[Episode 6]
A foolish person does not recognize when their path crosses with someone
they are destined to meet.
Meanwhile, the average person chooses to miss this connection
even while being aware of the fate that brought them together.
You just eat whatever the owner gives you.
Is the owner even here?
And the brightest people, make sure to take the chance that fate gives them
even if that chance merely entails passing by one another.
They always do meet that someone, with whom their path is destined to cross.
You sure come by often.
And sometimes... there are people that you shouldn't have met at all.
[Uncle Do Kkoo]
Just listen...
since I'm sure you still have your sense of hearing.
Meeting up with Madame Seol.
Trying to infiltrate Goong Rak Won.
You sneaking into Goong Rak Won yourself.
I can't allow any of those things.
Just forget, what happened that day.
Or pretend if you really can't forget.
That's all you can do.
Also, this.
Don't ever make me come find you again.
Then you'll really be powerless.
Only do what you're told to do.
If she is to be hurt, it is to be only by my hands.
[Missed Call: Little Pup]
[Uncle Do Kkoo]
The person you're trying to reach is unavailable at this time.
- Doo Chul. - It's Doo Chul...
Yes, that's right, sir.
Turn the phone tracker on.
Mr. Lee Jung Bong.
He's waiting for you.
Where is Da Hae?
You're the same as always...
Short-tempered, and reckless.
And affectionate, to your own dismay.
Where the hell did you put her?
Go and search... with that great phone tracker of yours.
You know, you use stuff like that when you're trying to find dead bodies.
Everyone knows that it's hard to track people down with those.
Everyone except for you, at least.
Answer my question. What did you do with Da Hae?
Stay away from her. Don't give her false hopes.
And don't promise her that you'll protect her either.
You don't have any right to do such a thing.
And you think, that you do have the right?
Let's play like adults
and avoid any messy fights.
I called you here on business.
And why do I need to work with you?
The only way that you can help her, is by coming to work for me.
There's no other way.
So decide.
Choose. Be by her side. Work for me.
Damn it...
Are you trying to sell me something?
You're trying to pawn a person to do business?
This place... is completely sealed off.
There's no reception here.
And, there's no way... anyone will hear your screams from in here.
That glass there, is no ordinary glass.
If anyone dies in here, they'll die confidentially.
So mind your manners, and don't regret them later on.
Are you serious? So nobody will ever know what happens in here?
Wow, that's the best news I've heard all day.
See, I told you...
You're too affectionate.
Why are you hesitating over this nobody?
You're like this, because you got stabbed in the back
and rotted away in a cell for five years.
What a chatterbox, you are. Shut that damn mouth of yours.
Your words are getting nastier, as your true nature is being exposed.
And your bark is getting louder because you're getting scared.
I told you to shut your mouth.
There's no use in us being pitted against one another.
I'm just a noodle-maker, and you're... just some thug bastard.
And this won't change, since it was all decided at birth.
But...
Who is the one who decided these things?
Who is the bastard that decided on these things, as he pleased?
Bowing down to others, handing them money...
Working so damn hard to earn money, only to spend it on futile nonsense.
I'm sick and tired of that.
So I decided to do things my way.
I forced my way to the top.
And if you do? What will change?
What will change if you climb your way to the top?
I won't get betrayed, and go to jail, like you did.
But, I can betray someone and get them into jail, no problem.
And just how high up are you planning to climb?
To a position, where I won't be punished for any of my crimes.
Why me?
I'm short-tempered
reckless
and too affectionate for my own good.
At the very least, you've never shot someone down for your own survival.
Where's Da Hae?
Look for her.
There's no use in us being pitted against one another.
I'm just a noodle maker, and you're... just some thug bastard.
You're up?
Oh... sir.
Is it your first time staring at the nose on your own face?
Oh, sir... this kind of room is way too expensive.
Don't worry about that. You just focus on getting better.
And don't go around getting beaten up. It's humiliating, punk.
Chul Doo.
Sir... it's Doo Chul, sir.
Why are you going around doing such thuggish things?
You can't even make money, and you could go to jail at any moment.
Most places, you can't even be treated like a human being.
Your wife ran off, and your child was taken away from you.
Why have you stuck around in this world?
