The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 24

Seeing that Wen Mian remained silent, Zhang Yunxi thought she was brooding over the online comments. She quickly offered comfort, “Mianmian, don’t pay attention to those comments online. I think you did great!”

After all, not everyone has the courage to find a way to strike back when facing a wave of internet vitriol.

Wen Mian smiled and shook her head lightly. “I’m fine. Speaking of which, what are we eating tonight?”

Hearing this, Zhang Yunxi realized she truly was okay and immediately beamed a wide smile. “I’m not sure! It looks like we’re out of vegetables. How about we go browse the supermarket?”

Su Shiqiu interjected, “Sure! I haven’t been to a supermarket in ages!”

Wang Mo joined in, her voice raised in excitement, “Count me in!”

The three of them looked at Wen Mian. Meeting their expectant eyes, a mischievous idea popped into Wen Mian’s head.

She feigned a troubled expression, her brows furrowing slightly. “Hmm…”

Their hearts immediately leapt into their throats as they waited for her hesitation to end.

Looking at the three of them sitting bolt upright in anticipation, Wen Mian burst out laughing and agreed happily, “Of course we can!”

Realizing Wen Mian had been teasing them, Zhang Yunxi put her hands on her hips in mock anger. “Good one, Wen Mian! You actually dared to tease us!”

As she spoke, she reached toward Wen Mian’s waist, pretending to tickle her.

Wen Mian scrambled to dodge, laughing uncontrollably and repeatedly pleading for mercy, “I was wrong! I’m sorry!”

When Gu Man entered, this was the scene she encountered: Wen Mian’s slender body was nestled against the edge of the sofa, her smile bright. Her fox-like eyes were half-squinted, the corners upturned and flushed with a faint red, resembling the petals of a shyly blooming crabapple flower.

In the midst of the playfulness, a sliver of her slim waist was revealed, pale with a hint of delicate pink.

Gu Man’s gaze involuntarily drifted to that soft waist. Her earlobes gradually turned red and hot, as if burned, she quickly averted her eyes.

She didn’t know that the camera had keenly captured this moment.

Seeing Gu Man enter, Wen Mian glanced her way out of the corner of her eye but quickly looked away again.

Su Shiqiu was the first to speak, raising her arm. “Gu Man, want to go to the supermarket together?”

Gu Man stood tall and elegant. Regaining her composure, she nodded, her tone masking the inner turmoil as she feigned indifference. “Sure.”

Once decided, the three of them hurried upstairs to get ready for the outing.

Zhang Yunxi and Wen Mian, having no such need, sat quietly on the sofa waiting for them.

Gu Man came downstairs quickly, wearing a black lapel shirt with a black mask and hat.

Despite the low-profile outfit, her unique aura remained exceptionally striking. Wen Mian couldn’t help but wonder: Is she really not going to be recognized?

A few minutes later, Su Shiqiu and Wang Mo also descended.

Wang Mo’s outfit was more common, white top and pants but she wore a string of coral colored jewelry around her neck, a white mask, and a beret.

Su Shiqiu wore a wine red striped short-sleeved shirt with navy high-waisted jeans, looking beautiful and refined.

As the three of them walked down one by one like they were on a runway, Zhang Yunxi’s jaw dropped. She showered them with exaggerated praise while non-stop snapping photos with her phone.

“So beautiful! Yes, yes! Just like that!”

“Oh, what a pity I don’t have my professional camera. It’s a crime not to use one for these three faces!”

Wen Mian’s lips twitched upward. Zhang Yunxi was truly a character; her professional habits were impressive.

Thus, Wen Mian joined in, clapping like a happy seal with bright eyes.

Gu Man’s expression softened. Approaching Wen Mian, she asked in a low voice, “How do I look?”

The scent of sandalwood instantly enveloped her. Wen Mian took a step back and cleared her throat. “Not bad. Everyone looks beautiful.”

She wasn’t lying; they truly were beautiful, though she wasn’t referring to just one person.

Gu Man raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. She simply echoed, “Indeed. You are right.”

For some reason, Wen Mian felt a prickle of annoyance. She rarely got angry, but the person beside her always seemed to know how to provoke her.

It was likely because she always said such ambiguous things… things that led to misunderstandings. Wen Mian felt a flash of irritation and shot her a secret glare.

