The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 24.1

Lin Tanwei lowered her gaze to meet Pei Ting’s upturned fox-eyes. Granting her the reaction she wanted, her voice was steady but carried a hint of ruthlessness. “Then Tanwei will naturally handle them one by one for President Pei.”

“However… President Pei would never do that,” she added.

Pei Ting laughed, as vibrant as a blooming rose. She nodded confidently. “Indeed.”

She casually replied to the messages, setting a meeting for that evening at the “MW” restaurant.

Wen Mian was blissfully unaware of the waves surging behind her. She was currently busy trying to sneakily leave gifts at Grandma Zhong’s door.

Originally, she had planned to stay and keep the grandma company, but after the “New Year’s Performance” interrogation she’d just endured from the village elders, she was feeling a bit traumatized. She decided it was safer to drop the goods and run, promising to visit properly tomorrow.

To her surprise, Grandma Zhong had already heard her footsteps. The door swung open abruptly, leaving Wen Mian caught red handed mid-bend. Awkwardness stretched between them.

Wen Mian slowly retracted her hand and gave a tentative wave. “Grandma? How are you?”

Grandma Zhong tilted her chin up and gave a heavy huff. “How am I? You dare leave all these gifts outside but are too scared to come in?”

Recalling the scene from earlier, Wen Mian nodded seriously. She was actually scared.

But on the surface, she offered a soft smile. “Grandma, it’s not that I don’t want to come in. We’re still filming, and I have to go back early to help.”

The light in Grandma Zhong’s eyes dimmed slightly, but she remained stubborn. “Fine, get back then. This old lady is waiting to see your show tomorrow!”

At the mention of the show, Wen Mian’s eyes darted around. She… should be able to understand it? Probably?

Drawing from experience, Wen Mian bolted before Grandma Zhong could react to the gifts, shouting back a cheerful, “Grandma, see you tomorrow!”

Grandma Zhong reached out as if to stop her, but a smile broke across her face, the deep wrinkles at the corners of her eyes crinkling. She cursed affectionately, “That little brat!”

By the time Wen Mian returned to the villa, the chef Zhong Li had hired had arrived and was prepping the beef. Not only that, in the adjacent kitchen area, others were preparing seafood.

Wen Mian walked over to Zhang Yunxi, who was watching the spectacle, and asked curiously, “Who are they?”

Seeing her “bestie” return, Zhang Yunxi smiled instantly. She stole a glance at Gu Man, winked at Wen Mian, and whispered, “That’s the chef Sister Gu hired to do the seafood.”

Wen Mian glanced at the seated Gu Man and nodded.

Since professional chefs were on the job, the group sensibly stayed out of the way, each attending to their own business. Nestled on the sofa, Wen Mian opened her phone to see messages from Xu Qing.

Xu Qing: Wen Mian, you’ve finally made it! A brand actually reached out to ask you to be their brand ambassador!!!

The three exclamation marks were enough to convey Xu Qing’s shock and joy.

Wen Mian’s pupils dilated slightly. A brand reached out to her? It seemed her trending status over the past few days was paying off. She glanced toward Gu Man and paid her a silent homage in her heart. She knew that without Gu Man, her popularity wouldn’t be nearly this high.

Mianmian Loves Sleeping: Which brand?

Xu Qing: MoMo Brand. It’s a clothing brand. Although their visibility isn’t huge yet, for a brand to invite someone at our current level shows real sincerity!

Wen Mian: Didn’t MoMo originally look for Song Xue?

Xu Qing’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to soothe her: It was Song Xue, but they’ve terminated the contract. You know how this industry is, they follow the hype. It was normal to look for her then, but the conditions they’re offering us are even better than what she had.

Wen Mian tapped the sofa cushion, murmuring, “MoMo brand…”

“They are decent. Their only mistake was… Song Xue,” Gu Man said suddenly.

Wen Mian whipped her head around. Gu Man was still looking down at her script, only shifting her gaze to nod at Wen Mian once she felt her stare.

Wen Mian paused for two seconds before answering coolly, “I see. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Gu Man replied, returning her focus to the script.

Wen Mian sent a message back to Xu Qing.

Mianmian Wants to Sleep: Take it. Send me the terms so I can look them over.

She accepted Gu Man’s suggestion. For some reason, Wen Mian felt an indescribable connection toward Gu Man. Though she didn’t know where it came from, she was willing to trust Gu Man’s character.

Xu Qing almost jumped for joy and typed back at lightning speed: Got it!!! I’ll send the terms now. You can sign during your break from the show.

Wen Mian trusted Xu Qing’s efficiency. With that settled, she switched to a short drama platform and began scrolling with interest. She kept the sound off to avoid disturbing the others.

Time flew by. The rich aroma of stewing meat filled the kitchen, masking the faint scent of sandalwood. Wen Mian took a deep breath, her stomach growling.

Gu Man’s lips curled into a shallow smile. She reached out, placing a palm in front of Wen Mian. Inside was a chocolate wrapped in gold foil. “Candy,” she said succinctly.