This is the only thing... that I know how to do, sir.
Are you going to pay those bastards back, sir?
Why?
Please don't, sir.
I don't want anything bad to happen to you because of me, sir.
Are you crazy? You're worth nothing.
E... E... Exactly, sir.
Imitation is the beginning of creation.
It's a way, of laying groundwork for your fundamentals.
So, can it be considered a method of learning then, in a way?
Well, it's similar, but a bit different. I simply imitated it, and stole it.
But then, I made what I stole, into my own creation.
Yes... how impressive.
All right, then. Let's switch topics now.
There's a woman, who is a columnist for the four biggest newspapers in Korea.
Yes.
And this person, got a government grant to protect traditional noodle-making.
But, I don't know. We haven't seen any real results from this person just yet.
Well... recreating traditional food is not as easy as it may seem.
The measurements that were used back then were not precise
and the way ingredients were described was different than the words we use now.
And it's hard to understand what all of those words mean, exactly.
Yes, well it's true that terminology used back then, is harder to interpret now.
There's no way for us to assure that all of these things did or didn't exist.
So what if she's just making up foods that didn't really exist
for her own monetary gain, by using her established authority?
Well, I'm not pointing fingers at any one specific person though.
It definitely is a tricky thing.
Do these so-called traditional foods really have historical value
just like your royal court-style quail buckwheat noodles
Or is this all just a waste of taxpayers' money?
I'm very curious to see how things turn out.
Aren't you?
So you want to kill me, do you?
I didn't realize that we were so close that we can visit each other at home.
I have something to confess.
I approached you on purpose.
I wanted you to notice me so I could use you to get into Goong Rak Won.
I didn't think you would give me a second glance if I admitted it outright.
So I wrote those nasty things about you on purpose.
Check yourself. There are truckloads of kids just like you.
Chef Min Sun Ho. We can destroy him.
And how exactly will you bring him down?
He's an alcoholic. His hands have started to twitch a lot.
And he's starting to lose his senses of smell and taste.
You have evidence?
Here's his diagnosis, his rehab details, and relevant photographs.
Let's establish a system of give-and-take between us.
If you get me into Goong Rak Won, I'll take care of the rest.
How innocent you are.
It's adorable.
What?
I didn't make you any promises yet, but all of your cards are on the table.
I usually would be interested in something like this
but I'm going through a rough patch right now too.
I don't care, about what happens to the chef.
Shall I give you a few words of warning?
Don't try to pathetically wiggle your way into a fight between adults.
Being cute and being innocent, are only useful traits in the world of dating.
Is that it?
Shouldn't you threaten me, or use drastic measures when a deal doesn't go your way?
Did you think that I would pity you if you limped out of here after one try?
You should crush whoever you need to, in order to get whatever you want.
That's how this industry and this world work.
And is that how you got to where you are? By using threats and drastic measures?
I would have already been on your plateau if honest means were actually possible.
The fact that those who get left behind get trampled
is a fact that failures know far better than successful people do.
I'm going to get into Goong Rak Won, by any means necessary.
So stop trying to educate me.
Trying to act like you want to educate me when you don't even want to do that.
You make me sick.
That's much better.
Leave me your contact information. I'll contact you if I need to.
I don't have any contact information.
Then get some.
Looks like you come here often.
People think that anyone whose job title includes the word "traditional"
has to wear modernized hanboks. But I don't really like those.
I like traditional flavors, not traditional clothing.
This and this, please.
It looks like you took a direct hit from him.
I'm still very angry about it.
It's very obvious that he's targeting you.
If you don't do anything, they'll make you out to be a fraud.
I know.
It looks like I'm going to lose 30 years of hard work.
They say that watching a fight is more amusing than watching a fire.
You're just going to be a spectator?
If I go down, it'll feel like your right arm is breaking.
People don't die from broken arms. I don't want to get involved.
If he figures out that I'm working with you, I'll come under serious fire.
And I haven't even fashioned myself a proper shield just yet.
Who knows... what that terrible man will do to me?
So yes. I'll be staying out of it completely.
That's just like you.
So why are you facing him head on like this, when you don't even have to?
You're usually so mature too.
I...
don't trust the story behind your father's... so-called accident.
