Chapter 534: Unexpected Twist (14)
Chapter 534: Unexpected Twist (14)
“Well, when I listen to their story, I don’t think June has anything to lose even if she loses to Dave,” Minjoon said slyly. Of course, he knew why he said that.
June stared at him for a moment, then replied calmly, “Don’t talk like that. I have no intention of losing to him.”
“Even if you lose, I guess you have a plan.”
“Nope.”
“Really?”
His eyes widened in surprise. He knew June’s success came from always preparing for failure, planning her next move to proceed without hesitation even if things went wrong. But she had just said she had no contingency plan should she lose the competition. That was unthinkable, given the stakes for her career—and unlike her usual self.
As if reading his thoughts, she sighed wearily. “I’ve planned everything for this event. I’ve hung on this long because of my goal to be head of Rose Island, but I refuse to imagine the moment all my efforts become meaningless. I’d be broken in many ways if that happened.”
“I guess I mentioned it carelessly…”
“It’s okay. Maybe I’m overthinking it. I know I’m living pretending to be clever, but acting foolishly when it counts. Isn’t it more human to see someone like me being stupid?”
He smiled softly. She sounded human, more so than many who thought her inhuman. To him, just watching her cook showed how devoted she was—how could he think otherwise?
“I hope you win.”
He wasn’t foolish enough to tell her she would win. Even if he did, she wouldn’t feel better. Dave was no easy opponent.
She smiled briefly. When she first met him, she found him intimidating enough to scare her. But after embracing him as her sous chef, she realised he was kind—sometimes even like a nephew.
“Yeah, I have to win.”
“I want to see Chef June running the Rose Island main restaurant. I wonder how things will change under your leadership.”
In truth, the restaurant itself wouldn’t change much with her at the helm. Whether it was a branch or the main restaurant, her efforts would be consistent. However, her management style would affect every branch, shaping Rose Island’s overall atmosphere. No matter how he thought about it, Minjoon felt June would run the head restaurant far better than Dave. But he found it embarrassing to tell her; he believed she already sensed his feelings.
Changing the subject, she said, “By the way, there are lots of rumours about you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. All the participants are talking about your evaluations. Of course, they knew you from your work on the Jotus Guide, but you’ve never drawn this much attention before. Do you remember how you praised Deborah?”
“Not really. I was focused on her cooking, not myself.”
“You know, when you praised her, you looked so happy. That amazed people even more. They seemed to think that if you could be that joyful about a good dish, you must be a chef by nature, willing to do whatever it takes to make people happy through cooking. Of course, you must be cunning if you planned it that way.”
“But I wasn’t impressed at all by Chef Nathan’s dishes.”
She smiled in agreement.
“You were furious instead. You were cool when angry with him, which made people trust you more. They realised you didn’t cover up for him just because you’re affiliated with Rose Island. Your reactions to other chefs’ dishes after that were lukewarm, though.”
“Well, I didn’t do that intentionally. Their dishes simply weren’t impressive.”
“Exactly. They coast on the Rose Island name. Some fall into slumps without realising. The branch chefs who get Michelin inspections stay alert, but others don’t.”
“Nowadays, Yelp plays a big role in customer feedback. I guess they should pay attention.”
(Translator’s Note: Yelp — An online platform founded in 2004 where customers rate and review restaurants and businesses, influencing public perception globally.)
“Well, they get good reviews mostly due to decor and service. And their cooking is decent, but the general public doesn’t scrutinise their cuisine deeply.”
They paused briefly.
After some thought, he asked, “When are you going to have your dishes evaluated, Chef June?”
“Do you want me to get your evaluation quickly?”
“To be honest, I hope you and Dave get evaluated soon. It’s better for everyone to see the results rather than wonder who’s ahead.”
“So, do you think it’s okay if I cook as usual?”
She sounded calm but he noticed a hint of hesitation.
He understood. After witnessing Nathan fail from fear, he felt the need to encourage her.
“Any particular cuisine in mind?”
“No.”
“Then just challenge yourself. That’s the best you can do now.”
Despite Minjoon’s advice, neither June nor Dave stepped up first for evaluation. Some chefs said it was a battle of nerves between them; others suspected they wanted to wait to attract the most attention.
Of course, no one blamed them. Neither wanted to be tested prematurely. But the reason other chefs watched them so closely was their status as Rachel’s strongest successor candidates.
Their mutual wariness only proved how much competition they feared.
Naturally, others wanted them evaluated quickly, as their cuisine would set the standard for comparison.
Yet neither June nor Dave budged. Minjoon was puzzled by their reluctance. He understood why June hesitated, but Dave was inexplicably dragging his feet. Given Dave’s personality, Minjoon expected him to want it over and done with.
So, Minjoon asked Dave directly when he intended to have his cuisine assessed and why he was waiting. Dave’s answer surprised him.
“Well, I don’t want to discourage other chefs because of me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Think about this: you’ve struggled all your life trying to be a scientist—but your friend is Einstein lecturing on relativity in front of you. Would you feel up to competing?”
“Gosh, you’re eloquent!”
“Because I’m a great chef, as you know,” Dave said, shrugging with a grin.
Minjoon clicked his tongue, amused by Dave’s slyness.
He sensed Dave’s arrogance but didn’t criticize because he knew his cooking was excellent.
Dave’s pride and confidence were clear, and June agonised over surpassing him all year.
Still, Minjoon remained confident and wanted to support June.
“You don’t have to worry about Chef June,” Minjoon said.
“Really?”
“Yes, she’s improved more than you think.”
“That’s good,” Dave giggled. He didn’t try to deny Minjoon’s judgement. Having seen Minjoon evaluate his dishes firsthand, he knew how precise and refined his culinary sense was.
“Then shall I have my dishes evaluated first?”
“Are you okay with changing your mind so quickly? Chef June will be fine, but other chefs might get scared.”
“That’s their problem, not mine.”
“So, you’ve been thinking about Chef June from the start?”
Dave’s expression turned puzzled. Though sometimes immature for his age, Dave could spark Minjoon’s respect.
When Dave boldly declared he’d be next for evaluation in a few days, Minjoon was stunned. When Dave personally presented his dishes, Minjoon and other chefs were stunned again.
Even Rachel was amazed to see how much Dave had improved.
“Gosh, he’s driving me nuts!”