The Heartbeat at the Tip of the Tongue

Description

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The vastly differing world views of the male and female lead –

The purpose of food:

Female lead: To fill my tummy!

Male lead: Art!

The impression they have of each other:

Female lead: Impossible!

Male lead: Too s*upid!

Is there a possibility that you would date the other party?

Female lead: Who, who wants to get together with this peculiar weirdo!

Male lead: She’s so s*upid, I’m the only person capable of accepting her.

This is a story about how an arrogant and cold male idol successfully PKs the female lead’s black-bellied childhood playmate before bringing the female lead along in his domination over the world of gourmet food. The male lead is an extremely talented chef; however, he suffers from blindness – thus, his other senses are all hypersensitive with the exception of his sight. With his perfect sense of taste and his ability to accurately determine people’s attitude and feelings through their vocal tone and their breathing, he is better able to discern the truth and people’s real underlying intentions when compared to the common man.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Cupid's Kitchen
舌尖上的心跳
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Sweet Heart in Honeyed Desire (7)
Marriage Concerto (Small Thing Called Love) (3)
God of Cooking (2)
First Marriage Then Love (2)
The Rice Pot Next Door (2)
When God Says Let There Be Light (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Memorable Reads
  2. Probably read when im bored (some of it)
  3. Because of drama
  4. Love, Zuliate
  5. Lidos

Latest Release

Date Group Release
02/18/19 distractedchinese c82 part2 (end)
02/17/19 distractedchinese c82 part1
02/15/19 distractedchinese c81
10/26/18 distractedchinese c80
10/19/18 distractedchinese c79
10/12/18 distractedchinese c78
10/05/18 distractedchinese c77
09/21/18 distractedchinese c76
09/14/18 distractedchinese c75
09/07/18 distractedchinese c74
09/01/18 distractedchinese c73
08/24/18 distractedchinese c72
08/17/18 distractedchinese c71
08/10/18 distractedchinese c70
08/01/18 distractedchinese c69
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80 Reviews sorted by


Cerene
Cerene rated it
May 24, 2021
Status: Completed
What a heartwarming story!!

I really needed this after reading some intense and complicated stories. This one had no unnecessary drama or angst. Every line of this novel had me hooked. I really want Mr Jiang for myself. From where I can get a man who is so mature, loyal, warm and understanding. If I think of his character, only one word comes to my mind and that is "warmth". My favorite lines of this novel were his conversations/confessions with the FL. Second ML was likeable too. Though in my point... more>> of view he didn't love her enough to throw away his plans and follow her into the unknown future. I'm not a fan of love triangles but this one was nice. <<less
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Njtrisha
Njtrisha rated it
May 8, 2021
Status: Completed
The novel is so beautiful! I fell in love with the ML and honestly I wish to be with someone like him in real life, the novel is not just about food, it's about passion, dream, friendship and support and so many more! I feel bad for the 2nd male lead but sometimes we can't get everything we want or maybe we can but we don't try hard for that just like with 2nd ml! It's gold and I'm really happy to read it
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ley.monade
ley.monade rated it
April 30, 2021
Status: Completed
It's a cute if you are looking for something heart warming

They got me in the first half. But the second half felt iffy to read to me.

here wasn't really any big spark for them to suddenly be in love. I get how the MC fell in love but for the ML it's just meh.

And her being able to beat a chef who has years or even decades of experience with her mere few months experience near the end was extremely out of place. Like it was placed there for the... more>> sake of ending the love triangle.

It's definitely not a realistic story so don't get your hopes up if you like that kind of stories. But overall very cute read. <<less
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erynalu
erynalu rated it
January 17, 2021
Status: Completed
A very enjoyable read about Lin Ke Song, a girl looking for a direction in life, who had a chance encounter with Jiang Qian Fan, a perfectionist and straight-laced chef. Their journeys and changes, along with other side characters, are really precious and interesting to follow.

The food description in this novel also took me to the flavor town lol. I really couldn't help but wonder how do they look and taste like in real life.

... more>>
Spoiler

I really like the competition part although I was a bit confused about the layout as it seems nobody got eliminated? And I thought you are not supposed to meet your mentor during the competition duration?

