After an nonstop three day baking binge, Benedictus Agnes, finds himself transported to another world. Unlike other heroes, he is suddenly sent to the Backend, a small town overlooking the sea. 
Dropped in the middle of nowhere, our hero only has one plan: get cooking!

Gun-Ho, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo and Jong-Suk Park drank a lot that night.
Gun-Ho asked for Ms. Jang—the hostess of the secret bar, Pine.
"We'd like to listen to Gayageum."
Two young ladies in a traditional Korean dress entered the room with Gayageum. Once they started playing it, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo closed his eyes to fully enjoy the music. The ladies played two more songs before they left the room.
Gun-Ho said while filling in Mr. Sakata Ikuzo's glass.
"Mr. Sakata Ikuzo, you have been a great help to our company. I truly appreciate it. The new product passed S Group's test, and we have already submitted our estimated product cost to them. We are expecting to receive the first product order from them soon."
"Manager Jong-Suk Park helped me a lot in developing the product."
"Since you are retired, I believe you don't have work that you need to start right away after you finish this job with us, do you? What about you work with us for six more months?"
"Are you offering to extend my contract for the next six months?"
"Yes. Manager Park here has a lot to learn from you. I am hoping that you could teach and guide him."
"Manager Park is a very smart man, and he picks up things very quickly in the industrial field. He seems to be able to make anything he wants. While he is excellent in making things by tightening a screw and welding and so on, he still needs more practice in mixing chemicals and carving moulds."
"That's why I am asking you to stay with us for six more months. We would love to have you here with us for an extended period of time."
"I will give the product recipe to Manager Park one by one starting tomorrow. Please share the recipe between you and Manager Park and do not disclose it to anyone else."
"Don't the engineers in the company have to know the recipe?"
"Not really. Competitor companies will always try to find out the recipe."
"What if we file a patent for your product recipe?"
"I am not sure if it is eligible for patent protection, and I don't think it is necessary to patent it. Moreover, I don't know how to do the paperwork to apply for a patent, and I don't think I can prepare all those necessary documents to explain and support the theory of the product to get it patented. What I have is my skills to make the mould and recipe, with my two hands, and I don't think those are patentable. It's like Kimchi. You use the same ingredients for Kimchi, but every family has different taste of Kimchi in their home."
"I see."
"If you need a patented product, you can talk to my brother. He is a Nobel-prize doctor at Tokyo University."
"Mr. Sakata Ikuzo, you are an engineer, but I am a businessman. I don't need an excellent patented item. What I need is a patented item that will bring me profit."
"Of course."
 
"Well, we can talk more about patent later. For now, can you teach Manager Park your skills and knowledge so he could produce our new product—AM083 Assembly—when you are not here."
"Okay, I will do that. Someone has to do it once I am not with the company, anyway."
"I have one more favor to ask you, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo. As you know, we need to attach an aluminum ring to the new product. I'm going to ask another company to do the job. The company's name is YS Tech. I will ask them to send several skilled workers to our factory for training. Can you teach them?"
"Okay. I will do that."
"Let me fill in your glass, sir."
 
Mr. Sakata Ikuzo seemed to be drunk; he was talking gibberish. When the Gayageum was being played again, he performed Japanese dance along with fast-tempo Gayageum music.
Jong-Suk drank a lot that evening as well. He took every single glass of liquor that a pretty lady in a traditional Korean dress who was sitting next to him handed to him. Jong-Suk couldn't even stand up by himself. Gun-Ho called a paid designated driver and took Jong-Suk and Mr. Sakata Ikuzo to his TowerPalace condo.
 
When they arrived at Gun-Ho's condo in Gangnam, Jong-Suk woke up for a second and asked,
"Bro! Where are we?"
"We're at my place."
"Wow. How come is it so big?"
Mr. Sakata Ikuzo was still sleeping in another room.
 
The next morning, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo was frightened when he woke up.
"Where am I?"
"Good morning, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo. It's my home."
Gun-Ho responded with a bright smile.
"Oh, this is so big."
Most Japanese people lived in a small home, usually about 20 pyung large. It seemed that Mr. Sakata Ikuzo hadn't seen a home this big before.
"I've never been to a large home like this before. The view is magnificent. This must be a very high floor."
Jong-Suk asked while looking out the window.
"Bro, how much is this condo?"
"Hey, stop talking about the home, and let's go out to have a hangover soup. I know a good place; they specialize in a blowfish hangover soup."
"Blowfish? I like Korean sausage hangover soup better."
"We can't just go and eat something we like. We need to think about our guest. He is Japanese; he must like fish."
"Oh, you are right. Let's go to that blowfish hangover soup place."
 
Mr. Sakata Ikuzo seemed to like blowfish hangover soup.
He thanked Gun-Ho several times for allowing him to experience delicious Korean food.
"Thank you, Shacho-san (president). Because of you, I had a great time in a secret bar and spent a night at your house; I had a very good sleep there. And today, I am having tasty Bokuoguku (blowfish soup)."
Mr. Sakata Ikuzo seemed to be emotional.
 
Once they returned to Asan City, Mr. Sakata Ikuzo started teaching Jong-Suk passionately.
"Raise the temperature and wrap the extruder's head with three layers of nets. Let the cooling water flow until it goes about 1 meter before placing the product there…"
Jong-Suk learned enthusiastically. The products on the first day came out distorted. However, from the third day, since Jong-Suk started learning from Mr. Sakata Ikuzo, the products came out really pretty.
"They look good."
Mr. Sakata Ikuzo nodded his head, showing that he was satisfied with the outcome.
 
On the fifth day, the S Group personnel arrived at Gun-Ho's factory to conduct due diligence. They were young researchers of S Group, about the same age as Gun-Ho or Jong-Suk.
"Please give us the test report of the raw materials."
Jong-Suk handed Dyeon America's test report to them. It indicated hardness, tensile strength, and so on. They took out Dyeon America's product themselves and took a picture, and then they performed a quick test like burning it with a lighter.
Jong-Suk demonstrated the product manufacturing in front of them. Once Jong-Suk turned on the switch to raise the temperature, the machine started spouting the cooling water with a loud noise. Vivid-colored products started coming out. The products moved about 1 meter before they got into the cooling water. Steam rose from the products with a sound.
"Wow. They are so pretty."
The researchers from S Group took pictures of it.
"What raw materials did you use for the mixture that goes into the hopper?"
Gun-Ho who was standing next to Jong-Suk answered the question,
"I'm sorry. We can't disclose it. It's the recipe we used to manufacture this product."

This is the story of a poor young man whose poverty even shreds apart their family willing to climb his way through society and into the top. A very realistic novel that moves away from fantasy and sci-fi and focuses solely on the issues of society and life.

"… Mirror?"

Chloe mumbled in a confused voice. It was understandable. What they got was a mirror. Joseph smiled and said, "Yes, it's a mirror. Look into it. What do you see?"

"Me."

"That's the theme of this mission. You. You can do a signature dish of yours or make a dish that defines your life. You can also make your favorite dish or what you're the most confident in, but you must make it so that we'll be touched when we taste it."

"That's a sensitive theme."

"In life, things are always more vague than direct. The same goes for cooking. We'll give you 20 minutes to come up with a recipe and 30 minutes to cook. You may begin."

In response to Joseph's explanation, Chloe stared into the mirror. She hadn't even put on a cream that day. What was she supposed to cook…? Maybe she got too used to cooking what they told her to cook. This felt all too unfamiliar.

While Chloe wondered what to make, Cho Min Joon was faced with a conflict. The only time when he made something of his nature was the Korean meal he made for the vegetarian mission. A part of why he made that was because he wanted to express his roots as a Korean, but he was also stimulated by Chloe. Chloe's 6-point potato soup. He thought that was weird, but everyone else enjoyed that dish.

That was when he realized he didn't have to be so hung up about points. A homemade meal could taste just as good, but the result was not so good. The judges liked it, but they said it wasn't appropriate for the mission.

'Is it different now?'

But his head told him now. If it didn't work then, it wouldn't work now. Of course, he could make it so that his Korean dish scores higher, but at that point, the dish would no longer be homemade and be too fancy.

Cho Min Joon got rid of his temptations and thought of a recipe. He didn't even consider any that had low scores. His life depended on this mission. He couldn't show off a bad dish. Warmth and comfort. Those things didn't get acknowledged in this competition. This wasn't a Grand House Wife, but Grand Chef, so he had to make a dish that would sell.


'But what dish describes me? Korean? Italian?'

Cho Min Joon was unable to answer his own question. He had eaten Korean food the most in his life, but when it came to cooking, he made more Western dishes such as Italian. After that was Japanese. He actually never really cooked Korean food. It was usually as simple as bulgogi, spicy pork, or marinated fish. When it came to actual Korean food, it was too much work for a single man to cook.

"Did you decide?"

"Not yet."

In response to Chloe's question, Cho Min Joon shrugged. He noticed Anderson and Kaya looking over from the side. Seeing them looking over with frowns strangely comforted him.

'Which dish did they like the most?'

