Chapter 606: How To Be Somebody’s Friend (1)
Chapter 606: How To Be Somebody’s Friend (1)
“Well, I’ve talked with Peter several times,” Gwen replied.
Her answer didn’t align with his question, but he knew she wasn’t speaking without reason. Since she mentioned Peter, it was clear there was a purpose. She began to explain clearly and slowly.
“You know already. He was in a helpless place. Maybe worse than me. Only the people around me knew I was stupid, but everyone knew he was an asshole. But he’s changed completely.”
Minjoon said, “Well, that’s a matter of judgment. You had to fight yourself, but Peter had to fight the world.”
Which was harder: fighting oneself or the world? Was there a right answer?
“He’s so foolish,” she said dryly. “Even that foolish guy struggled desperately to survive.”
For a moment, Gwen considered confessing something she’d recently realised. She wanted to tell him she didn’t expect to live past this competition, that it gave her a reason to die honourably, to feel she tried her best before dying.
But she didn’t dare. Maybe she’d feel better if she did, and maybe he would comfort her again. Yet, she didn’t want all her relationships to be patient and therapist.
“Peter changed you…” he said, voice strange.
He spoke as if he alone could solve her tragedy.
He took himself seriously—the protagonist in this reversed timeline. He thought only those who knew a foregone conclusion could change it.
But Gwen’s fate was changed by Peter, not by herself. Peter didn’t try to save her. He simply walked his chosen path. That alone changed her more than Minjoon’s concerned efforts.
I feel ashamed, Minjoon thought bitterly, but Gwen didn’t ask why.
Instead, she quietly said, “So, can your restaurant be my insurance? If I don’t win, I want Lotus Bridge to be my home.”
“Let me think about it.”
“I guess so.”
“Personally, I doubt I could refuse your request.”
She smiled gently.
At that moment, he remembered the faces of Kaya and Janet, struggling to smile when he first met them, and was warmed by the memory.
“Thank you. And congratulations on your wedding!” Gwen said.
“I’m not married yet.”
“I know, but if I’m eliminated today, this will probably be the last chance to celebrate your wedding.”
“Don’t worry too much.”
“I know. It’s funny—I’m already thinking about losing.”
“No, it’s not useless to think about Jill.”
Shaking his head, he said, “If you want to congratulate me, come to my wedding. Will you?”
“Well, I hear you’ll only invite close friends.”
“Yes, that’s right.” He looked into her eyes. “Is that a problem, buddy?”
The three judges gathered on the podium, as usual.
Joseph said quietly, “Well, we’re at the finals.”
“Who do you think will win today? Luck or skill?”
“These finalists are skilled, though their talent varies.”
The judges believed from the start that Michael was the favourite. Among professionals and amateurs, Michael was an insurmountable mountain.
To beat Michael, Gwen and Peter had to be professionals.
“I have high hopes for Peter,” Minjoon said softly.
He felt indebted to Peter and was grateful he’d survived so far. Public perception had shifted drastically—Peter, once selfish and inattentive to survival, now focused on others while perfecting his dishes.
If there was a flaw, it was Peter’s lack of confidence in his own cooking. Minjoon understood that showing confidence risked accusations of arrogance. Overcoming others’ perceptions was Peter’s pressing challenge. Truthfully, Peter could evaluate his cooking well, but as things stood, his confidence was fragile.
“So, how will you handle today’s mission?” Minjoon asked.
“You mean who takes charge?” Joseph confirmed.
Minjoon nodded.
Today’s mission was simple: the three contestants would each pick a judge at random and prepare their signature dishes.
Kaya’s was naturally Six Meats, her most popular recipe lately.
Joseph’s signature dish was an appetizer made with mullet—an appetizer, while Kaya’s was a main.
Minjoon’s signature dish was Jo Reggiano, America’s most beloved dessert. Each judge would evaluate their own signature dish made by a finalist. But Minjoon planned to offer a different dessert than Jo Reggiano.
“Well, your choice is unexpected. I thought you’d pick Jo Reggiano. Though complicated to prepare, we can provide aged cheese,” Joseph said.
“I’m tired of always promoting Jo Reggiano.”
Recently, Minjoon had avoided making Jo Reggiano, even at special events. The dessert was so famous people knew it more than him.
Minjoon felt his personal worth overshadowed by the dessert’s fame. People would say, “Really? He made this?” but remember the taste more than the chef.
That’s why he chose a pomegranate dessert this time—a dish of pomegranate-shaped candy filled with pomegranate ice cream.
He didn’t know which finalist would make it, but it would challenge whoever did.
While not difficult once accustomed, it was tough for a first attempt.
The three finalists stepped forward.
Joseph smiled as he explained, “I think you understand the mission. You’ll learn which recipe you’ll prepare once you follow your assigned judge. Based on your last round rankings, Peter chooses first, then Michael, then Gwen. Peter, decided?”
Peter looked at the judges, recalling a past team mission failure. Who would he work with now? Who would he want as a model?
His hesitation was brief.
Peter approached Minjoon and whispered, surprising him.
“I’ve always wondered what separates you from me. I know—I can’t match your cooking talent or anything else. So I studied your words and actions on TV. I asked why people love you and hate me.”
His words were so familiar they no longer hurt or excited him. He no longer felt pathetic — or at least he wanted to believe so.
Peter continued, “I want to know how far behind I am.”
He extended his hand, “Even if I’m still living in your shadow, I want to know why.”