Chemistry Novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39Frozen(1)

-The first week of the New Year. It is expected that the strongest cold wave of this winter will prevail. As the first cold wave warning has been issued in Seoul, the temperature is expected to drop to -14 degrees Celsius tomorrow morning

Jeong-woo was sitting at the kitchen table, stirring soup with a spoon when he turned his head to the sound of the TV.

Mom, will our water pipes freeze again?

Hong Ji-suk, who was sitting in the living room, changing channels with the remote control, replied, Dont turn off the tap at night. If it breaks down, you and Chan can go to the public bathhouse. Ill let Mrs. Jeong know.

Ill think about it.

Whats there to think about?

These days, my eldest sons mind is working really well. He might be able to invent this and that. Even sothing like a heater. Hmph.

Normally, even if he said sothing, his mothers expression remained unchanged. However, a faint smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

Jeong-woo threw a aningful look as he put the last bit of rice into his mouth.

If I can make it through this cold wave without incident, leave out the neighborhood event at the banquet.

You dont have anything to do on the weekend anyway.

Why do you think I have nothing to do?

Jeong-woo got up, with an expression that seed to say that his mother didnt even know. He had to go to the clinic on Saturday for a four-hour treatnt, and Sunday was busy with Dr. Cheons paper review.

He imdiately went to the bathroom to take a shower, and when he ca downstairs in his clothes on the second floor, Chan was coming out of his room, scratching his head.

Are you leaving for work already?

I have to, even though its winter break. Its 7:30, its not early, its the usual ti.

Jeong-woo put on his recently purchased leather gloves and tightly wrapped his scarf around his neck. Watching him, Chan said, Brother, you seem to have changed a bit since you started working at that company.

Do I look cooler?

Yeah, you look like the head of the household.

You little brat.

He had beco much more cooperative since their recent date assistance.

Can you reduce the frequency of cleaning the house to every four months? I even refunded you for the movie tickets.

Not possible.

Ugh.

Jeong-woo, who was wearing shoes, shook hands.

Im leaving. Mom, Ill be back!

As soon as he ca out, a wind that felt like his ears would fall off blew. Shivering, Jeong-woo went down the hill towards the subway station.

Jeong-woo entered the lobby of KG Chemicals headquarters and finally relaxed his body after being greeted by warmth.

He pulled out his employee ID and held it up to the entrance familiarly, and the security guard nodded to him.

It was his fourth week of going to the company.

Although the excitent of his first day at work had beco vague, his confidence as a professional had grown accordingly.

Todays my first day in a new departnt, right?

Jeong-woo opened the door to the research room 1 energetically and said, Good morning.

Oh, Jeong-woo. Happy New Year.

Happy New Year to you too, senior.

As he greeted the senior colleagues who were already there, Jeong-woo hesitated as he tried to take a seat.

Soone had flipped a blanket and was lying down on the seat next to him. It was probably Song Boyeong, and he was curious as to why she was already sleeping when he had arrived early to work as well.

Wait, wasnt yesterday January 1st?

It was not just a holiday, and yet we have to work overti since New Years. I was curious about what kind of work it could be, but thinking that there was no need to wake up from sleep, Jeong-woo silently sat in his seat.

He turned on his laptop and looked through the research plans he had worked on for the past two weeks.

He had compiled and set up over 20 research items during that ti. He probably wouldnt be able to do all of this work alone, but he thought he could consider it when the ti ca.

I want to do it all, but Ill worry about it when the ti cos.

When he opened his work email, he saw that the material he had requested from the patent analysis team had arrived.

[Hello, this is Manager Kim Da-hee. Im curious about your request for statistics. Could you tell

what the purpose of the research is?]

After seeing the additional comnts, Jeong-woo added an outline of the research plan he was working on and sent a response.

[It is a study related to the production technology of carbon nanotubes.]

After receiving the data from Manager Kim, Jeong-woo began to add details to the relevant research plan.

[ The patent for thousands of strategic products related to nano-carbon has shown a steady increase in applications until four years ago, and has shown a slight decrease since then]

As he focused on his work, he thought of an elent that looked like a charcoal stick with the symbol [C] on his laptop.

Carbon.

Depending on its state of bonding, it could beco graphite or even a diamond. Like a frawork that is created before building a house, it was an elent suitable for designing sothing at a molecular level.

The elents that Jeong-woo was seeing in front of him gradually changed into the appropriate form for the research he was working on.

The smallest connection pathway on Earth, the carbon nanotube.

Countless complex materials that are possible with this can beco incredibly valuable depending on the production technology.

High-speed transistors, high-performance batteries, flexible touchscreens

Wait and see. Ill make them all soday.

Jeong-woo reached out to stroke the nanotubes for a mont. Although it was an empty gesture, the dust particles seed to dance under his hand as if waiting for him.

These things go crazy when it gets colder. Huh?

Thud.

The door opened and the responsible researcher, Oh Seung-joo, walked in and sat in the directors seat, causing most of the researchers to stop their work and turn their gaze towards him.

Jeong-woo shook Song Boyeongs shoulder as she was still lying down.

Senior, you need to get up.

