The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 34

Wen Mian exhaled a sigh of relief. Helping her coordinate outfits… well, if they got busy enough, she might just forget about it, so it was fine for now.

She nodded readily. “Sure, just take some photos and send them to me, and I’ll choose. But… just so you know, my taste might not be that great.”

Wang Mo hummed an affirmative, skipping away like a little deer to start her dyeing. Her peach-blossom eyes crinkled into crescent moons.

She was happy, but the viewers in the livestream fell silent.

【Momo is so pitiful, the person she likes doesn’t seem to like her back.】

【True, it’s sad that our Momo can’t even see it.】

【Can someone go in there and install an “anti-addiction system” for Wang Mo? If she sinks any deeper, she’s really finished.】

【No way in. Looking at her, even a system wouldn’t help.】

【I agree. She’s sitting on the same bench as Gu Man now, so dazed she doesn’t know which way is up.】

The audience sighed in unison, watching the scene unfold helplessly.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Man finally looked up. She immediately turned to look at Wen Mian, her gaze filled with softness.

Wen Mian pretended not to notice and continued looking at her phone. After a minute, she helplessly put it down and turned back, her expression puzzled. “Why are you looking at me?”

Gu Man answered softly, “Because you’re pretty.”

Wen Mian paused. How am I supposed to respond to that?

Gu Man looked serious, her gaze sincere, and her narrow phoenix eyes were shimmering.

Wen Mian’s earlobes turned red. Avoiding the gaze, she muttered a soft “Oh” and stopped talking.

A flash of amusement crossed Gu Man’s eyes. She took one more look at Wen Mian before standing up to dye the handbag.

When it was rinsed and brought out, Wen Mian looked up at the bag swaying in the wind and was momentarily stunned.

The overall design looked like a dream of blue stars, shimmering with a faint light, or like blue-black glaciers hidden beneath an ice sheet, with visible fine textures.

On the bag, there were several fluttering butterflies, and beside them were four roses dyed in different styles.

Although the roses hadn’t been attached yet, the effort put into it was clear.

Most importantly, those butterflies were almost identical in size and wing shape to the ones Wen Mian had made.

Not only Wen Mian noticed; the others did too.

Zhang Yunxi immediately ran over to Wen Mian’s side, nudging her arm with her elbow and gesturing toward Gu Man. She whispered, “Mianmian, tell me the truth, did you know Gu Man before this? Otherwise, how could your butterflies be exactly the same!”

Wen Mian was speechless for a moment. While she also felt that Gu Man’s tied butterflies were similar to hers, knowing her beforehand… that was definitely impossible.

She shook her head in denial. “It’s probably just a coincidence.”

Zhang Yunxi gave a long “Oh,” her tone dripping with disbelief.

Wen Mian was helpless. If she didn’t believe it, she didn’t believe it, she wasn’t lying anyway.

Everyone finished dyeing their fabrics, hung them up, and waited quietly for them to dry.

Wang Mo looked left and right, unable to stay still. “Why don’t we go check out the night market here together tonight?”

Zhang Yunxi was the first to raise her hand, nodding vigorously with excitement. “Yes, yes! I’ve wanted to go for ages!”

Seeing Zhang Yunxi agree, Su Shiqiu naturally followed suit.

Wen Mian also agreed. “I can go too. I’ve been craving street food for days.. finally, a chance!”

Gu Man’s voice was calm. “If Wenwen goes, I go.”

Mu Ya grit her teeth. She didn’t really want to go in her heart, but she still said, “Sure, it’ll be lively with everyone together.”

Seeing that everyone had agreed, Wang Mo rubbed her hands in excitement, her eyes shining as she looked forward to the night.

Zhong Li crossed out the original plan in her notebook and began an emergency search for the best night markets.

After waiting for half an hour, the shop owner handed everyone their dried items. After taking a group photo, they left.

