Chapter 578: Between Envy and Disappointment (2)
Chapter 578: Between Envy and Disappointment (2)
Gwen turned, intending to look at Kaya again, but to her surprise, she saw someone else instead. Minjoon stood there, holding Kaya’s hand and smiling gently at her. He watched Kaya on the screen with a warm expression, clearly happy just to be near her.
The moment Gwen caught his gaze, she froze, forgetting for an instant that she had been sneaking a glance at him.
Then she realised it wasn’t the Grand Chef competition that truly changed Kaya’s life.
It was him.
Minjoon transformed everything for her. He pulled her from the gutter of despair into the most beautiful garden.
Gwen knew she had no one like Minjoon.
Her heart beat anxiously, gripped by a nameless unease. She clenched her fists and nervously bit the skin near her fingernails. She told herself not to be pessimistic; this competition was her chance to change. She believed that when it ended, all her misfortunes would be over.
She glanced at the TV again. The screen showed the Paris International Culinary Competition—Kaya and Minjoon, crowned with flower crowns, holding hands on the podium, their smiles radiant amidst renowned chefs.
Next, the screen shifted to Minjoon’s appearance in Grand Chef Season 3. He said he simply liked cooking and considered life successful if lived devoted to it.
Watching the scene, Minjoon felt strange himself.
“Man, I didn’t even remember saying that.”
“Don’t you feel the same now?”
“Well, I’m greedier than before, as you know.”
His innocence then was admirable, but he couldn’t simply cling to that attitude now. He acknowledged his change but wasn’t sure if it was good or bad. He was just following the path he chose.
Soon, the screen presented his past—his initial passion arriving in this country empty-handed but determined to cook, and his milestones since: his perfect palate, Jo Reggiano, the Paris Competition win, representation in Jotus Guide, and glowing reviews.
Among these was Rachel’s interview praising him as someone who would change American cooking’s future. Minjoon felt embarrassed, almost unable to face the participants. It was like hearing his mother brag in front of another mother.
Afterward, footage showed Minjoon, Kaya, and Joseph travelling the US to evaluate cuisines for preliminaries.
What stood out most were Gwen and Michael, while Hugo and Peter also drew attention by competing again.
But the show’s main focus was the likely winner. Producer Martin had no choice but to spotlight contenders for the title.
Gwen and Michael made great news with their stories and backgrounds. However, when Gwen showed her cuisine in preliminaries, Minjoon felt a vague insecurity that soon proved accurate.
“Who do you cheer for most?”
“Gwen Queen.”
When Minjoon said that, many participants stared, puzzled. It wasn’t new that he supported Gwen, but the superlative surprised them.
They’d sensed his favouritism but didn’t know he openly backed her.
Gwen stared blankly. She found Minjoon difficult. Though he declared support, he treated her colder than others, making her doubt herself. No wonder she was so surprised now.
She clenched her fist.
Why?
The broadcast ended. Participants split into groups, some going out to eat, others to sleep. Minjoon and Kaya couldn’t—they were busy judging. They packed and prepared to leave the Grand Chef House.
At that moment, Gwen approached Minjoon hesitantly, glancing at both him and Kaya. Minjoon walked toward her first.
“Do you want to say something?”
“Well, what you said about me in the interview…”
She glanced at Kaya, who barely paid attention.
Minjoon crossed his arms and said, “Is there something bothering you?”
“Not really. I’m just curious—why do you cheer for me?”
He’d once told her he wanted her to enjoy cooking, but in today’s interview, he openly supported her to win.
Why? What made him back her as the likely winner?
He replied simply.
“Because I feel sorry for your potential.”
He sympathised with her. Though she expected the answer, she also felt regret. He saw her real worth—something she couldn’t yet find.
Minjoon spoke calmly.
“You have talent. You have what it takes. You said you hoped this contest would be a turning point. It will be.”
“Even if you said today you want me to win?”
He hesitated; his words conflicted with his prior emphasis. Yet he had to be honest.
“Because I feel sorry for you.”
“Do you think I’m that miserable?”
“I’d lie if I said no. You were probably the unhappiest just before this competition.”
“You’re brutally honest.”
“Even if I hid it, you’d notice. Isn’t honesty better than hypocrisy?”
“Yes. That makes me feel more at ease.”
Gwen smiled, but Minjoon felt it wasn’t a happy smile—more awkward, as if she’d nearly given up hope.
“What if you don’t win?” he asked.
She was silent, having never considered that.
She hadn’t imagined a future without victory.
He’d immediately grasped what her silence meant and grew angry again.
“Prepare for losing. Don’t just think your life’s ruined if you fail.”
“Done talking with her?” Kaya cut in abruptly. He nodded.
Gwen looked confused. Minjoon seemed to know her thoughts perfectly—as if his cooking insight extended to how others think.
Lost in such foolish thoughts, she heard Minjoon say to Kaya, “Yeah, I’m done.”
He gave Gwen advice, and that was all.
Now, it was time for her to start anew.