The hardest to please food critique Paul was the one who gave the explanation. "Nota, your dishes are good but that burnt cream made me cringe. Seeing your customer cringe is not good. I also rendered a low score of 3 with your grilled fish, why? Because the cheese sauce lost its purpose. The whole fish's flavor could stand on its own, but you are required to use all ingredients to make a complete dish. I really felt that this cheese sauce was made for the sake of meeting the requirements."

"About Beauty's ala king, yes, it's true, it's a common dish but… there's big BUT there, she made the noodles herself. To think she produced and the only one who served pasta. Even though it was not totally to my satisfaction but I still gave a score of 4.5."

"Honestly, I didn't even believe that was her first try and a result of experimentation until I saw the mess she left on her workstation. This fight is all about imagination and creativity with limited ingredients provided. The level of difficulty went higher with that. We always consider the chef's desire and effort to serve food having the customer's full satisfaction in mind."

"You're also overestimating your dishes. Actually, all of them are considered common as well, aside from the apple added. Do you understand now?"

Nota was about to say something but closed her mouth. She just nodded in silence. She silently admitted her mistake. This was her fear when she decided to use this recipe. She thought she could get away with it. The result confirmed her doubts. Her lesson was to never underestimate the judges.

"Okay, Beauty you're in the semi-finals now. Congratulations." John hastily said to salvage the mood.

"Next will be Luisa and Renee. Please come forward."

Luisa showed her ability when it comes to sweets. Who would believe that she won this face-off by only serving simple dishes from fish and other ingredients merged with some sweetness? The two highlights were the Grilled Chili Fish Fillets with sweet apple puree as the sauce and Improvised Fried and Baked Fish Thick Patties. The dishes were not actually totally sweet but there's this saltiness that blended well with its sweetness and spicy taste.

The fish patties were actually made in a flurry and in desperation to finish the three recipes on time. It was simply a mixture of the four main ingredients with salt and pepper then with egg and bread crumbs coatings. The finis.h.i.+ng touches made it special, caramelized ginger, glazed apple, and sugar web covered each piece.

The last to present was Cathy. Being an experienced compet.i.tor and known by the judges, not all of her dishes received kind comments but was said in a constructive way. She received them all with silence. This was her third attempt to join a culinary compet.i.tion and aiming to win not just the bet but to emerge the champion as well.

The sun about to set and the emerging semifinalists were announced. The next round was fixed after lunch as well. At least giving sufficient time for the main compet.i.tors to rest. Beauty was stretching her tired arms from kneading dough and her tired feet from standing for the whole three consecutive hours. She really longed for bed now.

As she reached her room door, suddenly someone pulled her into his arms and embraced her tightly. She flinched and screamed a little of surprise. Due to her past experience, she was ready to attack but relaxed when she heard the voice softly speaking in her ears, "I miss you so much."

She embraced him too and rested her head on his chest.

"Do you miss me too? I worked double time every day so that I can finish my work and see you the soonest possible. I almost tried to secretly come here just to see you and fly back the same day. But I chose to finish them all so I can be with you until you go to Manila… hey, say something." As he moved her head to see her face, she was sound asleep. Poor boy, he poured his heart out in his words but the Beauty in his arms didn't hear them at all.

"Rest then, you've been dead tired with the grueling compet.i.tion." He took the key, opened the door and carried her to bed. He sat beside her and watched her tired face. His eyes went to her lips. He gently touched it. It was soft and wonderful to touch. To see and touch her alluring red lips which seemed inviting him made him struggle to give in or not to his urge. After a while, he couldn't help it, what's the point of pondering more? He chose to give in. He lightly kissed her.

He caressed her face and looked at her with tenderness, "sorry, but can't help myself from kissing you. Next time, I'll ask first, but for now, let me savor this." He kissed her again while his eyes closed, savoring her lips' softness with his lips. It was longer this time. Suddenly, he sensed something and stopped. He chose to leave her room this time. As he was standing by the opened door, he said, "I know you're awake." He was laughing as he saw her eyes opened and stared at him wide-eyed.

She threw a pillow at him of which he caught easily. He placed his right hand on his chest and said, "promise, next time, I'll ask first before kissing you." He sent a flying kiss and left chuckling.

Flashback, what really happened? On the first kiss, Clarence knew she was totally asleep while on the second kiss he felt her moved a little caused him to stop. He thought she would get up and scold him but... seemed to feign asleep. Thus, caused him to humor her a little.

The truth, Beauty didn't realize either of the kisses was real. She thought it was just a dream but when he heard him said, "I know you're awake" and laughed that's when she was awakened for real.

Beauty was blus.h.i.+ng red from ears to her neck. She touched her lips and shamefully covered her face with the pillow. "Why was I thinking of that kiss again?"

She shouted, "Clarence, you're really taking advantage of me. Driving me crazy."

About the kiss stealer Clarence, he was refreshed and contented with his little 'progress'. He was singing happily 'Just the Way You Are' (by Bruno Mars) while dancing and acting the lyrics of the song on the way to his room. With feelings, he kept on repeating the phrases,

(Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me

Her laugh, her laugh she hates but I think it's so s.e.xy

She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day)

Unknown to the two, danger was lurking ahead. Jack decided to take action personally and he would do anything just to find his missing men.