Chapter 78<ol start="11"><li>Spring Countryside Chronicles(2)</li></ol>


    Standing in the central research institutes second-floor corridor, Jeong-woo turned to look at Jin Mi-so.


    Throughout her walk, she wore an engaging smile, closely observing the institute.


    Although he hadnt said much, because of her chattering, he had learned that she was the top recruit for this intake.


    She must be smart to figure it out. If she noticed, can I still get away with it?


    Nevertheless, for now, he suppressed his annoyance and stood in front of the Basic Materials Centers door.


    Ugh, just my luck.


    Perhaps due to the short time he had spent in the area, he detected a wave of sounds. Various noises from all over the building converged into soundwaves, causing Jeong-woo to tightly close his eyes and shake his head.


    While he could selectively view molecules, the waves were still chaotic.


    Senior, whats wrong?


    I just had a momentary headache


    A piercing sound echoed in his ears, causing an actual headache.


    Oh, has it already started? A hidden camera?


    Jeong-woo couldnt help butugh at Jin Mi-sos question. This was real.


    Sorry, but can you wait for just 10 seconds?


    To calm his nerves, he massaged his forehead and took deep breaths. In the meantime, the faint conversation between Oh Seung-ju and the senior researchers in front of the first experimentalb reached his ears.


    -Yong-sik is noting out of the restroom? Is he embarrassed? How cute.


    -Should we go andfort him?


    -The responsible researchers are rushing in, what can the newbies do? In-beom! Go and tell them about the guy you couldnt recognize all day.


    -You mean that?


    -Yeah.


    The fourth recruit was still causing amotion.


    10 seconds are up!


    With Jin Mi-sos voice, Jeong-woo calmed his nerves and opened his eyes. He was greeted by his junior, smiling brightly at him.


    I cant wait to see what the field trip is going to be like since youre so serious about it.


    Continuing like this, it started to get slightly annoying.


    Serious? Why dont you try being serious about something thats already failed?


    On the other side of the door, one of the seniors held up a stopwatch and gave an okay sign with his finger.


    Jeong-woo turned around and looked at Jin Mi-so.


    Mi-so, do you find it amusing that your senior suddenly got a headache?


    He tried to mimic Dr. Moons tone as closely as possible.


    When he questioned her with a serious expression, Jin Mi-so seemed momentarily flustered. Jeong-woo held up his card to the Centers door and continued speaking.


    Theb seniors prepared a hidden camera just for fun? Such an interesting imagination. In a workce where a mistake can cost millions or even billions in research funding.


    Well


    Beep.


    He sessfully disconcerted her and gained the upper hand.


    As Jeong-woo and Jin Mi-so entered, Oh Seung-ju and Sim Jeonghee began their experiment in Lab 1.


    Green smoke filled the room, and Jin Mi-sos face showed confusion about how to react to the rather dangerous behavior of the two, even if the situation was false, as it was a real research process that Dr. Oh had intentionally deceived her about.


    After contemting an appropriate experiment that matched that situation, Jeong-woo asked Jin Mi-so.


    You said you majored in Analytical Chemistry, right?


    Yes.


    Do you know what hexafluorobutadiene, a special gas used in semiconductor processes, is?


    Yes, I do. Is that it?


    This is an acrylonitrile and trimethmine dynamic experiment. Bybining them like this, the etching efficiency is increasedpared to hexafluorobutadiene.


    Jin Mi-so misunderstood, and her eyes widened in amazement. This was an idea that had juste to Jeong-woos mind upon seeing the green gas. If she could understand it immediately, she should be at the level of senior researchers.


    Can you analyze dynamic experiments in chemical equations? Well, its not for testing. If you dont know, just say you dont.


    He also slightly scratched the ego of the senior researcher. In response, Jin Mi-so hesitated in her response, and her face began to show signs of confusion.


    I was worried for no reason. They are researchers who have been doing that for several years.


    Room 2.