Also another weird one, with people tampering other contestant's palate before the competition, and how it affected the final scoring and champion, it's really hard to believe that there was no follow up. I get that the result of the competition is not really what matters as Ke Song was acknowledged in the end, it's just not taking any action even with a hard evidence present left a salty taste in my mouth.

Other part that I think is weird is how JQF had a crush with LKS in a day, and fell in love hard with her after 3 months without any contact. It's a bit unnatural how moved he was by LKS in that one day encounter. Was it because how she got injured trying to retrieve his phone or was it how she was so worried about him or was it because LKS tanghulu story left a deep impression in JQF? I don't really know, and had LKS not gone to NY, I wonder what would JQF do?

Some people also may feel bothered by how LKS never gave any consent when JQF kiss her the first few times, including the first drunk one, but I guess LKS is ok with it....?

But I really appreciate how JQF was always empowering LKS instead of like Song Yi Ran, and I think the author purposefully showed the contrast between how they treat LKS (social circles, empowering, relationship). It makes it clear that JQF quality is that of Male Lead while SYR is just the second best.

Like the saying goes 'give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime', in this case SYR gave LKS things but JQF is the one who taught LKS. Not only regarding food, but I think also giving her strength and motivation.

Overall I really like how the situation was handled although in the process I still felt bad for both LKS and SYR as they were both somewhat hurt in those 10 years. Truly bittersweet.

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That being said, I find it regretful to not have side stories! I really wonder what is the continuation of the last chapter and how things will progress afterwards. Was also hoping that this gets animated or drama adaptation just so I could see the dishes lol.

Sweet and sour like tanghulu. Ez 9.5/10 <<less
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xione
xione
January 5, 2021
Status: --
I love this novel so much that it hurts😭😭

I was hurting for all of them, MC, ML, and 2nd lead.

Their dialogues and the MCs thought are so emotional at some point🤧
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chande
chande rated it
December 7, 2020
Status: Completed
Suddenly I feel lost after finishing this novel. I can't have enough of JQF and LKS combo. And this novel also successfully makes me hungry and want to try their food too.

This story has many remarkable points and it really deserves its high rating in novelupdates.

Spoiler
    • MC, ML, and 2nd ML all are with flaws. It doesn't like many other novels which have an overly perfect lead characters without any flaw.
    • The food description thorough the story. It's so descriptive and I'm almost drooling just by imagining it.
    • ML and 2nd ML are so supportive especially concerning MC. ML doesn't force MC to forget 2nd ML because he knows that it will be unrealistic. It isn't easy to shatter a 10 years of love and friendship and ML understands it very much. He allows MC to continue her friendship with 2nd ML and even helps 2nd ML with his goal. 2nd ML doesn't lose to ML. He could use underhanded means to get MC back or to make it difficult for ML but he didn't do it. On the contrary, he keeps being MC's best friend and supports her unconditionally even after she indirectly rejected him. He also doesn't hesitate to join hands with ML even he knows that it will be advantageous for ML.
    • The villains in this story don't stay as villain till the end. For example: MC's cousin and Iris. They were so annoying at first but the author let them grow to be a better person and that's what I love the most in this story.
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I just feel pity for 2nd ML (SYR) though. I wish he could get his happy ending too.

Spoiler

Just imagine it, you love someone for 10 whole years but lose to someone who just come not too long ago. No wonder SYR sheds tears after learning that MC loves ML. But I don't blame SYR at all. I know his reason and difficulties to be with MC. But a miss is still a miss. Maybe they just don't meant to be from the start.

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afroafro
afroafro rated it
November 9, 2020
Status: Completed
This has to be one of the best feel-good romances I have ever read. It was totally refreshing ah!!! Superb plot and excellent translation!!!

I love how the author DID NOT follow clichè webnovel drama tropes such as:

... more>>
Spoiler

- "fixing" the ML's disability to make him "perfect"

- the MC being an indecisive and arrogant Mary-Sue for dramatic effect

- overly demonising the "villain/s"

- creating s*upid and lack-of-common sense misunderstandings

- the second male lead taking the villain route, dying-for-the-MC route, getting-together-with-the-second-FL route or "quietly disappearing from the MC's life to let her be happy" route

REPEAT: These DO NOT happen in this novel (thank goodness *phew*)

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What I ABSOLUTELY LOVED about this:

Spoiler

The Male Lead - a logical, caring, supporting, honest and steady male partner. Key word there -- "partner". He was her strength when she was weak and her companion when she was strong. He never tried to impose upon our MC and respected her choices and feelings. When the MC was a true frog-in-a-well and underestimated him and other professionals in the industry, he chose to educate and guide her in a firm and classy manner, instead of overreacting and allowing her to stay ignorant. This inevitably led to the MC's growth in maturity.

