GleeGal: Hi, I'm new here

ChefDeli: guys meet the beauty GleeGal

TurnMeOn: hi sweetheart @GleeGal

CaptureMex: love I'm here @GleeGal

ChefDeli: knock it off, she's my GleeGal

Qwe907: @GleeGal cook with me

GleeGal: hi friends, I'm here to meet cat and noodles, oops, for SweetCathy and Noobles

Noobles: I don't talk to a country bumpkin

GleeGal: I don't mind, just read this, @SweetCathy a fox is cunning, witty and a prized catch, but a cat is only good at catching mice and as a pet

TurnMeOn: I like that Hahaha

CaptureMex: that's deep girl

SweetCathy: what?

Qwe907: @SweetCathy it means GleeGal is a smart girl the reason why Clarence chose her

while you only good at finding fault with others and a pet to accompany her master

SweetCathy: what? shameless temptress

ChefDeli: of course, GleeGal is not ashamed, the truth, I'm the one trying to tempt her

. . . . .

That statement made a major uproar. It meant Clarence was the one pursuing Beauty and not the other way around.

. . . . .

GleeGal: @Noobles You said I'm a country bumpkin. A bumpkin came from a rural area. People from rural areas are hard workers, resourceful and creative due to environmental constraints. Thus, I am a hard worker, a resourceful and creative person. I'm a proud country bumpkin.

ChefDeli: that's my girl

CaptureMex: that's epic, totally epic

Qwe907: copy paste to my blog

TrunkHead: Well said @GleeGal. Mod here, people reminder, this chat room is for foodies, cooks and wannabe chefs to learn and share your knowledge and ideas about culinary. This is not a battleground for gossip. @SweetCathy @Noobles warning to you two or else I'll kick you out

ChefDeli: thanks @TrunkHead where were the mods earlier?

TrunkHead: just woke up, other mods still asleep @ChefDeli

@GleeGal @SweetCathy @Noobles Why not fight with your cooking at the upcoming battlefield, Open Culinary Competition? Who wins or just be included in the list for Philippine Dream Culinary Team will be the winner.

CaptureMex: If no one wins or reach that far?

TrunkHead: then that's it, they'll just cherish the experience

12Jam2006: What's the prize for winning?

TrunkHead: let ChefDeli decide

ChefDeli: @TrunkHead you're very rich I'm a poor boy, you own a chain of restaurants, you gave the challenge you pay the prize

TrunkHead: fine, buffet dinner at my restaurant

Que907: wow, free buffet dinner of international cuisines, can I join?

TrunkHead: @Que907 you can't, age disqualified

Que907: just a year older, unfair, I'll just accompany the winner, hehe

SweetCathy: @GleeGal I was a finalist last year, so meet me there

Noobles: never joined before, never wanna join at all, any benefits?

GleeGal: @SweetCathy no problem, btw, thanks for that sneak photo, I love it

SweetCathy: @ChefDeli I want you to date me if I win

ChefDeli: @SweetCathy absolutely NOT and would never happen

SweetCathy: @ChefDeli you're totally heartless not giving me face

- - -

That concludes the fight in the chat room arena.

. . . . .

Meanwhile, in the villa, the three were now sitting at the poolside. Their feet were wading in the water while talking about what would take place in the upcoming Open Culinary Competition. Clarence was filling them on what Beauty would possibly face in the regional trials.

They saw Leonard walking hurriedly toward them. He seemed troubled, but when he reached them he just remained standing beside Clarence with his hands at his back without saying a word. The three were silently waiting to hear what he was about to say. After much thinking, he spoke,

"Clarence, we're good friends, right? To be exact, when we were young, I was always looking after you as your big brother and you were looking up to me as your big brother, right?"

"Huh? What's with this big brother thing? Where is this leading? Out with it."

"Well. . . I need a favor. Just this morning, our head chef's wife is about to give birth so he's not available. Our second chef has a fever for two days now... blah blah blah..."

Clarence was starting to get irritated listening to Leonard's long speech. Ronald was also getting impatient. He wanted to strangle this big guy and say, "enough, spit it out."

On the other hand, Beauty was in her own fantasy world. Leonard was a muscular man with a beard covering his face, just his outward appearance could make a child cry in fear. Somehow, looking now at his anxious face with his nonsensical speech reminded Beauty of a boy in short pants with suspender and his fingers fidgeting in front of him. Then the boy became the muscular Leonard wearing that outfit, who was shy and blushing to ask a domineering Clarence to go play with him.

"Please stop this nonsense. Just say it."

An old woman's voice doused the annoyance of the two men and Beauty was roused from her deep imagination.

An old lady with a walking stick stood beside Leonard and ordered, "Tell them now."

Leonard sighed deeply and said, "Bro, can your team be our planner and cook for my grand father's birthday party three days from now? We badly need someone in your caliber to plan and cook. We will provide everything you need as long as it is within our means. If you ask me to get a catering company, I would still prefer to have you do the cooking. We will surely pay you for your effort."

He was silent for a while then continued, "after learning of the kitchen's predicament, most of the people here thought of hiring a caterer and a party planner but since you're already here then I now want to give grandfather the best. You might think I'm taking advantage of our friendship, but the old man had been very fond of your dishes. Don't worry, I'll pay generously or you can even request out from me as long as I'm able to do it. Just be the head chef for grandpa's birthday, please."

Leonard looked at Clarence with sincere eyes, eagerly waiting for him to say yes.

"Is that all?" Annoyed Clarence was really tempted to do some smacking instead.

"Yes," replied Leonard.

"Man, you've been beating around the bush just for this favor. It made me almost blow up in irritation. Sure, we'll be glad to do it. Right, Beauty?"

"No problem at all. We will do it." Beauty's brain was already up and running while speaking.