    Before Hong Ki-pyos finger got hurt, Jeong-woo spoke to Jin Mi-so.


    Its an analysis experiment of climate cooling gas DMS,missioned by the Meteorological Agency. Dimethyl sulfide. It measures the trace amount of DMS in the atmosphere. Have you ever done something like this?


    Of course, it wasnt that kind of experiment, but he improvised with theposition of the refrigerant gases.


    Well, only theoretically


    Watch closely. When absorbing samples and analyzing sulfur content, you can make mistakes like that. Senior! Wear the gloves and do it! Do you want to lose your fingers?


    In response to Jeong-woos sudden shout, Hong Ki-pyo hesitated for a moment, then nodded.


    From this point on, Jin Mi-sos surprised expression was not much different from that of the other recruits.


    When someone came out of Room 3, Jeong-woo began to analyze the ingredients by sniffing the diffused odor in theb.


    Alkaloidpounds like strychnine or aconitine are mixed with digitalis to cause such an effect huh? Did I speak too quickly? You look confused.


    Well Senior, how can you analyze this without any measuring tools?


    Its training. If you want to practice, go to the Aroma Center. There are people there who are even better than me.


    They arrived in front of Room 4.


    A fire experiment. There didnt seem to be a usible way for Jeong-woo to present this as a reasonable experiment, especially since he was justining about it.


    At the very least, if I can induce a fire reaction, I couldbel it as research on firefighting agents.


    As Jeong-woo pondered, he saw a beaker on the table where the fire was starting in Room 4. He had dealt with numerous chemicals in Cheonan, some of which were in powder form, simr to what was in that beaker.


    Im not sure if this will work, but


    Just before Song Boyeong opened the door and shouted, Fire extinguisher!, Jeong-woo walked into the room ahead of her.


    Song Boyeong muttered, looking at Jeong-woo, What are you doing right now? He gently pushed her aside and turned to Jin Mi-so.


    Come on in. Its thest field trip. See that fire reaction over there? What do you think it is?


    Yes, what is it?


    What do you think this experiment is doing?


    Um abustion reaction experiment?


    A highly mmable liquid, which would burn for about a minute before disappearing, was contained in arge rectangr container.


    Are you saying youre burning this sophisticatedpound just to observe thebustion reaction?


    Jeong-woo approached the head of Lab 3 and sent a signal to step aside for a moment, then picked up the beaker on the table.


    This is a powder containing a mixture of the proprietary additive and coating agent that Lab 3s manager is researching, based on potassium hydrogen carbonate. Do you know what its effect is?


    Its an inhibitoryponent forbustion reactions, right?


    Exactly.


    There was no fire extinguisher here. What was in the beaker was an incendiary powder.


    However, Jeong-woo lightly sprinkled it as if it were a powder fire extinguisher. At the same time, he gathered the dust particles as much as possible and dispersed them in one ce, just as Cheon Seung-guk had done. As the powder reacted, mes flickered.


    It looked like the fire was about to go out, which made the Lab 3 managers eyes widen in astonishment. Fortunately, Jin Mi-so didnt see that expression.


    Jeong-woo calcted the precise timing of thebustion reaction in his molecr vision and asked to buy some time.


    Do you know what the upper limit of the explosion range for acetone and carbon disulfide is among the incendiary materials here?


    Since she wasnt a specialist in the field of materials, Jin Mi-so hesitated in her response.


    Jeong-woo realized that there were about 5 seconds left untilpletebustion and, counting silently, he said.


    To ensure that the experimenter can safely ignite a fire reaction even at such close range, it is necessary to analyze it thoroughly. Is that what you want as a specialist in analytical chemistry?


    He poured the beaker into the sink. The Lab 3 manager was shocked by his actions and opened his mouth.


    As the dust spread, the mes, as if extinguished because of it, disappeared like a lie. When the dust covered it, the fire reaction ended, as if it had been extinguished by this.


