Chemistry

Chapter 85

12. Dust Defenders(3)

Research Building No. 1, Integrated Air Purification System Test Lab.

A 1m model house, replicating a whole floor of the building, sat on the table.

Jeong-woo turned his head towards the filter team, who were preparing for the test on one side. He met eyes with Kim Tae-san, who smiled and raised his thumb at Jeong-woo.

It would take a few days to revise the comments on the semi-permeable filter handed to Ha Won-il, but the 5-stage filter was ready to go.

Jeong-woo was also eager to see the results.

There was still some problems so he had spent the afternoon with the filter team and hadnt had a chance to talk to Mei.

What could be the reason?

While pondering, the measurement by the equipment team began.

They visually inspected the model house and continued with leakage tests of the mini-frame and air flow distribution tests.

We will begin the wind speed test.

The roof of the model house was covered with a round dome-shaped glass.

A 3D model appeared on the monitor, allowing them to see inside the model house. The wind information quantified as it followed the fans movement.

Mei watched closely and pointed to one part.

The last room doesnt have enough wind speed.

Its because its the farthest place structurally, and theres no way to increase the wind speed more than this without adding another line

In a building that can only use the existing ventilation line, its an impractical method.

The equipment teams expert couldnt respond immediately, then spoke as if he felt unfair.

This is impossible for any company due to the structure.

Impossible? Does that mean we have to tell the people in the last room to breathe bad air due to the structure? It sounds like youre telling me to give up on next weeks bidding.

During their conversation, Jeong-woo shifted his gaze to the model house rather than the monitor. The ventilation fan on the exterior wall was constantly running, but it seemed like it couldnt quickly remove all the air inside.

Mei turned to the filter team and said.

Please add a bypass filter for internal circulation in the area with insufficient wind speed.

Kim Tae-san immediately objected.

Why are you burdening the filter team with a structural problem from the equipment team?

Arent we the ones making a system like this?

You seem to be misunderstanding something. We want clean air, not a clean room. Even if the wind speed is insufficient, we can cover it with our 10-stage filter.

It seems theres a significant gap in opinions about breathable air between Mr Kim and me. Im sorry.

I regret meeting this woman. Regret.

Kim Tae-san muttered.

Just like the morning meeting, the atmosphere grew tense, Jeong-woo had no choice but to look around. The equipment team remained silent on their own, and the sensor and filter teams stared sharply at each other.

I wonder if Ill ever make a good impression on the team leader like this.

Jeong-woo, who was anxiously looking at those teams, noticed Ha Won-il.

Assistant Manager Ha.

Ha Won-il answered in a small voice, Yes?

The bypass filter. Shall we make it ourselves?

Now?

Its a small one, so we can do it quickly.

Ha Won-il hesitated and pointed to the room across from them.

All our clean filter tools are in the second lab.

Jeong-woo and Ha Won-il, who had briefly stepped out of the integrated inspection room, immediately entered Experiment Room No. 2.

Jeong-woo donned his gloves and turned his attention to the KG Electronics air purifier filter sample neatly arranged on the table.

The filter looked like layers of stacked paper. It was cut to the size that would fit into the model houses ventilation line.

Is this size sufficient?

Its more than enough. Ill take care of making the bypass connection.

Ha Won-il also began assisting Jeong-woo with his work.

Lets stay calm.

The performance of the nanoscale filter and absorption membrane, confirmed through a molecular perspective, was optimized for the molecular structure that allowed water to flow as desired. KG Electronics technology, which transformed it into a form usable for air, was excellent. However, achieving optimal efficiency in the battle against ultrafine particles was challenging.

We dont have much time, so lets focus on improvements.

Jeong-woo opened the refrigerated facility where catalyst compounds were stored and thought about a combination that could adsorb common hazardous substances that came to mind.

Acids, bases, volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, odor-causing components

Every five seconds, Jeong-woo mechanically mixed reagents and prepared the catalyst for the filter. As he returned to the table, where he observed this process, Ha Won-ils eyes widened.

Mr. Jeong-woo, what youre doing now

Oh, this combination is temporary. Ill find a more sophisticated one later.

After applying the catalyst to the filter, Jeong-woo sent a cloud of dust to help it penetrate better.

