As soon as the curry rice entered their mouths, the brains of the sisters Natsume and Orie felt like volcanoes erupting.
The impact of the curry rice made them both feel dizzy.
Their entire bodies seemed to become as light as feathers, as if they were floating in a scorching sea of lava.
However, despite this incredible sensation, there was no discomfort.
The rich, thick flavor of the curry rice created an ethereal, dreamlike world that completely disoriented them.
In the end, as they slowly returned to their senses from this divine experience, both sisters displayed expressions of utter disbelief.
"No matter the ingredients or the method, everything here screams 'cheap.'"
"Normally, such a simple home-style curry rice wouldn't captivate us, but... but... oh, I don't even know how to describe it."
"Overall, it's not as mildly spicy as I expected."
"Instead, there's a subtle sweetness, clearly from the uniquely fragrant and rich coconut sugar."
"Although curry can be sweet, the coconut sugar used here isn't cloying. Instead, it provides a unique, refreshing taste."
Orie, the younger sister, swallowed, her face full of excitement.
In her lifetime of tasting countless curry dishes, Zane's Japanese curry rice had impressed her the most!
"Indeed, it's very different from other curries."
"With the first bite, you can taste the sweet aroma of coconut, along with a hint of peppercorn, though not enough to be spicy."
After analyzing, Natsume couldn't resist the allure of the curry rice and took another bite.
Simple.
Ordinary.
Yet, the most satisfying.
As the warm curry-coated white rice slowly entered her mouth, even Natsume, who had a strong resistance to curry, couldn't help but fall for it completely!
It might be the first time.
Despite her picky taste buds, she enjoyed this normally flavored curry dish so much.
She knew that Zane's curry rice didn't throw in dozens of spices randomly; it used only his self-made curry blend.
No rare ingredients were used, just fresh beef ribs, vegetables, rice, and so on.
There wasn't anything flashy about the whole bowl of curry rice.
But it was this seemingly disadvantage-free curry rice that managed to conquer the two curry queens.
"Blended with the sweet fragrance of coconut."
"Instantly, your whole mouth, from the tip of your tongue to the back of your throat, is completely captivated."
"The taste not only lingers but also has a light milky flavor. It seems that even the simplest ingredients, when paired with this special curry, can make you crave more."
Rindo, who was also eating a bit, closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.
Curry originated in India.
After England colonized India, curry was brought back to their homeland, and later introduced to Japan from England.
During the Meiji Restoration, the government actively developed Hokkaido and wanted to bring in Western culture, so curry, a Western dish, gradually evolved into Japanese curry starting from Hokkaido!
Unlike Indian curry, which plays with various spice combinations, Japanese curry focuses on the sweetness of vegetables cooked with curry.
Due to industrialization, food production advanced rapidly, and "instant curry" products emerged.
It's said that Japan's first instant curry was made by a Tokyo company called Ikkan-do.
The curry, which only needed hot water to be eaten, started appearing frequently on Japanese dinner tables and became one of the three major Western foods in Japan.
Onions.
Potatoes.
Carrots.
These are the essence of Japanese curry.
You might notice onions, potatoes, and carrots in Japanese curry.
This isn't because chefs painstakingly paired these ingredients; they were just common crops grown in Hokkaido at the time.
Thus, they became the most common ingredients in Japanese curry.
"I see."
"Onions, garlic, ginger, black mustard seeds, red chilies, curry leaves..."
"Combined with coconut milk, it creates this sweet yet slightly spicy taste."
"This sweet curry method is actually from Southeast Asia's Siam region, but compared to that, it has less soup and a milder flavor."
"Wow, it's amazing!"
From initial skepticism to now displaying an "Ahegao" expression, Orie had completely lost her mind, devouring the curry hungrily.
In the end, the only sounds in the tavern were the clinking of spoons against ceramic bowls and the slurping of food.
The sauce was very rich.
Even a small touch on the tongue was worth savoring.
The beef soaked in curry sauce left lingering flavors in the mouth, making the jasmine rice's fullness fill the mouth and stomach with every swallow.
"Ah, I'm so satisfied."
"Despite being a curry queen, I couldn't resist this Japanese curry rice."
Having finished her curry, Orie said happily.
This Japanese curry rice opened her eyes.
For professionals who constantly research curry, it might seem bland, but for some reason, this simple curry rice captivated her.
Then, Orie looked at Zane with eyes full of affection.
Perhaps even she couldn't believe she was won over by a bowl of curry rice!
"Mr. Zane?"
"I heard some customers call you that?"
"I remember the surname Zhang is common in China. Are you Chinese?"
Reorganizing her thoughts, Orie's attitude shifted from noble and cautious to respectful and shy in front of Zane.
"Yes, I'm Zane."
Zane just shrugged and said calmly.
"Zane?"
"Quite unique."
"Let's not mention anything else, but your mastery of curry and spices is almost perfect!"
"I dare say, even a world-class curry chef might not do as well as you."
