God-Given Business Genius

I awkwardly scratched the back of my head as Yang Ji-a looked up at me with sparkling eyes. Who knows what she was thinking?

It was clear she was conjuring up words like “genius” in her mind.

“CEO, you’re amazing. How did you come up with this in just one day…!”

“Haha. It’s not that incredible.”

“You’re being too modest.”

Roh Se-hee shook her head beside me.

“I’ve seen it several times already, but I’m surprised again today. Where do these recipes just pop out from? With the company being so busy lately, I didn’t think you’d have time for menu development…. You are getting sleep, right?”

“Of course. Don’t worry, I’m sleeping well.”

I smiled broadly.

Sure, to others, it might seem like I’ve done something astonishing. But the reality is a bit different from what it appears.

‘I’m just unveiling items we researched with the company staff before my regression, one by one.’

Of course, most of the new menu items were my ideas, and I only fine-tuned the details with the new menu development team, so they are indeed menus I developed.

These are menu items created over decades of effort before my regression.

If I were to release just the recipes I remember into the market, the quantity would be enormous. Releasing these at appropriate times is one of the tasks assigned to me.

“Anyway. You all agree that this is a good new menu item to refresh our image, right?”

“That’s what I think.”

“Me too.”

Originally, I had planned to save this Whole Melon Bingsu for release later.

Seeing everyone nodding their heads, I felt confident that changing my mind wasn’t a mistake.

It had quite a good response before my regression, and above all, it’s visually unique and beautiful.

This should be enough to differentiate us from the copycat business.

‘Of course, they could just copy this too. But given that owner’s personality, he’ll probably want to research it more and upgrade it before releasing it.’

By then, it’ll be too late.

The equation “Whole Melon Bingsu = Bingwa” will already be etched in customers’ minds. The copycat business will have to continue operating while trapped in yet another pitfall.

“Then we’ll plan the new menu promotion with this as the main focus.”

“Yes, please do that.”

“This is perfect timing. Our Deputy Yang joined us today.”

Huh? Why Deputy Yang Ji-a?

As I looked at Roh Se-hee with a puzzled expression, Park Sang-won spoke up with a proud face.

“Deputy Yang originally worked as a designer before switching to the sales team! So she’s amazing at creating PPTs and promotional pamphlets!”

“I-it’s not that impressive.”

Yang Ji-a lowered her head shyly. Oh? She had such a background?

No wonder she said she wanted to “take a picture” when she saw the Whole Melon Snow Flower Bingsu. It seems she’s skilled at designing posters using such photos.

“Wow. She’s exactly the talent we needed. Welcome, Yang Ji-a-ssi. I’m counting on you for this new menu promotion.”

“Y-yes! Leave it to me…!”

“There’s no need to feel pressured. Team Leader Roh will help you with whatever you need.”

“Yes, understood.”

That’s one more reason to feel at ease about the promotional side.

“By the way. Are the preparations for Shanghai Restaurant’s opening going well? It’s tomorrow, right?”

When I asked Jo I-ruk, he set down the bingsu he was eating and answered.

“Yes. All the preliminary preparations are complete. We’ve done sufficient promotion, so it looks like we’ll be busy as soon as we open tomorrow. We’re planning to bring in extra hands from nearby stores to help out just for the opening day.”

“That’s a good idea. The first day is always the most nerve-wracking, busiest, and most chaotic. Team Leader Jo, please keep an eye on things for about a week.”

“Yes.”

Jo I-ruk kept glancing at the bingsu even as he answered. He must have found it quite delicious. I waved my hand, gesturing for him to finish eating.

“Alright. Meeting adjourned! Let’s get to work~”

Clap, clap.

As I clapped to draw attention, everyone started to file out of the conference room. Yang Ji-a, in particular, had a passionate gleam in her eyes, seemingly eager to tackle her first assignment.

I was also gathering my things when my phone suddenly rang.

Who could it be?

Looking at my phone, an unexpected name appeared.

[Chef An Derek]

Huh. Why is he calling all of a sudden?

There’s been a subtle rivalry atmosphere both during filming and on the show, but we’ve never contacted each other privately.

I might understand if it were Chef Bong Kang-min, who’s friendly with everyone, or Chef Jang Ha-neul, who’s favorable towards me.

But An Derek, who always passes by me coolly whenever we meet… I can’t think of any reason why he’d contact me.

After a moment’s hesitation, I answered the phone.

“Hello?”

-Oh, Chef Song!

Huh?

“Chef Bong Kang-min, right?”

-Wow~ You recognized me right away! Hahaha. Can you tell just by hearing my voice?

“Of course. How could I not recognize your voice, Chef Bong?”

-Oh my, our Chef Song always says such nice things. You’re on a whole different level from this gruff junior of mine~

I could faintly hear An Derek mumbling some response in the background. Chef Jang Ha-neul’s voice was also barely audible, suggesting they were meeting privately as a trio.

‘Chef Bong Kang-min and Chef Jang Ha-neul are close, and Chef An is Chef Jang’s disciple, so they must be close too.’

This industry really is small.

I could hear boisterous chatter over the phone, then it suddenly went quiet.

It seems An Derek finally reclaimed the phone from Bong Kang-min.

