Chemistry

9. A month in the life of a chemical company team leader(7)

After taking a rest all morning, Jeong-woo looked for Jang Tae-seon before starting his work in earnest.

As he entered the office of the Basic Materials Center, he was greeted by a secretary he hadn’t seen in a while.

“You can go right in.”

Knock, knock.

When he opened the door, Jang Tae-seon welcomed him with a bright smile.

“Welcome, Team Leader. Have you had lunch?”

Jang Tae-seon’s gaze was filled with affection. At his endearing display, muttering “Our center’s treasure, treasure~,” Jeong-woo let out a small sigh.

“Why did you call me? If it’s not urgent, you could have left a message.”

“Oh my, our Team Leader. I shouldn’t have disturbed your precious time; I was just being thoughtless.”

“Just go on as usual. When did you start thinking about my time?”

“Our Team Leader is getting colder and colder. So attractive.”

“Sigh.”

As they sat on the sofa, Jang Tae-seon got to the point.

“When Michèle left, she specifically told me this: ‘Make sure Han Jeong-woo never gets left out of the project. Get things done properly and deliver excellent results.’ Your bold actions are causing Michèle to come out very humble.”

“Well, our CEO is so determined to create the perfect perfume. Did you call me because she thought I’d quit the project? Don’t worry; I’ll solve all nine problems and leave. I’ll make sure of that.”

As Jeong-woo was about to leave after finishing his words, Jang Tae-seon quickly raised his hand.

“No, that’s not why I called you. Take some time on Sunday.”

“This weekend?”

“Michèle invited our Team Leader to a party.”

Jang Tae-seon handed a note with the address to Jeong-woo as he spoke.

“It’s Audrey’s ‘Night of Support for Cultural Artists’ event, but it’s not just any party that anyone can attend. Even if you’re the head of the research institute, if you don’t get an invitation, you’ll be turned away at the door. Do you get it?”

“Why would I go to such a place…?”

“It’s because Michèle really likes you that much. You know most of Audrey’s customers are incredibly wealthy women from prestigious families, right? When you go, you’ll see young and wealthy ladies all around…!”

Jang Tae-seon, who had a dreamy expression, suddenly became serious and looked at Jeong-woo.

“Networking opportunities like this, you can’t measure their value. You have to go. From now on, you’ll be dealing with many clients. In the upper echelons, you build as many connections as possible, especially at times like this.”

Jang Tae-seon, who was passionately speaking, suddenly covered his mouth and lowered his voice.

“Still, I’d recommend Michèle over the wealthy heiresses. Have a glass of wine, and just boldly approach them.”

“I just want to build professional relationships with the people I meet through work.”

“Even with me?”

“More than anyone else.”

Jang Tae-seon placed his hand on his chest with an exasperated expression.

“I’ll take that as a partial approval!”

“I’m leaving.”

“Partial approval! Jeong-woo!”

Leaving Jang Tae-seon, who now mixed jokes and earnestness in his speech, Jeong-woo walked out.

He looked at the memo he held in his hand.

It was for a famous hotel in Yeouido.

‘How should I handle this?’

Jeong-woo, who had meticulously planned the experiments to be conducted next week until evening, left a message for Bae Ki-tae and Cho Sung-hwan to take a good rest over the weekend and headed home.

Inside the crowded subway.

Due to the lack of sleep, he found himself staring out the window absentmindedly, trying to stay awake and avoid dozing off.

Even though it was time to leave work, the sun was still shining brightly.

It was early February, graduation season was approaching, and spring would soon arrive.

Unlike last year at this time when his mind was preoccupied with job hunting, now he was thinking about how to prepare for the party on Sunday.

‘I don’t even have proper clothes to wear. Ah! What about that luxury suit?’

He remembered the Italian luxury suit he had received as a gift from the TS Mall CEO, which he had tucked away in the corner of his closet. Unbelievable. Who would have thought there would come a moment to wear that suit again?

