My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 12: The Girls Mung Bean Cake

As a part-time high schooler at the restaurant, Lin Tian had always carried a certain image: diligent, reserved, and disciplined. He did only what was required of him—nothing more, nothing less. When idle, he stood expressionless like an NPC; when serving customers, he greeted them with polite smiles. His demeanor was robotic yet oddly endearing.
Though undeniably handsome, his aloofness deterred most coworkers from approaching him. Many wondered if he had social anxiety or some other condition that made him so detached. Thankfully, Xu Yong balanced things out, acting as both comic relief and proof that Lin Tian wasn't entirely friendless.
So when a young girl appeared at the entrance of the restaurant, peeking in and asking for Lin Tian, it caused quite a stir among the staff.
"Could you call him for me? Thank you," Gan Yanyu said politely, her hands clasped in front of her, holding a small bag.
"Sure… um, just a moment!" Several male colleagues scrambled to respond, eager to make a good impression on the visitor. In the end, Xu Yong took charge and hurried over.
Meanwhile, inside the restaurant, the female employees couldn't help but size up the newcomer. She was stunning—a vision of elegance with long, jet-black hair, delicate features, and a simple black slip dress. Her refined demeanor exuded a classical charm, almost like a princess from medieval Europe.
If there was one flaw in her appearance, it was simply that she wasn't them.
And this girl—this radiant beauty—was here looking for Lin Tian?
Classmate? Girlfriend? A terrifying thought crossed their minds. Could it be that Lin Tian's apparent lack of social skills was merely selective? Perhaps they weren't worthy of his attention because he already had someone far superior waiting at home.
---
Xu Yong, escorting Lin Tian toward the entrance, peppered him with questions along the way. "How much money did you blow at that foot spa? Not only can they cosplay students now, but they're doing offline meetups too?"
Lin Tian stopped in his tracks, turning to face his clueless friend. With a sigh, he patted Xu Yong on the shoulder. "You can fool me all you want, but don't fool yourself. I'm fine being tricked by you."
The line, borrowed from an old internet forum post, hit its mark perfectly. Xu Yong froze, visibly shaken.
"No way… You really did strike gold, didn't you?" he muttered, his voice tinged with despair. Seeing the girl in person—such a breathtaking sight—shattered any lingering denial. That foot spa? No matter how much money he'd thrown around, no one there would agree to meet offline.
"I'll head out now. If anyone asks for me, cover for me, alright?" Lin Tian instructed before heading toward the door.
When he stepped outside and saw Gan Yanyu, Lin Tian felt an inexplicable sense of wonder. Though they'd only been apart for half a day, it felt like an eternity.
"Why are you here?" he asked.
"I couldn't sit still," she replied softly.
"Are you hungry?"
"Mostly, I wanted to see you." Gan Yanyu glanced past Lin Tian's shoulder, scanning the interior of the restaurant. "Is this where you work?"
Her tone carried no malice, though others might have interpreted it as disbelief. To Lin Tian, however, it was clear she meant no harm. She simply lacked tact.
"Yes," he confirmed.
"Do you cook?"
"I'm a waiter, not a chef."
"You're such a good cook, yet you're not even a chef?" Gan Yanyu tilted her head quizzically.
"It's just eggs and noodles—I'm nowhere near professional level," Lin Tian clarified, sensing her inflated perception of his culinary abilities. Did she lack basic life experience, perhaps?
Gan Yanyu nodded thoughtfully. "When will we eat?"
"My shift ends at 8:30. About ten more minutes, and I'll be free."
"Okay."
"Mm."
Their brief exchange lapsed into a few seconds of silence. Gan Yanyu lowered her gaze, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. Inside the restaurant, Xu Yong—who happened to glance their way—was utterly baffled. How could these two seem both familiar and distant at the same time? Was this some new 2024 trend in relationships?
"Oh, right!" Gan Yanyu suddenly remembered something, pulling out a small bag. "This is for you—mung bean cake. I made it."
"You made it?" Lin Tian asked, surprised.
He opened the package to reveal a transparent plastic box filled with neatly arranged yellow squares. "No mold, so I shaped them by hand. They're a bit rough, but the taste should be fine," Gan Yanyu explained earnestly. Despite her modesty, she was confident in her dessert-making skills.
She carefully removed the lid and held the box out to Lin Tian. "Try one."
Lin Tian hesitated. "Do you have gloves? My hands might get oily, and I still have to work afterward."
Before he could react further, Gan Yanyu picked up a piece of mung bean cake between her fingers, using her other palm as a makeshift tray. Demonstrating, she opened her mouth slightly. Instinctively, Lin Tian followed suit.
With gentle precision, she placed the entire piece into his mouth. As she withdrew her hand, she fumbled slightly, accidentally brushing against his upper teeth.
Was this… feeding?
Lin Tian froze momentarily. The mung bean cake melted in his mouth, releasing a fragrant sweetness that was unexpectedly delicious. Maybe it was the novelty of being fed—or maybe Gan Yanyu truly had a knack for making desserts—but it tasted wonderful.
Though slightly sticky, chewing through the treat felt oddly satisfying. Being fed by someone as clumsy yet earnest as Gan Yanyu turned out to be surprisingly pleasant.
Gan Yanyu seemed to realize the intimacy of her actions soon after. For the first time, she turned her face away, possibly blushing. After a moment, she looked back. "Does it taste good?"
Lin Tian nodded while chewing. "Mm-hmm."
"I'm glad." Watching him savor the treat, Gan Yanyu felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Seeing her efforts appreciated was a joy unique to baking enthusiasts. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Lin Tian noticed this subtle change immediately. It was the first time he'd seen her smile. Both significant emotional moments with her revolved around food—it seemed she harbored a hidden passion for eating.
"Want another piece?" Gan Yanyu asked.
"Let's save it for later. I'll eat more after my shift," Lin Tian replied, swallowing the last bite. Though tempted to indulge again, staying longer would inconvenience Xu Yong, who was covering for him.