The Chef x The Movie Emperor
Nix's P.O.V.:
Who would have thought that Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan, the brother Beyol Joon is always so secretive about is not only a drop-dead gorgeous omega but is also elegant, quick witted, a great people reader as well as a great actor. It truly is no wonder why Beyol Joon is so overprotective of Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan or Phoenix as he gave them permission to call him. Beyol Joon was quick to tell them they could not call him hyung or anything besides Phoenix or Beyol Bong Tae-Hwan while staring down Song Dae-Hyun.
The group of teen boys were all in agreement that they must see Phoenix again, there are so many questions they have for him. There is also something very magnetic about the very handsome omega, though it seems disrespectful to refer to him as just an omega because it is clear to see there is so much more to him.
-Phoenix – "It has been nice meeting everyone, but I really must go if I do not want to miss my ship and make it to my own classes on time. We should all meet again some time, perhaps after one of Joon-ah's (cough, cough) I mean yall's meets. Maybe we can even have yall over for dinner at the restaurant and korokke upstairs in the living room or even Joon-ah's room sometime. Joon-ah good luck today on the math test and your meet! I believe in you and know you will do great! (>ᴗ•) Fighting!" (When phrased this way in Korea, "Fighting" means good luck. It is said before test, games, recitals etc. I hope this helps anyone who may be confused.)
Phoenix politely rushed through his salutations to everyone but before he departed, he was able to quietly speak with San Woo-Young.
-Phoenix - "San Woo-Young I have heard a lot about you! You should come over for dinner some time we would love to have you! If you don't mind let's exchange StarNet account info so we can stay in touch. You may also call me Nix or even hyung if you would prefer. I do hope that we can also become friends. There are a few things I would like to talk to you about, without my little brother present." (^.~)
-San Woo-Young - slightly taken back, blushed and quickly smiled - "Yes, of course I would like that too and yes I think we should talk too,"
(*＾ω＾)人(＾ω＾*) ... The two quickly exchanged contact info and Phoenix actually ran off to catch his ship. There was just enough time to make it if the ship did not depart early. Looks like his morning boba milk tea would have to wait. It was worth it though.
-Phoenix – 'Ha, guess being a dominant omega has its perks, it was easy enough to sway Soo Yun's friends with a simple smile… don't cha think? Hahaha, that little bitch thinks I could not hear her call me a shameless omega slut, but joke is on here again! It was obvious she did not hear Joon-ah introduce me as his brother. Looks like I definitely need to help get Joon-ah and Woo-Young together asap, because that entitled little bitch won't be backing down any time soon.'
-Solaris – (￢_￢) … (=⌒‿‿⌒=) ... 'Well, of course it does. I told you over and over that it is not as bad as you think. It has many advantages if you just make use of them. In fact, you should use it to help you conquer this world. But I do get it if you decided against it.
-Phoenix – ( ◡‿◡ *) … 'Geeze Solaris, you make it sound like it's all one big immersive VR MMORPG. Haha Calm your enthusiasm a bit and tell me why you seem so quick to push me to embrace being an omega, no, a dominant omega.' … (↼_↼)
-Solaris – ( =ノωヽ=) … 'I just want you to not just be able to enjoy this life to its fullest but to also have an easier time completing this world than you have in the past. Mama, why do you use that tone? Did Solaris say something wrong?' … ╮(￣ω￣;)╭
-Phoenix – … 'Hmmm, sure if you say so… and to answer your question, no you did not say anything wrong. I am just being temperamental, I guess. Think nothing of it, maybe it is just hormones.' … ... ... (￣︿￣) … (－‸ლ) ...
-Solaris – … 'Yes Mama Phoenix.' … (￣^￣)ゞ
-Phoenix – 'Solaris check and see if the public airship to Cheraw is running on schedule today or if by some miracle, they are running a little late.'
-Solaris – 'I really hate being the bare of bad news but, it is actually running 2 minutes a head of schedule. Even if you continue to run you won't make it in time to catch it as it looks like the new piolet is staying consistent with his 2 minute ahead of schedule, timing today. I can always cause a delay so that you can make it.'
-Phoenix – 'As tempting as that sounds, I will be alright. It looks like I will only be missing accounting, and the original has already finished up his final paper for that class. I would be doing is going over it to see if I need to revise it at all but with my knowledge and you, I can knock it out easily and quickly this evening.'
-Solaris – 'Very good and valid point, plus you hate accounting, so I am sure you are not saddened by missing the class. What are you going to do in the meantime? Not to mention there won't be another public airship to Cheraw for another 2 hours, which will make you late for your next class.'
-Phoenix – 'Looks like it can't be helped, I'll just catch a cab. It's not like I do not have the money. Speaking of which I would like you to start making some investments for me so I can start getting funds for a personal hover van for the family, one for myself as well as a small private airship big enough for the family to use that way we don't have to rely on public transport any more or at least for the most part.'
-Solaris – 'I already did from the moment we entered this world. You already have enough funds for all that plus buying living space in the capitol so that you have a place of your own when filming The Chef & The Celebrity there.'