Sigh.

A message came in, and he checked to see that it was from Yoon Yi-seol.

[Because of the K-pop concert this month, I’ll be rehearsing with the broadcasting station band from tomorrow onwards. ㅜㅜ]

[Where will you be doing it?]

[In Paris.]

A concert abroad.

The memory of her happily making bibimbap in the village hall kitchen seemed so distant and out of reach, and now she was having such a different experience. It made him feel a sense of distance from her, like they were worlds apart.

「Day 14」 – Conrad Hotel, International Financial Center

As Jeong-woo got out of the taxi, he felt overwhelmed by the grandeur of the 200m tall high-rise building covered in shimmering glass.

Even though he had become a well-paid office worker, this hotel was filled with rooms he couldn’t afford to stay in for even a few days with his salary.

Upon entering the lobby, he noticed a massive spiral staircase extending up to the 5th floor.

The event hall was on the 3rd floor. Instead of taking the elevator, he explored the interior while climbing the stairs.

Due to the higher number of foreigners among the attendees, there was an exotic atmosphere.

‘Is that it?’

Following a group of two or three people each, Jeong-woo also made his way to the banquet hall. Most passing guests were dressed extravagantly.

He absentmindedly brushed his collar and checked his outfit. A white suit. He had discarded the most ridiculous hat he couldn’t possibly pull off at home and tried to dress as fashionably as possible.

‘At least I have this kind of outfit.’

He even used wax on his hair, something he rarely did, and ended up feeling uneasy. When his younger brother asked if he was going to a club, he just nodded, knowing he wouldn’t be believed if he said he was going to a party attended by rich families.

‘I can’t even believe I’m standing here myself.’

Jeong-woo stood at the entrance of the banquet hall and looked inside.

Everywhere his eyes fell, there were lavishly decorated ornaments. Circular tables lined up under sparkling chandeliers, emitting a dazzling white light. On one side, unfamiliar classical music flowed.

“Welcome.”

A beautifully dressed hotel staff member holding a guest list smiled and asked for his name.

“I’m Han Jeong-woo.”

“Have a pleasant time. The event schedule is right here.”

“Thank you.”

Jeong-woo’s polite response made the hotel staff member cover her mouth and smile. It wasn’t particularly amusing, but he wondered if this was the power of luxury clothing.

Entering the banquet hall, Jeong-woo slowly looked around.

There were hardly any people sitting at the tables yet; instead, groups of people were gathered around the cocktail bar on the other side, engaging in conversations.

‘I need to find someone I know.’

A staff member carrying a tray with champagne glasses gave Jeong-woo a look as if offering him one.

“Please.”

The glass contained a carbonated liquid of an unknown origin. He wasn’t sure if he was meant to drink it or just carry it around as an accessory, but Jeong-woo held it in his hand anyway because he saw many others doing the same.

‘If they were inviting someone, they should have invited Director Jang. Why did they call me? It’s boring.’

He didn’t have any strong desire to make a splendid debut in the social scene.

After tanking a sip of his glass, Jeong-woo found it surprisingly tasty, and his eyes widened. He was about to take another sip when suddenly, he had to suppress a cough.

It was because an unexpected person was standing there.

“Senior Boyeong?”

Song Boyeong, wearing a red mini dress that exposed one shoulder, quickly turned away when she saw Jeong-woo.

As she anxiously looked around, her friends across from her playfully shouted.

“Boyeong, just one glass of champagne for me!”

“Me too!”

Song Boyeong sighed, shrugged her shoulders, and turned back.

“What brings Jeong-woo here?”

“Oh, well…”

At first glance, Jeong-woo couldn’t recognize Song Boyeong, who seemed completely unfamiliar, but after a moment of silence, he managed to speak.

She added some makeup and accessories to her cute appearance, and he sensed a feminine grace about her.

