Chapter 51
Chapter 51: Script Reading
Translated by POWERPUFF
Andrew Lee.
A Korean who was adopted to the United States at a young age.
He began cooking early and, in search of his identity, mastered not only Korean cuisine but also Chinese, Japanese, and Western cooking.
Now, he was one of the chefs who captivated the world with not only flashy cooking performances but also outstanding taste.
He had settled in Korea, running a restaurant and advising many on cooking performances.
From Nanta-style performances to cooking dramas and even stage shows, he had consulted on numerous projects.
But right now, he was not in a good mood.
“That arrogant brat.”
The reason for his bad mood was an actor who would be learning cooking performance today.
Despite the limited time before filming, the actor insisted on performing without a stunt double.
Andrew Lee had warned multiple times that it could be dangerous without proper training, but the actor refused, insisting on realism.
To him, it felt like his life’s work was being underestimated.
“That was his name… Baek Seungchan?”
It was indeed Baek Seungchan.
“I’ll teach him a lesson today.”
Andrew Lee was known for his fiery personality.
In the past, he was even worse—so much so that in the kitchen, he was nicknamed the “devil chef.”
A kitchen filled with knives and fire was dangerous, and strictness was necessary for safety.
Though he had mellowed with age, he decided to bring back his old self for Baek Seungchan.
“Let’s see if he dares to be late.”
That was where it would begin—punctuality.
Just then, a subordinate entered.
“Chef.”
“What?”
“The actors scheduled for today have arrived.”
“Already?”
He checked the time.
It was 1 PM—an hour earlier than the scheduled 2 PM.
“Yes, they said they wanted to practice in advance.”
“…Alright. Tell them to wait.”
“Yes!”
After the subordinate left, his expression softened slightly.
“…At least he has the basics.”
Punctuality was something he valued.
At the studio, Baek Seungchan arrived with Nam Siwoo.
Nam Siwoo’s role as a kitchen assistant required him to at least know basic knife skills.
“Hyung, aren’t we too early?”
“No one complains about being early. Especially in this industry, it’s better the more successful you become.”
Being late could lead to criticism, while being early built a good image.
These small things shaped an actor’s reputation.
“You’re right.”
“And you said you can’t use a knife at all, right? Let’s practice a bit before training starts.”
Baek Seungchan had already informed the company that he had experience as a military cook.
At that moment, a staff member approached.
“Can we start filming?”
It was for a promotional video.
“Yes.”
Filming began.
“I’ll start by teaching you how to hold a knife.”
Using onions, Baek Seungchan taught the basics.
“Hold it like this, and don’t press—slice gently.”
“Like this?”
“Yeah, take it slow at first.”
Nam Siwoo followed well.
Just then, the studio door opened, and Andrew Lee entered.
“Hello, I’m Baek Seungchan.”
“Hello, I’m Nam Siwoo.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Andrew Lee.”
Though his tone was cold, they didn’t mind.
They had already heard about his personality.
“Were you cutting onions?”
“Yes, I was teaching him.”
“You?”
Andrew Lee frowned, ready to criticize.
But upon seeing the onions, his expression changed.
“…Hmm.”
He looked at Baek Seungchan with surprise.
“Have you learned cooking?”
“Yes, I was a military cook.”
“…I see.”
His opinion shifted—from arrogance to competence.
“You still need practice,” he said to Nam Siwoo.
Then to Baek Seungchan,
“You can handle a knife. Can you go fast?”
“Yes.”
“Show me.”
Baek Seungchan began.
Tak-tak-tak.
In an instant, he sliced half an onion.
“Wow…”
Nam Siwoo was amazed.
Andrew Lee’s gaze changed.
Speed alone wasn’t impressive.
But maintaining precision and consistency at that speed was rare.
Baek Seungchan’s cuts were even and clean.
Even among chefs, it was exceptional.
“You don’t need knife training. Can you handle a pan?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll show you. Then follow.”
Andrew Lee demonstrated.
Flames burst as ingredients hit the heated pan.
He handled fire with mastery.
“Can you do this?”
“I’ll try.”
Baek Seungchan stepped forward.
Flames rose again.
And he handled them just as skillfully.
Andrew Lee was stunned.
His skill was at a professional level.
“Watch closely. You’ll need to do this.”
This time, Andrew Lee showed advanced techniques—
Spinning knives, tossing them between hands, stabbing them into the board, flipping pans in dynamic motion.
It was closer to acrobatics than cooking.
“Wow…”
Nam Siwoo stared in awe.
Baek Seungchan nodded.
“No wonder he’s famous.”
“Can you do this too?”
Andrew Lee asked.
Now, there was expectation in his eyes.
“I’ll try.”
Baek Seungchan picked up a knife.
“Wait, it’s dangerous—”
Andrew Lee stopped mid-sentence.
Baek Seungchan was already moving the knife freely.
Soon, his performance ended.
Everyone stood in stunned silence.
“…What exactly are you?”
Andrew Lee asked, dazed.
Baek Seungchan’s skills surpassed even his own.
And he realized—
This wasn’t arrogance. It was confidence backed by ability.
The broadcasting station for “Afterlife Restaurant” was decided.
Among SBC, KBC, and MBS, they chose SBC for the best conditions.
Today was the script reading.
Actors gathered at Dream Entertainment.
It was the first time the cast met together.
“Nice to see you, Seungchan.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“I knew you’d make it.”
Some were actors from “A Shop for Killers.”
Then, the door opened.
Cha Minhee entered.
All eyes turned to her.
“…Hello.”
She hesitated, then quietly sat next to Baek Seungchan.
“….”
She avoided eye contact, reading the script quietly.
Some actors didn’t like her attitude.
She was younger than almost everyone present.
Baek Seungchan shook his head.
“She’s not being rude. She’s just shy.”
He explained her personality.
“I see.”
“That makes sense.”
Their expressions softened.
“…Thank you.”
She whispered.
Baek Seungchan found it fascinating—
She was completely different from when she acted.
“Let’s keep it simple for now.”
With everyone present, the script reading began.
It started with Baek Seungchan and Cha Minhee’s past scene.
When it ended, everyone had the same thought.
“Wasn’t that supposed to be simple…?”