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.

that she clearly did, they

old lady remained fully confident

such a capable student

Group each had their specialties, and Zhan Yuan would often seek their guidance. His impressive

the old lady brought Ouyang Ya over to sit

was practically monopolized

Ouyang Ya, Zhan Yuan gave up and went

Zhan Yuan still 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

until ten o'clock that night that Zhan Yuan finally had a chance to

perhaps it was just that Grandma had grown tired and decided

elders and his brothers to

Ouyang Ya, took her hand, and held it tightly. Jealousy tinged his voice as he said, "Miss, I knew I'd be sidelined the moment

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

you to herself the

and replied, "Your grandma reminds me a bit of my own. I've always had a close relationship with

my name," she added. "You still call me Miss

boyfriend now, not my

and gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek. When

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

Zhan Yuan said

in a low,