There were only 4 dishes that he had made that scored 8 points. Spicy stir-fried chicken, pork ribs, risotto, and curd and jelly. They were all different. They all had different nationalities. The spicy stir-fried chicken and pork ribs were Korean and Japanese while Risotto was more Italian and the curd was European, but it was also foolish to try to make a decision based on those four dishes.

"My favorite dish, what I'm the most confident in…"

Cho Min Joon mumbled to himself. There wasn't a dish that he loved the most in the world. If he had to choose, he probably would have picked the 10-point calf cheek at Rose Island, but it wasn't because he liked calf cheek. That dish was just perfection.

'If I opened a restaurant, what restaurant would I open?'

He had asked this question to the other three before. At that time, he said he wanted to open a fancy restaurant, but that was a very vague answer. He couldn't start a fancy restaurant without dishes with identity.

When it came to identity, Cho Min Joon was a variety. He had made all sorts of different dishes for way too long, but when it came to a dish that he would be the best at making… He had to consider all the ingredient combinations separately. After all, he couldn't show off his full potential in establishing a balance with the score system alone.

'… Fruits. A dish with fruit sauce.'

He suddenly thought of something, and he was obsessed. What he was the most fascinated by with Western dishes was the way they added a fruit sauce or puree with a main, and his most favorite sauce besides pesto was fruit. In Korea, they often used pear, but it was never the main ingredient. A sauce that brought the fruit back to life was a new experience.

But he didn't know what to make as a main, but he decided on duck. Duck seemed easy, but it was difficult to make it delicious. If cooked for a little too long, it became too chewy, and it often smelled gross, but if he was a real chef, he could do it.

As soon as he made his decision, he began to think quickly. He thought of different fruit sauces and compared different cooking methods, which led him to a conclusion.

'8 points.'

If Chloe happened to do her best and get a 9, he would lose, but he had no choice. That just meant he wasn't as good as Chloe. He didn't expect to make something worth 9 points. He had to solely focus on making his dish.

"You may begin."

Allan spoke in a calm voice, and Chloe and Cho Min Joon headed to the pantry. As he got some basil, orange, orange marmalade, duck breast, corn, chicken breast, and paprika, Chloe asked, "Are you confident?"

"I'm not sure. I'll just have to try my best."

"… Yeah. Good luck."

The conversation made them uncomfortable. Cho Min Joon hurried back to his cooking station and heated up his pan. He had to boil oranges, orange marmalade, and chicken broth at the exact proportions.

Some could think this was way too simple to be an 8-point dish. The ingredients were too simple, but Cho Min Joon realized something recently. That even while using the same ingredients, the proportion made a huge difference in flavor. Just a teaspoon was capable of ruining an entire dish. When Cho Min Joon made a dish worth 8 points, he paid attention to all the details. He had to pay attention to reach the result.

Cho Min Joon carefully stirred the sauce. When the sauce seemed to be too watery, he added a bit of corn powder. The corn would make it more savory while also making the sauce a little thicker.

Cho Min Joon kept the sauce hot as he cooked the duck with some paprika. The sauce from the paprika along with the duck's oil started to boil, and the skin began to turn yellow. He didn't add another oil because that would just cover up the orange scent.

He closed his mouth and flared his nostrils. His eyes twinkled while his eyes focused on the sound of the oil crackling. Cho Min Joon flipped the duck breast. The perfect amount of oil sparkled on top of the well-seared skin.

He put the breast on a plate. He drew an 'S' with the orange sauce and sprinkled some paprika around the breast, making for a successful result, but...

"Oh…"

Cho Min Joon groaned.

[Grilled duck breast with orange sauce and paprika]

Freshness: 89%

Origin: (Too many ingredients for an accurate calculation.)

Quality: High

Cooking Score: 7/10

He knew not everything could go his way, but seeing the result made his heart sink. What was the problem? Did he boil the sauce for too long? Or was he not skilled with grilling duck? He didn't know. If he knew, he wouldn't have made the mistake in the first place.

There was only 30 seconds remaining, but he couldn't do anything. He heard a disgusting voice in his heart. It was so despicable that he couldn't believe it.

'If Chloe messed up, too…'

He wanted to throw up. He always talked about the virtue of being a chef. He always called her a friend that he cared for, but that was all he could think. 'If I'm not good enough, I should go home. I don't want to survive if it's not fair.'

But as soon as he looked over at Chloe's plate, he couldn't help but feel relieved. She also had a 7. Pepper glass noodles. He could understand it without even looking at the system window. After all, it was a very homey pepper glass noodles. Compared to what they sold at Chinese restaurants, it used fewer ingredients, and the sauce wasn't that special either. It was average. That was all the pepper glass noodles had to offer. It wasn't a 7 because it was lacking but because it wasn't special.

'… But why? Why did Chloe pick that dish?'

He wanted to ask, but he couldn't. The judges were calling them over. They placed their dishes on the table and Sergei spoke first,

"Neither look that fancy."

"Whether it looks fancy or not doesn't determine if it tastes good or bad."

"But appearance does sway how a person feels before eating. No matter how good it is, if it looks like shit, it won't taste good. I'm not saying it looks like shit, but still…"

"Let's try it first."

The judges began tasting. The first one they tried was Cho Min Joon's because the pepper glass noodles could overshadow his dish.

The sweetness of oranges and the savoriness of the corn that lingered underneath, and in between was duck breast that tasted good but that was it. Rachel spoke without hesitation, "The sauce is decent, but the duck could be better. It seems like you tried to put on as much oil as possible, but traditional duck breast isn't this oily. It is less dry though. You did a good job making the peel crispy… But the oil from the peel doesn't make up for the rest of the meat."

"I agree, but most average people would say this is good, but it's lacking when a food critic tastes it. Min Joon, have you made duck breast before?"

"… I thought I've made it many times before, but if I think about it now, it's not my most familiar ingredient."

"That shows on this plate. It tastes as though you followed a famous chef's recipe but didn't quite get it right."

In other words, they were saying the idea was good but that the execution was poor. Cho Min Joon kept his mouth shut and squeezed his eyes shut as well. Joseph saw this as he asked, "We gave you a mirror as the theme. We wanted you to display yourselves. Why did you make this dish?"

"Because it's the most fun dish to make."

"In what way?"

"Making sauce with fruit and grilling it on a fry pan. These are things that I attempted when I first started cooking, and I found it the most fascinating and enjoyable. Maybe it's because of good memories… But I thought that if I had to display myself, it was best to display my first intention. That's what this is."

"That's good, but you should have gotten rid of the rookie aspect of your first intention…"

Joseph sighed. As soon as he finished, the judges were tasting Chloe's pepper glass noodles. It was delicious, and the Chinese flower bun was warm and soft, and the oil of the meat and the savory flavor of it all was delicious. But… something was lacking.

The judges looked troubled, and Cho Min Joon understood their thoughts. There was no flaw in the dish. The recipe stuck to the basics, but it was too simple. Chinese dishes were all about using the knife and not much else, but when it came to pepper glass noodles, she just had to slice the ingredients and throw them into a pan with a sauce.

"Why did you pick pepper glass noodles? I clearly told you that you have to make something that'll touch us. To be honest, anyone can make pepper glass noodles. We're all familiar with it. Did you think you could touch us with this?"

Chloe hesitated for a moment. She looked in the eyes of all the judges and carefully opened her mouth.

"To be honest, I'm tired."

"… Are you talking about the competition?"

"Uh… sort of, but not really. We always have to make something new. Something unique, something fancy. I like to cook, but I like to cook the same old things. I like the feeling of getting better the more I make the same dish. I enjoy making easy things like egg rolls. Homecooked meals? I'm not so sure if that should be in a separate category. I also don't know if you have to use big plates and put a small amount of plate on it to look like a classy dish."

Chloe vented everything without pausing as if she had been holding it in for a long time. She bit down on her lip while looking miserable.

"Of course, I like this, too. I learned new things, and it's not bad to challenge myself to be more creative, but the theme was a mirror, so this is the kind of person I am. Rather than something fancy, I prefer more average and simple things. That's what that dish represents."

Cho Min Joon listened carefully. He remembered the potato soup Chloe made before, as well as the other dishes she made. Chloe continued. She sounded like she was about to cry, but her face looked confident.

"I'm not ashamed of that dish. I don't' think it's pathetic either because there's no need."

"But that's not the case with customers."

Allan answered with a calm voice. He understood how Chloe felt, but the reality was different from ideals.

"If you open an average restaurant, that's fine. But chefs are always greedy to use good ingredients and create the perfect dish. There will be a day when you have that greed as well, and when that happens, you won't be satisfied with that dish anymore. Don't deny it. Countless chefs that I've watched over were like that. At first, they focused on making average dishes at a cheaper price. They said there was value in making food for average people who just wanted to be full."

Allan paused for a moment. He took a breath and continued with a heavy voice,

"Yes, there's value in that, but it's treated differently. The treatment of your dishes as well as you as people. Go to a nice restaurant. The dish is never left with any food remaining, but in normal restaurants, that's not the case because it's a cheap meal, so they don't feel wasteful for leaving some food, but that also means they have less respect for who made it. If you can keep your belief even in that setting… Then that's not bad, but not many people will think of you as the very best. Fancy restaurants are fancy for a reason, and Grand Chef is a place where we pick the very best. We're here to create a chef that everyone will look up to."

