Chemistry

8.The Chemistry Behind Cooking (5)

Jeong-woo, who just entered the living room, couldn’t find a moment to rest his feet due to the busy scene inside. He licked his lips, captivated by the bustling sight.

Except for the long table set with a festive feast and the cushions, everywhere he looked, there were broadcasting equipment and staff members.

Near the window, there were four cameras, each the size of a cannonball, seemingly set up as a broadcasting stage.

There were also several small cameras, resembling what Shin Ki-joon used to carry around, which were initially thought to be large cameras.

‘So, this is a broadcast. My goodness, my mother must be on fire. Should I sneak in an advertisement for Jisook’s Restaurant? Oh, but would that violate advertising regulations?’

As he took off his shoes, a woman holding a sketchbook approached him.

“Hello. You’re a resident of this neighborhood, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I’m Hwang Ji-hyeon, the author of Delicious Treats. Can I interview you for a moment? We’ve been doing interviews with the people coming in and out.”

Jeong-woo nodded in response to Hwang’s request.

Standing in the corridor between the living room and another room, the VJ immediately turned on the camera. Hwang started with some basic questions.

“…Is your house nearby? Are you helping your mother in the kitchen today?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’ve been participating in this event for quite some time. I started it in middle school to fulfill my community service hours, and now…”

While he wanted to explain the profound reasons behind his continuous involvement, it felt like a story that should be told by his mother or someone like the president who had been doing this consistently.

Jeong-woo straightforwardly revealed his reasons.

“If I don’t participate, my mother won’t give me food.”

Perhaps due to the unexpected response, the VJ filming the scene chuckled. Hwang, the author, also smiled and asked.

“What kind of work do you help with?”

“I do mostly what the elderly people in the neighborhood request. They say those who have made a mess are good at cleaning up. My younger brother and I can clean up an entire alley in no time if we have brooms, so the president usually assigns us to cleaning duties.”

At that moment, a grandmother with white hair emerged from the nap room across the corridor. When the grandmother saw Jeong-woo, she smiled warmly and approached him.

“Jeong-woo, have you arrived?”

“Yes, just sweeping the path. Is Doo-chi behaving?”

“He rushed straight to your house after eating. He must be hungry.”

“Again? It’s still winter in the neighborhood, but that troublemaker already thinks it’s spring.”

The two people exchanged laughter amicably, captured by the VJ’s camera. Seeing Hwang, who was curious about their conversation, Jeong-woo pointed to Grandma Choi Geum-soon.

“You can ask her directly. I’ll finish the interview here. My mother seems busy.”

In truth, it was Yoon Yi-seol catching his attention, who was busy assisting Hong Ji-sook rather than his mom. However, there was no need to highlight that in front of the camera.

As Jeong-woo disappeared into the living room, Hwang turned to the VJ and spoke.

“He has a peculiar way with words, don’t you? Like someone accustomed to broadcasting.”

“Yes, indeed. He even look directly at the lens.”

“I should make a note of that.”

Hwang picked up her notebook.

In variety shows that involve regular people as participants, simply pointing the camera at them often leads to awkwardness and stumbling. It’s difficult to capture good scenes. That’s why these pre-interviews were crucial preparations.

Jeong-woo arrived in the kitchen and approached Yoon Yi-seol, who was focused on dividing side dishes onto paper plates.

With her hair tightly tied back and wearing a white mask and a clean white apron, she seemed like a professional nutritionist at first glance.

“I’m here.”

Yoon Yi-seol turned her head at Jeong-woo’s voice and greeted him with a joyful expression.

“It’s almost 4 o’clock, so we should go now.”

“Jeong-woo, come this way.”

Yoon Yi-seol grabbed Jeong-woo’s arm and pulled him toward a corner of the kitchen where the staff couldn’t be seen.

“Your mother suggested that we appear together in a cooking competition later.”

“What?”

“In a way, you could say I’m a sous chef?”

Seeing Jeong-woo’s widened eyes, Yoon Yi-seol made a hushing gesture.