Its done. Here you go.

Jeong-woo handed the filter to Ha Won-il, who inserted it into the model houses connection point for sealing.

Ten minutes later, Jeong-woo and Ha Won-il returned to the integrated inspection room, where sensor measurements to detect pollutants were in full swing.

Formaldehyde 3.31, Toluene 2.87, Hydrogen Sulfide

Significant atmospheric pollutants were detected and displayed on the monitor, with the most critical fine dust reading at 89/.

Jeong-woo nodded in agreement while inspecting the inside of the glass through his actual molecular vision. The accuracy appeared nearly error-free when calculated proportionally.

Kim Tae-san quietly observed the results without commenting.

Is the sensor teams measurement capability trustworthy?

As Jeong-woo was about to shift his focus away from the molecular world, he noticed something conspicuous.

In the area where an external fan was running to create the simulated atmosphere, heavy lead particles were clustering.

According to the sensor readings, due to this phenomenon, the lead content was reported as 0.4/, which was considered normal.

Feeling the need to address the issue, Jeong-woo raised his hand without hesitation.

I have a question.

Amid the silence, Meis gaze sharpened as Jeong-woo spoke.

If pollutants are clustered in one part of the atmosphere, how should we detect them?

In response to Jeong-woos question, Mei said.

The air circulates. We only need to detect incoming air.

But what if a specific pollutant suddenly Ah, it was around 0.4 micrograms and suddenly jumps to 10 or 20? Can our filter handle that?

What are you talking about? Are you saying someone is spreading toxic gas in the building?

As Jeong-woo watched the monitor, he gently guided some dust particles toward the area where the model house was located.

Free electrons pierced through the glass roof and touched the dust that had gathered near the fan.

Lead dust was drawn into the model house.

Beeep.

An alarm sounded, and the sensor recorded a lead content of 15/.

Exactly like this. This is a very serious atmospheric pollution situation.

Not only Mei but also the sensor team researchers stared at the monitor with astonishment.

The lead particle dust swirled inside the building and then quickly dissipated into the atmosphere.

The lead content was fixed at 0.9/, slightly higher than the initial contamination level.

This is a sensor error?

No, its not. It appears that the lead content solidified outside the sensors detection range.

Meis gaze turned to Jeong-woo as the researchers analyzed the situation.

How

In response to Meis inquiry about how he had managed to pinpoint the situation more accurately than the sophisticated sensor, Jeong-woo shook his head.

Oh, it was just a question. It seems like the situation coincidentally overlapped.

Jeong-woo smiled coolly and stepped back. While Mei observed him, she continued.

We need to narrow down the detection angle of the external sensors. That was a good point.

Before Jeong-woo could react to the unexpected praise, Mei continued speaking.

The solution is to extend the time for the sensors detection range to respond to sudden high influxes of pollutants. If such a situation arises, the AI will analyze it and activate the auxiliary filter.

So there is a contingency plan.

No.

What?

We havent even started research on auxiliary filters in the filter team.

Kim Tae-san frowned at the mention of just having ideas without actual progress.

Team leader Yu, sets the bar too high, which is why it takes so much time for the main filter.

Ignoring Meis cold stare, Kim Tae-san said.

Team Leader Yu, lets measure the filters. Its almost break time.

After the sensor measurements were completed, the filter device began to be installed in the model house. Jeong-woo hoped that by connecting the bypass device, the trust between the filter team, Mei, and them would increase slightly.

Once preparations were finished, Mei instructed.

Introduce the pollutants.

Air filled with contaminants was injected into the sealed model house with a glass roof. The sensors on the monitor immediately lit up with red warning lights.

Prepare to start the fan. One, two three!

With a whooshing sound, the air purification system was activated.

The readings on the monitor initially fluctuated but gradually changed from red to yellow and then to green.

Look, our filter. Its doing it in just 10 seconds.

In response to Kim Tae-sans muttered comment, the entire filter team nodded in satisfaction.

Mei carefully examined the displayed pollutant levels and said.

The detection rate for bacteria is higher than the previous test.

Still within the safe range, right?

For bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds related to respiratory diseases, the lower the detection rate, the better.

No, Team Leader Yu. Go outside adn see if you can you breathe better air than this.