Chloe couldn't answer him. She just looked at her own pepper glass noodles with a tired look in her eyes. Rachel spoke in a calm voice, "Your heart is warm and friendly, but your dish didn't have any ambition while Min Joon's did. Chloe, Allan isn't saying your dish is worthless. He's just saying it's a lonely and difficult path."

"… I understand."

"This dish isn't lacking in any way. It's delicious, and it was cleverly made, but it didn't suit the theme of this competition, that's all."

Chloe closed her mouth. The judges discussed amongst themselves and nodded. Emily opened her mouth.

"We've decided."

Because of his love for cooking, he had thrown away his career as a teacher and had become a chef.
But despite his desires, his lack of cooking skills was the harsh truth he had to face.
But when he reached the age of 30, he had been sent back 7 years back into the past.
Another chance.

A silhouette of a man standing upon a boulder with the crescent of the moon shining behind him.
A kukri dripping with blood in one hand and a pistol in the other.
The image of burning flames surrounding him.
The countless mercenaries screamed as they saw this scene.
"It's a demon!"

It's been a week since that day when Hyung and I had that conversation. Since then, neither of us have touched the topic again, and we've been really careful to not let the Noona find out about it.
Since then, not a lot has changed for me, I'm still practicing everyday, watching the noona practice, eating and sleeping. Not very much really, and when I'm not doing that, I'm simply at school, so that's kind of it.
Oh, also, I started writing Eimi some letters again, she's in Daegu right now, and she's going at school there. I'm really happy for her, now more than ever, she's apparently discovered a new friend. She didn't want to tell me her name, but apparently her friend likes singing and dancing too. I'm just so happy for her, really....
The final news is that I officially became the chef of this house, it seems someone born in 1990 can cook better than people a decade older, and sincerely, I was starting to hate instant ramyeon. Also, Hyung took some interest in cooking, which I really appreciate, because my culinary skills were limited. He's now buying a lot of books on cooking, making It possible for me to change the menu a little bit each day. For instance, today I was preparing Budae Jjigae (army stew).  I was following a recipe on the book that Hyung bought. The sauce I was gonna use was simple a mix of Korean Chili Flakes, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, garlic, ground black pepper and Korean Chili paste. 
While I was preparing the main sauce, Hyung took care of the main ingredients, I don't even know how many things he wanted to put on the stew, but there was definitely a lot. After he finished preparing the rest of the ingredients, I put all of them, except the noodles, in a pot and poured the sauce on it. Then, I proceeded to start boiling everything. My plan, was to wait until at least the chicken stock started boiling and then add the noodles, as well as cheese, rice cakes and green onion on it. I havent done anything like this before so I may as well call this a experiment. While I waited for my plans to work, I heard a bell, apparently we had visit today. Just before I could start walking towards the door, Hyung was already welcoming someone.
I peeked at the door, and noticed a smiling woman talking with Hyung. It was a really pretty woman, not too tall neither short. She was just a little bit shorter than Hyung, but if wearing heels, they probably would be the same height. She had a really pretty wavy straight hair that ended up just below her shoulders. As I was analyzing her, she turned to me and smiled. A really pretty eye smile if I must say so, heavily highlighted by her slightly big brown eyes and her slightly thick eyebrows. The little bags under her eyes gave her a mixed look, making her pretty for Western or eastern standards. Then it just hit me, she was Lee Hye Young, was she the one Hyung was seeing?
After noticing I stared a little too much at her, I slightly bowed at her and the nodded, then turned around and went back to the kitchen. As I did that, I could hear Hyung saying.
— Sorry Sweetie, he's always been of not much words.
— I don't mind, he's really cute. — The woman replied.
While I finished preparing the food, now that Hyung was too busy to help me, I could hear the pair going to our "living room" and prepared a table in it. Also, I could hear Hyung introducing her to the Noona, even them had not met her before.
Time quickly pasada and the stew was ready. I called for Hwangbo noona to come help me serve the food, when it comes to food, she obeys my every command. So, both of us carried a tray with served bowls of stew, some water glasses, several empty bowls and a big bowl full of white rice I prepared.
I sat down in an empty seat right beside Hyung, at his other side was Lee Hye Young, and the rest of the seats were occupied by the four Noona. Just before eating, I clasped my palms, and softly whispered 
— Itadakimasu.
It was an habit I got from Eimi. I quite like the respect this gesture pretends to give to all the people involved in the food. 
All of the people didn't find anything weird, but Lee Hye Young ssi was staring weirdly at me, not that I blame her.
I was eating silently, when I suddenly heard.
— So, Chris, Can I call you like that?
I simply nodded at her. She then continued.
— Sweetie told me that you want to be an idol?— 
I once again nodded, and waited for her to get to the point.
— Did you know I'm kind of a singer myself?
My eyes widened at the comment, I didn't know that, so I looked at Hyung for a confirmation, but his calm demeanor was enough for me to know it was true. I then stared back at Hye Young ssi and noticed a slight trace of a ... nostalgic expression on her face. I didn't continued the conversation and simply stayed silent. After all of us finished eating, I started to clean up the table, and washed the dishes. Hyung and Hye Young ssi went to Hyung's office, while the four Noona apparently had some schedule, so they left after resting some time. After finishing cleaning up, I was planning to go practice a little bit. As I passed Hyung's office's door, I could heard something from inside, curiosity won the battle so I put my ear on the door, that's when I heard what's going on inside.
— Why are you doing this to me? — A man's voice could be heard from inside. It was definitely Hyung's calm voice. But I could sense a tinge of anger in his tone. 
— Sang Min, you know I didn't want it to be like this. But you know how important is my career to me. I tried to make it work, but they're starting to threaten me to. You know how powerful Park Do Joon really is, I can't go against him, and lately, he's gotten really worse. Let's just end it cleanly. — a clearly sad tone could be heard from what was clearly Hye Young ssi.
— ..... — There was some silence until I could hear Hyung saying.
— Okay.... Please just help me with that favor that I asked for. That's the only thing I want, at least that I deserve, don't I? 
— Are you sure ? Is it worth it? — Hye Young ssi replied. 
After that, there was some more silence, but then, I could heard footsteps coming towards the door, I hid by the corner. It was Hye Young ssi that left the room, even though I tried to hide, she could notice me, I noticed her slightly opening her mouth, like trying to say something, but she then shook her head and simply turned around and exited the house. After waiting some time, I stood at the door of Hyung's office, which was ajar. I lightly knocked on the door to announce my arrival. Hyung simply turned to me, sadly smiled an said.
— I definitely cannot hide everything from you, you heard everything right?
— Hyung it wasn't really my int— I was cautiously saying when Hyung Interrupted me.
— Don't worry about it, I guess it was destined to happen, it was just me being delusional — as he said this, he opened a drawer in his chest and pulled a silvered color ring that was adorned by an also silver flower. He took it out, sat down on his office's seat and kept looking at the ring with a low melancholic expression. I stay put, silently staring at him. After a couple of minutes, he starts talking once again.
— I don't really blame her, my situation is indeed tough. 
— Hyung, I can understand you think she did nothing wrong, that rings shows how much you loved her. But for me, she did everything wrong — I replied at him, getting angrier with each word I said.  — She abandoned you at your worst, wasn't this the time when you needed her the most? And she decided to abandon you?
— ENOUGH! — said Hyung angrily, but he inmediately recomposed and said in a begging tone.
— Please, Chris ah, please....
I was speechless, I've never seen Hyung like that, he always seemed so mentally strong, so confident...so reassuring. But his state only made me angrier, he was like this because he really cares lot for this woman, and she abandoned him. Each passing thought made me angrier, so I simply left the office and went out of the house, I really needed some time alone to calm myself, but more importantly, Hyung needed some time to think about a lot of things, I hope he can go back to that reassuring Hyung soon... 
But I did not know the final twist that fate had prepared for me.....

Being an idol implies a lot of things. From crazy fans, to any kind of injustice a person can suffer. To be an idol means to have thousands and thousands of people constantly looking at every action or yours.
In this context, Park Jangsu, also known as Park Chris, a little boy born in poor conditions, struggles to become what he most desires, an idol. Let's follow how he, step by step, confronts all of the obstacles that fall on his way, and overcomes them.
Also, let's attentively how he evolves from a kid, involved in all kinds of mess, and becomes a true Idol, worthy of the title of "King of the Stage".
BUT, an idol's path is not only about music, let's see how he interacts with those of his same circle, and slowly create relationships with them.


