The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 38

Wen Mian forced a nod, “A little…”

Gu Man thought for a moment, blaming herself for not bringing motion sickness medicine.

She took a bottle of mineral water from her backpack, unscrewed it, and gently pressed the rim against Wen Mian’s lips. “Drinking a little will make you feel better.”

Wen Mian tilted her head back, and Gu Man’s wrist immediately followed the movement. A refreshing chill slid down her throat, slightly suppressing the urge to vomit.

Wen Mian nodded, signaling Gu Man to move her hand away. “It really is much better.”

Gu Man’s brow remained furrowed. She screwed the cap back on and stared intently at Wen Mian, whose face was still pale and eyes closed, lacking her usual vitality.

For the first time, Gu Man felt a strange, uncomfortable sensation in her heart. Her wrist turned, her hand hovering over Wen Mian’s brow. She wanted to smooth out the frown there; her fingertips trembled slightly, but in the end, she kept them suspended, never letting them touch.

Gu Man seemed to realize something in her heart, a mysterious feeling composed of many things: heartache, worry, and a faint touch of sweetness… a complex mixture of emotions.

After a brief pause, the car finally reached its destination, and everyone stepped out with cheerful strides.

Gu Man stood up, leaned over, and extended her hand. “Shall I help you?”

Wen Mian looked up and met her eyes; they were full of tenderness, a stray lock of hair falling beside Gu Man’s neck.

Reaching out, their palms touched.

With a slight exertion of force, Wen Mian rose, following Gu Man’s lead. Gu Man clasped the back of her hand, leading her through the narrow aisle of the car.

Wen Mian followed behind her, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, her heart feeling sweet.

As they stepped off the vehicle, the others immediately stared, their eyes full of shock, only Wang Mo stood with her back turned, looking at the villa.

Zhang Yunxi, in particular, had pupils that contracted and a mouth that formed a round “O.” She immediately let go of Su Shiqiu and hurried to Wen Mian’s side.

Just as she was about to gossip, she suddenly saw Wen Mian’s pale face. Her desire for excitement vanished instantly, replaced by anxious questioning: “What happened? Why is your face so white?”

Hearing Zhang Yunxi’s words, Wang Mo turned around immediately and ran a step toward Wen Mian. “Are you unwell?” Her eyes were full of worry as she stared at Wen Mian’s face.

Wen Mian shook her head and replied softly to ease their concerns, “Just a bit of motion sickness, it’s nothing serious. Don’t worry, everyone.”

Wang Mo’s heart sank, her face uncontrollably anxious. “Motion sickness? Then you should lie down and rest immediately. I’ll tell the director right away.”

Zhang Yunxi nodded in agreement. “Yes, Mianmian.”

Wen Mian waved a hand. “Thanks, Momo. I’ll rest in a moment.”

Gu Man watched her from the side, her fingertip gently tapping Wen Mian’s jade-like hand, seemingly accidental, but more like a prompt.

Wen Mian’s ears turned red. She caught a glimpse of their joined hands and gave Gu Man a silent, reproachful glare.

Gu Man’s lips curled slightly as she spoke in a low voice, “Rest.”

Wen Mian replied with faux annoyance, “I know.” She smiled at the group. “Let’s go.”

Zhang Yunxi turned her head, but her gaze remained worriedly fixed on Wen Mian.

Zhong Li quickened her pace to coordinate with the owner and led everyone inside.

Wen Mian chose the second-floor room near the stairs again. She said goodbye to the others and turned to go.

Gu Man walked beside her, still not letting go of her hand, gently leading Wen Mian upstairs.

Wen Mian followed her lead until they stopped at the room.

Gu Man turned around, her voice low and gentle. “Go back and rest.”

Wen Mian smiled faintly and shook their joined hands, her meaning clear. “How am I supposed to go back if you’re like this?”

As if awakened from a trance, Gu Man abruptly withdrew her hand and hid it behind her back. Her eyelashes fluttered as she whispered, “I…”

Wen Mian burst out laughing and nodded, drawing out her words, “Alright, I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

Gu Man started to agree, then her expression turned blank as she realized the tease. She tilted her head, looking at Wen Mian.

Wen Mian clutched her stomach, laughing so hard her body shook and her eyes crinkled. She wiped away a tear of laughter and said, “You finally realized it?”

Gu Man looked at her helplessly, her lips pursed, but a smile emerged in her eyes. She said dotingly, “Yes, I realized it.”

Wen Mian took a few breaths, her pale face turning rosy. She straightened up, supporting her stomach, and said slowly, “Forget it, I won’t tease you anymore. I’m going back to rest. Remember to call me for dinner.”

Gu Man hummed in agreement, watching her close the door before feeling relieved enough to return to her own room.

Taking out her phone, she looked down at it seriously, made a decision, and went downstairs.

Seeing Gu Man come down, Wang Mo hurried over to ask, “How is she? Is Mianmian still feeling sick?”

