The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 18

The first round of the competition was announced in the group chat not long after.

“Pan-Seared Salmon with Hummus and Seasonal Vegetables.”

It was a signature dish created by Boss Qian herself, one of the items on the menu. The competition was scheduled to take place in a week.

The next day, Qian Qian noticed the kitchen staff were all fired up, excitedly preparing for a mouthwatering showdown. In contrast, Song Baili sat there with furrowed brows, clearly lost in thought.

During break time, some had already bought ingredients to start practicing in the kitchen. Meanwhile, Song Baili sat alone in the break room, her chin resting on her hand, staring off into space, completely still—her mind seemingly miles away.

When someone pulled out a chair next to her and sat down, she snapped out of her daze. She turned her head and met a pair of bright eyes—clear and shining like water—reflecting her dazed expression.

“Bai-jiejie, is something bothering you?”

Bai-jiejie?

Song Baili blinked in surprise at Qian Qian. Her gaze flickered, then she slowly lowered her eyes, hiding the small wave of joy that passed through them.

She actually liked being called that.

“Did the kitchen staff give you trouble again?” Qian Qian pressed.

Song Baili was still processing when Qian Qian suddenly stood up, fists clenched, eyebrows raised in outrage.

“How dare they! I’m going to warn them not to look down on women like us!”

“Wait, Qian Qian—”

Just as Qian Qian turned to leave, Song Baili grabbed her hand and pulled her back. Qian Qian steadied herself, only to realize how close they suddenly were.

Looking down at her, Song Baili moved her lips slightly. Qian Qian held her breath, shoulders tensing as her gaze landed on those soft, petal-like lips. She couldn’t help swallowing hard as her cheeks flushed and ears turned red.

“I have a request. I’d like to ask you something.”

“Uh… sure. What is it?”

Song Baili let go of her hand, rubbed her fingertips together, took a deep breath, and then looked up with a hesitant expression.

“The place I live in is a bit crowded, so I was hoping I could borrow the restaurant kitchen after hours to practice. Of course, I’ll clean everything up and leave no trace.”

So that’s what’s been bothering her…

Qian Qian said nothing, pursing her lips as she held her elbow with one hand and touched her chin with the other, eyes lowered in thought.

Seeing her calm and distant expression, Song Baili’s eyes dimmed slightly. Her brows drooped, and although she expected rejection, she still couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

She bit her lip and turned to head back to her seat—when Qian Qian suddenly spoke, her voice soft and warm:

“If you don’t mind the trouble, you can use my home kitchen. It’s small but fully equipped.”

Song Baili hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak. Qian Qian noticed the uncertainty in her eyes, raised a delicate eyebrow, and added:

“I live alone.”

Song Baili paused, still frowning slightly. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, then looked up with those beautiful, slightly shy eyes.

“I might need to use it every day… Even if you live alone, you’re not single. I mean…”

A woman in a relationship usually can’t have someone over so often.

Qian Qian’s gaze sharpened. A wave of heat rose in her chest, making her feel stuffy. She gritted her teeth and lifted her chin slightly, crossing her arms with a hint of displeasure.

With a defiant look, she stepped forward, staring right into Song Baili’s face. Her big, round eyes sparkled with a mix of sass and charm, and the shimmer in them made it hard to look away.

“Don’t you think I know my own situation? Just give me a straight answer—yes or no?”

Caught off guard by the sudden closeness, Song Baili felt a jolt in her chest, her heart fluttering as her cheeks turned red. She quickly looked away, stepped back in a fluster, and replied:

“Yes.”

Qian Qian finally smiled, the corners of her lips curving up, her eyes shining with delight.

“I can also help you taste-test your dishes. Don’t be fooled by my flat figure—front and back, like an airport runway—but I can eat a lot.”

She patted her stomach with pride as she spoke.

