Chemistry - Chapter 116

16. Chemical Intelligence(2)

-The special researcher position is, in a way, a rank given to distinguished individuals mainly invited from outside, a position that they wouldn’t want to miss even after the project is over. It doesn’t heavily constrain internal personnel regulations, yet the rewards related to research achievements are on par with those of chief researchers. Isn’t it fantastic?

Jang Tae-seon, who called as if proudly confirming whether the congratulatory flowers were received well, explained his situation. Quietly listening, Jeong-woo asked.

“Why did you give me such a fantastic position?”

-Why not?

Beyond the phone, a hearty laughter could be heard.

-We put pressure, saying if they treat Jeong-woo harshly, he can move to another company. Director Park felt embarrassed.

“I have no intention of moving.”

-It’s a good thing, isn’t it? How about it? A sense of having wings on your back.

“If it’s given by the executive director, it makes me slightly uneasy.”

-I have no personal feelings, Jeong-woo. This feeling of wishing you well, it’s pure in itself.

“I see. Then I’ll ignore the words on the congratulatory flowers. I’m busy, so I’ll end it here.”

As Jeong-woo tried to end the call, Jang Tae-seon’s urgent voice came through.

-Jeong-woo! Right now, I can only send you to another center, but don’t keep waiting! Inside this, you…

Click.

Lowering his phone, Jeong-woo looked around his office and research lab once again.

‘It feels like wearing annoying gloves.’

Jeong-woo alternated between the makeshift chair he had been sitting on and the comfortable chair next to the large desk. His gaze lingered on Song Boyeong, who seemed half-distracted.

“Should I change the desk?”

Song Boyeong turned her head as if she hadn’t understood. Jeong-woo repeated it.

“Senior, use the big desk.”

“What… Is this a joke?”

“It’s consideration.”

“Fine. Do your work well and take it. The gap has widened, and now I can’t even be jealous. It’s frustrating, really.”

Jeong-woo smirked at Song Boyeong’s grumbling.

“Senior, I don’t need help with what I do. If there’s a project you want to participate in while studying, I’ll support you.”

“What are you saying?”

Song Boyeong, with widened eyes, looked intently at Jeong-woo.

“Are you already pushing me away? What did I do wrong?”

“There’s been some history, some consideration…”

“No! By rejecting me? No, Special Researcher! It’s consideration to show what you’re doing properly. Ugh.”

With fists clenched and a gaze fixed on Jeong-woo as if to say, “Teacher, I want to study!” Song Boyoung’s eyes overflowed with a passionate eagerness for learning.

“It might be tough.”

“Even though I’ve worked my way up from the bottom as a researcher. Fine. Now, think of me not as a senior but as an assistant.”

“Will that work? Then, a juice. I’ve quit caffeine.”

“Really?”

Jeong-woo took a bank card from his wallet and extended it.

“Wasn’t it for executive Director’s visit?”

As Song Boyeong received instructions promptly, she bit her lip, then spoke.

“…if I have to. I’ll go to the breakroom. Grape or orange juice?”

“Well, fresh fruit isn’t allowed, right?”

At Song Boyeong’s scrutinizing gaze, Jeong-woo had to hold back his laughter.

“If it’s hard, you don’t have to go. I’ll drink from a can. I got slightly healthier in Alaska and lost weight, but… I’ll settle for artificial sweetener in fruit-flavored soda…”

“I’ll go, I’ll go!”

Song Boyeong, who usually had no talent for handling jokes, found Jeong-woo’s teasing amusing this time.

“Are you sulking?”

“Of course not. I’m just a bit loud and the seniors start misunderstanding…”

Answering like this, Song Boyeong quickly turned and took off her gown, grabbing her ID card and handbag. While glancing at Jeong-woo from time to time, she made it clear that she was revealing her true feelings.

Chuckling at her genuine reaction, Jeong-woo suddenly added.

“By the way, for now, only senior and I are allowed. Let’s keep it limited to the two of us.”

“Why? What are you planning to do?”

Surprised, Song Boyeong shrunk, and Jeong-woo quickly raised his head.

“Why are you making it so obvious and create a misunderstanding? We shouldn’t let things like that easily come in here.”

Following Jeong-woo’s gesture, Song Boyeong’s gaze turned toward the flower arrangement that looked suitable for a newly opened restaurant.

