Chapter 559: Cogwheels (6)
Chapter 559: Cogwheels (6)
Minjoon thought Michael was originally more interested in non-cooking fields—perhaps physics more than cuisine. Yet here, he remained purely focused on cooking in this competition.
In a world so selfish, it was rare to keep a pure heart. How many could stay uncorrupted amid constant exposure to vice?
Joseph praised Michael at length, causing others to watch nervously — partly because their dishes were cooling, and partly due to Joseph’s unexpectedly strong reaction.
I’d better keep a close eye on him…
Hugo eyed Michael sharply. Michael’s early attention from the judges marked him as highly capable.
Minjoon continued, “In Grand Chef Season 3, I predicted Kaya would win from the start.”
He’d been the only one to recognise Kaya’s value early on. Though no one forecast winners during preliminaries then, Minjoon nailed it. So this season’s participants were curious who he’d pick now.
Minjoon didn’t disappoint.
“My vote’s for you, Professor Ohr. I think you’ll win.”
Michael was taken aback. He'd joined hoping for good memories, not victory. Returning to academia after next semester, opening a restaurant never interested him.
“Why me?”
“Because you understand cooking best.”
Minjoon, once a teacher, answered the professor’s naive question patiently.
“You view cooking differently from most, but you know its basic mechanics solidly. Your understanding gives you potential. That’s why I expect you to win.”
“Oh my God… I don’t know what to say.”
“I won’t comment further; Kaya and Joseph covered much. Your dish was simple, yet not simple. When folks see simplicity in cooking, you analyse it and make it your own. That’s commendable. Thank you. Now, please return to your seat.”
Michael’s face radiated delight and surprise as he returned. Other participants watched quietly, some frustrated that the acclaimed chef was a Harvard professor. The world seemed unfair to ordinary people.
That fuelled their resolve to beat Michael. They came to win, regardless of odds.
The most telling indicator was Joseph’s next call—not for a unique background like Francesca’s, but due to special judge attention, including Joseph’s.
He called Gwen Quinn.
“Did you call me?”
The sudden focus on Gwen shifted participants’ reactions—from envy to pity.
Bewildered, Gwen stepped forward. Used to losing, she felt awkward being called before others.
“Why me?”
She asked, wanting to confirm if it was due to her tragic story or real skill. She hated lingering doubt.
Joseph replied, “I’m curious about your cooking.”
“Why curious?”
Joseph smiled gently—unlike a harsh rebuke for a typical chef’s question. He sensed her desperation beneath.
He saw how fragile she was, shaken by kind words.
He said, “You’re a charming chef. It’s not just your story; how you approach cooking is interesting. I look forward to seeing your dish. I just hope it meets my expectations.”
“Oh, I see. Thank you.”
Gwen nodded nervously.
Watching Joseph, Minjoon thought how considerate he was towards her limits here.
But I can’t be like him.
Minjoon knew mere praise wouldn’t help Gwen.
If a donkey steps off a cliff chased by a carrot, someone must guide it right—not merely whip it.
He resolved to be harsh to help her. Like the proverb ‘Kill your enemy with kindness,’ Minjoon had to confront Gwen’s ego—not baselessly but firmly.
Joseph and prior judges had only praised Gwen. Minjoon felt he shouldn’t cheer with praise alone.
I don’t know why she committed suicide, but...
If it was frustration from losing finals, Minjoon wanted to change her mindset. He’d tell her winning wasn’t everything; growth mattered more.
He’d do so subtly, cautiously, hoping to convince her sincerely. That was all he could do. Ultimately, she’d bear responsibility for her choices.
He wouldn’t be accountable if she still chose poorly. Life was hers.
Gwen’s dish was mackerel marinated in a sauce blend, dried slightly, then grilled and fried. Nothing special in presentation, but its sizzling oil marks were appetising, and its aroma enticing.
Joseph sampled first.
Swallowing, he nodded immediately.
“It’s delicious.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, this is the kind of mackerel you enjoy at a good local restaurant. Worth the price. But too much seasoning masks mackerel’s true flavour. Some will love it; others won’t.”
Joseph kept his evaluation brief—they knew Minjoon and Kaya awaited their turn.
Kaya tasted it next; Minjoon followed.
Almost simultaneously, they groaned, “This sauce is very special.”
“It’s versatile. I mix spices and sauces I have at home and grill with it. It works well.”
Unlike Joseph’s earlier point, the grilled mackerel had no fishy smell—fully seasoned with A1 sauce plus pineapple, soy, vinegar, and crushed peppercorns.
Yeah, no fishy scent.