    Great.


    This was enough to show his authority as an experienced person and a senior.


    So, Mi-so, what do you think of your tour of theb?


    I um


    Jin Mi-so couldnt give a proper answer even once, and her lips quivered, her face turning into one that seemed about to cry.


    Song Boyeong raised her hand swiftly.


    Acetone is 12.8% by volume, and carbon disulfide is 44%! Am I right?


    Being a person who remembered numbers urately even when drunk, Song Boyeong was, of course, correct. Jeong-woo turned his head.


    Why are you answering for the newbie?


    No, I just the junior seemed like she was about to cry.


    In that case, you should stay quiet


    A slight argument broke out then.


    Huh.


    Jin Mi-so shrugged her shoulders and suddenly burst into tears.


    What?


    Jeong-woo was surprised and approached Jin Mi-so.


    A-Are you crying?


    See, I told you. Her expression hasnt been good since she came in. Mi-so, its all a joke. Just a joke.


    Song Boyeong also came closer and patted Jin Mi-sos back. Jin Mi-so briefly felt relieved by Song Boyeongs words but soon began to sob uncontrobly.


    Senior Han Jeong-woo exined it so roughly


    Jin Mi-so was so surprised that her voice didnte out properly.


    After exining it like that, to say its a joke I was wondering how I would adapt here, so I was shocked


    The news of a new recruit crying spread, and the senior researchers from Labs 1, 2, and 3 all gathered in front of theb.


    Hey, Han Jeong-woo! Why are you making the kid cry? How could you guide her like this!


    You should have done it more moderately, with a serious face. Is it okay to act so harshly?


    Thats right, thats right. Mi-so, dont cry.


    The senior researchers, who had been immersed in experiments, all came out ming Jeong-woo and took a step back. They were all captivated by Jin Mi-sos beauty earlier. Even when they passed by earlier, their faces were filled with admiration.


    Jeong-woo, youre not doing this again, are you?


    Even the senior who had performed a fainting acting method with his eyes turned white came out, and Jeong-woo could only scratch his head.


    These people are too much.


    Nevertheless, the fortunate thing was that in line with the purpose of this event, the new recruits became closer to the seniors. They adapted morefortably to the culture of informal interactions.


    Except for me.


    After the wee event and themotion from earlier had settled, it was time for the morning briefing in Research Lab 1.


    The winners of the bet had chosen to go to the weing ceremony. In Jin Mi-sos case, she had quickly moved on after the moment of tears, so it hadnt even been 4 minutes since she cried.


    I shouldnt tease Mi-so like I do with Boyeong senior.


    Jeong-woo thought as he went to the break room, bought drinks, andforted her. After sweating a lot, he finally managed to calm down Jin Mi-so.


    Jeong-woo.


    Hong Ki-pyo, who was sitting across from him, spoke to Jeong-woo.


    Do you know Senior Kim Yu-sang?


    He was the senior in charge of the fourth fire experimentb.


    You mean the head of Research Lab 3?


    Yeah, that Yu-sang senior. He asked me how you did to stop the fire when you threw the mmable powder.


    I pretended to sprinkle it and secretly blew on it with my mouth.


    Is that so? You really got into it, huh? Youre cruel. Did you bet on Mi-so too?


    Yes.


    Hong Ki-pyo chuckled.


    Theres a rumor that she cried a lot on her first day. This willst at least a month. Take good care of Mi-so from now on.


    Jeong-woo wondered if it would be annoying for a while.


    Everyone, listen up!


    Oh Seung-ju held the schedule sheet in his hand and walked to the center of Research Lab 1.


    Were runningte, so Ill speak quickly. The weekly meeting today is at the Medical Bio Center. In-beom and Ki-pyo will go. Jeong-hui, please put the research proposal collection for January and February in the directors office


    After giving out a few more instructions, Oh Seung-ju turned her gaze towards Jeong-woo.


    Todays microbiologyb is finally yours, Jeong-woo.