Unprepared for the glare, Gu Man’s lips curled up secretly as she struggled to remain calm.

But Wen Mian keenly sensed Gu Man’s amusement. The faint sandalwood scent seemed to grow richer. She huffed loudly in her mind and moved to the other side.

Zhang Yunxi, completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere between the two, was still lost in her photography. Her flattery was so sweet that Wang Mo and Su Shiqiu couldn’t stop smiling.

Once the “shoot” was over, Zhang Yunxi looked at the photos on her phone and nodded with satisfaction. Good, my skills haven’t slipped.

The group piled into the seven-seater car provided by the production crew. Considering Gu Man’s fame, the crew had chosen a higher-end supermarket that wasn’t very crowded.

Stepping out of the car, the group entered the store.

Wen Mian and Zhang Yunxi pushed the cart, joyfully hunting for food. They first arrived at the meat section. Looking at the fresh marbled beef in the refrigerated display, Wen Mian secretly swallowed her saliva.

I want to eat it, but I’m not great at cooking… Wen Mian sighed helplessly. Suddenly, her eyes darted around, and her burning gaze landed on the nearby production staff.

Wang Qiang shuddered and quickly looked away.

Zhong Li, however, actively met Wen Mian’s gaze. Her voice was calm but carried a hint of softness. “What do you want?”

Wen Mian beamed, rubbing her hands together like a fly. “Remember that request you guys promised me last time?”

Zhong Li nodded. “Of course. Name it.”

Wen Mian’s smile grew wider as she pointed at the marbled beef in the fridge. “I want to eat beef. You guys help me cook it.”

Zhong Li remained composed, glanced at the beef, and grunted an “Mhm” in agreement. “Fine. You guys pick it out, and I’ll find someone to cook it later.”

Wen Mian and Zhang Yunxi bent over and high-fived, cheering a happy “Oh yeah!”

Infected by their joyful mood, everyone wore a smile, watching their antics with indulgence.

Even Gu Man’s cold face softened. She glanced at Zhong Li out of the corner of her eye and then quickly looked away.

With the meat successfully secured, the group moved to the vegetable section, picked a few items at random, and then arrived at the place Wen Mian considered the most important and joyful part of a supermarket: the snack aisle.

There were many young people in the snack section. Upon seeing Wen Mian’s group, their eyes lit up instantly as they looked down to message their friends.

Sensing the sudden increase in attention, Wen Mian looked back helplessly and sighed.

As expected, we’re drawing eyes. Her suspicion confirmed, Wen Mian didn’t realize that her own “lethality” was quite high as well.

Curious glances followed them, accompanied by faint whispers.

Wen Mian and Zhang Yunxi exchanged a look, both silently agreeing to ignore it.

Wen Mian browsed happily. Soon, the cart was piled high with snacks. Perhaps because she had been too busy in her past life to enjoy snacks, she was exceptionally fond of them in this life.

Looking at the full cart, her smile was radiant and moving, causing a few audible gasps from onlookers.

Just as she was about to head to the checkout, a woman exuding a rich coffee aroma walked over and stood in front of Wen Mian.

Wen Mian’s happy mood paused. She looked up in confusion. The woman before her had bright eyes and white teeth, her expression flickering with excitement.

“Hello…?” Wen Mian spoke hesitantly. Was she recognized? But shouldn’t they be looking for Gu Man?

As soon as Wen Mian spoke, the excitement in the woman’s eyes became uncontrollable. She seemed at a loss, wanting to grab Wen Mian’s arm but stopping mid-air out of politeness.

“Mianmian! Ahhh! I finally saw you! I’m your ‘Mama-fan’! Are you buying snacks? Boohoo, and Manman is here too…Mama is so satisfied! I have to brag to my lazy sister who refused to come out, she’s going to die of regret!!!”

A string of words tumbled out of her mouth without a single pause, showing just how thrilled she was.

Wen Mian was utterly bewildered. Mama? Wait, is this right?

But seeing the fan’s brilliant smile, Wen Mian silently accepted it, swallowing her questions. She tilted her head and winked. “It’s us. Don’t tell anyone, okay~”

The fan immediately clutched her heart, her soul trembling from the cuteness. She nodded vigorously and whispered excitedly, “Mhm, mhm! I won’t tell! But Mianmian, a lot of people have noticed you already. Be careful!”

