The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 13

Wen Mian’s fox-like eyes flickered toward Gu Man, who was sitting on the sofa wearing gold-rimmed glasses, her head bowed as she read through a script.

Gu Man wore a slim-fit white shirt with the sleeves neatly folded to her elbows, revealing the smooth lines of her arms. Her shirt was buttoned all the way to the top, accentuating her long, elegant neck. Her entire presence exuded a sense of meticulous refinement.

Did she make it? Wen Mian murmured inwardly. She then looked at Zhang Yunxi with a smile. “Then I’ll have to properly taste the handicraft of you and Shiqiu.”

Zhang Yunxi nodded excitedly, grabbing Wen Mian’s arm with enthusiasm. “We were just waiting for you!”

Following the pull, Wen Mian arrived at the dining table, where Su Shiqiu began uncovering the dishes one by one.

The takeout looked like takeout, and the dishes made by the two girls… well, one could only say they weren’t burnt and were edible, whether they tasted good was another matter entirely.

Finally, the cream of mushroom soup in the center caught Wen Mian’s appetite. The rich broth was packed with finely diced mushrooms and topped with golden, crispy bacon bits, emitting a savory aroma.

Wang Mo called Song Xue downstairs, and the group gathered around the table.

Perhaps because farming had drained too much of her energy, Song Xue was uncharacteristically quiet and didn’t look for trouble, actually appearing somewhat like a charming, pampered princess for once.

Wen Mian lowered her head to sample the food in front of her, her eyes shining as she looked at the mushroom soup. Just as she was enjoying her meal, a bowl of soup suddenly appeared in front of her.

Looking up, she saw Gu Man standing there, leaning over slightly as she ladled the soup. Her voice was calm and steady. “This is for you.”

Wen Mian was momentarily dazed. She took a spoonful; the rich milky fragrance combined with the tenderness of the mushrooms exploded in her mouth.

Wen Mian’s eyes widened slightly. She was genuinely impressed, and her face couldn’t help but show it. She didn’t hold back her praise, pouring out a basketful of sweet words: “It’s delicious! Sister Gu, your cooking is amazing! This is the best cream of mushroom soup I’ve ever had!”

Gu Man handed the ladle to Wang Mo, not forgetting to respond: “Drink more.”

The others caught on quickly and immediately began “condemning” Wen Mian. “Mianmian, you’ve said all the compliments already! What are we supposed to say now?”

Wen Mian blinked, startled. Eh? Is that how it works?

Gu Man slightly turned her body, shielding Wen Mian, and spoke calmly, “There’s no need for praise. I’ll be satisfied as long as you all finish it.”

Su Shiqiu took a large gulp from her bowl. “Then you don’t have to worry, we won’t leave a single drop!”

Wang Mo nodded, her peach-blossom eyes twinkling. “Don’t worry, Gu Man, we’ll definitely finish it! By the way, you seem to be blocking Mianmian…”

Gu Man’s body stiffened. She slowly moved aside, her sidelong glance sweeping over Wang Mo. The soft light in her eyes vanished, replaced by a gaze as sharp as a tempered blade.

Wang Mo didn’t notice a thing, still grinning happily at Wen Mian.

Wen Mian pursed her lips and smiled, obediently sipping her soup.

[Live Chat]:

• “Haha, Momo, don’t you feel a sudden chill?”
• “I’m so curious how good Manman’s soup actually is. Wen Mian hasn’t even looked up from her bowl.”
• “To be honest, I’m curious too…”
• “If only Manman baby could cook for me one day!”
• “Sister, keep dreaming. Even I don’t dare think that far.”

After finishing her bowl, Wen Mian silently observed the others. Seeing that they didn’t seem inclined to have more, she quietly finished off the remaining soup.

Afterward, it was time to send the “Heartbeat Text Messages.” Director Wang Qiang turned off the livestream as usual.

