Chapter 42

Chapter 42Frozen(4)

During the past 30 minutes, Lee Jeong-cheol had been recording the evaluation results, and he let out a small sigh as he continued to write in his notebook.

He had only managed to gain the upper hand in one aspect. It was clear that if he failed to excel in most of the evaluations among the 28 chemicals, no matter how competitive they were in terms of price, the chance of winning the bid would become slim.

Just then, a message came in on his phone from the equipment team.

[It didnt work well. The performance of Namyoungs fireproof suits was impressive. And Youngwoo Tech wasnt bad either.]

As it became clear that there would be no remarkable achievements on the equipment side, Jeong-cheol became anxious.

After reading the opinions of the two researchers from the Materials Center, he realized that the composition of Yujin Chemicals extinguishing agent was similar to that of KG Chemicals. However, KG Chemicals had the ability to perform large-scale production processes optimally using the best equipment in the country.

Price, unit price, and uniform quality. Since KG Chemicals had an advantage in these areas compared to Yujin Chemical, he judged that he could still appeal as long as there was only a few seconds difference.

-Prepare for the 6th chemical test.

The manager instructed through the loudspeaker.

Jeong-cheol silently cheered on the employees who were setting up the gas device in the mobile evolution unit.

-Ignite.

The record from H Innovation this time was 31 seconds. Jeong-cheol swallowed a groan as he watched them celebrate for being quite fast. This was not an easy task either.

As Park, the team leader of Yujin Chemical, was preparing, Yoon Jaegil, approached the location where the boxes of KG Chemicals were lined up.

We should finish before evening, right? Its cold, isnt it?

As Yoon Jaegil greeted him, Jeong-cheol also bowed his head.

Thank you for your hard work outside, Director.

We met three years ago, didnt we? If my memory serves me right, youre the manager from that time, right?

Jeong-cheol tried to come up with an answer that would maintain the dignity of his rival company, in response to Yoon Jaegils relaxed and casual question.

Thats right. It was impressive how you added the compound right there in the snow. There were 12 of us, but KG Chemicals also ranked first with 9 at the time.

Jeong-cheol couldnt say anything to Yoon Jaegils humility, who was in a hurry to eat up all 28 chemicals today.

-Ignite.

As Park started spraying the gas, the two mens attention briefly returned to the evaluation site. As Yoon Jaegil was watching the extinguishing scene, he said as he passed by.

Manager, by the way, the fifth chemical used in the test earlier. It was impressive to perform so well that it was hard to believe based on the data I had. Even Germanys Moso-Ro Gs wasnt that good.

Jeong-cheol turned to the assistant who was in charge of the Lightwater, which had managed to score some points.

Was that the one that was recombined?

Yes, we accepted all of Researcher Jeong-woos opinions on basic materials. Its unbelievable. We dont have precision measuring equipment, but it seems to have reduced the oxygen blocking rate to 11%.

Yoon Jaegils eyes brightened at the mention of the name that he had been interested in.

Did Han Jeong-woo give an opinion?

Startled by the record of Park, the team leader who had finished the evolution in the early 22 seconds, Lee Jeong-cheol turned his head, not having properly listened.

What did you say?

Its about Han Jeong-woos opinion

Huh? Why are you calling me?

Yun Jae-gils head turned suddenly at the sudden voice. Jeong-woo, dressed in thick orange clothing, was walking over with a rustling sound, and Yun Jae-gil was momentarily taken aback.

What brings you here?

I came to talk for a moment.

Yun Jae-gil scrutinized Jeong-woos attire, which was unusual compared to before, and asked.

Are you wearing that because its cold?

No, its our companys fireproof suit, and I borrowed it for a moment. Is it fashionable? I was surprised when I saw it too. It looks like a ski suit.

A fireproof suit?

Yun Jae-gil watched Jeong-woo with a sense of unease, wondering if he had guessed correctly.

Director!

However, he had to move, as a subordinate from Yujin Chemical was calling him from their position.

What?

He grumbled needlessly.

Jeong-woo tried to get used to the fireproof suit he was wearing for the first time, shaking his arms back and forth.

The fabric is stiff, so its a little uncomfortable to move.

