The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 35

She spoke of “next time” without mentioning Gu Man’s “always.” Perhaps growing up in an orphanage had left her without a sense of security, she neither liked nor dared to believe in such promises, as if believing them would betray her very sense of self.

Gu Man glanced at her again, clearly understanding her meaning, and agreed decisively, “Okay.”

The two fell back into silence, but the live stream erupted in a massive wave of excitement.

【So sweet, so sweet! Does Manman mean she wants to make breakfast for Mianmian forever? Is she? She definitely is!】

【Sisters, it goes without saying Manman definitely, absolutely, certainly means that!】

【Manman is so greedy, wanting to be with Mianmian so early on. But… I approve!】

【Count me in! I’m moving the Civil Affairs Bureau over here right now!】

【Sister, you’re too slow. Everyone move aside, I’ve already moved it here!】

While the CP fans (shippers) were celebrating, the solo fans had long faces, gritting their teeth as they typed.

【Wait? Is anyone considering the feelings of us solo fans? I’m seriously having a breakdown!】

【Fellow solo fan here. Even though Wen Mian is actually quite nice and let us see so many different sides of Manman, I am still a solo fan! My heart is collapsing!】

Other fans felt a bit bad seeing their miserable expressions and asked tentatively.

【Maybe… you guys should try watching the interaction between Manman and Mianmian… it might have unexpected effects.】

【Sister, that’s a great idea. Don’t suggest it again next time.】

The solo fans maintained a stone-cold expression. Some didn’t believe it, while others gave it a try.

And then…

Actually, this is kind of cute? No, I’m a solo fan. Fingers swiped to the next video…Okay, it’s actually a little cute, just a little, tiny bit…

The cycle repeated over and over.

One by one, everyone woke up.

Zhang Yunxi didn’t need to diet, so she happily cooked sour soup noodles, slurping them down while hot. Beside her were burning stares and the sound of people swallowing their saliva.

Hearing these sounds, you might think Zhang Yunxi would feel embarrassed. No! She ate with even more gusto.

Once their bellies were full, Zhong Li began announcing the tasks: “After some discussion, today everyone will first experience the traditional clothing of different ethnic groups, and then we will go to see the snow mountains in the afternoon.”

Zhang Yunxi raised her arms and cheered, “Great! We didn’t get to take photos yesterday, so today I’m going to redeem myself!”

Wang Mo was more concerned about the groupings. She stole a glance at Wen Mian and raised her hand to ask, “Do we still need to form teams?”

Zhong Li shook his head. “No need. The goal is for everyone to have fun. Don’t worry about formalities.”

Wang Mo’s eyes instantly curved into crescents, and she let out an excited “Oh yeah!”

Wen Mian turned her head and met Gu Man’s gaze, but quickly looked away.

The group drove toward the ancient town. The car played comfortable old-style music, and outside was a clear blue sky that refreshed the soul.

Zhang Yunxi hummed along to the music, and Su Shiqiu joined in. The voices gradually grew louder as Wang Mo waved her arms; the atmosphere in the car was wonderful.

Wen Mian couldn’t help but smile, humming a few lines herself. The lyrics flowed out of her mouth effortlessly, sounding happy and sweet.

Gu Man’s stiff back relaxed. She turned her head to stare at Wen Mian, her eyes serious and focused.

The ancient town was bisected by a clear stream that wound through streets and alleys, lined with weeping willows swaying in the wind.

The bluestone paths were uneven, bearing the marks of water erosion. The houses were lined up in rows, with roofs of various tiled styles.

The air smelled of freedom. Wen Mian couldn’t help but stretch her arms.

Click. Wen Mian immediately turned around. Zhang Yunxi was waving a camera at her.

“You took another ugly photo of me!” Wen Mian pretended to be angry, crossing her arms.

Zhang Yunxi looked at the digital preview and was speechless. “Ms. Wen Mian, please acknowledge your own beauty, okay? Besides, if it’s from my hand, there are no ugly photos.”

Wen Mian nodded in agreement. “True, you’re right. Regarding looks, I’m not bragging, but I’m doing alright.”

Zhang Yunxi burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Wen Mian sells melons and praises her own crops! Your skin is thicker than mine!”

She gave an admiring thumbs-up.