Wen Mian’s attention was snatched away. Her gaze landed on Gu Man’s hand. The first thing she noticed wasn’t the candy, but the long, well-defined fingers. Even the palm lines were delicate and tidy, the head line and the life line…

The life line was faint, broken in the middle before appearing again further down.

Wen Mian’s brow furrowed involuntarily. A strange sense of agitation rose in her heart, an urge to vent that she didn’t understand. She suppressed the thought, chanting Materialism, Materialism this was nonsense not worth believing. Besides, Gu Man was the protagonist, she would be fine!

Finally focusing on the candy, Wen Mian reached out but suddenly stopped. She shook her head. “We’re about to eat. No thanks.”

Faced with Wen Mian’s sudden coldness, the corners of Gu Man’s mouth pulled down. She felt a bit lost. She quickly mentally reviewed if she had done anything wrong but found nothing.

A look of disappointment gradually colored her expression, even the beauty mark at the corner of her eye seemed to lose its luster.

Though she didn’t understand, Gu Man quickly found an excuse for Wen Mian: She must have a reason for distancing herself. She’s not that kind of person.

Wen Mian had refused, but her eyes couldn’t help but stray toward Gu Man. Seeing her downcast gaze, Wen Mian’s fingers curled in guilt. Was that too much? She was just being kind.

Wen Mian fidgeted, and just as she was about to speak, Gu Man beat her to it. Her tone was almost coaxing. “Don’t like it? I’ll bring a different kind next time?”

Wen Mian was speechless. She reached out and gently took the chocolate from Gu Man’s palm. The brief touch of their fingertips brought a faint warmth that vanished all too quickly, leaving behind a trace of… nostalgia.

The thought startled Wen Mian. She shook her head, don’t think like that!

After a mental warning to herself, she peeled the wrapper. The sound of her pale fingertips against the gold foil was loud in the quiet space between them. She popped the chocolate into her mouth and whispered, “I do like it. Also… sorry about just now.” She met Gu Man’s eyes to convey her apology.

Gu Man shook her head. “No need to apologize.”

Wen Mian felt even guiltier, wishing she could slap her past self. If you’re going to keep your distance, do it subtly! Why be so blunt?!

The chocolate successfully staved off her hunger until the chefs finished the meal.

After seeing the chefs off, the group gathered at the table. Wen Mian took her seat instantly, her eyes glued to the food. “Sit, sit! Hurry!”

Zhang Yunxi laughed and sat next to her. Su Shiqiu was opposite Zhang Yunxi. Gu Man managed to snag the seat on Wen Mian’s other side, leaving a frustrated Wang Mo to sit across from them.

The table was steaming, and the aroma was intoxicating. Each person had a bowl of handmade beef noodles with large, tender chunks of beef in a rich broth. There was also cilantro beef tender and fragrant and fresh seafood like crabs and shrimp that were perfectly sweet with a special dipping sauce.

The chefs had also prepared some Western dishes: garlic butter shrimp and a creamy mushroom soup. For dessert, there was berry yogurt French toast, soft and decadent.

Wen Mian ate with such gusto that everyone else found themselves eating more than usual. Eventually, Wen Mian and Zhang Yunxi patted their full bellies and let out sighs of contentment.

Wang Mo and Su Shiqiu looked on with envy, they wanted to slump over too. After resisting for a second, Wang Mo gave in and joined Wen Mian in nesting in her chair.

Su Shiqiu and Gu Man exchanged a look, helpless but smiling. After a while, they all said their goodnights and headed to their rooms.

Wang Mo’s room was on the third floor. She jogged up to catch Wen Mian, her smile beaming. “Mianmian, goodnight! See you tomorrow!”

“Goodnight! See you tomorrow! You too, Xixi and Shiqiu!” Wen Mian replied.

Zhang Yunxi gave an “OK” sign. Su Shiqiu remained gentle as ever: “Goodnight, Mianmian and Manman.”

Gu Man replied, “Goodnight, everyone.”

Seeing that Wen Mian hadn’t addressed her alone, Wang Mo felt a tiny bit of disappointment, but she bounced back within thirty seconds. “Mhm!” she nodded enthusiastically.

Wen Mian smiled as she watched the three head upstairs. She turned to find Gu Man still standing beside her at her bedroom door. Wen Mian looked at her, confused. What? Are you planning to come in with me?

Though she didn’t say it, her eyes screamed the question.

Gu Man’s ears suddenly turned hot. She shook her head quickly. “No, I… I just wanted to say goodnight to you.”

It was the first time Wen Mian had seen Gu Man so flustered. It felt surreal. She even looked around for cameras, would her ‘cold goddess’ image be shattered if this was recorded? Finding none, she let out a quiet sigh of relief and smiled. “Goodnight.”

Gu Man’s furrowed brow relaxed. “Then I’ll be going.”

Wen Mian nodded, entered her room, then poked her head back out to wave. “Bye-bye.”

