There was no way Anderson understood what Cho Min Joon meant by the congratulations. Cho Min Joon was surprised by what he was seeing, and he meant his congratulations. He definitely felt jealous, but that wasnt in his right.

Why was it? It probably wasnt because they were closer than ever before. When Kaya reached level 8, he was jealous of her.

Did I change?

It definitely wasnt because he was more laid back. There was stimulation, but he didnt feel inferior like before.

It was possible that it had to do with how he no longer cared so much about cooking scores. He was no longer obsessing over it and simply used it as a guide, and that posed a huge influence.

That morning. While the staff watched, the six members sat around the table together. Was it because it was their last meal together in Japan? They were unable to start eating because of the sadness. Emily spoke in a vague voice,

There are many times when I have to travel alone for work, so its been a long time since I got to eat with others. Thank you, everyone.

Its much more delicious to eat together especially Asian food.

Cho Min Joon spoke with a smile. The meal began. Every time Sarah put her chopsticks in her mouth, she exclaimed in awe. She spoke in a low voice, This is fascinating. It tastes so plentiful even though its home food.

People have this conception that home food is minimal, but thats not the case. I still cant forget about the feast I used to have at my grandparents house.

That was the most delicious home cooking in a Korean household that Cho Min Joon had tried. Anderson looked at Cho Min Joon with an unfamiliar gaze. Cho Min Joon wasnt like this before. He wasnt the type to like homecooked meals because his mothers cooking wasnt delicious, and that was why he was so obsessed with fine dining.

Hes changed a lot.

In a way, he grew. It was as if he stepped out of his bubble.

Were they especially touched because it was their last breakfast? They talked more than usual, and it was deeper and lasted longer. They talked about their eating habits and history, and they even complimented each other.

While the atmosphere was warm, it was also a little embarrassing as well but in a good way. While eating, Cho Min Joon thought that it would be nice to have a table like this for customers.

But he also believed that that was impossible unless the name of the restaurant was family. It was impossible to be considerate to all customers especially at larger scales.

So Martin, is there going to be a season 2?

It depends on the number of viewers. If we surpass 1 million, its highly likely.

Hm, Im not so sure.

We might get some positive results since we took over the time slot of Grand Chef.

It was possible that people saw the show as a spin-off of Grand Chef. Cho Min Joon and Andersontwo of the most popular contestants were on this show.

Are you interested in appearing again if there is a season 2?

Emily, Sarah, and Jeremy nodded. As food critics, they had no reason to turn the program down, but Cho Min Joon and Anderson looked at Rachel while Rachel shook her head.

That might be difficult. I have to set up my restaurant, and I need them to help me.

I feel like you stole my cast. Im jealous.

Martin was looking at Rachel as if he was a teenage kid again. Rachel smiled softly and said,

If you come to my restaurant, Ill serve you with good food. It doesnt matter if its for broadcast or not.

What a tempting offer. Can I go without making an appointment?

If there are no seats, Ill set up a table for you in the halls.

Im not sure if thats VIP treatment or something youd do for a stray cat.

Im just kidding.

Rachel smiled softly. Martin spoke as if he was surprised by Rachel.

Did you know this, Rachel? Youve changed a lot since you appeared on Grand Chef.

How was I back then?

Hm Im sorry to say this, but you looked tired. Your shoulders seemed heavy, and your smile was faded. But right now youre shining, both your eyes and smile.

Jeremy trembled his body and clenched his fists because of the cringy compliment. Rachel glared at Jeremy for a moment before smiling at Martin again.

I was hiding within the fog back then. But things are much clearer now. And I have pupils now, too. Min Joon and Deok Sam.

Aw, Rachel.

Andersons smile turned into a resentful look as soon as Rachel said that name. Cho Min Joon smirked and said, Why? Youre the one who said you were going to use that name from now on.

That was so that you could learn how one prank could ruin someones life!

Yeah. I learned it. Its interesting. I even feel shocked.

Cho Min Joon spoke with a smile on his face. Anderson didnt respond. Anderson picked up his chopsticks. The chopsticks stabbed into the snapper as if it was a weapon.

***

[The plane will take off in just a moment. Please put on your seatbelts.]

I still feel weird whenever I get on a plane.

Same here.