Wen Mian was speechless, wasn’t it you who praised me first?

She waved her hand. “Let’s go, I can’t wait!”

Wang Mo nodded immediately. “Me too, let’s go explore!”

Zhang Yunxi stopped laughing, straightened up, and marched forward.

The ancient town’s gurgling stream sounded like a beautiful symphony.

They walked all the way to the clothing shop arranged by the production crew. Wen Mian and Zhang Yunxi huddled together to study the options.

“Mianmian, I think you’d look good in Miao ethnic clothing,” Zhang Yunxi suggested.

Wen Mian nodded. “That works! I’ll choose the Miao outfit. Which one do you want?”

Zhang Yunxi thought for a moment and pointed to the catalog. “I’ll take this one.”

On the other side, Gu Man and the others also made their choices quickly.

Wen Mian curiously took a step back and leaned close to Gu Man’s face. “What did you pick?”

“The same as you,” Gu Man replied warmly.

The tips of Wen Mian’s ears turned red. She complained in a soft tone, “Don’t talk like that.”

But it sounded more like acting coquettishly…a soft, sweet request.

Gu Man looked at her innocently, asking knowingly, “Why?”

Wen Mian avoided her eyes and let out an “Aiya!” “You clearly know what I mean!”

Gu Man raised an eyebrow slightly. Her fingers moved as if grooming a pet, lightly touching a strand of Wen Mian’s hair. She replied softly, “I understand.”

Wen Mian couldn’t help but lean into her hand, squinting like a little kitten. She looked soft and adorable.

The fans in the live stream screamed.

【Ahhh! Mianmian acting spoiled is so soft!】

【I’m so jealous! Manman gets to see Mianmian acting cute in person! (Gritting teeth)】

【Haha, she can not only see it, she can touch her too. Are you even more jealous now?】

【Gritting teeth intensifies!】

Never expecting Wen Mian to act so affectionately and rub against her hand, Gu Man froze, staring blankly at Wen Mian’s profile. Her porcelain skin was translucent, and the corners of her eyes were slightly curved.

Her eyelashes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly. Gu Man’s breathing hitched, but the sweet scent of strawberry pheromones invaded her senses, spreading through her body and bringing a tingle of numbness.

Her back was straight, and she didn’t dare move an inch, as if afraid she would startle her and let this hard-won intimacy slip away.

However, her pounding heart could not be hidden and was caught by Wen Mian.

Wen Mian was also stunned for a moment. She adjusted her breathing and pretended to be relaxed, straightening up and moving her arms to cover her embarrassment. “The Miao clothing is actually quite pretty, isn’t it?”

Gu Man’s pink-white fingertips curled slightly as she slowly withdrew her hand, nodding in affirmation. “Indeed.”

The two of them let their gazes wander, one clapping her hands, the other looking forward in silence.

Zhang Yunxi suddenly ran over and grabbed Wen Mian’s arm, breaking the subtle atmosphere. “Mianmian, come on! It’s time to change!”

Wen Mian was pulled away, but her eyes still drifted back. Just as she was about to step into the room, she couldn’t help but look back. Gu Man gave her a small smile, the corners of her eyes lifting.

Wen Mian quickly turned her head and hurried into the room.

When they finished changing and stepped out with their hair and makeup done, the comments in the live stream suddenly vanished.

Wen Mian wore a deep dark green base embroidered with small silver-white and crimson floral patterns. The collar was made of turquoise jewels and gold thread, and her waist was cinched by a brocade belt of the same color, highlighting her slender waist.

It was adorned with gold silk tassels and jewels, making her look like a most magnificent princess.

Two braids hung over her chest, and her earrings were gold-wrapped pearls. She wore a classic silver crown; with every movement, the silver butterflies and beads on her head swayed and collided, making a crisp, tinkling sound.

Wen Mian slowly raised her eyes. Her gaze was shimmering, reflecting the distant mountains and the ancient town.

【So beautiful, so beautiful!】

【Mianmian is so gorgeous. Manman is so lucky!】

【Wait, what does this have to do with Manman?】

【Everything! You can tell just by looking that Manman’s future life will be very ‘happy’ (sexual pun).】

【Hey, watch out or the stream will get banned!】

Wen Mian leaned against the railing, arms crossed as she looked at the town, quietly waiting for the others.