-Phoenix – 'Awe, look at you, being such a good and proactive boy for me! Thank you, Solaris you are simply the best! Now, let's go get some boba milk tea! I have been craving it since before we left the nursery, but I got distracted before I could make some. You know I can't function properly without my morning boba and milk tea the same way most other people can't function normally without coffee. At this point I would not be surprised if tea was what ran through my veins in place of blood. *Snickers to himself*'
-Solaris – 'Umm, Mama Nix about that, *voice trembling* in this world there is no such thing as boba, milk tea or even tea...' ... ＼(ºωº l|l)/ ... *runs away scared* ..・ヾ(.＞＜)シ
-Phoenix – (stubbles and halts his steps as he processes what he just heard.) '... do what now? No boba is bad enough but no tea? Nope, there is absolutely 'no way I heard that correct. Tell me straight Solaris is this a new level of hell and I only thought I broke free from my imprisonment and punishment?' ... (o_O) ! ... (＃`Д´) ... ... (╮°-°)╮┳━━┳ ( ╯°□°)╯ ┻━━┻
-Solaris – 'I am sorry Mama, but this is the reality of this world. Tea has been long lost since the humans left Earth before it collapsed into the identical twin of Venus. Though there are some plants that grow around The Empire that could work as tea, but that knowledge is still unknown to these people. And the knowledge of how to make boba as well as tapioca in general have been long lost as well. But there are a few modified casava plants that can grow here.' ... ┬┴┬┴┤･ω･)ﾉ ... (ノωヽ) ...
-Phoenix – (calmed down now) ... ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ) ... 'Ok looks like I will just have to make my own. In fact, I think that will be one of my signature drinks I "invent" and make for The Chef & The Celebrity. I guess this just works in my favor but damn it sucks in the meantime. Do they at least have coffee here? I think I will die without my caffeine. Wait I can just get some from the nursery! Oh, my galaxies, I love you even more now! Thank you for being so amazing Solaris.' ... ╰(▔∀▔)╯
-Solaris – 'Yes, they have coffee here and yes, Mama can just get some from the nursery, but you still have to explain where it came from. So, you will need to think of a viable lie for now until we can get all the ingredients growing here. I recommend keeping it subtle for time being.'
-Phoenix – 'That is a great point and one I was already thinking on as well. I agree and I think I know the perfect way. Let's take some of the tea plants we already have growing in the nursery and let's put them in my private herbology nursery back at the house and I will add them and the "tapioca " casava flour to graduation thesis and project. That way it will look like I have spent years developing them and it will be more believable when I present them on The Chef & The Celebrity. Speaking of casava flour, do they have tempura here? If not, that is definitely another thing I will be showcasing on the show as well.'
-Solaris – 'No, sir they do not, nor do they have your beloved BBQ you love so much. The smoking of foods here is only a byproduct of cooking over an open firepit that is only done in the outskirts of rural areas by those who are poor or have no other means of getting substance and nutrients through the vita-shakes and vita-loaf. It is considered very low class. But that is mainly because food prepared that way is always tough, under or over cooked, tasteless and the smoke flavor is too strong. It is nothing like the BBQ Sir Draco introduced you to in the last life.'
Phoenix found himself immersed in the memory of Draco teaching him how to be a real pit master as he called it in his last life. "Low and slow and never direct heat" is what Draco would always say. It would take all day and sometimes even over 18 hours to cook/smoke the meat to perfection.
It took him a bit to get the hang of it but once he did, he absolutely loved it. Draco had always been so patient with him, never treating him like a child or like he was stupid because he did not master it as quickly as he (Nix) thought he should.
It had become something they both thoroughly enjoyed doing and would not only discuss possible new "recipes" but would also take days off from work so that they could smoke and BBQ meat up. He and Draco would play around with layering and combining different woods to create all new flavors and that was before they even added any spices and herbs to it.
He can still remember how he shamelessly moaned after taking his first bite of what Draco called a smoked brisket. He had later been so embarrassed when he recalled that moan and the subsequent look Draco had given him. But could not find it in himself to care at that moment.
That had been an ethereal experience to say the least. It felt like he had been given ambrosia straight from the celestials themselves. It was not only tender and juicy, but also had the perfect amount of fat on it that melted in his mouth.
With every chew the flavors developed more and more like a fine wine. His favorite part was the "bark" as Draco had called it. It looked burnt and unappetizing but contained so much complex flavor that it should be a crime and overstimulating, but it was perfectly balanced.
The smoke ring had penetrated nearly the whole way through but not quite allowing the flavor of the beef to come through at the end. It was clean, a tiny bit gamey in the way that an herbivore tends to taste but unlike the venison or pork he was used to.
Thinking of this he knew he had to bring his knowledge of BBQ into this world. It will be a huge hit for sure and will no doubt bring in a lot of revenue for the family restaurant. The more he thinks about it the more he is convinced it is perfect for his family since it will go great with most of the menu items that are currently offered.
