Patisserie. They were essentially breadmakers, and it was common for many of them to only make bread. The Patisserie usually stood in front of the oven. Most of the dishes that went into the oven passed through their hands, but it really depended on how the battle of the territory went down inside the kitchen.

If Rachel is this hung up about this patisserie

It was probably no joke. Anderson noticed the anticipation in Cho Min Joons eyes and laughed.

Once you taste that persons bread, you wont want to eat any other bread again.

Stop lying. No matter how good it is, its not like Ill start hating other bread.

Im just saying.

Andersons exaggeration ended up backfiring on him.

Setting up a restaurant wasnt an easy job. Every time they entered, there was a crowd near the entrance, and their eyes were fixed on the main gate. As of right now, there were only dozens of them, but if Rachel and the others happened to step out, all the attention would be on them, leading to many more people gathering.

How do we get through that?

Everybody, get in the car.

Anderson pointed at the 9-seater SUV in the parking lot. Before going outside, Rachel turned around and looked at Issac.

Issac, take care of the restaurant while were gone.

Are you confident you can convince Jack? Hes a stubborn one.

Im not sure. Jack being angry isnt really that surprising.

This is different. Jacks been angry for 10 years now.

In response to Issacs response, Cho Min Joon retraced his memory. Had they never seen each other after that? Rachels lips lost confidence for a second before fixing itself again with determination.

If he gets angry, Ill just take it.

After that, the four of them left through the door. Issac watched through the window before sighing.

Thats not the only issue.

***

[ Good news. The owner of Rose Island in Venice, which has been called a ghost restaurant for 10 years now, has finally returned. And she came back with Anderson Russo and Cho Min Joon from Grand Chef.]

[Thats exciting. It sounds like theres going to be one more three-star restaurant in LA.]

[I wouldnt say that. Since they took a 10-year break, their stars are gone. If you think about Rose Island 10 years ago, its not a problem, but thats assuming that Rachel Rose is still the same. On top of that, her late husband is no longer here.]

[I think Rose will do well. No matter how much time passes, real talent doesnt fade. And Im interested in her new pupilAnderson and Min Joon. Im a fan of both of them.]

[Whats interesting is that Anderson Russo is the son of the parents who manage Glutto down the street. That means hes competing with his parents. Right now]

Clack. The radio turned off. Anderson coughed awkwardly. Amelia opened her lips with a friendly face. But of course, her voice wasnt so friendly.

Did you hear what that DJ said?

No, I didnt. I need to focus on my driving.

I heard them say you cant stand being at Glutto.

What? When did they say that?

See? You were listening. Youre lying to me again.

Anderson grimaced. Cho Min Joon laughed and looked back at Amelia.

Please dont be so hard on him. Im sure Anderson will grow up soon.

I wish Anderson couldve been more like you. Is it because you grew up in an Asian household? Youre so proper. Your parents raised you well.

Mom, thats discrimination.

Does your generation call this discrimination? Im just complimenting them.

Its still prejudice.

Okay, fine. My mistake.

Amelia raised both of her hands to surrender. This was the first time Cho Min Joon saw Anderson win a fight. After an awkward silence, Cho Min Jono raised his voice.

The truth is, I was jealous of Anderson. It must be great to grow up under such great chefs like you and Fabio, at least when it comes to food.

Haha, thank you for saying that. Ive never heard Anderson say that before. Maybe we should take you in as our son. What do you think? Maybe youll even become the next owner of Glutto

Were here.

Anderson gave a short announcement as he parked the car. Amelia stared at the back of Andersons head, but he didnt notice.

Cho Min Joon slowly got out of the car. Santa Monica, on a street near Clover Park. They made a restaurant in a place where it used to be a residence. There was a sign that read, Bread, but there was no personality.

What was interesting was that there were many customers there. Cho Min Joon fumbled inside his pockets. Luckily, he had brought his wallet.

Rachel, may I buy some bread?

Lets go inside first.

Cho Min Joon hurried behind her. The scent of the bread was wonderful, and the same went for the system window that popped up8 points. They were simply bread without any cream or topping, but they were 8 points.

If compared to a dish, it was almost like a pasta without sauce turning up to 8 points. Since basic bread was that good, he didnt know what to expect from the bread with cream, cheese, or jam. Some of them were 9 points, but there were none that were 10 points.

There were dishes that were good despite having a low score, but Cho Min Joon had yet to see a bread that was good despite having a low score. They were bread that anyone would say was delicious unless there was a difference in preference.