Wen Mian discreetly scanned the surroundings. Just as the woman said, people nearby were indeed excited, wanting to approach but afraid of interrupting.

While most were polite fans, to prevent any incidents, Wen Mian nodded quickly. “We’re leaving now. Thank you for the warning, ‘baby’.”

The fan became even more ecstatic, dizzy with joy, giggling incessantly. “Hehe, Mianmian called me baby! Hehe!”

Wen Mian gave an indulgent smile and waved. “Bye-bye!”

Zhang Yunxi followed suit. “Bye-bye!”

They checked out directly at the cart and left quickly.

Only after they were gone did the people in the supermarket start screaming and calling their friends.

“Guess who I ran into?” “Who? Tell me, tell me!” The gossip instinct never dies. “Gu Man and her group! Isn’t that lucky!” The tone was full of pride. “What?! If I’d known, I would’ve gone too! Are they still there?” The friend was shocked, regretful, and wishing for wings to fly there. “Hehe, they’re gone!” Hearing their friend’s regret made them feel even more satisfied as they spoke teasingly. “You jerk!” As expected, the friend was furious, if they wanted wings to see their idol before, they now wanted wings to fly over and pummel their friend.

The “culprits” behind these petty quarrels had already returned to the small country courtyard. Putting the groceries down, Wen Mian slumped onto the sofa, feeling cozy enough to doze off.

After resting for a few minutes, she rallied her spirits and helped everyone prepare the vegetables.

Zhong Li went outside to call a chef and briefly explain the situation.

Once the prep was done, there was still some time before dinner. Wen Mian glanced at the gifts in the corner and turned to ask, “Does anyone want to go for a stroll?”

Zhang Yunxi waved a hand, sounding exhausted. “Mianmian, I’m not going. I’m a bit tired.”

Seeing Zhang Yunxi decline, Su Shiqiu followed suit.

Wang Mo, however, looked over immediately, her peach-blossom eyes curving. “I’ll go!”

Gu Man put down the script and pen in her hand, looked directly at Wen Mian, and said, “Together.”

Wen Mian looked at the two of them, feeling that things were going south. She wished she could go back in time and slap… well, cover her own mouth. Why did I even ask?!

Maintaining her composure, she nodded. “Then let’s go!”

Saying this, she took the lead, picking up the gifts she had specifically bought.

Gu Man and Wang Mo followed behind at first, but soon caught up to walk alongside her.

Zhang Yunxi and Su Shiqiu watched the three retreating figures, exchanged a glance, and smiled silently.

While it was called a “stroll,” Wen Mian’s main goal was to give Grandma Zhong some gifts. Ever since she had taken her snacks last time, she had been planning to do this.

The sunset over the fields was still beautiful, painting the blue sky with fiery red, a truly refreshing sight.

Gu Man looked straight ahead and said softly, “Let me carry that?”

Wang Mo looked at her in disbelief, as if saying: You’re not playing fair!

Refusing to be outdone, she quickly added, “Yeah, Mianmian, why don’t you give the things to us.”

Warning bells rang in Wen Mian’s head. I knew it!

She didn’t want to offend either side, so Wen Mian quickened her pace and shook her head. “No need! I can do it myself!”

Sensing Wen Mian’s discomfort, Gu Man frowned slightly and said, “I want to go check out that side. Wang Mo, want to come?”

Wang Mo was stunned, confused. “Me… me?” She looked at Wen Mian, then at Gu Man, and realized it might be awkward. After a second of hesitation, she pointed in the opposite direction. “I’d rather go over there.”

Wen Mian relaxed slightly. She loved watching a “crematory” drama, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be in the middle of one.

So, she smiled and nodded. “Then I’ll head straight ahead.”

The two nodded, watching Wen Mian turn and walk forward, then glanced at each other before heading their separate ways.

The videographer was speechless. They had assumed everyone would walk together, so only one cameraman had been sent. Looking left and right, she finally chose to follow Wen Mian and Gu Man.

After all, Gu Man was the big star with the most fans.

Gu Man didn’t care about the photographer behind her. Having entered the entertainment industry at nineteen, three years had passed; she was long used to the lens and could naturally ignore it.

More importantly… her gaze drifted toward Wen Mian’s back. Her fingertips trembled slightly, her brows knitting as she let out a silent sigh. I’ve made things difficult for her again.