Was it the way she elegantly tied up her hair? Or was it the unexpectedly voluminous silhouette suggested by her boldly exposed left collarbone and snug dress?

‘What am I looking at?’

Jeong-woo closed his eyes briefly, then shook his head before asking Song Boyeong.

“You, on the other hand. Why are you all dressed up here? I came because I was invited by CEO Michèle.”

“Oh, I…”

“Hey, Boyeong. What are you doing?”

A young woman who suddenly appeared next to Song Boyeong glanced at Jeong-woo and giggled.

“Looks like you were having a conversation with this man. Who is he?”

The woman looked Jeong-woo up and down. Adorned with expensive jewelry all over her body, she appeared to be around the same age as Song Boyeong, but her face seemed strangely familiar.

‘A Gangnam beauty, right?’

Song Boyeong quickly turned her body and removed the woman’s hand as she spoke.

“She’s just someone I know. You go over there.”

“Hey, who just knows someone? He’s handsome. I’ll definitely find out. So, you go over there.”

Song Boyeong narrowed her eyes at the woman who complimented Jeong-woo’s looks and spoke with a sharp tongue.

“I told you to back off. I’m going to drink a lot tonight and pass out, got it?”

“Okay, okay.”

The woman calmly held a champagne glass from a passing tray, maintaining a thin smile while continuously scrutinizing Jeong-woo. Seeing this, Song Boyeong grabbed Jeong-woo’s arm.

“Come with me for now.”

“Where to?”

“Anywhere!”

As they walked away, Jeong-woo glanced back at the woman who seemed strangely familiar.

Following Song Boyeong, they arrived at a cafeteria on the second floor. As soon as they sat down, Song Boyeong looked at Jeong-woo.

“Don’t misunderstand. I just followed my friend and happened to met you. They kept pestering me about the party and stuff. Although this is my usual outfit, I don’t usually dress like this….”

In her disorganized words, Jeong-woo gestured for her to calm down.

“Okay, okay. But what should I be misunderstanding right now?”

“Well, that’s…”

“That your friend is wealthy? That’s not a misunderstanding; it’s true. I heard this party is only for VIPs. I thought you might want me to introduce you?”

Jeong-woo was already feeling burdened by the artificial beauty of the women he saw earlier.

Song Boyeong smoothed her chest and looked at Jeong-woo apologetically.

“No, I was worried that you might misunderstand that I dress like this normally. I’m not one of those gold-diggers, you know?”

“If you go into the microbiology lab, you’ll be considered similar.”

Even if she dressed differently, she gave off the same impression.

“Just kidding, just kidding. I was really surprised earlier when I saw you dressed like that. As if I didn’t know you, all prettied up.”

Hearing Jeong-woo’s casual remark, Song Boyeong averted her gaze to hide her flushed cheeks.

“That friend who likes Audrey perfume, is that her?”

Then, looking at Song Boyeong, Jeong-woo noticed the fragrance molecules emanating from her neck and wrists, realizing that she was also wearing perfume.

“Did you buy it too? It smells nice.”

As Jeong-woo seemed to smell the fragrance, Song Boyeong blushed even more.

“It’s my mom’s. She bought it before but couldn’t finish using it. I haven’t used much, but can you tell?”

“I’ve been living with fragrances every day lately, so my senses have become more sensitive. I’ve gained more knowledge about it too. It feels soft and warm. It’s a perfume from the SAVON series. A fresh and clean laundry scent.”

As Jeong-woo was speaking, he suddenly paused.

“You washed your laundry properly, right?”

“I’m doing my laundry properly now!”

Seeing Song Boyeong puffing her cheeks, Jeong-woo chuckled and stood up from his seat.

“I think I misunderstood the part I should misunderstand. I’ll keep your little escapade a secret at work.”

“Thank you so much.”

“No problem.”

Once again, Jeong-woo’s gaze lingered on Song Boyeong’s collarbone line, and he shook his head saying, “Ah, well,” playfully.