ML wasn't overbearing and unreasonable at all. He expressed his possessiveness and affection towards the MC in gentle and subtle ways. The romance was steadily developed and not rushed or forced. He allowed her to fall for his charm slowly, was clear and straight-forward with his feelings and never used his impairment to guilt her into a relationship. He basically taught her that your flaws do not define you, nor do they restrict your capability. He demonstrated that having confidence in yourself and working hard is all you need to becoming a better "you".


The author cleverly wrote Jiang Qian Fan to be a well-balanced male lead -- reflecting his culinary skill of always producing perfectly balanced cuisines. He is definitely the best ML I have ever read about in a novel and one I won't forget about for a long time.
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There are plenty of other outstanding elements and characters but you'll have to read it and discover them yourself lol. Hope you enjoy reading this novel as much as I did :) <<less
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wispybits
wispybits rated it
October 13, 2020
Status: Completed
C13

So far, I'm literally so confused why others like the second male lead. I don't know but it just felt like he doesn't have much respect towards the female lead. Knowing that he actually likes her behind all that makes me dislike him even more. But, that's just me. I'm very much looking forward to the time when the FL will lose her feelings for him. Lol.

... more>>
Spoiler

(Edit: Okay, I learned he has his reasons but it somehow just showcase how much better qian fan is for our little bun. I honestly can't imagine how ke song have endured that one sided love for 10 years. I feel like his cowardice really ruined his chance. He could've just confessed and you never know, maybe their love could've survive all the obstacles thrown at them but he didn't gamble and instead unknowingly damaged ke song's heart. Nevertheless, they could've been perfect for each other but their timing was not right.)

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COMPLETED

It was so full of fluffiness and I am loving that. I feel like we all need a qian fan in our life. His dedication and love towards the FL was so pure it touched my heart. This story showed how the amount of time spent with a person isn't a basis for how deep their love could be. You could know each other for months but felt like you've loved for years. And that's just simply the beauty of love.

5 STAR (i accidentally rated 4 and now I can't change it lol) <<less
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Flaumjaze
Flaumjaze rated it
September 21, 2020
Status: Completed
It was honestly a good read. This would not waste your time. This novel would give you the lesson to not take advantage of the love that's already been there for you all the time or else, you'll end up like the second male lead who was a step too late for the female lead.

... more>>
Spoiler

When she was looking at Song Yi Ran, he had hidden all his intentions. When she finally started flying out, he started chasing.

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See? I loved the lesson of this novel. It doesn't mean that he loved her first and that she had a crush on him, they would end up together. Song Yi Ran and Lin Ke Song is the perfect epitome of they met but was not destined.

And I loved the male lead's passionate means to get the female lead to recognize his love for her. Jiang Qian Fan directness is totally admirable.

Again, this novel is a good read, it would not waste your time at all. <<less
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ifahidlir
ifahidlir rated it
August 18, 2020
Status: --
JUST WHY THE FCK THIS STORY IS NOT ON THE FIRST PLACE?

Oh My God. Thanks God for people who rate this. If I dont read your comment maybe I wouldn't find this gem ♪~ (´ε`)

really really love it ?
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Fei Fei
Fei Fei rated it
August 14, 2020
Status: Completed
This is my first review in this website. I had been silent reader for so long. Honestly, this novel had been in my reading list for a long time. Attracted by its good rating, but the summary was not that attractive for me.

I spent 8 hours straight reading this novel. I was hooked. By the time I finished this novel, I feel empty. How am I going to find good novel like this.

At first, I was rooting for second ML, Song Yi Ran. ML, Jiang Qian Fan was too cold... more>> to me. But, slowly with their interactions to MC, I like MC pairing with ML more. Second ML rejected the offer by Iris to sabotage ML. I salute that this novel has a good ending to love triangle.

