company network.

Passing it on to Jang Tae-sun first was now too burdensome. If he showed any more competence here, he might be pressed to stay, or worse, they might use it as an excuse to keep him. Besides, it was a research project bearing Han Jeong-woo’s name, so it didn’t matter where he went or what use it served.

“Air purification team, Mr. Ha Won-il, team leader. Please come forward and receive it~”

As Jeong-woo was carefully composing his reply, the door of Research Lab 1 opened, and he turned his head to see a man who instantly captured his gaze.

“D-Director Jang.”

It was Jang Tae-sun. The three other senior colleagues who were already present at work also nodded respectfully to Jang Tae-sun.

It was still a long way from 9 AM, so his sudden appearance caught him off guard. He closed his laptop unnecessarily and stood up, making his way towards the entrance.

“Why didn’t you answer the phone?”

“Did you call?”

As I picked up my cellphone, I saw that it was around 7:50 AM, right in the midst of the chaotic morning rush hour. Just as I was about to apologize for not picking up the call, Jang Tae-sun’s words sent a sudden jolt through my heart.

“I’ve been eagerly waiting all weekend to tell you this news. Congratulations, Team Leader Han Jeong-woo. It’s official now.”

The word ‘team leader’ echoed in my ears.

“Did Director Songgu give approval?”

“Well, you were the one who proactively pursued and secured the contract. I argued fiercely about who should be entrusted with it.”

“The initiative was taken by the center director. Unfortunately, I happened to be there at that time…”

“Oh, well! It doesn’t matter. From today onwards, pour all your efforts into forming the team. I’ll vigorously push to set up the research lab for the project in the Fragrance Center.”

Laughter filled the eyes behind the horn-rimmed glasses. Jung Woo, halfway giving up, asked with curiosity.

“What about my assignment?”

“Well, it’ll be on hold until this is finished.”

“It’s an experiment combining thousands of compounds. It’s not a short-term project. It could take more than a year, or even longer.”

“Isn’t it a divine command for you to bury yourself in basic materials? Seize this opportunity and complete your master’s and doctoral degrees under my guidance. Once Director Songgu retires, I’ll become the youngest director, and you’ll become the youngest center director. Kya~ It’s a beautiful picture.”

If I were to take Jang Tae-sun’s ambitious words at face value, it was simply an invitation to embark on the path to success ahead of time.

But there were secret contracts and the future of my career as a chemist at stake. I couldn’t make such a decision about something that carried such weight in such a casual manner.

“It’s fate and luck that Michèle happened to meet you on that day. It was worth arranging… cough.”

“Arranging?”

“Yeah, I had my eyes on you! I didn’t know you would be so good to me. If things go well later on, maybe we can have noodles together? I’ll be the one treating.”

“How far are you going, exactly?”

“Haha! I’m just happy.”

After happily patting Jeong-woo’s back, Jang Tae-sun left the Research Lab 1.

Jeong-woo returned to his seat with a dejected expression. Hong Ki-pyo, a senior researcher sitting across from him, approached with a concerned look.

“I heard rumors that you had a hard time from day one in basic materials. What did the director pressure you about? Tsk tsk. He’s so greedy for talent.”

If only Hong senior’s misunderstanding was at that level, it would have been better. Jeong-woo mustered a bitter smile and absentmindedly turned his gaze to the laptop.

‘Get yourself together. Work has started.’

He reconsidered the proposal from Audrey’s team that he had seen on Friday.

Recombining nine natural plant fragrances with the same molecular composition as in their natural state.

Added to this were the client’s conditions of pursuing perfection without any regard for efficiency.

Nature is complex. There are 500 molecules in the scent of a rose alone, but ordinary people simply call it rose fragrance.

However, Michèle was a demanding perfumer who could detect subtle changes within it and imbue it with meaning.

A crisis arrived in Jeong-woo’s life as a chemist within just one month and ten days. He began to agonize over how to proceed with the research quickly, his mind bursting with thoughts.

“…Jeong-woo, what are you doing?”

Startled by the touch on his shoulder, Jeong-woo snapped out of his thoughts and turned his head. Song Boyeong was looking at him with a strange expression.

“Oh, I was lost in thought.”

They could see Oh Seung-ju giving the morning briefing. He seemed to have contemplated for about an hour.

