Chemistry

14. Weekly Chemistry(1)

The discussion among the center directors at the KG Chemistry Central Research Institute conference room revolved around who should take the lead in presenting the first-quarter research performance, coinciding with the “earning season.”

With a broad smile on his face, Jang Tae-seon was the first to speak.

“The focus should be on fundamental materials, shouldn’t it? We successfully completed the project with Audrey, a symbol of sophistication that greatly enhanced the brand’s value. Is there another center that has properly finished a project in the first quarter? Anyone?”

“Hey, Director Jang.”

Noh Jong-seon chuckled dismissively.

“Didn’t you hear about our Dust Project? It’s being lifted by companies like Jinma Group, and we’re on the verge of entering the Chinese market.”

“Wait until the fall when the entry is all settled. And when you talk about scale, do you know about Jeong-woo making a big hit with the new product for KG Life and Health? They say there’s a potential to dominate the Asian market, and they even hired Yoon Yi-seol as a model.”

“Do you know that Jeong-woo sold boxes of the results of the early-stage polymer project he’s been working on in China during his business trip?”

“Why would Center Director Noh spoon-feed the basic material polymer project!”

“I mean, what about your involvement in the Fragrance Center project? Didn’t you just snatch the CF that Jeong-woo was supposed to shoot on Thursday?”

“What? Jeong-woo got the CF?”

“Don’t speak if you don’t know.”

A heated debate ensued between the two, but other center directors didn’t intervene. They were just wearing expressions of envy, mixed with jealousy and rivalry.

“Since we’re talking about it, let me bring up something. Our Jeong-woo made a big splash in the media as a material science researcher this week. It’s a story that shareholders would love. The main point is in our favor.”

“Our Jeong-woo? Don’t call him so familiarly!”

Director Yoon Donghwi of the Pharmaceutical and Bio Center couldn’t bear it any longer and slammed the table.

“Jeong-woo, Jeong-woo! What are you guys doing during a meeting? Is the research performance report a kid’s game? In that sense…”

Yoon Donghwi turned his head towards Director Songu, who was sitting calmly and sipping coffee.

“Jeong-woo will finish his assignment in the Materials Science department this week. Where do you plan to send him next? Just to let you know, in our Pharmaceutical and Bio, there are ten potential projects that could achieve significant results this year. We’ve laid out the playing field for Jeong-woo.”

Caught off guard by Yoon Donghwi’s attempt to grab Jeong-woo, the directors of the Electronic Materials and Battery Center were irritated.

“Senior Yoon. Electronic materials are currently in a fierce competition with the mobile phone business team for display development. If Jeong-woo doesn’t participate in the research on the next-generation mobile phone that will determine the market for the next three to five years, who else will?”

“Uh? Are you trying to push him into a long-term project? Let’s talk about batteries. With the newly promoted lithium-air battery, 30 private space development companies are already lining up. Oh well, NASA and ESA have expressed interest. If this goes well, batteries with the KG Chemistry brand will flood the space station. If there’s a bigger project to prove our technical prowess, please tell me. If Jeong-woo becomes the team leader, it should be at this level.”

After a prolonged and inconclusive discussion, the attention of the directors turned to one person.

“Director! What do you think?”

Songu’s gaze shifted to the conference table.

“Jeong-woo’s next assignment? Well, maybe…”

As Songu’s voice lowered, the directors’ ears perked up.

“I think we should prioritize the place that needs him the most.”

“That would be our battery department!”

“No, it’s electronic materials!”

“Pharmaceutical and Bio is the most likely!”

“And don’t forget fundamental materials!”

When Jang Tae-seon interjected with “Let’s add another one for polymer,” Noh Jong-seon bit his tongue.

It was understandable that the directors were restless. In the past few months, Jeong-woo had achieved results far beyond everyone’s expectations.

With an incomprehensible level of chemical sense and diligence in completing assigned tasks, he was the sole researcher who exceeded everyone’s expectations. Who wouldn’t covet such a talent?

As Songu calmly sipped his coffee, observing the chaos, he looked over at Shin Yoon-seok.

“Dr. Shin”

“Yes, sir.”

“Yujin Chemical made an interesting offer.”

Shin Yoon-seok examined the document Songu had pushed towards him and widened his eyes upon seeing Jeong-woo’s name.

“This is not just about paying money to borrow a person. It seems like Yoon Jaegil is determined. Our directors may be in chaos, but it seems like this director doesn’t care as long as he has Jeong-woo.”

“So, Dr. Shin, what do you think about this proposal?”

“Well, it’s not just about sharing overall benefits by dispatching one person. From a performance perspective, it can bring unprecedented advantages. Of course, in terms of Jeong-woo himself, it’s an opportunity that may not come easily in his career.”