    Senior, Ive never been in there before, so I dont know what to do.


    Jeong-woo looked for a way to escape with the mentality of catching even a straw.


    You were too cruel to make Mi-so cry just like that.


    Sorry, Senior. Even if thats somewhat cruel


    Only to that extent. Im five times more cruel to you.


    Oh Seung-ju had his own part on the story, so Jeong-woo decided not to mention the back deal anymore.


    Our youngest member!


    Song Boyeong called Jeong-woo softly. She had an ted look in her eyes as she pinned a piece of paper to the partition wall, which confirmed Jeong-woos schedule for entering the microbiologyb.


    [Congrattions, youngest member winner!]


    The memo featured a drawing of someone simr to Jeong-woo holding his nose.


    She had been silent for a while, but it turned out she had been quietly nning to tease him like this.


    Jeong-woo waited with a resigned expression for the fate that was about toe.


    Song Boyeong burst intoughter, delighted by his reaction.


    At that moment, Oh Seung-ju passed by.


    Oh, right, Boyeong.


    Song Boyeong, who always felt uneasy at times like this, had trembling eyes.


    We got a call from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. They said the department head will visit at 11. Youll be in charge of that.


    Director Choi ising?


    The work from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment included the fertilizer project currently underway in the microbiologyb. So, she had to enter theb. Song Boyeongs face, which had been full of joy, turned cloudy.


    Im wearing makeup today and I dont want to get it off. I rarely look this good, me.


    Thats good. Use your overflowing beauty to wee the department head. After that, wash your face clean and exin the progress of the fertilizer project.


    But Jeong-woo is here. Our youngest member.


    If youre going on assignment next week, it might confuse the department head. After all, Im going five times more, you know.


    Song Boyeong made a strange groaning noise and buried her face in her desk.


    Jeong-woo prepared an extrab coat to enter the microbiologyb and asked cautiously.


    Senior, are you crying? How can help your youngest member?


    Im not crying! I dont need anything!


    The congrattions memo that had been pinned to the partition wall next to her started shaking as she tapped her desk to express her desire to be alone.


    Jeong-woo entered the microbiologyb, holding his nose tightly as the air was filled with a pungent aroma.


    This ce, divided intopost and mold areas, centered around ss containers filled with culture dishes, emitted an overpowering scent. It felt suffocating, and he couldnt wait to finish and leave.


    He quickly reced the culture medium, disposed of the half-used dishes filled with excessive microbial growth, and finished disposing them into the waste container.


    As he walked forward, carrying a sensor to measure the fertility of thepost, the scent grew stronger.


    Its your nose, stop smelling.


    He was about to recite the spell when a message arrived on his phone.


    [Senior~ Its me, Mi-so. Lets have lunch together!]


    Jeong-woo felt bewildered by Jin Mi-sos text. How did she get his number? Perhaps crying loudly in front of the senior researchers had made her feel morefortable, or she had simply let her guard down. He had a feeling that she had been approaching him more amiably since earlier.


    [I cant. Im busy.]


    It would be better to avoid running into anyone for a while if he didnt want to be teased.


    After inserting the electrode sensor into thepost and measuring the amount of organic matter, he realized it would be quicker to view the molecules directly instead of analyzing them this way.


    Jeong-woo opened the monitor and began to examine thepost closely, embarking on a journey within this overpowering world.


    Thunk.


    Someone came in while he was working.


    I significantly increased the ion exchange capacitypared tost time.


    Is that so? If the soil infiltration has increased, it would be much better for using it on barrennd.


    It was Song Boyeong and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environments representative.


    A man in his mid-thirties with a sporty hairstyle, who had been inside earlier, saw Jeong-woo and nodded briefly.


    Thank you for your hard work. Im Choi Jae-woong.


    Im Han Jeong-woo.


    Are you testing thepost?


    Yes, I just need to record one more result.


