53
Chapter 53 Regrets from the First Life
The president of Hana Food highly valued Do Mino’s ideas of truffle oil and candy ramen, and on the spot awarded him first and second place in the new product competition.
The prize money totaled fifteen million won before tax, combining ten million for first place and five million for second.
More importantly, there was a two percent royalty on net revenue, the most significant benefit of the competition.
While the prize money itself was modest, the royalty attached to an idea that could potentially change the company’s value meant Mino’s future had become even brighter.
“Now then, will you tell us?”
President Noh Juho eagerly waited for Mino’s final idea, which he had hinted would surpass even truffle oil.
“My last idea is an actual dish.”
“Haha, perfect. We were hoping to use your cooking skills.”
“That’s good to hear. But cooking isn’t something that can be evaluated properly on the spot.”
“Haha, should we move to the company cafeteria?”
“No. I think it would be better to hold the competition through the broadcast as planned.”
“…Hmm?”
“We should verify its marketability. Whether my dish can truly survive in the market. Unlike truffle oil, it’s not something that can excite people’s imagination through explanation alone.”
“Do you think it’s better than candy ramen?”
“Of course. Honestly, I didn’t expect candy ramen to get such a good response. That’s why I’m being more cautious.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to disappoint you after you’ve shown me so much trust. I’d rather prove it by competing properly—either judged by experts or by a large tasting panel.”
“Haha! That’s a great idea.”
“Rather than deciding among ourselves, it’s better for everyone—your company, the broadcast, and me.”
“Agreed. But do you mean a separate tasting panel in addition to expert judges?”
“Yes. At least fifty people.”
‘Does he just want recognition?’
The president didn’t fully understand.
“Is that really necessary?”
“It is. This competition isn’t about the best cook, but about the most suitable product for Hana Food.”
“That’s true.”
“But from what I heard, it’s basically a normal cooking contest. That favors professional chefs.”
“Haha, of course.”
“Even if they cook in larger quantities, professionals still have the advantage. But a dish with no marketability won’t be accepted by judges or viewers.”
“…Now I’m even more curious.”
“Me too.”
---
“Just tell me quietly. What is it?”
PD Kang Jiseop was even more curious than the president.
“I’ll cook it for you at home.”
“Come on, what is it?”
“It’s really nothing special.”
“Then tell me!”
“But the taste is special. I don’t want to ruin the surprise. And it’ll make better TV if no one knows except me.”
“…Now you’re acting like the PD.”
“Let’s just go home.”
“Alright.”
Kang Jiseop started the car reluctantly.
“What are you writing?”
“I just solved something.”
Mino crossed out another item in his notebook.
‘I wanted to become a parachute hire. Someone so powerful that nothing could be stolen from them.’
Even as a top graduate, contributing ideas in meetings had been difficult in his first life.
No matter how capable he was, his ideas and patents were taken by superiors and privileged colleagues.
Even though he rose quickly, he was still forced to sacrifice everything for others.
That resentment only worsened his lack of political skill.
He could rise to senior researcher, but never beyond.
‘This time, everything will be mine.’
He wouldn’t let his ideas be stolen again.
“Good timing.”
“Yes?”
“What do you want to do next?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Come on, tell me. Our team will support you fully.”
“…Then maybe I should solve the military issue.”
“…What?”
Kang Jiseop was confused.
Mino was already exempt.
“I thought orphans were exempt.”
“Not all.”
“…I see.”
“But I am.”
“Then why?”
“Being exempt as an orphan doesn’t feel right.”
“…What?”
“I want a better reason.”
“…Seriously?”
“It’s like university admissions. Different paths feel different.”
“…But…”
“If I can’t find a better reason, I’d rather serve.”
‘This time, I don’t want regrets.’
“You’re serious?”
“Yes.”
“I understand.”
“I don’t want to miss the shared experience of youth.”
“That makes sense.”
“That sense of belonging is important.”
Kang Jiseop nodded.
“Men always talk about the military. It becomes a kind of pride.”
“…I feel the same.”
“So how will you get exempt?”
“Probably through arts or sports.”
“Haha, with your drawing skills?”
“Art doesn’t qualify.”
“…What?”
“Athletes are age-dependent. Artists aren’t.”
“…I didn’t know that.”
“Then maybe sports?”
“…You do have the physique.”
“But I don’t want that. It’s too hard.”
“Then music?”
“I’m thinking about piano. Maybe the Chopin Competition.”
“…Already?”
“I’ve tried it before. And I’m confident with my hands.”
“…I’m looking forward to it.”
“I am too.”
“I’ll find you a teacher.”
“Thank you.”
Mino smiled quietly.