Since It Has Come To This, Let’s Eat First!

Zhu Yu is a young Chinese art student studying in London who was sent abroad three months prior after a rebellious incident angered his family. His living expenses are strictly controlled, leaving him with insufficient funds to afford proper meals. Having grown up in China, he finds the local British food unpalatable and suffers from chronic hunger, often watching food live streams on an empty stomach to distract himself. He lives in a university dormitory with his rescued cat, Liu Bo, and works a part-time job at a café to supplement his income. His personality is described as spoiled and willful, yet he is also independent and proud, refusing to apologize to his family despite his difficult circumstances.

Bai Chen is a twenty-five-year-old architectural design student who recently returned to school after taking a two-year leave of absence due to psychological issues. During his break, he taught himself to cook and began posting food tutorials online under the handle "Bai Ze," developing a desire to feed others. He moves into the same dormitory building as Zhu Yu, specifically in room 514, while Zhu Yu occupies room 515. Bai Chen is physically imposing with a muscular build, gentle in demeanor, and skilled in the kitchen. He maintains a low profile and keeps his personal life private, though he is well-regarded by his professors for his talent.

The core conflict begins when Zhu Yu, driven by hunger and following the aroma of cooking from his neighbor, discovers that Bai Chen is his online food idol. In a desperate and humorous encounter, Zhu Yu and his cat knock on Bai Chen's door, leading to Bai Chen inviting the starving student inside for a meal of braised chicken rice. Zhu Yu eats with such intensity that he tears up from the deliciousness of authentic Chinese food, marking the beginning of their close relationship. Bai Chen, who has never cooked for anyone before, feels a strange sense of satisfaction from feeding Zhu Yu.

As their friendship develops, Zhu Yu attempts to cook for himself but repeatedly fails, resulting in burnt dishes. Bai Chen steps in to help, teaching him proper cooking techniques and sharing meals with him. Zhu Yu gifts Bai Chen a hand-painted ceramic cup, which Bai Chen places prominently in his home, signaling his growing attachment. Meanwhile, Zhu Yu’s professors, Mayra and Vera, reveal that Bai Chen is a former student of theirs who has lost his creative spark in architectural design, producing rigid and formulaic work. They ask Zhu Yu to help Bai Chen regain his inspiration, leveraging their shared cultural background and Zhu Yu’s artistic boldness.

A key turning point occurs when Zhu Yu learns that his neighbor is the troubled student his professors wish to help. He accepts the role of "junior brother" to Bai Chen, the "senior brother," and begins to interact with him more frequently. Zhu Yu’s vibrant personality and artistic perspective start to influence Bai Chen, who had been feeling stuck and isolated. The story highlights the contrast between Zhu Yu’s chaotic, colorful life and Bai Chen’s orderly, restrained existence. Their bond deepens through shared meals and daily interactions, with Zhu Yu relying on Bai Chen for food and emotional support, while Bai Chen finds purpose and joy in caring for Zhu Yu.

The narrative moves toward a romantic development as Bai Chen’s desire to feed and care for Zhu Yu evolves into deeper feelings. Zhu Yu, initially oblivious, begins to notice Bai Chen’s attentiveness and physical attractiveness. The story sets up a dynamic where Zhu Yu’s rebellious spirit helps break down Bai Chen’s emotional walls, while Bai Chen’s stability and generosity provide Zhu Yu with the nurturing he lacks from his distant family. As they navigate their studies and personal growth, their relationship transitions from neighborly friendship to a more intimate connection, driven by mutual support and the simple, grounding act of sharing food.