To Song Baili, Qian Qian suddenly seemed like a soft, fluffy animal—her short hair thick and bouncy, strands smooth and shiny. It made her want to reach out and ruffle that round little head.

Such a great girlfriend, yet someone failed to treasure her.

The air grew quiet. Qian Qian glanced at Song Baili from the corner of her eye, tidied her hair, and cleared her throat.

“So, when do you plan to start?”

“I’ll buy the ingredients after work today. I’ll start tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll come with you. I want to learn a thing or two as well.”

“I wouldn’t dare, little boss lady,” Song Baili joked, mimicking the kitchen staff’s nickname for Qian Qian.

But Qian Qian’s face instantly darkened. Song Baili noticed her change in expression and dropped the smile. She glanced at her watch, then quickly started packing her things. As she passed by, she paused briefly.

“Thank you.”

Still so polite.

Qian Qian gave a small nod and a faint smile, feeling a bit helpless. The distance between them wasn’t far, but every time she tried to step closer, Song Baili would step back.

Little boss lady…

The phrase echoed in her head. Qian Qian frowned and rubbed her face with both hands, goosebumps rising all over. The feeling was just unbearable.

Starting tomorrow, she would never let anyone call her that again!

Qian Qian and Song Baili each carried a few shopping bags as they entered the apartment.

Qian Qian’s home was about 60 square meters, decorated in a modern gray-and-white color palette with stylish wood-toned furniture. The layout was open, with a folding dining table and a large window in the living room offering a beautiful night view. There was also a cozy balcony with a natural wooden theme.

Song Baili quickly stored everything in the fridge, thanked her, and headed toward the door. Qian Qian nervously rubbed her thumb against her fingertip, took a deep breath, then rushed over to block her path.

“I… I’ll walk you home.”

“No need. You should rest early.”

“I can’t. You’re too pretty—it’s not safe for you to walk home alone.”

Qian Qian grabbed her bag from the couch, ran her fingers through her hair, and went to put on her shoes.

“I’m dangerous-looking?”

Song Baili raised an eyebrow. No one had ever described her that way. Her lips curved slightly as she looked at Qian Qian’s pretty face.

“If I had such a beautiful daughter, I’d worry every time she went out.”

“But I’m not your daughter.”

“No—but you’re my sister. So of course I’d worry.”

Qian Qian stood up straight and looked at her with clear, bright eyes. Under the warm lighting, her fair skin seemed to glow. Song Baili had to look away, her face flushing.

“Bai-jiejie, if you don’t want to go home yet, I have a spare bed here.”

Qian Qian’s gentle voice rang in her ears, and Song Baili finally came back to her senses. She smiled awkwardly and said:

“Let’s go.”

She still didn’t let Qian Qian know where she lived. She had the car stop by a street not far from her place.

“Do you need to buy late-night snacks for that never-gaining-weight sister of yours?”

“No, I’m full from dinner. A walk will help with digestion. Thanks for the ride.”

Qian Qian recalled how Song Baili’s dinner plate had only cold dishes and two boiled eggs. She had eaten gracefully, using her fork like a fine dining expert—small bites, chewing slowly.

If it had been Qian Qian, she’d have been starving by the end of a shopping trip.

As Song Baili unbuckled her seatbelt, Qian Qian opened her mouth slightly, wanting to say something. But before she could, the door closed with a click, cutting off the noise from the street and leaving the car in a strange silence.

Qian Qian slumped over the steering wheel, a quiet sense of disappointment spreading across her face. She looked out at the bustling crowd, but her heart felt oddly empty.

Leaning back in her seat, she covered her face with both hands—until a soft knock on the window caught her attention. She lowered her hands and turned to look.

Song Baili had leaned down close to the window, signaling with her fingers for Qian Qian to roll it down.

As the window slid open, Qian Qian met a pair of bright, lively eyes filled with starlight and a gentle smile. Her gaze flowed softly like water, and her voice was as sweet as ever.

“Wanna get milk tea? My treat.”