“The weekly meeting today is organized by the Electronic Materials Center. Only two representatives will go. In-beom and Dong-su. Someone from KG Electronics said that their low-carbon-certified gas stove, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions, needs to be presented. Yoon-su, you’ll go. Have you ever worked on thermoefficiency?”

As the usual personnel allocation continued, Oh Seung-ju looked at Song Boyeong and spoke.

“Microbiology lab.”

“Ah!”

“Why are you screaming? Your beauty won’t die just because you remove your makeup.”

“But my nose will die!”

Song Boyeong pointed at Jeong-woo with her swollen cheek.

“Our youngest, who left home earlier, has returned today, but why is it me?”

“Oh? Right, Jeong-woo is here too.”

Perhaps because he had been contemplating quietly all along, it seemed like they only noticed him now. Oh Seung-ju responded to Jeong-woo’s eye contact with a welcoming expression.

“Jeong-woo should have an inauguration ceremony too. After all, you’re still officially part of this place.”

“Well, that’s…”

Next to him, Song Boyeong let out a sigh and smirked ominously. She pretended to cover her nose and gestured with her thumb for Jeong-woo to do well.

With a cheerful expression and humming, she left Jeong-woo dumbfounded.

“You look the happiest you’ve ever been since meeting the senior.”

“What’s so special about happiness? It’s the little joys of everyday life. That’s what it is.”

“Did you know, senior? Our Boyeong senior looks the prettiest when she doesn’t wear makeup?”

“Hmm, hmm.”

Song Boyeong shook her head, not falling for it.

“Today, the juniors are in charge. Let’s experience the scent of their hometown.”

As she was speaking, Oh Seung-ju belatedly held a freshly printed document in his hand.

“Keep quiet, everyone. There’s one additional matter.”

Oh Seung-ju held the document and began reading it with a professional demeanor.

“It’s a statement from Jang Tae-sun, the head of the Basic Materials Division. We’re recruiting new project researchers, so if anyone wants to explore or participate in research related to fragrance molecule synthesis, they should talk to Jeong-woo, the team leader. Everyone got that… huh?”

Oh Seung-ju glanced at the document again, wondering if he had read it incorrectly.

“Jeong-woo, the team leader?”

Jeong-woo realized that it had arrived and let out a deep sigh.

“Is it already here?”

“What are you talking about, Jeong-woo?”

“I literally got assigned to work on a small project with a perfume company.”

“As a team leader? Director Jang is quite hot-tempered.”

“I didn’t expect it to be this extreme either.”

“Congratulations. You might become the youngest team leader, huh? Dong-gil had his first project when he was 29 too. At this rate, he might even lose his title as the youngest responsible member.”

“I hope not… Seriously.”

Jeong-woo pointed at Song Boyeong.

“Starting today, I have to gather team members and visit the research lab. As for compost research…”

Song Boyeong, who was laughing, suddenly stopped.

「Day 2」 – Fragrance Center

Ding-dong.

As Jeong-woo stepped out of the elevator on the 11th floor, he faced a corridor with a different logo, indicating it belonged to a subsidiary company rather than KG Chemical.

From the 1st to the 10th floor of the East Wing were the centers of the Central Research Institute. From here up to the 20th floor were the research centers of the subsidiary companies.

Today, among them, Jeong-woo visited the place known as the Fragrance Center, which belonged to KG Living Health.

The actual research would commence a few days after the contracts were signed and approved, so there was still some time to spare. However, Jeong-woo had a reason to be restless.

‘No one volunteered.’

As a newly hired researcher without connections or position, he was in charge of the project.

There were no senior researchers who wanted to listen to the commands of someone from the lowest tier of the Central Research Institute, let alone general researchers who would support the synthesis research that hinted at long-term development.

Research is not something done alone, and the burden of failure is not borne alone.

This was a part that even Jang Tae-sun, who followed the atmosphere of KG Chemical, emphasizing free research participation, could not solve.

“Don’t worry, Jeong-woo. If there’s no one, I’ll join. You know, I’m an all-rounder. I can do anything.”

This was the only assurance given during their morning meeting. If he made a slight mistake, the Center Director could end up as a single team member. The project should go smoothly.

“Sigh.”

“What brings you here?”

At the end of the corridor, the receptionist asked Jeong-woo, and he recalled the name of the research associate introduced by Jang Tae-sun.

