The Taste of Love Starts in the Kitchen (GL) - Chapter 78

Song Yongjun drank heavily, his laughter growing more unrestrained with each glass. Qian Qian and Song Baili watched awkwardly, unsure of how to react.

He started rambling about his unique theories and philosophies, mixing in abstract ideas that left everyone confused. Eventually, he collapsed onto the table, snoring loudly like a fallen tree, completely passed out.

Qian Qian had assumed this celebration wouldn’t cost much, as they hadn’t ordered any expensive dishes—just a few drinks for Song Yongjun.

But when she saw the bill, her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. She checked the amount over and over to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.

Her mouth twitched, and her brows furrowed deeply. She turned to look at the drunk Song Yongjun, silently cursing him. It seemed his promise to cover the bill was just empty talk.

As Qian Qian prepared to pay, she felt a hand brush hers. Looking up, she saw Song Baili take the bill first. Without a word, she pulled out her card and paid.

Glancing at Song Yongjun sprawled on the table, completely unconscious, Song Baili sighed. She knew there was no way she could move him.

Stepping out of the restaurant, she walked into the garden nearby, away from the crowd and noise.

In the quiet of the garden, she found a secluded bench and sat down.

The moonlight filtered through the leaves, and a soft breeze rustled the trees, bringing a coolness to the night.

Taking out her phone, Song Baili called Song Qiongyao.

After the call, she gazed up at the dark, starless sky. The endless blackness seemed to mirror her feelings of loneliness and confusion, making the world around her feel unfamiliar and cold.

She sat silently, her thoughts drifting. She wondered: who could be the special person in Qian Qian’s heart?

“Baili, you’re so good at hiding! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Qian Qian’s bright smile lit up the darkness as she approached, her steps light and graceful.

She looked stunning under the moonlight, her delicate features framed by the gentle sway of her hair in the breeze. Her smile was radiant, like a blooming flower, mesmerizing and full of life.

The surrounding garden seemed to enhance her beauty, her elegance blending seamlessly with the natural setting.

To Song Baili, Qian Qian looked like a model from a glowing billboard—eye-catching and heart-stirring.

“Where’s Yongjun?” Song Baili asked.

“The staff moved him to a VIP room to rest.”

The two sat quietly on the bench, gazing at the distant scenery. Although they shared the same view, their hearts were filled with entirely different emotions.

On the surface, Song Baili appeared calm, like a tranquil lake. But her eyes betrayed ripples of thoughts, reflecting her inner turmoil.

Her lowered gaze seemed to hold untold stories, her flowing black hair swaying gently in the breeze. Her cool, serene demeanor shone brilliantly in the night.

Qian Qian found herself captivated by Song Baili’s mysterious allure. Like a moth drawn to a flame, she felt an irresistible pull toward her, even if it meant risking everything.

As the silence stretched on, Qian Qian’s fingers lightly traced the edge of the bench. After much deliberation, she made a decision.

Shifting closer to Song Baili, she leaned slightly forward, tilting her head to look directly into Baili’s eyes.

“Why do you seem so down?” Qian Qian asked softly.

Song Baili felt the intensity of Qian Qian’s gaze, like a piercing beam that saw straight through her, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

She quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. “Me? Am I?”

“Yongjun confessed to me earlier. Are you jealous?”

Song Baili’s heartbeat quickened, her throat tightening as her palms grew clammy. She avoided Qian Qian’s eyes, fearing her expression would reveal too much.

“He finally had the courage to confess to the girl he likes. I admire his bravery. Don’t pin me as someone petty like that,” she replied, forcing a calm tone.

“Then why don’t you go after your own happiness? Are you lacking that kind of courage? Why can’t you face your own feelings? What are you so afraid of?”

As Qian Qian spoke, she inched closer, her desire for proximity growing stronger.

At this moment, her focus was entirely on Song Baili. Baili’s beauty enthralled her, like a butterfly mesmerized by a flower’s fragrance.

Her rapid questions came like a whirlwind, catching Song Baili off guard. She felt as if she were standing at the edge of a cliff, her heart racing wildly as if her innermost thoughts were about to spill out.

“Let’s not dwell on this. I think Yao Yao should be arriving soon. Let’s go find Xiao Jun,” Song Baili said suddenly, as if startled by something. She quickly stood up, her movements rushed.