“It seems like we should be prepared ahead of time for an atmosphere that might suddenly come in. It’ll be less tiring that way.”

“It still seems like you’re hoping for something, basic materials center director.”

Song Boyeong, who was relieved and relaxed, seemed to find Jeong-woo’s nonchalant attitude a bit overwhelming.

“Just in case they suddenly attack us with just the two of us here.”

“Funny.”

10 AM.

The 25th-floor elevator opened, and a middle-aged man with sparse hair and a tall young man stepped out.

“Well, even if he’s a newcomer, do you need to come all the way here just to call him?”

“Manager Lim. Do you think you can properly assess the atmosphere in my room with that rigid atmosphere? If we don’t finish the analysis of Han Jeong-woo in the next 2 days, the CEO will urgently call me. You, as the practical manager for the quarterly forecasting report, will probably come with me, right?”

Assistant manager Lim Kwang-soo,walking next to the Executive Director Park Ho-jin looked horrified at this response.

“Still, it’s hard to accept that we have to consider the actions of just one researcher for the next quarter’s business strategy.”

“Well, try to understand that over the next 48 hours.”

In the hallway, Jeong-woo, who was waiting, immediately bowed to the approaching man in the distance, who clearly looked like an executive.

“I’m Han Jeong-woo.”

“Oh, no need to be tense. I just came to see your face.”

Park Ho-jin shook hands with Jeong-woo, patting him on the shoulder, then turned his eyes towards Song Boyeong. As their eyes met, Song Boyeong greeted him with a smile.

“I’m Assistant Researcher Song Boyeong.”

“Yeah, yeah. Nice to meet you. I didn’t expect such a beauty in the company.”

“Thank you.”

Park Ho-jin, feeling a sense of familiarity from Song Boyeong’s playful smile, asked.

“Have we met somewhere before?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

Song Boyeong lowered her head. Park Ho-jin tried to recall for a moment, then gave up and turned back to Jeong-woo.

“So, how’s it here? We hastily prepared, so there’s only a small lab available. Around the end of the year, we’ll probably get a larger space, so we’ll change it then.”

“It’s okay. This is more than enough.”

Examining Jeong-woo’s face as he responded, Park Ho-jin asked.

“I heard you went on a collaborative task with Yujin Chemicals. Can I ask what it was for?”

“I conducted an inspection on pipelines.”

Jeong-woo explained the general process.

“Oh, now I’m curious to see that diagnostic report you participated in. Alright. Oh, this is Manager Lim Kwang-soo. He’ll be working with you today and tomorrow to compile the report.”

“A report?”

“Consider it a performance evaluation that will go to the CEO when you become a special researcher. Manager Lim, share the details.”

Lim Kwang-soo, who was 10cm taller than Jeong-woo, quietly lowered his head. Song Boyeong glanced at Lim Kwang-soo and, feeling a slight discomfort, stepped back.

“Now, it seems like the introductions are over.”

Park Ho-jin concluded as if the business was finished.

“Jeong-woo, I heard you did a great job with Dr. Jang and Dr. Noh. Keep up the good work in KG Chemical’s research.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Yeah.”

As Park Ho-jin left, the three people bowed their heads.

Jeong-woo felt relieved inside as the visit from the executive ended lighter than expected. Song Boyeong’s phone suddenly rang, and Lim Kwang-soo walked up to Jeong-woo.

“Jeong-woo.”

“Yes?”

“As the person who has to objectively evaluate you for the next two days, I must inform you that if the results are not good, the position of a special researcher could be at risk. It might be embarrassing, but please understand.”

“Do what you need to do.”

Lim Kwang-soo looked at Jeong-woo with an unexpected expression. The first analysis in Lim Kwang-soo’s mind was ‘someone who doesn’t have big ambitions for the position.’

“Do I need to help with anything separately?”

“Just do your usual work. I’ll find the relevant information.”

“But since I haven’t been dispatched yet, there isn’t much to do…”

“Jeong-woo!”

Song Boyeong, who ended the call, called Jeong-woo.

“Seung-ju senior is transfering and the destination for the dispatch was decided on Monday.”

“Oh, really? Where?”

“Pharmaceutical Bio.”

The center that receives the most investment from KG Chemicals to lead the era of comprehensive medical care.