Andromeda wore her usual outfit, put a little makeup, fixed her hair and drove her motorbike all the way to her office. It didn't take long to get there. She told Zach that she doesn't need any bodyguards at that moment and she just turned on her GPS for him to locate her anywhere she goes. 
She called her husband while she's walking the corridor roaming around the facility. She wanted to check everything and this is her random day. Everyone is surprised by her roaming around the facility. Which are acres wide. 
She's talking to her husband through her earpiece. 
"I will eat later. Don't worry." She said. "Sorry that I couldn't make a warm lunch for you." 
"It's alright. That's nothing. Keep safe. That's all I want." 
"Sure. You too." 
"I love you. I have to go now." 
"Okay." She muttered and hang up. She faced her secretary that's probably hurting herself because of the heels that she's wearing. "Go back there and send me reports regarding yesterday and about our subjects." 
"Yes, Ma'am." 
She went to the lockers and she then checked the time. She strode to the lockers of the commanders and when she heard a man screwing someone, she immediately pulled out her phone and break the door to find one of the commanders screwing a staff? 
"Wow." She said and captured their faces. Then she left. She sent it to HR with the time. They already know what to do with that evidence so there's no need for her to command. 
It takes long two hours and a half for her to walk around. She sweats and it's good. She went back to her office and then her husband called just right in time when she sat on her swivel chair.
"I make reservations. How do you want to eat somewhere like Korean Barbeque and hotpot?" He said.
"That's good, hubby-dubby. I just roamed around to the entire facility and I am hungry." 
"Reservation is in thirty minutes. Just great for your way here." 
"Okay. I'm going to freshen up." 
"Yeah. And I have questions for later. Okay?" He told. Andy was silent for a while and then frowned. 
"Okay." She already understood his words about the questions. 
*** 
Ellen told her staff about Seth banned in the restaurant and other things that are needed. Andel already helped her with security guards on each restaurant and then would guard her secretly. Andel gave her a lady's watched that has a tracker so he could track her anytime together with her phone. 
She loved how protective he is and she's so excited to go home and cook for him. 
"Fox, are you going out tonight?" She asked. 
"Yeah. I'm off to the bar. I don't want to hear you and Andel on the other room." He said as he flipped another page of the book that he's reading. 
Ellen giggled and Fox secretly smiled. 
"Got big bro." 
"Sure." 
She reached her phone when she received a message. She frowned when it was a message from Seth. 
Sorry. I didn't get to fuck you. But I will soon. ;-)
She shudders and Fox took her phone sneakily and reads it. He took his phone and captured it then he gave it back to her. Ellen couldn't blame him for being overprotective. He's Andy's friend and Andel asked him to guard her. 
"Don't worry, Ellen. That man won't be able to touch you again." He patted her head. She nodded and text Andel. 
Busy?
It took long for Andel to respond to her. But he responded with a call. 
"Hey, baby girl." 
"Sorry to disturb you." 
"It's fine. I was about to eat my lunch." 
"I can send Fox to bring it over." 
"No. I am fine." 
The door chimes and Andel entered. Ellen hung up and she stood to greet him. She hugged meet him and hugged him tightly. Andel patted her head and glanced at Fox with a nod. Fox waved them off and Ellen told them to make their specialty from her very own recipe then she took him to her office. 
Andel caressed her body and kissed her lips lightly. 
"I want you now." She pouted at him. Andel pulled out something from his pocket and showed it to her. She smiled and almost squealed. He covered her mouth and told her to hush. 
Ellen let him pulled down her panties as she stepped out from it and Andel put it on his pocket. Then, he unbuckled his pants and carried her to the sofa. He took the condom and ripped the foil. He gently pulled out the rubber and rolled it down to his hard shaft. 
He looked at her and saw how excited she was. He entered her and she hummed as she wrapped herself around him and let him do it. 
"So, this is your lunch?" She murmured. He giggled with moaned and kissed her cheek. 
"I love my lunch." He kissed her. 
*** 
Andy greeted Zachary and kissed his lips. He patted her head and take her inside. The table is set for them together with the hotpot and meats and vegetables. She started grilling lots of meats and then would give every cooked meat to him. He watched her and then he cleared his throat. 
"Eat." She said. He took the chopstick and dip the meat on the sauce and tuck it in the lettuce with kimchi. 
"Ah." He told her. He tucked it all in her mouth and she hummed as she kept chewing. He took the thong and started flipping the meats. "Tell me, do you know Ellen's lover?" 
Andy kept on chewing and looked at him innocently. He put the meat on her plate and then he waited for her to finished the food on her mouth. 
"Now, tell me about this lover." 
"Zach." She pouted at him.
"Tell me." He insisted. 
"Well." She exhaled. "He's closed to me. He's also a good person. Ellen is safe with him. He loved her so much and he could kill for her. You don't have to worry about Ellen's safety. I already handle it." 
"I want to protect my sister as well," Zach told her. 
"She's fine." She told him. 
"But I want to be sure. My sister's safety is important." 


“What now? We didn’t make love on our wedding night. Now you are teasing me.” Zach said frustratedly. Andy peeked on the window and Allona wasn’t there anymore. She turned back from him and reached her phone but Zach grabbed her arm and make her face him. “Andy, are you pushing me to use that freedom card?”

                Andromeda faced him.

“I am not pushing you to use that. I don’t want to make love to you because you don’t love me. You can fuck anyone but not that bitch last night.” She grabbed his shirt. “I am warning you. You can fuck any woman but not her. You are mine now and no one can ever have you.” She said dangerously.


Andromeda Mondragon - heiress of Mondragon Army Clan, who had fallen in loved and had received the greatest heart break. 
In her life she was trained by her grandfather to be the very best. She loved him dearly and had never decline his orders however, he wanted her to marry the family friend. And that will be the first order that she declined. She's willing to kill herself over the orders he gave. 
There's no place in hell that she's going to marry the man who killed half of her. 

Zachary Pattinson - heir of their army clan, a family friend of Mondragon. He was known to be the handsome-charming heartthrob in society. Many women had fallen with that charm but only he gave his all to one woman. And that woman hates him so much that she's hurting herself just to ease the pain in her heart. 
What she did not know is he's also getting tortured whenever he sees her in pain.
 
Will he win her back? How can he undo his mistakes? Is he ready to take her back and chase her?

Join the server: https://discord.gg/gpgZdMN

[It has been an hour since this Sholugeki has begun, each of the contestants is in his final stage of cooking!!] Urara-chan shouted. She has been commentating for each student's work not letting the hype die. After all, the best of Totsuki are fighting here.



In her station, Momo, the loli elite 10 has reached the final touches as she Added the tapioca to her pot and turn off the heat and stir to incorporate.



"Momo is ready! the sweet soup is ready!" She mumbled. She picked up her dish and walked to the judges. Anne could taste the sweetness from a distance. Charme and Histoire looked at Momo and thought 'So this is Totsuki's greatest baker!' Momo's reputation proceeds her.





Momo presented her dish, the final product was a soup with purple yam and coconut mil with tapioca "This is my Chinese style, sweet soup!" Momo picked her Bucchi pretending he was the one talking.





"My, my, it has been a long time since someone made this soup for me..." Anne said, the effect of the alcohol has worn off and now she was in her right state of mind.





"Let us not waste time, there are 6 more dishes we have to judge," Histoire said, he was the first one to take the spoon and get a taste.





The three judges felt as if they were eating cotton candy instead of soup, Anne felt as if her body was being carried by the clouds, her taste buds were screaming "Sweet!" repeatedly. Histoire and Charme were no exception to this, this is the first time they have tasted a sweet soup. Not many dare to go in this field but the lolita in front of them is the best sweets maker in Totsuki.





"Spectacular dish, Momo-chan!!" Anne said with her palm on her cheek and a smile as bright as the sun. Sweets do bring the sweetest part of a woman after all.





"Bucchi says you're welcome!" Momo took Bucchi and made him do a bow as she returned to her seat.







"I think it is my turn then!" A loud and very confident voice sounded. It was Rindo, she walked to the judges' area with her dish on a plate.





She passed by alexander who saw what she was carrying and his face twisted 'Snakes?!...No wait, there is something diffrent about that snake' he thought. But before he could see what was wrong with the snake, Rindo passed him and he couldn't see the dish anymore.





Rindo walked to the judges and presented her dish, Anne looked at the dish in front of her and a shiver went down her spine "Snake!!!" she shouted. Anne got away from the table and hide behind Histoire who laughed after taking a closer look at the dish.





"How rude!" Rindo said with a puffed cheek "Why does everyone think of reptiles and insects when I cook something. That is  not a snake by the way." Rindo fumed with frustration, her reputation as the wild and strange flavors seeker was so strong that people have forgotten that hse can make the best regular dishes as well.





"Then what is it?!" Anne came closer to the dish slowly, she fears snakes the most.





Rindi puffed her chest and smiled proudly like a cat "I am glad you asked. This Tom Yum Soup with Snakehead Fish, Roasted Chili Jam and Green Mango!!"





'So that what it was! a snakehead fish!' Alexander realized why he found the snake previously strange, it was just a snakehead fish who greatly resembles a snake in its skin pattern that looks like a scale of a snake.





Anne's eyes widened " Snakehead fish...Tom Yum soup!!" 





Charme was surprised " An Ancient Siamese Recipe!" he said.





"Indeed, it seems that someone used Totsuki's resources the best way possible!" Histoire chuckled. He took his chopsticks and took a taste followed by Anne and Charme.