Orie praised without holding back.
At 12, Natsume and Orie starred in the "Curry Princess" commercial, becoming famous in the curry world.
They had a deep connection with curry throughout their lives.
Through years of hard work, they pushed Haubi Foods' curry market to the top in Japan.
They had seen many high-end dishes. When they encountered a skilled chef, they showed great respect.
Especially Orie.
Facing this Japanese curry rice, she went from skepticism to amazement to...
Falling for it!
"I admit I was doubtful at first."
"Given the tavern's environment, we had biases."
"But after tasting this Japanese curry rice, I realize there are truly superior curry dishes in this world."
Natsume, the elder sister, appeared calm but now respected Zane even more.
"These words are too kind."
"No matter what, it's just simple ingredients and a simple curry rice."
Seeing the sisters praising the curry rice, Zane kept smiling humbly.
"Simple?"
"Just your self-made curry."
"No matter what ingredients it's used with, the flavor improves."
"I dare say, if you provide the curry recipe, it could lead a new global curry trend."
"In fact, Haubi Foods is expanding its overseas curry market, and you're the talent we're looking for."
"So, how about it? Would you consider it?"
"If you join Haubi Foods, I'll offer you an annual salary of 20 million yen... no, 50 million yen!"
Natsume, looking deeply into Zane's eyes, extended an olive branch.
"Huh? An annual salary of 50 million yen?" Rindo was stunned.
Zane was also surprised, not by the salary but by their brief acquaintance of less than half an hour.
And she trusted him so quickly?
"Yes, 50 million yen annually, much better than running this tavern, right?"
Natsume blinked her bright eyes, speaking to Zane with some affection.
"The salary is good."
"Unfortunately, I won't join Haubi Foods."
"What?"
"You... you refused?"
Natsume was incredulous, and so was Orie.
Although Japan is a small country compared to China, it consumes 10 billion plates of curry annually. With a population of 127 million, that's nearly 80 plates per person per year.
Thus, the curry market has huge potential, and Haubi Foods holds a significant share of this 200 billion yen market.
Many people dream of working at Haubi Foods.
But the sisters didn't expect a tavern owner to refuse a 50 million yen salary.
If they knew Zane had also refused offers from Totsuki Academy and the WGO culinary organization, they'd be even more shocked!
"Interesting."
"Now, there are still people like you, uninterested in fame and fortune."
"Someone who wants to do one thing well and stays true to their heart, that's rare indeed!"
Coming out of her shock, Natsume admired Zane even more.
Curry rice is now Japan's national dish, consumed at a rate of 28 million servings a day.
But unfortunately, despite this vast market, the curry industry is fragmented, with most curry chains having fewer than 50 stores.
Only Haubi Foods, with over 30,000 curry outlets, is an exception.
This success is thanks to Natsume's hard work!
Since its inception, she spent over five hours daily reading every customer complaint letter.
This allowed her to get quick feedback and continually improve the company's curry products and services.
Compared to other food companies, Haubi Foods evolved rapidly.
To Natsume, Zane's customer-focused approach in running the tavern was similar to her managing 30,000 curry stores.
Especially the rule that customers can order whatever they like at the tavern, similar to her reading every complaint letter.
As CEO of Haubi Foods, she maintained the principle:
Delicious curry is made by the customer.
So, in Haubi Foods' curry chains, customers could customize their meals,
choosing the amount, spiciness, and sides.
This approach allowed customers to create curry dishes tailored to their tastes, driving Haubi Foods' success and capturing a 200 billion yen market.
"It's disappointing."
"I thought you'd be tempted by such an attractive offer!"
Knowing Zane wasn't interested in Haubi Foods, Orie sighed.
"What about an annual salary of 100 million yen?"
She persisted.
Zane shook his head, showing his determination.
"Forget it, sister, let's not force it."
"We should be satisfied with such a delightful curry rice tonight."
Natsume conceded, realizing Zane had no interest in Haubi Foods.
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I've released a new fanfic, it's kind of like a combination between Dad's Comic Life & Food Wars but instead it's a guy selling manga in a store in Genshin Impact. Check it out, here's the synopsis:
Alternate titles: [Harem King of Teyvat], [The Idle History of a Manga Shop Owner]...
After crossing into the world of Teyvat, Idris gains the Universal Comic System, allowing him to receive rewards just by selling manga...
Idris: Ahem... Ladies, I swear to the heavens, I'm just a manga seller...
Yae Miko: I don't care, hurry up and update "Fox Spirit Matchmaker"! Also, save our Inazuma...
Jean: Is there really a Noble Phantasm in this world? I want to become the Saber King!!! Save Mondstadt from fire and water.
Cloud Retainer: Idris, want a wife? Hurry up and update "The Outcast"... I'll give you a wife.
Nahida: Boo hoo... Manga is my only entertainment, Idris, please update quickly...
Furina: Will I also protect my knight? Mr. Idris...