The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 28

The three of them left the house and walked through the lively, bustling streets. The neon lights lining the sidewalks flickered with a soft glow. They entered the supermarket, now shrouded in night. Song Baili pushed the shopping cart, weaving between the shelves, picking out ingredients.

Qian Qianman absentmindedly browsed the items on the shelves. Occasionally, she stopped, her eyes seemingly fixed on a product, but her gaze was distant, lost in thought.

Unconsciously, she turned around and, from the corner of her eye, saw the two of them talking in low voices, smiles beaming across their faces.

Her heart sank. Her fingers twisted absentmindedly, and her brows furrowed tightly. Her deep, dark eyes seemed to carry an unspeakable, heavy secret.

She slowly turned and walked in the opposite direction, trying to distance herself from the two of them.

Soon, her phone buzzed with a new message notification. She tapped the screen, and as she read the message, her lips couldn’t help but curl up into a smile, her eyes shining brightly like a whole starry sky filled with happiness.

“If happiness were a dish, your smile would be the seasoning. Without you, I can’t finish this game perfectly.”

Qian Qianman’s eyes lingered on the screen for a moment, her long lashes brushing over her eyes like soft wings, stirring her heart.

She tilted her head slightly, hesitated for a moment, then, in time with her heartbeat, her fingertips gently typed a reply and pressed send.

“Eating your cooking every day… what if I get addicted to your food? What should I do?”

Song Baili read the message, and her heart seemed to skip a beat, moved by a soft, gentle power. As she sensed someone coming closer, she raised her head slightly. Her breath caught for a moment, and her normally fair face blushed faintly.

She smiled shyly, clumsily holding her phone in one hand and letting it hang by her side, her other hand gently playing with her hair. She slowly lifted her eyes and said, “What if you really get addicted? I could cook for you every day…”

Qian Qianman unconsciously leaned in a little closer, her clear, sparkling eyes full of expectation. Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her chest, like a drum beating in her ears.

“Big sis, I want to eat beef. Come help me choose.”

Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation, like an unexpected lightning strike, severing the unfinished words in mid-air.

Song Baili’s lips froze mid-sentence, her brows knitting together. She quickly glanced at Qian Qianman, then hurried toward Song Qinyao.

Just that one glance held a thousand unspoken words and emotions.

Qian Qianman’s lips moved, her toes lifting slightly, but then she stopped, her raised hand slowly falling back down. Her mood swayed between sweetness and confusion, like a pendulum frozen in place.

Song Baili had baked a series of homemade breads. She laid each piece out on the table, the rich and unique aroma filling the air.

The two women simultaneously inhaled deeply, stopping whatever they were doing as they were drawn to the table by the delightful smell.

There were golden, crispy scones, soft and fluffy waffles with a hint of vanilla, delicate English muffins, and small round breads with layers of flavor.

Their eyes were locked on the food, moving between each piece, scrutinizing the contours and color, as though searching for the one that would most satisfy their taste buds.

Song Baili had prepared various creams and jams, as well as smoked salmon, pickled olives, savory cheese, and thin slices of Italian cured meat to balance out the sweetness when it became overwhelming.

The moment she took her first bite, Song Qinyao’s eyes sparkled as if triggered by the magical taste. Her pupils shone brightly, and a subtle expression bloomed on her face as she chewed slowly.

“I’ve heard that Big Sis is an amazing cook, but only after tasting it did I realize… it’s like the peak of pleasure we experience as adults.”

Song Baili, holding a water cup, had just been about to drink, but at the words, she spluttered, and water sprayed out like a mist.

Qian Qianman froze, like she’d been struck by lightning, her eyes wide open, almost popping out of their sockets.

Song Baili quickly covered her mouth, coughed a few times, and hurriedly wiped the moisture from her lips with a tissue, frowning. She scolded Song Qinyao, “Speak like a normal person!”

Song Qinyao leaned forward, her face close to Song Baili’s, blinking her eyes flirtatiously. With a smile, her lips parted slightly, revealing pearly white teeth.

