The ninth chapter of "Tastefully Yours" unfolds with Yeon-joo's heart shattered by Beom-woo's treacherous actions. Elsewhere, the atmosphere at Hansang is jubilant as Chairman Han and his team celebrate Motto's coveted three Diamant stars. Amidst the celebrations, TV producer Kim approaches Chairman Han with a proposition for a documentary, only to be politely but firmly declined.
Over at Jungjae, Myung-sook and Chun-seung arrive at work, unaware of the storm brewing within Yeon-joo. Her demeanor betrays her turmoil, yet she initially brushes it off, merely mentioning that it will be the trio's new dynamic. However, her faltering focus throughout the day finally prompts her to unveil the heart-wrenching truth about Beom-woo.
Meanwhile, Beom-woo, grappling with his own emotions, makes his way to Motto. Amidst packing his belongings, he offers heartfelt apologies to Yu-jin and Young-hye, who stand puzzled by his unexpected departure. With a heavy heart, he tenders his resignation. Chairman Han catches wind of this and promptly informs Sun-woo that he will now helm Motto, marking the end of his own establishment, La Lecel.
Elsewhere, a French gentleman, who had previously visited Jungjae accompanied by his daughter and her fiancé's family, reveals his affiliation with Diamant. He places a call to the company, requesting the inclusion of one more Korean restaurant adorned with three stars in their esteemed list.
Yeon-joo, after locking up the restaurant's doors, ventures towards the serene Buddhist monastery. There, she embraces her mother, the esteemed head monk, and her sturdy composure crumbles into tears, finding solace in her mother's comforting arms. Later, when a toddler at the monastery throws a tantrum, Yeon-joo, with ingenuity, rustles up a makeshift cake from whatever ingredients she could lay her hands on. The little one's delight in the impromptu treat is palpable!
As the night draws in, Yeon-joo confides in her mother about her encounter with Beom-woo. Her mother, an attentive listener, notices a transformation in Yeon-joo's culinary approach. She now prioritizes the diner's pleasure over her own, prompting her mother to inquire thoughtfully about the underlying reason behind this shift.
The Diamant list makes a splashy public debut, and everyone is astonishment to witness Jungjae being honored as a special entry, adorned with three gleaming stars! Seizing the moment, Chairman Han promptly calls Producer Kim, hatching a scheme for a cook-off between the two esteemed restaurants. Subsequently, she dispatches her employees on a mission to fetch Beom-woo, who learns of Jungjae's three-star triumph through them. However, Beom-woo remains unmoved by the prospect of the cook-off or rejoining Hansang. But Chairman Han isn't one to take no for an answer. She owns the building housing Jungjae and threatens not only its demolition but also Yeon-joo's flourishing culinary career.
Meanwhile, Myung-sook and Chun-seung, anxious for Yeon-joo's whereabouts, head to Jungjae only to find a throng of people eagerly awaiting outside. The buzz among the crowd reveals to them that their beloved restaurant has been bestowed with three Diamant stars. Back at the monastery, Yeon-joo too catches wind of the accolade and the impending cook-off from some visiting guests.
Beom-woo returns to town and crosses paths with Myung-sook and Chun-seung, who are now lending their culinary expertise to a different eatery. They give him a piece of their mind, skeptical of his intentions. He breaks the grim news about Jungjae's precarious future and the cook-off, but their trust in him remains strained, suspecting another of his cons.
At the serene confines of the monastery, Yeon-joo ventures into the kitchen, her hands itching to create culinary magic. As she begins to cook, a vivid vision of her younger self emerges, serving as a poignant reminder of her heartfelt desire to cook at Jungjae. That very night, the wise head monk imparts some profound wisdom to Yeon-joo, revealing that Beom-woo had paid a visit to the temple, though he chose to remain in the shadows.
A poignant flashback transpires, illustrating Beom-woo's sighting of Yeon-joo at the temple, yet refraining from approaching her. The head monk eventually discovers him, prompting a heartfelt confession from Beom-woo about his regrets over past misdeeds. In the present moment, the monk, with a compassionate heart, exhorts Yeon-joo to return to her true calling.
The following morning, Beom-woo stands eagerly at Jungjae, his anticipation heightened when Myung-sook and Chun-seung arrive to lend their strength in safeguarding the restaurant. They haven't come alone; they've summoned reinforcements in the form of the grocer and the butcher. Soon, Jungjae and Motto are adorned with cameras and banners, signaling the impending cook-off. Despite Yeon-joo's apparent absence, Beom-woo's spirits remain unbroken as he motivates Team Jungjae to embrace the challenge with unwavering determination.
