Chapter 525: Role Reversal (5)
Chapter 525: Role Reversal (5)
“Enjoy cooking?”
June was lost in thought, lingering on that expression.
Minjoon spoke quietly, “You have three weeks left. You might feel that’s short, but it’s enough for you to achieve something—so please do your best.”
He had pointed out all the problems in her cooking from start to finish. She always aimed for perfection, frequently surprising people with original ideas and flawless recipes no one had seen before.
That didn’t mean she lacked anything. In many respects, she was fully qualified to be called the best chef in the world. Yet, like Rachel was behind Daniel, June still lagged behind Dave in her cooking.
Is this her destiny? Minjoon wondered.
Both June and Dave lacked innate senses in some ways. Minjoon pondered how June might surpass Dave but found no easy answer. It was hard to find a solution.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles International Airport buzzed with activity—not because of a celebrity, for although these chefs were known, they weren’t famous enough for such commotion.
Famous chefs including June, Dave, Deborah, and Minjoon arrived together. It wasn’t unusual to see such people at the airport, but the crowd grew curious when hundreds of chefs in uniform descended, sparking wide attention.
People filmed them on phones, and videos spread online. Questions arose: Why had so many chefs flocked to Los Angeles at once?
Answers came fast. It was for the upcoming competition to select the head of Rose Island, Rachel’s successor. Many knowledgeable people already knew; a broadcasting team had been assigned to capture this historic moment.
The month-long competition meant all Rose Island branches worldwide would temporarily close. Their head chefs flying to Los Angeles had no reason to object. Above all, the event was a significant moment for every Rose Island member.
“Are you nervous?” Minjoon asked June quietly.
She adjusted her clothes thoughtfully.
“If I said no, I’d be lying.”
“You can win. I see a possibility.”
“Are you saying I’ll win for sure?”
“No, I wouldn’t say that.”
“What a cold-hearted guy!” she grumbled, but not unhappily. She knew Dave would likely win. If not for that conviction, she wouldn’t have fallen for him.
“Don’t you feel jealous? If you’d met Rachel ten—or even three—years earlier, you could’ve joined this competition as a candidate.”
“I’m confident I can command an army of chefs comparable to Rose Island’s.”
“That’s impressive.” She nodded, admiring his ambition.
He glanced at his watch. The time for June and her team to enter was near. But he wasn’t to follow—he was a judge, not her sous chef.
“See you later.”
“Okay.”
She entered. Minjoon sat quietly in the waiting room, where silence reigned. Likely, in the main auditorium, chefs from each branch gathered, lined up like soldiers preparing for battle.
He wondered how nervous they might be as Rachel arrived.
“Oh, you’re here!”
He greeted her with a gentle smile.
“Well, I’m not competing, but I don’t know why I’m nervous too.”
“Judges are as nervous as contestants. Everything hinges on what we say and do. And you’re the only judge apart from me.”
“Are you sure I alone suffice as your co-judge?”
She smiled softly. She hadn’t planned to judge alone with him—originally, Jack would join, but he was no longer present.
“Yes, I have no problem with that.”
Rachel didn’t mention Jack to avoid casting a somber tone or making Minjoon uncomfortable.
“Are you ready?”
“Not really. I don’t even know what to prepare. I’m not psyched.”
“You’ll be the emotional pillar—and mascot—of Rose Island, even when I’m gone. Your words will empower them.”
“Please don’t say that now, Chef Rachel.”
“No need to be depressed—we’ll all die someday. If I don’t achieve my dreams before then, I might be sad. But I’m determined to fulfill them. Fortunately, I have someone like you willing to help.”
He blushed, embarrassed.
She watched him with satisfaction. “What this contest will change most is probably your world. Whenever Rose Island is mentioned, people will think of you. That’s what you must prepare for today: your world.”
“My world…”
“Let’s go.”
Before he could reflect more, she stood, opened the door, and walked into the hallway. He quietly followed; that was all he could do—to follow her.
Today, he glimpsed his dream and ideals, at least.
Hundreds of eyes turned on him as he stepped into the main auditorium. Chefs lined up like soldiers ready for war. Camera flashes greeted Minjoon, while eyes focused intently on both Rachel and him.
Only then did he realise his role in this world.
He was the main character.
He could hardly describe how happy and gratified he felt. Even though Rachel reminded him of his role and people’s expectations, he hadn’t truly understood until entering the venue.
Now, all chefs’ eyes were fixed on him. He wasn’t just a judge; as Rachel’s youngest student, he served as judge for his senior chefs. He held the power to determine their futures.
Their gaze was different—there was tension. They were his seniors but now looked at him with awe.
These participants were arguably the best head chefs not only in the United States but worldwide, leading Rose Island branches.
Once, Minjoon struggled to learn from chefs as skilled as him; now they sought his praise.
What confirmed his central role was the flood of cameras focused on him, capturing every expression and movement.
The star of today’s competition was no longer the winner, but Minjoon the judge.
Reporters cared more about how he would handle and judge Rose Island’s army of chefs than the competitors’ outcome.
He didn’t need to intimidate them immediately.
Cheers and applause welcomed Rachel and Minjoon as someone—perhaps June—initiated clapping, and soon all chefs joined in.