He will gatekeep how do make it for a while and after it blows up, but he won't give all his secrets away after all Draco had only ever taught just him how to smoke and BBQ meat. He had always talked about how it was a special family secret passed down generation to generation from one pit master to the one they deemed worthy to carry on their family's greatest knowledge and skill. After all Draco came from a long line of chefs, cooks, pit masters as well as Big Buddas of the food industry in that world.
Remembering this he decided he will start teaching some of the basic rules and techniques on how to make it once he wins and secures his own cooking show, but he will still tightly guard most of what Draco taught him and what the learned and discovered together. He will even keep the names of everything that Draco taught him as a way to pay homage to him. He could not help the melancholy smile that graced his beautiful lips as he thought of Draco Papé.
Wherever his friend is now he hopes that he is doing well. His biggest regret from his last life was realizing too late how much Draco meant to him. Now that he understands the feelings he had towards him he realizes that Draco was not just a friend but a best friend and brother to him. Draco probably felt the same and didn't realize it or perhaps he did and that's why he remined by Nix's side all that time.
A small tear fell from Nix's eye before he realized he had teared up thinking about Draco. He did not realize just how far that sneaky little devil wormed his way into his heart. As happy as he is now to have such an amazing family Nix could not help but miss his best friend, Draco.
He really wished he could see him again but even if he did, which will never happen, would Draco even be the same? The answer was no, and he knew it. He knew it was a waste of time to miss someone who was already long gone but he feels this empty hole now that he didn't notice before.
Shaking himself to help dispel the dark cloud that had formed around his head Nix looked up where to find the nearest coffee shop so that he could get his morning caffeine fix before haling a black hover cab.
Once he had his caramel, hazelnut, mocha frape with extra whip cream and chocolate and caramel drizzle, he ordered his black hover cab and waited for it in front of the small cafe. He had to explain every step of the way on how to make his strange coffee concoction to the sweet beta lady at the counter, but she did a fantastic job.
Turns out that she was also the owner and asked him if he was ok with her making another one so she could try. She was so sweet and accommodating that he even paid for her to have one of her own as well but only after securing her word not to share the recipe with anyone and if she kept it a secret, he would bring her 2 new recipes for coffee drinks that she can serve to her customers. Of course, she was all too excited and happy to agree.
The poor dear even proposed marriage to him on the spot after taking her first sip of the drink. Of course, he politely declined her offer and promised to come again. He knew it would be a hit and so will his other coffee recipes. He just needs to decide which ones to give this cafe owner and which ones to keep for himself and the show. After all he has to develop a full menu of specialty items that he has to come up with and present them during the competition.
Once his black hover cab arrived, he waved to the auntie who owned the cafe before boarding and confirming his destination with the piolet. Once they were on their way he leaned back and stared out the window as he sipped on his frape like it is the life force itself.
Taking a black hover cab was a luxury that the original could not typically afford to take since they are specially designed to convert to a spaceship, so he won't have to do anything after boarding the hover cab because the piolet will be able to take him all the way into Cheraw, and even straight to the front of the Culinary Arts College of Ozarka Tech University, (Arts, Tech and Agri) where he attends. Thus, saving him even more time, making the added expense all the more worth it.
Cheraw is the capital of Luna Fang Ping (meaning Beautiful Peaceful Moon), the largest moon orbiting Terra Anka PXD2422. While the commute was relatively quick, he still had to take a spaceship since he was leaving the moon/planet and hover cars could not traverse in between planets and moons. Maybe he should look into working on a patent to create one that could, that would definitely make a lot of money and would be a lot more practical as well.
He pulled out a bottle of his anti-ADD potion from his special ring and took it in one shot before chasing it with his coffee. He still could not get over the strong bitter and pungent taste, but it works within 45 seconds of taking it, so it was worth it.
Luckily, he only had to take them weekly, but he would take them daily if he had to. It is hard to explain just how vastly different his brain processes everything when he has taken his potion versus when he hasn't. If he had to use one word for what it is like to live with ADD then it would have to be, Exhausting.
Nix engaged the privacy mode, separating the passenger cabin and the cockpit the hover cab effectively blocking all sight and sound coming from the passenger cabin. He decided to just sit back and enjoy the calm and quite of the cab and his mind while he could.
Calm and quite moments like these are rare and hard to come by from someone with ADD or ADHD and thankfully Solaris understands this well. The little phoenix-dragon just curled up on his lap and lay there silently while he stroked his back and scratched his little head absentmindedly while continuing to sip on his frape. ... (=^-ω-^=) ... (happy phoenix-dragon)
Before he knew it Solaris was letting him know they were about to arrive and disappeared from sight again. Once they arrived the piolet kindly let him know and opened the door in order for Phoenix. Once he had alighted, he turned and flashed a dazzling smile at the piolet before bowing and thanking the gentleman for his time and bid him a good day. The piolet turned red as a strawberry all the way his ears before mumbling his salutations and disembarking to his next location and passenger(s).
Phoenix had a broad and heart stopping smile on his face as he headed the library and then the test kitchen to make him some dang boba! He was so emersed in his daydreams about boba milk tea that he failed to notice the eyes that never left him until he entered the building.