The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 76

A man suddenly stepped in front of Song Baili and Xiao Xiao, a mischievous smile on his face. He winked playfully at Baili and the girl, saying,

“Beautiful lady, I can hardly believe my eyes seeing you here. You must be an angel who’s come down from heaven. Can I get to know you and maybe have your contact information?”

Baili slightly shifted her body to shield the girl behind her. Her gaze locked onto the man’s, a faint smirk of sarcasm appearing on her lips.

“You flatter me so much I almost feel shy. But I have pretty high standards, and sorry to say, guys like you don’t make the cut. Better luck next time.”

As soon as she finished, her smile vanished. She gently took the girl by the arm and walked away with confidence.

The man, not giving up, decided to follow them. But as he stepped forward, someone behind him yanked him back, nearly making him lose his balance.

He turned to see who had stopped him, his expression a mix of surprise, anger, and resignation, unsure why his actions had been interrupted.

The person behind him had a cold expression and spoke in an authoritative tone, “Don’t go looking for trouble. That lady isn’t someone you want to mess with. She’s from the Song family, and this bar belongs to Sister Song. We’d better stay out of it.”

Realizing the situation, the man grumbled, “So she’s one of Sister Song’s? No wonder she’s stunning. Guess it’s safer to just admire from afar…”

Baili, leading the girl through the crowded bar, finally made her way to the bustling street outside. Even though no one was following them, their pace didn’t slow.

Under the glow of the vibrant city lights, they walked down familiar streets and passed recognizable corners until they stopped outside a convenience store.

The neon lights illuminated the street with a kaleidoscope of colors, bringing the city alive.

Baili glanced at the crowd, her eyes scanning every detail, taking in the rhythm and energy of the city.

The bright store windows cast a warm glow on Baili and the girl’s faces. Suddenly, Baili turned to the girl beside her, her expression serious.

“You’re so young and adorable. You shouldn’t go to places like that again.”

The girl pouted playfully, “You’re gorgeous too. Why did you dare to go there alone?”

“I rarely go to such places.”

“Me neither.”

Under the neon glow, the girl’s delicate features became more apparent.

Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her eyes clear as a spring, her nose small and elegant, and her skin smooth and fair, radiating a refreshing innocence. She looked like a young K-pop idol, pure and untainted.

Her sweet smile brimmed with charm, perfectly matching her graceful demeanor. She didn’t seem like someone who enjoyed nightlife and parties.

Baili tucked her hands into her pockets and casually turned her head, her gaze wandering around until it rested on the girl.

She pressed her lips together slightly, her tone soft and filled with genuine concern.

“It’s late. Don’t wander around alone. Head home early.”

With that, Baili turned to head back to her car.

The girl stood still for a moment, biting her lip as an urge to follow surged within her. She hurriedly caught up, silently matching Baili’s pace.

Baili glanced sideways at the girl, raising an eyebrow in slight confusion. She suddenly stopped, turning to face her directly.

“Do you need something else?”

The girl hesitated briefly before replying, “Not really. I’m just walking this way too.”

Baili nodded lightly, shrugging her shoulders as she picked up her pace, leaving the girl trailing behind her.

Undeterred, the girl hesitated briefly before catching up to walk alongside her again.

“Wait, big sister, I need to tell you something. I went to your restaurant the other day and saw someone tampering with the food.”

Baili froze in her tracks, her entire body stiffening as if time had stopped. Her eyes widened, shock and disbelief flashing across her face.

The girl quickly stepped in front of Baili, tilting her head to meet her gaze. She continued,

“I noticed them acting suspiciously, so I recorded a video on my phone. I thought it might help you. Would you like to see it?”

Baili’s eyes widened even further, a spark of hope lighting them up as if she had just found a crucial piece to a puzzle.

“You recorded it? Please, send me the video.”

“Take a look at the content first and see if it’s meaningful to you. Then I’ll send it over.”

After speaking, the girl immediately pulled out her phone and opened a video she had recorded earlier that day.

Baili Song leaned in right away, and the two of them watched the video on the screen together. Baili frowned slightly, her gaze focused and serious, worried about missing any critical details.

In this close proximity, their bodies and arms inadvertently brushed against each other.

The girl’s arm rested lightly on Baili’s shoulder, while Baili’s fingers unintentionally touched the back of the girl’s hand. The mixture of their two different perfumes blended into a unique and pleasant scent.

Though the girl’s eyes stayed fixed on the screen, she couldn’t help but be drawn to Baili’s presence. She stole glances at Baili’s expressions, her heart racing with a surge of unexplainable emotions.

After watching the video, Baili’s expression grew animated. A mischievous and excited glint sparkled in her eyes. Ideas were already forming in her mind about how to use the video to clear the restaurant’s name—perhaps even boost its business to new heights.

