Chapter 71

As Kang Jin raised his fist and shouted, Lim Ho-jin instinctively pushed back his chair.

“Are you suggesting we decide this with rock-paper-scissors?”

“At least no one gets zero.”

“But who decides matters of life and death through rock-paper-scissors?”

“It’s better to have one lucky person than none at all. Besides, it’s not my loss; it’s yours. I’m just presenting a proposal. And using this method guarantees that someone will succeed.” With that, Kang Jin took a step back and extended his hand. “Enjoy your meal.”

“Thanks for the rice rolls,” replied Lim Ho-jin.

Kang Jin turned toward the team members. “Savor your food, and see you tomorrow.”

“The rice rolls look delicious.”

“I’m sure they’re tasty.”

Kang Jin nodded at their comments and left the office.

Lim Ho-jin watched him go before turning to his team members.

“So…what do you think about rock-paper-scissors?”

“As Kang Jin said, it’s better than having no chance, right?” Lee Sangsub replied.

Choi Mina agreed with him. “Well, at least there won’t be any losers if we decide by rock-paper-scissors.”

“But really, using rock-paper-scissors for determining who gets a full-time job offer?”

Choi Mina laughed at Lim Ho-jin’s remark. “What else can we do if that’s our only option? Besides, I don’t see another way.”

“You have a point.”

“Putting that aside… how does Mr. Kang make such delicious kimbap?” Choi Mina asked with delight.

Lee Sangsub smiled and took a bite of the rice roll.

“You’re right. It tastes like there’s kimchi mixed in here… The texture is great, and it’s bursting with flavor. Yum!”

Lim Ho-jin looked at the kimbap after hearing Lee Sangsub’s comment.

It must be tasty.

With this thought, Lim Ho-jin popped some kimbap into his mouth and chewed.

Munch!

A smile spread across his face as he savored the flavors.

Definitely…running a restaurant suits Kang Jin more than working as a corporate employee.

Lim Ho-jin wished for Kang Jin’s internship to end soon. Currently, they couldn’t visit Kang Jin’s restaurant during lunch hours because he was part of their team, but once his internship concluded, Lim Ho-jin could enjoy meals from Kang Jin’s place whenever he pleased.

After leaving work, Kang Jin headed to One Meal Restaurant. The atmosphere inside was warm and friendly. Interns laughed as they drank soju, while Choi Donghae held court amidst their rapt attention.

“I feel like something has changed with Donghae lately.”

“You’re right. He seems brighter somehow.”

As Kang Jin had surmised, Choi Donghae was at the center of the interns’ attention. Winning over Choi Donghae would secure him two votes, making him the best choice for Kang Jin’s strategy.

However, beneath this outward appearance, there was intense maneuvering going on behind the scenes. Observing all this, Kang Jin glanced around the dining area.

“Anyone need more food?”

“Can I have egg stew?”

“Sure.”

“And can you add shrimp paste?”

“I’ll make it just like that.”

Smiling, Kang Jin entered the kitchen and retrieved eggs, green onions, and shrimp paste. As he prepared egg soufflé, he glanced back at the dining hall. Despite receiving warm welcomes from everyone, Choi Donghae didn’t seem particularly pleased.

If it were genuine camaraderie, he might have enjoyed it, but this enthusiasm was clearly driven by ulterior motives related to voting, making him uncomfortable.

Have I inadvertently made things awkward for him?

Kang Jin had encouraged Choi Donghae to enjoy the attention, yet it appeared to be causing discomfort instead.

So, Kang Jin approached Choi Donghae.

“Donghae, could you help me out?”

“Sure.”

In response to Kang Jin’s request, Choi Donghae got up and joined him in the kitchen.

“What do you need help with?”

As Choi Donghae spoke, Kang Jin briefly looked towards the hall before pulling him aside.

“I called you over because you seemed uneasy.”

“Oh…”

“So who do you want to give your ticket to?” Kang Jin’s question prompted Choi Donghae to glance back at the hall. The interns were chatting with their assigned teammates. Similar to Kang Jin and Choi Donghae, the interns had formed teams within their respective departments.