For the first time in a long time, Gu Man felt a sense of helplessness. Since “that incident,” she rarely had emotional outbursts; even the vanity of the entertainment circle wasn’t enough to stir her feelings.

But now…

She suddenly felt it, because of someone… someone she hadn’t even spared a glance for before.

Gu Man retracted her gaze. She didn’t understand why this change had occurred, but she knew she wanted to be… friends with the current Wen Mian.

Without the cameraman tailing her directly, Wen Mian felt incredibly free. She swung the hand holding the gifts back and forth, humming a nameless little tune.

The closer she got to Grandma Zhong’s house, the more people appeared on the road.

Thanks to Wen Mian accompanying Grandma Zhong every day, the villagers were no longer strangers. Seeing her carrying things, they teased her with smiles, “Bringing things for your Grandma Zhong?”

Wen Mian nodded, bending down to take out some bread from one of the gift boxes and distributing it to everyone.

“I brought some for you uncles and aunties too!” she said playfully.

Not expecting Wen Mian to be so polite, the elderly villagers sitting around were stunned. They stood up in surprise, waving her off. “Keep it for yourself! Why give it to us!”

“Exactly! It’s not like we don’t have food!”

Wen Mian helplessly pulled her hands away from their attempts to return the items and quickly placed the boxes on the ground. “I have food too! These are for you anyway, just think of it as a thank you for coming to see the show tomorrow!”

With that, Wen Mian bolted, leaving only a wave of her hand behind her.

The villagers looked at each other, but their faces were filled with genuine affection.

“Let’s divide them up. It’s the child’s heart, after all,” the oldest and most senior “Intelligence Bureau” grandma spoke up.

The others looked at each other. “Alright then, let’s just split them.”

As they divided the bread, the grandma who spoke first tore into a piece, took a bite, and added, “Since the child was kind enough to bring us bread, we can’t let her lose out, understand?”

The others nodded and waved their hands.

“We get it, Sister Wang! Don’t you worry!”

“Exactly, we all know. I’m calling my rebellious daughter right now.”

“I’m calling too!”

The response was unanimous. They pulled out the latest, unreleased smartphone models and hit dial. Sister Wang, satisfied, also lowered her head to send a text to her daughter.

In an instant, the new generation of corporate heirs, bombarded by their mothers, were baffled and confused. Who exactly is this Wen Mian that has Mother and Mama so concerned?!

They pursed their lips and instructed their special assistants to investigate her identity.

Thinking it was the simplest of tasks, the assistants agreed cheerfully, but they soon returned defeated, walking into the offices with long faces.

With eyes full of resentment mixed with a breakdown, they stared at the chairpersons before them, thinking: I knew you wouldn’t give me an easy task!

Under the burning, resentful gaze, the CEOs nearly shuddered. Clearing their throats, they asked, “What? Is there a problem?”

The assistants immediately found a vent for their grievances. “Yes! Special Assistant Lin, who is by President Pei’s side at Wen Corporation, came over and warned that no one is allowed to probe into Wen Mian’s identity!”

“Special Assistant Lin…” The female executives lowered their eyes, deep in thought. Wen Mian, surnamed Wen… they had always heard that Pei Ting had a sister with whom she shared a strained relationship. It seemed this was the one.

One of them flicked her fingers lazily, her voice low and resonant. “No need to investigate further. I’ll go meet Pei Ting personally. It’s been a while since we last caught up anyway.”

Pei Ting wasn’t surprised to receive invitations from these CEOs. In the business world, everyone was a “fox” cunning and sharp. It wasn’t hard to guess why they were calling, and Pei Ting made no effort to hide the truth.

As for why they hadn’t cared before, the reason was simple: the young miss was unfavored. She brought no economic benefit, so befriending her was seen as less productive than focusing on their own studies.

Pei Ting smiled thinly, turning toward Lin Tanwei. “Tanwei, do you think I should go?” She relished the idea of teasing these “mini-CEOs” who had nothing better to do than stir up trouble for her.

Lin Tanwei’s features were as calm as a painting. She sighed softly. “If President Pei wishes to go, then go.”

Pei Ting loved nothing more than creating ripples on Lin Tanwei’s calm surface. Her eyes lit up, and she asked coaxingly, “But what if I accidentally offend them?”