While Kayas team went through their troubles, Martin welcomed a guest. It was Emily Porter.

Of course, the two of them speaking to each other wasnt a strange sight. After all, it was a producer and a judge, but the reason why Emily approached Martin wasnt because of the show.

Emily beamed.

Its been a long time since we met without a camera, Martin.

I know, but what brings you here? Are you here to give me your consent to my proposal?

In response to Martins anticipation, Emily shook her head, but Martin didnt show his disappointment as he asked, Then?

Since were both busy people, Ill just get to the point. Ive been thinking about your proposal, about the tasting program after Grand Chef.

If youre telling me about that, it sounds like you have some kind of condition.

You got it. Youre quick. I want Min Joon.

Martin showed a strange face in response. The fact that she wanted Min Joon could mean lots of different things, but there was no need to interpret it differently. Martin wasnt the type to misunderstand. Martin asked, Is it because of his tasting abilities?

Yes. You said the cast hasnt even been decided yet. Can you add me and Min Joon in there?

But I dont know if Min Joon

Thats not for me to worry about. Isnt it the producers job to cast?

Emily was right. Martin thought for a moment. Beyond Cho Min Joons will, he had to think about the chemistry. The program that Martin came up with was one that would gather all of the famous food critics and making them go on vacation, but

Would Min Joon fit in there?

It was true that he had a good palate. His tongue was so sensitive that he could compete with a professional critic, but despite that fact, Cho Min Joon wasnt seasoned yet. He felt anxious making Cho Min Joon appear as a food critic.

And Emily sensed Martins anxiety right away.

I know its different from your original plan. Itll take a different turn, but itll still be fun.

I agree. Beyond Min Joons abilities, he has star qualities.

Then Ill wait for your favorable response. Please let me know.

Sigh Something else to think about.

What do you mean? Do you have other things on your plate?

In response to Emilys question, Martin sighed. He answered in a tired voice, Theres been a problem on Kayas team. To be exact, theres some disharmony.

Ive been anxious too. Kayas a good chef but not her personality. Who did she fight with this time?

Peter Gray.

Oh

Emily nodded in understanding. Peter had typical skills but an interesting personality. Although his skills were typical, he still had the basics down. Those who were still here were reasonably talented, but compared to others, he was lacking, and Peter probably knew this himself.

It wasnt weird that their personalities clashed. Emily said, But that doesnt really matter, right? From your standpoint, disharmony makes for good content. Shouldnt you be happy?

For the program, yes. But this show centers on the contestants. If a bad vibe spreads among them, their attitude and emotions will be conveyed through the screen. Its not good in the long-run.

I see. So youre trying to look out for their mental health, huh?

Yes.

Martin nodded. At that moment, Emily fell deep into thought before clapping her hands.

Come to think of it, Episode 4 is airing today. Whats it about? The contestants will have different moods today depending on what its about.

Martin answered with an awkward smile.

Cho Min Joon and his other team members gathered in the waiting room after dinner. Peter must have been curious about the broadcast as well because he came back from storming off. It made sense that all the other team members came out as well. Cho Min Joon jabbed Marco on his side with his elbow.

What are you making?

Thats a secret. Im not supposed to tell.

Hey, thats not fair. Its obvious. Youre making dessert, right?

Marco didnt answer. At that moment, Anderson grabbed Marcos arm and helped him up. Anderson then looked at Cho Min Joon with a cold look in his eyes.

Dont spy on us.

Spy?

Yeah, youre trying to obtain information.

What parts of the meal were making isnt that big a deal.

Who knows? Then what are you making?

Im

Cho Min Joon started to answer before he knitted his brows.

Why should I tell you if you wont tell me?

Exactly.

Forget it. Im not curious.

Cho Min Joon scoffed and turned around. Anderson let out a cold laugh and then dragged Marco away.

Dont hang out with the other team. That guys not good.

W-wait S-sorry, Min Joon. Im off.

Cho Min Joon showed a shocked face as Anderson and Marco walked off. Anderson was always like that, but he felt betrayed by Marco. He felt as though his best friend in school went off and befriended his enemy.

