Chapter 98
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Translator: True Detective
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: Grand Chef Korea - WA! Kang Yerin! WA! Han Chaeyun!
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1.
"...I'm tired."
Chaeyun rubbed her eyes in the passenger seat and let out a long yawn. It was the first time I'd seen dark circles under her eyes.
"Usually at this hour, you're still sleeping, right?"
"Yeah. And we were prepping late last night, then started again at dawn today. Of course I'm beat..."
"Fair enough."
I nodded and gently turned the wheel. The car glided quietly along the road, already bustling with early commuters. It was a common sight in Seoul.
"Even at dawn, there are so many people heading to work. What kind of jobs do they have?"
Chaeyun stared blankly out the window as she spoke.
"Who knows. Could be civil servants. Taxi, bus, or truck drivers. Or maybe heading to construction sites."
"I had no idea. There are so many hardworking people in Korea... Makes me feel pathetic for sleeping in until late morning."
"You're one of them now, aren't you? So don't beat yourself up."
"I hope all these hardworking folks grab one of our sandwiches and get a boost."
"They will."
I smiled and slowly pulled the food truck to a stop. We'd arrived at our destination.
"Where's this?"
"Gangnam Station Exit 1. One of the busiest spots in Seoul for foot traffic. We're targeting commuters here."
I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the door. Cool dawn air brushed my face, carrying the hustle of the city.
"Let's get started. Every minute late means missing potential customers."
"Got it!"
We hopped into the food truck. First up: checking the ingredients we'd prepped last night.
"Let's check the meat first."
I pulled the mojo pork from the fridge, placed it on the cutting board, and sliced into it with a chef's knife. The inside was still juicy, with a subtle aroma of garlic and lime.
I tossed it on the pan, and soon the sizzle filled the air, followed by a rich, savory scent.
I picked up a cooked piece and popped it in my mouth.
"Mm."
The outside was slightly crisp, the inside moist. The tangy mojo sauce and herbal notes had soaked in perfectly.
Between the tender meat, intense garlic and zesty lime alternated on my tongue, topped by the flavor of fat.
"Try some."
I handed a piece to Chaeyun, who was busy prepping. She took it in her mouth and covered hers with her hand.
"How is it?"
Chaeyun nodded with a smile and gave a thumbs-up with her other hand.
"Still the best."
"Good."
I grinned and got back to work. We'd come early, but time was tight.
"We talked about this yesterday, but just to confirm: no strict role division. We have main roles, but we need to be able to cover for each other if needed. Got it?"
"Understood. You said with so few people, everyone needs to handle everything."
"Right. But can you really handle customers?"
I paused and looked at her. Chaeyun pouted.
"What, you think I'm heartless? I can handle this. Can you?"
"This is my specialty."
After dealing with nobles in that other world, forcing smiles, this was a breeze.
"What did you even do that makes this your specialty?"
"Secret."
I pressed a finger to my lips and winked playfully. Chaeyun stared blankly for a moment, then blushed and looked away.
Silence fell in the truck. But unlike yesterday in the meeting room, it wasn't awkward.
We just trusted each other and worked quietly. Like that hero party we once shared.
"All checked?"
"Yeah."
"Then let's open up."
We opened the food truck's serving window. The street was still quiet, but soon it'd fill with commuters.
"The production team said they'd promote us, so if we just wait, customers should come, right?"
Chaeyun sipped her zero cola.
"We only said we're running a food truck on SNS. Didn't specify when, where, or how."
"...True. But the show's been popular lately, so people will recognize us!"
"Look over there."
I pointed at a commuter passing by. Wireless earbuds in both ears, eyes glued to her phone.
"Eyes and ears on their phones—how are they supposed to spot us?"
Even if they saw us, they might not know Grand Chef Korea.
"So what do we do? Post on SNS to promote?"
"Do you do SNS, Chaeyun?"
"No. Dad said it's a waste of life... Never tried."
"Same here."
I never had time for it. Sure, I had my stream and VTube channel, but I couldn't use those.
"Then what? We'll tank if we just sit here!"
"Calm down. I've got a plan."
"A plan?"
Chaeyun tilted her head. I grinned and pulled out some meat.
"We've got a little time, so let's eat first. Gotta fuel up for the long haul."
