Chapter 61

Chapter 61A month in the life of a chemical company team leader(6)

That afternoon.

Jeong-woo clenched the results sheet with a 97.83% match rate in his hand and rubbed his neck. After hours of pulling his hair and looking down only at the bottom, his whole back felt stiff.

9:30 PM.

When he turned his head, he saw Bae Ki-tae and Cho Sung-hwan dozing off. He asked them to come inside, but they were enduring it because they were close to a 98% breakthrough.

To raise the 0.17% match rate, he had to come up with another molecular combination formula.

It would be nice if it were a simple task like cutting a thread with scissors and then sewing it back together with another thread.

However, in chemistry, the threads were complex compounds, and the role of scissors and sewing was played by even more intricate catalysts and reaction experiments.

Ugh~

He yawned and rubbed his eyes.

Ding.

A message came, and when he checked, it was from Song Boyeong.

[Are you still at the company? Im on my way to buy some amazing dumplings. Should I get some for your team too, Jeong-woo?]

A timely message when he was feeling hungry.

[Are you also working late, Senior Boyeong?]

[We started in earnest this week. Seung-ju senior is the first to buy! ^^]

[Id appreciate it if you buy some for us. Please get three servings.]

15 minutes later.

Song Boyeong sent a text to Jeong-woo from the entrance of the KG Life Health Research Center. From the dark corridor on the other side, footsteps were heard, and soon the door opened.

Ta-da~

She extended a bag filled with the tantalizing smell of meat towards the open door.

Huh?

The person who appeared was not Jeong-woo but another familiar face, a man.

Jin-seong oppa?

Hey, Boyeong.

Cha Jin-seong looked at Song Boyeong as if asking what brought her here.

I brought some late-night snacks for my junior whos working here.

Theres only the Audrey Project team working late tonight.

Yes, that team. Han Jeong-woo.

You know team leader Jeong-woo? Hes quite talented.

Upon hearing this, Song Boyeong smiled brightly.

Cha Jin-seong walked towards the elevator since he was leaving work.

Its so hard to meet each other even though were in the same building. Except for you and me in our family, no one really understands the research work in the lab. So I come up here occasionally.

Hehe.

Song Boyeong stood by the elevator to see Jin-seong off and spoke quietly.

Ive left home.

I heard.

And my family registry

Boyeong, even though Ive almost cut ties with my grandfather, I still live my life. Our values might differ, but hes not a bad person.

Song Boyeong lowered her head deeply.

Like my little uncle and aunt, Ill support you too. If you have any problems, come find me anytime. If you dont want things to be known at work, then come to my place. My wife also wants to see you.

Okay.

Ding Dong.

Jin-seong got into the elevator.

As Song Boyeong waved goodbye and the elevator doors closed, she took a deep breath. She had hesitated to come here because she didnt want to hear about her grandfather, but she had forgotten for a moment.

Jin-seong oppa is still straightforward. He doesnt even give me a chance to make excuses.

Boyeong, senior!

A voice was heard from the other end of the corridor. Then she remembered, meeting her cousin was all because of Han Jeong-woo.

Why are you coming out so late?

As Song Boyeong approached with a sharp question, Jeong-woo showed an apologetic expression.

Thank you for the dumplings. Next time, Ill treat our team to a feast.

You even make remarks that only a team leader can make. So annoying.

Is it something to get annoyed about?

Just go to sleep.

As Song Boyeong handed the packaged dumplings to Jeong-woo, she pressed the elevator button.

Did Seung-ju senior tease you again? Today, he looked surprisingly normal. His eyes are round too.

Round? Thats funny. Seung-ju senior doesnt tease me as much as you think.

Jeong-woo smirked at Song Boyeongs grumbling.

Ill treat everyone next Sunday, if nothing comes up.Fiind updated novels at novelhall.comething will come up.

What?

A friend of a friend. You need to see them.

Song Boyeong turned her head abruptly.

Instead, tell me about the current situation of Dr. Cheon Seung-guk.

Now?

Yes, or dont say anything.

That I might not be able to tell you.

She thought she wouldnt hear anything again today.

You might get a quicker answer if you ask Dr. Moon.

It was the first time Jeong-woo answered without making an excuse, and Song Boyeongs eyes widened in surprise.

Dr. Moon?

The one from the Pharmaceutical Bio Center, senior Moon Chae-eun.

The super beautiful doctor? The one selected through special recruitment like you?

This is

After smelling the fragrance, Michle looked at Jeong-woo.

Jeong-woo pulled his laptop closer to Michle so she could see better.

99.13% match rate. Isnt this enough to conclude that the scents are the same?

Michles expression turned subtle as she deeply inhaled the fragrance again. Then she spoke.

The remaining 0.87% is missing. This is not perfect. Our company cannot use such synthetic fragrances.

Startled by Michles straightforward response, Jang Tae-seon, who had been waiting at ease, looked at Jeong-woo. Jeong-woo smiled lightly and gestured for him to wait before speaking to Michle.

Chemically, it may not be the same extract. However, the fragrance could it really be that different?

It is different.

Why?

Are you underestimating my level of perfuming?

Im absolutely not. The CEOs sense of smell, which can detect changes down to the level of one in a million, is truly remarkable.

Michle looked at Jeong-woo with a puzzled expression.