Watching Gu Man walk away, Wen Mian closed the door and took a sip of water. She wondered: Was Gu Man’s personality this easygoing in the novel? I seem to have forgotten. Unable to recall, she brushed it off and went to shower.

The Next Day: The Show

After a simple breakfast, the team helped set up the venue. The performance was set for 5:00 PM. At 3:00 PM, the invited guests arrived, and everyone hurried to do their makeup. By 4:00 PM, the audience began to trickle in.

Grandma Zhong arrived looking exceptionally sharp. Wen Mian and the others greeted her warmly.

“Grandma, hello!” “Hello, hello! This old lady has been waiting ages!” “Then you must watch our show closely!” “Of course, of course!”

Once the interactions ended, Zhong Li signaled the staff. “Is everyone ready?”

“Ready!” The shout was loud, and the audience below was equally excited.

Zhong Li gave the cue, Wang Qiang shouted “Action,” and the livestream began. The lights were dazzling, and the atmosphere was electric.

The livestream audience had been waiting long before the start. As soon as it went live, the influx of viewers caused a momentary lag, but the prepared staff managed to keep it stable.

[Finally! It’s been two days but feels like three years. I missed you guys!]

[Same! I missed my baby Mianmian! Mama is here!]

[Manman is as beautiful as ever. Love you, girlfriend!]

[Mianmian is also…] Wen Mian’s fans were about to praise her but suddenly went silent.

[…Mianmian is also interesting.]

Wen Mian was wearing a loud, red floral blouse and pants that even middle-aged women wouldn’t wear. She was clutching a traditional “Yangge” handkerchief and swaying her hips with great excitement.

The audience fell silent. The bullet comments slowed to a crawl. Finally, someone asked weakly:

[What is Wen Mian doing?]

[Wasn’t she supposed to do a ‘CEO’ drama?]

[May I ask, which CEO drama looks like this?]

[My mom wouldn’t even wear those clothes. No, my grandma wouldn’t even wear those!]

[It’s so ugly my pheromones are acting up!]

[I can only say: Thank god Wen Mian has that face to carry this… Ah! Wen Mian, what are you doing with that beautiful face?!]

Zhong Li’s mouth twitched. To be honest, she couldn’t accept the outfit either, mostly because she was the one who bought it. She still hadn’t recovered from the look the designer gave her when she ordered it.

Wen Mian was oblivious to the “damage” she was causing. If she knew, she’d be even more smug. Her philosophy was: If I’m not embarrassed, the embarrassment belongs to others.

After dancing for a while, she relaxed. Zhang Yunxi kept shooting her shocked glances. To her, as a photographer, this was a direct provocation.

Wang Mo jumped onto the stage with her script, happy as a golden retriever. “Hello to everyone here and watching! First, thank you for coming to see our Love Squad’s performance! This theme is for rural assistance, all tips from the livestream will go to our hardworking farmers. Without further ado, let the gala begin!”

“Our first guest is very mysterious! It’s Shiqiu’s friend, the famous goddess, Feng Xi! Welcome!”

Feng Xi, a former idol with millions of fans and genuine talent. No one expected Su Shiqiu to invite her. The livestream exploded.

Feng Xi wore a white bandeau and a matching miniskirt, with a crystal chain draped from her neck to her waist. When the music started, she tossed her reddish-gold hair, looking fierce and beautiful. Her voice was husky and alluring.

Wen Mian stared wide-eyed, a huge smile on her face. She was completely captivated. No wonder she had so many fans, she was stunning and cool. Wen Mian cupped her hands to her mouth and yelled, “So beautiful! Amazing! I like it!”

Feng Xi was caught off guard by the shout and almost forgot her lyrics when she saw Wen Mian. However, her professional instincts kicked in, and she flashed Wen Mian a seductive smile.

Wen Mian smiled back, impressed by the professionalism.

The livestream viewers were also drawn to Wen Mian’s shout.

[Wen Mian truly loves beautiful women!]

[I can testify, she’s louder than me at a concert!]

[LOL, honestly, I respect her courage to wear that outfit.]

Gu Man, who had been appreciating Feng Xi’s performance, frowned the moment she heard Wen Mian say “I like it.”

She glanced at Feng Xi, then back at Wen Mian. Wen Mian’s pale face was flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling like stars. For some reason, Gu Man felt a strange bitterness in her heart sour, like green lemons.

She watched Wen Mian for a few seconds before suddenly walking over to Wang Mo. “Wang Mo, can we add a segment later?”

Wang Mo, who was busy memorizing her script, looked at her in confusion.

Gu Man pursed her lips. “I want to perform a song and dance stage.”

Su Shiqiu, who was next in line, looked at Gu Man meaningfully. Gu Man ignored her.

Su Shiqiu thought to herself: Is this how you try to chase someone? Watch and learn. She stepped forward and urged Wang Mo, “This is great, Momo! Didn’t you think the show was too short anyway?”