Rindo smirked as the three judges were attacked by the heavy taste of the [ANCIENT CHILI JAM], Anne, Charme, and Histoire felt like they were being a fire breathing snakefish who resembles a dragon more than it does to a fish.





"So hot!!!" Anne said. the previous sweet taste that was still lingering on her tongue has disappeared in an instance.



"So this is the ancient chili jam!!" Histoire said, even though it was hot, it was still delicious as it gave them a strong desire to eat the soup to the end.





Next was Saito, Totsuki's 5th seat and its best Japanese cuisine master. His dish was a Hoto – Noodle Soup from Yamanashi. this hearty noodle soup called Hoto is a popular regional food from Yamanashi prefecture in Japan, Filled with starchy vegetables, meat, and flat noodles in a miso-based dashi broth.







"You always go for Japanese cuisine, don't you, Saito-san?" Charme spoke, he has met Saito before and he noticed that Saito mainly cooks Japanese dishes.





Saito rested his wooden sword on his shoulder "A warrior must not stary away from his origins!" he said. 



The judges tasted the soup and it wasn't any less perfect than the soup of Rindo and Momo



Next Nene, the 6th seat with her Korean soup; Yukgaejang (Spicy Beef Soup with Vegetables). This is a hearty, spicy beef soup that's highly popular in Korea. Made with shredded beef, lots of scallions and other vegetables such as gosari (fernbrake fiddleheads), beansprouts, and mushrooms, this is a substantial soup that has a great depth of flavor.





The essence of Korean cuisine was kept in this dish even though Nene wasn't Korean and soups weren't her specialty at all. And as expected from her, the flavor was as dominant as any dish that has presented in this Shokugeki with her image being imprinted in the judges' mind.





After her was Eizan. The current 9th seat of Totsuki, Eizan to say the truth wasn't putting any effort. After he saw the men of the Red Blinders in the building, he couldn't muster any fighting power at all, all he wanted was to finish this farce as soon as possible. 





His dish was the Canadian Cheese Soup With Vegetables, after the judges tasted his dish, it was very apparent that they didn't display as much of reaction and admiration for his dish as they did for the others, though, he didn't mind and just returned to his station.





"Looks like it is just you and me that are left." Alexander took a traditional Moroccan bowl that he order to be delivered for him earlier to serve his soup in.





"Aye, that is what it seems..." Tsukasa has finished too and did the final touches.





"It seems that this battle is reaching its conclusion..." Charme spoke.





"Indeed..." Histoire replied while Anne couldn't wait to taste their dishes, out of all the aroma that was spread and clashing against each other, these two's were the strongest.







Tsukasa was the first and it seems Alexander will be the last to serve.





"This is my Pea and Carrot Soup..." Tsukasa said cooly but that shattered in an instance "Ah! I don't know if you prefer a wooden spoon or a silver one!! is the temperature hot enough for you?!!" His anxious personality resurfaced again making the judges feel complicated at his change of demeanor.





"Tsukasa!! Stop whining and let the judges taste!!" Rindo shouted at her long time friend.





"Ah! do that please!" Charme spoke after the heavy smell of the soup entered his nostrils.





"Such aroma...It is as if the vegetables are alive." Anne said as she took her spoon for a taste. The other two followed after her.



It was as if the world in front of them crumbled and then replaced by a new field of vegetables as long as the eyes could see. Anne felt like she was dancing in the fields while playing catch with the other two judges and the vegetables are singing for them, it was a world full of joy and flavors.





"So magnificent!!" Anne shut her eyes to enjoy the taste even more. After emptying the bowl, the judges nodded at each other.





Tsukasa bowed and didn't say a word as he returned to his station. On his way, he met Alexander who smirked.





For a brief moment, Tsukasa was able to sniff a hint of the soup Alexander made when he passed by him. His legs stopped and his eyes widened in shock, he turned slowly to look at Alexander's back 'Impossible...he can't be on that level!!' Tsuaksa thought. 



Just from a single sniff of Alexander's soup, Tsukasa felt fear, for the first time since he met with Alexander...Tsukasa finally had a rough idea of how much strong Alexander is...





"Alexander-san, you're the last one to serve but the first one to catch our attention." Histoire chuckled. He had his spoon in his hand, ready to devour what he has been anticipating for an hour or so...





"Make sure you don't burn your tongue. It is hot!" After serving them, Alexander warned them to be careful.



"Will do..." Charme said as he took a spoon and took a taste followed by Anne and Histoire. Without any warning, it was as if time was reversed and they were standing in the halls of the World Gourmet Organization.





"This is...?" Anne looked in confusion. Similar to her, Histoire and Charme were experiencing the same thing.





"Hurry up Anne!!" 





Hearing such a voice that she can recognize anywhere, Anne snapped her neck to look behind her, just to see three younger versions of her and her two friends.





The one who spoke first was a younger Histoire.





"God! she is always gluing her face to that book." A younger Charme spoke.



"Shut up narcissist, I am learning, Master will kick my butt if I don't memorize 10 pages by the end of this week."





When Anne saw this, tears started falling on her cheeks. 





"Oh my god!" She said. These were the times she cherishes the most, the times she spent with her two friends. After graduation, she couldn't see them that much.





It didn't end here as Anne went from memory to another, all of them of her friends, from the time they were studying, punished, partying, and even fighting. All of them. She wished she could return to these times.





Histoire and Charme experienced the same thing.







The elite 10, Azami, the audience, and even the rebels themselves were shocked. In just a moment, the judges started tearing up as they ate the soup slowly and carefully as if they were afraid it will end.





Alexander smirked "The Golden Hands weren't named as such for no reason. Every human has a golden memory that he cherishes the most, and it is my responsibility to awaken those memories." Alexander chuckled as he looked back at Tsukasa who was clenching his fists very hard.





"You still think you can destroy me?!" He spoke. Rindo was flabbergasted, she couldn't believe that her fianceé" was this ridiculously strong.





"We have tasted the 7 dishes from these 7 amazing chefs..." Histoire stood up after cleaning his lips and calming his emotions.



Charme stood up after him "But unfortunately, only one student can win this." he said.







Anne stood up and with a calm tone, she said "Among these 7 chefs, Tsukasa, Rindo, Eizan, Saito, Momo, Nene, and Finally, Alexander...The judges hereby announce that the winner is..."





"""Saiba Alexander!!"""





The crowd went nuts after such declaration, Azami in his VIP room flipped the table and punched the glass wall as he shouted in fury.





The elite 10 were shocked.





"Are you serious?!" Kouga had his jaw dropped to the floor.



"Kokoko! As expected from the man who could escape my tracing..." Mimasaki said.



Takumi clenched his fist 'So this is how strong... the strength of 6 elite 10 combined couldn't take you down, Alexander!' he thought.





Megishima was surprised, shock was displayed on his normally stoic face 'This kid...!'







As for Alexander, he looked at Rindo and ran to her. Without any warning, he picked her up and ran to his family "Wait!! where are you taking me?!" She questioned.





"To Mother Russia!" He answered.





"IMPOSSIBLE!! THIS CAN NOT BE!!" Azami got out of his room and stormed towards the arena, he needs to have a word with the judges. "I WILL NOT LET MY HARD WORK GO AWAY LIKE THIS!! MY PERFECT GOURMET WORLD WILL NOT DIE ON THE HANDS OF A GREEN BOY!!!"





"Aazmi!" A cold and raspy voice came from Azami as he was storming with rage. Azami stiffened and looked back to see Senzaemon, Leonora, and Doujima.



"It is over!" Doujima showed Azami the Shokugeki contract and said with his eyes full of sorrow at how his friend turned out to be. Azami felt his world crumble in dust and his dream turn into nothingness.





'It is really over...' he fell to his knees.



-----------------------------------------



Aaaand CUT!!!





Phew, after so many chapters, the Central arc is over. Alexander has saved his friends and the whole school with him, all thanks to his grandmama who left him with no choice but to take the matter to his hand. The poor boy had no time to play the fun games of central anymore.

------------------------------

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The Best chef on Earth, Known as the Golden Hands due to his unmatched skills in cooking and monstrous talent has died.

After waking up he finds himself in the hands of young women. Knowing he had died, his only thought is that he had reincarnated.

But the world he reincarnated in is the famous Food Wars anime where chefs are highly respected and praised.

What will the Former Golden Hands chef do?? will he distance himself from cooking? or will he prove that he is the best in the field? Again.

