Chemistry

9. A month in the life of a chemical company team leader(11)

Excitedly running forward, but pretending not to be, Jeong-woo stood in front of the conference room. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Excuse me.”

The atmosphere inside was more solemn than expected. Jeong-woo felt a slight tension as the key team members of Chaffrin development looked at him.

“Please come in, Team Leader Han.”

Cha Jin-seong, who was sitting in the middle of a long rectangular table, gestured to the empty seat opposite him.

“Most of you probably know each other, but this is Han Jeong-woo, the team leader from Central Research Institute. He’s here as a special consultant. Continue the presentation, Deputy Yoon.”

Jeong-woo took his seat and glanced at the large monitor attached to the wall. The modified schedule for the existing ‘Chaffrin Development Roadmap’ was displayed.

“… We should aim to release it around the same time as competing products to gather marketing momentum. Focus on targeting homemakers who have a preference for Chaffrin fabric softener, with a mild fragrance that isn’t too overwhelming. We should highlight a familiar scent that evokes warmth.”

As Deputy Yoon, who was in charge of marketing for the overall planning team, presented the direction, some researchers nodded in agreement while others showed skepticism. One of the dissenting members, Lee Bong-chan from the Microbe Management Team, spoke up.

“Consumers purchase this for the purpose of eliminating unpleasant odors from fabrics. Despite already lagging in performance, pouring money into advertising won’t necessarily boost market share.”

“But isn’t it possible to further improve the already boosted performance of Chaffrin? Without the input of Team Leader Jeong-woo, couldn’t the performance difference be not just 10%, but 15 or 20%?”

As Deputy Yoon and Lee clashed, there was a continuing debate between those who wanted to focus on marketing and those who wanted to delay the launch date and go all-in on development.

“Consumers won’t notice a 10% difference. If the deodorizing effect is lacking, we can enhance the active ingredients. By making the scent of Chaffrin last longer.”

“Going any stronger with the scent will backfire!”

Observing the atmosphere in the conference room, Jeong-woo glanced at Director Cha sitting directly in front of him. He nodded in response to Director Cha’s gesture, which seemed to indicate, “If you have something to say, go ahead.”

“If I may… Should I share my thoughts?”

Silence fell over the conference room at his voice. All eyes turned to Jeong-woo, causing him to inwardly sigh in apprehension before he stood up.

“Deputy Yoon, may I use the laptop?”

Jeong-woo walked up to the laptop connected to the large screen and displayed Chaffrin’s ingredient composition.

“The specialization of the Fragrance Center’s research is well-organized and efficient, but it seems lacking in terms of harmony. Previously, I suggested adding caster oil to help cyclodextrin, a deodorizing ingredient, spread more effectively.”

The surfactant researcher and the spray agent researcher both nodded simultaneously.

“While the surfactant components have changed significantly, both the microbe management team and the fragrance design team only focused on stabilizing their respective ingredients. As a result…”

As Jeong-woo glanced over the ingredient composition, Chaffrin’s deodorizing structure unfolded before his eyes.

“The reinforcement effect for better fragrance dispersion interfered with the microbial inhibition effect of quaternary ammonium chloride, resulting in a degradation of the deodorizing effect.”

Manipulating the laptop, Jeong-woo input new values and added formulas to organically connect different ingredients.

“The deodorizing structure in competitive products also includes a mechanism to block specific odor molecules that we commonly perceive as bad smells, such as tobacco smoke or food odors. Merely improving the performance in the same way wouldn’t give Chaffrin a distinct deodorizing advantage.”

Thud.

“Perhaps it would be better to reconfigure the structure to adsorb and neutralize these entire odor molecules fundamentally, allowing for complete removal.”

As the ingredients in their respective fields were being modified, the gaze of the core developers became even more focused on the screen. Jeong-woo continued to speak.

“This is something I felt while observing competitors’ marketing strategies. If consumers have a desire to precisely understand how all the components work due to concerns about chemical ingredients, what if we replace them with scents that closely resemble natural ingredients as much as possible?”

“Chaffrin scent? How would that work?”

In response to Director Cha’s question, Jeong-woo spoke with a faint smile.

“If you participate in my project, you’ll be able to experience the latest trends in that technology.”

Starting with advertising, Jeong-woo began to add combinations of natural fragrances that could replace the existing ingredients.

“With this, I think we could appeal to housewives with a new selling point. I’ve looked into why Audrey’s perfume sells so well even though it’s so expensive, and it’s partly because they compose their scents entirely from natural ingredients.”

