Cover Aaron Khor, chef-owner of the Fifty Tales Group with his girlfriend Lee Zhi Ling, a certified nutritionist and content creator
Aaron Khor, chef-owner of the Fifty Tales Group with his girlfriend Lee Zhi Ling, a certified nutritionist and content creator
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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Aaron Khor and Lee Zhi Ling reflect on the nuances of young love
When Aaron Khor, chef-owner of the Fifty Tales Group, took notice of a regular customer lamenting the closure of his KL restaurant, he never expected it would lead to a love story. But that’s exactly what happened when he “slid into the DMs” of Lee Zhi Ling, a nutritionist who would later become his partner in romance and a cherished business ally.
Their modern romance began most fittingly for a chef—over food. After weeks of friendly texting, Lee sealed the deal by bringing Khor his favourite Ma Lai Go from Penang. “I hooked him in,” Lee says, remembering how that thoughtful gesture helped spark their relationship in April 2023.
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What sets this young couple apart is their refreshingly practical approach to love. While many couples their age might rely on spontaneity and passion alone, Khor and Lee treat their relationship with the same dedication and strategic thinking they apply to their professional lives.
“Treat your relationship like a business—it’s project management,” Khor advises. “If you want your project to succeed, set it up for success. Begin with the end in mind and think about how you want your relationship to look at the end of the day.” This might sound unromantic to some, but their systematic approach includes a relationship checklist they evaluate every three months to stay in tune.
Above What sets this young couple apart is their refreshingly practical approach to love
What sets this young couple apart is their refreshingly practical approach to love
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Working together could spell disaster for many couples, but Khor and Lee use it to strengthen their bond. As Lee helps create content for Fifty Tales’ social media, they’ve learned to bridge their perspectives. “There are certain things I see from a business point of view and she sees from the consumer’s point of view,” Khor explains, often admiring Lee’s ability to make hard facts entertaining for her audience. “We say ‘it’s you and me against the problem’ and come together for a win-win situation or no deal.” The approach applies to their relationship as Khor adds, “It’s not about ‘compromise’ but maturity, understanding and aligning needs.”
See also: The ideal Valentine's Day date, according to chefs
The couple shares complementary love languages—Khor expresses his love through acts of service as Lee values quality time and words of affirmation. Despite working long hours as a chef, Khor still cooks for Lee at home, a gesture she deeply appreciates. “He shows love in the little things, from helping with household chores to giving me a ride to the airport. I never shy away from praising him,” Lee adds, feeling it’s crucial to verbalise both affection and appreciation.
Their approach to quality time is equally pragmatic. Rather than forcing grand gestures, they find magic in small moments—sharing breakfast, going to the gym together or simply being present while the other works. As Khor says, “It’s about seizing all opportunities to spend time together and not taking these small actions for granted.” Even so, the couple respect balancing time as individuals. “We’ve tried cooking together, which was a bit stressful. Now, we cook for each other,” he says.
Above “We say ‘it’s you and me against the problem’ and come together for a win-win situation or no deal,” Khor says
“We say ‘it’s you and me against the problem’ and come together for a win-win situation or no deal,” Khor says
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Communication is their cornerstone but with a realistic twist. “We don’t subscribe to the belief that if you’re my partner, you should know me intuitively or remember every detail about my preferences,” Khor says as Lee adds, “If I want flowers, I tell him.” In their experience, avoiding making assumptions or attempting to mindread is the goal. They have even established a “code to connect.” When one partner asks for a hug, it’s a signal for immediate attention and connection. “I return home, ask how her day was and enjoy a moment of intimacy with her after work. That’s one of our main moments of connection and constantly engaging in it builds the relationship’s strength,” Khor explains.
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Their differences become strengths in crisis management. Lee brings empathy and patience, as Khor says she “listens without giving solutions first.” Meanwhile, Khor contributes his talent for detailed problem-solving and unwavering commitment to decisions. “Once he makes a choice, he commits to it without thinking twice,” Lee says, noting how this also builds trust in their relationship.
Perhaps most importantly, they view arguments not as threats but as opportunities for growth. “Arguments are a great way for us to find our differences and how we can navigate them,” Lee explains. “If the two of us were too similar, we’d be in an echo chamber. Instead, we practice setting egos aside.” Khor agrees that differing viewpoints are essential to establishing synergy.
While Khor and Lee acknowledge they’re still in their relationship’s “foundational phase,” their methodical approach to building a strong base aims to equip them for a life together. Khor says, “We’re working to ensure that our foundation is healthy and choose not to worry about future challenges until they come.”
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Photography: Fady Younis
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