Chapter 621: A Flower on the Cliff (9)
Chapter 621: A Flower on the Cliff (9)
Peter looked at Kaya. There was no hint of revenge or bitterness in his eyes—only clarity. It wasn’t quite the enlightened gaze of a sage, but Kaya felt she had lost to him in that moment because of his calm detachment.
“That’s a great dish. I didn’t expect you to reveal the components of masala gradually and bring out its full flavour at once. I was surprised to realise you wanted such a strong aftertaste, though at first I found the scent overwhelming.”
“Thank you, Kaya.”
Peter’s brief reply needed no elaboration. She smiled softly and fell silent. Minjoon and Joseph gave similar comments, echoing her sentiment.
Now it was Gwen’s turn.
No wonder she looked nervous. She had staked a lot on this contest, and watching Peter receive praise from judges and chefs only made her more anxious.
“The way the chefs look at him is impressive,” she muttered to herself.
She tried ignoring the chefs as they sampled Peter’s dishes, but she couldn’t help noticing their expressions from start to finish. When some frowned slightly, hope flickered inside her—perhaps his low scores would increase her chance.
Yet Peter wasn’t weak. The chefs were confused, not favourable. Like Minjoon, they struggled to judge whether Peter’s cooking was a novel, revolutionary challenge or an erratic misstep detached from reality.
Gwen sensed it intuitively. Her own full course lacked the impact of Peter’s. Hers was typical—no molecular gastronomy or fusion of international culinary traits, just a neat, competent meal fit for an amateur. That was likely her best score.
It was ironic. She’d avoided boldness this time, taking no risks, so the mission’s outcome hinged on Peter. If she won, it was because he dared too much; if she lost, it was because the judges valued his daring.
Since she played it safe, it made sense that Peter’s risk-taking made him the competition’s hero. She could win, but not be its hero.
Though no victory was certain, she began cooking, deliberately ignoring judges’ and chefs’ faces to avoid influence. She focused solely on her role as head chef, careful and flawless.
As a result, the judges and chefs agonised.
“Man, this is hard. Was she Gwen? So skilled. I feel she truly understands cooking, but I can’t describe it…” one chef murmured.
“I get it too. After tasting Peter’s dish, Gwen’s tastes bland, no matter how good,” another replied.
“We’re drawn to fresh, challenging food. But customers might think differently.”
Debate deepened. Some chefs asked staff and judges about voting guidelines—should they vote as chefs or customers? Naturally, they favoured Peter as chefs, Gwen as customers.
Staff and judges advised them to disregard guidelines and vote for whoever they preferred. Instead of easing doubts, this made chefs more conflicted. They disliked Peter’s imperfect dishes despite admiring his boldness. Gwen’s flawless dishes lacked originality or adventure.
They faced a choice: a damaged royal palace or a well-kept house.
“Have you decided?”
“Yes, I have,” Minjoon nodded at Kaya’s question.
Before tasting Gwen’s food, he had already decided. As he repeated, this competition’s fate depended on Peter.
After voting ended, Joseph received results from Martin and took the podium, disbelief on his face.
“First, the invited chefs’ votes: 17 to 13. Who do you think got 17?”
The chefs booed him, so he dropped the act of a clueless moderator.
Smiling brightly, he announced, “Gwen received 17 votes. From a customer perspective, her dishes suit what they want served. I understand. Peter, your cooking was fresh and excellent, but it needs to be more perfect. You know that, right?”
Peter nodded, showing no displeasure, having expected this.
Joseph laughed softly. “I think you knew but took the challenge anyway, so I praise your courage. Your cooking was excellent. Everyone here knows that.”
“That’s enough,” Peter said quietly.
Not out of pride. He came to prove he wasn’t as narrow-minded or foolish as they thought, that he had a bright light just like them. Peter’s light shone.
“Now, the judges’ votes. I choose you, Peter, for the same reasons as the chefs. Gwen’s caution is good, but your challenge will make you shine more than ordinary chefs. Next, Minjoon.”
Turning to Minjoon, Joseph invited him to speak.
Minjoon stepped forward. “I voted for Gwen.”
Peter’s eyes flickered—he hadn’t expected that. Not because of friendship, but because he thought Minjoon would value his challenge despite imperfections.
“I agree with Joseph. Peter, you’ll be a great chef someday—but not yet. Grand Chef judges current skill, not potential. Today, Gwen was better prepared. Your attempt was beautiful, but even the best car won’t sell without a reliable engine.”
In the end, it was a tie: 22 to 18—a four-point difference.
The winner depended on Kaya’s vote.
Minjoon looked slowly at Kaya.
She began, “Well, it all depends on my vote anyway.”
Invited chefs, Gwen, and Peter, visibly disappointed by Minjoon’s rating, stared at Kaya with a mix of irritation and impatience, some ready to boo if she delayed. Yet she remained calm.
She cleared her throat, adjusted her clothes, and slowly scanned the room. Gwen and Peter’s hearts pounded, but Kaya was unmoved.
“Gwen, Peter. I understand how hard you worked to reach here. I won’t praise you because one of you will lose despite that.”
As a judge, she was prudent and serious. Gwen quietly waited, imagining sweet victory.
If only Kaya would vote for me now, she thought.