Do you?
You two figure it out on your own. I'm just going to sit and watch.
I've cleared your schedule for the next four days, like you asked.
Turn down all of my interviews, talks, and anything like that too.
It's clear the kinds of questions that they'll ask me
and they won't believe me, regardless of what I tell them.
You have a reservation at the Fish Noodle Restaurant at 2 p.m.
Should I cancel that as well?
These are royal court-style quail buckwheat noodles, with quail sauce.
Oh, that's what it looks like.
This would make the Master of Goong Rak Won pass out in shock.
He hand-picks his dishwashers
so that he can hide the secrets behind the recipes extra carefully.
And even those working in his kitchen only know about what they specialize in.
But you've made a nearly perfect replica. It's really quite shocking.
There is no such thing...
as "nearly perfect".
This is the original version of the royal court-style quail buckwheat noodles.
Okay, I'll be frank.
It's perfect. Almost shockingly so.
But... there's no way that the head of Goong Rak Won taught this to you.
So there's no other explanation, other than that you stole it.
I can replicate anything I've tasted once.
I'm sure that's hard to accept though.
- Are you a supertaster? - Something like that.
You said that you were interested in Goong Rak Won's kitchens, right?
There's a way that you can make it in. All you need to do is do as I say...
Didn't you come here to request something of me?
You're at your wit's end right now, aren't you?
You're in a situation in which you need to prove yourself.
So you should phrase it like a request then.
Instead of phrasing it like a command.
Never mind.
If you get up right now, I can't help you.
You're not scared of your reputation collapsing.
What you're really scared of, is being crushed to death by the debri.
The solution is simple.
To present this dish to the Master Noodlemaker.
If you find someone to make a dish, that not just anyone could make
nobody will be able to challenge you anymore.
You've got a point.
But I do have one condition.
Tell me.
You have someone planted inside of Goong Rak Won, right?
Who is it?
Table seven is done with their meal. Send out their dessert.
Give an extra large portion to Table 14.
Hey, you! I heard you got dumped again!
Hey, no need to rub salt in my wounds!
Branch Manager Ha Tae Bong?
Oh, my! You sure are busy playing around, aren't you?
Oh, my... I'm just taking a tiny break after working hard! What are you saying?
Side Dish Specialist Kim Jin Yeon?
Butcher Na Won Seon?
- Master Ha is on his way! - Master Ha? Oh... oh, hello, sir!
Yeah.
Entremetier Park Moon Bok?
Chef.
Chef Min Sun Ho?
How much buckwheat dough do we have left?
Sous Chef.
Enough for about 40 portions, sir.
"About"?
We have 41 servings left.
Move over.
43 servings. Don't accept more guests than that.
Understood, sir. All right.
We don't use words such as "almost" or "approximately" at Goong Rak Won.
- Don't use them. - Understood, sir.
Sous Chef Lee Gi Baek?
Who is it, out of these people?
You're quite well-informed for someone
who pretended to have no interest in Goong Rak Won.
Who are you, exactly?
You didn't answer my question.
What if I didn't plant anyone?
I'm not asking you this because I don't know who it is.
I'm just trying to see if my information is accurate.
And I'm testing you to see whether or not I can trust you.
Since when have you been investigating me?
About three years ago?
That's including the year I spent in Shanxi learning how to make fish noodles.
So the fact that you chose to make fish noodles, of all things
and the fact that you opened your store here, of all places
none of these things were coincidences?
You stop by your favorite tea shop twice a week as a regular, correct?
That's right. None of these things were coincidences.
Getting into Goong Rak Won's kitchen isn't your real objective.
So what is your real objective?
The person I'm after and the person you are trying to fight are one and the same.
If either of us try to fight him alone, we'll get killed off easily.
That's why I'm proposing an alliance.
If you want to know more than that, join me.
I'll only ask you this one more time.
Who is the person that you planted there?
The person I'm after and the person you are trying to fight are one and the same.
If either of us try to fight him alone, we'll be killed off easily, huh?
Oh... Madame.
Did you stay here this entire time?
You might have needed me right after we parted ways.
And what if I still don't need you?
I'm certain a time will come that you will need me.
- What a thoughtless girl. - I get that a lot.