“Yi-seol, you shouldn’t appear on this kind of show. It’s not a music channel, it’s a cooking channel.”

“I already talked to manager Ji and received advice. Please pretend to be my manager until manager Ji arrives. Can you do that?”

“Well, it’s not a difficult request, but why?”

“Um… Just go with the flow? It’ll be fun.”

Seeing Yoon Yi-seol was unexpectedly enjoying the idea, Jeong-woo nodded without saying anything. Then, a sudden thought crossed his mind.

“What if there’s a 50-50 chance of making a dish I can’t eat?”

“Your mother says you have the knack for it.”

“Really?”

“Broadcasting sense.”

There was even room for joking. Jeong-woo thought there must be a smile on Yoon Yi-seol’s face beneath her mask.

“Yi-seol, here’s the Japchae!”

“Yes!”

Hong Ji-sook casually called Yoon Yi-seol’s name and extended a round frying pan containing freshly stir-fried Japchae.

After leaving the remark, “I’ll see you later,” Yoon Yi-seol hurriedly ran over, accepted the pan, and began dividing it onto plates.

“What’s going on? Why do they seem so close?”

Jeong-woo tilted his head. Since the kitchen was already crowded, he stepped back for now.

‘By the way, a showdown with that chef?’

Feeling a vague uneasiness, Jeong-woo picked up his phone and searched for the name “Hyun Min.”

‘Graduated from the Department of Culinary Science at Hyejeon University. Served as a chef and manager at Hilton Hotel. Currently running a private restaurant.’

In addition to the notable achievements, there was a dazzling track record. Winning difficult cooking competitions in Italy, appearing on multiple broadcasts. In particular, he served as a judge in a cooking survival show that ended last year.

“I lost, I lost.”

It was evident just by looking at them. This was Yang Min tormenting Hyun Min under the guise of a showdown.

Jeong-woo clicked his tongue, knowing that he would soon be in trouble with Hyun Min. At that moment, he glanced at the two people who were clearly destined for trouble.

As Yoon Yi-seol continued to transfer the Japchae, the microscopic symbols of chemistry began to appear in the world of slippery noodles covered in sauce.

Crisp pieces of green onions and oil, seared to perfection.

The combination of amino acids from the proteins and carbonyl groups from the sugar reacted, emanating a captivating flavor. Carrots, onions, and shiitake mushrooms intertwined to create an appetizing aroma and vibrant color.

The sesame seeds scattered sparsely within the Japchae revealed the elegance of unsaturated fatty acids, even within the dish.

Gulp

Despite the imagined chemistry of aroma and taste, saliva couldn’t help but flow.

‘When it comes to cooking or chemical reactions…’

“Jeong-woo!”

Jeong-woo’s fantasy world vanished at the sound of Park Soo-chan’s voice.

“Hey, did you hear? Hyun Min is appearing on today’s shoot.”

Entering the living room, Park Soo-chan’s mouth fell open as he glanced at the kitchen filled with cameras.

“We were planning to go right after dinner, but I guess we have to stay and watch.”

“Just go.”

“Why?”

Jeong-woo looked at Yoon Yi-seol. She had finished transferring the Japchae to a plate and sent him a gaze that seemed to ask, “Everything okay?” Jeong-woo shook his head.

He was concerned that she might face difficulties in an unfamiliar entertainment setting. That was his worry.

‘Well, if there’s a way to help, we should.’

The two cameras focused on the staff member holding the slate.

“Two, three!”

[0107, Take 1-1]

As the slate closed with a sound, the camera turned its attention to Hyun-min, wearing a chef’s hat.

“A delicious feast! Yes, today we are here in a village in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul for a Lunar New Year special.”

Hyun-min’s gaze shifted to the living room, where a beautifully set table was displayed.

“Do you see these tasty dishes? I didn’t make them myself, but they were skillfully prepared by the women’s association in this village. Please come in, elders!”

As elderly grandfathers and grandmothers began to enter the table with cushions, Hyun-min bowed respectfully.

