The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 16

The siblings were tall and strikingly good-looking. Anyone standing next to them who hadn’t developed well enough looked like a hobbit. People with average looks became their background props. When they walked into the store, it was like a ray of light had entered, dazzling everyone.

After changing her clothes, Song Baili walked out and was immediately greeted by Song Qinyao and Song Yongjun.

“You two? What are you doing here?”

“Waiting to have dinner with you.”

Song Yongjun was staring straight ahead when his eyes suddenly lit up with joy. Even his brows lifted slightly, and his warm, sunny smile carried a hint of shyness.

Song Baili turned around and saw a gentle, graceful girl walking toward them. Her eyes were like clear spring water, bright and transparent. When her lips curved slightly, a soft, sweet smile appeared.

Qian Qian looked at Song Baili. Though she still felt annoyed at her, her eyes had followed her all day. She pursed her lips and looked away, shifting her gaze to the siblings.

“We’re about to eat. Miss Qian, would you like to join us?” Song Yongjun offered.

Song Qinyao, with eyes as soft as water, was quietly admiring her sister’s beautiful side profile. When she heard Song Yongjun invite Qian Qian, she immediately turned and added,
“My brother rarely invites girls. Miss Qian, just give him a chance.”

Oh no, were these two trying to pull the same trick again? The seemingly heavy drinker Song Qinyao who’d pass out after one cup?

“Miss Qian probably needs to consider her family. You two shouldn’t pressure her.”

Qian Qian lifted her eyelids and shot a look at Song Baili, thinking to herself, This woman’s too pretty to be real. Why can’t she be mute? Every time she opens her mouth, she ticks me off.

“I’m actually hungry too. I’ll go with you.”

“The place we’re going to is a bit far. If you don’t mind, let’s all ride in my car?” Song Yongjun suggested.

He was the only one excited among the four. His handsome face beamed with a goofy smile. When no one responded, he looked back and saw the three women following silently behind him. Scratching his head and shrugging, he didn’t let the silence dampen his good mood.

The three women walked together, and Qian Qian kept sneaking glances at Song Baili from the corner of her eye. Their arms occasionally brushed lightly as they walked, and the quiet atmosphere carried a sense of harmony. It felt like they weren’t at odds anymore.

The place really was quite far and a bit remote. Qian Qian checked the time — it had already been half an hour since they left. Then they drove through a winding mountain road before arriving at the destination.

As she got out of the car, Qian Qian scanned the surroundings. The scenery was naturally beautiful. Looking around, there were forests and a large lake. The place was so secluded, not many cars had passed by.

A server led them to their seats. Just after ordering drinks, Song Qinyao stepped outside to take a call. When she came back, her brows were furrowed, and she sighed softly as she sat down.

Song Baili noticed something was off and asked with concern,
“Is something wrong?”

“I must’ve been so busy I forgot Dad actually had plans today.”

Time seemed to freeze for a moment. After a brief silence, Song Baili spoke,
“Is it still possible to make it?”

“Yes, but…”

Song Qinyao glanced at Qian Qian and didn’t finish her sentence, leaving it half-said.

“You two go. I don’t mind,” Qian Qian said, instinctively leaning slightly closer to Song Baili, silently wishing the siblings would just leave already.

“Then I’ll take my sister and head off. Brother, Miss Qian is in your hands,” Song Qinyao said.

Uh… what was going on?

Song Baili was a little stunned. Their uncle hadn’t mentioned any plans for today. She turned to look at Qian Qian, who looked completely stiff and wide-eyed — clearly more shocked than she was.

Song Baili started to panic. Her lips parted, wanting to explain, but how could she?

The only kind of “plan” Qian Qian could think of right now was… a blind date.

Song Baili was almost thirty — prime marriage age. Even if she wasn’t actively looking, there were plenty of people who wanted to marry her.

Thinking about that, Qian Qian’s eyes darkened. It felt like a heavy rain had poured down in her heart. Whatever good mood she had was completely gone. She said flatly,
“Let’s just go back together. It’s not easy to get a ride from here anyway.”

“No need. The ride I called is already outside. You two enjoy your dinner.”

Song Qinyao stood up, quickly shot Song Yongjun a glance, then saw her sister still frozen in place. She clicked her tongue, walked over, and dragged her out by the arm.

Once in the car, Song Baili rubbed the arm that had been yanked. The moonlight flickered through the trees outside, casting dappled shadows across her delicate profile. She looked ethereal, like a forest fairy.

She stared at the images flying past the window, calming herself. Then she turned, narrowed her eyes slightly, and looked into her sister’s bright, mischievous eyes.

