Chapter 162 - Seeking Company (2)

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 Joon’s eyes and laughed.

“Once you taste that person’s bread, you won’t want to eat any other bread again.”

“Stop lying. No matter how good it is, it’s not like I’ll start hating other bread.”

“… I’m just saying.”

Anderson’s exaggeration ended up backfiring on him.

Setting up a restaurant wasn’t 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 we’re gone.”

“Are you confident you can convince Jack? He’s a stubborn one.”

“I’m not sure. Jack being angry isn’t really that surprising.”

“This is different. Jack’s been angry for 10 years now.”

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

“If he gets angry, I’ll just take it.”

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

“That’s 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.]

[That’s exciting. It sounds like there’s going to be one more three-star restaurant in LA.]

[I wouldn’t say that. Since they took a 10-year break, their stars are gone. If you think about Rose Island 10 years ago, it’s not a problem, but that’s 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 doesn’t fade. And I’m interested in her new pupil—Anderson and Min Joon. I’m a fan of both of them.]

[What’s interesting is that Anderson Russo is the son of the parents who manage Glutto down the street. That means he’s 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 wasn’t so friendly.

“Did you hear what that DJ said?”

“No, I didn’t. I need to focus on my driving.”

“I heard them say you can’t stand being at Glutto.”

“What? When did they say that?”

“See? You were listening. You’re lying to me again.”

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

“Please don’t be so hard on him. I’m sure Anderson will grow up soon.”

“I wish Anderson could’ve been more like you. Is it because you grew up in an Asian household? You’re so proper. Your parents raised you well.”

“… Mom, that’s discrimination.”

“Does your generation call this discrimination? I’m just complimenting them.”

“It’s 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. I’ve never heard Anderson say that before. Maybe we should take you in as our son. What do you think? Maybe you’ll even become the next owner of Glutto…”

“We’re here.”

Anderson gave a short announcement as he parked the car. Amelia stared at the back of Anderson’s head, but he didn’t 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?”

“Let’s 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 up—8 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 didn’t 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 weren’t 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.”

“I’m sorry, but my father wouldn’t like that.”

Lisa answered in a stern voice. Her eyes didn’t 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, let’s just let the two of them meet. I know there’s no need to make matters worse, but there’s no harm in putting a bandaid on the wound before ending it for real. Let’s treat the wound.”

“… That’s fine. But that treatment should’ve 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.”

“I’m sorry, Lisa. I’ll talk to you later.”

Lisa didn’t 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 hadn’t 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. Rachel’s 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 wasn’t the case. Jack spoke in a calm voice, “It’s been 10 years.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t even bother trying to apologize. I’m not going to accept it. The only reason why I’m not raising my voice is because I don’t have the energy, Rachel. 10 years ago, you gave up on everything because Daniel passed away.”

“… Yeah, I did.”

“You’re selfish.”

Jack spoke in a tired voice. Rachel realized that his friend had aged very much. Jack continued, “Rose Island was you and Daniel’s 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 should’ve hung in there, Rachel. No matter how painful it was…!”

“I was stuck in a rut back then. I didn’t have any confidence or will to get out of it. I’m 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.”

Jack’s brows knitted. Rachel quickly continued, “I found a boy who’s 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 it’s still all about Daniel. He was a genius. He shined brightly, but that doesn’t mean you should dedicate your life to imitating him.”

“I’m not imitating him. If that was my plan, I wouldn’t 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, “It’s too late, Rachel. 10 years is a long time.”

“I know it’s hard to forgive me, but I’m 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, Rachel’s eyes trembled with shock, and it wasn’t because they were wrinkly.

His hands were shaking. So much that he couldn’t 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 would’ve gone back to you even if I was angry. But I can’t 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.”