The evidence?
There's not much you have left. You kneaded so much dough
that you barely have any fingerprints left.
All you have is some space to lie down, with a respirator hanging above you.
I'm not going to live my life like that.
I'm going to have Goong Rak Won celebrate its 100th anniversary.
I've been working so hard, all of my life
so isn't it only fair, that I get to relax a bit now?
I'm going to start a for-profit institute.
I took a good look at the guys who do that kind of thing
and all of them are beasts in sheep's clothing.
So I'm going to put on some sheep's clothing too.
At the very least, I won't settle on living as a damn noodle-maker.
Noodles are hardly worth laying down your entire life for.
How frustrating, really...
That's amazing.
It looks like the person we've been waiting for has arrived.
Are you displeased to see me?
Of course not. You're always welcome, Madame.
Here, say hello. This is Master Ha.
Nice to meet you. My name is Kim Da Hae.
Remember that scathing article about me that you were telling me about?
This young lady is the one who wrote it.
Nice to meet you.
It felt nice, didn't it?
It... sure did.
Wow, she sure doesn't hesitate to speak her mind.
I like you. The fact that you say what's on your mind is endearing.
Do you believe in "perfect smellers"?
Every scent has a fingerprint. So people with this skill
can identify any scent, no matter how much they've been intermingled.
And this young lady has this skill.
She correctly identified all 12 scents that I tested her with.
They also say the details of people's lives can be revealed through scent.
I'm curious as to the kinds of scents your life might reveal.
That sounds like fun. Can you do that for us?
I've already smelled him.
He has no scent, whatsoever.
Just like someone... who has no feelings, whatsoever.
I'm just kidding. The smell of buckwheat comes off of you quite fragrantly.
And the smell of bamboo coming from you is quite nice too.
Okay, then. Shall we have a look around the garden?
Alright then.
I'm pretty sure that I warned you to stay out of this.
And I'm here to give you my reply to your warning.
Everything will be settled if I can recreate
your royal court-style quail buckwheat noodles, right?
Because there aren't any noodle dishes that are better than that.
So that's the only thing you could think of?
Do you think Goong Rak Won would be around if that were possible?
I'll humiliate you in front of the cameras that you love so much.
I can't give you any interest, but I should still pay you back in full.
You should try to age as gracefully as possible.
If you get too greedy, your wrinkles will get too deep.
You hit rock bottom last time, didn't you?
There's even a place below that, you know.
How is it?
It's nice.
It felt like I was visiting an ancient palace.
That's a relief. You'll have to like this place for you to do some good work.
Start coming to work as soon as you're ready.
Thank you, Madame Go.
Well, then. Let's go.
"Coming to work here"?
I want to keep her by my side, and have her help me take care of Father.
She said that she can knead dough a bit. That's what she said, at least.
And her perfect sense of smell will help with ingredients.
I never gave my permission for this to happen.
I'm the one who has been in charge of accounting and HR here, to this point.
I don't need your approval.
We have more than enough employees. We don't need any more.
Funny, I thought being stubborn was my area of expertise.
You can't win against me.
If you give me a valid reason, I'll consider changing my mind.
You know, you're acting a little strange right now.
Are you really going to Goong Rak Won for the noodles?
Yes, I am. I just need to find out in detail, what's going on inside, right?
I'll only take criticism when I don't do my job properly.
Your personality really changes, from the morning to the afternoon.
So what kind of person will you be in the evening, then?
I'm curious about that myself.
I can't trust you.
Take photos, and record everything and anything you can.
Thank you so much for not believing in me.
Oh, not again!
Hey, Go Gil Yong!
Oh, hello, there.
I told you to say hello, at least!
Don't just leave. That's not nice.
I don't want to bother a student while they're busy studying.
I told you, all I have left is the interview.
Go study for your interview, then.
Let's see each other again when it's time for Tae Ha to get out.
And vegetable juice is good for an empty stomach. You know that, right?
I'm off.
[Fish Noodles Restaurant: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong 361-26]
[Moo Myung's Place. I thought you might be curious about it.]
What are you doing?
You're stealing someone else's motorcycle right now.
This is mine. And I'm not stealing it. I'm taking it back.
If it were yours, you would use a key instead of a lock clipper.
