Tobira is the pride of a downtown Chinese restaurant, a young woman who embodies the traditions and soul of its kitchen. Her world collides with that of Tsukasa, a celebrity food consultant known for her sharp analytical mind and modern marketing instincts. Tsukasa, however, carries a devastating secret: she has only one year left to live. Their encounter sets the stage for a culinary drama that aims to shake the very foundations of four thousand years of Chinese cuisine.

The series explores the clash between tradition and innovation through its two central characters. Tobira represents the dedication to family legacy and the preservation of time-honored techniques, serving as the emotional heart of her family's establishment. Tsukasa approaches food as a consultant would, analyzing trends and deploying branding expertise, believing that evolution is necessary for survival in a modern culinary landscape. As the titled countdown suggests, their partnership or rivalry unfolds against the pressure of Tsukasa’s limited time, raising the stakes of every dish they create or critique together.

The setting is primarily the vibrant, authentic environment of Tobira’s family-run restaurant, a small establishment that prides itself on its heritage. The story encompasses a complete journey from the fateful meeting of the two leads through the development of their complex relationship, navigating the inevitable conflicts arising from their opposing philosophies. The narrative builds toward a final arc where the fundamental ideas about Chinese gastronomy are put to the ultimate test, concluding with the resolution of Tsukasa’s one-year deadline and the lasting impact she has on Tobira’s world.