Songu nodded, smiling gently.

“But there might be a catch.”

“Yoon Jaegil may not reveal his true intentions. Without accurately understanding that, we could end up raising the stock prices of rival companies just because of Jeong-woo.”

Songu nodded again.

“Dr. Shin’s insight is appreciated. We still have time, so I’ll consider it a bit more.”

Yoon Jaegil’s proposal was bold enough to shake the director. He couldn’t wait to see where Han Jeong-woo, who was winning everywhere he went, would end up this time.

On Thursday morning, Jeong-woo yawned as he boarded the subway.

It was the end of his schedule at the Materials Science Center, and it was about time for discussions about the next assignment. His mind was in a state of uncertainty. Amidst this, today and tomorrow were scheduled for shooting a commercial.

‘Poster shooting in the morning. CF shooting from the afternoon till tomorrow. Will I be able to do well?’

Yoon Yi-seol’s declaration, thrown casually like a passing comment, was enough to make Jeong-woo uneasy.

Playing the role of a chemist who sprinkles a magical deodorant on those struggling with odors. That was the initial story he had with the manager.

However, when Yoon Yi-seol accepted the advertisement, the concept had changed somewhat, and he was filled with worries as he couldn’t even anticipate how she would appear.

‘Don’t be shaked if she looks pretty.’

The impulsive kiss he had given her when she confessed, rejecting her feelings, had complicated matters.

Sighing, he leaned against the swaying subway car, and his phone beeped with a message.

[This is Shin Ki-joon. Have you seen the real-time search rankings? Check the comments on your channel’s newly updated video and contact me.]

‘Huh? An update?’

Except for the cable cooking show episode aired as a special for the Lunar New Year, he was aware that there hadn’t been any recent video uploads.

Curious, Jeong-woo raised his head and opened the video app.

《Channel Chemistry》- [Subscribers: 135,034]

◇ Molecular Chef (feat. Yoon Yi-seol??) – [Views: 450,674]

◇ Flame Prophet – [Views: 733,070]

[0m 6s]

“…like that?”

A fireball falling from the sky. Jeong-woo pointing at them.

“What!”

“Ahh!”

Amidst the screams, Jeong-woo’s hand moved again.

“To the extinguishing team! Something big is coming! Be careful!”

A burning tree trunk descended vertically onto the field.

“Ahh!”

“Run!”

The screen transitioned, and an interview scene appeared.

“…The fire was just burning, and Mr. Han said, “Wait for three seconds!” and three seconds later, the path was open. You should have seen it.”

The scene continued with the helicopter dropping a special fire retardant and exploding.

Jeong-woo clicked his tongue, wondering when such a video was filmed. With so many reporters and cameras around, it wasn’t surprising that something unusual had happened. Since he was told to check the comments, he scrolled down the screen to confirm.

-Who is this guy, anyway?

-He’s a special agent who infiltrated a chemical company. During a mission, he got shot and fell, losing his memory. He doesn’t even know who he is; that’s how he became a disciple of justice.

-Ja… Jason Han?

-Please do a live broadcast. I’ve been eagerly watching every single ad.

-Can we have more frequent updates? Once a month it’s too infrequent.

-When are you going to start streaming! I’m craving for videos!

The sudden increase in subscribers, nearly four times the usual, was odd, but most of the comments were asking for more videos or live broadcasts.

‘Why? Did I rank first in the humor board or something?’

Jeong-woo wondered as he opened the internet window and checked the real-time search rankings. “Han Jeong-woo” was at the top. He reflexively searched it.

【Breaking News: Chemist who prevented wildfire disaster!】

【Researcher who resolved the Hwacheon avalanche in cooperation with the fire authorities this winter.】

【A legend that spread late through SNS, which played an active role in the Han River iron bridge corrosion problem.】

‘… Is this about me?’

【Channel Chemistry. Approaching 150,000 subscribers. A prmosing YouTube star?】

【A KG Chemical official reports that he will shoot a CF today.】

Even someone not famous seemed to have every little thing turned into a news article.

Come to think of it, a few days ago, he remembered receiving a call from Reporter Seong Ra-il asking for an interview, which he declined.

It was because he couldn’t find the time after finishing the Dust Project.

‘They said they would write the article, so I told them to go ahead…’

He had expected a special article but didn’t anticipate it being this significant.

Jeong-woo lifted his phone and dialed Shin Ki-joon’s number.

-Have you checked?

“Uh… yes.”

-Reporters are contacting me. There must be a lot of interview requests from KG Chemical as well.