“I’m here to see Assistant Manager Yoon Hyeong-seok. My name is Han Jeong-woo.”

Upon contacting someone inside, the door soon opened, revealing a man in his mid-thirties. With a chubby figure and a warm demeanor, he looked around the corridor and spoke.

“The team leader?”

His eyes are on the people going to and from the elevator, not on Jungwoo.

“Right here.”

As Jeong-woo raised his hand, Assistant Manager Yoon seemed taken aback.

“Jeong-woo for the Audrey Project?”

“Yes.”

Assistant Manager Yoon’s initial disbelief at such a young man being the team leader quickly faded, and he regained his composure, gesturing for Jeong-woo to enter.

“I’m Assistant Manager Yoon Hyeong-seok. Please follow me.”

They walked along a long corridor, passing by centers for cosmetics, household products, and groceries.

As they walked, Jeong-woo started to understand why this entire place was referred to as the Fragrance Center, encompassing the entire Central Research Institute.

A fresh scent lingered in the air from the moment they stepped out of the elevator. It felt as if laundry freshly sprayed with fabric softener was spread out in one place.

Finally, Jeong-woo arrived at the entrance of the center, marked with the [SH] emblem.

‘Scent House.’

Just before swiping his access card at the glass entrance, Assistant Manager Yoon spoke.

“We were quite surprised when we heard about the collaboration with Audrey Company. Audrey’s combination fragrances have received worldwide acclaim. Though we can’t apply their licenses due to the high cost.”

Ding.

The door opened, revealing a spacious research area that occupied half of the large refrigerated facility. It wasn’t drastically different from the Basic Materials Center.

Jeong-woo’s gaze paused on the wall lined with familiar shampoo and body wash bottles, as well as air fresheners and laundry products. Beverages were also visible.

“The research lab you will be using, as a team leader, is the fragrance lab at the far right. Once the HR formalities are complete, you will also be issued an access card.”

Assistant Manager Yoon still seemed unfamiliar with the fact that Jeong-woo was the team leader. Jeong-woo felt the same way, so he smiled awkwardly before proceeding to the workspace.

Just before opening the door, Jeong-woo asked a question.

“Ah, I already have an access card. Can I use this one?”

“Give it a try. I’m not sure what level of access privileges it has.”

Jeong-woo took out the research building access card he used to go to Dr. Chun Seung-guk’s lab.

Ding.

The door slid open with a flickering green light.

“It works.”

Suddenly, Jeong-woo became curious about how far this card would grant him access.

Inside was a small room measuring 5 square meters.

One side of the wall was lined with cabinets, giving the impression of a regular kitchen in a household. If it weren’t for the scale and various glass bottles on the dining table, it would have felt like a place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea.

As Jeong-woo looked around, his attention was drawn to a mini refrigerator with a ‘Danger’ sign hanging in front of it. The transparent door revealed dozens of brown bottles inside.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a sample for olfactory tests. To become a member of this research lab, you need to identify a minimum of seven to ten bottles correctly. Usually, it takes about a year of concentrated training to distinguish the basics. Assistant manager-level staff can easily identify twenty bottles.”

Assistant Manager Yoon explained while shrugging his shoulders slightly, displaying a hint of professional pride.

“Would you like to take a look around? I’ll inform the department manager that the team leader for the Audrey Project has arrived. The restroom and breakroom are located at the far left from the entrance of the center.”

“Oh, yes, please. I’ll take my time exploring.”

Jeong-woo sat down on a chair and admired the objects in the room.

‘There probably won’t be any candidates in the Central Research Institute, so I’ll have to gather them from this center.’

He thought that the researchers here would be better suited for the task of reconstructing scents. The problem was Assistant Manager Yoon’s reaction that he had witnessed earlier.

“Even I, if a relatively young guy, come in as the team leader, I might not want to work with them. They might perceive it as arrogance no matter how humble I try to be. What should I do?”

He sighed heavily, feeling exhausted today. He had even considered analyzing and combining everything on his own, assuming the worst-case scenario.

If that’s the case, all the labor-intensive experiments will have to be postponed to Jang Tae-sun.

Lost in thought, he sensed some activity in the hallway. Wondering if Assistant Manager Yoon had already returned, he strained his ears and could hear the sound of a conversation between a man and a woman.

