Chapter 160 - Chapter 160: The Reason They’re Hungry (3)

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 wasn’t in his right.

Why was it? It probably wasn’t because they were closer than ever before. When Kaya reached level 8, he was jealous of her.

‘Did I change?’

It definitely wasn’t because he was more laid back. There was stimulation, but he didn’t 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 it’s been a long time since I got to eat with others. Thank you, everyone.”

“It’s 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 it’s home food.”

“People have this conception that home food is minimal, but that’s not the case. I still can’t 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 wasn’t like this before. He wasn’t the type to like homecooked meals because his mother’s cooking wasn’t delicious, and that was why he was so obsessed with fine dining.

‘He’s 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, it’s highly likely.”

“Hm, I’m 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 Anderson—two 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. I’m 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, I’ll serve you with good food. It doesn’t matter if it’s for broadcast or not.”

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

“If there are no seats, I’ll set up a table for you in the halls.”

“… I’m not sure if that’s VIP treatment or something you’d do for a stray cat.”

“I’m just kidding.”

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

“Did you know this, Rachel? You’ve changed a lot since you appeared on Grand Chef.”

“How was I back then?”

“Hm… I’m sorry to say this, but you looked tired. Your shoulders seemed heavy, and your smile was faded. But right now… you’re 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.”

Anderson’s smile turned into a resentful look as soon as Rachel said that name. Cho Min Joon smirked and said, “Why? You’re 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 someone’s life…!”

“Yeah. I learned it. It’s interesting. I even feel shocked.”

Cho Min Joon spoke with a smile on his face. Anderson didn’t 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 must’ve 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.

“You’re lucky. This is your daily life as a food critic.”

“Why? Are you jealous?”

“Of course, I am. But that doesn’t 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 you’re 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 wasn’t 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 would’ve just said, ‘Because I liked food.’ But the answer that Sarah actually gave was not average.

“Because of Emily.”

“… I’m sorry?”

“I watched Emily ever since I was little. She was my favorite ‘unnie.’ To be more exact, she was someone I respected. Emily’s 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 didn’t know what to say. Was it because she was unthoughtful, childish, or naïve? His worry showed up right on his face. Sarah smiled and said, “I know, it was foolish. That’s why I’m still worrying about childish things.”

“… Your reason is definitely unique. But Sarah, it’s not a childish worry. Everyone thinks about it. Just because you have a certain motivation doesn’t mean you’ll 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. Don’t you think that way?”

“No.”

He wasn’t just being respectful. Then he wouldn’t have been able to look her in the eye. That was why Sarah was doubtful because she didn’t know why Cho Min Joon was sure of her abilities.

But she didn’t 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 don’t look so worried. I’m 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 don’t want to lose, that means you’re already rivals.”

***

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

‘I’m 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, I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

Jeremy spoke in a calm yet disappointed voice. They probably wouldn’t 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, I’ll make you some better food.”

“I’ll look forward to it. Thank you to you as well. If you open a restaurant one day, I’ll be sure to visit.”

“It’s possible Emily will get married at my restaurant.”

“Oh, please. Stop it.”

Emily’s 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.”

Martin’s 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 couldn’t last forever. The broadcast as well as their trip had ended. It would’ve been nice if they could keep walking together, but crossroads always got in between people.

Rachel opened her mouth.

“Let’s go.”

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