They say there are lots of oddballs in this world, but

He didnt imagine to see a level 9 so suddenly. The older man approached them from the kitchen. His head was shaved but showed little speckles of black and white hair, and his lips smiled to show wrinkles around it.

Are you here as customers?

He spoke in Japanese. Just as the interpreter was about to translate, he immediately spoke in English when he realized that they didnt understand. His English was just as fluent as that of Yamamoto.

You dont speak Japanese. Can you speak English?

Oh, youre fluent in English.

So which one of you are customers?

Higashinos eyes turned to the staff behind Cho Min Joon and Rachel. Cho Min Joon and Rachal were unable to answer his question. Martin looked around. It wasnt too spacious, but there was enough room for the staff. He opened his mouth.

Were all customers. Is it okay to bring in cameras?

As long as you dont make too much noise.

Higashino answered in a serious voice. He was not very friendly to his customers, but was it because he saw his cooking level? Cho Min Joon understood Higashinos attitude.

Cho Min Joon sat at the bar in front of Higashino.

Do you have a menu?

No. Tell me what you want. Ill make it for you as long as I have the ingredients.

Anything?

Rachel looked shocked. She had been to many restaurants in her life, but she had never been to one that didnt have a menu. At that moment, Cho Min Joon slowly opened his mouth.

Katsudon.

Katsudon. Pork cutlets with rice. It wasnt his favorite food. He didnt hate gyudon or Japanese rice dishes, and he liked pork cutlets, but he didnt like Katsudon.

And the reason was simple. Katsudon was one of the most difficult dishes to make, and the reason was simple. They had to keep the fried food crispy even after pouring sauce on it. It sounded simple, but it took great skill to achieve it.

So he didnt expect much from a neighborhood shop. He had never seen a good Katsudon before. Since he had never seen a Katsudon over 6 points he had lost hope.

Higashino nodded and looked at Rachel. Rachel looked taken aback. She then stroked her chin and answered, Id like grilled mackerel and skewers. Id like a chicken heart and meatball as well as anything else you might have.

Higashino took orders from the others as well. Some even asked for hamburgers or pasta, but Higashino didnt refuse. Cho Min Joon gulped. He understood why Yamamoto had a hard time describing this restaurant.

After taking orders from over 10 customers, Higashino entered the kitchen to start cooking. There werent even 10 gas burners, but he didnt rush. He boiled water, heated up oil, warmed the pan, and sliced ingredients.

There were no helpers either. It was impressive. There werent other customers, but there were probably times when it was busy. Even now, Higashino was handling over 10 customers all on his own.

And theyre all different menus

Cho Min Joon watched Higashino work with wide eyes. His way of working was strange. Most chefs could only stick to 3 different dishes when busy. If not, they were bound to get things mixed up.

But Higashino was different. He wasnt so fast that he couldnt be seen to the naked eye. It was just that he didnt stop. He prepared all of the ingredients needed for the dishes, and he didnt waste any time.

No way

Cho Min Joon watched Higashino as if he was dreaming. If Rachel Rose was the best leader of a kitchen he had watched, Higashino was the best 1-man kitchen he had ever seen.

If a man like that was a level 9, what did a level 10 look like?

And a moment later, Katsudon was placed in front of Cho Min Joon.

[Katsudon]

Freshness: 97%

Origin: (Too many ingredients for an accurate calculation)

Quality: High

Cooking Score: 9/10

He understood why the score was 9. After all, the process of Katsudon was extensive. There were many ways to increase the score, but what was important was flavor. His spoon shook.

The Katsudon Higashino made him was different from the rest. The rice was brown as if it was soaked with soy sauce. It almost looked like nasi goraeng from India, and it tasted like it as well. But it wasnt curly like nasi goraeng. He liked the way the sticky rice mingled with the onions wrapped in egg.

The pork cutlets tasted unexpected. It was crispy, but it wasnt crispy like ordinary pork cutlets. It was crispy like crackers. If it wasnt soaked in broth, it might have been too hard.

This taste

Cho Min Joon put only the pork cutlet in his mouth with wide eyes. Every time he chewed on the fried pork cutlets, the pure taste seemed familiar. He felt like he knew the secret behind it. 9 points. He couldnt find out the recipe, but he could understand just from the taste. Cho Min Joon looked at Higashino and asked, Did you add onion water in the batter?

You have a sensitive palate.

Higashino looked at Cho Min Joon strangely. Cho Min Joon felt excited for a moment. The reasons being the delicious Katsudon as well as the fact that he figured out the secret behind the batter without the systems help. And one last thing

I cant believe he can cook like this

He felt as though the world became wider. At that moment, Rachel looked at Higashino with a suspicious gaze.

You look familiar Have we met?

No, but I know you. Rachel Rose. I thought you retired.

In response to Higashinos calm voice, Rachel opened her eyes in shock. She then smiled.

I was famous back in the day, but I feel like I know you, too.

Ive worked at the Japanese Embassy in America once. Perhaps, thats when

The Japanese Embassy! I knew someone who could make food like this wouldnt have had an ordinary past. Its possible we met back then.

Meats no good when its cold.

