The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - CHAPTER 2

Song Baili stood at the entrance of the restaurant, her heart a swirl of emotions as memories swept her back in time. She could almost see the bustling scenes inside again.

Customers sat in pairs, chatting in hushed voices. Solitary diners ate with content expressions, while families of all sizes filled the seats and warmed the atmosphere with their presence. Day after day, they came and went, turning the restaurant into a lively and familiar place.

The staff worked in a harmonious rhythm amidst the chaos, seamlessly moving through their tasks from morning to night, day after day, year after year. It was like the Earth orbiting the Sun—seemingly an unchanging cycle. But who could have predicted how quickly it would all vanish, leaving behind nothing but emptiness and disbelief?

She sighed deeply, overcome by the fleeting nature of time and the changing world.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Wiping away tears, she cleared her throat and answered the call.

“Sis, where’d you run off to? I just got up and couldn’t find you. Why’d you sneak out on me?”

The voice on the other end was soft and delicate, dragging its words in a playful, almost pouty tone.

“I just needed some air, that’s all.”

“If you wanted to go out, you should’ve let me come with you. Where are you now? I’ll come meet you.”

“I’m heading back home. It’s late, and you shouldn’t be out alone at this hour.”

“Alright, but come back soon. I’ll be waiting.”

Hanging up the phone, Song Baili hesitated for a moment, staring at the darkened restaurant ahead. Her eyes lingered, filled with longing, as a wave of sorrow washed over her.

Her nose stung as tears threatened to fall again. She pressed her lips together, tilted her head back slightly, and let the tears slide silently down her throat.

When Song Baili stepped into the house, she saw Song Zuming and Zhong Yalei sitting in the living room. She hesitated for a moment at the doorway, feeling like her legs were suddenly weighed down, as if she were trudging through a swamp. Every step forward tempted her to turn back instead.

The distance from the door to the living room felt vast, and the sense of estrangement made her heart hang high, leaving her uneasy and out of place.

“Uncle, Aunt,” she greeted.

Zhong Yalei glanced up at Song Baili, nodded indifferently, and remained silent. Her elegance and aloof demeanor were intimidating, making Song Baili feel she must tread carefully, always keeping a respectful distance.

“I’m back. Song Qinyao’s been asking about you,” Zuming said.

Though he usually carried a stern expression, it softened as he looked at Song Baili. His gaze held the same warmth it had three years ago, unchanged.

Even though they weren’t related by bl00d.

“Yeah, I know,” Song Baili replied.

Before she could say more, a voice called out from the staircase.

“Sis!”

Song Qinyao ran down the stairs, her slender figure light and graceful like a fairy flitting down. Within seconds, she was in front of Song Baili.

“Don’t run down the stairs! What if you trip and fall?” Song Baili scolded.

“Your lectures haven’t changed a bit in ten years. Can’t you mix it up a little?”

“How do you want me to say it, then?”

Song Qinyao didn’t reply. Instead, her almond-shaped eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled, her delicate features radiating charm. Her youthful energy shone through every gesture.

In ten years, the once-naïve flower had blossomed into a dazzling peony, drawing admirers like bees to honey. No wonder her uncle and aunt were reluctant to let her stay abroad alone.

As Song Baili’s mind wandered, Song Qinyao stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and peering into her eyes.

“Sis, are you staring at me because you think I’m pretty?”

Song Baili froze, caught off guard. Seeing Song Qinyao’s confident, almost cheeky expression, she couldn’t help but smile.

“Yes, you’re so beautiful I almost didn’t recognize you,” Song Baili said with a chuckle.

Song Qinyao beamed with delight, her smile growing even more radiant. Compliments from her sister felt different—sweeter, more genuine.

“You’ve become even more charming, Sis,” Song Qinyao replied.

For as long as she could remember, Song Qinyao had always thought her cousin was stunning.

When Song Baili was younger, her beauty had already made her the center of attention. Every time Song Qinyao saw her, it felt like the world around her blurred, leaving only Song Baili in sharp focus.

Now, after ten years apart, Song Baili had shed her youthful innocence, radiating a mature elegance that was almost intoxicating. To Song Qinyao, her sister was still a goddess.

Song Baili’s parents had divorced years ago. After her mother remarried, their contact dwindled. Song Baili and her father had shared a love for food, creating recipes and running a thriving restaurant together.

But her return from studying abroad was bittersweet. Her dreams of showcasing her culinary skills were shattered when a car accident claimed her father’s life, leaving behind only regrets.

Her uncle and aunt, though not bl00d relatives, had always treated her father as their own. Her uncle, Zuming, took on the responsibility of caring for Song Baili, the only legacy her father left behind.

Later, Song Baili found herself in front of Rendezvous, a Western restaurant in Qingxiu District.

The restaurant had a prime location near an international education institute, with convenient access by foot, car, or public transport. The bustling area attracted a crowd willing to spend on refined dining experiences.

Through the large glass windows, Song Baili took in the elegant interior. The space was beautifully designed with a blend of exotic charm and cozy comfort. Every detail exuded taste and sophistication.

Yet, the restaurant was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the lively street outside.

As Song Baili observed, her gaze fell on a bold “Now Hiring” poster in the window.

Before she could read it, the glass door swung open, and a man in a crisp uniform stepped out.

“Are you here for the interview? The boss is inside waiting for you,” he said warmly.

Surprised, Song Baili hesitated but eventually nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.

Inside, the gray-haired owner, Boss Qian, greeted her with a gentle demeanor and a touch of humor. Despite his age, his eyes sparkled with vitality.

After a thoughtful exchange, he studied Song Baili with a discerning gaze. Her confidence and calm presence intrigued him.

Breaking the silence, he adjusted his glasses and asked with a warm smile, “So, when can you start?”