That place was determined to be the location where Jeong-woo had to work for the next three weeks.

“Also, today the center director is absent, so we’re going to meet the main project managers one by one. Not at the 10th-floor research center, but externally… Uh, where exactly did he say?”

“AN Hospital Pharmacy Support Center?”

“Yes, go there… Huh? How do you know?”

Jeong-woo couldn’t help but smile at Song Boyeong’s question.

A taxi arrived in front of the main building of AN General Hospital.

The three people who got out of the car walked into the hospital, where the smell of disinfectant pierced their noses. Jeong-woo and Song Boyeong walked in front, while Lim Kwang-soo quietly followed behind.

Just before entering the lobby, Song Boyeong, with a tense expression, said.

“I don’t know much about the pharmacy, and I think I followed you for no reason. I’m nervous.”

Jeong-woo recalled their previous conversation and asked.

“It’s not because there’s another rival, is it?”

“A rival?”

“Dr. Moon Chae-eun. I mentioned her before. I said she’s the one who has the most frequent contact with Dr. Cheon.”

“Oh, the beautiful doctor?”

Looking at Song Boyeong, who seemed to be ready to shoot fire from her eyes, Jeong-woo playfully grinned.

“Senior Boyoung. If you know Dr. Cheon it means it’s a rival, right? Then I’m a little scared.”

“Unbelievable. No!”

“As expected. Are you aspiring for the title of KG Chemical’s top beauty?”

Jeong-woo’s murmuring made Song Boyeong turn her head away as if she had nothing to say. However, when they faced a mirror in the hallway, she couldn’t help but check her appearance.

Thinking that if she had known, she would have done her makeup properly, she turned her head to face Jeong-woo reflected in the mirror.

Seeing Song Boyeong with a flushed face, Jeong-woo couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hitting and slapping each other to win is not the way to go. We’re adults, you know.”

“Is that so?”

Lim Kwang-soo focused his gaze onthe two who walked ahead of him, especially on Jeong-woo, who remained calm and relaxed without losing his smile.

If he hadn’t gotten married, he would have had the expression of being swayed so easily while standing next to such a charming woman. Rather than awe for the beauty that a man should naturally possess, there was a sense of treating her like a friend.

Carefully suspecting, ‘Is he gay?’ he shook his head. This was a sensitive issue that required further investigation. Maybe who knows. Is he dating a woman more beautiful than Song Boyeong?

Caught up in these thoughts, Lim Kwang-soo shook his head, considering it absurd to delve any deeper into this matter.

“Team Leader Han Jeong-woo?”

As Jeong-woo entered the pharmacy support center on the fourth floor, he was greeted by a familiar face. It was Cho Seong-hwan, the curly-haired guy who was the first member of the Audrey Project, and he ran over with a bright smile.

“Long time no see, Seong-hwan.”

“I’ve been hearing rumors about your transfer, and I’ve been looking forward to it. Finally, you’re here.”

Cho Seong-hwan, who was happily chatting, was surprised when he noticed the petite and attractive woman who followed Jeong-woo.

“Senior Song Boyeong?”

“Hello, junior.”

“Why are you here?”

Seeing Cho Seong-hwan’s puzzled expression, Jeong-woo lowered his voice and asked.

“What do you think, Seong-hwan?”

“What do you mean?”

“KG Chemical’s two beauties, Dr. Moon and Senior Song, who do you think is more…”

Song Boyeong stopped Jeong-woo’s teasing by poking his side.

Jeong-woo pointed to Lim Kwang-soo, who was standing awkwardly after he finished talking about being a special research fellow.

“He’s Lim Kwang-soo from the Headquarters Strategic Planning Office. He’ll be with us until tomorrow.”

Cho Seong-hwan was surprised by Lim Kwang-soo’s tall stature and his affiliation with the Strategic Planning Office. Just as being assigned to Research Lab 1 at the Central Research Institute was considered an elite course in the field, being assigned to the Strategic Planning Office at the headquarters was similar.

After glancing at the busy people inside the center, Jeong-woo asked Cho Seong-hwan.

“I heard that we need to meet the project leaders working here.”

“All of the main leaders?”

“Yes, we need to find a project to participate in for the next three weeks.”

Cho Seong-hwan’s complexion darkened.