Then he approached Lee Jeong-cheol, who was making a face as if he didnt understand English.

Manager, can I help you from the next test onwards?

What?

A firefighting student assigned to KG Chemicals started spraying in front of the flames. They were trying to light a round tank decorated with fuel and extinguish it from a distance.

Did Mr. Han Jeong-woo share his opinion?

Lee Jeong-cheol turned his head, surprised by the record of Park, the team leader who completed evolution in his twenties. He had not listened properly.

What did you say?

Im talking about Mr. Han Jeong-woos opinion. What did he say?

Yes? Why are you calling me?

Suddenly, Yoon Jae-gils head turned at the sound of a voice. Jeong-woo, wearing a thick orange fireproof suit, walked over, making rustling sounds. Yoon Jae-gil was momentarily stunned.

Why are you here?

I came to talk for a moment.

Yoon Jae-gil examined Jeong-woos outfit, which was different from earlier, and asked.

Are you wearing that because its cold?

No, its our companys fireproof suit, and I borrowed it for a moment. Do you like the fashion? I was surprised when I saw it too. It looks like a ski suit.

A fireproof suit?

Yoon Jae-gil watched Jeong-woo with unease, wondering if there was something more to it.

Director!

However, he had to move when a subordinate from Yujin Chemical called for him.

Why?

He became annoyed for no reason.

Jeong-woo tried to adapt to the fireproof suit he was wearing for the first time, waving his arms back and forth.

The fabric is stiff, so its uncomfortable to move.

He then approached Lee Jeong-cheol, who was making a puzzled expression.

Manager Lee, can I help you from the next test onwards?

Pardon?

Yujin Chemicals assigned firefighting school student began spraying in front of the flames. It was a task of setting fire to a cylindrical tank disguised as a fuel tank and extinguishing it from a distance, allowing the liquefied carbon dioxide to penetrate every corner of the oil layer.

After pointing to the test site, Jeong-woo spoke.

According to the regulations, as long as the spray equipment is the same, it doesnt matter how many people are present.

Are you saying that it would be better if Han Jeong-woo helps?

The manager looked skeptical. Jeong-woo scratched his chin and replied.

I wont know until I try, but I can give enough tips to help control the fire. For example, when liquefied carbon dioxide is released, the directionality can penetrate every nook and cranny of the oil layer.

3 seconds faster than Eugene Chemical!

Jeong-woo, that was amazing. How did you manage to cut down so much time?

When asked by Mr. Gong, Jeong-woo looked at the tank and said, Its a simple thermodynamic law using the temperature difference.

Simple? Mr. Gong questioned.

Jeong-woo calmly smiled and asked, Whats the next chemical?

The manager replied, Its a mechanical foam. The next five chemicals will only evaluate performance since they are fixed installations.

Jeong-woo stood still, realizing that he didnt have to go to a separate test site. As he looked around, he noticed that Park, the team leader who looked like the man next door, was watching him, so Jeong-woo nodded his head in greeting.

15 minutes later.

-Ignition.

As soon as the fuel tank caught fire, the chemical sprayer connected to the tanker sprayed out the solution.

As the machine poured out the solution, the test progressed in a flash with records within 20 seconds.

From a distance, Jeong-woo watched the tenth solution from Taejin Precision Chemical record 18 seconds. The previous record from KG Chemical was 15 seconds.

Two wins and two losses. Performance is consistently mediocre.

So far, Yujin Chemical was leading with 6 wins and 4 losses. Although it wasnt possible to say for other companies, the atmosphere was such that it would eventually come down to either Yujin Chemical or one of the other companies.

-Preparing for the 11th solution test!

The solution contained in the machine was an aqueous foam fire extinguishing agent.

As the first test from H-Innovation began, Jeong-woo, who was watching comfortably, was surprised.

There was an unusual phenomenon on the heated fuel tank.

The foam storm injected onto the cylinder covered the surface of the burning oil lake. However, a part of the foam disappeared due to the high temperature of the tanks outer wall.

Failure to form a surface film.

It was a small phenomenon in the chemical world, but it would soon spread throughout the tank.