The night market was great, but they still needed a proper meal. The group first went to an authentic rice noodle shop.

The noodles were chewy and the side dishes delicious. If it weren’t for the temptation of the night market snacks later, Wen Mian would have almost filled her stomach right there.

Donning masks casually, the group stepped out of the car.

The night market was brightly lit with rows of fiery red lanterns. It was full of the “hustle and bustle” atmosphere, and even before entering, they could smell a variety of aromas.

Wen Mian took a deep breath and skipped inward.

Fortunately, people were always taking photos here, so the cameramen following them didn’t seem out of the ordinary.

Following her habit, Wen Mian first bought a hand-punched lemon tea. She, Zhang Yunxi, and Wang Mo walked at the very front.

“Boss, how much for the fruit cups?” “Boss, I want an order of stir-fried beef skewers.” “Boss, make one for me too!”

Wen Mian checked out this stall and that, calling out orders every now and then. Before long, her hands were full of snacks.

Then, she slowed her pace to walk side by side with Gu Man. She glanced sideways and asked, “Isn’t there anything you want to eat?”

The moment she said it, Wen Mian recalled that she hadn’t really seen her eat much before…

Gu Man smoothly took the things from Wen Mian’s hands, shaking her head gently with a warm voice. “I trust your taste.”

Wen Mian pursed her lips. Fine, I can accept that reason, but a seed was planted in her heart, waiting to sprout.

She nodded proudly and demanded, “Then you have to order with me.”

Gu Man naturally agreed. “Okay.” Her tone was gentle, carrying a hint of indulgence.

Wen Mian’s interest was instantly piqued again. She strolled around, looking at the food and taking sips of her lemon tea.

She bought several snacks that looked good and didn’t forget to share them with Gu Man.

“This is so delicious, you try it too!” Wen Mian reached out her hand. In it was a skewer of pinkish-white “nuo-ji-ji” (chewy rice cakes) sprinkled with golden crispy flakes.

Gu Man leaned down and took a bite. Her eyes crinkled, and her voice was a bit muffled. “It really is delicious.”

Feeling a slight tugging sensation near her hand, Wen Mian froze. She looked back to see Gu Man leaning over.

Her cheeks were slightly puffed out as she chewed, while Wen Mian still held the remaining piece of rice cake.

Wen Mian’s eyelashes fluttered wildly. She stammered, “Next time… hold it and eat it yourself.”

Gu Man looked at Wen Mian innocently. After swallowing, she spoke up. “But… my hands are full.”

As she spoke, she lifted both hands, which were indeed carrying many bags.

Wen Mian was speechless, unsure of what to say. The voice in her head, however, was deafening: Stop acting so innocent! Don’t you know this is shameful?!

Though she is quite cute… Wen Mian lowered her eyes shyly, but quickly snapped out of it. Wen Mian, Wen Mian, what are you doing? Sure, she’s good-looking and cute, but you’re not bad-looking yourself!

Her thoughts were a chaotic mess, but she remained calm on the surface. Wen Mian answered hesitantly and stutteringly, “Then I’ll let it slide this time, but no next time!”

She raised her voice at the last sentence as if to bolster her own courage.

A light chuckle escaped Gu Man’s throat. She raised an eyebrow, the beauty mark under her eye moving with her expression. “I understand, Wenwen.”

Understood, but won’t do it.

Hearing her laughter, Wen Mian’s ears turned even redder. She snatched the bags from Gu Man’s right hand and stuffed the skewer into her hand. With a serious face, though her tone sounded flustered, she said, “Eat it yourself!”

She stomped forward two steps, then for some reason stepped back, walked over to Mu Ya, and held out the remaining skewer. “For you.”

Mu Ya took it, a faint smile touching her lips. “Thank you, Mian… Mian.”

Wen Mian waved a hand. “It’s nothing. Just buy whatever you want to eat, follow the example of me and Xixi.” As long as you don’t come looking for trouble with me, I’m fine with anything.