As Jeong-woo’s lengthy statement came to an end, the development team members were plunged into a state of mental shock. It wasn’t just one or two things that had changed; everything had changed, and there seemed to be potential improvements that could be quickly implemented.

“Am I the odd one here? Microbial team improvements seem feasible, don’t they?”

“Our team can too. We’ll just have to put in a few extra days of overtime.”

With the prospect of working intensively starting from today, most of the attendees hurriedly began coordinating with their respective team members.

Director Cha turned to Jeong-woo as he returned to his seat.

“Team Leader Jeong-woo, after these improvements, how much better do you think the performance of the Chaffrin will be compared to P&Z’s DeZone Air?”

“Well, it’s hard to say. It will likely be better at capturing odor-causing bacteria in fabrics, the scent will last longer, microbial contamination prevention will be slightly improved too. Deodorizing power will naturally be higher. Roughly around 50%?”

As everyone was murmuring and discussing, all heads turned simultaneously toward Jeong-woo.

“You’re saying we can overwhelm them in the performance?”

“Well, over there, they messed up the efficiency by using citrus extract as an eco-friendly pH adjuster. They might as well lower the ratio to 9:1. Just use malic acid. What’s wrong with that?”

At this, Director Cha cleared his throat and spoke.

“Pay attention, everyone. Be careful not to let this information leak to competitors. If there’s a spy from P&Z, now’s the time to raise your hand.”

No one raised their hand. Director Cha banged the table.

“The meeting ends here. We’ll proceed with improvements based on Han Jeong-woo’s advice. This is my unilateral decision, and I take full responsibility for the results.”

The bold statement left many faces among the research team astonished. Director Cha stood up and shouted.

“Get moving! We don’t have time!”

After the emergency meeting, the fragrance center’s researchers and staff quickly walked out and headed to their respective workspaces.

“Team Leader Han Jeong-woo.”

Director Cha approached Jeong-woo and spoke.

“I think this week is going to be chaotic for all the center researchers. But as promised, we’ll provide support next week. Even if I have to issue deployment orders.”

“I’ll be planning accordingly.”

Jeong-woo couldn’t help but smile, thinking that perhaps the project that still had four weeks left might be shortened even more.

「Day 19」 – Perfumery Room

Friday morning.

As soon as Bae Ki-tae arrived at work, he was taken aback by the sight of the research center employees in the perfumery room, who looked like lifeless bodies.

“Wow, these folks. They haven’t gone home again.”

Cho Seong-hwan, who had arrived earlier, roused Shin Ki-woo, who was lying facedown on the table, and sent him to the adjacent seat. As he prepared for the upcoming meeting with the client representative today, he spoke.

“This week, we’re basically living at the company.”

“It looks like everyone’s eyes are bloodshot. I feel like I’m going to die from working so much.”

“It started after Team Leader went into the conference room.”

As the happy glances of the two people who didn’t know how relaxing the past week had been crossed paths, the door to the perfumery room opened.

“Good morning~”

With a bright greeting from Song Boyeong, who was holding a document, Bae Ki-tae perked up.

“Hey? Hasn’t Jeong-woo arrived yet?”

At her voice, one of the people who had been lying down under a coat raised their groggy head.

“Senior Boyeong?”

With a slight frown and an expression that displayed fatigue on his face, Jeong-woo’s presence startled Cho Seong-hwan.

“Team Leader, were you sleeping here too?”

“Oh, Ki-woo asked me to help with a problem related to Chaffrin’s natural fragrance blend.”

Jeong-woo, massaging his stiff joints, asked Song Boyeong.

“Why so early in the morning?”

“I have something to convey. It’s for Research Room 1. Huh? Are you awake now?”

Glancing at the swollen-eyed Jeong-woo due to overtime, Song Boyeong smirked.

“Heh, so this is how it feels.”

Jeong-woo smiled wryly.

“It’s saddening. If you only feel this way just from my tired eyes. If senior’s eyes get swollen…”

“Let’s stop there.”

Yawning loudly, Jeong-woo gestured outside.

“I need to wake up a bit. Shall we go to the break room?”

Pouring juice and sitting at the table, Jeong-woo’s expression turned surprised as he looked at the document Song Boyeong handed him.

“Overseas training? Abroad?”

“We take turns each year among the offices, and this time it’s our Research Room 1’s turn. Since you’re part of this team too, you’ll need to sign up if you’re participating. It’s for a week, but there’s a concept of vacation, so you can take two days off.”

The timing was around summer.

“Well, I guess I can go. But where are we going?”

“It’s a research institute we’re affiliated with in Europe. Sometimes we go to Germany, and other times Switzerland or the UK. This is my first time participating, but I’ve seen others go. Oh, do you have a passport?”

