Chapter 43 – First Mission: Taste Survey & a Surprise at Seoul University's Cafeteria
After last week's "magical presentation," Gevran and his crew agreed: it was time to take their dream restaurant seriously. But before launching a restaurant, there was one critical question they had to answer—
What do people actually like to eat?
"I say… we start from the ground up. From the common folk, like us," Mi Yong declared, in full investigative reporter mode.
"Where's the most iconic place students eat?" asked Eunwoo.
"There's only one answer," Jiwan raised his hand. "The Seoul University Cafeteria. A place where all flavors collide. And sometimes… cause stomach problems."
Thus began: The Great Taste Survey Mission.
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Day 1 – Operation Cafeteria: The Ultimate Mixed Rice Menu
Gevran came equipped with a clipboard and checklist.
Haesung acted as the official taste evaluator, complete with a 1–10 scoring scale.
Mi Yong took photos of every dish and posted them on her Instagram story.
Jiwan interviewed students using a toy microphone.
Eunwoo fixed his hair every time a camera turned his way.
First dish: "Kang Opa's Special Mixed Rice."
According to seniors, it was a meal that could make you reflect on your sins.
They all sat down, took a bite, and began the review:
Gevran: "Mmm… tastes like childhood memories."
Haesung: "The rice is a bit mushy, but there's a spicy aftertaste that kicks in nicely."
Jiwan: "I feel like… the meat is a mystery."
Mi Yong: "Yummy! But small portion. Not Instagram-worthy."
Eunwoo: "I'm not eating that. The sauce clashes with my outfit."
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Day 2 – Suddenly Viral
Without meaning to, Mi Yong posted a video of Jiwan saying:
"The meat tastes like… it's not from any animal we know."
The video went viral.
"Gevran! I'm viral! There are over a thousand comments! But… people keep asking, 'Wait, what kind of meat was that?!'"
The next day, the cafeteria posted a sign:
"We guarantee all meat is legal and halal."
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Day 3 – A Hidden Gem
In the middle of their food-hunting mission, they stumbled upon a small corner stall on campus. The name: Ahjumma Jang's Kitchen.
The menu had only one item: "Homestyle Ramyeon."
They tried it.
Silence.
One spoon… two spoons…
"THIS IS IT."
They all said it at once.
"This tastes like home. This is what we've been looking for," Haesung said—seriously, for the first time.
Ahjumma Jang smiled. "You like it? It's my grandmother's recipe. But… I'm retiring soon."
They all looked at each other.
Gevran stepped forward. "What if we buy the recipe from you? We want to carry this flavor into our future restaurant."
Ahjumma Jang was touched. "If you're serious, I'll consider it."
And just like that…
Their restaurant dream began to take shape.
Not just a wild idea—
But a flavor that spoke to the heart.