The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 27

[So beautiful!!! Our “Gu Wen Forever” finally has a photo of the two of them together!]

[I’m seriously going to faint, why is it so sweet today?!]

[I knew with my sharp eyes I couldn’t be wrong! Welcome, sisters, come join the ship, it’s truly gorgeous, sweet, and so easy to ship!]

With a casual comment, Wen Mian hadn’t expected to actually attract a large number of “CP fans” (shippers).

Of course, there were many irrational fans clamoring against Wen Mian’s behavior, but their comments were quickly deleted and suppressed by the teams of Xu Qing and Wang Fei, who were silently monitoring the situation behind the scenes.

Watching the way Wen Mian and Gu Man looked at each other, Wang Mo felt as if she had eaten a lemon, one that wasn’t ripe, tasting astringent, bitter, and carrying a heart-wrenching sourness.

Clenching the microphone, she suddenly spoke up to interrupt, “In that case, let’s thank our Mianmian and Manman, along with the performance brought by yours truly.”

After the pleasantries were exchanged, Wen Mian and Gu Man nodded to Wang Mo in unison and stepped off the stage.

The next performer was Wang Mo’s friend within the industry, Shi Yuezhi, who presented a traditional intangible cultural heritage. Face Changing. Her skills were masterful, leaving the audience surprised at every turn.

Unsurprisingly, this heritage performance was the most popular on-site. The elderly grandparents and middle-aged uncles and aunts clapped wildly, cheering with joy.

Seeing Shi Yuezhi leave the stage, Wen Mian assumed the performances had ended and immediately decided to turn around to find Grandma Zhong.

However, a familiar low cough suddenly reached her ears. Was that… Gu Man?!

Wen Mian snapped her head back, her eyes staring straight at the stage. Gu Man was still in her simple attire, but a touch of red had been swept across the corners of her eyes, making the small mole that appeared when she looked at people particularly striking.

Wen Mian’s gaze moved from the corner of her eyes to her earlobes, where a new pair of earrings had been swapped in shining like rubies. A simple crystal necklace accentuated her charming collarbones and slender neck.

As if sensing Wen Mian’s gaze, Gu Man looked up and captured Wen Mian’s eyes. When they locked gazes, her narrow phoenix eyes lifted, breaking her usual cold demeanor.

Wen Mian’s eyelashes fluttered violently. She forced herself not to look away, she was the one who had looked away first last time, why was Gu Man so calm now!

Seeing this, Gu Man looked even more satisfied. Her loose, black silk-like hair fluttered with her movements, creating a hazy silhouette under the lights.

For the first time, Wen Mian felt that someone could be this beautiful. Her heart throbbed, as if it were applauding the person in her eyes.

Gu Man’s dance moves were crisp and neat. During the dance, her abdominal muscles were revealed, covered in a thin layer of sweat that shimmered in the dim light.

Her voice remained clear and cold, like the clinking of fine porcelain, but it held something more…

Wen Mian searched her mind for the right word, racking her brain and even hating how shallow her vocabulary was.

A bit more… earthly. Finally, Wen Mian found the closest word to describe it. As she watched the dancing Gu Man, her heart surged with excitement. It was the “mortal world”!

Watching the slight rise and fall of Gu Man’s chest as she finished, and her face slick with sweat, Wen Mian realized that this woman, usually so cold she seemed devoid of emotion had finally been touched by the mundane world.

In an instant, Wen Mian understood why characters in books always wanted to pull someone like her down into the depths with them, pulling such a person down was indeed intoxicating.

However… Wen Mian raised her eyes and collided with Gu Man’s gaze, which was overflowing with a faint smile.

Wen Mian pursed her lips, suppressed her complicated thoughts, and flashed a smile. She began to clap actively, shouting out playfully, “Good! Excellent! As expected of our pillar of support, Manman!”

Gu Man lowered her head and smiled softly.

The viewers in the livestream were beyond excited.

[Ahhh! Manman smiled again! So beautiful!]