“Nayeon, did you hear about the new project coming to the center?”

“You mean the Audrey Project? Isn’t that amazing?”

“Not really. I heard from my colleagues in the Central Research Institute that a rookie who joined at the end of last year is the team leader. What could this be? Some sort of nepotism? Is he the boss’s son or something?”

Ding.

As the door opened, the man who was walking in noticed Jeong-woo.

“…Who are you?”

Jeong-woo wanted to retort, “I’m the rookie team leader,” but he held back and simply replied, “I’m Han Jeong-woo.”

“Huh…?”

“Yes, I’m in charge of the Audrey Project.”

He responded as politely as possible, considering that the person in front of him might reveal their willingness to participate.

The two individuals walked in and exchanged a brief glance with Jeong-woo.

The man wearing a employee ID card with the name “Shin Ki-woo” around his neck was tall with small eyes, giving off a studious vibe. The woman wearing an ID card with the name “Jung Nayeon” had a cute style, with her front teeth slightly visible like a rabbit.

Feeling the need to explain why he was sitting there, Jeong-woo spoke up.

“I came with Assistant Manager Yoon. Just ignore me, I’m just observing.”

Shin Ki-woo, who was standing in front of the mini refrigerator, gave Jeong-woo a brief, scrutinizing look, as if he was very peculiar.

Jung Nayeon took the samples Shin Ki-woo had taken out and spread them out on the table, then spoke to Jeong-woo.

“Our team members are gathering for a lunchtime bet.”

“A bet?”

“An olfactory test.”

While the two were chatting, three more researchers entered the room.

“This time, I made a reservation for 15 samples. I even groomed my nose hair devoutly for this.”

“Try to do that not just for the bet, but also in your daily life.”

“I disinfected with alcohol. It feels refreshing, you know.”

In no time, the fragrance room became lively. Jung Nayeon looked at the bewildered Jeong-woo.

“Just don’t look at it too strangely since we’re taking a little break to have fun. This is like a play child test for our Fragrance Center.”

“Should I step out?”

“No, it’s okay.”

Ziiing.

However, Jeong-woo lowered his head and stepped out into the corridor when his phone in his pocket rang.

It was Jang Tae-sun.

“Why, Center Director?”

-Oh, well. Michèle is bringing the first batch of samples in the afternoon. Around 3 o’clock. Just wanted to make sure everything is prepared.

“Preparation goes without saying. It’s the first visit to the Fragrance Center, after all!”

-Then let’s meet in my office.

“I’d rather not. Shouldn’t we tour the research labs where I’ll be working? Since I know there are no team members yet. I’d feel more comfortable and at ease if the contract were to be broken.”

-Sorry, Jeong-woo. It’s because I’m not good enough as a center director…

“Don’t fake your tears.”

Jeong-woo’s gaze swept over the researchers inside the fragrance room.

A bet based on who can distinguish fragrances better inside those bottles. Assistant Manager Yoon’s pride that he had seen earlier.

‘Hmm.’

A simplistic idea crossed Jeong-woo’s mind: to pretend to have an extraordinary sense of smell that even Michèle would recognize, and gain recognition for his abilities.

“Do we have to go to such lengths?”

-If we don’t find it within this week, I’ll gather all the researchers working on basic materials and bring them under your supervision. Hold onto your worries, Team Leader.

Amidst all this, the gentleman spoke in a nonchalant tone.

“Just wait. I’ll try to find a solution.”

After ending the call, Jeong-woo took a deep breath.

As someone bearing the title of team leader, situations where he had to put on a brave face and lower himself were bound to come frequently.

He had to overcome this obstacle effortlessly to finish the project within a short period.

Beep.

Jeong-woo opened the door and entered with a wide smile on his face.

“This is an interesting bet. Can I participate too, by any chance?”

Seong Ki-woo, who was standing between them, brightened up.

“This is not an easy test. But since it’s our first time meeting today, I’ll treat you to lunch.”

“Well, honestly, the chances of success are slim.”

“Then, instead of wasting money, why don’t you sit back and watch…”

“It’s difficult to get everything right. As humans, we can make a mistake or two.”

Ki-woo looked at Jeong-woo, wondering if he had misheard.

“How about this? Would you like to try a more challenging bet than lunch?”

Jeong-woo’s strong provocation caused silence to fall over the fragrance room.