The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 64

After breakfast, the two of them prepared to set off.

The mountain ahead had been developed into a popular tourist destination. It was a low, beginner-friendly mountain with several hiking trails leading to the summit. They chose the shortest route.

The trail was smooth and well-maintained, seemingly designed to accommodate hikers of all levels.

The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with winding paths, open grassy clearings, and small rest stops equipped with toilets and snack shops for the convenience of hikers.

When they descended, they decided to rest at a small station.

Next to the shop, the scenery was stunning. The distant mountain ranges rolled endlessly under a canopy of lush greenery, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of wildflowers. They bought two refreshing drinks and some local pastries, sitting on wooden benches to enjoy the rare tranquility.

“Here, Sis Baili, this smells amazing. Try a bite.”

Qian Qian spoke as she naturally handed the pastry in her hand toward Song Baili’s lips.

Baili’s eyes fell on the pastry with its faint bite marks, her heart skipping a beat. After a moment’s hesitation, she obediently opened her mouth and took a small bite.

After finishing the pastry, Baili sipped her drink, the straw lightly brushing her lips, leaving a faint shimmer.

Qian Qian couldn’t help staring at her soft, full lips, her mind drifting back to the night before. The memory of their kiss flashed vividly in her mind, making her heart race uncontrollably.

“Is the avocado-banana smoothie good?”

Baili paused, noticing Qian Qian’s large, eager eyes fixed on her drink like a cat eyeing its favorite treat. Finally, with a resigned smile, she handed the drink to her.

When they reached the summit, Baili didn’t feel overheated, but once they sat down to rest, a rosy blush crept onto her cheeks.

Unconsciously, she began fanning herself with her hand. Even in the splendid natural setting, her attention kept drifting toward Qian Qian beside her, as if that was the most captivating scenery of all.

After finishing their snacks, they packed their belongings and followed the signs back down the mountain.

They hadn’t walked far when a large monitor lizard suddenly darted out from the bushes. Startled, Qian Qian let out a piercing scream and instinctively flung herself at Baili, clutching her tightly and burying her face in her chest.

The lizard, seemingly more frightened by the scream than she was of it, scurried back into the bushes.

Baili carefully scanned the surroundings, ensuring everything was safe, then gently patted Qian Qian on the shoulder and said softly, “Don’t be scared. It’s just a shy little creature. It’s gone now.”

Baili was lightly perspiring, her scent carrying a subtle freshness, like sunshine and a gentle breeze.

That delicate fragrance brushed against Qian Qian’s nose, filling her heart with a profound sense of security, as though she’d been wrapped in a protective shield.

Qian Qian slowly opened her eyes and raised her head. In the sunlight, Baili’s face appeared even more radiant, like a serene spring, exuding a calm elegance.

No wonder the waitresses were always drawn to her, endlessly buzzing around with “Sister Baili this” and “Sister Baili that,” treating her presence as if it were a bonus of their job.

Qian Qian walked slowly, occasionally stopping to glance around and nervously clutching her backpack straps as if afraid something might jump out at her again.

Baili looked back at her several times, hesitating. Feeling her palms grow a little sweaty, she discreetly wiped them before turning around and, without a word, grabbed Qian Qian’s hand. Together, they walked down the slope at a steady pace.

Their interlocked fingers conveyed a silent, heartfelt message. The gentle sensation of their touch felt like a stream, soothing and refreshing.

At the base of the mountain, they found themselves in the midst of a crowd. Despite the bustling scene, they continued to hold hands, undeterred by the commotion around them.

When the bus finally arrived, they got on together, still holding hands as if it were the most natural thing in the world, with neither showing any intention of letting go.

Baili leaned her face against the window, gazing at the scenery outside. She was afraid that turning to meet Qian Qian’s gaze might ignite the sparks of love that were smoldering in her heart.

Song Qinyao eagerly awaited the weekend, finally freed from tiresome social obligations.

Impatiently, she wished she could sprout wings and fly straight to Baili. Though people say absence makes the heart grow fonder, it had only been two days since she last saw her sister, yet it felt like a century had passed, leaving her feeling old and weary.

The moment she got on the car, she grabbed her phone and quickly sent a message to Zhou Yongjun, checking on his whereabouts and prying into his romantic progress.

