The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 10

In the distance, Wen Mian saw Grandma Zhong sitting quietly at the door, dressed neatly and waiting for something.

A playful glint appeared in the corner of Wen Mian’s eyes. She quickened her pace and shouted, “Grandma, I’m here!”

Her voice was loud and cheerful. Grandma Zhong’s eyes snapped bright as she turned her head. Seemingly feeling she was being too obvious about her excitement, the old woman quickly turned back to look forward, though her peripheral vision remained fixed on Wen Mian.

Wen Mian stopped in front of her, breathing slightly heavily, her eyes shining like stars. “Grandma, I didn’t break my promise, see~”

As she spoke, she couldn’t hide a touch of “little arrogance” in her eyes, looking like a puppy that had done a good deed, tail wagging, seeking praise.

Joy filled Grandma Zhong’s eyes, but she kept her face composed. Only her softened tone betrayed her happiness: “I see. This old woman has prepared some good things for you. Want to come in and look?”

Wen Mian nodded her small head vigorously. “Of course!”

Following Grandma Zhong inside, Wen Mian discovered the “good things” were a carton of pure milk and a bag of bread and snacks.

The corners of Wen Mian’s eyes reddened slightly. She said softly, “Grandma, I don’t really like pure milk. Keep it for yourself.”

Grandma Zhong knew Wen Mian was saying that for her sake. She waved her hand forcefully. “Fine! But you must take the bread. This old woman’s teeth can’t handle it.”

This time, Wen Mian didn’t refuse. She coaxed, “Alright, I happen to love bread. Grandma, should I go help you pull the weeds now?”

Grandma Zhong shook her head. “How could I actually let you girls pull weeds? It’s already done, don’t worry.”

Wen Mian’s eyes widened in surprise. “Finished?! Grandma, aren’t you exhausted?”

Grandma Zhong pulled a stern face. “What’s exhausting about a few weeds? But I didn’t pull them. I have them to thank.” She looked toward the camera crew.

Wen Mian quickly understood. Her expression softened as she nodded sincerely to the production team. “Thank you all.”

The camera panned left and right as if saying: You’re welcome, it’s our job.

The livestream audience fell silent, many tearing up.

• “Ugh, this reminds me of my grandma.”
• “Me too. Sadly, mine passed away long ago.”
• “This is the best thing the production team has done. I’m crying!”
• “The crew finally acted human. This is the first time I’m happy to pay for a subscription.”
• “Elderly people living alone, such a meaningful topic. I’m already worried about what Grandma will do when Mianmian leaves.”
• “Don’t… I suddenly understand why Grandma was so strict at first. She just didn’t want to make a connection only to be left alone again.”

Wen Mian understood this too, which was why she wanted to do everything in her power to help.

She laughed and said, “That won’t do! This was a promise between Grandma and me. If they did the work, what am I supposed to do? Grandma, you have to stand up for me!”

A smile finally broke through the wrinkles on Grandma Zhong’s face. “In that case, you have to come every day to acco…to help this old woman pick vegetables.”

Wen Mian tilted her head up, pretending to think it over, then said slowly: “Well, alright then. I agree.”

Grandma Zhong’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled. Her wrinkles deepened as she laughed and scolded, “You ‘agree’?! Listen to you!”

Wen Mian nodded proudly. “Of course!”

After spending some time with Grandma Zhong, Wen Mian stood up to leave, considering she had to prepare dinner.

“Grandma, I’m heading back. I’ll come to see you again tomorrow.”

The curve of Grandma Zhong’s eyes faded, replaced by a hint of loss, but she forced a brave face. “Go on then. Remember to take the snacks; I don’t eat them.”

Wen Mian nodded and left with the snacks. Grandma Zhong watched her back, leaning forward slightly, her frame looking thin and frail.

The Cilantro Dilemma

Back at the house, Wen Mian called Wang Mo to the kitchen. One washed the vegetables while the other prepared them a harmonious scene.

Wen Mian planned to make pork rib soup, cilantro beef, and a vegetable dish. Just as she picked up the cilantro to chop it, the livestream viewers screamed “No!” in the comments.

As if hearing them, Wen Mian paused. She turned to Wang Mo. “Do you know if the others eat cilantro?”