    Choi Jae-woong walked over to Jeong-woo and showed interest in the result sheet he was working on.


    As Song Boyeong approached the monitor with a face as smooth as a babys, Jeong-woo signaled her by covering his nose to indicate that he couldnt smell anything now.


    After quickly recording the cellulose and lignin content, Jeong-woo stepped back.


    Im leaving now.


    Researcher Han Jeong-woo. Wait a moment.


    Choi Jae-woong pointed to a paragraph on the monitor with his hand.


    Why are the nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium levels low, but the salinity is so high?


    Well, I just recorded what the sensor detected, as is.


    Jeong-woo nced at Song Boyeong. She approached the monitor and started inspecting thepost analysis sheet.


    Oh? Thats right. Why is that? If the salinity is this high, it impairs the soils ability to retain moisture, right?


    Thats correct. Even if the nutrient content is excellent, fertilizers that increase salinity in the soil cannot be used.


    Jeong-woo felt terrible as it seemed like a problem had arisen due to their conversation. However, he reluctantly shifted his focus back to the molecr world within thepost.


    Clusters of aroma molecules were densely packed in this microcosm. There was a high content of starch and protein. That was pig manure.


    Ew.


    Analyzing theponents of manure one by one made him feel queasy.


    It seems like the pig might have overeaten, aside from grain feed. Mixing organic matter seemed to create variations. This part is high, but here its low.


    Jeong-woo inserted the sensor into various ces in thepost, and the detectors readings fluctuated.


    Indeed. We should keep this in mind when issuing the money ration. Please take note of it.


    Choi Jae-woong nodded in agreement.


    Then, Ill be on my way.


    If he continued to stare, it felt like he would see it in his dreams, so Jeong-woo quickly removed his hand from the sensor and bid farewell to the two before leaving.


    Oxygen. I need oxygen.


    As his nose was finally free, Jeong-woo felt a newfound appreciation for the fresh air.


    While Song Boyeong and Choi Jae-woong were checking the microbiological incubator, she overheard unexpected news.


    Its for the rural pilot areas?


    Yes, all the designatedpanies from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment are preparing for basic work. KG Chemicals also needs to send a team.


    It shouldnt be too difficult.


    In reality, the only issue was that she, the youngest member of Research Lab 1, had to go on a business trip.


    When is the timing?


    Tomorrow.


    Oh my, this is so sudden?


    Song Boyeong gave Choi Jae-woong a questioning look as if they should have been notified at least a week in advance. He lowered his head apologetically.


    I apologize. It was only just before the arrival of spring that we finally found a vige with arge amount ofnd that hasnt used any pesticides.


    Cleannd was essential to observe the practical use of organic farming methods. Listening to Choi Jae-woongs exnation, Song Boyeong began to think about what she needed to do once she got there.


    From collecting soil samples of potential farnds to measuring them, it wasnt a difficult task, but it would consume a significant amount of time.


    The elderly in this vige are quite closed-off. We cant predict when theyll allow the Agricultural Technology Center andpanies to act together.


    Regardless of the circumstances in the pilot area, KG Chemicals couldnt refuse since it was a long-term project they had already contracted.


    Suddenly, Song Boyeong had a thought.


    Does the participation have to be tomorrow, without fail?


    Choi Jae-woong nodded.


    It seems like the rookie is still part of Research Lab 1.


    Yes?


    Oh, no.


    Song Boyeong smiled with a change of heart.


    Could you please write a formal request? Even if its urgent, there are procedures to follow.


    Of course.


    As for team members, it will be me and


    Song Boyeong turned her gaze toward the door where Jeong-woo had left.


    Han Jeong-woo. The capable researcher you saw earlier.


    Oh, he seemed quitepetent.


    Surprised, arent you? Hes an incredible ace.


    A business trip to the countryside. In reality, the youngest member, besides the actual youngest, was working in Research Lab 1. Song Boyeong felt that she couldnt handle it alone.