The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 34.1

Xu Qing calmed down too. She made an immediate decision. “It’s fine. I’ll find an acting coach for you right away. When you get back, we’ll test your talent. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll decline and wait until you’ve honed your skills before taking such roles.”

Wen Mian agreed. “Okay, you arrange it. Anything else?”

Xu Qing thought for a second. “That’s it. You go ahead and rest.”

Wen Mian hummed in response and hung up the phone. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Gu Man? A certain voice popped into Wen Mian’s head. She slipped on her slippers and opened the door.

Standing outside was indeed Gu Man, dressed in white loungewear with her straight hair draped over her shoulders, giving her an air of approachability.

Wen Mian looked puzzled, her voice soft. “Hmm?”

A smile curled at the corners of Gu Man’s eyes as she pushed a glass toward her. “Your nightly drink.”

Wen Mian looked down curiously. Tonight’s drink was apple and goji berry water, with a faint steam rising from the surface.

Stunned, Wen Mian couldn’t help but ask, “When did you brew this?”

“Just now.” Gu Man pointed toward her own room.

Wen Mian took the glass, her fingers brushing against the warm surface. “Then… I’ll be heading back in…”

Watching Gu Man nod, Wen Mian slowly closed the door. She turned around and took a sip, the rich aroma of apples burst in her mouth.

She closed her eyes and tilted her head in satisfaction, thinking to herself: She’s getting better and better at this.

Placing the glass on her desk, Wen Mian lowered her head to compose a post.

【Mianmian Loves to Sleep: Good evening everyone, your Mianmian has suddenly appeared!

I bring good news: at noon tomorrow, the Momo brand magazine I endorsed will go on sale! There are three different styles of outfits in total, stay tuned!】

Many fans saw the notification from their favorite star and immediately clicked in, letting out metaphorical screams.

【Ahhh! Mianmian, kisses! You’re endorsing Momo now, I’m so happy! I’m definitely buying!】

【Count me in! Kiss kiss kiss! I’ll buy anything Mianmian endorses!】

【Plus one! I’ve always heard Momo is a good brand. It’s not like I don’t have the money. I’ve bought from them before, but this time it’s to boost Mianmian’s sales!】

【Looking forward to the magazine, you’ll be absolutely stunning!】

【Do you even need to say that? With Mianmian’s face, there isn’t a single bad angle!】

Wen Mian laughed at their cute comments, shaking her head in a good mood.

In the other room, Gu Man, who was busy gluing dyed roses, looked up instantly when she heard the unique notification tone she had set specifically for Wenwen.

She picked up her phone and took a look. First, she lowered her eyes with a light smile, then she slightly frowned.

Their Mianmian? Gu Man pursed her pale red lips in disapproval, her fingers curling slightly.

She silently chewed on those words, her eyes darkening with an unreadable expression as she mentally protested.

No! Wenwen is clearly my… friend.

She paused at the end before adding that last word.

Lifting her gaze, she saw the bright night view outside. Tiny stars twinkled around the moon, mirroring her own unclear feelings.

She looked back at her screen and commented using her alt account:

【Starry Rose: Wenwen is mine. No kissing allowed.】

Though she thought of Wen Mian as a friend, the words she typed told a different story.

Since she was a “big fan” in the fan club, everyone immediately started teasing her.

【Haha, is Sister Star jealous?】

【No need to guess, it’s obvious. But I’m gonna kiss kiss kiss anyway!】

【Me too! No offense, I just won’t listen!】

They rebelliously continued to post things that annoyed Gu Man, never suspecting for a moment that she was actually jealous.

Gu Man frowned deeply and abruptly turned off her phone, gritting her teeth secretly. Wenwen is mine!

After a few laughs and replying to some fans, Wen Mian snuggled into her blanket and slowly finished the apple water.

The night swayed, unsure of whose heart it had enchanted.

The next morning, Wen Mian got up and immediately ran to the kitchen, where she saw Gu Man’s busy back.

Her smile widened as she spoke up suddenly: “What’s for breakfast today?”

Warmth instantly flooded Gu Man’s features as she turned to look at Wen Mian. “Sour soup noodle pieces. Do you like it?”

Wen Mian nodded repeatedly and took a deep breath, her voice bubbling with joy. “I love it! I love anything you make!”

That sentence slipped out, inadvertently revealing some unresolved feelings.

Both of them froze.

A thousand thoughts raced through their minds before they could even react, but their faces were already painted with a vibrant palette of emotions.

Gu Man pursed her lips, the tiny beauty mark at the corner of her eye turning a brilliant red.

Wen Mian’s eyes couldn’t help but stay glued to Gu Man’s face. This was the first time she had seen Gu Man’s emotions overflow like this. Gu Man’s face was flushed a light red, and the corners of her eyes were like rouge.