The food description made me mouth watering too. <<less
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catlet
catlet rated it
July 27, 2020
Status: c68
Completed. This is the best modern day novel I've ever read. It's very engaging in the aspect of our FL's underdog cooking inprovement while infusing a exciting amount of romance all in a realistic but captivating way.

This is a story about a girl who has been crushing on X guy for 10 years, but he only sees her as a "bro." and he takes her to a food competition to prank the judges in a sense with her terrible cooking. She meets our blind ML chef after a chance encounter... more>> when he heard her make an offhand comment about how some soup she ate.

big spolier btw advance at your own discretion

Spoiler

GUY X HAS BEEN CRUSHING ON HER FOR THE 10 YEARS THEYVE BEEN TOGETHER TOO AND IM LIKE WHAT anyway its a good thing cus then her and chef guy would maybe not have the same path also theres like 3 kiss scenes and theyre all v nice ?

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Our ML chef is really amazing but is so realistic with his flaws but I love him. Every character is really well made and I have no critiques over the story or translation besides a very minor aspect of the last like 6 chapters didnt have much umph if ya feel me but they weren't boring - just a wee bland but honestly its not a biggie compared to the awesomeness of the rest of the story. <<less
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Onymous
Onymous rated it
June 29, 2020
Status: Completed
The story is so good. The competitions are greatly described. I love the ML and MC. I did not suffer the 2nd ML syndrome here but I do pity the 2nd ML.

... more>>
Spoiler

He had a crush on MC for 10 years and MC had a crush on him for 10 years. But due to his family's situation, he had to show that he was a wastrel. That's why he was so frivolous and kept MC at a distance, near but far. But that resulted to them never having the chance. All throughout these 10 years, MC suffered seeing him with this heiresses and he always showed it off to her when he couldn't have. I think this made her feel inferior and think that the only way was to always hide her feelings and be with his side even though she was hurting.

That's where ML comes along. He gave her security, he was also very decisive and confessed his feelings a short while later when he knew about it. All throughout the story, ML built back MC's confidence. It was really a healing point for MC. Cause for all these years, she had always been following 2nd ML and had no real passion until ML discovered her sensitive taste.

But really we can't blame 2nd ML, he had a plan. Once he usurped his brother, he was gonna be with MC and live happily ever after. But before that happened, MC flew from the nest and discovered other things that makes her happy. ML and MC makes each other happy. Albeit, ML's face is always cold and indifferent but in front of MC his tone is gentle and he's so clingy (which I like). They have chemistry both inside and outside the kitchen.

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<<less
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rizirizi
rizirizi rated it
June 26, 2020
Status: Completed
This novel made me hungry. I really liked that there is character development of all characters. The cooking fights were not too exaggerated and made me feel suspense and excitement. I only wished that there would be extras not because it ended abrupt, it actually ended nicely, but I would just like to know what comes after. That's for me being greedy haha. Anyways, this story deserves the rating.
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Blueraven
Blueraven rated it
January 21, 2020
Status: Completed
Wow! I loved it!!!

I completely fell in love with the MC and ML by the end of the series, they are so dynamic and earnest. Greatly appreciate the character growth of these two characters through emotional growth and/or culinary improvement.

Cannot stress enough my love for the ML; the character growth is not extreme but is still incredibly fulfilling. Also, he's a great guy that- while domineering and cold- is still sincere, earnest, patient, and devoted! One of my top ML in straight chinese novels, what a man! ... more>>
Spoiler

Still don't like how he forced their first & second kiss though...

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Anyways, really liked the (food) plot and the detailed descriptions of the everything really. Probably biased since I'm such a foodie; regardless, really great and easy read that made me pumped. <<less
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JaNiluv
JaNiluv
December 29, 2019
Status: --
A very sweet and fluffy romance, makes you scream from your ship sailing. But I still want to point out a few things Ive noticed:

    • I questioned ML's actions a lot in those kissy kissy moments. Like the first time or the 3rd time they kissed it was very questionable and in incomprehensible situations.
      Spoiler

      The 1st kiss was absolutely questionable, not only was it out of his character but also under normal circumstances no one would kiss a (kinda) stranger who's drunk even tho she unknowingly provoked him. The 3rd kiss was when she was crying and being vulnerable. Maybe this is my own preference but I find it very unsuited if someone kissed me when I was being vulnerable, what I would need is a hug. Also FL's and ML's situation was that of two people who still don't know of each other's feelings so ML kissing FL was very improper. FL at this point was only infatuated with him but no real realisation of her liking him, ML at this point liked her, yes but how was he sure that she 'liked him' too at this moment? He just out of nowhere kissed her without consent may I say and she hasn't even questioned herself if she had feelings for him. She only saw him as a mentor. A handsome and attractive mentor.

