God-Given Business Genius - Chapter 218

I asked back with an incredulous expression.

"Of course?"

At my retort, Kim Jun-seo kept his sullen expression and tightly closed his mouth.

I spoke again.

"Owner Kim, I explained that rice balls aren't suitable for this market or food truck, didn't I?"

"...Yes."

"Yet you're the one who insisted on making rice balls, right?"

"That's correct."

"Currently, you don't have a properly quantified recipe, and the taste differs each time you make them, correct?"

"......"

"You make excuses every time I say something and stubbornly stick to your ways. How am I supposed to offer any solutions here? Huh?"

I thought I had explained kindly enough. Kim Jun-seo glared at me with bloodshot eyes.

He seemed to feel attacked.

I swallowed a sigh and added.

"I'm not criticizing you, Owner Kim. It's just that in this situation, offering solutions would be meaningless."

One needs to be willing to accept advice and make changes before suggestions for improvement can be made. But he keeps making excuses for everything I say.

Even if I gave him a recipe, would he be able to maintain it as I instructed?

'It's not about age after all. People so caught up in their own stubbornness.'

Although he's much younger than the Owners I met earlier, his attitude is far more rigid. In fact, because of his youth, his perspective might be narrower, and he might be overconfident.

"Owner Kim, I think you need time to reflect on what I've said today and humble yourself, rather than me giving you recipes."

While Kim Jun-seo might think I haven't taught him anything, I've already suggested plenty of solutions.

Reconsider the menu, standardize recipes, prepare signature dishes, improve quality to make it 'cuisine'.

Moreover, I kindly explained the shortcomings of each menu item.

Usually, based on these points, one would ponder, research intensively, and improve their recipes.

Kim Jun-seo remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

"...You gave recipes to other stores, didn't you?"

Unfortunately, it wasn't the response I was hoping for.

"What did you say?"

"The stores that appeared on the show. You gave them all recipes on the broadcast, didn't you?"

The unspoken continuation was clear: So why aren't you giving me any? It's irritating.

'See what I mean?'

My mind instantly cooled.

'Being lazy without considering the menu? Common. Stubbornly clinging to pride without proper recipes? Seen it countless times.'

That much doesn't faze me anymore. I've reached a certain level of enlightenment.

But being directly disrespectful to me is a different story.

'He really thinks I'm a pushover?'

Did he think appearing on <Alley Secrets> would give him free publicity through the broadcast, and I'd just hand over recipes, killing two birds with one stone?

Otherwise, this attitude makes no sense. He never intended to listen to me from the start.

'Did my smiling demeanor make him think I'm a joke?'

As I wiped the smile off my face, Kim Jun-seo flinched.

Despite appearances, I'm a veteran who's been through it all. There must have been many who tried to challenge me in this kitchen.

I know how to put down a novice who only flaunts pride without skill.

"Owner Kim Jun-seo."

As I called his name, Kim Jun-seo slowly raised his head, but quickly lowered his eyes again when our gazes met.

Names have a strange power. Sometimes, they can give the feeling of grabbing someone by the collar without moving a finger.

It makes one clearly remember their position once more.

Kim Jun-seo would be reminded, without me having to say it, that he's the mentee and I'm his mentor.

I spoke in a lowered voice.

"I've explained the reasons. In your current state, recipes are meaningless."

"......"

Noticing the intimidating atmosphere, beads of sweat formed on Kim Jun-seo's forehead.

"There will be no more solutions today."

As I cut off firmly, Kim Jun-seo tightly closed his eyes.

"Make sure you're clear by the next time I come. If you're going to continue with rice balls, decide clearly which menu items will be your main focus. If not rice balls, decide what you'll change to. You need to think much more critically than you are now."

Though I spoke indirectly, it was almost like cursing. I was clearly pointing out Kim Jun-seo's insincerity and incompetence.

Something akin to shame or hostility seemed to boil up inside Kim Jun-seo. His hands and feet trembled slightly, and his ears turned bright red.

"Good work."

After coldly observing his reaction, I offered a formal greeting.

In the chilly atmosphere, I noticed other food trucks glancing our way. Due to the lack of customers, it was quiet all around, so our conversation must have been audible.

I headed to the next food truck as if nothing had happened.

"Hello."

"Ah, yes! Hello!"

"What's your best-selling menu item?"

"Well, we..."

Until I finished providing solutions for the neighboring food truck, Kim Jun-seo remained sitting blankly in his place.

"...and to add more umami, we char it to give a smoky flavor..."