Thinking of the passport that must be somewhere buried in a drawer since his ambitious attempt at backpacking during his university days ended in failure, Jeong-woo replied.

“It would probably turn up if I searched for it.”

“Where are you going to search? City hall?”

“I made it and stashed it away. I’ve never been on a plane, you see.”

“Oh my.”

Song Boyeong, who had been observing Jeong-woo with a side glance, chuckled significantly.

“When you get on a plane, you have to take off your shoes. Otherwise, you’ll violate aviation regulations. And since the meals are ridiculously expensive, make sure to pack a lunch.”

“Hmm…”

“You’ll only be able to stop at rest areas every three hours to use the bathroom, so don’t drink too much water… Ah, come on! At least pretend to humor me a bit!”

Wanting to tease but unable to do so, Jeong-woo suddenly had a thought and asked Song Boyeong.

“By any chance, did you fall for that story before, Senior?”

“Uh… No!”

“Your reaction was a bit slow.”

As the matter concluded, Song Boyeong quickly stood up. After taking a sip of juice, Jeong-woo spoke.

“Senior, we have a team dinner tonight. Would you like to join? We have dumplings from last time.”

“A team dinner? I’ll talk to Senior Seung-ju. But what are we eating? Beef? Pork?”

“It doesn’t matter, but we’ll be having a drink. But I assume you won’t drink much tonight, Senior? If the person from last time happens to come, it might be good to mentally prepare…”

“I’ll see you later!”

Before Jeong-woo could continue, Song Boyeong walked away as if fleeing. Jeong-woo chuckled, thinking he might not get anywhere if he kept talking.

3 PM.

Michèle, who had brought four boxes of samples, approached Jeong-woo with a puzzled expression and asked.

“Are you saying that the research team will stay the same, but the speed will be increased?”

“Next week, the team will at least double in size. Some have already been recruited. And there’s no need for the usual adaptation process since these are elite professionals.”

Jeong-woo turned his gaze to Shin Ki-woo and Lee Bong-chan, who were busy moving around in one corner of the fragrance room.

Now, not only them but also most of the fragrance center employees no longer felt that Audrey’s CEO visiting the center was anything special.

“I’m looking forward to it. If the research progresses at this pace, we can reconfigure the perfume production facility within a month.”

Jang Tae-seon quickly responded to Michèle’s words.

“We’ve set up the fragrance production line near Paju. Thanks to our team leader Jeong-woo’s combination technique, the process is relatively simple.”

Holding synthetic samples of asian lizard’s tail and plum blossoms in his hand, Michèle extended a small perfume bottle towards Jeong-woo before leaving.

“This is a token of appreciation for helping with the weekend event.”

“Thank you. But what kind of perfume is this? A new product?”

“paradis.”

Since it was in French, Jeong-woo accepted it with a grin.

Just before Michèle left, Jang Tae-seon asked Jeong-woo.

“There’s a team dinner today, right? Where is it? I can’t miss a foreign team leader’s first dinner.”

“Only project team members are allowed to participate.”

There wasn’t a specific rule like that, but if high-ranking officials attended the dinner, it would be hard to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Jeong-woo’s composed response made Jang Tae-seon raise an eyebrow.

“That’s my rule. Technically, I’m a team member too.”

“Use my rule, not that one. Attaching basic material receipts is a hassle. Well, maybe I’ll buy some snacks.”

“Well… That’s support money I fought tooth and nail for, but the HR department at the center miscommunicated. Well, well, a junior team leader can eat. In that sense…”

As Jang Tae-seon tried to slip in a remark, Jeong-woo shook his head.

“The reservations are all set. If you want to eat there, buy some meat and go home early. The center director, I mean.”

“Wow, cold. Feels like a chilling wind’s just blown. A junior team leader. What kind of relationship do we have? You’re too much.”

“In the process of handling this project, let’s see who was too much, and should we bring it up to CEO Michèle?”

Jang Tae-seon immediately burst into laughter.

“Eat well and relieve your stress. Ki-tae, Seong-hwan, you too!”

Cheering on and leaving only laughter behind, the scene of the center director walking away was enough to make Bae Ki-tae and Seong-hwan, who had been waiting behind, burst into laughter.

Seong-hwan spoke in a hushed voice, “I’ve been thinking lately. Don’t you think Jeong-woo might get punched?”

“It seems like the basic materials have already been inaugurated.”

“I agree.”

After finishing up the tidying, as Jeong-woo was leaving the fragrance center for the team dinner, Shin Ki-woo hurriedly ran up to him.