“They already know about the CF shoot.”

-To avoid interference with your work, it might be better to hold a joint press conference.

“A press conference? Ugh, what do I say?”

-Reporters won’t easily let go of someone who seems to have enough charm for the public, and you’re a guaranteed clicker for the day.

Jeong-woo felt a strong sense of inconvenience and hesitated for a moment, as he sensed it would be troublesome.

“Even if you say that, I don’t want to have a press conference about this. It’s not just me who suffered in Goseong. Is there no quiet way to handle this?”

-If not a press conference, you might consider similar communication. Have you confirmed that your channel subscribers want to see you?

“If it’s communication…”

-I mean the previously mentioned real-time streaming. It may sound grand, but it’s something you can do anytime, anywhere with just a phone. Nowadays, young stars enjoy talking directly with fans for even just 10 minutes.

When he had some free time, Ki-joon suggested trying a brief session, especially during today’s CF shoot. It was a chemistry-related product advertisement, and if it followed the format of explaining it, Jeong-woo wouldn’t need extensive preparation. Above all…

In Ki-joon’s last words, Jeong-woo felt a deep allure.

-We can arrange for a celebrity makeup artist who excels in camera appearances.

He hadn’t thought about it. The meaning of dressing up and wearing makeup like a celebrity. Jeong-woo wondered if today might be the day he could look the most impressive in terms of appearance in his life.

9 AM, at a studio dedicated to shooting posters in Gangnam.

“Oh my, Yi-seol, aren’t you exceptionally beautiful today?”

Yoon Yi-seol grinned at the makeup staff holding a brush for cheek touch-ups.

“Really? Does it make guys’ hearts flutter when they see me?”

“Of course. Go out to the shooting set. People will only have eyes for you.”

Examining her face reflected in the mirror from various angles, Yoon Yi-seol gained confidence and clenched her fist.

She contemplated a strategy to steal Jeong-woo’s heart, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. To achieve that, she first needed to appeal to the CF director about the necessity of bold acting.

“Manager Ji.”

“Yeah?”

Manager Ji, who was reading a newspaper article on his phone in one corner of the waiting room, looked up.

“You said that Director Jeong Bom will come for the CF shoot today.”

“Yeah.”

“Can I meet him separately before the shoot?”

“For what?”

When Manager Ji asked sharply, Yoon Yi-seol looked away.

“Well, you know. Isn’t it okay to say hello before the lead actor starts? I have some opinions about the shoot too.”

“If you’re going to raise issues with the CF concept, you should have told me last week. If you’re asking me to delete the hug with Jeong-woo, think again. She was embarrassed that her clothes smelled before she hugged him, so she put on some Chaffrin.”

At Manager Ji’s hasty prediction, Yoon Yi-seol looked at him through the mirror and said.

“Why are you making such a misunderstanding? Please let me meet him separately before running away like that.”

“Wow, Yi-seol, did you just open your eyes so dramatically? You could try out for morning dramas.”

To this comment, Yoon Yi-seol widened her eyes even more.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m not the kind and gentle Yoon Yi-seol from before. What I want to do is what I’ll do without hesitation.”

The makeup staff, who was tidying up Yoon Yi-seol’s eyelashes with mascara, could only laugh at her cute defiance, which seemed like she was just squinting at a close friend.

“This is freaking me out, I’m going to manage, okay. I’ll put in a call. Maybe I’ll ask to lunch or something.”

Opening the door, Manager Ji looked at someone passing by and exclaimed.

“Amazing. Does finishing makeup make such a difference?”

Yoon Yi-seol, who overheard Manager Ji, asked him curiously.

“Who is it?”

“Jeong-woo. Wanna see?”

The door swung wide open, and Jeong-woo stood in front of it.

“Good morning, Manager. It’s been a while, Yi-seol.”

Looking at the reflection in the mirror, Yoon Yi-seol squinted. Her heart pounded when she saw Jeong-woo.

She intended to shake him vigorously, but if she wavered from the start, what could she do? Thinking this, she slapped her cheek and said.

“What’s with the hair…”

“Huh? Is something strange? It’s my first time doing waves with a curling iron.”

“It suits you well. Even though you’re not a celebrity.”

“Oh…”

Her expression seemed angry, but Jeong-woo couldn’t figure out what to say in response to Yoon Yi-seol’s atmosphere, which didn’t seem particularly angry.

Whispering lowly, Manager Ji tapped Jeong-woo’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to worry too much about Yi-seol’s condition this week. When she feels like she’s planning something great on her own, she gets like this. Maybe she’s planning some surprising event for the showcase.”

“Something great, the showcase… Right?”

“Sure.”