Chapter 547: Unexpected Twist (27)
Chapter 547: Unexpected Twist (27)
“It’s really hard. Seriously.”
“Let’s stop chatting and get back to the main point. If you think this isn’t an irreversible choice, wouldn’t that ease the burden of deciding?”
Minjoon nodded. He had found it hard to decide, feeling sorry that only one of them could become Rose Island’s new head—even though he knew who was better. But now, setting aside personal feelings, he could judge them purely by their dishes. He reached his conclusion that very day—at the competition venue.
“Wow, that’s amazing.”
Yujin Nah, a South Korean correspondent, was stunned by the throng of reporters covering the Rose Island competition to choose its next leader. When tasked with covering this selection, she wondered if it was truly newsworthy—after all, Rose Island was just a restaurant, however grand in America. She’d arrived only days before and couldn’t grasp why people were so obsessed with Rose Island or Minjoon.
Yet she felt a journalistic duty. Researching him online, she first browsed Korean websites and read his biography. She quickly learned of his perfect palate—unfamiliar to her—and how revered he was in culinary circles worldwide.
The contrast struck her. In Korea, he was unknown beyond close circles—little more than a celebrity to a few, not the general public. But in America, he was a culinary star. His Korean popularity paled beside the acclaim he earned here.
Minjoon was not just talented; he was one of the few chefs Americans thought of when they heard “chef.” Perhaps that made him a natural choice as a judge for next season’s Grand Chef competition.
A cameraman at the venue, who was American and thus more familiar with Minjoon, remarked, “You know Psy and Jisung, right? Minjoon is just as big here.”
“Oh, I recall an article titled something like ‘Korean-American Chef Jo Minjoon Loves Kimchi and Pork.’ Those internet reporters…” Yujin shook her head, distanced from the sensational press.
The cameraman smiled, sensing her pride as a journalist with a prestigious paper. To him, she seemed an elite—a bit cute.
Yujin surveyed the packed auditorium and gasped at the hundreds of chefs. She had heard Rose Island was America’s best restaurant, but wondered if it was largest.
‘So, he’s a judge here...’
Though many branch head chefs held Michelin stars and were known locally, Minjoon was only a demi chef in experience compared to these veterans. Yet he was tasked with judging them and choosing Rose Island’s next leader.
Minjoon looked at the head chefs, feeling both heavy-hearted and relieved that the stress was nearly over. He knew who had won and had to announce it. Yet he hesitated over revealing that the new head would serve only a four-year term.
When he told June that the decision was made by him and Rachel, she didn’t press for the result. Perhaps she respected his position; or wanted to delay knowing it as long as possible.
“We have decided who wins.”
Finally, Minjoon spoke with a dry voice. The head chefs watched nervously—but not because one might lose out to June or Dave. They were curious about who would lead Rose Island after Rachel. Dave’s and June’s personalities differed so greatly it would hugely impact the restaurant’s future.
“Well, I could prolong suspense for TV drama’s sake, but I won’t. Before announcing the winner, I must say something first.”
The room puzzled over what more he could say besides the final decision. Minjoon glanced at Rachel and requested to announce that the head position would be temporary, not permanent—telling June himself because she would be more shocked hearing it from him.
His eyes met June’s.
Without further delay, he announced the bombshell:
“The winner won’t be the permanent head of Rose Island. The new leader’s term lasts four years. This competition will be held every four years. In other words, Rose Island will have a new leader every four years.”
A heavy silence filled the auditorium. Minjoon avoided June’s face and looked to Dave, who appeared surprised but unconcerned; he had never sought the head position.
“Don’t talk bullsh*t!”
June shouted suddenly. Minjoon slowly turned. She looked pale, staring at Rachel. Her voice was rough but weak, muffling her anger.
“Don’t talk bullsh*t…”
This was a public event watched by many. June was highly aware of others' opinions and guarded her reputation carefully. She avoided actions that might harm her value—unless certain they’d benefit her.
So Minjoon felt pity for her anger.
“Why? Why? Why now? Rachel, why do this now? Why?” she demanded.
Those unfamiliar might not understand why June was angry with Rose Island’s next chief.
But those who knew her understood she had struggled fiercely to become Rachel’s successor. Many called her tough. A few head chefs didn’t understand why she led such a relentless life.
Rachel knew her story well. Having observed June’s struggles, Rachel had never tried to stop her pursuit. Instead, she empathised, admitting she too had filled gaps in talent and skill with effort.
So it was natural June felt utterly denied by the decision to limit the head’s term to four years.
Minjoon noticed her clenched fists turning pale. Dave seemed ready to rush and console her, but he refrained—her anger was justified. It was better for her to vent.
“Don’t be angry, June. You can still get what you want, though you must prove yourself every four years. If you overcome that, you can keep the position.”
“Does that make sense? How can you call it head of Rose Island when I must always watch other chefs’ evaluations? I can’t understand.”
“You’re mistaken, June,” Rachel replied coldly.