Chapter 3: A Dish Best Served Cold
The morning sun crept lazily through the blinds of Ha-Ri's tiny apartment, casting streaks of light across the cluttered kitchen. Ha-Ri, still tangled in the blankets of her bed, stirred reluctantly. The weight of her double life pressed heavily upon her, a constant reminder of the precarious balance she had to maintain. Today, however, promised to be anything but ordinary.Tae-Mu had spent the previous night in a state of restless plotting, pacing his sleek office with a furrowed brow. His revelation about Ha-Ri's dual identity had ignited a fire in him that he struggled to contain. After hours of scheming, his plan took shape—a plan that would test Ha-Ri's resolve and perhaps, inadvertently, bring them closer together.The morning arrived with a crispness that made Ha-Ri shiver as she walked to the office. The air was charged with anticipation, and she had no idea what awaited her. The day began like any other until a surprise call from Tae-Mu shattered her routine."Geum-Hee," Tae-Mu's voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of menace. "Join me for lunch today. I'd like to discuss a few things."Ha-Ri's heart sank. Her mind raced through scenarios, none of which seemed favorable. She tried to keep her composure, though her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her coat. She hoped this was merely a routine meeting, but deep down, she feared it might be something far more demanding.When Ha-Ri arrived at the restaurant, Tae-Mu was already seated, his demeanor as cool and unyielding as ever. As Ha-Ri took her place across from him, she noticed the glint of challenge in his eyes. He didn't waste any time."I've been reviewing your recent work," Tae-Mu began, his tone icy. "I have a new challenge for you."Ha-Ri's stomach churned. "What is it?""I need you to redevelop the white kimchi ravioli recipe and reduce the cost of ingredients by 20%," Tae-Mu announced. "And I expect perfection."The gravity of his demand hit Ha-Ri hard. She managed a nod, though her mind was already swirling with anxiety. As she left the restaurant, she was engulfed by the weight of the task ahead.Back at the office, Ha-Ri threw herself into the challenge with a determination fueled by both desperation and defiance. The kitchen became a battleground where every ingredient was scrutinized and every recipe tested. Despite her relentless efforts, Tae-Mu's feedback remained unsparing. Each time Ha-Ri presented a new version of the ravioli, Tae-Mu rejected it without even tasting.Sung-Hoon, ever the observant secretary, noticed the harshness of Tae-Mu's behavior and decided to voice his concern. "Boss, you've been particularly tough on Ha-Ri lately. Is everything okay?"Tae-Mu's eyes narrowed. "I'm simply holding her to high standards."Sung-Hoon's remark, though polite, hit a nerve. It was clear to him—and to the audience—that Tae-Mu's relentless attitude masked something deeper. It was as if Tae-Mu's frustrations were intertwined with his unspoken feelings for Ha-Ri.The days blurred into a montage of Ha-Ri's culinary creations, each one a testament to her perseverance. But Tae-Mu's reactions remained consistently cold, pushing Ha-Ri to the edge. Her frustration reached a boiling point when she stormed into his office, her cheeks flushed with anger."This is absurd!" she exclaimed, standing dangerously close to his desk. "I've worked tirelessly, and you haven't even tasted my dishes!"Tae-Mu was momentarily taken aback by her proximity and fiery demeanor. Flustered, he stumbled back, his usual control slipping. "Continue with your cooking marathon," he muttered, turning away.The anniversary ceremony for GoFood loomed on the horizon, bringing with it a new set of challenges. Tae-Mu had insisted Ha-Ri accompany him, under threat of breach of contract. To add to her anxiety, Ha-Ri had just won the Mega Hit Award, which meant she had to juggle her roles as both Geum-Hee and Ha-Ri during the ceremony.The night of the event, Ha-Ri found herself seated at a table with Tae-Mu and Grandpa. As she scanned the room, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted her family entering the venue. They looked like a dramatic K-drama cast, catching everyone's attention with their flamboyant attire. Ha-Ri's face flushed with embarrassment, and she tried to sneak out, hoping to escape before things spiraled further.But her mother, Han Mi-Mo, spotted her. A scene erupted as Mi-Mo called out to her, drawing all eyes to them. Ha-Ri's attempts to deny her identity only made the