Youve been abandoned.

Chloe teased him from the side. Cho Min Joon laughed and answered, Thats not true.

Cho Min Joon looked back at Chloe. She was dressed up in a striped bandana and a white and red floral dress. He wasnt so sure what to think of her fashion. She looked like a Korean girl from the 80s. Cho Min Joon spoke with an awkward voice, Nice dress.

Really? This is my favorite.

She would have been sad if he told her it looked weird. Cho Min Joon sighed out of relief and changed the subject.

Wheres Peter?

I think hes better now, but hes still a little sad.

Thats good. I hope he doesnt run into Kaya.

Even if they do, they wont go close to each other.

Yeah, he doesnt come to me either.

Cho Min Joon shrugged. Peter was actually more sad toward Cho Min Joon than Kaya. After all, he criticized him and even gave him a 5. He might have thought people didnt like him. Chloe sighed.

You said what you needed to. You did the right thing.

I never said I regretted it.

But you look a little sad.

Not really.

Okay then.

Chloe smiled. It was a smile he couldnt hate. Cho Min Joon closed his mouth and turned back. The show was starting.

The 4th episode was about the finals. It started with the surprised faces of the contestants at the Grand Chef House. There were many familiar faces on the screen.

A scene showing the judges introductions passed, and then it was the catfish. In the midst of many surprised faces in front of the wriggling catfish, Cho Min Joon looked very calm. Chloe exclaimed and jabbed Cho Min Joon on the shoulder.

Did you see that? You were just on TV.

Yeah.

Cho Min Joon answered calmly with his eyes still on the TV, and then they saw just how fierce the mission actually was. There were many contestants who got kicked out while they were cleaning the fish. Since 100 contestants went down to just a few dozen, the ones who were still here were proud that they made it through.

Meanwhile, Cho Min Joons face popped up, but it wasnt just for a moment like last time, but it was a long bit of him cooking. He was frying the catfish peel and making the puree sauce. Other than him, there was also Kaya, Anderson, and Kaya being showed on the screen. Cho Min Joon sighed and said, Well probably be talked about on the internet.

You dont like that?

I dont like it, but Im kind of anticipating it, too. I wouldnt hate it if its good, but you know how hurtful the mean comments can be.

Then imagine how hard it is for Kaya. She would have been better off if the internet didnt exist.

In response to Chloes remark, Cho Min Joon looked at Kaya. She was glaring at the TV from afar. Was she nervous? Cho Min Joon whispered to Chloe, Go next to Kaya. If I go, shell get mad.

Okay.

Chloe got up and sat next to Kaya. She didnt get annoyed at Chloe. She actually showed a slight smile before it faded. She might have been hoping Chloe would come.

The broadcast was soon over. There were good and bad comments about each contestant, and then the Grand Chef logo popped up before the screen turned black. When the contestants started getting up, the screen lit up again showing the cooking station.

And at that moment, Cho Min Joon let out a sigh. The person on the screen was Kaya. They must have obtained the sound from their mics because all that could be heard from the TV were the sound of dishes clanking as well as Kaya and Cho Min Joons voices.

Its good.

Yours, too.

Following their short comments, the show ended. Cho Min Joon was taken aback. Why did they edit that portion like a movie scene?

Hugo, who was sitting in front of him, turned around. He smirked as he said, Its good.

Yours, too.

Another voice could be heard after Hugos. It was a voice that came from very close. As soon as he turned around in shock, it was Carlos staring at Cho Min Joon. Cho Min Joon grimaced as he said, It was edited in a weird way.

Carlos. Did you hear something?

What? The sound of lying?

The sound of having no conscience.

Youll see once it happens to you.

Cho Min Joon spoke in an empty voice. Carlos and Hugo smiled and teased him some more. At that moment, Joanne ran over in shock. She was wearing high heels.

L-look at this. Its in the rankings!

Who?

Cho Min Joon asked in worry. Joanne showed him her cellphone in response. Cho Min Joons face stiffened up. The names at the top of the online portal search ranking looked familiar.

3 NewCho Min Joon and Kaya Reuters