Chapter 523: Role Reversal (3)
Chapter 523: Role Reversal (3)
“Has Chef June asked you to select me and Kaya as the judges?”
“No, she hasn’t, but she confirmed that you’re both qualified. In fact, I’d been considering you and Kaya as potential judges for a long time but hesitated to offer the position because I wasn’t sure. Of course, having you two would be excellent for marketing and broadcasting the Grand Chef competition, but I wondered if chefs worldwide would support my decision based solely on your cooking skills. I worried it might cause unnecessary friction.”
“Well, if you had me and Kaya as judges, some definitely would oppose it,” Minjoon said without hesitation, as if already knowing the answer.
As he expected, opposition was inevitable for the two being appointed Grand Chef judges.
Still, Martin smiled at Minjoon and said, “At first, I thought many chefs would disagree. But June told me they wouldn’t dare oppose you. She said some might feel jealous, but those who truly know you would find such complaints baseless. Above all, you’ve both earned international recognition multiple times for your excellent performance and recipes.”
“Do you think our track record is enough?”
“Isn’t it time you realised what truly matters in this field? Even if you had fewer achievements, I’d still consider you as Grand Chef judges because people’s fantasies about you have always exceeded those about most good chefs.”
Minjoon didn’t deny this. It was true. Most people misunderstood his talent as absolute, believing he might be the best chef in the world. But chefs knew the reality: talent mattered, but experience was crucial too. Cases like Minjoon’s—someone overcoming experience barriers—were unfamiliar. Until he announced his signature dessert Jo Reggiano, won the Paris International Culinary Competition, and publicised his gastronomic knowledge through Jotus Guide, he was viewed as a chef with great potential.
“So, is Joseph also going to be a judge?”
“Joseph was thinking of quitting, but I managed to keep him. He’s looking forward to judging with you and Kaya.”
“Well, that’s an interesting panel. A chef like me—once judged by them—is now returning as a judge in just a few years, right?”
“Have you kept up with the Grand Chef competition since Season 3?”
“I wouldn’t say I’ve watched them all, but I’ve seen some.”
“Then you know many participants regard you and Kaya as role models.”
“Well, I know that to some extent,” Minjoon replied, a little embarrassed. Even he would respect and envy a chef like that. Compared to Kaya, his success had been surprisingly fast and sure.
Still, he wasn’t sure if they admired his cooking or his success alone.
In any case, both were important to them. Whatever their motivation, it was true many dreamed of cooking careers and thought highly of him.
Martin smiled. “So wouldn’t it be good for you to show yourself at the Grand Chef competition? For those who admire you?”
“But this isn’t a one-off event. You don’t want just a one-year contract, right?”
“Exactly. I hope you can judge for at least two years.”
“Yes, that suits both you and us.”
At that moment, a woman interrupted their conversation. June appeared, casually looking at Minjoon.
Anxiously, he asked, “Will it be okay if I’m away from the restaurant?”
“Joseph and Alan were away from their kitchens even as head chefs. Unlike head chefs, it’s not easy to find a replacement for a sound chef. When you gain fame, it benefits the restaurant. By the way, you’ve forgotten something.”
June raised her finger. “Have you forgotten the event due at the end of this year?”
“You mean the selection of head chef for Rose Island’s main store?”
“Yes. Whether I, Dave, or someone else wins, things will likely change a lot. I’m not sure if you’ll continue as sous chef till then. You see my point, right?”
Minjoon roughly understood. If June became executive manager of Rose Island, things would change dramatically for her New York restaurant. He doubted she’d want him as her sous chef much longer—he was too good for that role alone.
If she didn’t become manager, she might leave New York’s restaurant, having no reason to stay. She might live a broken life for a while.
Either way, next year would bring many changes.
“So, are you going to accept Martin’s offer?” Kaya asked, eyes wide.
Minjoon nodded. “I don’t think we should reject it. Of course, we can, but there are more reasons to accept. What do you think?”
“Well, because of how Irregular Lab runs, it’s hard to find a replacement if I’m away.”
“Oh, that makes sense. As things stand, Irregular Lab would collapse without you and Chloe.”
This was partly why Irregular Lab’s franchise plan hadn’t gone well. Since the main chefs bore primary responsibility, it was tough to find others who’d work the same way. They might be better off at regular restaurants than replicating instant recipes Kaya and Chloe insisted on.
“I think you should serve as a judge,” Chloe said.
Kaya looked surprised. Chloe’s opinion had been a big reason why Kaya hesitated to accept the offer. After all, they ran the restaurant together.
“Are you sure, Chloe?”
“Well, it’s not a question of yes or no. Lately, I’ve felt we’ve hit our limits. Isn’t it obvious if you look under my eyes?”
Chloe pointed under her eyes, where visible dark circles showed they’d been overworking.
Understanding, Kaya sighed.
Chloe shrugged. “So just go take a good break at the Grand Chef competition. You’re going to go eventually, so we should reduce our workdays now. Due to hotel business, we can’t rest on weekends, but maybe take two weekdays off or hire some excellent chefs to fill in.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“We have time to prepare. If we hire substitutes, they can get used to the work here. Oh, and congratulations on becoming a Grand Chef judge! That’s meaningful for us in many ways,” Chloe smiled.
Truthfully, she felt a flicker of envy but knew it was pointless. Being invited as a Grand Chef judge wasn’t something she could wish for; better to just congratulate Kaya.
But winning Chloe’s approval wasn’t Kaya’s only concern. It took three days before Kaya told Minjoon she’d accept the judging offer too.
Finally, the lineup of Grand Chef competition judges was confirmed.