“Hey, you must be living the dream by now, right?”

“Living like a bored god, more like. I’m practically growing moss here.”

Seeing his reply, a bad feeling began to rise in Qinyao’s chest.

Frowning, she thought for a moment before typing another message.

“Didn’t you follow the plan we discussed to woo your goddess?”

“Everyone’s still at the villa. But she and your sister quietly slipped away together.”

Song Qinyao suddenly felt like all her energy had been drained. She was like a lifeless shell, full of frustration.

How infuriating! Song Yongjun’s approach to pursuing women wasn’t even half as proactive as Qian Qian’s. At least Qian Qian actively created opportunities, while her clueless brother couldn’t even seize the chances handed to him.

It seemed she’d have to step in herself.

Just then, her phone screen lit up with a new message notification.

Her fingers slid across the screen to open it, and the words seemed to shine like a beacon, illuminating the blank space in her mind.

Her eyebrows arched slightly, and a sly smile crept onto her lips. She immediately dialed Song Yongjun’s number.

The moment the call connected, she couldn’t help teasing him:

“Brother, you’re hopeless, aren’t you? You’re terrible at pursuing women—it’s no wonder you’re still single!”

“Hey, what am I supposed to do if Qian Qian wants to do her own thing? I’m not her dad. I can’t just interfere with her freedom.”

“Sure, you can’t interfere, but you can stop her!”

“She’s out with my sister, not on a date with some random guy. Why should I stop her?”

Song Qinyao clenched her phone, practically fuming. Her lips twitched in frustration.

“Wow, your level of cluelessness is truly one of a kind!”

She wanted to smack him with something heavy, but unfortunately, he was the only ally she had. She comforted herself with the thought that even a gun with no bullets could still scare someone off.

As she gradually calmed down, Song Yongjun’s voice came from the other end of the line.

“I might not be the sharpest, but at least I’m honest. You’re the smart one—why don’t you come up with a plan?”

“How about pulling the ‘injured hero’ act? Let’s see if it makes her care about you.”

“The injured hero act?”

Song Yongjun followed the location sent by Song Qinyao and arrived at a bustling bar.

He made his way through the crowd, sat down at the bar, and ordered a classic cocktail. Then he waited quietly.

Suddenly, a stranger’s hand darted out and snatched his cocktail. Startled, he turned to see a mysterious woman standing before him.

The woman was dressed in a sleek black dress that hugged her curves, accentuating her figure. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her dimples deepened as she smiled. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she held his drink and gracefully sat beside him.

“Hey, handsome. Mind buying me a drink?”

Under the dim lighting of the bar, every move she made seemed like a dance to an enchanting rhythm, exuding an irresistible allure.

While her beauty wasn’t as breathtaking as Qian Qian’s, her bold confidence turned heads. Many men in the bar were already ogling her like wolves eyeing their prey.

Song Yongjun gave her a quick glance, unimpressed, and turned back to the bartender to order another drink.

Soon after, he noticed the woman leaning closer. Her faint perfume lingered in the air, intoxicating yet suffocating.

She tilted her head slightly, batted her lashes, and lightly brushed her fingers against his arm. Her playful tone carried a hint of teasing.

“It’s such a shame for someone as handsome as you to be drinking alone. Let me keep you company.”

Song Yongjun frowned slightly, shifted away, and replied calmly:

“I’m here for some peace and quiet. I don’t need company.”

His voice was steady, devoid of emotion, but his actions exuded a clear sense of rejection.

The woman’s smile froze. She hadn’t expected such a blunt refusal. While it annoyed her, the rejection only fueled her determination to win him over.

Without hesitation, she reached out and lightly placed her hand on Song Yongjun’s shoulder. Her fingers slowly traced the line of his neck, her touch both teasing and suggestive.

“Drinking alone is no fun. It’s better with company. Let’s just treat tonight as fate bringing us together—don’t worry about tomorrow, just enjoy the moment.”

“Sorry, miss. I’m not interested. You should try someone else.”

With that, Song Yongjun firmly removed her hand from his shoulder.

Before he could let go, several men with fierce expressions suddenly appeared from the back of the bar. One of them looked oddly familiar to him.