“Then, see you at work. Have fun with your friend who seems a friend of a friend, but not really.”

On his way back to the banquet hall, Jeong-woo received a phone call and picked up his cell phone. Looking at the screen, he saw an unfamiliar number.

“Hello?”

-Is this Team Leader Han Jeong-woo? This is Michèle’s secretary. She wanted to see you briefly before the event. Will you come this way?

“Where are you?”

-It’s on the 5th floor, in the Business Room.

“Oh, I’ll go right now.”

Taking the elevator, Jeong-woo arrived at the Business Room, and a staff member opened the door for him. Inside the spacious reception area, Michèle was standing. She was giving instructions in French to the employees who were moving boxes, and the staff member next to Jeong-woo provided a brief translation.

“She’s preparing for the auction.”

“An auction?”

“Today’s event will raise funds for artists and cultural professionals by selling the items in the auction.”

Jeong-woo waited on one side and looked around the items lined up on the reception table.

Paintings, jewelry, and perfume. Each one of them seemed to be high-priced items.

‘That perfume looks like it’s worth 100 million won. Are these paintings worth that much too?’

Two Western paintings and three Oriental paintings.

As Jeong-woo had no knowledge of art, he ended up analyzing the chemical components rather than appreciating the artwork. As he stared at them, the molecular world seemed to expand before him.

‘Hmm.’

These were undoubtedly old paintings. Among the residues on the paper material, in addition to pigments, there were traces of insects and microorganisms that had accumulated over decades, if not centuries.

On top of that, there were conservation materials added to prevent damage, making it more like a joint tomb of insects rather than a painting.

‘Even if I had money, I’d never buy these.’

While trying to look away, Jeong-woo’s gaze lingered on the three Oriental paintings in turn. One of the three, which seemed to be painted by the same person, had different chemical components.

‘Oh well, whatever. It still looks like the same painting. Maybe someone else painted it.’

Five minutes later…

Michèle approached Jeong-woo and apologized for making him wait.

“It’s alright. I enjoyed looking around. But why did you call me?”

Michèle gestured for him to sit on the sofa in the reception area before speaking.

“Audrey is planning to establish a foundation for artists and, at the same time, create a sponsorship association for perfumers in Korea. The Korean government has a very good system for intangible cultural heritage.”

“Oh… I see.”

When he pronounced “intangible,” Jeong-woo felt a sense of being surplus, and he gave a faint smile while nodding.

“I believe that Team Leader Han Jeong-woo’s perfumery skills are on par with this intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, you are fully qualified to receive sponsorship from this foundation.”

“Excuse me?”

Jeong-woo was taken aback by the unexpected statement.

“Sponsorship?”

“You don’t need to feel burdened. It means that we want you to contribute more to the development of the perfume industry as a perfumer.”

“But I’m not a perfumer.”

Michèle smiled as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

“Your talent for perfumery would be a waste, and it would be a loss for the country if you don’t pursue a career as a perfumer.”

“Is it really a loss?”

Though it sounded sweet, Jeong-woo couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t a free offer.

“If chemists are included in the category of this ‘intangible’ cultural heritage, I’ll consider it.”

“I expected you to refuse. However, the offer is always valid.”

With a warm smile, Jeong-woo stood up. He felt that the only way to repay the CEO’s kindness was to complete the project properly.

“The banquet is prepared with the finest hotel dining. Enjoy it.”

“Yes, I’ll enjoy it.”

As Jeong-woo was about to leave, his gaze lingered on the three Oriental paintings. He turned to Michèle and asked a question.

“This, they were all painted by the same person, right?”

“That’s correct. They are the works of a very famous Chinese Oriental painter, Louis Shen.”

“I see.”

Jeong-woo pointed at the landscape painting in the middle that looked like a watercolor.

“This painting has an unusually thin and long fiber structure in the paper material. The other two have a consistent direction, but this one has a crossing structure at a 90-degree angle. No matter how old the paintings are, the paper-making technology is vastly different.”