Wang Mo was dazed for a second. “Shiqiu eats it. I’m not sure about the others.”

Wen Mian nodded and sent a message to the group chat they had created yesterday: Does everyone eat cilantro?

Replies came quickly.

• Zhang Yunxi: Yes, yes! Mianmian, are you making cilantro? It’s my favorite!
• Su Shiqiu: I can eat it.
• Song Xue (hesitantly): Sister Wen knows how to make so many things, Xuexue is so envious.

Wen Mian noted that Gu Man was the only one who hadn’t replied. Thinking of Gu Man focused on her script in the hall, Wen Mian sighed and stepped out of the kitchen.

Peeking her head around the door, she asked, “Gu Man, do you eat cilantro?”

Gu Man’s thoughts were interrupted. She took off her glasses, rubbed her brow, and turned. “Sorry, I don’t eat cilantro. But it’s okay if you make it, I can just eat the other dishes.”

If I actually make it, won’t your fans tear me apart? Wen Mian thought to herself.

However, she was wrong this time. The livestream was full of praise for Gu Man’s kindness.

• “Aww, our Manman is so considerate.”
• “It’s just cilantro, I don’t eat it either. Why apologize!”
• “But Wen Mian is well-intentioned too. You can’t waste what you bought!”

Back in the kitchen, Wen Mian decided to turn the cilantro into a dipping sauce instead. Whoever wanted it could take it.

As the ribs simmered, the kitchen filled with warmth. Wen Mian sat on the sofa on the other side of Gu Man, looking at her phone. The room was silent except for the bubbling of the water.

When the soup was ready, the aroma was intoxicating. Wang Mo gave a big thumbs up. “Mianmian, your cooking smells amazing! Having you here is our blessing!”

Wen Mian smiled helplessly. “You’re good too.”

Wang Mo waved her off. “I have self-awareness. I’m not competing with a master.”

The “Great Triangle” Seating

Zhang Yunxi and Su Shiqiu returned just as the soup was done. The group gathered for dinner. It was the same familiar table, but the atmosphere had shifted.

The director, Wang Qiang, was watching the monitors. Is this really a dating show? he wondered. Why does it feel like a cooking show? Where is the drama?

But seeing the traffic numbers, he swallowed his complaints. As long as there were viewers, he was happy.

When the guests sat down, Wang Qiang’s eyes lit up. “Who says there are no sparks? Look at this!”

Yesterday’s scattered seating had turned into a tight cluster. Zhang Yunxi and Su Shiqiu were chatting. Song Xue stomped her foot in frustration and sat opposite Gu Man.

Gu Man and Wang Mo had surrounded Wen Mian, one on each side. Although there was some distance between them, Wang Qiang’s veteran “dating show” instincts told him: This can be edited into a “Great Triangle” (love triangle).

Then he remembered it was a livestream. No editing could save the “triangle” narrative now.

The Heartbeat Message

After dinner came the most crucial part of the show: sending the “Heartbeat Message.”

Wen Mian tapped her screen with a calm expression.

• “Is she sending it? Who is she picking?”
• “Yesterday’s partner Shiqiu or today’s CP Wang Mo? Place your bets!”
• “I’m team ‘QiuMian’! Shiqiu was the first to greet her!”
• “No, team ‘MoMian’! They went through so much together today!”

Wen Mian lowered her eyes and pressed send.

Ding-dong. The livestream went black.

• “WHAT?! Who did she send it to?!”
• “I’m a VIP member, show me the results!”
• “Director, act like a human! Tell us the result!”

Director Wang Qiang smirked at the angry comments and posted an announcement: The livestream is over for today. Please watch the official edited video for the results!

He looked at the actual messages sent by the guests, fell into deep thought for a second, and then began to gloat. I hope you guys can handle this…

The next morning began with a beautiful breakfast. Being celebrities, everyone ate very little, much to Wen Mian’s delight, as she happily tucked into dumplings, pancakes, and rice porridge.

But her relaxation didn’t last long. Wang Qiang appeared with a megaphone.

“Guests! Today’s task is very arduous! As the saying goes, ‘Hoeing millet in the midday sun, sweat drips onto the soil.’ Food is the most important thing. Therefore, your task is to help the farmers harvest crops and experience the hardships of rural life!”