Jeong-woo felt the pressure of Mei and Kim Tae-sans ongoing dispute. He quietly asked Ha Won-il.

Do they ever have days when they dont fight?

Ive been on this project for a month now, and Ive only seen it happen once.

When was that?

Kim Tae-san, the lead researcher, took a day off.

Jeong-woo took comfort in the fact that it was quite rare for Korean researchers in this room to get along. Building better relationships was not an easy task for anyone.

Senior researcher Jun Chai from the sensor team, who had been closely monitoring the monitor, suddenly called Mei.

Team Leader, the measurements for Room 10 are abnormal.

Mei shifted her gaze to the monitor upon hearing this. The various contamination levels in Room 10 were noticeably lower than in other areas.

Kim Tae-san, also noticing this, was surprised and mumbled.

Whats going on? This is the area with the lowest airflow. It should be higher, why is it like this? Is it a sensor error?

Ha Won-il responded in a low voice.

Mr. Jeong-woo attached the bypass filter.

What?

Mei, along with Jun Chai, meticulously checked the readings for Room 10 and then spoke to Kim Tae-san

This room has a cleanliness level equivalent to a Grade 6 cleanroom for newborns. Excellent improvement. Please continue to work like this.

Kim Tae-san, who had received praise for the first time since the project began, had an awkward expression on his face. Although he didnt particularly like Meis personality, which shifted from arguing loudly to giving high praise, Kim Tae-san refrained from speaking ill of her in Korean.

Jeong-woo felt a sense of relief, sensing that the atmosphere was getting less tense.

Is this going according to plan?

He thought about Noh Jong-seons suggestion to help the project with 0.5 points every day as it was a project that lacked 20 points to reach a perfect score out of 100.

After the measurements in the Integrated Testing Laboratory were completed, it was time to leave for the day. As Ha Won-il headed outside, he spoke to Jeong-woo.

Having you here really puts my mind at ease. I think I can learn a lot.

Ill do my best for the next three weeks.

Its my turn to say that.

With a polite nod, Ha Won-il disappeared, and Jeong-woo turned to leave for the day. However, he unexpectedly found himself facing Mei, who was observing him.

Oh, what a surprise.

Mei opened her mouth to speak to Jeong-woo.

Mr. Han.

Yes.

I said that theres no one who can do everything well. Do you disagree with my statement?

Confidence or humility? Two options that Jeong-woo had been regretting in the morning floated through his mind.

Im not sure about that. However, as long as my abilities allow, I will do my best to assist Team Leader Yu. Research is not something you do alone.

Mei, who was scrutinizing Jeong-woo, spoke.

I look forward to your continued contributions, just like the bypass filter.

It seems like she knows that I was the one who wrote it.

As the team leader, I have one thing to tell the assistant team leader. This project must succeed no matter what. In that sense, Professor Noh Jong-seon and Researcher Ha Won-il trust you, and we have high expectations for you.

Mei, now officially designated as the assistant team leader, extended her hand. Jeong-woo nodded and accepted her handshake.

Dosandaero, Gangnam-gu, Starpiece Building.

Jeong-woo stepped out of the taxi and looked at the five-story building surrounded by subtle lighting.

As befitting an entertainment company building, it had a distinct design that stood out from the neighboring buildings.

A photo on the rooftop LED display caught his eye.

It was a photo of a hotel room with a view of Venices scenery from the window. Yoon Yi-seol, with a dazed expression, holding a guitar.

Her slightly disheveled hair on one side, and her unusually fair skin gleamed.

She looks cute like that. Pretty

Given that professionals took the photo, it was clear that they aimed for a concept that would make fans hearts flutter. There was text next to the picture.

Yoon Yi-seols Single Album In a dream / Release on March 26th!

What kind of song is it? It must be good, of course.

As he stared at her in the large photo, memories of that day on the beach came vividly to his mind.

How could he forget it? The beautiful woman on the billboard had written such a heartfelt letter and even kissed him on the lips. Thinking about it made him sigh.

I managed to come this far, but what am I supposed to do Dr. Moon?

Standing in front of the automatic door at the entrance, Jeong-woo sent a text message to Yoon Yi-seol.

[Ive arrived.]

A prompt response followed.

