The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - CHAPTER 1

“Your Yangzhou Fried Rice is here. Please enjoy.”

Hearing the voice, Qian Qian looked up from her phone and locked eyes with Song Baihe. It was as if she’d been suddenly doused with cold water. Her eyes widened, her heart pounding in a way she’d never experienced before, as if a whole new world had opened before her, full of mystery and wonder.

Her throat went dry, and she swallowed hard, trying to muster a smile. But her lips felt frozen, unable to move.

Song Baihe’s lips curved into a natural smile, her eyes shimmering like stars, making her expression radiate even more warmth.

Qian Qian was completely captivated by those bright, soulful eyes. It was as if a powerful magic had enveloped her. The aroma of food wafted through the air, but she wasn’t in a hurry to eat. Instead, her gaze instinctively followed the retreating figure of the server.

Wow, this girl’s beauty was off the charts! A total knockout by any standard.

She glanced around and noticed that everyone, regardless of gender, seemed just as mesmerized. Heads turned, necks craned, and some nearly twisted themselves in half to get another look at the beautiful waitress.

Qian Qian pulled out her phone, scrolled to the restaurant’s page, and, before even taking a bite, gave it a glowing five-star review.

The next day, still debating what to eat, Qian Qian found herself heading back to the same restaurant, as if her legs had a mind of their own. Without thinking, she walked through the door and sat in the same spot as yesterday.

Looking around, she noticed a young couple nearby, with the boy gently cutting steak for the girl. On another side, a pair of lovebirds held hands while enjoying their food. The restaurant was filled with sweet, romantic vibes.

She raised her eyebrows and shrugged. While others might find the atmosphere lovely, her growling stomach didn’t care about romance.

She chuckled to herself, thinking, Sure, they say love makes the heart full, but it’s never made anyone lose a pound.

That familiar figure appeared again. The beautiful waitress with her radiant smile walked out, and Qian Qian’s heart skipped a beat, racing like a sprinter on a treadmill set to max speed.

The waitress smiled at her as she passed by, a look that seemed to say, “Welcome back.” In that moment, Qian Qian felt like she was receiving a VIP treatment meant just for her.

She absentmindedly scooped a bite of food into her mouth, but all she could taste was the excitement buzzing in her chest. Her world seemed to spin around this captivating girl.

Her feelings were like a roller coaster ride—thrilling yet a little scary, as she wasn’t sure where it would take her.

“Qian Qian… Qian Qian!”

The sound of her name pulled her back to reality. She looked up to find everyone staring at her. Flustered, she quickly set down her utensils, fumbling to wipe her face with a napkin.

“Stop wiping. You can’t erase what’s on your mind,” teased one of her friends.

“Uh…”

It felt like her secret was being broadcast over a loudspeaker. Embarrassed, she tried to hide her face behind her hands, much like a cat thinking it’s invisible.

Her friend chuckled. “Your hands won’t help. Want to borrow mine?”

Her teasing tone made Qian Qian feel like a little rabbit caught in someone’s grasp. She lowered her hands and looked at her friends nervously.

“So… I have this junior, and, well, she seems… interested in someone. She can’t help but watch this girl every time she’s around.”

Her voice trailed off, and she avoided eye contact with her friends. Quietly, she added, “Is it normal for… a straight girl to feel like this?”

The room went silent. Qian Qian peeked up, expecting reactions, but her friends just sipped their tea and nibbled on cake, as if it were the most natural topic in the world.

Finally, one of them asked, “So, who’s this girl? How do you know her?”

“Yeah, is she prettier than you?” another chimed in.

“What exactly about her caught your attention? Spill the details!”

Qian Qian’s face burned as her friends’ questions bombarded her. She rubbed her temples, her heart pounding like crazy.

“I already said she’s my junior!” she stammered, her voice trailing off.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating. One of them, sitting beside Qian Qian, patted her shoulder and leaned in.

“Hey, honestly, I’m all for girl-girl relationships. If you both look good together, I’ll happily cheer you on like I’m watching a drama.”

Days later, Qian Qian returned to the restaurant, hoping to see the enchanting waitress again. But no matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t find her.

When a male waiter came to collect her bill, she hesitated but finally asked, “Where’s the tall, pretty waitress? I haven’t seen her today.”

“Oh, you mean the boss’s daughter? She’s gone abroad.”

Her heart sank at the news. She stared blankly at her phone, fingers trembling slightly.

Where did she go? Will she ever come back?

Questions filled her mind, but she knew she had no right to ask them. She and the waitress were practically strangers.

Sighing deeply, she left the restaurant, her heart heavier than when she came in.