Gu Man glanced at her. Though she felt a bit sour in her heart, seeing Wang Mo’s genuine worry, she replied, “Much better, don’t worry.”

Wang Mo nodded slowly, patted her chest, and whispered to herself, “That’s good, that’s good.”

Gu Man stopped looking at her and turned to find the villa owner. Her voice was cold but carried a hint of a request. “Hello, may I borrow the kitchen?”

The honest owner scratched the back of his head. “Of course! You can use it directly, no need to ask me.”

Gu Man’s expression softened slightly. “Thank you.”

She walked toward the kitchen to familiarize herself with the layout. After cleaning up the area, her phone rang.

“Yes, I’ll come pick it up now. Sorry for the trouble.”

With that, Gu Man hung up and walked out of the small courtyard villa. She took the ingredients from the delivery person, said “thank you,” and hurried back.

The delivery person’s pupils dilated, and their heart was screaming: Ahhh! I just saw a celebrity! I didn’t expect it! Like a monkey released into the wild, they covered their mouth and rode their small scooter down the mountain with high spirits, completely devoid of their previous fatigue.

Back in the kitchen, Gu Man rolled up her sleeves, revealing perfectly smooth lines on her arms. She lowered her head and seriously processed the ingredients.

Once all the ingredients were in the pot, steam began to rise slowly, misting her eyes.

She scooped out a small bowl and let it cool for a moment. Gu Man picked up the bowl and headed upstairs, not forgetting to say to Zhang Yunxi, who was sniffing the air with a growling stomach “If you want some, serve yourself.”

Zhang Yunxi’s eyes lit up instantly. She ran to the kitchen without a second’s delay, fearing Gu Man would regret it if she was too slow.

Su Shiqiu smiled helplessly behind her and shouted, “Slow down, no one is fighting you for it.”

Zhang Yunxi’s response went in one ear and out the other. “I know!” she yelled, without slowing down one bit.

Knock, knock. Two taps sounded on the door.

Wen Mian rubbed her eyes and looked up dizzily. Was it time for lunch?

She put on her slippers, walked to the door, and opened it.

The moment she saw Gu Man, Wen Mian’s expression softened instantly, and her posture relaxed. Her nose twitched, and her gaze was drawn to the bowl Gu Man was holding. She pouted softly, “You made this?”

Gu Man nodded gently. “Yes, this will help warm your stomach.”

Wen Mian looked up. Perhaps due to the vulnerability brought on by sickness, the corners of her eyes were slightly red, and there seemed to be a glimmer of tears.

Taking the bowl carefully with both hands, Wen Mian took a sip, her voice low and carrying a trace of a sob. “I like it very much.”

Gu Man’s eyes were full of heartache. She said softly, “Then keep resting. I’ll call you when it’s time for dinner.”

Wen Mian’s complex emotions remained hidden in her eyes as she hummed in agreement.

Knowing Wen Mian didn’t want her to see her in a sad state, Gu Man quietly stepped back and returned to her own room.

Catching a glimpse of Gu Man turning away, Wen Mian finally stared fixedly at her back, simple clothes and a tall stature that outlined her graceful figure.

A mist blurred her vision. Wen Mian turned around and closed the door with a soft “creak.”

Leaning against the headboard, Wen Mian looked down at the fragrant yam and lean meat porridge in her hands. A tiny ripple appeared on the surface.

She cherished every bite until the porridge was gone, then gently rubbed the rim of the bowl, her eyes filled with dark, flickering light.

“Gu Man…” she murmured the name to herself. After a long time, she set the bowl down.

The bottom of the bowl hit the desk with a low thud, it wasn’t loud, but it resonated in her soul.

On the other side, Gu Man stood by the window, tapping on her phone.

Disgust was hidden on her brow, and her voice was icy. “Continue. Remember to hide it deep, don’t get caught.”

Xie Yun: “Understood, President Gu.”

She paused for a moment but didn’t hang up.

Gu Man asked coldly, “Is there anything else?”

Xie Yun gave a cheeky laugh and rubbed her hands together. “Uh… President Gu, how is the progress between you and Miss Wen Mian these past two days?”

Gu Man was speechless for a moment, but thinking of the way Wen Mian had just acted spoiled toward her, her tone softened slightly. “Not bad.”

Xie Yun’s eyes lit up. She pushed away a head that was trying to eavesdrop and said with feigned disgust, “Get lost.”

Then she pressed the phone to her ear and smiled flatteringly. “Hehe, that’s good! Keep it up, President Gu! We are all supporting you from behind!”

Gu Man pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know. Take care of yourself first, and remember safety first.”

When it came to business, Xie Yun’s expression changed, and she promised, “Rest assured, President Gu, I will.”

Hanging up, Gu Man looked outside. The lush green mountains surrounded the villa in a dense embrace.

After handling some work for a while, it was soon time for dinner. Gu Man stepped out and knocked on Wen Mian’s door.

A smile instantly appeared on Wen Mian’s face. She opened the door with light steps and called out, “Gu Man!”