Do you have your license or registration?
Who carries that stuff around?
You're supposed to carry them around.
Happy now?
Stealing keys isn't hard.
Hey!
You just confirmed my doubts.
I left my bike here because of a certain situation I got into.
And the owner of this place locked it up for me.
And I came to get it back, but they're closed, as you can see.
Do you understand the situation now?
Regardless, I'll be taking my bike now. So stop being so damn nosy and leave.
As soon as you break that lock open
you'll be breaking Criminal Law, Section 366.
If you want to take the scooter, you need approval from Myung.
Myung?
Do you know the owner of this place?
He's my friend.
Looks like birds of a feather flock together.
That saying is totally accurate.
Call the cops, if you want.
I've managed to confirm her identity. Oh, and her registration matches up.
But I can't get in touch with the owner of the store.
She's willing to pay the owner for the lock
so just let her go, please.
What kind of friend doesn't even know her friend's contact information?
Are you really friends with him?
- Let's do that then. - You can go now.
Him and I...
really are friends.
Show me your license and registration proving that. I'll believe you then.
Make sure you clench your mouth shut.
Or you could bite your tongue off.
[Stop]
This is Ha Jung Tae.
You promise not to lay a single finger on her?
And if I do?
I can't subject myself to work under someone's orders.
But I can do business with you.
A wise decision.
- Will Do Kkoo be joining us? - Prepare yourself.
Don't let him devour you.
Here's the guest list for our 100th anniversary celebration.
Why is Seol Mi Ja here?
Well, we need to extend an invitation to her, at the very least.
This is a place of celebration. There's no need for her to be here.
Keep this confidential, and make sure that it doesn't get leaked.
[Your compensation for your lock]
- Ow. - Yeah.
About that punk, Tae Ha...
When does he get out again?
I think he has about a month or so left.
Other people sure get to leave pretty quickly.
Hey, let's have him stay here for another two years or so.
What do you mean?
If we keep starting conflicts with him
he'll start to like us more. Don't you think so?
Hey, 1148!
Give it up. I'm not getting involved with any of you.
I heard that you're getting out real soon.
And the line between love and hate is thin.
So we'll be sorry to just let you go without a proper farewell.
Here. Take it.
What are you doing?
You won't come over to us? Huh?
Well, if you don't, I'll push this little guy into you.
What are you doing?
Take that! And that! Here!
Did Do Kkoo send you?
To keep tabs on me?
No.
To protect you.
- You, protect me? - Yes.
I'll protect you.
Master Park.
What?
Can't you give me a few more sausages?
This is Master Ha's bowl. And this is Madame Seol's.
And this is Ms. Do Hyun Jung's.
We picked these on purpose, so make sure they don't get mixed up.
Yes, I understand.
Yes, we're ready.
Are you all ready?
Standing by!
Let's start recording!
Let's try to do this in as few takes as possible!
All right, all right. Prepare the noodles!
Are you ready to be utterly humiliated?
Sure. I'll try it, just this once.
Let's begin.
I have fervently prayed for my noodles to be delicious, every time I made them.
And for them to make me happy.
And for them... to help me remember.
However, it's been a long time since that sort of innocence abandoned me.
Will I ever be able to return to the person that I once was?
And when I do want to go back, will there even be a place to which I can return?
All right. You're ready now, yes?
We'll be going straight into it, then. All right, one, two, three! Action!
I'm sorry that we couldn't show you the cooking process, step-by-step.
All right. Then, let's give them a taste?
Oh, it looks great.
Have a taste.
How is it?
It seems...
this person made these noodles through pure willpower alone.
It's too overwhelming. And the flavor of the broth is too powerful.
The noodles are too sticky. And the quail tastes too mild.
He doesn't know that constantly kneading it adds elasticity
but it makes the taste of buckwheat disappear.
It's important to maintain a balance.
Just about anyone can attempt making this, through sheer willpower.
No way.
Have a taste.
Go ahead and try it, everyone. Yes.
All right, cut!
We'll record the section where you judge it later.
I'm quite disappointed, for many reasons.
I'm disappointed in these noodles, and in your judgment.
Looks like you'll be out of a job soon. Why not rest up for a bit?