When I glanced back again, Kim Jun-seo was gone. He seemed to have stepped away for a moment.

Perhaps he went for a smoke. His pride must have been severely wounded.

I turned my attention back, pretending not to notice.

'He'll either change completely like Owner Lee Hyo-soon, or remain the same.'

The remaining choice was entirely up to Kim Jun-seo.

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"Good work, everyone~!"

"Thank you for your hard work!"

Greetings echoed from all around. The filming had finally ended. I also stood up, my body stiff from running around and cooking all day.

"You were amazing today as well, weren't you?"

Im Hye-eun smiled brightly as she complimented me. I appreciate the words, but she always praises me excessively, which is a bit embarrassing.

I smiled slightly and gave a small bow.

"How do you know all those diverse recipes? It's amazing to see you taste food on the spot and immediately improve it, no matter how many times I see it."

Well, I've traveled the world on culinary journeys in my previous life, you know.

Do-kyung, who was listening nearby, chimed in.

"Woo-yeon really seems like she's living her second life, doesn't she?"

Yes, that's correct.

"Before we started filming, Woo-yeon said that being old-fashioned isn't about age."

His eyes were now sparkling with interest.

"I thought today's filming would be easier since the Owners are young. But when we got into it... everything Woo-yeon said was spot on."

Do-kyung didn't specifically mention any names, but we all knew who he was referring to.

The rice ball shop, Kim Jun-seo. Except for him, we smoothly provided solutions for the rest.

'They were all so nervous. Everyone was busy watching my reactions.'

Thanks to that, it was easier to talk to them.

"That participant, he didn't return until the end of filming, did he?"

"That's what I heard. I was told that the writer tried to contact him, but he's not answering his phone."

"I wonder what he's thinking."

"He's not planning to drop out of the program like this, is he?"

The two speculated with worried tones. Either scenario seemed quite possible.

Is he really planning to drop out like this? Given his personality, it doesn't seem likely that he'll come back humbled at the next filming.

"Our CEO Song is really scary when angry. I don't think they realize that. That's why we always have people rebelling like this."

"It's hard to imagine in everyday life~ You're always smiling brightly."

Smile and good fortune will come. And how can a business person go around frowning?

I scratched my cheek and said,

"I feel like I got angry quite often. I guess it doesn't come across as scary on TV."

"Ah~ How should I put it? The feeling is a bit different."

Im Hye-eun seemed to ponder, trying to find the right expression, before continuing.

"When you see it in person, there are times when you're really overwhelmed by that gaze and atmosphere. But on TV, that doesn't come across well."

"Is that so?"

It seemed that my youthful appearance was also playing a part, not carrying the same weight as in my previous life.

"Anyway, since we still don't know where he went... be careful, CEO Song."

"Me?"

"Yes, of course!"

Im Hye-eun's eyes widened as she fussed.

"Who knows what he might do in anger! After being so publicly humiliated in front of all the other participants today."

"Come on. Surely he wouldn't go that far?"

"The ways of the world are such that you can fathom the depths of the sea, but not the hearts of men~"

If we count up to my regression, I must have eaten thousands more bowls of rice than her.

It was almost pitiful that I couldn't say anything to Im Hye-eun as she tried to teach me about the ways of the world.

"Thank you for your concern."

"You don't have any other staff with you today? Are you really going alone?"

"Yes. This is a personal schedule, after all."

I can drive myself. I'm not some celebrity who needs to go around with a Owner.

"I'm worried. Will you be okay?"

"Don't worry. And I'm not easily taken advantage of."

As I grinned, Im Hye-eun's face showed even more concern.

"I have another schedule right after this so I can't go with you. Do-kyung-ssi, you're busy too, right?"

"I have a photo shoot scheduled right after this as well..."

"I told you, there's no need to worry."

I waved my hand dismissively and gathered my things.

"I'll be heading out first~"

After a quick bow, I immediately left the place.

Moving with quick steps, I checked the time. If I hurried, I might be able to stop by the office briefly.

'If I just handle some urgent paperwork and then go home, it would be perfect...'

That's when it happened.

"......"

My body instinctively stiffened at the presence I felt behind me.

The shadow of an unnamed person fell at my feet. Without being told, I felt I knew who it was.

I tightly closed my eyes and then slowly opened them. Then I carefully turned around.

Perhaps I should have taken Im Hye-eun's lesson on the 'ways of the world' more seriously.

A familiar man stood before me.

"...Kim Jun-seo-ssi."

Gulp.

For some reason, my throat kept getting dry.