Lu Mingshu pondered for a long time before deciding on trading the various components of the wolf she had procured earlier.
Such a demonic beast's hide could be used to make leather, while its teeth and sharp claws could be used to make weapons. But since she did not have the means to make them now, she decided to trade them for something useful.
Therefore, she put up a request for trade of items on the Heavenly Wheel.
After a day's wait, someone contacted her.
[ I have a book on Basic Alchemy here, do you want it? ]
Lu Mingshu's eyes lit up, as alchemy was from the world of Xianxia*. Brother Six once told her that each world had their own system of cultivation and practice at which they excelled. For example, the world she was in walked the path of practicing Martial Arts and was the most valiant in strength. For a magic world that uses a magic precision system, their devil talismans that depicted demonic patterns were the most useful. For the world of Xianxia, alchemy definitely occupied an important position.
The most fundamental pursuit of cultivators was not power but longevity; they would always place more importance on a rebirth rather than the acquisition of strength by cultivating steadily. Practitioners pursuing strength alone, on the other hand, had no regard for their longevity. Mages needed to go through all sorts of rituals to increase their lifespans, whereas cultivators were always tempering their body through their cultivation. Therefore, their lifespan increased hand-in-hand with every milestone in their cultivation.
One of the skills they depended on the most was alchemy. When they drank one of their elixirs, it would immediately apply the effect on their body. Therefore, the art of alchemy tolerated no oversights whatsoever.
Lu Mingshu immediately initiated a private chat with the other party.
A voice traveled out as the circle of airflow blew out of the leaf, "Fellow Daoist, are you willing to trade?"
The voice was quite light, indicating that it belonged to someone quite young.
Lu Mingshu answered, "Can you give me a rough description of the content?"
"Eh," the other party was startled for a moment. "So it's a little sister. Of course."
The focus of the book on Basic Alchemy was in the word 'basic'. Starting from the herbs, it detailedly introduced the reader to the basics of the alchemical world.
"Which is to say, there isn't a pill recipe?" The recipes were undoubtedly the most precious part of alchemy.
The other party paused for a moment before replying, "There is only one pill recipe, which is the Congeal Constituent Pill …"
Lu Mingshu hesitated once she heard that. With two different worlds came two different types of Spirit Medicine. Would it not be a waste if that one Pill Recipe required an ingredient that was unavailable in my current world? Entering and leaving the Heavenly Wheel involved the consumption of a large portion of the item's mystic force, which didn't make for a worthwhile exchange for either party.
"Fellow Daoist," The youth continued, "I needn't speak anymore of how useful alchemy is, but it is also not easy to find such a detailed book on the introduction of alchemy."
Lu Mingshu was aware of this, but something still bothered her …
When she spoke of her concerns, the youth immediately replied cheerfully, "There's no need to be worried about this, as the Congeal Constitution Pill is the most basic pill over here. Anyone with a bit of skill in pill refining will be able to refine this pill. This same recipe has myriad variations. Not only does each sect have its own unique recipe, but every alchemist would also have their own secret recipe too. Basically, you could refine this pill by throwing any kind of substitute in. Although my Congeal Constituent Pill only consists of a single pill recipe, it contains more than ten kinds of combinations to mix and match the components. There should definitely be a version you can refine – otherwise, you can just refine based on its principle."
This is okay too?
Lu Mingshu was a little dumbfounded.
"Rest assured, you would not be at a loss if you trade!" the youth said. "I am anxious too. I have to go on a training expedition in ten days and need to make a whole body of protective leather. Were that not the case, I could have exchanged for a finished product right away if I were to take my time and bargain for a better price."
Lu Mingshu believed this point. A book on alchemy was a scarce resource, whereas the hide and claws of a demonic beast were not. The two had similar worth, but the book on alchemy still sold better.
"Well, okay." Lu Mingshu paused for a moment of thought. "Right, can I ask how the mystic ores in your world are generally used?"
"Mystic ore?" The youth quickly understood, "Oh. My world should call it spirit ore? It depends on what kind of ore it is. It is generally used to refine a Device Array, as the simplest use for it is to extract spiritual energy for cultivation …"
Lu Mingshu noted it down seriously. The two then opened a special channel to carry out the trade.
After the trade, Lu Mingshu left the Heavenly Wheel.
She carefully opened the semi-old book adorned with lines.
This one look and she was unable to stop.
After Lu Mingshu read the whole book on Basic Alchemy in one go, she let out a long breath and rubbed her dizzy head.
No wonder Brother Six had told her that the alchemy of the world of Xianxia was the most miraculous, given their excellent medical knowledge, unlike the magic world where people were restricted by rules and regulations.
That youth had not lied to her. The Congeal Constituent Pill recorded in the book could be said to have no known limit in derivatives for the ingredients. As long as she grasped the key, the pill recipe was irrelevant. It would at most result in her refining a pill of lower efficacy.
She put away the book and confidently began practising her sword technique.
After the fight with the demonic wolf, her internal mystic force had increased and her strength had improved vastly.
When dinner was over, Liu Jizhen suddenly said, "Go and play at Willow Woods tomorrow."
Lu Mingshu was stunned for a moment, nodding, "Mhmm …"
On the second day after breakfast, Lu Mingshu left for Willow Woods.
Willow Woods was a little distance away from Green Jade Valley. Without any means of transportation, she had reached Willow Woods by foot when the sun already stood at its zenith and glared down at her.
Willow Woods did not inhabit a single willow tree despite the name, and the topography in the area consisted of one large, gentle slope. The Willow Woods residence itself was built on a gigantic rock on the other side of the said gentle slope.
At this moment, the Willow Woods residence was very quiet with no signs of life insight. Lu Mingshu felt a little helpless as she stood underneath the gigantic rock.
How am I to climb up such a high rock without anything in my surroundings that could assist me in climbing up?
Without a choice, she could only call out, "Gao Xiang! Gao Xiang, are you around?"
After she had called out three times, someone ran out from Willow Woods.
Gao Xiang waved excitedly towards her when he spotted her below, "Lu Mingshu, it's you! I am around!"
With that, he jumped down from a – not sure where he got it – rattan rope and dropped down in front of her. "You finally came, I thought you had forgotten!"
If not for her Master's reminder, Lu Mingshu would have truly forgotten. She was a busy girl, spending a majority of her time reading books in order to understand the various worlds described in the Heavenly Wheel. That included books from Heavenly Ascension Pavilion as well as the books from the other worlds that she had acquired through various exchanges. She still had to practice her techniques and even do chores – she couldn't always let Master cook his meals, right?
"Come, let us go up!"
Gao Xiang grabbed the rattan rope, climbing up with a whoosh! like a monkey.
Lu Mingshu pulled on the rope, and after finding it solid, she followed behind him with a pattern.
"Walk this way." Once she entered the Willow Woods residence, Lu Mingshu discovered a different view in the back. Past the residence itself, the sight of a large flat grassland, a small meandering stream, and the shade under the leafy canopy of a green willow tree entered one's vision.
Tables and chairs were arranged under the willow tree with someone seated on the chair.
With hair as white as snow and the appearance of a young man, this someone was Zhuo Jiangui.
Lu Mingshu went over to bow, "Martial Granduncle Zhuo."
Zhuo Jiangui, who had his eyes closed, slowly opened his eyes when he heard the sound. He looked towards her and nodded once.
The sensations of a cold intent enshrouding her in mist struck her again. This greatly alarmed her. What kind of art does this Martial Granduncle Zhuo actually train in?


Lu Mingshu had never believed in fate.
She hadn’t believed in it when her father had remarried and caused her family to break into pieces, nor had she believed in it when she’d been thrown into a valley to perish.
She hadn’t believed in it when she didn’t have any resources to cultivate with, nor had she believed in it when she’d been condemned by everyone.
She climbed up little by little from dust, while her reign soared into the sky, which caused the world to look on in fear!
If justice doesn’t come, I’ll personally obtain it.
If fate disregards me, I‘ll open up a way to survive.
No matter what fate throws at me, I will surely become a phoenix!
“What a ruthless woman. I’m willing to risk my life and limbs for you, willing to be calculative for you – I’m even willing to be an enemy of the entire world for you. Aren’t you moved even a little?”
“That’s right, since I‘m such a ruthless woman, what exactly is it that you like about me?"

Eloisa's Point of View

Andito kami ngayon sa kotse nya, pagkasabi sa akin ng nurse na pwede na akong umuwi ani Paolo ay sasamahan niya akong umuwi pero kalaunan ay sinabi niya ring pupunta kami ngayon sa Trinoma. He said ibibili niya daw akong gown, ayoko talaga, hindi naman ako mag-e-enjoy sa Aquiantance Ball na 'yon.

"Eloisa saan mo gusto kumain?" tanong nya sa akin.

"Busog pa ako." tipid kong sagot habang nakatungo at nakapikit. Wala talaga akong ganang magkikilos ngayong araw na 'to. 

"C'mon Eloi. Nahimatay ka kanina dahil daw sa gutom sabi nung Nurse. Kumain ka ba kanina ng breakfast? Atsaka kanina yung pagkain mo wala pang bawas. What's happening to you?" tanong nya ulit. Ngayon hinarap ko na siya.

"I'm fine, really." sambit ko at pinilit kong ngumiti kahit bumabagsak na ang mata ko. "Uhm. Pede ba akong... matulog habang nasa byahe tayo mukhang traffic naman." tanong ko sa kaniya. He smiled. It's really astonishing to see Paolo's God-like look. Mukha siyang God na nagpablonde. Hindi ko nga lang alam kung magkaparehas sila ng kagwapuhan ni Adonis. Singkit siya so probably not. Paolo has his own handsomeness.

Iniayos ko ang sarili ko at saka isinandal ang aking ulo sa upuan.