[2nd floor practice room.]

A short, emotionless message. It had been like this all day, starting from lunch. Jeong-woo sighed at her response, not even knowing how angry she might be.

The sliding door opened from the inside, and Jeong-woo took a tentative step inside and said awkwardly.

Excuse me.

The exterior of the building might look like a music studio, but inside, there was a cozy space with a musical ambiance, complete with signs bearing musical notes on rooms like editing studios and recording rooms. At the far end, he could see a staircase.

It has a unique design for Yoon Yi-seol.

Yes, thats the concept.

As Jeong-woo mumbled to himself, someones voice reached his ears.

Welcome, Mr. Han Jeong-woo.

He turned to find Manager Ji Seong-jae. Seated at a table in the music cafe-like space, he greeted Jeong-woo.

If youre not too busy, can we chat for a moment before going upstairs?

Yi-seol is waiting upstairs

Its about Yi-seol. She asked me to delay you for a bit.

I see.

Once Jeong-woo took a seat, Manager Ji poured a glass of water for him.

You dont drink coffee, right? Thats what I heard.

Yes, this is fine.

Jeong-woo took a sip of water, and Manager Ji watched him silently before speaking.

To be honest, until recently, I was just grateful to you, Han Jeong-woo. After going to the clinic, Yi-seol has become much brighter.

Right now, it doesnt seem that way, though. Haha.

While Jeong-woo awkwardly laughed, Manager Jis expression remained solemn.

Whats confusing is that, despite the fact that its a time for joy, our singer has been holed up there for a week, making excuses and behaving irritably under the pretext of preparing for a showcase.

Um I see

Though Jeong-woo tried to deflect the conversation, Manager Ji seemed to have sensed something.

I think Yi-seol did something to you, according to what I saw.

Manager Jis fingertip made the heart-patterned teaspoon in the cup bounce.

Han Jeong-woo rejected whatever that something was.

In response to Manager Jis questioning look, Jeong-woo could only smile wordlessly. Why would he refuse the advances of a charismatic megastar that the whole nation admired?

Let me ask you directly. Do you not find Yi-seol attractive?

Shes beautiful. Extremely so. However, there are circumstances I cant reveal.

Detecting a hint of bitterness in Jeong-woos smile, Manager Ji continued.

I dont understand why youre making it so complicated. If its about self-esteem related to that matter, think again. Can there really be a man in South Korea who wouldn be deemed worthy? No matter who pursues her, they all fall short.

Youve hit the nail on the head.

Its been over five years since I got married, and my dating cells are practically dead. But when I listen to Yi-seols songs, there are moments when my heart flutters. Especially with this new song. Is there any special meaning to liking someone? Just follow your heart.

As Manager Ji passionately spoke, there was an urgent sound of footsteps from the second-floor staircase.

Thud, thud, thud!

Manager!

Yoon Yi-seol, who suddenly appeared, took a deep breath and glared at Manager Ji.

What are you doing with Jeong-woo?

Um, I was passing by, and he looked thirsty, so I offered him some water.

Jeong-woo was surprised by this response, and he looked at Manager Ji.

Manager Ji, avoiding eye contact, gestured to Jeong-woo to leave, then turned away from Yoon Yi-seol.

Only then did Jeong-woo realize that she hadnt asked him to delay his arrival.

Ugh, really.

Yoon Yi-seol looked at Jeong-woo once and then lowered her head.

Come up! Right now!

And she ran up the stairs and disappeared. Jeong-woo asked Manager Ji, pointing to the corridor she had just dashed down.

Has Yi-seol been like this recently?

Even more so. Today, she had an angelic attitude because its Han Jeong-woos visit day.

I see

With a fearful heart, Jeong-woo headed to the second-floor practice room.

Click.

Jeong-woo opened the door and saw Yoon Yi-seol sitting in a chair, holding a guitar. She looked at him as he entered.

Jeong-woo greeted her cautiously.

Its been a while

Thats enough. The contract is on the desk. You need to sign it to give the road manager team their pay. Thats why I called you, so dont misunderstand.

Okay

And well, now, I dont plan to take any interest in you. But if you still have a bit of affection as a fan, you can listen to the new song before you go.