“Big Sis’s cooking… it’s like the joy of ascending to heaven.”

“You…”

Song Baili’s face darkened slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. She was about to explode, but when she saw Song Qinyao’s head tilt slightly and the playful glint in her eyes, her anger quietly dissolved.

Song Baili couldn’t help but flick her fingers lightly on Song Qinyao’s forehead, speaking seriously, but with a touch of gentleness, “Where did you learn this stuff?”

Qian Qianman observed the quiet interaction between the sisters, feeling as though she were becoming an increasingly invisible background presence.

Unintentionally, she turned the cup in her hand, clearing her throat softly, like a feather falling through the air, catching the attention of both sisters.

“Do you two usually communicate like this?”

The two women exchanged a quick glance, their lips almost moving in unison.

“No!”

Song Baili frowned slightly, firmly denying it.

“Yes,” Song Qinyao said confidently, tilting her head slightly, her words full of assurance.

Song Baili’s shoulders tensed, her arms crossing in front of her chest as she fixed her gaze on Song Qinyao. A flash of thunder seemed to flicker in her eyes.

She had expected Song Qinyao to be like the timid girl from ten years ago, not daring to meet her gaze, keeping her lips sealed.

But time had changed everything, and things were far different than what she had expected.

Song Qinyao slid her chair closer to Song Baili, leaning slightly toward her. She rested her arm on the table, her sleeve rolling up to reveal a slender, white wrist with an expensive luxury watch.

Her head tilted slightly, one hand gently resting on her chin, her fingers tracing the delicate line of her jaw. Her eyes gazed at Song Baili like a pair of gentle hands caressing her face, her gaze filled with warmth like the sunrise.

After ten years, her love for her sister had deepened, and in that gaze, it seemed to form a chapter of unspoken emotions. Her lips curved slightly, a soft smile gracing her face as she said, “Big Sis is beautiful and capable… the dream lover of all the boys and girls.”

Qian Qianman kept glancing at the interaction between the sisters, noticing the almost obsessive gaze Song Qinyao had. It was clear that in her eyes, Song Baili was her entire world.

Unable to control her expression, Qian Qianman furrowed her brows.

She glanced around, searching for something to distract herself, and her eyes finally landed on the bread on the table.

She casually picked up a small round bread, squeezing it lightly in her hand, and raised an eyebrow as she said, “Big Sis, what kind of bread do you plan to use for that?”

“English muffins or waffles… I was thinking of Benedict eggs…”

Song Qinyao, sitting to the side, seemed to have no interest in the conversation about food, her eyes unfocused and distant as if she didn’t understand the topic.

A few times, she tried to join in the conversation, but her lips barely moved, her voice stuck in her throat, and she couldn’t get a single word out.

Her gaze wandered, fidgeting with her stiff shoulders, looking a little bored.

As time ticked slowly on, she shifted her posture to find a more comfortable position, then her eyes fell on Song Baili again. Her beautiful face seemed to pull her deeper into this visual vortex.

Song Baili’s fingers gently brushed through her hair. Every small movement of her lips, every subtle shift of her expression, was like a delicate mirror revealing her inner emotions. Her eyes sparkled under the light, hiding untold stories within.

Time no longer felt like it was passing steadily but flowed gently through Song Baili’s graceful presence.

Song Qinyao’s eyes were soft like calm lake water. She absentmindedly rubbed her arm, leaning slightly forward and letting go of the boredom, feeling the calmness in the air.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, and a faint light caught her attention. She tapped the screen, her eyes lingered on the message for a moment, her pupils contracting slightly as she frowned.

The message on her phone read urgently: “Someone important is at home. Mom says you need to come back immediately.”

She hesitated, setting the phone down, took a deep breath, and slowly blinked, gazing at Song Baili.

Her hidden emotions flowed like a gentle stream beneath her eyes.

“Big Sis, it’s getting late. Let’s head home.”

“You go ahead. I want to stay a little longer.”

