Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

The chefs of the Zhan family had all been Zhan Yuan's mentors.

"How is it? Do you like it?" the old lady asked. "Xiaoya, don't force yourself. If it tastes good, eat more. If it doesn't, just tell me I'll have Zhan Yuan whip up a couple of dishes for you right away."

Zhan Yuan had complete confidence in both the family chefs and his

grandmother.

He picked up a bite with his chopsticks and said, "The eldest lady would never force herself. If she says it's good, she means it. Our chefs haven't changed."

In other words, the same chefs who had taught Zhan Yuan to cook were still with the family.

Everyone was used to their food. Changing chefs would take time to adjust, and beyond that, the household had developed deep bonds with them. Most had been working with the Zhan family for over ten or even twenty years.

As long as the chefs were still capable, they wouldn't be asked to retire. And when they did reach retirement, the family ensured they received a monthly pension. After all, they had spent their best years satisfying the tastes of the Zhan household-it was only right to take care of them afterward.

Ouyang Ya replied, "Grandma Zhan, the dishes are delicious. You truly deserve the title of Zhan Yuan's cooking teacher. A great teacher raises great students." She hadn't expected Grandma Zhan to be skilled in the kitchen.

But then again, someone of her generation had likely lived through a great deal. She'd heard that Grandma Zhan was once a wealthy heiress, whose family later

fell into poverty before regaining their fortune. With such a journey full of ups and downs, it made sense that she would know her way around a kitchen. Ouyang Ya genuinely enjoyed the meal, which reassured the old lady and everyone else at the table.

Although Zhan Yuan was a talented cook, he wasn't home every day. Sometimes work took him away, and they had worried that Ouyang Ya might not enjoy the meals prepared by the household chefs.

clearly did, they

the old lady remained fully confident in the chefs she had

such a capable student

Yuan had more than just a few teachers. The chefs at the hotels owned by the Zhan Group each had their specialties, and Zhan Yuan would often seek their guidance. His impressive

Ouyang Ya over to sit

was practically monopolized by the old

sit beside Ouyang Ya, Zhan Yuan gave up and went upstairs to

felt the need to doublecheck everything. He carefully inspected the room and tidied it up again to ensure his young lady would feel completely at ease—comfortable and

ten o'clock that night that Zhan Yuan finally

perhaps it was just that Grandma had grown tired

the other elders and his brothers to leave

and held it tightly. Jealousy tinged his voice as he said, "Miss, I knew I'd be

walked in, I couldn't get anywhere near you. You

kept you to herself the whole

a bit of my own. I've always had a close relationship with my grandparents. I just got carried away chatting with her and forgot

she added. "You still call me Miss in your own

now,

gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek. When she didn't pull away, he grew bolder and kissed

embrace, his heart racing. Ouyang Ya stayed in his arms for a moment, then gently pushed him

you," Zhan Yuan said softly, his voice full

Yuan spoke in a