The Chef’s Hidden Blessings

Chapter 2: Ceres (2)

Unlike Jungdong, who was in charge of the braised mackerel for patients, the other section of the kitchen in charge of food for employees was like a war zone. This was because doctors and nurses ate at random hours when they had the fewest patients. 

The main dish for lunch today was spicy stir- fried pork, prepared with ample amounts of red chili and black nenner. The kimchi served on the side was also drenched in spicy seasoning, unlike the bland, almost white kimchi served to the patients. This was expected because regular employees needed to eat regular food. Food for patients and food for regular people. Both types of food needed to be prepared three times a day, making the hospital kitchen a chaotic place at all hours of the day. 

But busy meant more things to learn, so Jungdong endured this strenuous job out of his passion for cooking. 

“I mean, I’m doing nothing compared to those people.” 

From the pots where Jungdong was standing, he could see a panoramic view of the cafeteria. 

3 p.m. 

It was an unusual time to have lunch, but the space was packed with doctors in white gowns and nurses who just finished making their rounds. They stormed into the cafeteria, dumped stir- fried pork and rice onto their plates, mixed it up, and shoved large portions into their mouths. Watching them eating like a storm made one realize how difficult it was to be a doctor. 

Ring- ring- 

The phone of the doctor eating right in front of Jungdong began to ring. Without even chowing his food, the doctor quickly swallowed and spoke as he picked up the phone. “What’s going on! What, what did you say? The patient is going into arrest? Perform CPR immediately!” 

He then instantly dropped his utensils and dashed towards the emergency stairway, with some sauce still smudged around his lips. His colleagues wore pitiful expressions as they watched him. And Jungdong began to feel worried, along with them. 

“An arrest… Goodness. I hope the patient makes a recovery.” 

Arrest is a shorter form of the phrase, cardiac arrest. Jungdong was medical science, but he naturally learned a little during the 2 months he was there. An unexpected cardiac arrest meant that the patient could pass away. 

Working at a hospital, Jungdong had to face such heartbreaking incidents many times a day. 

“Dear god, please help all of the patients to recover…” 

Seeing that the braised mackerel was cooking fine on its own, Jungdong put his hands together and closed his eyes. He had regularly gone to both the church and the temple before, but he remained an atheist. Still, he prayed, hoping that he would be heard if a god did exist. This was a small habit that grew on Jungdong from the many times he was asked to attend church by his parents. 

“Bring them peace and strength.” 

After around a minute of praying, Jungdong was about to swirl his ladle again when he heard a voice coming from somewhere. 

“Your dear and sincere heart towards others has moved the heavens. I have watched you for a long time, my child, and your prayer has been heard. I will see to it that your prayers become a reality.” 

“Who, who are you!” Jungdong heard a thick and heavy yet clear voice, like a stream without obstacles. Jungdong was surprised and quickly looked around, but all he could see were other cooks, focused on their roles and working hard. “What was that just now…” 

Confused at the sound of something that could not be real, Jungdong stood in bewilderment when the voice spoke again. 

“I am Ceres, the goddess of abundance and agriculture. I grant you my power to fill the world with peace and abundance. This is child, your destiny.” 

“Fill the world with peace and abundance? What is… who are you!” Convinced that someone was pulling a prank on him, Jungdeng looked into the air and shouted. 

However, the other cooks gave Jungdong a strange look. 

“I am Ceres, the one who has called you and who’s power, you shall receive.” 

“Ceres? Does that mean… you really are a god?” 

Some holy pastors and monks, though very rarely, had met gods in real life or heard their voices. Is that what’s happening to me right now? Is this really the voice of a god? If so, what is this mission and power that was mentioned? 

“My first follower. My divine powers will not last. Use my righteous power to create miracles and strengthen my force. And with that, to your world I shall…” 

The voice was suddenly cut off. 

While Jungdong’s head was filled with shock and confusion, Ms. Kim had already walked up to him and tapped his shoulder. “Jungdong, whať’s going on? The soup is all boiled down.” 

“Oh no! Ms. Kim!” 

Snapping back to reality, Jungdong could see the extremely boiled-down, braised mackerel in front of him. 

“Jungdong, what has gotten into you? Looking into the air and talking to yourself, shouting randomly… Do you want me to talk to the nutritionist for you if you’re not feeling well? Jungdong? Jungdong!” 

However, his stream of consciousness that returned for a moment had flown away again because of something. Unbelievable things were happening right in front of his eyes. 

“What… is all this?” In front of Jungdong’s eyes were many half- transparent panels floating around. 

Ceres’s Power 

Physical Recovery(F) 

Increase of Energy(F) 

Cooking Skills of the Earth(F) 

Current KP: o 

Current MP: o 

Collect 5MP(Miracle Point) to increase the power of gods! 

This was the moment a miracle happened to Jungdong.