Song Baili rested her elbow on the table, her fingers gently tapping her chin. Her eyes were focused on the surface of the bread, her long lashes casting a shadow as she seemed lost in thought, her mind filled with endless possibilities.

Qian Qianman, holding a small round bread, took small bites, chewing slowly, her cheeks slightly puffed like a little hamster storing an acorn, looking content.

Song Qinyao’s narrowed eyes followed Qian Qianman, scanning her body up and down.

Her slim figure seemed fragile like a piece of paper ready to take flight, but it was as if her stomach could never be satisfied, always hungry for more food.

Qian Qianman felt the sharp gaze directed at her, and she shifted her posture, meeting Song Qinyao’s stare, raising her eyebrows slightly, using her eyes to push back.

She understood Song Qinyao’s feelings, her sister was hers, the house was hers too, but it was ironic. The first one to leave was her, and naturally, that stirred some jealousy inside.

Qian Qianman gently brushed her hair behind her ear, lifting her chin slightly, a playful glint passing through her eyes.

She smiled sweetly, her voice like honey, warm and soft: “Don’t worry. Wherever Big Sis goes, I’ll follow, not even her shadow will be left behind.”

Song Qinyao’s fingers tightened slowly, her emotions building like a storm raging in her heart.

Then, she released her grip, relaxing her tense fingers one by one, a deep, simmering anger slowly dissipating.

She lightly stroked her arm, her furrowed brow smoothing out, her lips parting slowly, the soft curve forming an alluring smile.

“Miss Qian is beautiful and kind, no wonder my brother looks at you like he’s seen a delicious dish, itching to take a bite.”

Song Baili had almost forgotten about it, but Song Qinyao’s words grabbed her heart, squeezing it tightly.

Her face changed slightly, her brows furrowed, and her eyes seemed to hide a turbulent sea of emotions beneath them, waves rising one after another. Her tightly pressed lips seemed to be resisting the confusion and inner struggle she was feeling.

If Qian Qian and Li Shao were like a bright flower and a pile of cow dung, contrasting sharply, then Qian Qian and Song Yongjun were like matching jewels, like a prince and princess from a fairytale.

Song Baili’s gaze was dreamy, with a distant light flickering in her eyes, her thoughts drifting to the edges of the sky.

“Sis, aren’t you going to see me off?”

Song Qinyao’s soft voice cut through her reverie like a little arrow, pulling her back to reality.

In an instant, it was as though she had switched on some sort of rapid response mechanism. She sprang up from her chair, without the slightest delay, and walked straight toward Song Qinyao.

At that moment, Qian Qian felt as if a sudden realization had struck her like a flash of lightning. Her mind became as clear as a polished mirror.

It was exactly because of her sister’s gentle and understanding nature that it fueled her younger sister’s dominant behavior, to the point that she even wanted to take her sister with her when leaving.

Qian Qian lightly furrowed her brows, picked up a soft tissue, and gently wiped the marks from her fingers. Then, she leaned back slightly, arms crossed over her chest, and stared blankly at the ceiling.

Song Qinyao walked lightly toward the door, but suddenly, as if drawn back by some invisible force, she turned around quietly, casting a burning gaze at Song Baili.

She was like a cunning, lively fox, her long, beautiful eyes blinking. Her gaze was as mysterious as the dark mist in a deep forest, hiding the secrets within her heart.

With a mischievous smile, she teasingly spoke, “Sis, where’s the goodnight kiss you promised?”

“Now?”

“Do you want me to wait for you in your bedroom?”

Song Baili tilted her head slightly, glancing at Qian Qian, who hadn’t noticed her.

After a brief hesitation, she took a deep breath, leaned forward slightly, and her lips quickly brushed against Song Qinyao’s cheek, as soft as raindrops touching the dust, leaving a warm impression that quickly faded away.

“Guess I want a kiss too.”

Song Qinyao turned her other cheek toward her, pointing to the jade-like smoothness of her face, her voice light and teasing.

Song Baili instinctively grabbed her clothes hem, paused for a moment in thought, and then moved her body slightly, slowly leaning in.

