Chapter 526: Unexpected Twist (6)
Chapter 526: Unexpected Twist (6)
They applauded Rachel and Minjoon with resounding cheers. Maybe it was June or someone else who started clapping, which quickly swept through the other chefs, prompting everyone to cheer and clap. Some even whistled and shouted at the arrival of the two judges. In this festive atmosphere, onlookers, watching hundreds of chefs dressed in freshly pressed uniforms, were completely overwhelmed.
Amid intense gazes, Rachel and Minjoon stepped up onto the podium. Rachel took the microphone first.
“It’s me, Rachel. Congratulations to all of you who have come here to participate in one of the biggest events in American culinary history.”
There were giggles here and there, but what she said was no joke. Rose Island was vast—arguably representing some of the finest restaurants in the United States. Choosing its new representative was like selecting the next largest owner in the American restaurant industry.
She continued, “For over a month, we’ll test sample dishes—one restaurant each day. It will be me, Minjoon, and the head chefs of all branches tasting the dishes. We won’t rate your dishes individually, but Minjoon and I will make the final judgment on the competition’s winner.”
There was probably no other competition like this, continuing daily without pause. But given its significance, it was natural. Rachel couldn’t ask several chefs to cook simultaneously and judge roughly.
She was determined to closely examine the hard work her students had put in. Yet many assumed that June or Dave would win. Even Minjoon agreed after evaluating all Rose Island branches—he concluded Dave was the most promising winner.
Besides Dave, June was a strong contender.
However, Rachel didn’t indicate who she favoured. Minjoon couldn’t tell who she considered her successor or likely winner. She refrained from expressing any opinion, which was natural: she wanted to give all participants an equal chance. Naming a favourite beforehand would undermine the competition’s purpose.
Minjoon tried to shed any prejudice, aware that an unexpected contender could emerge. He wondered if he too secretly hoped for such a twist when he decided to help June beat Dave.
By now, I think she has figured out how to beat Dave, he thought.
Actually, Minjoon struggled to find fault with June’s full course when he last reviewed it. He even felt it rivalled Rachel’s quality. June was determined to show her best.
The problem is Dave...
Minjoon wasn’t sure if Dave’s skills were unchanged or improved since their last encounter. A second visit to Dave’s restaurant might clarify, but time didn’t allow it.
Still, Minjoon believed Dave would bring a better recipe this time—he must have intensified efforts after sensing Rachel’s demands.
What if Dave planned an even more advanced dish? Honestly, Minjoon thought Dave would win.
But he chose not to worry. He wasn’t June’s sous chef during the competition—only when June cooked would he work beside her. Otherwise, he was present as a judge.
Rachel glanced at Minjoon, watching the head chefs standing before their kitchen teams.
“I don’t think anyone doubts Minjoon’s qualifications. But if anyone remains unconvinced, raise your hand and speak. I won’t penalise you.”
No head chef responded. Not from fear of penalty, but because none were foolish enough not to have evaluated him already. Without knowing his level, they wouldn’t be here.
Observers at the venue were stunned by the silence. Some of these chefs had hot tempers or reputations for backbiting. Even among such tough personalities, none reacted to Minjoon—an obviously young junior—standing as their judge.
One broadcaster said, “Looks like Jotus Guide has succeeded.”
Another replied, “Not just that, but Minjoon’s fantastic cooking made Jotus Guide famous. That’s why no one objects to him judging today.”
As they chatted, broadcasters watched Minjoon, who finally took the microphone.
Speaking fluently and confidently, he said, “Today is meaningful for us all. The coming month will be unforgettable for me. I hope each of you shows us your perfect dish. You’ll never forget this time or your dish, so I trust you’ll give your best, avoiding regret for both you and me.”
He met the head chefs’ eyes. Strange goosebumps rose as he saw pure hopes and dreams there. Though aging, their eyes and souls were different—they were still hungry and thirsty for recognition.
He realised they hadn’t given up yet. Though joking that Dave or June would succeed Rachel, their true hearts burned with ambition—but they lacked words to express it fully.
Wow, they’re really serious about this competition...
He smiled warmly. It didn’t matter if they believed they could win. He admired their ambition and reckless challenge.
Only he understood why Rachel withheld her preferred candidate. When everyone took the competition seriously, how could she burden it with prejudice and deny equal chances?
“I look forward to your best,” he said.
Rachel took the microphone again, facing them.
“Now, let’s decide the order. We could do this with a simple game, but that wouldn’t be fun—and you’re all too nervous anyway. So, starting two days from now, let me accept your applications to cook first. Anyone want to go first?”
They exchanged uneasy looks, reluctant to be the first—preferring to adjust before cooking.
No one spoke. Then a voice rose.
“I will.”
“Deborah?” Minjoon murmured, surprised.
She replied confidently, “I want to get it off my chest early and relax. I believe my best cooking now and one month later is the same, so let me show you my favourite dish, Chef Rachel and Minjoon.”
In Minjoon’s eyes, Deborah usually seemed timid and weak, but today was different. Her voice was firm.
“I’ll show how much I’ve improved.”