*Click…*
The sound of the front door being opened by a key could be heard before Myung-hee hurried inside. She was in such a rush to get into her house that she forgot to lock her garage door.
After entering the house, she slammed the door shut and with quick steps she passed the bedroom she shared with her husband and made her way to her home office. However, as she made her way there, said husband had woken up from the door slamming.
Sung-ho sat up from the couch in the living room and saw that the person who woke him up was his wife. He frowned at being woken up, but also from confusion as to why his wife was home so early. Though he didn't intend to ask, he was about to lay back down and drift to sleep. However, his stomach felt empty after not eating or drinking anything all day except beer.
"Hey, do you have any money in that purse?"
Myung-hee paid her husband no mind as she pulled out a key from her handbag before unlocking the office door and then entering.
Sung-ho didn't give up. He got up and walked over to the office door and began knocking on it rather loudly.
"Hey, didn't you hear what I said?!"
His muffled voice traveled through the door and entered the room for Myung-hee to hear.
Myung-hee grunted in annoyance at her husband's actions before she continued to ignore him. She took out her phone from her handbag before she threw the handbag onto the couch that was in one corner of the room.
On this couch was a ruffled blanket and a small pillow. There was a small table next to it that had a half-eaten ramen atop it with chopsticks still sticking out of it. The two bookshelves at either side of the room that were supposed to be filled with books were instead filled with binding folders bursting with documents. The missing books in question were scattered around the floor of the room in stacked piles.
More documents were spread out on the desk situated under the window at the back of the office, as well as scattered on the floor along with the books.
Simply put, the room was a mess.
Myung-hee hopped over the documents and books and made her way toward the computer on the desk. She was about to transfer the pictures she had taken of the Av13 Serum files, but her phone suddenly rang, startling her. But looking at the caller ID, Myung-hee felt her heart sink a little.
After contemplating for a moment, Myung-hee decided to swipe up and answer the call.
"Hello, Madelyn?"
"Myung-hee, I'm sorry but I need you to come back to the Lab."
"Why, is something wrong?"
Myung-hee felt her heart rise to her throat and she thought back on her actions wondering where she had gone wrong. However, to her relief, Madelyn responded.
"Oh, nothing's wrong. It's just that I've decided to bring you on to that project you asked to join."
"Really? I thought you said I couldn't join before?"
A sigh could be heard from the phone as Madelyn explained.
"That was before. The fire that started today destroyed all of the physical research and even the samples of the Serum we managed to turn into consumable pills. All that was left was to test its effects, but this happened before we could. Thankfully we were able to save some of the digital research from the computer in the fire. The issue is, to prevent the Serum from leaking we kept most of the data physical. The digital data we recovered only has a basic outline of the Serum. We don't even have the data on creating the consumable pills, so we essentially have to start from scratch. You're one of the best Pharmaceutical Chemist I know, so if there is anyone who can help us recreate the Serum from the limited data we have it's you. The higher-ups in charge of this project are really angry and I don't know who else to turn to, will you help me Myung-hee?"
Myung-hee could hear the desperation in Madelyn's voice and she couldn't help but crack a smile. However, she quickly composed her emotions and said with sincerity.
"Of course, of course I'm willing to help you, Madelyn, but I'm not sure if you should put so much trust in me. I don't really know if I'll be able to help that much, there must be more qualified people than me out there that could help, right?"
"Myung-hee, don't put yourself down. The higher-ups have called a few professionals from overseas to help, but compared to working with strangers, I feel more assured working with a friend. Plus, I can attest that your skills aren't any less than those people."
Myung-hee didn't immediately respond, it seemed like she was hesitating.
"I know you're worried about being so openly involved while not having the proper qualifications as a Pharmaceutical Chemist, but with me leading the project no one would question your qualifications. Myung-hee please, I need your help."
Madelyn said once again, and as if she had been convinced Myung-hee sighed and said.
"Okay, I'll be there soon."
"Great! We can work on this as soon as you get to my office. Drive safely."
"Okay, bye."
After saying that, Myung-hee hung up the phone. Her hands squeezed her phone tightly while excitement spread across her face.
To be honest this wasn't part of her plan.
She had only wanted to steal a sample of the Av13 Serum and the research. With those, she would be able to work on the Serum herself. After perfecting it, she would find someone to sell the completed research to and make a fortune. She was still wondering who to sell that information to, but she was sure she could find someone, after all, who wouldn't want the opportunity to get their hands on a pill that could theoretically cure nearly eighty percent of the world's illnesses?