Without giving Jeong-woo a chance to reply, Yoon Yi-seol continued to speak in a rushed manner, her fingers nervously tapping the guitar body, as if she were anxious about his reaction.

It was the same old her, with her emotions plain on her face.

Ugh. I thought I had already finished sorting things out.

Jeong-woo sat down and said.

I will sign the contract since it takes me a long time to do so. Ill sit for a while.

Yoon Yi-seols expression shifted to relief, Sure, go ahead as she turned her head politely. After clearing her throat, she put her hand on the guitar.

Strum.

The gentle melody of the guitar blended with Yoon Yi-seols voice.

-Ive fallen for you.

Her hair fluttered lightly against the guitars body, and Jeong-woo twitched as he heard the first line.

The lyrics from the notebook he had seen on that beach that day, written in her handwriting, were now a song being sung through her.

-This morning. Since when was it a dream? The magical moments keep coming back, and I cant wake up.

For three minutes, Yoon Yi-seols genuine emotions were conveyed through the serene melody and heartfelt lyrics. The love cells in Jeong-woos heart, which had been deeply buried, began to tremble.

-I want to keep seeing you. I close my eyes again. I feel like Ill see you on days like this. Goodnight, my love. Ill see you again

The chorus of the second verse ended.

Jeong-woo looked at Yoon Yi-seol, unable to say anything.

Her beautiful voice and the sincerity it carried.

Who could resist such a confession from the bottom of ones heart? Jeong-woo couldnt help but strongly empathize with Manager Jis words, Can there really be a man in South Korea who wouldn be deemed worthy? No matter who pursues her, they all fall short.

Is the signing done?

When Yoon Yi-seol finished the song, Jeong-woo, who had snapped out of his trance, automatically signed the contract and then turned to her.

This song is really good.

What about me?

What?

How much do you like me?

When did it become like this, with his heart racing and questions flying around uncontrollably? Jeong-woo couldnt help but wonder if it was even possible for a person to survive with their heart pounding like this.

While Jeong-woo hesitated to answer, Yoon Yi-seol, who had noticed said.

The next thing youll say is about waiting ten months, right? Okay, go now.

Yi-seol

Jeong-woo stood up and asked.

Is there anything bothering you?

Why would you be curious about that? Werent you just here to sign the contract and leave?

Seeing Yoon Yi-seols resolute expression, Jeong-woo had no choice but to head towards the door. Going to the hospital together is just a crazy idea right now. As long as she looks fine on the outside, thats a relief in itself.

I need to find another way.

As Jeong-woo touched the door handle, Yoon Yi-seol spoke as if she had been waiting for him.

By any chance

Jeong-woos steps halted.

I only have seven items left on my checklist, and I just did one with you today. The rest are also planned with you. If you dont like it, you can say so now.

I dont dislike it but what did we do today?

I gave someone who used to bother me a piece of my mind.

It seems like you really gave them a piece of your mind

Yoon Yi-seol, with a teasing smile, replied to Jeong-woo.

Its not over yet. I havent even hit them yet.

Are you really going to hit them?

Yoon Yi-seol looked surprised, and Jeong-woo chuckled.

A commercial request came in. From the company where you work.

Thats

I accepted it with one condition. How about appearing as a couple? The person in charge, Manager Cha Jin-seong, liked the idea

Jeong-woos expression went blank.

A couple? Ive never acted before. Yi-seol, you know that.

So, yeah. Im going to doll myself up that day, so be prepared to be thoroughly impressed.

With a thud, Jeong-woo stepped into the corridor with a dazed look.

How many unexpected things had happened to him today? At this point, he couldnt even count the number.

Hoo.

Yoon Yi-seol pressed her ear to the door, listening for the fading footsteps she let out a sigh of relief.

A live performance with all her might.

If she sang like this every day, she might have twice as many fans. Even though it was just one song, her legs were trembling.

She sat down on the floor and leaned against the door.

Do you think I did well?

Her face showed signs of absent-mindedness and a wavering heart. She was sure of that.

Be prepared to keep liking me in the future.

Yoon Yi-seol held her arms around herself, drawing a happy smile. In matters of love, she had to be more proactive, it hurt less that way.

If two-way traffic is difficult, you can just break through an eight-lane highway from one side to keep going.