“What exactly are you up to?”

“I’m doing a good deed — giving them a chance to be alone.”

“Who told you to meddle? Qian Qian already has a boyfriend!”

“Even married couples get divorced. A boyfriend’s nothing!”

Song Baili’s brows tightened. Her lips pressed into a line, clearly irritated.

Over the years, Song Qinyao’s behavior kept surprising her. Now, she could barely keep up with what her sister was saying.

Seeing her sister’s sudden mood shift, Song Qinyao fell silent. Then her eyes sparkled again and she smiled,
“Brother has good character, he’s smart, rich, and handsome. If Miss Qian joins our family, she’d be lucky!”

Song Baili’s eyes lowered. She unconsciously rubbed her fingers together and kept her lips tightly shut.

Every day, she had to delete texts from Li Shao. Thinking about his disgusting messages, she admitted that Song Yongjun was definitely a much better man than that jerk.

It was the first time Qian Qian really looked at the young man closely. He had bold eyebrows, sharp eyes, a high nose, and full lips. His teeth were white and straight. When he smiled, it was like starlight sparkled in his eyes.

Qian Qian couldn’t help but think he had inherited some amazing genes. Every sibling was ridiculously attractive — but to her, the sister was still the most beautiful.

Just thinking about her made Qian Qian’s lips curve into a crescent-shaped smile. That face — so beautiful, so sweet — felt like young love.

Song Yongjun froze, staring blankly at the girl in front of him.

No matter what Qian Qian saw now, it all reminded her of Song Baili — as if she were the secret ingredient in every recipe. Any topic, if it included her name, instantly became more flavorful.

Talk about food? She’d say Baili knew all kinds of ingredients.

Travel? She’d bring up Baili’s time abroad.

Even talking about hobbies would somehow circle back to that one dish Baili made that blew her away.

Song Yongjun followed along with the conversation, laughing and chatting, but something still felt missing.

“After Uncle passed away, my sister was often alone. I’m happy she’s made a new friend.”

“Uncle?” Qian Qian asked.

“Isn’t that what you call your father’s older brother?” Yongjun replied.

Qian Qian’s eyes widened, her expression froze. She was stunned.

Noticing her reaction, Song Yongjun rubbed his chin and thought for a few seconds. Then he relaxed and laughed.

“She’s an only child. We’re cousins.”

Qian Qian blinked. Doubt flashed through her eyes, and her lips moved slightly, but in the end, she just gave an awkward smile.

“My sister is incredibly talented — the best chef I’ve ever seen. In three years, she traveled through several countries. She called it a journey to improve her culinary skills so she could help expand our dad’s business. Everyone was excited to see what she’d accomplish.”

He paused, and his bright eyes dimmed a little. The smile on his face faded.

“Sadly, before she could return and show what she’d learned, Uncle died in an accident. And even worse, the business our dad left behind… was taken by my mom.”

“Even her own child can be that cruel?” Qian Qian asked.

“They say her parents divorced when she was just a year old. Her mom already has a new family and probably forgot all about this one.”

Qian Qian felt like her heart was being tightly squeezed. It hurt. She also grew up without a mother’s love, so she understood the pain. But what Baili had gone through sounded even worse. The more she thought about it, the sadder she felt for her.

The mood turned heavy, and the air between them grew still. Song Yongjun glanced quickly at her. Her eyes were lowered, lashes like feathers casting shadows over her bright gaze.

He rubbed his nose, racked his brain, and finally came up with something to change the subject.

“Why did your sister come work as a waitress at your store?”

Good question — why would someone like Song Baili work as an ordinary waitress at their store?

Qian Qian blinked and tilted her head, thinking. Then she looked at Song Yongjun, her clear eyes full of curiosity.

“Why, indeed?”

She leaned forward, resting her hands on the table.

Their distance shrank a bit. Song Yongjun’s heart skipped a beat. His ears turned red, and he stiffened slightly. He opened his mouth, but only warm air came out. His brain short-circuited.

He suddenly forgot what he wanted to say.

“Maybe you don’t know either. She says we’re friends, but honestly… I don’t really know her,” Qian Qian said softly.

Her gaze dimmed as she leaned back in her chair, lowering her head and pursing her lips. She looked a little down.

“Then we should hang out more often. That way, you’ll get to know her better.”

“Sounds good. You organize it — just make sure she’s there too.”

“Of course.”

Song Yongjun shyly scratched his head. His smile curved his eyes into little crescent moons, showing his bright white teeth. He was the picture of a sunny, cheerful boy.

Qian Qian smiled too, thinking, If Song Qinyao were here, she’d probably be fuming watching this conversation.