“Team Leader Han Jeong-woo!”

“Yes?”

“The first batch of revised Chambre d’Amendement samples is ready.”

Handing over a small atomizer to Jeong-woo, Shin Ki-woo caught his breath and continued, “We’re evaluating it internally, and the response has been really positive. Could you please confirm if this aligns with the direction you, as a team leader, have set?”

“Since I’m on my way out now, is it okay to review it by tomorrow?”

“Ah, of course. I apologize. I’ll hold onto it throughout this week. It’s not urgent, so I’ll present it to you on Monday.”

Jeong-woo placed the atomizer into his bag and shook hands with Shin Ki-woo.

“I’m heading home now. You’ve worked hard, Ki-woo.”

“Thank you, Team Leader.”

“We’re still meeting next week, right?”

“Naturally. Jung Nayeon from the fragrance design team also expressed her intention to participate.”

“That’s good to hear.”

As Jeong-woo walked out of the center with a smile, Shin Ki-woo politely nodded his head.

After finishing up the tidying, Jeong-woo was leaving the fragrance center for the team dinner when Shin Ki-woo hurriedly approached him.

“Team Leader Jeong-woo!”

“Yes?”

“The revised Chaffrin first batch samples are ready.”

Handing over a palm-sized atomizer to Jeong-woo, Shin Ki-woo took a controlled breath and continued.

“We’re evaluating them internally, and the response has been very positive. Could you please confirm if this aligns with the direction you’ve set?”

“We’re leaving now, so can I do it by tomorrow?”

“Oh, I see. My apologies. I’ll keep you in touch throughout this week. It’s not urgent, so I’ll catch up with you on Monday.”

Jeong-woo packed the atomizer into his bag and shook hands with Shin Ki-woo.

“I’m heading home. Thanks for your hard work, Ki-woo.”

“You’re the one who’s been working hard, Team Leader.”

“We’re still on for next week, right?”

“Of course. And Jung Na-yeon from the Fragrance Design team expressed her intention to participate as well.”

“That’s good to hear.”

As Jeong-woo walked out of the center with a smile, Shin Ki-woo respectfully nodded his head.

Inside a shop with the sign “Legendary Beef Ribs,” a group of KG Chemical researchers were grilling meat at the booth inside the restaurant, with partition walls set up around them.

“So, it’ll be over in two weeks?”

As Oh Seung-ju raised his soju glass, he looked at Jeong-woo in disbelief.

“The facilities at the Fragrance Center are excellent, and we’ve established the processes properly. So, all that’s left is the actual work.”

“Speaking of establishing those processes, it’s astonishing that you managed to finish that in less than 20 days since taking on the project. Chief Director Jang is definitely not going to let this slip by, is he?”

Jeong-woo made a shiver-inducing expression, clinked his soju glass with Seung-ju’s, and took a sip. “Cheers.”

After a week immersed in work, the taste of the sweet and bitter liquid they were sipping was so enjoyable that words couldn’t quite describe it.

As Jeong-woo savored a well-cooked piece of beef rib, he noticed a strong gaze from the woman sitting next to him, staring at him as he savored the drink. Upon closer inspection, he realized that her gaze was directed not at him, but at the soju glass he held.

“Senior Boyeong. If you want to drink like that, go ahead.”

“No, thanks.”

Song Boyeong firmly shook her head.

“I’ve decided not to drink this week.”

“Then, don’t give me that pitiful face. Are you not drinking because you feel sorry?”

“Ugh.”

“Eat this. It’s well-cooked.”

As she took the meat onto her plate and enjoyed it, Song Boyeong couldn’t help but cast lingering glances towards the glasses of soju and beer that her colleagues were passing around.

As the atmosphere at the dinner table with Oh Seung-ju’s team grew more relaxed, Jeong-woo searched through his bag, thinking about the perfume he received from Michèle.

“Senior. Do you happen to know what perfume this is?”

Song Boyeong, who was sipping her drink and seemingly lost in thought, turned her head.

Jeong-woo slightly opened the cap. In an instant, the fragrance spread out and swept through the dinner table. Piercing through the scent of greasy meat, the incredibly captivating aroma molecules invaded the space.

“Huh? Where is this scent coming from?”

“Oh, it’s lovely.”

The diffusion was so good that it prompted even the researchers at the far end of the table to look around. Jeong-woo examined the molecular landscape and was surprised to find a complex olfactory storm composed of at least several hundred natural ingredients. This was far from an ordinary perfume.

“Wow, it’s Paradis, right?”

Song Boyeong’s eyes widened as she caught a whiff of the scent.