Jeong-woo pointed to the sample she was holding.

Thats true. Its the natural fragrance extracted using the supercritical extraction method from the actual cottonseed sample given by the CEO.

Quoi?

Even though Jeong-woo didnt understand what French word she had said, Michles expression clearly conveyed that she didnt understand what I said.

And this.

Jeong-woo handed her another bottle on the table.

This one is the synthetic fragrance that shows a 99.13% match rate, which was completed today.

Unable to believe it, Michle accepted the sample and opened the cork. After smelling the fragrance, she couldnt say anything for a moment.

Is this better?

Jeong-woo briefly glanced at Shin Ki-joon standing in the corridor.

Just to avoid any doubts, we conducted a cross-verification with the top fragrance experts in Korea. I omitted attaching the certificate, but there are about five witnesses.

Then, he nodded slightly at Shin Ki-joon.

Michle looked at Jeong-woo and asked.

Why is there such a difference?

Firstly, synthetic fragrances dont have any contamination. Natural materials, on the other hand, may have traces of scent altered by microorganisms. Thats one difference. And, do you know that the type of container for the sample can also affect the fragrance, CEO?

Michle focused on Jeong-woos words and nodded slightly.

Even though you may not be aware of it, your nose is. The scent that blends with the molecules of this sample bottle. The synthetic fragrance bottle is the one you brought. It feels more familiar, so its more tolerable. To put it meaningfully, its mixed with memories and emotions associated with that bottle. Well, thats probably why theres a difference.

At Jeong-woos revelation about the container switch, Jang Tae-seon was left speechless. The fact that it was so well-received made Michle unable to say anything.

The remaining 0.87%. Our chemists can work on it and make it exactly the same. But its unnecessary. A fragrance within the margin of error. Compared to the daily changes in fragrance, that 0.87% is extremely minute. But to restructure it on a molecular level, it will take at least another month.

Jeong-woo concluded and added one last thing.

If this is still unsatisfactory, Im sorry, but well have to stop this project. I cant tolerate a method that I know will be a waste of time.

Stop? Non. We cant. This margin of error. I insist on it.

Michle said, surrending.

A series of actions: showcasing their abilities, convincing the other party, and taking control all of this unfolded before the people in the hallway who had been watching anxiously, causing a sudden commotion.

It seems like communication is good with the French lady.

As Jeong-woo held his place, a disheartened Jang Tae-sun looked at him with a gaze that seemed to say, Is that what you call communication? Jungwoo met Jang Tae-suns eyes with an expression that said, Its a connection exclusive to those with a keen sense of smell.

Michle gestured to the agents, and the bags were placed on the table.

I brought the two samples as requested. Can you handle two at once?

Ill get back to you by next Friday.

Jeong-woo confidently replied.

Amazing. Even IFF or Givaudan cant produce fragrances this quickly.

Michle praised, mentioning world-leading fragrance manufacturing companies. Jeong-woo shrugged and pointed his finger at Bae Ki-tae and Jo Sung-hwan.

My team members are getting more accustomed to it. We found a decent process today too.

As Michle was about to leave the room after finishing her business, Jeong-woo remembered something and spoke up.

CEO.

Michle turned her head.

You mentioned that the floral fragrances from this center are uniform and can be smelled everywhere.

Thats right.

As Jeong-woo brought up the sensitive topic, Jang Tae-seon, who was preparing to leave, paused. He looked at Jeong-woo with a look that said, What now?

Just as perfumes are an art with elegance and distinct characteristics, fabric softeners also have their purposes. Such as disinfection, removing detergent residues, preventing static, and deodorizing.

Surveying the microbiologists, deodorization experts, and fragrance design team members gathered in the hallway, Jeong-woo spoke slowly.

The ammonium compound used for sterilization. It generates ammonia quite easily, you know? That pungent bathroom smell. No matter how excellent the Audrey perfume is, it cant simply eliminate this fart smell. However, we can do it. Well change it to a standardized but reliable scent.

Michle seemed to ponder the chemical attack on fragrances. She made a thoughtful sound, Hmm.

Theres a new product called Chaffrin launching this time. Try spraying it when you encounter a challenging situation with human gas accidents. Youll be surprised.

Ive had enough surprises. I thought this research center was extraordinary, not Wonderland.

Without saying anything further, Michle looked around at the people gathered in the hallway before silently walking away.

Check it out.

Jang Tae-seon approached Jeong-woo as he greeted Michle. He made a gesture of Well talk later, definitely! and quickly followed after Michle.

After the CEOs visit, Jeong-woo loosened his tightly tied tie and slumped into the chair in front of the table.

Phew.

After staying up all night and having a lively conversation, he felt drained of energy.

Ki-tae, Seong-hwan, could you please refrigerate the second batch of samples we received today?

Yes, Team Leader.

As the two hurriedly moved around the fragrance lab, someone walked up to Jeong-woo. He turned his head and greeted them with a warm expression.

I called you suddenly earlier, but thank you for responding so willingly.

Silently observing Jeong-woo, Shin Ki-joon finally spoke.

When our product launch is over may I support this project? Team Leader Han Jeong-woo.

Jeong-woo smiled.

Its an ongoing recruitment. We still need eight more people. Youre welcome to join in advance.