Chapter 47
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Translator: True Detective
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: Spring Cabbage Bibimbap
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1.
"So, shall we finalize the contract terms like this?"
Producer Jeong In-seon asked cautiously. Instead of answering, I scanned the paper in front of me. It was my first time dealing with something like this, so I wasn't sure if it was okay.
"But we're just introducing one chef. Do we really need a full contract for that?"
The question popped into my head, so I voiced it. Of course, my Eye of Truth was already active.
"Honestly, it's not strictly necessary."
The producer admitted frankly.
"But putting it in writing makes everyone feel more at ease. Just in case someone changes their mind later."
"Exactly."
Writer Seo Na-hyun, sitting beside her, chimed in carefully.
"Even if there's no intention of backing out, this acts as a safety net. Being bound by a contract builds trust, you know?"
Their opinions made sense, so I nodded.
"Got it. Then send the drafted contract via email as soon as you get back. I'll review it and wrap things up."
"Perfect."
We shook hands with smiles.
"Hayul, if I may ask one more thing?"
Producer Jeong In-seon spoke with careful but unwavering eyes. I nodded and finished off the last of my yogurt. She got right to it.
"Would you ever consider appearing on Grand Chef yourself?"
"You mean the cooking competition show you two are planning?"
"Yes, exactly. Like those old cooking audition programs, but a stage where talented contestants compete and grow."
I replied indifferently.
"Not really interested. I've never been the type to enjoy competing in that kind of setting anyway."
Producer Jeong In-seon hesitated for a moment. Regret was plain on her face.
"...I see. Well, if you ever change your mind, just let me know anytime. The door's always open."
"No idea if that day will come, but sure, noted."
You never know with people, so I left it open for now.
"If we're done here, let's call it. You two must be swamped."
"Understood. We'll contact you the moment we secure Chef Kang Taeyeon."
"Sounds good."
I bowed my head slightly and left the cafe first. I glanced at the darkening sky for a moment before blending into the crowd.
2.
Writer Seo Na-hyun scooped a big spoonful of cheesecake into her mouth. Her cheeks bulged out, and Producer Jeong In-seon looked horrified.
"Slow down. You'll get indigestion."
She sipped her espresso. The bitter tang made her furrow her brow.
"Whew... Now I feel alive."
Having demolished the cake, Writer Seo Na-hyun patted her stomach lightly and leaned back.
"Hold on. I'll grab another slice."
"Again?"
"Sugar crash incoming. And if you're nitpicking, stop with the coffee. That's your fourth cup. How do you plan to sleep?"
Producer Jeong In-seon averted her gaze.
"Broadcast schedules mean no sleep anyway with editing. Gotta stock up now."
"Just this one."
"Then just one more for me."
Writer Seo Na-hyun headed to the counter, bought another cake, and returned with two macarons to boot.
"Want one?"
"...Nah."
She bit into a macaron, and the sweetness made her lips curve up involuntarily.
"So, what's her score?"
"Huh?"
"Kang Hayul. You said you see scores over people's heads."
"It's a figure of speech. Just a metaphor."
"...You called me a 5 once. She's not still a 5, is she?"
"You're still hung up on that? You're a writer. Why obsess over scores?"
Writer Seo Na-hyun pouted and nibbled her macaron.
"Who forgets something like that? So, what's Hayul's score?"
"What do you think? You've seen way more celebs than me."
"No clue on her broadcasting talent... But looks-wise, she's top three out of everyone I've met."
Producer Jeong In-seon nodded instinctively. Hayul's face was strikingly memorable. Pretty, but handsome too?
"And she's got that unforgettable vibe. Her face could skyrocket a fandom overnight."
"Yeah, idol, actor, model—top-tier looks for any of it."
"So, the score? You tried recruiting her yourself because it's high, right?"
Producer Jeong In-seon quietly raised one finger. Writer Seo Na-hyun's face twisted.
"...1? A 1? What's wrong with her? School bully? Wait, if that's scored too, that's a superpower."
"No."
"Huh?"
The producer raised her other hand. Two fingers extended side by side.
"10!?"
Writer Seo Na-hyun shot up. Cafe eyes turned to them, but she didn't care.
"Ten? Ten points? That make sense? You sure? Or is your instinct off?"
"...She says whatever's on her mind. And no, your head still shows 5."
"Not the point!"
Producer Jeong In-seon shrugged. Writer Seo Na-hyun huffed, noticed the stares, and sat quietly.
"Really 10?"
She asked again, incredulous.
"Positive."
"Then we have to recruit her no matter what. She could boost ratings alone."
"Not sure. It's not a superpower. Just looks that way to me."
"Your scores have never been wrong before, right?"
"...Once."
"She had talent. Just screwed up with drugs."
"Yeah, fair..."
Producer Jeong In-seon nodded reluctantly, a past memory flashing by.
"We gotta snag her. But from Hayul's attitude, she won't budge easily."
"Let's watch for now. Nothing we can do right this second."
"True. We need Chef Kang Taeyeon first anyway."
"Speaking of, she hasn't committed yet, has she?"
They both fell silent. All that talk, and nothing was set.
"...Hayul will convince her with cooking, right?"
"Maybe. Could fail."
"She's a 10."
"Broadcasting sense, not cooking skill."
Writer Seo Na-hyun sighed and popped in a macaron. Sweetness melted in, but gloom returned.
"It'll work. Probably."
"Prep for the worst anyway. Chef Kang no, Hayul no."
"...Yeah."
The conversation looped back.
3.
"W-Wait, a collab with Chef Kang Taeyeon!?"
My sister yelped, startled mid-bite of her spring cabbage bibimbap. Rice stuck to her lips—she must love it.
"Yeah."
I replied calmly and shoveled a big spoonful into my mouth.
The nutty sesame oil hit first.
Then spicy gochujang tingled my tongue, crisp cabbage and fluffy rice blending perfectly.
"Mm."
The subtle sweetness of the cabbage lingered fresh. Simple, but insanely good.
"I wondered who the big-shot introducer was. Never dreamed Chef Kang Taeyeon."
"That impressive?"
"Duh! First Korean with three Michelin stars. You really think you can recreate her food?"
"Gotta try. Easy if she wants simple stuff, tough otherwise."
Feast of Memories wasn't foolproof. It depended on my skills.
"That's the issue. Michelin chef—does she crave basics? What if it's something crazy hard?"
"Even Michelin chefs are human. Not gourmet every meal."
"True, but we should dig around anyway."
My sister eyed me worriedly. She looked genuinely anxious.
"Fine. Finish this, then search. Famous chef, bound to be stuff online."
"I'll help!"
"Cool."
We demolished the bibimbap. Magic-handled dishes, then sofa time side by side.
"Here."
I handed her ice cream. Mouths would feel sticky.
"Thanks."
We munched ice cream, pulled out phones. Browser opened to the gallery.
【Virtual Streamer Gallery】
I'd checked Yura opinions last time, forgot to close it. About to, but one post caught my eye.
[General] Carrier << This bitch sucks so bad at cooking???