Gu Man hummed in response and said, “Wen Wen, it’s time to eat.”

Wen Mian put her hands behind her back and took a little hop out of the room, tilting her head to stare at Gu Man. “Let’s go.”

A smile touched Gu Man’s brow as she followed behind. She keenly sensed Wen Mian’s sudden closeness toward her, and her heart was filled with joy.

As soon as they went downstairs, the others immediately stepped forward, asking worriedly, “Are you better?”

Wen Mian nodded and responded with a smile, “Don’t worry, I’m all better now!”

Seeing Wen Mian’s rosy complexion, everyone finally felt at ease.

Zhang Yunxi spoke up quickly, “That’s great! Let’s eat then.”

Wen Mian agreed and sat down with everyone at the dining table. The lunch was provided by the hotel using their own home-grown, natural, and pollution-free ingredients.

In particular, a dish of stir-fried diced chicken with chili perfectly suited Wen Mian’s taste, and she ate quite a lot of it.

Gu Man watched her movements inconspicuously, silently committing them to memory.

After dinner, considering the exhaustion from the long journey, Zhong Li did not require them to go out. Everyone was happy to have some leisure time; some curled up on the sofa, while others went outside to look at the scenery.

Wen Mian was naturally one of those nestled on the sofa, her head lowered as she seriously studied the script Xu Qing had sent over.

The role she was auditioning for was the “White Moonlight” (the idealized first love) of the protagonist. The character sacrifices herself for the sake of the nation, her screen time isn’t long, but it isn’t easy to play.

Although she seems like a peripheral figure, she has her own complexity. She is physically frail, a standard trait for a White Moonlight but possesses a high IQ and is incredibly resourceful. She progresses from an unfavored little princess in the imperial palace to a core position, controlling the overall situation and acting as the protagonist’s mentor.

Wen Mian’s brow furrowed slightly as she tried to immerse herself in the role.

What would be the mindset of a princess who is so outstandingly capable but held back from the throne by a failing body?

There should be resentment and bitterness, but even more so, a sense of resilience and a refusal to submit to fate. This is evident from her final choice to go to war, she is willing to die, but it must be a worthy death, a death of value that is remembered by the world.

A mysterious feeling ignited in her heart, as if she were in an incredibly quiet environment, surrounded by darkness so deep she couldn’t see her own hand.

Suddenly, a hazy light shone down from above, splitting the world in two: herself on one side, and her on the other.

Through the mirror and the hazy moonlight, she could clearly see the fire burning in the character’s eyes. It seemed that no matter how thin or frail the body was, it could not extinguish her flame.

Wen Mian felt a shock from those eyes. She snapped her eyes open, the image lingering in her mind for a long time.

Gu Man inconspicuously relaxed her expression and opportunely handed over a glass of warm water.

The sound of swallowing was particularly clear. The vacant stare regained its luster as Wen Mian turned to look at Gu Man, whispering her thanks, “Thank you.”

Gu Man shook her head and took the initiative to ask, “Do you want to go out for some fresh air?”

Wen Mian glanced down at her phone, then turned it off and nodded, agreeing with a smile, “Sure!”

She set down the glass, and the two of them slowly walked outside.

The audience in the livestream fell silent before erupting.

【What just happened? That scared me to death!】

【Me too. Wen Mian’s eyes were terrifying, just like…】

【Just like a sovereign ruler.】

【Yes, yes, yes! That’s exactly what I mean. So what exactly happened? How did she change so suddenly?】

【I don’t get it either. What exactly is on that phone?! I’m anxious!】

Being anxious didn’t help…well, actually, it did. At least with that thought, someone uploaded the recorded video to the internet, seeking help from others.

When an industry insider scrolled past it, they smiled immediately and sent it to Cheng Lin.

【Wang: Cheng Lin, look at this. Doesn’t this look like the character you’re looking for?】

When Cheng Lin clicked on the video, her pupils dilated. Her hand gripped a nearby object tightly, her eyes filled with a fanatical light, and her expression became somewhat distorted. This is it! This is exactly the feeling!

It wasn’t until she replayed it several times that she pulled herself away from the feverish joy. Her satisfaction with Wen Mian, which was originally at a five out of ten, instantly jumped to an eight.

She replied to her colleague: It is indeed very similar. I contacted her manager before, but she said she lacked experience and needed a trial. Now it seems…

She didn’t finish her sentence, but both of them understood.

A natural talent? Director Wang on the other side was full of shrewdness. It seemed that once Cheng Lin finished filming, he would have to seize the initiative.

Still admiring the beautiful scenery, Wen Mian had no idea that she wouldn’t even think about resting for the next few months.

The mountain air carried a heavy dampness, mixed with the scents of earth and grass, not a very pleasant smell.

Wen Mian unconsciously wrinkled her nose. She looked up at the weather, the clouds were hanging very low, and the world had turned into a hazy gray.

“Is it going to rain?” she murmured.