Wen Mian thought for a second and then briskly sent a message to Gu Man: Being partners was very happy, and the cream of mushroom soup was delicious. I love it!

She added a cute emoticon at the end.

Inside the bathroom, the air was thick with mist. Gu Man, dressed in a white bathrobe, walked out while drying her hair. Droplets of water fell from her strands onto her pale, elegant neck.

Her phone chimed. she opened it casually, and a flicker of joy overflowed in her normally calm eyes, like spring water flowing in March.

Gu Man put down her towel and tapped her fingers on the desk for a long while before typing a single line.

[Gu Man: Everything is beautiful.]

The praise is beautiful, the scenery is beautiful, and so are you.

Wen Mian raised an eyebrow as she looked at the message. She didn’t catch the underlying meaning; instead, her attention was drawn to Gu Man’s profile picture.

The profile picture was much like the woman herself dignified yet noble. A brilliant starry sky surrounded a dazzling red rose.

Tossing her phone aside, Wen Mian lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.

Since she had slept too much in the afternoon, she wasn’t very tired. She couldn’t help but touch the gland at the back of her neck. Though covered by an isolation patch, a faint scent of strawberry still seeped out, filling the room.

Wen Mian swallowed hard. She felt a sudden craving; she wanted to eat…

As soon as the thought appeared, she shook her head vigorously to drive it away.

The phone vibrated, interrupting her messy thoughts. She picked it up and answered.

“Mianmian, shall we meet after you finish recording the show?” The voice on the other end was gentle, carrying a hint of caution.

Wen Mian looked at the phone in confusion. There was no contact name saved. She frowned slightly, unsure of how to respond.

After a long silence, the woman on the other end’s breathing grew heavier, but she still asked tenderly, “Mianmian, are you listening? Can Mom see you for a bit?”

Wen Mian sat up abruptly. The original host’s mother?!

She scrambled to think of a reply. Should she refuse? But they would have to meet eventually.

In that case…

“Okay…” Wen Mian agreed. Whatever comes, comes; at worst, her identity would be exposed. Wen Mian thought with a “salted fish” mentality.

Hearing Wen Mian agree, the woman became joyful. “That’s great. Just let me know when you’re free, and Mom will arrange everything.”

Wen Mian gave a soft “Mm.”

The two remained silent for a moment, the sound of their heartbeats almost audible.

Finally, the woman spoke first. “Then Mianmian, Mom is hanging up. Take care of yourself.”

Wen Mian hesitated for a moment, eventually just whispering, “Mm.”

Flopping back onto the bed, Wen Mian couldn’t help but think about the original host’s mother. It was known that the host had been very happy before the age of eighteen and that her mother was a gentle person.

So, how did things break down to this point?

Wen Mian thought back and forth but couldn’t find an answer. She sighed and went limp on the bed.

Whatever! I should focus on my own life first! She rolled over and buried herself in the blankets.

Outside, a light rain began to fall, blurring the view of the window.

The next day, Wen Mian sat on the sofa in a long red robe, legs crossed, holding a steaming cup. Various snacks were spread across the coffee table.

She took a sip of warm milk and exhaled contentedly. “So comfortable!”

The viewers in the livestream expressed their envy and “hatred.”

[Live Chat]:

• “So cozy, I want that too!”
• “Who actually gets to live like this? Oh, it’s Wen Mian.”
• “How does Wen Mian turn a dating show into ‘Back to Field’? Watch and learn…”
• “Everyone is so talented, while my life is just work, work, work! Can work just drop dead! This rain matches my mood it’s not heavy, but it dampens my whole world.”
• “No, Director! I want to see Wen Mian get busy!”
• “Agreed! Send her to another segment!”

Wang Qiang appeared just as the audience was calling for him. He cleared his throat and raised a fist to his mouth. “It’s a new day! Of course, Heartbeat of First Love must have a new look. Therefore, I announce, a new mission is coming!”