Chapter 522: Role Reversal (2)
Chapter 522: Role Reversal (2)
Meanwhile, people’s perceptions of Kaya were undergoing a radical shift. Many often admired her cooking skills with exclamations like, “Wow, what a great chef she is!” The reputation of Irregular Lab and her signature menu, Six Meat, had also raised awareness of her considerably. Yet most still assumed she was a cut above Minjoon when it came to cooking ability.
Looking back, it was amusing. Until she attended the Grand Chef competition, Kaya was portrayed as a genius whom Minjoon could not challenge. However, people regarded him as more competent because his brilliant achievements in the culinary world left such a deep impression that they had forgotten the gap between their cooking skills.
But reading their conversations in Jotus Guide revealed that when Minjoon made gastronomic decisions, he was rather dependent on her. They had noticed it subtly before but only confirmed it now.
At first, some thought this dependence stemmed merely from his trust in her as his lover. Yet the more they examined their dialogue, the clearer it became that his reliance went far beyond that.
Kaya’s gastronomic level was so extraordinary that they lacked words to describe it. She possessed a perfect palate. Whatever she ate, she instantly grasped the composition of the dish’s taste. She seldom talked about it because she wasn’t inspired by such technicalities, but she clearly sensed hidden notes in the food that most people perceived only unconsciously. Since she struggled to articulate what she tasted, her descriptions were sometimes awkward. Still, those who truly understood her were stunned to realise that the tastes she expressed transcended even the levels associated with a perfect palate. Thanks to her rediscovery, they began to appreciate the hidden flavours in dishes they had never noticed before.
In fact, Minjoon’s palate, though excellent and better than most chefs’, lacked some of that delicacy. He had fallen short of expectations in that respect.
Yet Kaya combined both delicacy and sensitivity in a perfect palate, which amazed them even more. Naturally, questions arose: “Does she also have a perfect palate like Minjoon?”
No one could answer quickly. However, it was hard to believe Kaya had a perfect palate. If someone with such an ability appeared elsewhere, people would likely assume there was another like Minjoon and forget it.
But probability made it almost unthinkable that Minjoon’s lover would also possess a perfect palate.
Meanwhile, a quote from Minjoon during an interview at the Grand Chef competition—that his delicacy in taste was incomparable to Kaya’s—had been widely repeated.
In the end, people reached a single conclusion: Kaya’s gastronomic ability exceeded imagination and was superior to Minjoon’s in some ways.
“So, you think Kaya has a perfect palate?” June asked.
Minjoon calmly nodded.
As a matter of fact, Kaya’s perfect palate should have attracted attention long ago during the Grand Chef competition. But at the time, people focused solely on Minjoon’s fantastic palate. Even when she later displayed her cooking skills, she failed to make a tangible impact unless she could identify all the dumplings’ ingredients as Minjoon did.
Now, however, both Kaya and Minjoon had their own achievements in cooking, and the way people viewed them had changed.
Above all, June was around now, someone who could use the situation perfectly.
Touching her lips, she paused in thought.
Does this make sense?
She had often wondered whether Kaya truly had a perfect palate. When witnessing Kaya’s gastronomic ability, she seemed on par with Minjoon, even ahead in some respects.
But after hearing Minjoon affirm it, June’s feelings had become complicated.
How could two lovers both have perfect palates? Has hers been contaminated by his? If so, I want to be contaminated too, she thought.
Lost in idle thoughts, June glanced at Minjoon. Since he benefited greatly from people knowing about his perfect palate, he would understand how much she could gain from public recognition as well.
I have to meet her expectations...
June said, “Since you brought it up, you want me to publicise Kaya’s perfect palate, right?”
Minjoon replied, “I want to publicise it to the public without making a big fuss. As you know, if anything goes wrong, people will misunderstand her. Not many would believe that both she and I have perfect palates.”
“Well, that’s not hard. Winning people’s hearts is tough, but swaying their minds is easier,” she said, briefly surfing the internet. She had been agonising over something lately. Looking at him a moment, then back at the screen, she muttered quietly, “Are you ready to do whatever it takes to promote Kaya’s perfect palate?”
“Well, it depends on how dramatic it will be. But yes, I’m ready.”
“Good. Wait and you’ll hear good news soon.”
“What are you planning?”
“Just wait.”
She smiled mischievously, uncharacteristically for her. In two days, Minjoon found out what she meant.
It was a typical day. The sky was darkening, and cooks and servers at June’s restaurant busied themselves preparing to open.
While everyone, including Minjoon, was busy, a familiar face approached.
“Hey, Martin?”
Seeing Martin, Minjoon asked in surprise.
Martin smiled, hair greying and face lined with wrinkles after several years.
“It’s been a while, Minjoon.”
“What brings you here? To see June or me?”
“Well, I came to see June, but I have business to discuss with you.”
“I think I know what it is, Martin,” Minjoon said, looking at him.
There was only one reason Martin would come at this time of year.
“You’re thinking of asking Kaya and me to be special judges for a cooking contest, right?”
They had been through this before. Minjoon wondered if their judging this time would have any impact, but it would differ. As Jotus’ representatives, they could promote the guide and publicise Kaya’s perfect palate beautifully. It was a golden opportunity for them.
Martin only smiled knowingly and didn’t answer immediately.
Then slowly, “You know Alan and Emily are dating, right?”
“Yeah, Alan proposed first.”
“Oh, rumours travel fast. That’s true. They’re getting married next year, planning a sweet honeymoon.”
“Next year?”
“Yes. Emily’s busy judging this year’s Grand Chef competition and can’t take time off.”
“Really?”
“Mr. Takeshi plans to focus more on running his restaurant next year.”
Minjoon was speechless. If that was true, he would inevitably be invited as a Grand Chef judge. Sure enough, he was to be a judge of the Grand Chef competition he once competed in and dreamed of winning.
Martin asked, “Can you be a judge for the Grand Chef competition?”
“Are you serious? You want Kaya and me to judge the Grand Chef competition?” Minjoon asked, embarrassed. Though he understood, he asked again, since the offer seemed surreal.
The Grand Chef competition was a popular show watched by tens of millions once started. He could hardly believe Martin would offer him and Kaya the judging and hosting roles.
Martin understood Minjoon’s surprise but remained calm.
“You don’t have to be so surprised. You’re fully qualified.”