Mu Ya hummed in agreement. She took a bite… it was sweet, sliding all the way to her heart.

Wen Mian stepped forward to continue browsing with Gu Man.

There were a moderate amount of people at the night market. People kept looking their way along the path, their eyes full of excitement, covering their mouths to keep from screaming.

Wen Mian found her adaptability to be quite strong. She had felt awkward the first time she went out with Gu Man, but now she was used to it, even able to chat and laugh with her.

After a round of wandering, Zhang Yunxi finally pulled Wang Mo and Su Shiqiu back. Her voice was light. “I’ve eaten my fill, how about you, Mianmian?”

Wen Mian nodded. “I’m good too. Let’s head out before the crowds get here.”

Zhang Yunxi nodded. “Okay! Let’s buy a bowl of milk egg fermented rice (Laozao) on the way out to drink back home.”

The six of them turned around and began to head back.

They soon reached the main entrance of the night market. Although they said they’d buy “a bowl,” after counting the people, Zhang Yunxi ended up buying three large portions.

Carrying their haul, everyone got into the car, just missing the fans who had rushed over from their homes.

The viewers in the livestream burst into laughter. While their own failure to meet the stars was sad, seeing their fellow fans fail was somehow heartwarming.

After being out all day, everyone was tired. After finishing the fermented rice and saying goodnight, they headed upstairs. Wen Mian followed close behind.

Just as she pushed her door open, she remembered something. Wen Mian turned back to look at Gu Man, holding out the dress she was carrying with both hands. “As promised, this is for you.”

Gu Man lowered her eyes slightly, a look of satisfaction in them. Her lips curled upward. “The gift Wenwen gave is so beautiful. So, could you also help me coordinate some accessories?”

Wen Mian naturally nodded, giving a bright smile. “No problem, just send them to me. But…”

She paused, looking down at Gu Man’s hands. “Are you going to keep holding that handbag?”

Gu Man followed her gaze and shook her head gently. “It’s not finished yet. Does Wenwen want it right now?”

She asked with a slight upward lilt at the end of her voice, as if teasing.

Wen Mian looked at her. She’s learned to be mischievous; this won’t do.

Tapping her lip with a finger, Wen Mian pretended to think. “Hmm… do I want it? That depends on you, do you want to give it to me~?”

Gu Man looked away, her eyelashes fluttering. She smiled inwardly and nodded obediently. “Of course, I want to give it to Wenwen.”

Her voice was very firm.

Wen Mian’s face suddenly brightened. “Alright then, I’m going back to rest. You should say goodnight early too.”

Gu Man hummed in response, watching Wen Mian close her door before returning to her own room.

She changed into comfortable loungewear and looked down, continuing to perfect the handbag following a tutorial.

Meanwhile, Wen Mian collapsed onto her bed to rest. Her phone suddenly rang, and she answered.

“Mianmian, tomorrow at twelve o’clock, the Momo brand will release the three outfits you endorsed. Remember to tell your fans beforehand to build some hype,” Xu Qing arranged step by step.

“Got it, I’ll post the notice now. Anything else?” Wen Mian asked.

Xu Qing paused. “Actually… there is. A director wants you for a movie, but it’s not finalized yet. You’ll need to go for an audition when the time comes.”

Wen Mian was curious. “Which director would come looking for me?”

Xu Qing was helpless. “Miss Wen, can you have some confidence? You’re quite popular right now.”

Wen Mian interrupted her. “Alright, alright, stop the flattery. I have some self-awareness. So, who is the director?”

Xu Qing laughed and replied, “It’s the famous Director Cheng. Many of her films have won awards. You better perform well. If she takes a liking to you, this will definitely allow you to transition from a ‘traffic star’ to a serious actress.”

Unlike Xu Qing’s excitement, Wen Mian sighed and poured cold water on the idea. “Are you sure I have any acting skills?”