Go travel or something.
Our Goong Rak Won will get on just fine, even without you.
Explain. Why does this taste different than last time?
You lied to me.
About the name of the person that you planted at Goong Rak Won.
If we can't trust each other, we have no reason to work together.
I'm wagering my life on this, but you're still hesitating.
I'll be useless to you if I go down.
If you fail, you'll no longer be under Master Ha's watch.
It's not a completely bad thing.
How are you going to get into Goong Rak Won's kitchens now?
I said I'd get in there. I never said I'd get in there right now.
All right. Shall we try this again?
Who is the person you have planted at Goong Rak Won?
I'll start with the 100th year anniversary celebration.
The 100th year anniversary...
How do you know about such confidential matters?
You...
You.
You planted someone at Goong Rak Won too, didn't you?
Hey, Prosecutor Han. Come see me.
It's not like I can't drink because I shattered my nose!
Hurry up and get out here.
Senator! Let's drink to your nose healing, with the help of this alcohol!
All right, here we are.
Here you go!
You punk.
Is this funny to you? You've got a big old grin on your face.
You said... that a door ran into you!
Hey, what a sassy little door that was, huh?
Should I sue it for you? How dare it stand up against you?
Stop joking around, and take care of a guy for me.
I'm certain that he has a really dirty past.
It does seem that way, but...
I don't really have that much power, so what if I end up hurting myself?
It's about time you got a promotion. I'm sure this will help you climb a bit.
I'll get promoted sooner or later, when the time comes.
I'd rather not climb up an unstable flight of stairs, if you get my drift...
You're not joking, are you?
Let's talk about things like this a little later, okay?
Let us drink, sir.
Oh, Master Ha! Welcome!
You're here, sir?
You... You sons of bitches.
You should use nicer words, sir.
I see that you were talking nicely about me.
Oh, no way! Someone messing with you is like someone messing with him!
Who would do that?
- All right. Please, have a drink. - You bastard.
Sir. Let's give thanks where thanks are due, all right?
You took everything you wanted from him, and still treated him poorly.
So it's obvious that he would feel a certain way about it.
Have fun stuffing this shit down your own throats.
Until your stomachs implode.
Sir!
Aw, looks like he's a little upset.
Who the hell are you?
Go.
Hurry up and get out!
It's fine. I know him.
Wow. You sure do have balls.
You walked into my hospital room with your face on display
and you get into other people's cars like they're cabs.
I wouldn't have been able to see you, otherwise.
Listen to me. You can't harm him with small strikes.
We have to start by crashing his 100th anniversary party.
That's the only way we can move onto the next stage.
And how am I supposed to be able to trust you?
Let me ask you something.
Do you have anything to gain from seeing Ha Jung Tae fail?
Why are you so intent on challenging him?
Is he your sworn enemy who killed your parents, or something?
The only way we can get him is to corner him.
That's the only way we'll be able to make a deal with him.
I'll move when you make a decision.
This isn't a simple argument between children.
Haven't you considered the fact that I could screw you over?
Just try it.
I'll pay you back tenfold if you do.
Are you nervous?
I never get nervous.
From this point forward, it would behoove you to get nervous.
This is Dong Bae.
Nice to meet you.
He's mute. And deaf.
Just do as Dong Bae says. If he blocks your path, don't go.
But if he moves aside, you can go ahead. If you do that, you won't get hurt.
This is my father.
He's been comatose for three years now.
He's unconscious, but his facial hair, his hair, his nails... they still grow.
That's why I can't give up on him.
Dong Bae takes care of him, so all you need to do is talk to him occasionally.
You never know.
He might still be able to hear.
It doesn't seem like he's being properly cared for, though.
Blood?
Stamping ink.
Let's get out of here.
Um...
Is it okay if I stay here a bit longer?
Since I'm here, I'd like to say hello and talk to him for a bit.
Other people just want to get out of here as soon as possible.
That's very kind of you.
[Invitation]
They're all finished.
Please delete any files pertaining to these invitations.
And get rid of any evidence that these were ever printed here.
You will definitely end up meeting those who you must meet in your lifetime.
Other times, you meet people that you must not meet.
As well as... those you should never meet again.
[Master: God of Noodles]