r=Ʃ(Xi -X)(Yi-Y)/√Ʃ(Xi-X)2/(n-1)*/√Ʃ(Yi-Y)2/(n-1).

“What is wrong with this equation?”

Woosung stood up and approached the whiteboard. As he added to the equation, he explained.

“It is an equation to find the correlation coefficient, but you used a slightly different version.”

r=Ʃ(Xi -X)(Yi-Y)/(n-1)/√Ʃ(Xi-X)2/(n-1)*/√Ʃ(Yi-Y)2/(n-1).

Woosung wrote without hesitation. Oh Juhoon gave out an unhappy nod as a response.

“You’re right. I guess you’re…good at stats too.”

“It’s the foundation of data analysis. I try to keep up with it.”

Woosung’s knowledge was impressive. Cha Yeoreum couldn’t hide her surprise.

‘Oh Juhoon has a PhD in Statistics…’

An expert in the field asked a question, and Woosung answered it without a second thought. She couldn’t understand the equation, but she knew it was not an easy question. Kwak Jungwook felt the same.

“Wow, is there anything you can’t do, Woosung?”

Yoon Gihwan laughed and answered.

“Hahaha. Our newbie can do anything.”

“I believe that.”

The mood lightened in the room. Woosung grinned and answered.

“I honestly don’t know if there is anything I can’t do.”

Kwak Jungwook asked with widened eyes.

“What?”

“Haha. I’m just kidding. It’s a joke.”

Woosung looked at Kwon Taegyun and asked.

“So what do you think? If you agree to a seminar, I will give you every detail you need.”

Kwon Taegyun looked at Oh Juhoon again. He was the actual brain behind this project so his opinion mattered.

Nod.

Oh Juhoon nodded. It was necessary. Kwon Taegyun closed his eyes tightly and scratched his forehead. When he remained silent, Kwak Jungwook spoke out.

“PM Kwon, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Why don’t we just go ahead with it?”

At Kwak Jungwook’s urging, Kwon Taegyun had no choice but to agree.

“Fine.”

A tense atmosphere filled the room once again. Woosung had nothing more to say, so he stood up and left, followed by Yoon Gihwan and Kwak Jungwook. Everyone from Daeyang System, however, remained silent in the room.

***

After the meeting, Kwak Jungwook went back to the headquarters. The general manager was very interested in this project, so letting him know of every major event was critical.

When he entered the room, Kwak Jungwook informed Jo Youngsuk.

“Sir, Woosung Kang was right. He explained every point logically and Daeyang couldn’t deny anything.”

“So he was right…”

Kwak Jungwook remembered Woosung’s words.

“He accused them of not even having a clear project goal.”

“And Daeyang accepted it?”

Jo Youngsuk couldn’t believe it.

“Do you remember Oh Juhoon who wrote the proposal report?”

Jo Youngsuk nodded.

Oh Juhoon.

He received his PhD in statistics from the University of Seoul. He gave an expert and impressive presentation of his project.

“Even Oh Juhoon agreed with Woosung. He approved Woosung’s seminar.”

“So a newbie who graduated from Songwon University convinced an expert with a PhD from University of Seoul?”

“Woosung was impressive. I am beginning to wonder if there is anything he can’t do.”

“I want him. I need someone like him beside me…”

“Would you like me to offer him a job on your behalf?”

Jo Youngsuk shook his head.

“No. I need to do it myself in person. Please arrange a meeting with him.”

“Ok.”

Kwak Jungwook nodded and left the room. Jo Youngsuk’s eyes sparkled expectantly.

***

Yoon Gihwan, now more curious than ever, looked at Woosung.

“When did you have the time to study statistics?”

“I thought I told you before. I am studying both mathematics and statistics.”

“But you didn’t tell me you’re good at it.”

“Well, fair enough. I’m telling you now. I’m awesome at it.”

“…what?”

Yoon Gihwan laughed.

“I am studying college mathematics and linear algebra again as well. I didn’t realize how good I am at them.”

These were subjects he used to hate when he was still at school. At best, he could get a B grade at the time, but now, things were different. Death has given him a better brain and stronger determination.

Yoon Gihwan smiled and answered.

“Alright, you’re great. I admit it.”

Woosung smiled as well.

“Haha, I’m kidding.”

Yoon Gihwan patted Woosung’s shoulder and asked.

“By the way, it’s Friday today. Do you have any plans after work? Let’s go for a drink.”

“Please don’t use me because you’re lonely.”

Yoon Gihwan grunted.

“Huh. What are you talking about?”

“Haha. Drink with Manager Park. I need to finish up preparing for the Microsoft seminar tomorrow.”

“Is that already tomorrow?”

“I know. Time flies.”

Woosung looked out the window. Winter was almost over and spring was around the corner.

***

Gangnam was now the center of Seoul.

The Microsoft developer conference was taking place at Daeyang hotel placed at the center of Gangnam.

Saturday.

The road was busy, but he still took the car he received from Jang Gwangchul.

“Here we go.”

The ride was smooth and quiet. He could feel the eyes of the other drivers on the road glued at him and his ride.

It was 2008. Luxury foreign cars weren’t a common spectacle seen in South Korea yet.

“I love Benz.”

It was indeed an amazing car.

“I should thank him for this present.”

Jang Gwangchul.

He felt appreciative and he knew this was what Jang Gwangchul wanted him to feel.

“You will reach your destination in 100m. Please drive safe.”

“You will reach your destination in 100m. Please drive safe.”

“You will reach your destination in 100m. Please drive safe.”

The built-in navigation informed Woosung.

***

Yoon Chanjong arrived at the Microsoft conference with his colleague Park Jonghyun. Many luxury cars arrived, one could notice the envy in the way Park Jonghyun gazes at them.

“Hey, when will the others arrive?”

“In 10 minutes. Yeoreum will be here too so make sure you watch what you say.”

“Hey, I’m not that stupid. By the way, do you know any girl around? Come on, you can introduce me.”

“Phew, no. You don’t even have a job.”

“I keep telling you, it’s by choice. I’ll get one very soon.”

“Jonghyun, I’m telling you as a friend…”

Park Jonghyun’s ears were closed as something distracted his attention. He turned around and pointed at a car.

“Hey, look. It’s a Benz S-Class 350L. I heard it’s worth over 100,000 dollars. It’s the price of an apartment.”

Yoon Chanjong turned around as well. His current annual salary was less than 30,000 dollars. Even if he saved everything, it would take him years to afford a car like that.

“I can’t believe how expensive it is.”

“It’s not just the price of the car. Maintenance costs a fortune too. Insurance, taxes, and gas…”

Yoon Chanjong licked his lips. He thought he made it by getting a job, but it was only the beginning.

Park Jonghyun continued.

“I would love to be rich. Drive fancy cars and date gorgeous women would be my dream.”

As they chatted, a car stopped nearby, and the driver stepped out.

“Huh?”

“W…Woosung?”

“It’s him, and that’s the car he got as a present at the graduation ceremony!”

Woosung didn’t see them. He handed the key to the valet and walked into the hotel. It was very crowded due to the conference. Park Jonghyun ran to catch up to Woosung.