-…speaking. Chef Song Woo-yeon.

Sure enough. A calm, composed voice, distinctly different from Bong Kang-min’s, came through.

“Yes, Chef An. Have you been well?”

-We saw each other last week, didn’t we?

“Haha. We don’t really get to talk about how we’re doing during filming, you know.”

It was just a casual remark, but why is he like this? It’s just small talk, like ‘Have you eaten?’ or ‘Let’s grab a meal sometime.’

“It looks like the three of you were having a meal together.”

-That’s correct.

“But why the sudden call to me… Oh, is this reconnaissance?”

-It’s not like that. This is just Chef Bong’s whim… Sigh.

An Derek heaved a deep sigh as if he had a headache, then said to someone beside him, “Yes, I understand. I’ll tell her that.”

It seemed Chef Jang Ha-neul had given him some instructions.

-I heard you’re opening a Chinese restaurant.

“Ah~ Shanghai Restaurant? Yes, that’s right. The Junghwa-jeyuk-myeon we showcased on ‘Raid the Refrigerator’ is one of the main menu items. You must have seen the article.”

We did send out a bunch of press releases for promotion. Even so, I didn’t expect him to remember the exact date.

-Congratulations on your grand opening.

“Thank you.”

-Now that I’ve conveyed my congratulations, I’ll be… Ugh, Chef Bong!

Whoosh!

There was a sound of scuffling. It seemed they were wrestling over the phone. What’s going on here?

After some time passed, Bong Kang-min, breathing heavily, must have emerged victorious, as his characteristically playful voice came through.

-Hey hey. Chef Song. It’s me. Man, I don’t know why our Chef An is so shy. He’s the one who said he wanted to go to the main branch of Shanghai Restaurant tomorrow to try it in person, you know? But when it comes down to it, he acts all demure like this.

Crash, bang!

-Hey now. Chef An, where are your manners? How dare you try to snatch the phone when your elder is speaking?

It’s absolute chaos on the other end of the line. Bong Kang-min continued, unfazed.

-Look, we’ve been seeing each other regularly for a few weeks now, and we’ll keep seeing each other. Let’s be more comfortable, okay? How about I treat you to a drink to celebrate your opening? If you’re free, come over here and have a meal with us~

Building friendships with the chefs isn’t a bad idea. This industry is so small that knowing just one or two people can connect you to everyone else.

I quickly checked my watch and calendar. It didn’t seem like I had any urgent work that had to be done today.

Having made my calculations, the answer flowed from my lips.

“Haha. I’d be grateful if you’re inviting me. I’m not sure if it’s okay for me to join though.”

I throw that out there just in case, since it could be a polite formality. Given Chef Bong’s personality, it’s probably not, but businesspeople tend to be cautious by nature.

-Come on over! I’ll send you the address.

“Alright. I’ll be there soon~”

⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱

“Oh my. Welcome~ What’s this?”

“I felt awkward coming empty-handed when you invited me to your restaurant. It’s nothing special, just a small gift.”

Jang Ha-neul’s eyes lit up as I handed over the whiskey.

“I figured you probably have plenty of baijiu, so I brought a different type of alcohol.”

“That’s so thoughtful~ You didn’t have to, how embarrassing!”

It’s well-known in the industry that Jang Ha-neul is quite the drinker. I thought an alcohol gift would be perfect.

“Oh, you really came quickly. I’m the one who invited you, but why is Chef Jang the only one getting a gift?”

“I brought something for you too, Chef Bong.”

“Hehehe. Oh my, I should be the one giving gifts.”

Still, he doesn’t refuse the offered gift.

“Not at all. I’m grateful for the invitation. I didn’t expect you to call and congratulate me like this.”

“Well~ It’s not like this is your first or second business opening, right Chef Song? I hear your branch stores are increasing?”

“Just working hard, that’s all.”

As I acted humble, Jang Ha-neul and Bong Kang-min looked at me fondly. Maybe it’s because I’m young enough to be their daughter. They seemed to treat me very much like their own child.

“Come on, come inside. Derek is in there too.”

Jang Ha-neul led me inside the restaurant. Borrowing the restaurant on a day off for a gathering—that’s something only the owner can do.

After walking a bit, I made eye contact with An Derek, who was inside. He gave a slight bow as our eyes met.

“Hello.”

I smiled in response, and An Derek just nodded slightly.

“Sit down, sit. Chef Bong, keep having fun.”

“Huh? Chef Jang, where are you going?”

“We have a special guest, so I need to show off my skills. Wait a bit. I make killer guobaorou.”

“Wow~ We’re in for a treat!”

Indeed. How often does one get the chance to taste guobaorou made by one of Korea’s top Chinese chefs?

I bowed in gratitude, but Jang Ha-neul waved it off and slipped into the kitchen.

As a result, only An Derek, Bong Kang-min, and I were left in the room.

Bong Kang-min looked at me with sparkling eyes.

“Chef Song.”

“Yes?”

“There’s something I’ve been really curious about. Can you tell me just a little bit?”

“Go ahead.”

I wonder what this is about. As I was puzzled, Bong Kang-min continued.

“What’s your real age?”

Oh.

…How did he know?