“Joko, starting today, you’re fired!”
It struck like lightning out of a clear blue sky. Joko had worked as an office assistant at a private company in Jakarta.
And now, all of a sudden, he had been laid off.
“But, sir—”
“I’m really sorry, Joko. The economy is tough right now. You’re not the only one who’s been laid off. From now on, the company will be relying on outsiders.”
Mr. Hanum shook his head. He hadn’t wanted to fire Joko without giving him a say. Joko was known for being friendly, always punctual, and quick at his job.
But what could he do? Mr. Hanum was only an employee himself. This was a unilateral decision from his boss. He was just carrying out his orders.
Joko had wanted to argue, but he changed his mind when he saw Mr. Hanum’s face.
“All right, sir. I’ll pack up all my things.”
Joko lowered his head, unsure how he was supposed to deal with this situation.
“Here, Joko. This is your severance pay.”
Mr. Hanum handed Joko his severance pay.
“Don’t be too sad, Joko. I believe a young man like you can find an even better job. If you can, go to college. A higher education will open many doors for you.”
“Yes, sir.” Joko excused himself. He knew what Mr. Hanum had said was true.
But he was still in shock, trying to process what was happening to him.
He trudged to the office assistant’s room and packed up his belongings.
Joko didn’t even have time to say goodbye or anything else.
He finally walked out of the office. Only then did Joko have time to check his phone and see the text message that had appeared on WhatsApp.
There was a notification for an unread message.
It was from a username he missed more than anything—the girl he was fighting for. Nur was the reason Joko had resolved to change his future, even daring to seek his fortune in the capital.
My love, Nur.
Joko, we’re breaking up.
Before he knew it, Joko felt tears beginning to fall.
His chest tightened. The pain he had been holding back could no longer be contained. His head felt heavy, and the blazing Jakarta sun, pollution, and roar of traffic caused Joko to lose consciousness.
THUD!
“Hey! Someone fainted!” nearby residents shouted.
“An ambulance! Call an ambulance!”
DING! The Cooking System has detected a chosen human!
“Where am I?”
Joko saw nothing but white.
“Oh my God! Am I in a hospital?”
Joko immediately sat up. His body swayed, but he struggled to stay upright.
DING! The human named Joko has regained consciousness!
“Who said that?” Joko shouted.
“Oh, you’re awake, man?”
Joko turned to the side.
A middle-aged man was lying in the bed beside him, an IV drip attached to his hand as he looked at his phone.
“Oh, yeah, sir. Where am I?” Joko asked.
“You’re in a hospital. They said you suddenly fainted. Your coworker brought you here earlier. His name was Hanum, if I remember correctly. Right, Hanum? Do you want me to call the doctor?”
“Oh, no need, sir.” Joko shook his head.
His thoughts were in turmoil because of the voice inside his head. What was that just now? A ghost?
HOST! This is the System! Not a ghost!
“The System?” Joko whispered.
Host, there’s no need to whisper or speak aloud. Just communicate through your thoughts.
“What are you?”
Host, this system is called the Cooking System. Its purpose is to turn the chosen human into the most skilled chef—even the best chef—in the world.
“Me, cook? The only thing I know how to make is instant noodles.”
“Don’t worry, Host! Just relax. The System has prepared a special tutorial to help Host become a skilled cook.”
“A tutorial? Through videos?”
“Videos? Huh! What are you saying, Host? How could such an advanced system teach you through videos? Of course, it’ll be through classes with a truly masterful chef whose skills are beyond question.”
“How?” Joko asked, unable to believe it.
“Trust me, Host!” the System said confidently.