[Even though I can’t see the expression clearly, I’m certain Manman smiled!]

[Two such adorable babies! I’m done for!]

[Look at Manman’s hopeless expression, she’s happy just to get praise from Mianmian!]

[Such pure babies, woohoo, so heartwarming!]

Wang Mo stepped onto the stage at this moment, taking the microphone with a soaring voice. “Actually, this program was added at Manman’s own request. It was indeed beautiful. No wonder Manman has so many fans, the ‘Manguang’ (fans) chose the right person. This one of yours is incredibly multi-talented.”

“I’d like to ask Manman, how do you feel about this performance?”

Gu Man took the microphone. She had returned to her cool demeanor, her eyes staring seriously ahead as she spoke: “It is the most satisfying singing and dancing performance I have done so far. I will continue to work hard next time.”

Her gaze seemed to have no end, yet it also seemed fixed on one specific person.

Wen Mian didn’t know who she was looking at, but at that moment, she felt an itch in her heart, as if a kitten’s paw had gently scratched her. It didn’t hurt, she even felt she could take another hit.

Wang Mo nodded exaggeratedly. “It’s actually the most satisfying one at this stage? MoMo didn’t expect that! Then it seems only future stages will have the chance to surpass today’s?”

Gu Man gave a light “Mm.”

Wang Mo took over the conversation: “But today’s stage won’t be easy to surpass. After all, there are good friends present today! Manman will have to work hard!”

“Alright, now that Manman’s performance is over, everyone please enjoy the party to your heart’s content!”

A cheer erupted below.

The band invited by the production crew took the stage. Some performed on stage while others went down to hold hands with everyone, spinning in circles around the bonfire.

Wen Mian was next to Grandma Zhong, with Zhang Yunxi and Su Shiqiu on her right. Several of them were gathered together, laughing and playing.

Gu Man watched this scene from the side with a doting look, the neon lights reflecting in her eyes.

Laughing as she spun around, Wen Mian passed by her side and naturally grabbed Gu Man’s wrist, her voice raised high, “Come join us!”

Feeling the warmth coming from her wrist, Gu Man turned and followed the strength of the pull to join in.

Glimpsing Wen Mian out of the corner of her eye, her soul was instantly captured.

The audience in the livestream was also infected by the lively atmosphere, all wearing smiles.

[Wooo, I don’t know why, but I’m so moved!]

[It’s been so long since I’ve seen such a good group dynamic!]

[Truly touching. First time seeing such a harmonious scene in a dating show!]

[Plus one! Also, thanks to Mianmian for pulling Manman to dance, I’ve changed my view of you!]

[Me too, I won’t call her ‘Wen Mian’ anymore, Mianmian is truly so good!]

[So happy! Quickly open the donation channel, I want to tip!]

Wang Qiang, seeing the fervor in the comments, grinned wide, revealing his big white teeth. He immediately posted a comment.

[Love’s First Heartbeat: Since everyone is so enthusiastic, we are officially opening the donation channel for 30 seconds. All the tipped rewards will be used for agricultural aid activities.]

As soon as this was said, the livestream boiled over.

Zhong Li opened the backend just in time, and countless gifts immediately exploded across the screen.

The thirty seconds passed quickly, but the fans’ enthusiasm was unstoppable, collecting a total of about 300,000 yuan.

Watching this, Wang Qiang couldn’t help but feel a bit heated. Even after being in the industry for so long, he was still shocked by the financial power of fans and their love for their idols.

Wang Qiang didn’t have an online platform, so this money went directly into the account.

After the eating and festivities, the final part was the highly anticipated award segment.

Wang Mo went up with a newly written script. “I’m very happy that this gala was a complete success. Thanks to everyone’s programs, we saw wonderful and beautiful performances.”

“The most popular stage of this gala was voted on by netizens. The first place is…”

She dragged out her voice, keeping everyone in suspense.

“Congratulations to our first place The Overbearing President Falls for Me! The winning trio…Wen Mian, Gu Man, Wang Mo!”