While waiting near the kitchen for serving duties, Jeong-woo glanced at the filming location.

Seeing the actual broadcasting being filmed up close, everything was fascinating to him. The two makeshift cooking stations were filled with ingredients and cooking utensils, but the only tool Jeong-woo knew the proper name for was a knife.

-Today, rather than a feast, we will have a cooking competition between a mother who is responsible for the taste of these festive dishes and our chef.

With his handsome appearance and gentle remarks, Hyun-min exuded a charming aura befitting a professional chef and entertainer. Upon closer inspection, it seemed he had undergone celebrity makeup.

‘My mother doesn’t look nervous at all. Is she naturally suited for broadcasting?’

Hong Ji-suk, wearing the same hat as Hyun-min, was introduced and joined the FD (Floor Director) on stage.

Hwang, the writer who had been crouching under the camera, held up a sketchbook with the word “Applause” written on it, raising it above her head.

The local men who took their seats in front of the table, close to the stage, shouted, “Hong Madam, do well!” Among them, familiar faces could be seen.

The rice shop owner, the supermarket owner, and the neighbor next door. The trio known for drinking heavily once a month were all there.

Jeong-woo also shouted, “Mom, fighting!” and sent a small show of support with his eyes to Yoon Yi-seol, who stood on one side to assist.

• Hello, may I ask for an introduction ma’am?
• I operate a Baekban (traditional Korean set meal) restaurant near the market. I’m Hong Ji-suk.
• I’ve actually tried the food there, and it was really delicious. Especially the beef radish soup. Oh, I wonder if you have any secret recipes of your own?
• It’s not that amazing of a taste. Was it really that delicious? Thank you, though.

As Hong Ji-suk calmly evaluated her own food, Hyun-min, who was about to praise her, was slightly taken aback.

Jeong-woo, even though he was in front of the camera, couldn’t help but chuckle at his mother’s manner of speaking that was so familiar to him.

• Before the competition, we are planning to have a sous chef. I heard that you have already chosen someone. Would you like to introduce the sous chef briefly?

The camera focused on Yoon Yi-seol, who was standing on one side of the stage. Jeong-woo had expected her to keep her head down and remain silent without taking off her mask, so he was surprised by her next move.

• I’m Yoon Yi-seol. Please take care of me.
• Ah, Miss Yoon Yi-seol. Nice to… you are?

Curious if she was a celebrity with the same name, Hyun-min asked, and Yoon Yi-seol lowered her mask slightly and smiled at the camera.

• Yes, it’s the same Yoon Yi-seol.

‘Confident, isn’t she?’

Jeong-woo felt a slight surprise, but Hyun-min’s astonishment was even greater.

• Y-Yoon Yi-seol? What is this, PD? A surprise appearance?

Even the PD, who smoothly delivered the script, was taken aback by the unexpected appearance of a top star who rarely appeared on public channels, let alone cable channels.

The PD and writer, who were supposed to support Hyun-min, couldn’t utter a word and could only stare at Yoon Yi-seol.

“Seung-ah, the editing room!”

At the PD’s shout, FD Oh Seung-ah quickly ran and clapped the slate with her palm, bringing the filming to a brief pause.

Yoon Yi-seol turned her gaze towards the PD and spoke.

-I’ve been secretly helping out in places where I know people. I figured you would eventually find out if I kept moving around.

-If I had known Yoon Yi-seol was here, I would have changed the concept itself…

-Should we just reshoot it as if you magically appeared right now? Don’t worry too much since it’s a special episode and you’re participating. Oh, there’s my manager!

Jeong-woo, who had been silently observing the situation, raised his head at Yoon Yi-seol’s call.

‘Me?’

Yoon Yi-seol looked at Jeong-woo with an expression that said, “Yes, it’s you.” Jeong-woo squeezed through the lighting staff and approached the PD, sitting next to the camera, and nodded respectfully.

Yoon Yi-seol, confirming Jeong-woo’s approach, spoke as if she had been waiting.