Cho Min Joon twinkled his eye as he put a crispy donut, scone, and a croissant into his basket. He brought them to the counter, and at the counter was a Caucasian woman with green eyes. She looked to be around 30.

How much is it?

5 dollars and 30 cents.

Here you go.

Cho Min Joon took out his cash. The woman opened the cash register as she opened her mouth. Her lips werent a smile or a grimace. She reminded him of a straight-faced stewardess.

Will you eat here?

Yes.

Just as he took the bread with loving eyes, he heard a voice from behind. It was Rachel.

Lisa?

Rachel?

Her calm face finally showed expression. She stared at Rachel in shock. Rachel scanned behind Lisa with nervous eyes.

Is Jack here?

Is that all you have to say after 10 years?

I want to see Jack.

Im sorry, but my father wouldnt like that.

Lisa answered in a stern voice. Her eyes didnt contain the emotions of a cold heart after not being contacted for 10 years. They actually looked anxious. Just as Rachel showed doubt in her eyes, Amelia, who was watching by, stepped up.

Lisa, lets just let the two of them meet. I know theres no need to make matters worse, but theres no harm in putting a bandaid on the wound before ending it for real. Lets treat the wound.

Thats fine. But that treatment shouldve been done 10 years ago. Why are you showing up now? You know what state my father is in.

Did something happen to Jack?

Rachel asked with a cautious voice. Lisa teared up for a moment before noticing the customers behind them and sighing.

Okay. Go inside through that door. I have customers.

Im sorry, Lisa. Ill talk to you later.

Lisa didnt answer. While Rachel and Amelia waked in, Cho Min Joon looked down at his cardboard box. He put a scone in his mouth. His lips trembled at the happiness in his mouth, and Anderson stared at him. Cho Min Joon flushed from embarrassment. Anderson asked, Is it good?

Cho Min Joon nodded without a word.

***

I think we should talk alone.

Are you sure?

This is a problem between the two of us. We should solve it ourselves. But if things escalate can you come and mediate for us?

Sure.

Thanks.

In the halls in front of the living room, Rachel patted her chest. Her heart was pounding. Her heart hadnt pounded this hard ever since Cho Min Joon agreed to join his restaurant. But if there was a difference, it was out of delight back then while it was out of nervousness this time around.

In front of the fireplace was an old man. Rachels footsteps stopped. The old man, Jack, was staring at her with his eyes wide open. She thought his face would be filled with rage, but that wasnt the case. Jack spoke in a calm voice, Its been 10 years.

Im sorry.

Dont even bother trying to apologize. Im not going to accept it. The only reason why Im not raising my voice is because I dont have the energy, Rachel. 10 years ago, you gave up on everything because Daniel passed away.

Yeah, I did.

Youre selfish.

Jack spoke in a tired voice. Rachel realized that his friend had aged very much. Jack continued, Rose Island was you and Daniels restaurant, but I also had memories of working with you as well as dreams of the future. As soon as you broke down my life broke down, too. You shouldve hung in there, Rachel. No matter how painful it was!

I was stuck in a rut back then. I didnt have any confidence or will to get out of it. Im sorry.

Well, are you out of it now? What was it? What was it that made you come all the way here after 10 years?

Hope.

Jacks brows knitted. Rachel quickly continued, I found a boy whos just like Daniel. I feel like this boy will see the world that Daniel saw. That means we can bring the old Rose Island back.

So its still all about Daniel. He was a genius. He shined brightly, but that doesnt mean you should dedicate your life to imitating him.

Im not imitating him. If that was my plan, I wouldnt have shamelessly come here.

Jack stared at Rachel without a word. His eyes looked heavy and hurt. They were eyes that Rachel wanted to avoid but had to handle head-on. Jack slowly opened his mouth. His pained voice rang, Its too late, Rachel. 10 years is a long time.

I know its hard to forgive me, but Im asking you for a favor. Please please forgive me just this once. We can bring back our old kitchen.

Like I said, Rachel. 10 years is a long time.

Jack raised his hands. As soon as his hands came out of the blanket on his lap, Rachels eyes trembled with shock, and it wasnt because they were wrinkly.

His hands were shaking. So much that he couldnt even hold a water cup. They were not hands that could make batter. Jack opened his mouth with a trembling voice.

If you had come to me a little earlier even by a few years I wouldve gone back to you even if I was angry. But I cant do that anymore, Rachel.

Jack What is

Why did you have to come now, Rachel? Why now?

Tears dripped down his wrinkly cheeks. Longing, regret, and crushed dreams were contained in those tears. His tears wet his lips as well as his voice.

10 years is way too long.