Chloe was the one to leave the Grand Chef House that day, but depending on how it was interpreted, the result could have been completely different. Chloe managed to make a delicious dish out of a simple recipe while Cho Min Joon did an okay job at a great recipe. Not a single person could say for sure who was better.

But the Grand Chefs policy was clear. When Cho Min Joon made a Korean meal, the judges clearly told him that it wasnt appropriate for the competition and put him in the disqualification mission, and that still hadnt changed.

It was decided. Cho Min Joon survived while Chloe had to go home. Cho Min Joon sat on the sofa in the lobby with a blank look on his face. He wasnt shocked that Chloe had to go home. He hated that he wanted someone else to be disqualified so that he could stay. He thought he could be free of such greed.

Why do you look so down?

It was a familiar voice. When he turned his head, Rachel was looking at him. Cho Min Joon smiled bitterly and answered, Itd be weird if I looked happy.

You might have lost a teammate, but at least you survived. Arent you relieved?

We werent friends for long, but shes very precious to me, so I cant be happy but maybe I am. Im scared that I might be happy inside.

Thats inevitable if youre human. Itd be a problem for a chef to be impudent, but no one will blame you for not being noble. Theres no need. Look at Sergei. Does he look noble?

Cho Min Joon answered with an awkward look on his face. She might have been joking, but he didnt think it was right to make fun of a colleague. Cho Min Joon asked with a quiet and low voice, Why are you worrying about me so much?

Because Ive fallen for you. For your tongue. Thats a blessing, you know.

He normally would have been flattered by the compliment, but Cho Min Joon couldnt help it. Rachel was taken aback because Cho Min Joon didnt look happy at all. Cho Min Joon asked another question in a low voice, Then you wouldnt have cared for me if I didnt have these tastebuds.

Probably not. But is there a need to think about that?

My ability is not what you think, Rachel. If youre looking for someone with a real perfect palate Youre better off going with her.

Cho Min Joon looked in a certain direction. Kaya, who was returning from her interview, flinched when she saw Rachel staring at her.

What are you looking at?

Rachel didnt answer and continued to stare. Sergei had said this before, and now it was Cho Min Joon. They both told her to pay attention to Kaya Reuters. It was clear just from watching her cook that she had talent. It was possible that if she hadnt seen Cho Min Joon, she would have tried to make her into her pupil.

Am I making a mistake?

Rachel squinted her eyes. Kaya sat next to Cho Min Joon and asked, Why havent you left yet? That Sergei character already left pretending to be busy.

Sergei has a restaurant to manage.

Dont you?

Im just an owner. I have a head chef working for me.

Rachel then glanced at Cho Min Joon. Even if Kaya was a valuable chef, she didnt think she was as good as this young man.

Do you have any plans for after this? Whether you win or lose. Im sure you have some kind of plan. Oh, am I meddling?

Not really. If I win the Grand Chef, Ill probably have to attend all the events, and then Ill end up going into a restaurant. If Im lucky, maybe I can even get a head chef position, but I dont think Im quite ready for that yet.

There are some geniuses who do. Some have become a head chef and gotten a Michelin star by their early 20s and even got 3 stars by the time they were 30.

As soon as she said that, Rachels eyes watered up. Rachel continued in a low voice, But if you really think youre not that talented, come to me. Ill teach you if youre willing. Thats what I wanted to tell you.

Is that why you came all the way here?

If I say yes, Im sure youd be touched But thats not it. I wanted to make it known that Rachel Rose is still alive. I cant live like a retired old lady forever. Also

Rachel glanced at Kaya.

I enjoyed your cooking today. Id like to make you an offer as well. There will come a day when you need me. Please find me then.

Rachel got up.

Im sorry to take so much of your time. I wish you both luck.

Kaya watched Rachel as she left.

Whats up with her?

What do you mean?

Its weird. She said to go find her. What does she mean?

Just take it as a compliment. She said she liked you.

Is that what she meant?

Kaya rolled her eyes in thought. Cho Min Joon smirked and answered. He felt a little less comfortable than before.

Dont worry about it. Just be you.

Kaya didnt answer and stared at Cho Min Joon in silence. She had a sense, too. She knew that Cho Min Joon wasnt all too comfortable with this situation.

Im sad Chloe got disqualified But you dont have to act like its your fault.

Thats not what Im doing

Yes, it is. Its sad that Chloes going home, but Im actually glad because that means you get to stay.