Her gaze flicked to Qian Qian, and she instinctively clenched her fists, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling within her. Without another word, she turned and walked away in a hurry.

Qian Qian, caught off guard by Baili’s abrupt reaction, panicked and chased after her.

As she quickened her pace, the gravel crunched under her feet, making her movements increasingly unstable. Suddenly, she stepped on a small, inconspicuous stone, lost her balance, and fell forward.

A sharp pain shot through her as her hands and knees scraped against the cold, hard ground. Her face contorted in pain, and she gritted her teeth, trembling as she tried to push herself up.

Hearing the dull thud, Baili turned around and saw Qian Qian sitting on the ground in pain.

A sense of urgency gripped Baili, like a tightly strung chord pulling her forward. She immediately quickened her pace, running to Qian Qian in a few long strides.

Baili crouched down, her movements swift yet gentle, like a protective wing enfolding Qian Qian. She helped her up from the ground with care.

Her gaze was full of concern as she examined Qian Qian’s injuries. Tenderly, she brushed the dust from Qian Qian’s scraped hands and knees. Her heart ached, as though she herself had been hurt.

“Does it hurt anywhere else?”

“Yes… here,” Qian Qian murmured. She reached for Baili’s hand, intending to place it over her heart to explain the pain she felt. However, in her nervousness, her hand landed awkwardly on a different spot.

Baili felt a jolt of surprise, her cheeks flushing red. Her hand quickly recoiled as if burned, leaving her standing stiffly, unsure of where to place her hands.

Qian Qian felt her own face burn as though it were on fire. She awkwardly swallowed and hesitated for a moment before lowering her head, avoiding Baili’s gaze.

The atmosphere between them suddenly became charged, the air heavy with tension. Neither dared to look at the other, their breaths soft and cautious, as if any sudden movement might shatter the fragile balance.

Baili cleared her throat lightly, her eyes darting about before finally settling on Qian Qian’s face. She tried to keep her tone calm.

“If it hurts that much… maybe you should see a doctor.”

Qian Qian sighed and ruffled her hair. Her voice was soft and tinged with resignation.

“Baili, you know this isn’t the kind of problem a doctor can fix.”

“What do you mean? Internal or external injuries—they can all be treated.”

Qian Qian’s inner turmoil reached its peak. She stepped closer to Baili, closing the distance between them.

Lifting her head slightly, Qian Qian placed her hands gently on Baili’s shoulders. Her gaze was tender, as clear and calm as a still lake, as she looked into Baili’s eyes.

“I miss you so much I can’t sleep. It’s a sickness of the heart—a doctor can’t cure it. Only you can.”

“?!”

Baili’s eyes widened in shock, her mouth slightly open, her body frozen in place. Emotions surged through her—joy, surprise, confusion, and even a trace of unease—all swirling together in a chaotic storm that left her unable to respond.

She tried to say something but found herself tongue-tied. Her hand instinctively reached toward Qian Qian’s face, only to hesitate mid-air, unsure of what to do.

Qian Qian slowly moved her arms to encircle Baili’s neck. A soft smile played on her lips, her gaze as gentle and radiant as moonlight.

Rising on her tiptoes, Qian Qian leaned closer. Her nose brushed against Baili’s, the slight contact sending ripples of emotion through the air between them. Their breaths mingled, growing rapid as a surge of anticipation swelled in their chests.

Baili felt the cool softness of Qian Qian’s lips as they met her own. The touch was like snow melting under the sun—soft and fleeting, yet brimming with warmth. Closing her eyes, Baili instinctively responded, her lips parting to meet Qian Qian’s in return.

Their kiss deepened, tender and passionate, like two petals bathed in the morning sun coming together. The world around them faded away, leaving only the storm of emotions that stirred in their hearts.

As the kiss ended, they pulled apart slightly, their gazes locked. Their eyes shone with shy yet happy glimmers, their smiles lingering. Their fingers intertwined gently, as if neither wanted to let go.

“Baili, I—”

Before Qian Qian could finish, Baili’s phone suddenly rang, shattering the moment.

Baili picked up her phone and glanced at the screen, where Yao Yao’s name flashed. For a second, she froze, realizing they had almost forgotten about Yongjun Song, who was likely still passed out drunk and sprawled somewhere.