“Having Jeong-woo here is good, but the atmosphere in the center isn’t great these days.”

“Why? Is the project not progressing well?”

“That might be a problem, but…”

After checking that there was no one around, Cho Seong-hwan cautiously continued.

“Due to minor mistakes piling up, the standing of researchers from the Central Research Institute has seriously declined.”

“Mistakes?”

“Such as not thoroughly checking the medical history of clinical trial subjects, not considering the possibility of conflicts with previously taken medications during pharmacological analysis, not accurately checking the appropriate dosage based on physique, which increased the occurrence rate of side effects.”

Cho Seong-hwan delicately revealed that conflicts had arisen between researchers majoring in chemistry and those with a background in pharmacy or medicine.

“Even though we’re in the drug development team, we mainly studied chemistry, not specialized medicine. We should help each other in these aspects, but the doctors we brought in from outside, especially the team leaders, are ignoring open recruitment. Oh, not my mentor, though. Dr. Moon just ignores everyone.”

Meanwhile, in the middle of Cho Seong-hwan discussing how Dr. Moon Chae-eun stands out, someone’s voice flew in.

“Seong-hwan! I told you to bring the clinical analysis data, not make it. Hurry up!”

“Sorry, a guest came. I’ll be right there!”

Responding with a loud voice, Cho Seong-hwan turned his head towards Jeong-woo, showing a troubled expression. It seemed that the person who gave the order was one of the doctors recruited from outside.

“A guest?”

The man who shouted at Cho Seong-hwan started walking toward them from the end of the corridor.

“Hey, seriously. It’s not like we’re working overtime too hard, and the work is always so demanding. That’s why I said I won’t work with people from the Central Research Institute.”

Smirking at Cho Seong-hwan’s response, the man in his late thirties, hanging a stethoscope around his neck, looked at the three people in front of him.

“What’s up, do we have a clinical trial today?”

“I came from the Central Research Institute. I’m Special Researcher Han Jeong-woo.”

After introducing his new title, Jeong-woo tried to appear as friendly as possible and extended his hand.

The man, labeled as Seon Woo-jin, looked at Jeong-woo intently instead of shaking hands.

“Pharmaceutical Bio 4 Team Leader Seon Woo-jin. Are you the one who’s interfering, pretending to help but actually blocking the way for everyone by squeezing in?”

“Well… Is that a rumor going around?”

“It’s obvious. Even though our fields are different, it doesn’t make sense for someone from the Fire Brigade to be sent here.”

Jeong-woo, facing hostility from the beginning of his assignment, encountered an adversarial figure. Lim Kwang-soo silently observed this interesting scene with an intrigued look.

Jeong-woo glanced at Seon Woo-jin’s fingertips. With an expanded molecular view, he saw the substance that the other person had just been handling.

“You can’t say the fields are completely different. The development of a new drug starts with combining molecules. Looks like you’re developing a personalized obesity treatment drug?”

“Huh?”

Seon Woo-jin looked at Cho Seong-hwan, sending a glance that asked, “Did you say something?”

“We are working on a very special drug, but what do you know about it?”

A bluish constellation resembling flower petals.

The compound at the fingertips, reminiscent of the molecular structure of lilac, seemed to have an effect of regulating the concentration of specific organic compounds, serving as an energy source within the body.

“If it’s a drug that analyzes DNA and raises the energy metabolism activation switch suitable for that person’s adipose tissue, we could make some fuss. I’ll had to analyze it again.”

“How…?”

“The scent of flowers coming from your hands. Is it lilac? I speculated because it seems to be based on the diabetes and obesity treatment drug metformin.”

“Still…”

“In my opinion, synthesizing alpha-lipoic acid found in spinach or broccoli here could double the effect.”

“Is that possible…?”

“Well, if you have doubts, there’s nothing I can do. I heard there are five main projects here, so I’ll just help with any of them.”

Jeong-woo turned his back, indicating to Song Boyeong and Lim Kwang-soo to follow.

Seon Woo-jin, who saw Jeong-woo disappearing down the corridor coolly, wore a bewildered expression.

“Hey, Han Jeong-woo! Twice the effect? How on earth!”

Then, he followed Jeong-woo. Seeing this, Cho Seong-hwan chuckled at the sight.