situation worse. As the spotlight of the room bore down on her, she felt a deep sense of dread. Just as things reached a fever pitch, she woke up in her bed, heart pounding.Her relief was short-lived when she realized she hadn't actually escaped the chaos. Tae-Mu was standing over her, his face a mix of annoyance and concern. Ha-Ri had fallen asleep on the job and burned her hand on a pot. Tae-Mu's reaction was almost instinctive as he reached out to help her, but he stopped himself, clearly torn between irritation and something softer.Later that evening, after a heavy team dinner, Ha-Ri found herself drunk and desperate. Her inebriated state led her to call Tae-Mu, begging for relief from her Geum-Hee duties. The call ended abruptly with a distressing yelp, prompting Tae-Mu to spring into action.Racing through the streets, Tae-Mu finally found her at a playground, passed out on a slide. As Ha-Ri stirred, she mistook him for a figment of her imagination and confessed her true identity. The sincerity of her apology, though slurred by alcohol, struck a chord with Tae-Mu. He gently picked her up, his resolve melting away as he held her close.The next morning, Ha-Ri woke up with a pounding headache and an unexpected message from Tae-Mu. He had released her from their pretend relationship contract. Overwhelmed with relief, she called him to confirm, and he assured her that she was indeed free.In a twist of fate, Tae-Mu had also decided to accept her original ravioli recipe. While this should have been a moment of triumph for Ha-Ri, her joy at the newfound freedom overshadowed any frustration about the wasted effort.Before departing on a business trip, Tae-Mu failed to inform Grandpa of the breakup, leading Grandpa to seek out Geum-Hee for dinner. When Ha-Ri arrived, she was intercepted by Tae-Mu, who seemed preoccupied with a phone call from Sung-Hoon.Young-Seo had discovered a hidden camera in her neighbor's lamp, and Sung-Hoon had pursued the culprit. Tae-Mu, determined to protect Ha-Ri, whisked her away to the police station to view the footage. The invasion of privacy was deeply unsettling, but Tae-Mu's subsequent actions were nothing short of heroic. He bought the company of the Perverted Peeper and fired the culprit, showcasing a protective streak that melted Ha-Ri's remaining reservations.As Tae-Mu's feelings for Ha-Ri became undeniable, he planned a grand romantic gesture. But when he asked Ha-Ri to meet for a private discussion, she, oblivious to his intentions, presented him with her resignation letter and a summary of her accomplishments.Tae-Mu was caught off guard, his romantic plans derailed. Despite the elaborate setup—cake, a string quartet—he was left flustered and confused. Sung-Hoon's straightforward advice helped him see the truth: Ha-Ri wasn't ready for a relationship, still healing from her past feelings for Min-Woo.While Tae-Mu pondered his next move, Ha-Ri had lunch with Young-Seo, Min-Woo, and their friends. Young-Seo's playful lie about Ha-Ri's rich boyfriend spread quickly, causing confusion and concern. Ha-Ri was caught off guard, but Young-Seo's intentions were clear—she wanted Ha-Ri to embrace her relationship with Tae-Mu.Young-Seo's run-in with Sung-Hoon was a dramatic turn of events. Her restroom emergency led to a heroic rescue by Sung-Hoon, further deepening her feelings for him. The incident was both embarrassing and exhilarating, leaving Young-Seo flustered but grateful.Amidst the evolving dynamics, Tae-Mu invited Ha-Ri on a "company trip" to Sokcho, under the pretense of researching recipes. In reality, he had planned a special food tour tailored to her tastes, including a surprise encounter with a food truck on a secluded beach.As they enjoyed their meal, Ha-Ri shared her childhood memories and aspirations. Tae-Mu's attentive listening and thoughtful gestures forged a deeper connection between them. The trip ended on a high note, with a playful drive back to Seoul.But as rain began to pour, Tae-Mu's aversion to the weather became evident. He pulled over abruptly, leaving Ha-Ri at a bus stop as he sought shelter from his anxiety. Ha-Ri, undeterred, braved the rain and encountered Yoo-Ra and her gossiping crew. Tae-Mu's unexpected appearance, introducing himself as Ha-Ri's boyfriend, left everyone astonished.As the rain continued to fall, Ha-Ri and Tae-Mu's evolving relationship was marked by both challenges and heartfelt moments. Their journey, filled with misunderstandings and revelations, was leading them toward an unexpected and profound connection.
