“Team 7,” Chef Moon Jungsoo said as he approached our station. “Your ingredients were considered one of the most challenging baskets, let's see what you've done.” He tasted the salad first, his eyebrows rose. “The balance here is excellent,” he said. It's the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and brightness. Well done.” Next was the octopus, he cut a piece and examined it then tasted it. His expression changed completely. “This is…remarkable,” he said. “The octopus is perfectly tender, not rubbery at all, not to mention the glaze. Who made this?” “Peniel and I worked on it together,” I said. “Exceptional work, both of you,” Chef Moon said. “This could be served in a high end restaurant.” Finally the Panna Cotta, Park Mina tasted it, paused then tasted again. “Creative use of Thai basil,” Park Mina said. “It's unexpected but it works beautifully with the dragon fruit and the texture of the Panna Cotta is incredible.” After some time, we all stood in front of our stations a

One week later… Jungeon Dae-jung’s apartment smelled of cold soba and unwashed laundry. The man who answered the door looked ten years older than his actual age. His hair was graying and unkept, clothes wrinkled, eyes bloodshot. “Mr. Jungeon?” She said gently. “I'm Im Jiyeon, we spoke on the phone.” He stared at her for a long moment, swaying slightly. “You're the journalist,” his words slurred. “The one asking about my son.” “Yes. May I come in?” He stepped aside wordlessly. The living room was a complete mess. On the wall, was two framed photos. One was a young boy in a school uniform smiling at the camera and the other was one of him, his wife and son. Jiyeon felt her chest tighten. “I told you on the phone,” Jungeon Dae-jung said, slumping on the couch. “I signed an NDA and can't talk. If I break it, they take everything. The money's already gone anyway, hospitals, debts, my wife's care but they can still use me for breach of contract.” “Mr. Jungeon,” Jiyeon said carefu

Dahyun's room was small but neat and organized with a small computer in the corner and a reading table near the bed. The extra futon had been laid out carefully next to his bed with fresh sheets and a pillow. “Your sister is sweet,” I said, seething my bag down. “She's the best,” Dahyun said simply. “Even when she's sick she's always cheerful and is constantly thinking about others, when I told her you were coming, she had a random boost of energy too.” “How serious is it?” I asked quietly. Dahyun sat on his bed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “She has leukaemia and needs chemotherapy but the treatment is so expensive, we could never dream of covering the bills on our own no matter how hard we try.” “Is that why you joined ORIONX?” I said. “For the prize money?” He hesitated, looking at me intensely, then he sighed. “Yes.” “I'm sorry,” I said. “Don't be,” he said firmly. “Really, we’re managing and So ah’s such a strong girl. Plus, we happen to have someone that's helping us