      [collapse]

    • This isn't really a critism towards the love rival. (Actually it doesn't apply to only this love rival) He wasn't weak or anything, really acted like a love rival. But his possessiveness and forcefulness made me really hate him. I can already see him quilt tripping ML and all those tricks just so that he can get FL. He's very selfish, may I say so. A Playboy at it's finest. He claimed he liked FL all those years but never confessed or even tried to get her, only then when she meets the love of her life he decided it was time for him to take her??? I really don't understand how these boys think, they think they can have however many girls they want but once the one they truly like wants to have some of that too, they take it away from her like?? Double standards much?? Maybe she wouldn't have been taken away from them if they actually tried to get her in the first place hello??
Overall this novel is worth the read. The main characters are totally #CoupleGoals, makes one really jealous

_
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Jden
Jden rated it
October 30, 2019
Status: Completed
This... was nice. It's not exceptional, but it's not terrible. Realistically, I've give a 3.5 but yeah. Jian Qian Fang was really inspirational, as a blind chef who utilized his disability. He was straightforward and sweet in his own way and imparted many important lessons for Ke Song her character development was great. I appreciated how Ke Song made him more loving and happy, it was different opposed to the him at the beginning who was cold and uncaring. Made him more human I guess. Oh and you can't forget... more>> Song Yi Ran. The second male lead syndrome is intense. These two leads are great in their own way, but Song Yi Ran was too late, held back too much. Haaahh. The romance was great. It was just the surroundings, the food industry and everything that sort of held the story back. The author was great with interpersonal relationships and making contrasting relationships etc... It was just the unrealistic "godly" talents they had, the repetitive competitions, the patriarchy the lack of information dealing with international culture and food etc... but not everything can be perfect. So it can't be a major set back. <<less
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Suranchan
Suranchan rated it
October 12, 2019
Status: Completed
Heart fluttering, extremely heart melting.

ML - " I will always be behind you. So, no matter what happens, do not be afraid." More powerful than the phrase 'I like you'. If this doesn't do anything for you, I dunno what will. ML loved MC unconditionally, never possessive but always supportive.

Also, this is the first time I've felt bad for a 2nd ML. He was just too slow and missed his chance despite 10 years of loving FL.

... more>>
Spoiler

After reading ch 6 1, my heart bled for 2nd ML. He truly loved MC, but what to do? He had to protect her and her family from his family, thus preventing him from confessing his true feelings for her. On the other hand, ML had clearly shown and told FL that he liked her and that would always support her.

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Author, why you make me suffer like this?? Why? <<less
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darlingv
darlingv rated it
March 6, 2019
Status: Completed
This is probably one of the BEST romance novels I've ever read. The pace is really smooth, the way they fall in love feels so natural. The ML is the personification of pure, unpretentious love. I really liked how the MC continues to grow throughout the story. There was no unnecessary drama, everything that happens serves as an opportunity for the MC to grow and for the ML to prove his feelings to her. This ML is one who backs up his sweet words with actions that made my heart... more>> melt. All in all, this is a beautiful love story that touched my heart. <<less
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SmallBookworm
SmallBookworm rated it
February 19, 2019
Status: c82
This is a comfortable novel.

My feelings for it, simplified, are exactly that. This was comfortable to read.

A sweet and honest ML, a hard-working MC. The rival characters aren't needlessly dramatic, they learn and change. No hundreds of chapters of amazing world shaking competitions and intrigues, no constantly repeated clichees.

... more>> I liked her original crush, too, and I can understand why she fell for him and later lost those feelings.

While this is certainly not the most perfect novel ever, it's an amazingly comfortable and nice read that I'd suggest to anyone. You shouldn't stop before you meet the ML, at least :) <<less
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