“Quoi?”

Michèle seemed to say, “What did you say?” in French, and Jeong-woo roughly grasped that it was French. He continued to explain more information he found while examining the painting closely.

“Also, there’s some kind of ash mixture, or should I say, bones mixed in this one. The other two have only pine ash. It seems like something doesn’t match well with the era. If that Louis Shen lived for about 150 years, maybe it’s understandable.”

After saying that, Jeong-woo nodded politely and stepped outside. Michèle pondered Jeong-woo’s words for a moment before calling out to the assistant, “Appelez le dégustateur Art!”

“Ugh, when will this end?”

Sitting among unknown people and engaging in casual conversations was tiring for Jeong-woo. The table was filled with real estate tycoons, executives from large corporations, and small business owners, all talking non-stop.

“Today, they’re auctioning perfumes. My wife insists on buying a limited collection.”

“I’m thinking of buying some paintings.”

“Are you talking about the French artist Long Blanc?”

“I’m more interested in Louis Shen’s works.”

The auction talk about one month’s worth of Jeong-woo’s salary starting as the base price was completely uninteresting to him. He felt like he had to stay until the end since he was invited by Michèle, but after filling up on the banquet food, he just wanted to leave quickly.

‘Killing time next to Senior Boyeong is a bit awkward.’

Across the table, next to Song Boyeong, there were young women with artificial facial features sitting in abundance. No matter how much money they had, they didn’t exude much charm.

‘These naturally beautiful people are really something.’

As Jeong-woo glanced at Song Boyeong, he saw her yawning. Even she seemed bored.

-We will now begin the auction.

At the announcer’s words, everyone’s attention turned to the stage. Jeong-woo wasn’t interested in the auction, so he took out his phone and sent a text message to Song Boyeong.

[Are you tired?]

She looked down at her phone and immediately replied.

[I’m bored.]

[Me too!]

As the auction items were sold one by one, Jeong-woo and Song Boyeong’s yawns continued, and they exchanged text messages to pass the time.

Ding.

[This perfume right now. They will be competing against each other. It will be interesting. ^^]

Upon receiving Song Boyeong’s message, Jeong-woo turned his head.

When Audrey’s limited edition perfume, ‘Fantasia Dream,’ was put up for auction, just as she had predicted, chaos erupted.

Bidding paddles were raised all around, and the price quickly soared to two thousand, three thousand! It soon surpassed 100 million won.

Jeong-woo felt chills on his arm.

‘This isn’t my world.’

The perfume was eventually sold to a woman for the staggering price of 150 million won. She was the same woman who had been sticking close to Song Boyeong earlier.

[She’s the richest among them.]

Another text message came through.

“Oh, my wife will scold me. How can I buy something that’s worth 100 million won for 150 million?”

A real estate magnate at the same table sighed, and Jeong-woo politely nodded in agreement.

Ding.

[After this, do you want to talk about our thesis…? The lounge here has a great atmosphere.]

Jeong-woo looked at Song Boyeong. She had a hopeful look in her eyes, expecting him to say yes.

[You want to study on this golden weekend? Are you crazy, Senior?]

Song Boyeong responded with a smirk.

Jeong-woo considered typing, [If you’re dressed like that, I might be enticed to study…], but he stopped when he heard the announcer’s voice.

-Three of Louis Shen’s paintings are under precise examination as one has been identified as a forgery. We ask for your understanding. We will now proceed with the auction of the jewelry.

‘A forgery?’

Suddenly, he received a phone call, so Jeong-woo picked up his phone.

“Hello.”

-This is Michèle’s secretary. Can you come to the business room quickly?

“Right now?”

As Jeong-woo got up and headed towards the back door of the banquet hall, Song Boyeong looked at him as if asking what was going on. Jeong-woo shrugged, indicating that he didn’t know either, and gestured towards the upper floor.