Soon, a crisp jingling sound came from behind. Wen Mian turned her head and saw Gu Man. At that moment, she suddenly broke into a smile.

“Gu Man…”

Gu Man’s expression immediately softened. She answered in a low voice, “Wenwen…”

“You look… very beautiful right now.” It was as if a layered ice mountain had suddenly been touched by color; the splash of red was exceptionally stunning.

Wen Mian shook her head playfully, the water-drop pendants on her head swaying. “You look great too! Since you came out first, let’s take a photo?”

Gu Man nodded, a slight smile on her lips. She stepped closer to Wen Mian, her long arm lifting to hover behind Wen Mian’s shoulder.

Her fingertips curled, she didn’t dare to actually make contact.

For the first time, the woman who was always at ease in front of cameras felt nervous. her whole body was stiff, and her cold white abdominal muscles were taut.

Wen Mian was equally nervous, her long lashes trembling like raven feathers. She forced herself to turn around and grab Gu Man’s wrist.

Warmth traveled from the point of contact, causing her eyes to moisten and the corners of her eyes to flush.

“Put it here!” Wen Mian placed Gu Man’s hand on her own shoulder, her tone slightly forceful.

Then, she reached out to wrap her own arm around Gu Man’s shoulder, stood on her tiptoes to lean close to Gu Man’s face, pouted her lips, and made a peace sign, all while managing Gu Man.

“Relax, look happy.”

Gu Man managed a stiff smile. Staring at Wen Mian’s profile and her pouting cheeks, her mood suddenly relaxed, and her gaze softened.

The photographer immediately captured this scene, preserving the first photo of the two together.

After the shoot, the others filtered out one by one.

Wang Mo bounced over to Wen Mian, her peach-blossom eyes curving. “Mianmian, you look so good today!”

Wen Mian smiled politely. “You look beautiful too.”

Wang Mo puffed out her chest proudly. “True, we’ve always been good-looking, but…” She suddenly became shy and added, “The stylist’s skills are also very good.”

Wen Mian laughed out loud and gave a thumbs-up. “You sure know how to talk.”

The six of them played around together, looking out into the distance. The photographer kept snapping pictures, determined to get the perfect shots.

Of course, there was also the constant click of Zhang Yunxi’s camera and her non-stop chirping of praises.

After the photos were done, they finished touring the town. The group returned to the studio, changed out of the clothes, and began selecting photos.

Everyone was wealthy enough to simply buy the entire set of photos.

After choosing, the six left for their next destination. Before seeing the snow mountains, the most important thing was, of course, to fill their stomachs.

The production crew found a grassy field where the wind blew gently and cattle and sheep grazed leisurely.

The open fields lifted everyone’s spirits.

Zhang Yunxi spread her arms and ran forward into the wind, not forgetting to turn back and yell, “Mianmian, Shiqiu, come on everyone!”

Wen Mian smiled and swung her arms. “You go first, I’ll give you a three second head start.”

Su Shiqiu didn’t speak, but simply followed, turning to smile gently at Zhang Yunxi.

Zhang Yunxi nodded. “Fine, then hurry up and catch up.”

She turned back and ran closer to Su Shiqiu.

Wen Mian shouted at the top of her lungs, “One, two, three!”

She jogged in place for a moment, then grabbed Gu Man’s wrist. Turning her back, she called out loudly, “Come on, with me!”

Her hair flew with her movement. The sun high in the sky cast its rays upon her, surrounding her in a warm, hazy golden glow.

Gu Man looked like a painting. Following her lead, she stepped forward into a light jog and whispered her agreement, “Okay.”

Their silhouettes were harmonious as they slowly caught up to Zhang Yunxi and Su Shiqiu.

Remaining behind, Wang Mo and Mu Ya’s expressions dimmed.

Wang Mo paused for a moment before turning her head to ask, “Are we running?”

Mu Ya was startled and shook her head gently. “No need. You go ahead.”

Wang Mo nodded and jogged to catch up with Wen Mian. She paused beside her for a second, then silently accelerated, overtaking the pair.

She looked up, the sky above was a brilliant blue, with a few clouds drifting lazily at high altitude. Everything felt leisurely and free.