Sarah answered from beside him. She mustve wanted to talk to him about something because she pushed Anderson aside to sit next to Cho Min Joon. The plane began to ascend into the air. The feeling of their organs twisting as they went up felt good but unfamiliar at the same time.

Youre lucky. This is your daily life as a food critic.

Why? Are you jealous?

Of course, I am. But that doesnt mean I want to be a food critic.

I thought Emily tried to make you into one.

Yes, but I turned it down. I have more fun making food than eating it.

That was the one thing that would never change. The plane reached stability again. Cho Min Joon looked at the cotton candy clouds outside the window. Sarah watched him as she opened her mouth.

Thank you.

Did I do something for you that youre thankful for?

Yes, you did. You motivated me.

Cho Min Joon looked at Sarah without a word. The sexiest food critic in the world. It sounded like something that would be written in a third-rate magazine, but what Cho Min Joon saw wasnt her sexiness but her boldness. Her face looked as if she had made some kind of deep decision.

Your relationship with Anderson. Your passion for cooking, and your unyielding spirit. All of that shocked me. It also made me look back on what got me here in the first place.

What made you become a food critic?

Normally, she wouldve just said, Because I liked food. But the answer that Sarah actually gave was not average.

Because of Emily.

Im sorry?

I watched Emily ever since I was little. She was my favorite unnie. To be more exact, she was someone I respected. Emilys so admirable. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be like her And when she became a food critic, I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

It was such an unexpected answer that Cho Min Joon didnt know what to say. Was it because she was unthoughtful, childish, or nave? His worry showed up right on his face. Sarah smiled and said, I know, it was foolish. Thats why Im still worrying about childish things.

Your reason is definitely unique. But Sarah, its not a childish worry. Everyone thinks about it. Just because you have a certain motivation doesnt mean youll be sure about your dream. And Sarah, regardless of your motivation you worked hard.

How do you know? For food critics, more than how you taste food, how you express yourself as well as your looks and personality determines your potential as a star. Some people say I only succeeded as a food critic because of my looks. Dont you think that way?

No.

He wasnt just being respectful. Then he wouldnt have been able to look her in the eye. That was why Sarah was doubtful because she didnt know why Cho Min Joon was sure of her abilities.

But she didnt ask for the reason. Whatever the reason, it felt good to be trusted. Sarah smirked and opened her mouth.

Thank you for saying that, and dont look so worried. Im not so shaken anymore, but I do feel greedy. Just like how you and Anderson are rivals that everyone acknowledges I also

Sarah turned her head. At the end of her gaze was Anderson and Emily who were chatting from across from them. Cho Min Joon smiled and said,

If you dont want to lose, that means youre already rivals.

***

LAX. The airport in Los Angeles. Cho Min Joon slowly walked.

Im back in America.

His chest felt itchy. The thought of cooking for foreigners on unfamiliar land made him feel trouble, joy, as well as fruition already. Emily opened her mouth.

I guess this is goodbye.

Hm, Im sure well see each other again.

Jeremy spoke in a calm yet disappointed voice. They probably wouldnt have many chances to meet again. They were all busy, and unless they all appeared on a show together again, America was too big to run into each other by accident.

Thank you for everything. If we see each other again, Ill make you some better food.

Ill look forward to it. Thank you to you as well. If you open a restaurant one day, Ill be sure to visit.

Its possible Emily will get married at my restaurant.

Oh, please. Stop it.

Emilys face flushed. While everyone laughed, Martin slowly approached. He had a smile on his face.

Thank you for your cooperation until now. Although there were some hiccups here and there.

Martins eyes focused on Cho Min Joon. Cho Min Joon turned away immediately. Martin smirked and continued, Anderson and Min Joon, we spent more than half a year together. I hope this experience remains a happy memory.

Of course, it will.

Cho Min Joon felt strange for a moment. Although Martin was just a producer, he felt like he gave him a huge opportunity. Was it because he was in charge of the TV program that turned his life around? Cho Min Joon reached out his hand.

Thank you, Martin.

Martin stared at his hand before grabbing it and smiling brightly.

The conversation continued, but it couldnt last forever. The broadcast as well as their trip had ended. It wouldve been nice if they could keep walking together, but crossroads always got in between people.

Rachel opened her mouth.

Lets go.

Anderson nor Cho Min Joon asked where they were going. They were simply looking at Rachels footsteps. They were crew on her ship.