"Sure. Saan mo gusto kumain? Anyway, pede namang bukas na tayo pumunta Trinoma o di kaya papadeliver ko na lang sa tauhan ni Ate Patty yung gown mo. You looked so tired. You need to rest sa bahay na lang tayo kumain." 

"I don't have prepared food there, but don't worry I'll cook--"

"Nope. I will. Kailangan mong magpahinga. Baka mapagod ka pa lalo, ayokong... mapagod ka." I felt butterflies in my stomache. Nung sinabi niyang gusto niya ako at liligawan niya ako for real sa loob ng tatlong araw bago ang meeting ko with my unknown fiancé, mas lalong tumindi ang ang kung ano mang nasa tiyan ko. Pati yung puso ko grabehan kung tumibok. Its really weird na tototohanin namin ito. We started everything as a lie then it'll end up real? Inaamin kong gusto ko na si Paolo... pero hindi ko alam kung sasagutin ko ba siya pagkatapos ng Craeac Day or we'll still act na kami.

"You know how to cook?" ayoko sanang tanungin iyon pero it just came out. Napatikom tuloy ako.

"No," tiningnan ko siya nakangisi niya akong tinanaw nang maging kulay pula ang traffic light. "Just kiddin, of course. Magaling akong magluto ng sunnyside up. Ayun ang special recipe ko." hindi ako sigurado kung seryoso ba siya o nagbibiro lang.

"Seriously?" 

"Basta. Intayin mo na lang lulutuin ko." ani Paolo at start ng kotse when the traffic light became green. "Oo nga pala. Are you free sa Saturday? My not-so-close cousin came at sa Saturday may pa welcome back party si Ate Patty and her parents para sa kaniya. Lolo want you to come." Saturday. I've a meeting with Lolo on Satuday. 

"I'm sorry, I can't. May importanteng gagawin ako sa Sabado." he nodded.

"Sayang, anyway, next next week baka ay pwede ka na?"

"Hmm. Yea, anong meron?"

"22nd birthday ng ate ko invited ka din." ani Paolo.

"Ni Patricia?" umiling siya... he've a sister?!

"No, Patricia O'neil just my cousin alam mo yan. Ang tinutukoy ko ay si Pauline. Nasa Paris siya. Model siya doon. Don't worry papakilala kita sa kaniya." itinikom ko na ang bibig ko. Ayokong itanong kung nasaan ang Mom and Dad niya. Hindi niya nakwentong may ate siya pati yung Mom and dad niya ni minsan hindi niya ikinwento.

Ipinikit ko ang mata ko at umidlip na lamang.

Nagising ako dahil sa pagdampi ng kamay ni Paolo sa aking noo.

He gave me a smile.

Iniayos ko ang aking sarili. 

"Yung sa kanina... uhm. Seryoso ako doon sana maniwala ka." nakatingin siya direkta sa mata ko. He's sincere, I know.

Nginitian ko siya. "Hmm. You'll court me for 4 days, right? Kapag nakita ko ang sinseridad mo. Promise it'll be yes." ani ko sa kaniya.

He smiled at me too. "Thanks."

Nang bumaba kami sa kotse ay sumakay kaming elevator.

Nandito na kami sa loob hindi ko maiwasang pagmasdan ng mabuti si Paolo habang iniilalagi ang kaniyang mata sa ref tila naghahanap ng gulay na pwedeng idagdag sa gagawin daw niyang sinigang.

Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong humagikgik. I can't imagine him cooking for me. Napailing na lamang ako. I should've not under-estimate Paolo malay ko baka mas magaling pa siya sa aking magluto.

~*~

Paolo's Point of View

Nandito ako ngayon sa kitchen ni Eloisa.

My mom taught me how to cook sinigang ayun ang special recipe ni Mom. Unang ipinagluto ko ng Sinigang sa buhay ko ay ang aking ina. But when I found out what she've done to Dad. Ipinatanda ko sa utak kong hinding-hindi ko na lulutuin ang itinuro niya sa akin. Kaya except kay Mom si Eloisa ang unang babaeng ipinagluto ko. I'm 12 when my Mom told me how to prepare Sinigang by the way. Kaya ang laki ng possibility na sasablay ako. Help me Lord.

Ipagluluto ko sya because she's so important to me.

"So Mr. Chef anong first step ng pagluluto ng special recipe na Sinigang mo?" tanong nya.

"Secret! Sikreto lamang ito." sabi ko pero technically ito dapat.

Gusto kong sabihin na actually hindi ko na matandaan kaso ay nakakahiya. 

"Hmmm... Paolo, bakit一pa-paos ka?" naninikit ang mata niya habang nakalagay ang kamay niya tiyan at natawa.

"Wala." I cutted the... hmmm. Is this a kangkong?

"What are doing? Hindi hinhiwa ang kangkong!" sigaw niya. "You have to pick the leaves one by one. Kasama yung stem," aniya. Tinitingnan ko siya habang ginagawa iyon.

"I know, leave now. Ako na magtutuloy."

I heard her sighed. "Alam mo kung hindi ka marunong magluto tutulungan na lang kita?" sabi nya.

"Hindi lang naman ikaw ang marunong magluto ako rin, Magintay ka na lang sa living area pero mas maganda kung sa dining area tapos mag handa ka na ng kakainan natin." ani ko.

"Maghahanda agad wala ka pa ngang naluluto." ani Eloisa na pabalang. She've a point anyway.

"Heh! Alis na." sabi ko sa kaniya.

Tapos umalis na nga sya.

After 1 hour.

"Ready na." sabi ko nakita ko si Eloisa nanunuod ng TV habang nasa living area sya.

"Buti naman natapos ka na? Akala ko walang katapusan ang pagluluto mo don." sabi nya.

"Whatever." sabi ko tapos inilagay ko yung bowl may takip sa table.

"Ang bango ah? Hmmm." lumanghap pa lalo siya. "Amoy masarap." aniya at sabay ngiti.

"Kunin mo yung kanin sa kitchen para makakain na tayo."

"Okay."

Bumalik siya dito na dala na ang rice. Umupo ako. Magkatabi kami ngayon. Nilagyan ko sa isang maliit na bowl ang magiging ulam ni Eloi. Kumuha rin ako ng akin mula sa malaking bowl na dala ko kanina.

We both started to eat. 

Nanlaki ang mata ni Eloisa. "Ibubuga mo ba?"

Uminom muna siya ng tubig tsaka inilunok yung kinain niya.

"Paolo! Ang sarap!" she smiled and I smiled. "Hindi ko alam masarap ka pala magluto ng Sinigang!" 

Sa panlasa ko ayos lang naman yung lasa kaya siguro ayos lang rin iyon sa panlasa niya.

"Talaga lang ha?" paninigurado ko. 

She nodded with a smile. 

It's Dominic's idea to pick someone not my type. I thought hindi ko magugustuhan ang tipo ni Eloisa. Simple sucks, for me. Napaka simple niya kaya akala ko hindi ko siya magugustuhan but an unexpected thing happened nahulog pa rin ako.

Life is too effing cruel, huh?

We watched her favorite korean movie Miracle in cell no. 7. Nang matapos iyon ay bumuhos ang luha niya pero ako hindi ako naiyak sa hindi malamang dahilan. Baka dahil sa hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi nila. Greeting words lang ang alam ko sa Korean at yung tawag sa bawat parte ng pamilya. Hindi ko binasa subtitle kasi hindi ko makikita yung nangyayari so yung pangyayari na lang ang tiningnan ko hindi iyong subtitle. Ang awkward naman kasi noon hindi ba? Nababasa mo nga yung subtitle di mo naman alam yung talagang nagyayari.

Nag aya si Eloisa sa may Rooftop.

"Sure. Gusto ko ring magpahangin," ani ko. "Anyways, Eloi. Papadala ko bukas yung gown mo. Papapili ako ng magandang design kay Ate Patty."

"Ha? Paolo. You don't have to. Kaya kong bumili at saka wala talaga akong balak pumunta..."

"Why? Kasi akala mo hindi ako kasama? Kasama ako!" I laughed.

"Yabang! 'Di a-ah!" 

"Then why are you stuttering?" I chuckled.

"I-I didn't!" tumawa ako lalo.

"You just did."

"Okay fine," she raised her two arms on the air.

Lumabas na kami para pumuntang rooftop may bumungad sa aming kagulat-gulat.

"Eloi, finally! And... Paolo, hey dude!" aniya.

Tangina pakalmahin niyo ako anong ginagawa niya sa katapat na unit ni Eloisa? Puta... don't fucking tell me... Eloi and him will be neighbors?!

