Alpha Culinary Love

[Congratulations, Jiyeon. You have completed the challenge successfully. 100 portions of Coq au Vin sold in four hours. Reward: Increased skill level in French cuisine and a new recipe unlocked.]

I let out a long breath, leaning back against the counter as I wiped the sweat from my forehead. The rush of the morning had been intense, but the satisfaction of achieving the challenge was even sweeter. My heart pounded with excitement as I opened the notification to see what new recipe I had unlocked.

The screen displayed: "Boeuf Bourguignon - A classic French stew made with beef braised in red wine, traditionally prepared with carrots, onions, and garlic, flavored with a bouquet garni, and garnished with mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon."

My eyes widened in delight. Boeuf Bourguignon was a staple of French cuisine, a dish that symbolized comfort and sophistication. I couldn't wait to try it out.

But first, I had to prepare lunch. It was almost time for Yura's midday break, and I wanted to surprise her with a homemade meal. I glanced around the kitchen, gathering my thoughts and ingredients. I decided on a simple yet delicious bento box, filled with Yura's favorites.

I started by washing the rice, rinsing it several times until the water ran clear. Then, I placed it in the rice cooker with the perfect amount of water, setting it to cook. While the rice steamed, I moved on to preparing the main dish: teriyaki salmon.

I selected two fresh salmon fillets, their pink flesh glistening under the kitchen lights. I seasoned them lightly with salt and pepper before heating a pan over medium-high heat. A small amount of oil sizzled as I placed the fillets skin-side down, letting them cook undisturbed to achieve a crispy texture.

As the salmon cooked, I prepared the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, I combined soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar, bringing it to a gentle boil. The aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water. I let the sauce simmer, reducing it until it thickened to a perfect glaze.

Once the salmon was ready, I brushed it generously with the teriyaki sauce, allowing it to soak in the flavors. I then prepared some sautéed vegetables—broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots—seasoned simply with salt and a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.

With the rice cooked to perfection, I began assembling the bento box. A layer of rice formed the base, followed by the teriyaki salmon, its glaze shimmering invitingly. The sautéed vegetables added a vibrant touch of color, and I included a side of pickled ginger and a few slices of tamagoyaki, a sweet Japanese rolled omelet.

I carefully packed everything into a neat, compartmentalized box, ensuring each element was perfectly arranged. The final touch was a sprinkling of sesame seeds over the rice and a garnish of fresh green onions on the salmon.

I wrapped the bento box securely, placing it in a stylish insulated bag to keep it warm. As I prepared to leave, I took a moment to say goodbye to the staff.

"Great work today, everyone," I said, smiling at my team. "Keep up the fantastic job. I'll be back soon."

"Thanks, Chef Jiyeon," they chorused, their faces reflecting the same satisfaction and pride I felt.

I grabbed my car keys and the insulated bag, heading out to my car. The drive to Yura's company was short, but I enjoyed the brief moments of solitude, reflecting on the successful morning. As I pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of the car, I saw Karen approaching.

Karen had long, sleek black hair that cascaded down her back in perfectly styled waves. Her green eyes sparkled with a mixture of arrogance and amusement, and she was dressed in an elegant, tailored suit that screamed wealth and privilege. The moment she saw me, her lips curled into a smug smile, and she sauntered over, her high heels clicking against the pavement.

"Well, well, if it isn't Jiyeon," she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Running errands for Yura, I see."

I forced a polite smile. "Hello, Karen. Just bringing lunch for my wife."

Her eyes flicked to the insulated bag I was holding. "How sweet. But don't you think Yura deserves better than homemade food? She could be dining at the finest restaurants."

"Yura loves my cooking," I replied, keeping my tone even. "I enjoy making her happy."

Karen stepped closer, her smile widening. "You know, Jiyeon, I've been thinking. Yura could have a much better life with someone who understands her world. Someone like me."

I felt my anger rising, but I kept it in check. "Yura chose me. We're happy together."

She laughed, a sharp, derisive sound. "Happy? With you? Let's be realistic." She reached into her designer handbag and pulled out a checkbook. With a flourish, she scribbled something on a check and handed it to me. "Here. 100 million won. Just for you. All you have to do is divorce Yura."

I stared at the check in disbelief, my anger boiling over. "You think you can buy my love for Yura?" I ripped the check into pieces, letting them fall to the ground. "Never. I will never leave Yura."

Karen's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. Then she composed herself, her expression hardening. "You're making a big mistake, Jiyeon."

I took a step closer, my voice low and threatening. "Do you remember the last time we had an altercation? Do you want a repeat of that?"

She blanched, taking a step back. "You wouldn't dare."

"Try me," I said, my eyes locked onto hers. She backed away, her confidence crumbling, and then turned and fled, her heels clicking frantically against the pavement.

I let out a sigh of relief, watching her retreat. "Unbelievable," I muttered, shaking my head.

I walked into the building, greeting the receptionist with a warm smile. "Hello, Jiyeon," she said cheerfully. "Yura is in her office."

"Thank you," I replied, heading for the elevator. As I rode up, I felt a mix of anticipation and excitement. Seeing Yura always brightened my day.

I reached her office, opening the door quietly. Yura was at her desk, deeply engrossed in her work. Her serious expression softened into a radiant smile as she looked up and saw me. She put down her papers and stood, crossing the room to embrace me.

"Hey, you," she said, holding me close. "I saw your little confrontation with Karen downstairs."

"You did?" I asked, surprised.

She nodded, grinning. "There are cameras outside the building. I watched the whole thing. It was pretty cool, the way you handled her."

I blushed, scratching my head. "I just couldn't let her get away with that."

Yura laughed, repeating my words with a playful tone. "Never. I will never leave Yura."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I meant every word."

She kissed me, a sweet, lingering kiss that made my heart flutter. "Thank you for standing up for us," she said softly.

I smiled, feeling a warm glow of happiness. "Always."

We sat down to eat, enjoying the lunch I had prepared. The bento box was a hit, as usual, and Yura's appreciative moans and sighs of delight made all the effort worthwhile.

"How do you always make everything taste so good?" she asked, savoring a bite of the teriyaki salmon.

"Just a lot of practice and love," I replied, grinning.

After we finished eating, I started to gather my things to leave. But Yura caught my hand, pulling me back. She kissed me deeply, her lips warm and insistent against mine. The kiss grew more passionate, and I felt a rush of desire.

"Yura," I murmured between kisses, "what if someone walks in?"

She responded with another kiss, her hands roaming over my back. "So what?" she whispered, her breath hot against my skin.

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