Uh

Her head suddenly popped up from under the blanket, looking confused and disoriented, so Jeong-woo added briefly,

Its been 10 minutes since work started. Senior Seung-joo is here. The morning eting will start soon.

What?!

The researchers attention was drawn to Song Boyeongs scream. Oh Seung-joo walked towards the center of Research Room 1 holding an A4 sheet of paper and made eye contact with her.

Dont speak informally.

Sorry, Im sorry.

Song Boyeongs uncomfortable posture made her already swollen eyes and eyelids even more prominent.

As if feeling sorry for her, Senior Cha Jeong-hee looked at Song Boyeong.

Wake up, Boyeong. Get up.

Imalready up.

As she mumbled these words in a groggy voice, the seniors burst out laughing. Song Boyeong sat back down and covered her head with both hands, feeling embarrassed.

I set the alarm, why is this happening? Im going crazy. Where did it run off to?

Jeong-woo picked up the broken desk clock lying on the floor and handed it over to her.

It seems like it was chased out instead of running away. I think the landlord complained about the noise.

Song Boyeong, who only had a disheveled head, was surprised as she looked at the broken clock.

She covered her face, especially her eyes, with both hands and turned her head when Jeong-woo spoke to her.

Peeking through the gap between her hands, Song Boyeong asked, When did you co?

I ca on ti for work.

At the obvious answer, Song Boyeong gnawed on her incisors. She seed to acknowledge that no matter what she said, she wouldnt be able to co out on top here.

I havent seen you in a long ti, and as a senior, I showed you such a bad appearance. Smile, yeah?

It feels familiar. And its not so grueso that it makes

laugh.

Oh really? When seniors smile like that, it usually ans bad news. Why is that? Did you starve yourself last night and get a bit thinner?

As Song Boyeong spread her arms, her real eyes, which looked like she was sleeping, were revealed. Jeong-woo chuckled, then imdiately apologized, saying, Oops, I didnt expect that. Im sorry.

While she was stunned, Oh Seung-joo opened his mouth, holding a work schedule in his hand.

The tal center project has been confird. Anyone interested in 3D printing material technology should apply right away.

As the schedule discussion continued, Song Boyeong put away the blanket in the drawer while glancing at Jeong-woo.

Boyeong and I are going on a business trip this afternoon. Its in Cheonan.

Again?

Theres a big competition bidding going on, so were going to visit. Our project materials are also included. We need to get a feel for the atmosphere ahead of ti. Oh, and when its afternoon, youll wake up, right? A lot of high-ranking people will be there.

Senior!

As always, she was teased, and as always, Song Boyeong blushed with a puffy cheek and anger.

Seung-joo looked at Jeong-woo.

Go to the Basic Materials Center Directors office at 10 oclock. The director ordered it.

I understand.

I guess well be rotating training for two weeks from there. Just go there and do well, and when youre free, co here and rest.

It seed like the policy had been firmly established.

Anyway, have a good day today.

Seung-joo sat back down in his seat.

Next to him, Song Boyeong turned her gaze to Jeong-woo with a towel on her face, ready to wash.

You stayed up all night preparing for the project.

I know. I slept deeply earlier, so I didnt wake you up.

During Christmas, yesterday, even on holidays, I returned everything to make ti to talk this Sunday

Song Boyeong stopped and her expression changed to one that said, Thats not what I wanted to say.

Anyway, lets discuss the paper this weekend. If we dont have ti, youll have to work overti like .

Its a very convincing demand, but if we dont have ti this week, we can do it next week. We dont need to overdo it, do we? Were not going to quit tomorrow.

Plus at.

Seeing that she wanted to talk about it as soon as possible, it seed like she was reading a complicated paper. The way a thirsty person digs a well. Jeong-woos eyes lit up.

Should we eat beef or pork?

Uh.

After staring at Jeong-woo for a mont, Song Boyeong spoke up as if negotiating quietly.

Pork?

Hm.

No, beef!

Hmm.

Charcoal grill or hot plate?

Hot plate?

When Jeong-woo turned his gaze to the laptop without saying anything, Song Boyeongs eyes lit up.

No, no!

I was going to suggest we each pay for our own at, but you dont want to do that.

I do, I do!

In a hurried response, Song Boyeong looked at Jeong-woo with a look that said she would take revenge.

However, most of his pupils were hidden behind swollen eyelids, making his exhaustion feel cute rather than concerning.

Ugh, I didnt prepare for this kind of talk.

Song Boyeong reluctantly handed him a neatly folded white cloth.

Whats this?

A gown. Its a commorative gift for becoming an official researcher.

Jeong-woo accepted the gown and opened it up.

Isnt this just a basic one thats distributed for free?

Tsk, just a basic one? You have to pay with your employee card at the convenience store inside the building. And when you enter the lab, its customary to wear it. You should wear it before going to the Basic Materials Center.

Thank you. Ill wear it well. As expected of a senior

When he received it for free, Jeong-woo thought it was polite to be thankful, but then he saw that his na, Han Jeong-woo, was sewn onto the gown.

Huh?

Passing by other senior researchers who were wearing na tags, he noticed that the gown was embroidered with his na.

