Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: A Jaw-Dropping Promotion Idea
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"Interior-wise, Option 1 looks the best. It's clean and neat."
"Then we'll go with Option 1. The first branch should be ready in about two weeks."
Good. Opening and running a new store isn't a big deal anymore. The franchisees are capable, and after managing multiple locations, the staff have gotten a solid feel for it.
"Just one thing left."
That's the worry.
"Yes. Promotion."
"[Raid the Fridge] did put [Chinese Pork Noodles] on the map, but it's not enough."
Cable TV only pulls about 3% ratings. A single appearance won't skyrocket recognition overnight.
Since we've made this the signature dish for [Shanghai Noodle House], it needs to feel more familiar to people.
"Snowflake Bingsoo blew up on SNS, so how about rewarding people who post proof shots?"
No Sehee chimed in first.
"That's a solid idea. But it won't have the same dramatic impact as the bingsoo."
Sorry, Chinese Pork Noodles, but visually, it doesn't pack the same punch.
Snowflake Bingsoo is pretty and unique, grabbing eyes instantly.
Chinese Pork Noodles taste impeccable, but it just looks like spicy pork stir-fry over noodles. Impressive, sure, but not overwhelming.
"The key is getting it stuck in people's minds somehow..."
There are plenty of generic Chinese spots out there. With a standout menu like this, we need killer promotion.
"I'll brainstorm some more. Team Leader No, whip up that event idea and show it to me."
"Yes, sir."
That settles [Shanghai Noodle House] prep. Once No Sehee left, I spun my chair around.
'Any good ideas?'
I grabbed my phone and scrolled through contacts. Anyone who could help right now?
That's when it hit me, after scrolling awhile.
'Huh?'
Right, this person!
Why'd I forget? I hit call immediately.
"Yes, hello?"
I grinned as soon as they picked up.
"How've you been?"
Found it.
The perfect promotion hook.
A dark screen, but the voice cut through crystal clear. A cold tone, like it was crushing the other person.
-The world's gotten so easy. Selling soup and snacks makes you a chef now.
You could picture the scene without seeing it. The blatant dig at Song Wooyeon—the youngest, no experience—hung in the air.
Tension rippled through the room as people glanced around nervously. Song Wooyeon stayed composed, but who could guess his real feelings?
Sometimes, you take one step back for two forward.
This rocky start wrapped up by the broadcast's end like this.
-I'll admit it. You taught me something, Chef Song.
"This is iiiit!"
Shim Chaeyun grabbed the TV and shrieked. Ugh, she never got tired of it.
'Anderic acts all high and mighty, then bam—recognizes the skill right away. That it's real life, not a movie? That's the insane hook!'
Her chest swelled; she stomped in place.
"What's with her lately? Rewatching that episode again?"
"Mom! Don't turn it off~! There's still more!"
"Lunch is soon! Quit the TV and set the table!"
Mom's command shut her down.
She trailed to the kitchen in quick steps, chattering about the show.
"That guy earlier? He's the owner of my go-to spot. When he got flak over that plagiarism mess, I texted from his business card to check if he was okay. He thanked me. Turns out he owns that local soup joint and more. Looks young, but impressive, right?"
"Girl, my ears are falling off! So what? You gonna go sell food? Why always yapping about this Song Whatever?"
"No, when did I say I'd sell food...? You know I can't cook."
Her meek protest just amped Mom up.
"Can't? You just won't! My back's wrecked feeding you. Know how much your food costs monthly? Matches your tuition!"
"Mom!"
"What!"
Shim Chaeyun snapped irritably; Mom fired back. Pouting, she retorted.
"That's why I said I'm doing that thing. Broadcasting."
"People are nuts these days. What's fun about eating someone else's food?"
Tsk tsk. Ignoring the tongue-click, Shim Chaeyun doubled down.
"You don't get it, Mom, but I'm kinda famous? Search me on YouTube! Tons of comments saying they love watching me chow down!"
"Oh lord. No talent, so eating's your gift?"
"Mom, why say it like that! Fine, not talking to you."
Acting like she knew everything!
Shim Chaeyun huffed to her room.
Slam!
She shut the door loud, then muttered sheepishly.
"It was the wind!"
Plopping at her computer, the open editing software reignited her frustration.
'Ugh. Just applied for YouTube monetization—should rake in cash. And she doesn't even know!'
A friend egged her on; it hooked her hard.
Balancing school, shooting, editing—some vids hit the algorithm and boom, viral channel.
Still surreal seeing hundreds of thousands of views.
'Hmm. Other mukbang YouTubers do lives a lot. Should I? Donations explode then...'
Deep in thought—
Bzzz.
Phone vibrated.
'Who?'
No one expected today. Club folks? She checked.
"!"
She jolted; fingers froze.
[Song Wooyeon Owner]
The screen blazed clear: the guy from TV.
'What, why? Suddenly?'
Shock faded fast; she jabbed accept amid the buzz.
"H-Hello?"
-Hello. How've you been?
Warm tone.
-Not coming for bingsoo anymore? Been waiting to hook you up again.
Playful vibe eased her nerves.
"School ended, so not around much... Haha. I'll swing by soon. Oh, loved the show!"
-Saw [Raid the Fridge], huh~.
"Yeah! You killed it!"
Excitement spilled out unchecked. Chef Ahn duo, fun broadcast, deep Chinese food knowledge—gush city.
-Haha. Glad you enjoyed. I was embarrassed, though. PD hyped me too much.
"No way! Bet most feel like me? That satisfying proxy win."
Like a fangirl chatting her fave celeb. She fought the floaty high.
"Chinese Pork Noodles looked so good—gonna try making it! Never cooked, but okay...?"
-Of course. Anyone can. Though nothing beats the original.
"Whew. True?"
-Joking, and you clap back like that? Makes me the bad guy.
"Huh? R-Really?"
She startled; he chuckled short.
-So, wanna come try it for real?
"Huh?"
-Chinese Pork Noodles.
"F-For real?!"
She shot up.
'YouTube gold!'
Nearing pro status? First thought. Titles flooded her brain.
Chance to mukbang the noodles—irresistible!
'But mentioning filming... rude?'
Grateful for the food; adding camera might offend. As she pondered—
-Saw your YouTube.
"Gasp! You did?!"
-100k subs already? Skyrocketing per vid.
Whoa, someone noticed!
Subs climbed decently, but 100k's tiny vs. population.
No street recognition; surreal. And Song Wooyeon knows her?
Thrill washed over.
-So, here's the pitch.
His sly, sweet voice dropped the bait.
-Chinese Pork Noodles mukbang collab? Sounds fun.
"Perfect!"
Exactly what she craved.
-Wow, really? Got some content ideas—wanna hear?
"What kind?"
-Hmm~.
He grinned through the line.
-I cook hard; you eat big. First to tap out loses.
Spark! Vision crystallized in her head.
-Cooking vs. Eating. Thoughts?
'This'll crush!'
Future 1M-subber's instinct kicked in.