Youre so strict

It was hard to say anymore in response to his strict attitude. Rachel put her grilled mackerel in her mouth. She then rolled her eyes. Cho Min Joon was watching her eat the grilled mackerel with longing eyes.

Do you want to try some?

N-no. Im already full Ill be full after this Katsudon.

He considered throwing up in the washroom just so he could eat more. Cho Min Joon glanced around. There were various dishes such as hamburgers, tomato pasta, grilled mackerel, marinated tofu, and even Vienna sausages.

They werent fancy dishes that Rachel made, but none of them had any flaws. The tofu was smooth and unbroken, and the Vienna sausages and grilled fish showed off perfect cuts.

But it was all too appropriate. None of them were overdone but just enough to boost ones appetite. Even the way the soy sauce was spilled on top of the marinated cod looked like a work of art.

Back in the day during Grand Chef, me, Kaya, Anderson, and Chloe talked about what kind of restaurant we want to open in the future.

What kind do you want to open?

A restaurant just like this. A cozy and small place where customers can make requests, and Ill do my best to make them. Thats my fantasy, but its not my dream.

Why isnt it a dream?

Because its not realistic. Of course, this place is very impressive But thats because Higashino is that talented. Itll take decades to have that talent. Im greedy. I want to cook in the most perfect kitchen and use the best ingredients. I also want a kitchen in a crowded city rather than a small town, but its possible that a real chef should focus on making good food like Higashino than have such greed

Cho Min Joon looked down at his fists. His eyes shook.

I cant help but feel restless. I want to go further as quickly as possible. Is that bad?

Rachel rested her hand on Cho Min Joons back. Rachel patted his back softly. She then asked, What do you think?

Pardon me?

What do you think my dream is as a chef?

Hm, to revive Rose Island to the days when your husband was alive?

Then do you think I feel urged or not?

Cho Min Joon was unable to answer. He felt cautious guessing his mentors feelings, but Rachels eyes were urging him to answer, so he had no choice.

Do you feel urged?

Yes. Very much so.

Rachel gave a short answer. She was older. Of course, 60s were no longer considered old, but it was possible she would get sick soon. Perhaps that was a useless worry, but she couldnt help but feel pressed. She wanted to revive her past as quickly as possible.

But I dont hate that urgency because of the disappointment I feel every day reminds me of my worth even further, so dont hate your urgency. You may feel like your anxiousness will swallow you up But thatll only become your style.

Thank you, Rachel. Your words make me feel at ease.

Youre an admirable man, and youll be an admirable chef one day.

But Rachel

Cho Min Joon opened his mouth but stopped himself. He wanted to say something, but it was hard for him to say anything in front of Rachels warm face. Cho Min Joons lips closed. And when they opened again, he didnt say what he originally intended.

My bellys sending me a signal. Id better go to the washroom. Maybe I can eat more once I empty it.

Are you sure youre not straining yourself? You can just rest.

No. I really want to eat more. Ill be right back.

Cho Min Joon excused himself. Rachel put a piece of chicken heart in her mouth without a word. Every time she chewed on it, the savory flavors exploded in her mouth. Rachel smirked and looked at Higashino.

Thank you for the delicious food.

You have an interesting pupil under your wing.

Interesting? Yes, I suppose so. Did you see how he got the secret behind your batter right? Thats how sensitive he is. No, hes not just sensitive. Hell probably guess everything thats in your dish if you asked.

Most people wouldve been surprised, but Higashino didnt seem fazed. Rachel looked at him with a confused face.

You dont seem surprised. Did you know? Or dont you believe me?

I doubt a woman of your status would lie. I believe you. Although, I didnt know.

Then why is your reaction so calm?

Because its not so shocking that Im surprised.

Rachel seemed disappointed by Higashinos calm answer. It wasnt even her ability, but she had fun seeing peoples surprised reactions. Rachel opened her mouth.

Isnt it surprising? Someone with an outstanding palate tasted your food. Dont you want to know what he thinks?

Thats great that I had a perfect palate as my customer, but hes just a customer. Nothing special about it.

Why not? He can give you the most objective opinion of your food.

What does that change? If that man tells me my food tastes bad, does that mean all of my past customers had bad food?

Of course not. But hell taste your food in the best and most accurate manner than the others.

Theres no such thing as best with food, and Im sure hes also aware that theres no right or wrong in food.

Higashinos small eyes turned to Rachel. His eyes contained certainty of what he just said, but Rachel was certain as well because she knew someone who lived a completely different life in terms of foodher husband. If Higashino had watched Daniel from up close he wouldnt have said such things.

No, theres such a thing. I believe it.

What makes you feel so inferior?

Rachels eyes glared at the word, inferior. Higashino sighed and shook his head.

I apologize.

Thats all right. But let me ask you a question. Why did you open a restaurant like this?

Higashino stared at Rachel without a word. He didnt have to answer, but he couldnt stand still. Higashino slowly opened his mouth.

Cooking began to feel like homework to me, and I hated that. I like cooking, and that means I should enjoy it. Thats why I opened this restaurant.

I cant do that.

Rachel spoke in a stern voice. Her eyes looked so determined that even Higashino flinched.

I want to finish the homework you gave up on.

Rachels eyes shifted toward Cho Min Joon who was walking back from the washroom. Rachel showed a warm smile.

With that boy.