I Didn’t Lull You to Sleep Only for You to Be Obsessed With Me - Chapter 100

RP: Haebaragi_syk

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Chapter 51.1

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It had been a week since Lilies of April opened, and the excitement surrounding the cafe showed no signs of fading. The line of customers waiting outside before the store even opened hadn’t gotten any shorter, and the number of repeat visitors had noticeably grown.

“Today’s response is great as well.”

“Yeah. We should probably start thinking about adding new items to the menu next month.”

April had been preoccupied with a lot of thoughts lately.

‘We need a new menu.’

The Dalgona latte had started gaining popularity, but other cafes were already beginning to copy the recipe. While no one had quite nailed it yet, it was only a matter of time before someone managed to replicate it. After all, a Dalgona latte wasn’t exactly a complex drink to make.

‘It’s good that people are warming up to the idea of adding sugar to coffee.’

Changing perceptions was rewarding, but a fresh menu was still needed. She resolved to take her time experimenting with new ideas.

“The Dalgona latte is still enough for now though…”

Sophia, who had been casually observing the customers outside, suddenly froze mid-sentence. April quickly noticed the change in her expression and asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“The head chef is here.”

“The head chef…?”

“Yeah, the one who completely ruined my cake.”

As Sophia gritted her teeth in frustration, she followed her gaze. At one of the tables sat three men in chef uniforms. One appeared to be middle-aged, while the other two seemed to be around Sophia’s age.

“Do you think they’re here because they know you work here?”

“They probably don’t know. They’ve likely just heard about how popular this new cafe is. Still, if they find out I’m here, it’s going to be a mess, so I’ll just stay out of sight.”

April grabbed Sophia’s arm as she hurriedly tried to retreat inside.

“There’s no need for that.”

“Yes?”

“Why should you hide, Sophia? You didn’t do anything wrong. Hold your head high and act confidently.”

April gave her a bright smile.

“Instead, let’s show them how far you’ve come and how amazing you are now.”

A while later, the head chef’s group ordered two Dalgona coffees, a cappuccino, and a slice of Sachertorte.

April turned to Sophia and gave her a gentle push on the back.

“Alright, Sophia, you deliver it to them.”

“But I haven’t become that amazing of a person.”

“Then think of it this way. Show them how much people are enjoying the cake they once dismissed. How does that sound?”

“I feel a little more confident now.”

“Right? Okay then, off you go.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Sophia took off her apron, a determined look crossing her face, and picked up the tray. She headed out on her own, her back straight and steady.

April’s eyes followed her every step, not missing a single moment.

When Sophia approached the table where the head chef was seated, the three men looked up, startled to see her. The head chef quickly recovered, his expression twisting into a mocking sneer.

“Ha. So after storming out so confidently, all you’ve managed is table service?”

“….”

Sophia remained silent, carefully placing the dishes on the table despite his taunting tone. He continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Seeing you serving at our table, it seems like you’re trying to win my favor and make something happen. But even if you grovel and beg to return to the imperial kitchen, it’s not going to happen, so don’t bother.”

Once she set down the last plate, Sophia hugged the tray to her chest and straightened her posture.

“Enjoy your meal, sir.”

“Ha, sure. Let’s see how it tastes.”

The head chef picked up his fork, pausing as he tilted his head.

“Wait a minute. Now that I think about it, this cake is called a ‘Sachertorte,’ right? It looks oddly familiar.”

Sophia explained dryly as he examined the cake from different angles.

“Yes, it’s the cake I made.”

“What? You made this?”

“To be precise, it’s the same cake that the head chef once threw on the floor.”

“What?”

She swallowed hard before continuing, her voice steady despite the tension.

“Head chef, look at how much people enjoy the cake you once dismissed.”

The head chef scoffed.

“Ha. I came here wondering how amazing this cake could possibly be, and it turns out you made it, Sophia? I don’t even need to taste it. It’s obviously garbage. Anyone who enjoys something like this must have lost their sense of taste.”

He slammed his fork onto the table with a loud clatter, drawing the attention of nearby customers.

Sophia, suppressing her anger as much as possible, responded in a calm yet firm tone.

“It’s your choice not to eat it, head chef, and I don’t mind if you call my cake trash either.”

She clenched her fists tightly.

“But I won’t let you insult my customers.”

The head chef chuckled mockingly.

“Ha, and what are you going to do if I do? It’s my right to judge the people who eat this.”

Even though their voices weren’t particularly loud, the tension in the air was palpable. Nearby customers began to take notice, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding confrontation. Whispers spread across the room as some realized that the man criticizing the cake was the imperial head chef.