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.

did, they

lady remained fully confident in the

a

their specialties, and Zhan Yuan would often seek their guidance. His impressive cooking skills today were the result of learning from each one and combining their

dinner, the old lady brought Ouyang Ya over to

Ouyang Ya was practically monopolized by the old lady the

had no chance to sit beside Ouyang Ya, Zhan Yuan gave up and went upstairs to prepare the

to doublecheck everything. He carefully inspected the room and tidied it up again to ensure his young

Zhan Yuan finally had

it was just that Grandma had grown tired and

elders and his brothers to leave one

her hand, and held it tightly. Jealousy tinged his voice as he said,

second you walked in, I couldn't get anywhere

to herself

always had a close relationship with my grandparents.

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

my boyfriend now, not my

cheek. When she

a tight embrace, his heart racing. Ouyang Ya stayed in his arms for a

Zhan Yuan said softly, his voice full of

in a low,