Her fingertips trembled slightly. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she turned to the girl and said sincerely, “Please send it to me. I’d be happy to compensate you.”

The girl looked up, holding her phone behind her back with both hands. Her bright, lively eyes gazed at Baili as she smiled and said, “You’ve already helped me earlier—that’s more than enough. In fact, you’ve given me so much, I feel like I owe you a treat. How about some milk tea? Are you free now?”

Baili froze for a moment before covering her mouth to laugh. Imitating the girl, she crossed her hands behind her back, smiled, and replied, “Perfect timing. I was just craving some. Let’s go.”

Caught off guard by Baili’s cheerful response, a faint blush spread across the girl’s cheeks. She bit her lower lip lightly and nervously adjusted her hair, her shyness and excitement subtly revealed in her movements.

Finally, she extended her hand and introduced herself. “My name’s Xiao Xiao.”

“And I’m Baili Song.”

Baili glanced down at Xiao Xiao and noticed she was quite petite, standing under 1.6 meters tall, with a frame so slender she resembled a bean sprout.

Xiao Xiao’s small, youthful face beamed with a vibrant smile. Her delicate features made her look like a high schooler skipping class.

“Are you really…21? No way!”

“I just turned 23! Sigh, time waits for no one. We’re all getting older!”

“…”

Baili’s thoughts flashed to Qinyao Song’s face. As she shifted her gaze back to Xiao Xiao, she suddenly felt that age was just a number. Unless we’re talking about cheese, no one really cares how mature you are.

A determined individual doesn’t rush to settle scores; even snow waits for winter to fall.

Qinyao Song never let things slide. After Li Shao poked at her like pulling a tiger’s whiskers, she simply lay in wait, her claws ready to strike at the right moment.

When she received the video Baili sent, she couldn’t hold back a sly grin. A glint of cunning flashed in her eyes. This would be good. Time to teach Li Shao a lesson.

When a tiger bites, its prey’s throat is doomed.

The heiress of the Hexin Group empire, Ms. Song, unexpectedly attended today’s meeting in person. The news sent ripples of chaos throughout Li Dacai’s company.

Li Dacai sprang into action, reserving the most luxurious meeting room available. The room was immaculately arranged with high-end wooden tables and chairs, fine tea sets exuding a faint fragrance, and a chandelier casting a warm glow. Exquisite refreshments were prepared to welcome the “young queen.”

As soon as Qinyao Song stepped out of her car, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, shiny shoes, and an overly polite demeanor approached from the company entrance.

His rounded face and small tadpole-like eyes were paired with thinning hair attempting to mask his scalp. His ingratiating smile only added to his slightly awkward yet overly enthusiastic manner.

Qinyao wore a light-colored blazer over a silk white blouse, exuding a subtle elegance and allure. Her tailored pencil skirt accentuated her figure, ending just at the knees to showcase her long legs, paired with sleek heels. Her hair was styled simply, with no unnecessary adornments, completing a sharp and polished look.

In the meeting room, Qinyao sat in a specially crafted leather chair, perfectly contoured to support her posture. She maintained an elegant and poised demeanor, her expressions alternating between thoughtful contemplation, slight nods, and gentle smiles as she listened attentively to the presentation.

Opposite her sat Li Dacai, his face beaming with a mix of humility and tension.

By lunchtime, Qinyao and Li Dacai, along with others, moved to a private dining room in a lavish restaurant.

The room was tastefully decorated, with a table full of exquisite dishes and finely arranged utensils. A tantalizing aroma filled the air, while the soft lighting created a cozy yet opulent atmosphere.

Seated at the head of the table, Qinyao’s calm confidence radiated as her gaze swept over everyone. She greeted each person with a warm smile.

When she spoke, her voice was clear and assured, occasionally lightened with a witty comment that drew laughter and eased the mood.

Li Dacai had gone out of his way to include some of Qinyao’s favorite dishes. His ever-present smile didn’t falter as he enthusiastically poured her drinks and served her food, repeatedly asking if she needed anything, his attention to detail bordering on meticulous.

Midway through the meal, Li Dacai’s assistant pulled out his phone, glanced at it, and froze. His expression shifted, and he quickly excused himself, stepping out into the hallway to make a phone call.

When he returned, his face was pale, beads of sweat dotting his forehead, and his brows furrowed with visible anxiety.

Though the others didn’t notice, Li Dacai’s sharp eyes immediately picked up on the change. He took the phone from his assistant and scanned the screen quickly.

His face turned red, and his small, bead-like eyes flickered with rising anger, like tiny sparks igniting and fading in a silent storm brewing within.