Chapter 527: Unexpected Twist (7)
Chapter 527: Unexpected Twist (7)
“Whew!”
Brianne took a deep breath. She was so impressed by what she had just witnessed that the images wouldn’t easily leave her mind. Though she occasionally watched broadcasts like the Grand Chef competition, this current contest was different. Each participant here stood far apart in skill from typical Grand Chef competitors. Even the Grand Chef judges would be considered participants in this competition in terms of their culinary level.
Yet, it wasn’t just this stark difference that made her nervous—it was someone about to enter this room soon. She braced herself to take another breath when the door opened and Minjoon stepped inside.
“Good morning?”
“Oh, hi, good morning!”
Her voice cracked nervously. He smiled, and she flushed, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry. I think I’m nervous,” she said, trying to steady herself.
“I understand. If I were here, I’d be nervous too.”
Despite his words, he looked calm. That was natural; based on her research, he’d been through several competitions like this despite his relatively short career.
Suddenly, Brianne recalled his commanding presence on the podium moments ago. He had spoken confidently to hundreds of chefs without hesitation—impressive enough to make her slightly envious.
“I’m Brianne.”
“I’m Minjoon.”
“Sorry to start right away given the time constraints, but here’s my first question: This competition has drawn nationwide attention from chefs. Who do you think will win?”
“The most likely candidates are Chef Dave and Chef June. But it’s hard to say definitively because this competition might have unexpected twists. I’m trying to hold that expectation for all participants.”
“Many say if you were a head chef, you’d be competing here. What do you think?”
“They overestimate me. I might reach the finals, but I doubt I’d win.”
He said this seriously. Above all, his cooking level was still 8. To covet the top Rose Island position now would be greedy.
Brianne pressed, “What about in five years?”
“In five years?”
“Yes. If you entered the competition then, do you think you could win?”
Minjoon paused. Considering how much Dave and June might improve and comparing to himself, he smiled and said, “Yes, I think there’s a good chance I could win.”
She might think this conceited, but he saw it differently. He knew how fast he could grow. Five years would be enough to compete competently with June, Dave, and other head chefs.
“I’m not sure if you’re joking or serious.”
“Why joke? I could pretend humility, but I dislike pretense. Five years is long. I know how to walk, so I know which path to take. I walk fast. It’d be funny to say I couldn’t walk around my local supermarket, right?”
Surprised, she opened her mouth slightly. She had expected him calm but not bold enough to say this so frankly.
Trying to compose herself, she asked, “Can I look forward to your winning in five years?”
“The Rose Island top position will be decided this time, not five years from now,” he said firmly.
She took a fresh look at him, noting his confidence. If backed by ability, such conviction meant this competition wouldn’t be hard for him in five years. Was it human nature to covet what you could touch? Could he feign indifference now? Was he posturing?
If not posturing, he’s really impressive.
He wasn’t overstepping despite matching the competitors’ skills. Perhaps he wasn’t greedy now—not about Rose Island’s top spot—but fully devoted to cooking. At a glance, he seemed like an artist.
She wanted to ask if he was truly interested in that position but hesitated, not wanting to diminish his artistic soul by such a blunt question.
“Rumour says Rose Island will change a lot after this competition—and that you might leave. Any comment?”
“How can I answer firmly? I could say I’ll leave, or that I’ll stay for life. I could say I’ll remain, but leave in months to open my own restaurant. So, no firm answer.”
“Then who are you rooting for? Anyone in particular?”
Minjoon paused.
Of acquaintances, June was his preferred winner. But he thought he shouldn’t support just because of closeness. Honestly, he disliked the idea that an unqualified friend should succeed Rachel.
Is June eligible?
It was a tough question. She was hardworking, talented, and with political savvy might make Rose Island more prosperous than Dave.
But for cooking?
I don’t know.
He realised she couldn’t match Dave’s culinary skill. Even if she beat him once, that wasn’t conclusive proof of complete superiority.
Then, what about Dave? Was he cheering for Dave?
“Minjoon?”
Brianne asked as he drew out his thoughts longer than expected. While he answered other questions readily, this one seemed more meaningful.
He smiled with embarrassment, saying, “It’s a difficult question.”
“I’m surprised—I thought you’d support Chef June.”
“I do, of course. But…”
He started, then stopped. It’d be awkward to say he couldn’t fully back June because he wasn’t sure she outperformed Dave. Saying that implied only those two mattered for the top spot. Since the contest had just begun, it wasn’t his place to give that impression.
Brianne noticed his hesitation but didn’t press. Smiling, she changed the subject.
“Next question: Deborah told me you two are close. Is that true?”
“Yes, we’re close.”
“She was the first to get your evaluation. What do you think of her results?”