Gu Man suppressed a chuckle in her throat and nodded, drawing out her words. “I see, so you like..”

Wen Mian’s earlobes instantly began to burn. Feeling flustered, her gaze darted left and right, unsure of where to look. She said with forced bravado, “I just like your cooking! Your cooking!”

Gu Man made an “Mhm” sound and nodded as if realizing something. “So you only like my cooking? Well, I didn’t say anything else.”

Wen Mian went stiff, like a kitten caught by the scruff of its neck. She tried to maintain her composure. “Oh… okay. Anyway, as long as you don’t misunderstand.”

Stiffly turning around, she walked out with her breath held, not even realizing she was walking with the same hand and foot moving together.

Hearing Gu Man’s light chuckle behind her, Wen Mian immediately quickened her pace and eventually ran, burying her bright red face into the sofa. She groaned inwardly: Ahhh! Wen Mian, what on earth are you saying! Where did your brain go!

Her face was buried in her arms, but her ears, half-hidden by her hair, were still a glaring red.

Gu Man walked out carrying the bowls and approached Wen Mian, speaking in a low voice. “The noodles are ready.” There was still a hint of amusement in her tone.

Wen Mian quietly turned her head slightly, peeking out with one eye to observe, only to meet Gu Man’s gentle gaze.

Ahhh! Wen Mian screamed in her heart. She decided to just give up, sat up abruptly with a serious face, and said, “I want to eat at the dining table.”

Gu Man raised an eyebrow and nodded. “I’ll carry it over for you.”

She led the way, walking very slowly and glancing back occasionally.

Wen Mian shadowed-boxed a military routine behind Gu Man’s back before following her, saying in a cool tone, “Thanks.”

Gu Man nodded silently, a secret smile playing on her lips.

After getting Wen Mian settled and watching her sit obediently on the stool to eat, Gu Man went to serve her own meal.

She sat opposite Wen Mian and pushed a small bowl toward her, saying warmly, “I didn’t cook porridge today. I made black sesame stewed milk. See if you like it.”

With “like” being mentioned again, Wen Mian’s grip on her spoon tightened. She lowered her gaze to look at the small bowl, a slightly yellow milk custard sprinkled with dried osmanthus. She could smell the rich aroma of milk and black sesame.

She whispered, “Yeah, I li… it’s not bad.”

“As long as you like it.” Gu Man felt relieved.

The atmosphere between them was awkward yet subtly delicate. The scent of sandalwood and sweet strawberry seemed to take a tentative step forward with their owners, bumping into each other before quickly retreating, then reaching out again, never tiring of the dance.

The livestream started amidst this subtle atmosphere.

【It’s here, it’s here! The broadcast finally started. I wonder what sweet moments we’ll get today.】

【”GuMian for the rest of our lives” reporting for duty! These two are so sweet, I’m diving straight into the shipping!】

【Eh, is it just Manman and Mianmian again? Truly model workers, I could never get up this early.】

【Haha, Manman is performing as usual, but Mianmian has shocked me. She’s been getting up so early these past few days.】

【Is it possible that Wen Mian isn’t getting up early, but the others are getting up too late?】

【Haha, did I just find the truth, sister?】

【Is no one paying attention to the vibe between these two? It feels… strange…】

【Me too. Though I don’t quite get it, Mianmian and Manman, your gazes are way too obvious. Can’t you hide it a little?】

【Ahhh! What did I miss again? Production team, show me what happened!】

The solo fans were satisfied while the “couple” fans were collapsing, the tables had certainly turned.

Just as they finished the noodles, Mu Ya walked downstairs wearing light makeup. Her eyes fixed straight on them as she asked with a smile, “Mianmian, Manman, what are you eating?”

Wen Mian scooped a bite of the black sesame stewed milk. Beneath the milky white skin was a rich black sesame paste. One bite was slightly sweet but not greasy.

Her legs swung under the table as she replied, “Noodle pieces. There are still ingredients in the kitchen, do you want some?”

Mu Ya was momentarily stunned. She wordlessly swallowed her saliva before shaking her head. “No thanks, I’ll just have some bread.”

Perhaps afraid she wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation, she walked quickly toward the kitchen, though her steps were a bit stiff.

Wen Mian slowly glanced at Gu Man before quickly looking down. After a thought, she said, “Everything is delicious. Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve ever had black sesame stewed milk!”

Gu Man, who had been watching Wen Mian with a gentle expression, suddenly frowned. Her brow crinkled like crumpled paper. Her eyes darkened with a look of heartache she couldn’t hide.

She said in a low voice, “Then next time… no, I will make it for you always.”

Wen Mian was dazed. It felt as if her nose had been flicked, a late-arriving soreness welled up, and the corners of her eyes turned slightly red, but her heart was incredibly warm.

But she soon snapped out of it, murmuring, “Always…”

Her voice was so small and thin that only she could hear it.