Since there was no one watching this, Jeong-woo reflexively scanned his surroundings. The only KG employee wearing a fire-resistant suit was himself. Jeong-woo quickly approached the test site with a portable extinguisher in his hand.

Mr. Pil-doo!

Jeong Pil-doo, who was waiting in front of the chemical truck, turned his head.

Since it cant be extinguished, be prepared with this.

What?

At least with this for now.

Although Jeong-woo didnt know why, Jeong Pil-doo trusted him and quickly put on his gear and equipment.

Inside the test fuel tank.

Although a certain amount of solution was continuously injected through the machine, the flames not only didnt go out but rapidly emitted sparks.

When the flame, which usually extinguished within 20 seconds, didnt go out even after 40 seconds, the H-Innovation team members were surprised.

-Its a ring fire! Everyone back off! Hey, fire truck! Move out!

As Milesus voice echoed through the loudspeaker, the firefighters on standby moved.

What should we do?

Jeong Pil-doo, who had been preparing for a while, looked at Jeong-woo with a surprised expression.

We need to extinguish it. Mr. Pil-doo is a firefighter too. After another 10 seconds, the temperature of the tanks outer wall will become too high and it may melt. The remaining oil will spill out.

Jeong Pil-doo approached the fuel tank without hesitation after Jeong-woos words. From the portable fire extinguisher that contained the test solution, a white powder poured out with a hissing sound.

Jeong-woo, who followed behind, couldnt approach any further due to the heat and said from behind.

The center doesnt need to be targeted. Its spraying along the wall.

Yes, sir Oh, Mr. Jeongwoo!

The flame that had shot up one meter above the fuel tank gradually subsided. The problem-causing flame went out on the road five seconds after it had splashed out.

The firefighters who had pulled out the hose from the fire engine and rushed to the scene were stunned by the sight.

Hey, you! Over there!

Miles spoke into the loudspeaker, but then ran up to Jang Pil-doo in one step, pushing aside the loudspeaker.

Did you see that crazy kid? Why are you standing there with that at this timing?

Well, thats

No, Im not angry. You did well. You quickly stopped what could have caused an accident.

Jang Pil-doo was taken aback by the compliment, delivered in a scary face and tone.

This kid has a sense of timing. How many years have you been?

Jeongwoo, who was also intimidated by Miles scary demeanor, took a step back.

It was him, not you.

Miles looked over as Park Il-sung approached. Park Il-sung came closer and spoke.

I felt strange about the fire, but this guy ran with his equipment before that.

Faster than Senior Seonbae, the fire extinguishing specialist?

Jeongwoo flinched at Miles scrutinizing gaze.

Earlier, this guy improved KG Chemicals firefighting method. Maybe a firefighter?

No, Im a researcher.

Miles laughed and patted Jeongwoos shoulder.

Dont say that. Become a firefighter. We treat them well. Do you know theyre public servants? The hottest grooms nowadays.

I have a lot of work to do.

Miles held onto Jeongwoos shoulder and turned towards where company officials were gathered.

Next team, get ready! Time is tight!

Jeongwoo breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Miles walk towards the command post.

I didnt expect to be nervous about appearance, but that person made me tremble.

The thug-like Chan-yi was just a scholar compared to Miles.

Lets go too, Mr. Jang Pil-doo.

Jeongwoo said and started walking back to KG Chemical with Jang Pil-doo. As they got closer, they ran into Park Il-sung.

Are you going to continue with the remaining tests?

I have to. Its a competition.

Just when I was getting bored, this happened. Im looking forward to the A-grade fire test.

Park Il-sung smoothly made a declaration and disappeared towards Eugene Chemical. Jeongwoo turned his head and asked Jang Pil-doo.

Whats an A-grade fire test?

Did you say A-grade? It seems like stacking dry wood and extinguishing it with a Gwanchang.

The sight of a fire igniting comes to mind when talking about fires. Its not like a campfire. Jeongwoo was a little worried about the test, which required real firefighting experience.

The road to meet the expectations of Director Jang Tae-sun seemed still far and rocky.

As he walked towards his seat, Jeongwoo saw Song Bo-young waving her hand at the control line.

He nodded his head in response to her encouraging gesture.

It was 4 p.m. The weather was cloudy, and the mountain village was already darkening.