Its unique, isnt it? Hehe!

Did the senior researcher do the embroidery himself?

Well I do embroidery a little.

But if you and I wear this, isnt it like a couples gown?

Song Boyeong was startled by this comnt.

Oh, no, dont get the wrong idea!

Im not.

Jeong-woo attached his employee ID card to the pocket on his chest and said, Its not visible anyway.

Thats right! I do the sa thing. Youre misunderstanding. Geez.

Feeling like she was being attacked again, Song Boyeong nervously fiddled with her alarm clock, which had already stopped working.

As he watched a furious Song Boyeong, Jeong-woo asked, Do you always get swollen like this when you dont sleep well, Senior Boyoung?

Its in my DNA. I take after my mother. And besides, its because of the bright lighting here. If you adjust the lighting and look to the side, its a very attractive appearance, you know?

Yeah, it looks really good.

Really?

With slightly narrowed eyes and a round face like a cute puppy, Song Boyeong looked at Jeong-woo with a lot of expectation.

Im the kind of person who thinks that even animals with bulging eyes like frogs have their own charm.

After letting out a chuckle, Song Boyeong stood up and disappeared outside the research room. Jeong-woo looked at the back of his sa-aged colleague, feeling like he was teasing him like Chan. He laughed again.

As the location of the Basic Materials Center was right across from the researchers offices, Jeong-woo easily found the center directors office and knocked on the door.

Excuse .

A man who looked like a secretary opened the inner door and spoke.

Han Jeong-woo, the researcher, is here.

Jeong-woo? Let him co in.

As Jeong-woo entered the center directors office, he saw a man in his early fifties with glasses on.

Jeong-woo rembered the information he had heard from his senior before.

Dr. Jang Tae-sun.

He had led the POSCO research team, successfully developed materials that boosted sales to over 10 billion won, and started his own business with ten employees. He later rged with KG Chemicals and beca a mber of the company. He loved aggressive and high-risk research, and his reputation within the research institute was sowhat extre, either good or bad.

Welco.

Jang Tae-sun, who was sitting comfortably on the sofa, greeted Jeong-woo with a smile on his face.

Starting today, the director instructed

to gain experience in the Basic Materials Center.

I see. I heard about that too. Please take a seat for a mont.

As Jeong-woo sat down, Jang Tae-sun asked him outright.

I heard that you are a disciple of Dr. Cheon.

Ah yes, thats correct.

Jeong-woo was montarily flustered, recalling the embarrassing question from Song Boyeong.

I knew it as soon as I heard it. It must be fate.

Fate?

Jang Tae-sun grabbed Jeong-woos hand.

If I had to na the three most respected seniors in the research institute, it would be Director Son, Dr. Shin Yun-seok, and Dr. Cheon Seung-guk.

Although it seed like he was just listing the three most powerful people, Jeong-woo nodded his head as if he was about to die.

As soon as I heard that you were his disciple, I thought of sothing to entrust to you. Wait a mont.

Jang Tae-sun walked over to his desk and pressed a button on the phone.

Yoon, can you call in Director Lee Jeong-cheol from TS&D?

-Yes, sir.

TS&D?

As Jeong-woo tried to recall what this departnt did, Jang Tae-suns gaze rested on a docunt he had brought from his desk.

[Evaluation and bidding notice for equipnt and drug-related items

Fire Industry Technology Institute]

Do you know anything about the fire departnts chemistry? Well, the basic structure is the sa, so you cant not know.

Jang Tae-sun handed over the docunt.

Normally, we collect all the companies in the sa category and proceed with bidding, but we lost to Yujin Chemicals last ti. A large-scale contract of three years went down the drain.

Jeong-woos gaze lingered on the performance tests and bidding order for more than 30 chemical drugs.

There are hundreds of fire extinguishing agents available, including powders, liquids, and solids. There were also many different types of compounds that could simply be dissolved in water and used.

Currently, Namyoung Industries is in the lead in terms of equipnt, and Yujin Chemicals is in the lead in terms of extinguishing agents. We only participated in a few equipnt categories and boldly went all in on winning the contract for extinguishing agents. If we succeed, well supply them to fire departnts nationwide. The amount is enormous.

Why am I?

Jang Tae-sun looked at Jeong-woo with a look that said, If you ca here, you should show your ability.

We need to improvise with individual evaluations during the bidding process. Back then, we were deceived by Yoon Jaegils tactics. We didnt know how to adjust the mobile research center for the environnt on site. Thats why this ti, we gathered the ace researchers from the research center and the brainpower from headquarters as much as possible.

Excuse , Director. But isnt this date today?

Knock knock.

This is Director Lee Jeong-cheol.

Jang Tae-sun smiled at the sound of his secretarys voice.

So, it worked out well. Since this manager from headquarters is overseeing it, go with him to take notes and co back.

Go where? To where in Cheonan?

The central fire academy, I think.

Jeong-woo was montarily speechless at Jang Tae-suns order to go on a business trip as soon as he arrived.

You dont need to feel pressured. I believe that you were born to be a chemist for our basic materials.

I feel completely pressured.

Jeong-woo couldnt bring himself to say those words.