The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - CHAPTER 3
Zhao Yuxuan’s eyes were fixed on the office door, occasionally glancing at the faint reflection in the glass. He carefully ran his fingers through his black hair, straightening each strand meticulously. He adjusted the wrinkles on his shirt and smoothed his collar, fine-tuning his expression like a performer preparing for the stage.
Finally, when Song Baihe walked out of the office, Zhao strode toward her confidently, taking on the air of a senior colleague. He eagerly shared advice about work and managing the store, his tone resembling a tour guide introducing a new city to travelers.
Zhao couldn’t help but sneak glances at Song Baihe as they spoke. Every time their eyes met, the moment stretched like an eternity. In his heart, he marveled silently, thinking that while he had always believed the boss’s daughter to be stunning, this encounter proved that even heavenly beauties could exist in pairs.
He accompanied Song Baihe to the door, feeling time slipping away like sand through his fingers. Though his gaze revealed a touch of reluctance, he maintained his composed senior demeanor, standing tall, adjusting his tie, and speaking in a low, steady voice:
“My name’s Zhao Yuxuan. That’s ‘Zhao’ from Zhao Youting and ‘Xuan’ from Huang Xuan. Starting today, we’re colleagues. So, when do you officially start work?”
“Next Monday.”
Song Baihe turned slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Zhao. Her lips curved into a faint smile, gentle as a breeze, and her eyes sparkled with a warm light, veiled yet captivating.
Zhao froze for a moment, leaning back instinctively as if an invisible force pushed him away. A faint sense of distance rose in his heart, leaving him slightly confused.
Raising one eyebrow, Zhao blinked, pondering her expression for a second. Then, he ran a hand through his hair as if trying to gather his thoughts. His gaze landed on her profile—elegant and serene.
Her features were delicate yet refined, her soft contours exuding charm. Her straight nose was striking, and the subtle curve of her lips added an air of grace. Every line seemed to speak of warmth and approachability, making her seem far from unapproachable despite her reserved demeanor.
Zhao chuckled wryly, shaking his head as he scratched his nose. He realized that his earlier enthusiasm might have come across as overly eager and tried discreetly to step aside, creating some distance to correct the impression.
Standing at the door, he straightened his posture, hands clasped casually behind him. Just as he prepared to bid her farewell, another woman rushed into the store, breathless.
“Excuse me,” she panted, sweat beading on her forehead. “I’m the one who called about the interview earlier. I went to the wrong place, and I left my phone at home. I’m so sorry for the delay!”
Hearing this, Zhao’s eyes widened in shock. He swallowed hard, glancing at Song Baihe with a mix of surprise and unease. Words hovered on his lips but seemed to lose gravity and sink back down.
Song Baihe’s expression remained calm, as if she had foreseen this moment. Her demeanor suggested that the story’s conclusion was already written in the book of fate.
Zhao ran a hand through his hair, as if combing through his thoughts. His gaze shifted to the newcomer, his face showing an awkward smile. “I’m sorry, but we’ve just hired someone. Leave your contact details, and we’ll call you if there’s another opening.”
While Zhao remained at the door, flustered and fumbling through his conversation, Song Baihe walked away with light, measured steps. Her figure melted into the bustling crowd, gradually fading from view.
Later that evening…
Song Qingyao finally enjoyed a rare moment of peace, free from her father’s relentless schedule of social gatherings. As her colleagues left for the day, the workweek’s noise subsided, leaving the room bathed in tranquility.
She set aside her documents, her gaze drifting through the floor-to-ceiling windows toward the horizon. The setting sun cast a soft, orange glow on the city’s glass towers, painting the urban landscape with a serene beauty.
As the tension in her shoulders eased, she stretched, massaging away the day’s fatigue. Her mind wandered from her long to-do list to a single person she longed to see.
Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she found the familiar name. Smiling to herself, she pressed the call button.
When Song Qingyao entered the restaurant, her eyes swept over the space like a compass seeking its true north. Just as her gaze completed its circuit, she locked onto the one she sought.
Her footsteps grew lighter, her movements radiant with energy, as if her presence brought springtime into the room. Her joy illuminated the space, drawing curious glances from other diners.
“Hey, who’s the beauty you’re waiting for?”
Hearing the voice, Song Baihe turned to see her younger sister, Song Qingyao, approaching in a chic yet understated outfit. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light with a glossy sheen.
“I didn’t expect you to invite me out tonight,” Baihe said, her tone teasing.
“Lucky for you, I got out of socializing. Dinner with my sister felt like the perfect plan.”
As they sat across from each other, Baihe raised an eyebrow. “You’re free tonight—shouldn’t you be on a date instead?”
This casual remark made Qingyao freeze mid-motion, her cheerful mood flickering like a candle in the wind. Her expression tightened briefly before she regained composure.
“Are you saying you don’t want dinner with me?”
Though her voice was calm, there was a distinct edge to her tone.
Noticing her sister’s mood, Baihe softened. “Did something happen at work?”
Qingyao shook her head but didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she rested her chin on her hand, gazing out the window as though lost in thought.
“I know things haven’t been easy for you,” Baihe said gently. “But you’re not alone. You’ve got me, always.”
Qingyao smiled faintly, her eyes glistening with warmth.
For a moment, the restaurant faded into the background, leaving only the quiet understanding between the two sisters.