“You can discuss the details with my manager. And this is what my manager told me…”

Jeong-woo glanced at Yoon Yi-seol with a questioning look, but she calmly continued speaking.

“Volunteering here is my personal matter, so it doesn’t matter if it’s briefly shown on the broadcast. However, if you mention or advertise the program under the name of Yoon Yi-seol, you’ll need to follow the proper procedures. Do you understand what I mean?”

Jeong-woo didn’t fully understand, but the PD understood and nodded.

Her appearance fee, which was clearly beyond what a cable TV production could afford. Yet, they couldn’t just give up on filming or not shoot Yoon Yi-seol.

In hindsight, her proposal was reasonable.

Just a slight hint of her presence would create buzz and greatly help with the viewership.

Moreover, with Yoon Yi-seol’s presence, they could create a different atmosphere even if it was a concept without her.

“Hyun-shi.”

The PD’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Hyun-min.

“Can you continue from here? Without getting nervous.”

“Well…”

As Yoon Yi-seol put her mask back on and stood in her original position, Hyun-min nodded.

“Understood.”

After a brief moment of chaos, the filming resumed.

Jeong-woo remained standing next to the PD, watching the filming up close.

While the FD adjusted the camera angle to match the editing room, the PD turned his gaze to Jeong-woo.

“I was genuinely surprised. I can’t believe Yoon Yi-seol goind something like this so secretly. Nice to meet you, I’m PD Choi Chang-gyu.”

“I’m Han Jeong-woo.”

After officially shaking hands with PD Choi, it was clear that he was playing the role of a manager who couldn’t be left out.

Hwang, the writer who conducted the earlier interview, looked at Jeong-woo with an intrigued expression.

“It seems Yoon Yi-seol was volunteering in the neighborhood where the manager lives?”

“Well… that’s right. Haha.”

The half-joke turned into a serious comment.

“By the way, we captured the footage of the dog Doo-chi that Jeong-woo mentioned earlier.”

“Will Doo-chi also be on the show?”

“He was cute. His story fits well with the atmosphere of this neighborhood.”

While talking with Hwang, Jeong-woo noticed Hong Ji-sook. He made a gesture to his mother, who was looking at him with a face that seemed to say, “What are you up to?”, indicating to follow Yoon Yi-seol’s lead.

Click.

The slate moved, and the FD left. Hyun-min, taking a deep breath, continued the commentary.

“…Well, the evaluation of the cooking competition. We will select five elderly individuals here to receive a very subjective judgment.”

After saying this, Hyun-min respectfully bowed towards the elderly individuals as a way of requesting their cooperation.

“This time, I will choose a resident from this neighborhood as the assistant chef. For the sake of fairness, this person will be responsible for the main dish while I act as the assistant.”

Thinking that this would not greatly compromise the fairness of the rules, Jeong-woo’s gaze involuntarily turned towards his mother.

‘Isn’t this about winning? Our neighborhood’s elderly folks are huge fans of Mom’s cooking.’

Yoon Yi-seol whispered something to Hong Ji-sook, who simply nodded without much of a different reaction. They seemed to already know.

‘Have they become really close?’

Hyun-min turned his head towards Kim Ban-jang, who was watching from the opposite side of the living room.

“President, who did you say is the least talented cook in this village earlier?”

“He’s right there.”

“Can you zoom in on him?”

“Jeong-woo. It’s you, right? You.”

Upon Kim Ban-jang’s call, Jeong-woo’s head turned as he stood between the staff.

“Yes?”

As soon as he answered, two cameras focused on Jeong-woo’s face. The warm light from the lighting descended, capturing everyone’s attention in an instant.

‘Oh, president…’

Hyun-min smiled and gestured for Jeong-woo to come closer.

“Come here, don’t worry.”

“…”

“Let’s cook together.”

Hesitatingly, Jeong-woo looked at Yoon Yi-seol.

‘What on earth…’

Her eyes conveyed a mix of amusement and confusion, while his eyes were filled with both chaos and bewilderment, intertwining in a complex manner.