“No one in particular.” Choi Donghae then looked at Kang Jin. “Should I give it to hyung?”

“I’m good. Give it to someone who needs it most.”

“But they all seem to need it…”

“Yes, that’s precisely the problem,” Kang Jin muttered quietly as he started scraping the bottom of boiling egg soufflés with his spoon. “Fourteen people want it, but only one can have it.”

Drrrk! Drrrk!

Kang Jin continuously scraped three egg dishes simultaneously until he estimated they were about eighty percent cooked. He then turned down the heat and placed three bowls on top of each dish, flipping them over so that the rims of two bowls touched like kissing mouths. After counting to ten, Kang Jin lifted the bowls, revealing fluffy peaks of golden egg soufflé.

“Wow…”

Seeing Choi Donghae’s admiration, Kang Jin smiled.

“Hungry?”

“I can’t wait to dig in.”

With a nod, Kang Jin served the soufflés individually.

“Here’s your egg soufflé.”

“Whoa… It looks amazing!”

“Right? How do you make eggs puff up like this?”

“It looks delicious.”

Kang Jin smiled at their comments and served egg dishes to each table. As she watched the interns eagerly dig in, Kang Jin asked:

“So, how’s it going with your discussion?”

The conversation had ebbed and flowed several times, but there was no easy resolution. They were taking time to gauge each other’s reactions and set the mood. Kang Jin glanced around the table. Although not excessive, they had consumed quite a bit of soju and beer, judging by the empty bottles.

Do we need more alcohol to get things heated up?

With this thought, Kang Jin took her seat beside them.

“Could I have a drink too, please?”

“Here you go.” Hwang Kyusik poured her a shot, which she gratefully accepted with a smile before turning to Wo Cheoljin.

“It’s nice to meet you today, Cheoljin-ssi. I’m Kang Jin.” As Kang Jin raised his soju glass, Wo Chuljin reciprocated by offering his own cup.

“I’m Wo Chuljin.”

While pouring for Wo Chuljin, Kang Jin glanced at Hwang Eunmi sitting next to him.

“You think she will get hired, right?” asked Kang Jin.

Wo Chuljin briefly looked at Hwang Eunmi and nodded. “Ideally, it would be great if someone from our department gets selected as a full-time employee.”

“I see,” replied Kang Jin, observing Wo Chuljin closely. “Do you think any of these popular interns have a chance?”

Wo Chuljin surveyed the group. The chatter among them ceased as they noticed his gaze upon them. He shook his head.

“Not with how things stand now.”

The interns’ faces fell at Wo Chuljin’s blunt assessment. They had gathered here hoping to become popular interns, only for their dreams to be dashed by his words.

“Then why did you come?” Hwang Kyusik sharply questioned him.

“I came because Ms. Hwang asked me for help,” Wo Chuljin replied calmly.

“Well, then, how about helping us out?” Hwang Kyusik retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

Wo Chuljin looked at him and responded, “In ten years, there has been only one popular intern.”

“You mean Jang Dae-sung from the US branch, right? I’m aware.” A tinge of disappointment crossed Hwang Kyusik’s face. If Jang Dae-sung were still in South Korea, he would have tried his best to learn the secret behind becoming a popular intern from him.

“That’s correct. Only one popular intern has emerged over ten years. So does that mean there were no outstanding interns among previous groups? Or perhaps they didn’t have this opportunity?”

Hwang Kyusik and the interns’ expressions turned serious at Wo Chuljin’s question. Observing their reactions, Wo Chuljin continued:

“In ten years, only one individual became a popular intern. Furthermore, just one person was hired as a full-time employee after gaining popularity.”

“What misconception do you mean?”

“Selecting a popular intern cannot be determined by social gatherings or conversations.”

“Are we supposed to fight it out then?” Hwang Kyusik responded jokingly.

Wo Chuljin nodded seriously. “Yes, exactly. The title of ‘popular intern’ isn’t decided through conversation… It goes to whoever wins in combat.”