The people below clapped loudly.

Wang Mo continued, “Second place goes to Gu Man’s stage. It was indeed a very beautiful performance!”

“Third place comes from our traditional heritage performer Shi Yuezhi. Everyone, let’s applaud!”

After the top three were ranked, everyone else received an “Inspiration Award.”

Finally, Wang Mo announced the money gathered for agricultural aid, which was divided equally among the farmers who participated in the activity.

When the money was handed out, seeing the joyful faces of the farmers, the corners of Wen Mian’s eyes curved and her lips held a sweetness like honey.

The night grew deep, and a bright moon hung high in the sky, clear and luminous.

The live audience departed. After tidying up, the group slowly walked toward the cottage.

Zhang Yunxi walked with her arms spread wide, her legs kicking high, while Su Shiqiu followed behind her with a gentle smile. Wang Mo chatted about funny stories with her friend Shi Yuezhi, laughter ringing out occasionally.

Feng Xi and Zhang Jianfeng had left early due to work commitments.

Wen Mian followed at the very back, looking up at the sky, swaying slightly as she walked slowly. Her mood was as bright as the moonlight.

Beside her was Gu Man. Gu Man’s peripheral vision stayed on Wen Mian’s face, she too looked up at the sky, keeping her pace consistent with Wen Mian’s.

The two of them gradually fell further behind the main group, trailing distantly.

Wen Mian’s eyes were full of spring-like warmth. She didn’t mind the distance, looking left and right to admire the scenery.

“WenWen, how did you think I performed just now?” Gu Man suddenly asked, turning her head to stare straight at Wen Mian.

Wen Mian paused. The nickname “WenWen” was actually very unfamiliar to her. It was the first time… no, the second time someone had called her that today.

She put her hands behind her head, tilted her head to look at Gu Man, and replied with a grin, “I already answered that question just now.”

Gu Man pursed her lips in dissatisfaction, a flash of disappointment in her eyes.

But she was not a person who gave up easily, she wouldn’t stop until she reached her goal. She asked again stubbornly, “But, I want to hear it one more time.” Her tone held a hint of grievance and coquettishness that she didn’t even notice herself.

That itchy feeling returned. Wen Mian tried her best to suppress it. She nodded and drew out her voice, “You want to hear it again”

But her gaze did not leave Gu Man, watching her nod obediently, the small mole at the corner of her eye moving slightly as she blinked.

Gu Man: “Mm.”

Wen Mian burst out laughing, a very bright laugh. She stepped forward quickly, crossed her hands behind her back, turned around, and praised her without hesitation: “It’s the favorite stage I’ve ever seen.”

Even though she had only seen a few stages today, without a doubt, following her heart, Wen Mian truly liked Gu Man’s the most.

Gu Man’s eyes lit up, filled with the brightest colors. She hurried to catch up to Wen Mian and asked again, “The most favorite?”

Wen Mian gave an “Mm,” her voice firm and slightly teasing, as if the two had known each other for a long time. “Would I lie to you?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, realizing her tone, Wen Mian’s expression suddenly became complicated. After all, she would never be so intimate with someone she had only known for a few days.

Gu Man also sensed Wen Mian’s closeness, and her heart overflowed with a sweetness she couldn’t hide. She shook her head and answered seriously, “No.”

“So, can I be a little proud?” Gu Man still stared straight into Wen Mian’s eyes.

Wen Mian felt both helpless and amused. She nodded, no longer pulling away, and instead gave a firm reply, “Of course. You can always be proud.”

Gu Man’s ears twitched, flushed with a rosy hue. The sandalwood fragrance drifting around revealed her excellent mood.

The two didn’t speak again, quietly enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

The moonlight sprinkled in patches onto the small path home, coating it in a dreamlike, animated texture.

The production crew has arranged new rooms for the two guests who came to assist,  the cottage is bathed in dim, hazy light and shadows.

Wen Mian and Gu Man walk toward the second floor and come to a stop in front of Wen Mian’s room.