“Paradis?”

“Yeah, that’s the one. It’s the most expensive from Audrey. You can hardly get it because the production is limited. People even have to reserve it and wait in line to get their hands on it. Mi-hee hardly uses hers; she saves it for special occasions.”

“Really?”

Song Boyeong mentioned that it costs nearly a hundred million won for an ounce. Shocked, Jeong-woo reflexively closed the cap. That meant this bottle was worth roughly fifteen hundred million won.

‘So, this is supposed to be a gift? That’s outrageously expensive.’

However, it wasn’t something he could make much use of himself. He didn’t wear fragrances, and selling a fragrance from a non-commercial bottle would also be impolite.

‘Should I give it to my mom? If this is worth fifteen hundred million won, she might only use it as a fancy air freshener.’

While contemplating what to do with Paradis, Jeong-woo noticed that the clusters of molecules within the bottle were trembling slightly.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, the molecules composed of different isomers were all trembling.

When he turned to take a sip of soju, even Aspitam seemed to be shaking as it cried out, “Join us for a drink!” Seeing this, Jeong-woo murmured, “Stay put, you guys,” under his breath. Of course, not even a speck of dust got down.

‘I wonder if its fragrance has changed.’

All the various aroma molecules within the bottle seemed to be enticing Jeong-woo, dancing wildly.

Out of curiosity, he lightly tapped his fingertip against the bottle.

In an instant, all the fragrance molecules stopped trembling and transformed into their opposite enantiomeric form.

When Jeong-woo opened the cap, there was no scent, so he kept sniffing, trying to catch something.

‘What’s going on?’

He traced the scent with his molecular vision. The altered fragrance molecules were jumping out and spreading in all directions. However, there was no scent at all.

Jeong-woo carefully observed the process of the fragrance molecules spreading. To his amazement, he noticed that the reason these altered fragrance molecules were bouncing outward was that they were pushing all the other scent molecules away.

‘The action is fascinating.’

The powerful effect of the altered fragrance molecules seemed to convey that they couldn’t tolerate any other scent besides themselves. Jeong-woo was awestruck by the potent behavior of these transformed fragrance molecules and couldn’t tear his gaze away.

Suddenly, Song Boyeong wrinkled her nose.

“Why isn’t the smell of the meat coming through?”

As the highly diffusible fragrance took over the area around the table, a temporary ceasefire zone for scents seemed to have been established. It wasn’t until some time after closing the cap that the smell of meat finally reached Jeong-woo’s nostrils.

‘It’s just driving away all the other scents without mercy. This is so much like Michèle.’

Amused by the perfume bottle, a sudden idea popped into Jeong-woo’s mind, prompting him to retrieve the atomizer from his bag.

Earlier, Jeong-woo opened the cap of the Chaffrin improved product he had received earlier and let a drop of the Michèle Paradis perfume fall into it.

“Jeong-woo, why are you doing that to something so expensive? Are you crazy?”

“Just wait and see.”

Holding the atomizer, Jeong-woo shook it well to mix the contents and then said to Song Boyeong.

“How about trying an outstanding fabric deodorizer?”

“Since you mixed in Paradis, the fragrance should be good, right? Still, it feels like such a waste.”

“We need to try the experiment, so just step outside for a moment.”

“Experiment? Right here? We’ve been drinking, you know? I’ve had three glasses.”

Jeong-woo stepped outside the barbecue restaurant, and Song Boyeong followed him. He sprayed the atomizer on her clothes here and there.

Capitalizing on the existing deodorizing effect of Chaffrin, the audacity of the Michèle transformed fragrance molecules swiftly drove away all other smells.

“Ta-da!”

Song Boyeong, who had been sniffing her coat, was left speechless.

“What is this? It’s like my clothes were just laundered.”

“To put it simply, apart from the Chaffrin fragrance, everything else has been eliminated.”

“How does that work?”

“I think we’ll have to research the Paradis component more to understand that.”

Jeong-woo glanced at the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, where customers were coming out. If Song Boyeong was this surprised, then others would likely have the same reaction.

‘If this effect holds, the reaction should be great, right?’

He suddenly thought that he should upload a video on the recently launched channel.

“Senior, can you help me film something with my phone?”

“What kind of filming?”

“I’m actually a promising YouTuber.”

With a half-joking tone, Jeong-woo managed to hand over his phone to Song Boyeong.

“What should I film?”

“Just focus on me.”

Song Boyeong pressed the record button. Jeong-woo held up the atomizer.

“Starting now, we’ll be installing an aroma-free zone in front of the barbecue restaurant.”