Her eyes looked serious. Cho Min Joon looked into her eyes. Her blue eyes had never looked so deep before. She wasnt wearing any makeup, so her eyelids looked extra shiny, and her cheeks looked more plump and youthful than usual. It almost felt as though he had only been seeing half of her beauty until now.

As soon as her moist and glistening lips opened, Kaya looked away. Anderson and Chloe were walking down the lobby. Chloe smiled awkwardly.

Hey.

Whats with the sudden greeting?

Kaya answered in a sour voice. Anderson knitted his brows.

Stop being like that in front of the dead girl.

I dont like being called a dead girl.

Chloe looked like she was about to cry. Anderson coughed and sat down. Kaya glared and said, You watch your mouth.

Anderson wasnt able to say anything. Cho Min Joon sighed and looked at Chloe. She wasnt particularly mean toward her, but she was being selfish for that moment. It was hard not to think that way, and that made him feel bad. Chloe had always treated them like family. They were close.

Im sorry, Chloe.

When Cho Min Joon said that, everyone looked sad including Chloe. She answered in surprise, Why are you sorry?

He couldnt answer that question. He was too ashamed. If he said it, it would only leave Chloe with hurt. Cho Min Joon tried to put on a smile. She didnt want to send her off in such a bad mood.

No, never mind. Thanks for everything.

For what?

Chloe blushed. Kaya asked in a lighter voice, But why did you do that?

What?

The mission. Why did you suddenly make a home meal? You couldve done way better.

Im not sure You know how it is. Like when you get scolded by your mom, and you know talking back will make your punishment longer, but you keep talking back anyway. It was kind of like that.

It was a silly but understandable answer. While Kaya and Anderson nodded, Cho Min Joon stared at Chloe without a word. Chloe looked like she had a lot to say, but she couldnt because Anderson and Kaya were there. Anderson noticed that and immediately put his phone against his ear when it didnt even ring.

Yes, Martin. Right now? Sure.

Anderson got up and looked at Kaya.

Hey, get up.

What? Why?

Martin has a question for us. Lets go.

I wanted to stay with Chloe though.

Chloe stuck out her lip, but if the producer was calling, she couldnt decline. Anderson and Chloe met eyes. Anderson grinned, and when Chloe saw that, she understood what he was doing. Chloes face flushed, and her toes wiggled. Cho Min Joon mumbled in a low voice, Why is Martin calling you guys?

G-good question. He never does that.

Im sure youll find out soon enough.

Cho Min Joon looked at Chloe. They sat across from each other with a table in between them and minded each other in silence. Chloe slowly opened her mouth.

I guess Ill be leaving first.

Well see each other again soon. Youll keep cooking, right?

He couldnt stop thinking about what she said during the mission. He felt stimulated by her and also worried. He was worried she was leaving because she was giving up cooking. Chloe smiled and nodded.

Dont worry. Im not giving up. I just rebelled a little. I dont like people saying this kind of cooking is good and this kind of cooking is bad. I told you. Im going to open a restaurant.

Yeah. You said you would do that as a couple. I hope that dream comes true.

Cho Min Joon spoke with a soft and sad smile on his face. Chloe silently stared at his smile. She liked that expression of his. She felt him caring about her. Cho Min Joons one smile made Chloe think of dozens of different things. She saw things and heard things, and she hoped that those things were real. Chloe tried her best to sound okay.

If I want to do that, I need money and a husband. A husband whos a chef.

Oh, youre right. Thats a difficult dream.

Cho Min Joon laughed bitterly. Chloe hesitated for a moment. This one remark could ruin everything, but she couldnt back down. Anderson even lied just to give them room. She felt pathetic But she felt like if she didnt say anything, that would be even worse. She didnt want that for herself.

Chloe opened her mouth. As soon as she stuck out her tongue between her teeth, she withdrew them again. She sighed and then opened her eyes wide.

I want that to be you.

Cho Min Joons eyes shook in response. He looked into Chloes eyes. He looked into her intense emotions. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He was speechless. Chloe silently watched Cho Min Joon.

Her eyes contained anticipation, worry, shyness, confidence, and love. No, not just in her eyes. It could be seen on her flushed cheeks, her shaking lips, and her tearful eyes. Even in her clenched fists. So much that he couldnt believe he didnt catch on earlier.

And all those emotions came out in the form of words.

I want it to be you at my restaurant.