Episode 8

It’s been three weeks and Xen still couldn’t figure out how to make the examiners eat his dish. He been searching through all of the Outro recipes and online recipes, he keeps practicing and creating new dishes everyday but there isn’t anything he can do. He is stressing himself out by telling himself over and over that he needs to win and make his Master proud of him. He must win, but he doesn’t know how.

A loud opening noise coming from the door pull XEN from his thought, it was his regulars, Mr. Qirlin and Emily. They are coming together and having a bright smile on their face.

“I am proud of you X.” Emily started, her eyes sparkle.

“Me too, I can’t believe the young sidekick now has become the master.” Qirlin continued “Are you opening, it been a month now and I am carving for cold beer, and a beef stew for this young lady.”

Maybe a little distraction can help him, Xen nodded and start gathering the ingredients for the dishes.

“Am not, since you guys are Outro regular so it fine.” He gave them a small smile and start cooking.

Both Emily and Mr. Qirlin starts realized something wrong with Xen, he seems to be more quiet than usual. His eyes as narrow and he didn’t pay attention to the meal. Something is bother him, but nobody wants to interfere his privacy so they both looking at with a concerned look. An opening door noise gather everyone attention, this time was the R&B twin. They both look dirty as the last time, but they also look happy. The twin bagged into the store and sit in front of Xen stove.

“2 fried rice, please.” They laughed “Congratulation on attend to the final round of God of Cookery.”

“Ah, oh yeah, thank you very much”

Xen looking at the stew and setting the timer for it, at the same time he changes to making the fried rice for the twin. He been thinking about the battle a lot lately and hardly get any rest for himself. Xen needs a distraction and the man start shaking his head and giving himself a slap. He needs to focus on serving the customer right now. But he didn’t notice the other looking at him with a worried look. This time the door been opened again, and Sir. Octo stepped in, he looked refreshing and chilling. The man probably has come back from his business trip.

“A usual, please” He smiled

“Yes, please wait for moment.” Xen replied.

Soon, everyone in the store shared the same feeling while looking at Xen. They all noticed the boy is more quiet than usual and not in the good mode to sharing and they don’t know why or how. Everyone started exchanging conversation through glances and agreed that they need to do something. Xen was too focused on making the dish he didn’t know about the weird quiet tension in the store. When everyone receiving the meal, they all quickly dig in and then an overall satisfied face of everyone make Xen heart raced, he just losing a heartbeat. He quietly squeezes his left chest and eyes widen.

“Ahhh, this is it. This is what I want.” Emily squeaked; her cheeks swollen like a squirrel.

“I know right, I can’t believe I had waited for days just for this dish.” Continuing Sir. Octo.

 “Same here! Xen dish is the best. Months of traveling and dried food killed us, and this meal revived us again.” The twin joked.

“But for some reasons, it feels like something is missing.” Everyone said at the same time.

Looking at everyone happy face while eating his food, Xen feels happy, he soon realizes what he has always wanted. He remembers one of his Master saying ‘Our job is to serve them what they needs’. And everyone needs is a dish that satisfied them. The battle and training were just to win a title, but nobody is eating anything, everything was ranked and rated base on theory. Xen goal was not to become the God of Cookery. Yes, he wants Outro to be famous and beat everyone in the competition, making the examiner eating his dish and so on. But tasting the dish isn’t a concept in the rule and no matter how good is he, they would never eat the dish. Xen realization makes his mode even worse; he wants to win but he also doesn’t.

Hearing they say something about missing the flavor, he quickly joins the conversation

“What do you mean by missing something?”

“Hmmm, let’s see, we don’t know what is missing but the wholesome feeling of eating your dish is not there, it’s tastes sad.” They concluded.

It was missing because he isn’t making it for them. He makes it for the Orb, he isn’t serving his customer. The realization light a fire in Xen spirit. He now knows what he wants and what he needs. But he still need answer for some questions.

“Why the Winston become the God of Cooker?” A question for Qirlin

“Just like you. They all think become god of cookery can help the store and like everyone believe, the title is every chef dream. 10 years working under them and disappeared.” A sad expression appeared on an old man face “But right now, look at you, I think I know you have found your answer.” He smiled firmly.

“Back then, why you didn’t stop me?” He asked.

“Just like them, I think you can find your answer there. Besides, it was a good experience doesn’t it.”

 “Wait what are you talking about?” Emily asked curiously “Please don’t say what I am thinking you’re going to say.”

 “I am going to quit the tournament.” X confirmed.

 “Damn it! I knew it! Please consider winning the tournament. You know I have spent all my money on you.” She cried.

“Nope. And it none of my business for your betting habit.” He answered and unpacking the beer. Place it in front of them, best way to face the tension is to get drunk. That night, both Emily and Mr. Qirlin was too drunk to walk on their own, Xen has to call delivery service to take them home. He wished that if he knew about the situation sooner, he could apply for a withdraw. For now, he can only keep moving on the path that he choose.

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