But Song Qinyao suddenly turned her head, as if two beams of light collided at an unexpected moment.

Song Baili was startled and quickly stepped back, almost losing her balance.

She instinctively covered her mouth with the back of her hand, as if time had frozen, caught in this moment of surprise.

Song Qinyao’s eyes widened in shock, her fingers gently touching her lips. Her expression showed panic, but in the slight lift of her eyes, there was a playful glint, like a mischievous spirit behind a mask, secretly pleased with her prank.

“Song Qinyao, when we get home, I’ll deal with you properly!”

Song Baili’s brows furrowed deeply, like a symbol of an impending storm.

Song Qinyao knew her sister was truly angry. She stuck out her tongue playfully, shrugged her shoulders, and, with the agility of a little deer, turned and quickly ran away.

Qian Qian, with her sharp gaze, had been quietly watching this absurd scene unfold.

A clear rogue was teasing a well-behaved, innocent woman who followed every rule.

Her nose twitched involuntarily, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her brows arched like hills, her chin lifted slightly, and a hint of doubt clouded her expression.

The walk back to the shop wasn’t far. Qian Qian gently patted her stomach and let out a soft burp.

To help digest, she chose to walk. Song Baili, not wanting her to go alone, ended up walking beside her on the way back.

The streets were quiet under the night sky, the streetlights casting dappled shadows. Their footsteps were accompanied by the gentle night breeze.

Their silence carried a subtle pull between them, and now and then, they felt a delicate emotion blending in the air.

Song Baili looked out the car window, watching the scenery pass by—the soft warm light spilling out from restaurants or cafés, and the occasional passerby adding life to the peaceful night.

The moonlight spilled across the path, casting a faint silver glow.

The sound of the car wheels rolling over the stone path, sharp and clear, seemed to echo through the tranquil atmosphere, almost like it was telling the story of her inner turmoil.

When the car arrived at the grand gate and elegant walls, Qian Qian felt a rush of emotions that hadn’t yet been fully released. Too many words went unspoken. She lightly gripped the steering wheel, as if holding onto a regret, a lingering feeling.

As Song Baili was about to step out of the car, a thousand fragmented emotions and thoughts intertwined, and desire surged like a tide.

In that instant, her heart rippled like stirred water, and her lips parted involuntarily, the words spilling out naturally.

“Big sis, I… I also want… want a kiss.”

Her soft voice was like leaves swaying in the breeze, unsteady, with a trace of barely perceptible trembling.

Song Baili paused, her pupils dilating, her body seeming frozen at the edge of time.

“I’m also your little sister, you can’t be biased…”

After she spoke, Qian Qian felt her cheeks heat up. She bit her lower lip, unable to help but secretly mock herself.

It seemed she had accidentally picked up someone’s “rogue skills,” starting to walk down the shameless path herself.

After a moment, she lifted her eyes again, unconsciously reaching to adjust the temperature controls in the car, forcing a smile as she said, “I’m just kidding, don’t take it seriously…”

Before Qian Qian could finish, Song Baili, in the blink of an eye, leaned in and gently cupped her face with her warm hand. It was like snow falling unexpectedly—soft and cool against her right cheek.

Her body shivered slightly, her eyes widened, and her hand instinctively searched for something to balance herself, still dazed when a feather-light touch brushed her left cheek, like sparks flying. She was left stunned by the unexpected move.

The moonlight softly painted her face, casting a gentle glow. A slight breeze through the half-open window lifted her hair, and her red lips parted slightly, forming a beautiful curve.

“I’m not biased.”

Her voice was like a stream dancing on the strings of a harp, each note delicate and beautiful.

Qian Qian watched Song Baili until her figure faded into the night, but her gaze lingered, trying to lock this moment in her heart forever.

She gently lifted her hand, her fingertips brushing her cheek, which still carried a coolness, but her heart warmed, like melting chocolate milk candy. Even her breath seemed to be filled with the sweetness of the moment.