"Okay..."
I melted butter on one grill and placed soft baguettes on it. On the other, thin-sliced mojo pork and prosciutto ham sizzled.
I sliced the toasted baguette, stuffed it with ingredients, pressed it in the panini press.
Grill marks etched golden stripes on the surface.
"Here."
I wrapped it and handed it to her. Chaeyun bowed her head and dug in.
"I could eat this a million times and never get tired of it!"
That's when it happened, as she beamed while eating.
"Excuse me... Are you guys open...?"
A woman approached cautiously. Neat suit, tidy hair—clearly a commuter.
Chaeyun froze mid-bite, sandwich in mouth. She hadn't expected a customer so soon.
"Yes, we are."
I smiled quickly.
"What sandwich can I get you? We have two kinds."
I pointed to the menu board. She pondered, then chose the Cuban sandwich.
"It might be a bit heavy for breakfast—are you sure?"
"Yes. I usually skimp on breakfast, so I want something hearty today."
"Got it. Drink? Zero cola or mojito. No alcohol, of course."
I winked lightly, and she chuckled.
"Mojito, then."
"Great choice. One moment."
I asked Chaeyun to handle the bread, then tossed mojo pork and ham on the pan. Rich aromas filled the truck.
"Wow... That smells amazing. Honestly, that's what drew me over."
She smiled, pointing at the ham. Chaeyun glanced at me as she helped.
"You won't regret it."
Making the sandwich didn't take long. With prepped ingredients, it was just grill, stack, press.
"Here's your Cuban sandwich and mojito. Enjoy."
"Thank you."
She took a big bite right away. Her brows furrowed briefly, then her mouth curved into a grin.
"How's the taste?"
"Yes! This is insanely good! I eat sandwiches a lot because I'm busy, but this is on another level. First time for something this delicious!"
"Glad to hear it."
I rested a hand on my hip and smiled. She chewed, staring at me.
"...Aren't you Kang Yerin? From Grand Chef Korea...?"
"That's me."
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she kept munching.
"And that's Han Chaeyun next to you! Right?!"
"Yes. Hello."
Chaeyun smiled and bowed slightly. She seemed a bit tense but bright.
"Whoa, I had no idea you'd be running a food truck! Is this a mission from the show?"
"Yep. The team with the highest pure profit over four days survives."
"Oh, then I have to support you! Can you wrap another sandwich for lunch?"
She beamed and pulled out her wallet.
"Which one?"
"Jambon-beurre this time!"
Chaeyun lit up with a huge smile—thrilled her sandwich was selling.
"Thank you! Right away!"
Chaeyun grabbed a baguette with quick hands. Meanwhile, the woman finished her first sandwich cleanly.
"Um... Could we take a quick photo?"
She pulled out her phone timidly, holding up one finger. Her eyes sparkled with excitement and nerves.
"Of course."
I smiled, and she hesitated, then clutched her phone and shouted joyfully.
"Th-thank you! This is an honor!"
"The honor's mine."
She spun around grinning, arm extended for the selfie. Chaeyun held up her sandwich and leaned in.
"Okay, ready? One, two, three!"
Click.
She checked the screen, nodded satisfied, and said,
"Wow, it came out great! Mind if I post it on SNS?"
"Go for it."
She bowed and started tapping away furiously.
"Your jambon-beurre's ready!"
"Thanks! Just posted the pic! Gotta run—sell a ton!"
She grabbed the sandwich from Chaeyun, rattled it off like a machine gun, and dashed off.
"...What an whirlwind customer."
"Tell me about it."
Chaeyun looked drained already from just one.
"But unnie, did you make that sandwich for me on purpose?"
"Yeah. Eyes and ears might be on phones, but noses aren't. Lure 'em with the smell."
Nothing fancy—any chef would think of it.
"You're amazing, unnie..."
She murmured in awe, then asked cautiously,
"Should we rest a bit now?"
"Doubt we can."
"Why...?"
I pointed ahead instead of answering. Chaeyun followed my finger and froze.
Commuters emerged from the Gangnam Station stairs, some heading straight for our truck.
"Ah..."
"Promotion works wonders, huh?"
Her SNS post or the meat scent—who knows.
One thing was clear: the real rush was starting now.