"Pill Recipe?" The appraiser looked at Mo Xie up and down before sighing: "Sure, just give it to me to be appraised."
Seeing this person's attitude, Mo Xie sighed: "You must have been working very hard, I need to talk to any of your highest managing people."
The appraiser frowns: "Do you think your useless recipe couldn't be appraised by someone like me?! Hmmp! You're thinking too much of your item, our Auction Hall's elders has no time for it, if you don't want it appraised, then, you can just go away and sell it to other people instead!"
The tone of the arrogant, something Mo Xie didn't want to use nor to hear. Mo Xie's lips crept up as he looked at the appraiser: "I will be selling Ancient Pill Recipe, a complete recipe of hundreds of thousands of years ago, here, appraise it for me, if you can't..."
Mo Xie didn't continue his words, he merely smiled at the appraiser.
The appraiser looked at Mo Xie and trembled as his eyes met his. The pure black pupils of Mo Xie sent shivers run down his spine before he gulps down a mouthful of saliva before trying to calm himself.
"Hmmp, what kind of barbarian can get their hands on an Ancient Pill Recipe!" The appraiser chuckles as he picked up the paper and started reading it.
Pill Recipe appraising can only be done by pill concoction experts because one needs to combine the properties of the medicine inside their head to conclude the effects of such a pill.
And if a stupid idiot does appraise it, well...
At first, the Appraiser's face looked smug but then, as he read the description, sweat started to appear all over his body.
"Well? Do you even understand a quarter of it? How about a tenth?" Mo Xie looked at the appraiser as he chuckles.
The appraiser looked at Mo Xie, yes, he couldn't even understand a tenth of it, he stood up before kneeling on the ground: "Deepest apologies, I couldn't see mt.t-"
Before he could even finish his generic words, Mo Xie cut him off: "Just call your supervisor, I need to talk to him now."
"Y-yes!" The appraiser spoke trembling, he then added: "Y-young expert, about the matter earlier..."
Mo Xie nods his head: "Yes, yes, you have a sick mother, you have children to feed, you have a wife waiting for you at home, now get your supervisor."
The appraiser nodded repeatedly and immediately entered the room, after a while, a person started to walk out in a rushed yet calm manner.
"Young expert, are you the one that brought the ancient pill recipe?"
Mo Xie nods his head, he placed the recipe again and let the newly arrived appraiser check up on the recipe.
The Appraiser's expression slowly stiffens as he froze on the spot, his gaze moves from the recipe and to Mo Xie: "This... young expert, where did you get this?"
"Oh? The Alchemist Association Auction Hall probes into other people's private business?" Mo Xie smirked, based on the library within the Alchemy Association that has knowledge of even the higher plain, all of Mo Xie's pill recipes had been long gone extinct and had been swallowed up by the passage of time.
Mo Xie immediately held a lot of plans for his knowledge, and right now, the Alchemy Association is part of it.
The Elderly Appraiser frowns, his greed can be seen within his eyes, but the recipe lacks three vital ingredients, if he forced someone out of it, he'll definitely receive the ire of the upper management.
He maintained his composure and replied: "Young expert, It is not that I wish to keep this recipe, I was merely startled by it. How about instead of selling it to the auction house, I purchase it directly?"
Mo Xie chuckles, he has at least 1,000 mortal recipes on his mind, he only regrets that he didn't get many more to sell in the low-level plains.
Mo Xie smiled and replied: "No, I want it auctioned instead."
The Elderly Appraiser's frown deepens: "Think about it for a moment, if you sell this item to me, you will get a favor from me, but if you don't... The consequences will be hard for you to imagine, young expert."
Mo Xie chuckles: "Are you threatening me?"
The Elderly Appraiser chuckles: "You aren't worth me making some troubles for you, with a mere flick of my fingers, I can let a whole kingdom hunt you to the end."
"Now young expert, why not sell it to me instead? I will give you a hundred gold taels for it." 
"A hundred gold taels." Mo Xie couldn't help but chuckle: "How about this, I will give you three seconds to piss off and call someone higher than you."
Mo Xie isn't really that worried about the pill recipe, but what he hates the most is others having malicious intentions over him or something of his.
The Elderly Appraiser chuckles, he crumbled the piece of paper before burning it to smithereens before he started to walk inside the room again: "Good, good, get out of my Alchemy Association now, you aren't welcome here anymore, not now, and not in the future."
Mo Xie sneered: "Your words represent the Alchemy Association?"
The Appraiser chuckles: "If I say so, then that is the rule you must adhere to."
"Is that right." Mo Xie smiled, although it's not his style, he immediately walked out of the Auction hall and made his way to another room.
The Elderly Appraiser sneered: "Bumpkin."
He then looked at his subordinate: "Bring two of my subordinates and kill that fool as soon as he leaves the Alchemy Association's territory, loot everything he has and bring it back to me!"
The lowly appraiser shuddered, he could see the clear greed within the Elderly Appraiser's eyes, he couldn't reject the order and replied: "Yes, it will be done!"
Mo Xie, on the other hand, has no plans to leave right now, his Mo Family does not have enough power to contend against the Alchemy Association's power, but that doesn't mean he has no measures to counter it.
But then again, his only feud is against an elder from the Alchemist Association, not the organization itself.
Mo Xie made his way towards the mission board, there are seven levels in the mission board, from the lowest F grade to the highest S grade. But there are usually two more hidden levels, SS grade, and SSS grade.
Mo Xie asked an attendant: "Is there a mission higher than the S grade?"
The attendant that Mo Xie asked was shocked, she didn't think that Mo Xie would request such a thing, but then again, the head of their association specified that if someone asked for it, they will bring it out.
But why? Because only a few that handled or had given something like that will know the existence of the SS and SSS grade, they are people that dealt with S grade ranked board missions and completed it.
Mo Xie's words caused the surrounding people to be shocked as they looked at Mo Xie, a youth not older than 20 years old is actually requesting such a thing? They couldn't help but sneer at such a thought.
"What's that kid even thinking? Higher than S grade? Does he even know how hard an S grade mission is? And he's even asking for something harder?!" A mercenary scowled loudly, clearly not hiding his mocking tone.
Of course, the others didn't forget to insult as well.
"An S rank mission usually gets completed once or twice every year, sometimes, there would be a whole decade that it wouldn't even be done, now, a brat that still smells of his mother's milk is asking for something higher?"
"Hahaha!"
The others jeered and added more and more insult as they laughed. These people aren't ones that complete any high-risk missions, they merely choose to do some low-level ones like gathering herbs, hunting demonic beasts for their cores, sometimes, there will be an escort mission to escort a disciple out of the Alchemist Association to a place to gather some resources.
These mercenaries live their way through the mission board, the weakest are Earth ranked cultivators while the strongest is at the Heaven Encompassing rank.
Mo Xie sighed and ignored them, the attendant smiled wryly as she looked at the clueless people, she then took out three books: "Young expert, these are three books containing SS grade missions, you can take your pick."
Hearing the attendant's words, everyone became silent, the jeering noises and the commotion they had caused immediately died down. But what gave them something to fret about is Mo Xie's following words.
Mo Xie shook his head: "Something higher."
Now, even the attendant became speechless, still, she woke up from her daze and took out another book, this time, the book only has half of it filled.
"These are requests from the Grand Elders, Supreme Elders, and the Association Master of our Alchemy Association, there are even requests from the higher plains. This is the highest grade of the mission our group possesses."
Mo Xie nods his head, he took the book and immediately looked at all the details, there are at least 18 missions from the Alchemy Association, and there's even a mission from a place called "Myriad Earth Abyss".
Mo Xie smiled, he looked at the attendant and spoke: "I'll take this book now."
"T-that, you mean that you'll take all of the missions?" The attendant spoke with an ashen face.
Mo Xie smiled: "Yes, don't worry, I`ll bring it back once I'm done."
The attendant shook her head: "No, no, it's just a book, we have a hundred copies of that around our Alchemy Association."
Mo Xie smiled as he nods his head: "Then I'll be taking my leave."
The attendant bowed her head deeply as she spoke: "I hope that you'll be successful in your grand endeavor great expert."
Mo Xie smiled and made his way out. As soon as he did, the mercenaries started to gather at the attendant: "Miss, what's that all about an SS and SSS grade mission?"
The attendant looked at them with a smirk: "You guys..."
Seeing her smirk and her fierce eyes, the mercenaries felt fearful, just the two words she uttered sent them completely terrified of what's to follow.


Warning, the author of this book is a;
-An uneducated person that graduated only in high school and has poor English skills.

-Learned his while watching anime, reading novels and manga.

-Is a father that's trying to earn money from working while also doing some part-time jobs.

Thanks for your understanding.
___________
Discord Link:
https://discord.gg/597UzYw 
___________

Mo Xie, someone that had reached the peak on the Realm that which he lord over, Alchemy? Smithing? Cultivation? Weapon Master? Inscription? Name it and he would definitely have vast knowledge about that, with the life of a supreme expert which he believes to be the peak, his life that had already reached thousands of years, ended...

Ehhh? How? well, something stupid, you just have to read it.

But with a twist of fate, he was reincarnated, into an all-powerful, supreme, and useless mortal.

"WHAT?!"

Crippled Cultivation, 'a' Soul Sea that is destroyed, and physique that can only possess Mortality (Well, that is until he can cultivate again of course.)

But how can he, Mo Xie stand to become someone useless after being someone supreme? With all the knowledge he had accumulated through billions of years, he'll fight his way, to become the greatest... FATHER!?

-Will be uploading a new version in Mangatoon

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