The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 43

Zhong Li nodded, “That works.” She glanced at the injured Wen Mian and added, “Considering Wen Mian just got hurt yesterday, she doesn’t need to participate in the activities today.”

Wen Mian, naturally having no objections, braced her hands behind her and sat obediently on the stool. She looked up at Gu Man and commanded, “Go for it. I’ll be your supervisor.”

Amused by her cuteness, Gu Man lowered her head and smiled, the corners of her eyes curving upward. She nodded in agreement, “Mhm, you’ll be my… supervisor.”

She turned around and began skillfully packing things. As she passed the orphanage director, she stopped her: “Grandma, let us handle this. You aren’t in good health, go and rest.”

The director shook her head in refusal, “It’s alright. I’ll join you. You’d be too slow on your own.”

In truth, despite saying that, she had already cleaned the rooms the moment she knew they were coming, there wasn’t much work left.

Gu Man frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, she spoke up: “Grandma, I have a request.”

The director was a bit puzzled but quickly agreed, “Of course. What does Manman want Grandma to do?”

Gu Man looked toward the corner where Wen Mian sat, bored and swinging her feet. Her expression softened as she said, “Could Grandma help me keep Wen Wen company for a while?”

The director beamed, the wrinkles accumulated over the years folding like layers of sun-dried cotton. She nodded slowly, “Alright, I’ll keep Mianmian company for Manman.”

Gu Man’s brow smoothed out. She supported the director over to Wen Mian and helped her sit down.

With a nod to Wen Mian, Gu Man turned to leave, but was suddenly interrupted by the director’s voice.

“Don’t forget to pick Mianmian up once you’re done cleaning.”

Gu Man’s ears flushed. She looked back, nodded, and answered softly, “I won’t forget.”

Wen Mian looked at the two of them in confusion, feeling her own face heating up.

Once Gu Man had walked a distance away, the director turned back, her face brimming with warmth.

With hair touched by the marks of time, she spoke slowly: “Child, do you like Manman?”

Wen Mian choked, was she really being this direct?

But… thinking of how Gu Man’s cold gaze was replaced by tenderness every time she looked at her, a faint smile escaped Wen Mian’s lips.

A satisfied glint flashed in the director’s cloudy eyes. She stopped asking and simply nodded, saying, “Grandma understands.”

She wanted to continue speaking, but was interrupted by a sudden fit of coughing, “Cough, cough, cough..”

Startled, Wen Mian turned and quickly patted her hunched back, “Grandma, are you okay?”

The director waved her hand, smiling, “It’s nothing, just an old ailment.”

She took Wen Mian’s hand, her rough, dry fingertips patting the back of it. Her eyes grew hazy as she drifted into memory. “Mianmian, you are a good child. With you taking care of Manman, Grandma can rest easy.”

Hearing words that sounded almost like a final testament, Wen Mian nearly jumped in fright. She waved her hands frantically, “Grandma, you can’t say that! You’ll definitely be able to stay with Gu Man for a long time.”

The director didn’t argue but changed the subject, talking about when Gu Man first arrived at the orphanage. “Speaking of which, Grandma still remembers the way Manman looked when she first came here.”

Wen Mian looked at her in confusion, “Wasn’t Gu Man raised in the orphanage all along?”

The director shook her head gently. “Of course not. Grandma remembers Manman came here when she was seven. It was snowing that day, yet she wore a white short-sleeved top covered in dust.”

Wen Mian couldn’t help but imagine a young Gu Man, all alone in the freezing snow arriving at the orphanage. Her heart ached, and her brow furrowed tightly.

The director’s kind voice continued beside her: “Manman was extremely withdrawn when she first arrived. She wouldn’t talk to anyone. Grandma thought she had been abandoned because she was mute. Later, I realized she wasn’t mute, she simply didn’t want to speak to anyone.”

“As she grew older, she became more willing to speak, but she was still silent most of the time. It wasn’t until she got into high school in City A that Grandma suddenly noticed she was talking more and had become gentler.”

“She told Grandma she had made a very good friend. Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last. In her senior year, she reverted to her old self and resolutely decided to apply for the film academy.”

“Since then, she became busier and busier, coming back less frequently. Grandma was very worried, but now that you’re here, Grandma is finally at peace.”

The corners of Wen Mian’s eyes turned red. She nodded through her tears, “I will take good care of Gu Man, don’t you worry.”

The director smiled with warmth and nodded slowly, “Grandma is certainly at peace. Though, it should be Manman taking care of you.”

Wen Mian laughed and hummed in agreement, her voice still carrying a hint of a sob.

Afterward, the two had a pleasant conversation centered around Gu Man. By the time they left, Wen Mian had even learned quite a few of Gu Man’s embarrassing childhood stories.

Once the cleaning was finished, Zhong Li treated all the children at the orphanage to a meal and quietly left a sum of money before departing.

She wasn’t the only one; everyone did the same.

After returning to the villa, Wen Mian was carefully helped down by Gu Man and given a sip of warm water.

She sat on the sofa watching TV, quietly keeping Gu Man company while she prepared drinks.

A rich, sweet aroma drifted from the kitchen, gradually filling the entire living room.

Wen Mian took a deep breath, unable to help her curiosity about what delicious drink Gu Man was making today.

After a while, Gu Man walked out carrying a small bowl and placed a silky, milky Brown Sugar Ginger Milk with Sago in front of Wen Mian.

Wen Mian quickly picked up the spoon and started eating, her eyes narrowing happily.

As she ate, she watched a childish cartoon on the TV. The atmosphere was harmonious and beautiful.

When she finished, Wen Mian naturally handed the bowl to Gu Man, who took it, washed it, and put it back in the kitchen.

Then, she helped her upstairs, stopping at Wen Mian’s bedroom door. They said goodnight and parted, just like any other day.

The only thing that might have changed was the state of their hearts.

After washing up and lying in bed, Wen Mian browsed her phone, though her attention wasn’t focused. She kept exiting and refreshing her messages.

Nothing… still nothing…

Wen Mian frowned slightly, feeling a bit discouraged. Didn’t she say she was going to pursue me? Not even a single word.

Feeling a bit annoyed, Wen Mian tossed her phone aside, but quickly grabbed it back.

Ding-ling. The phone suddenly vibrated. Startled, Wen Mian sat up abruptly, twingeing her right foot and causing a slight sting of pain.

She hissed softly but didn’t care. She hurriedly smoothed her hair with her hands, gave a light cough, and answered the video call.

In the small frame on the top right appeared Gu Man’s cold face, water droplets dripping from her hair and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. The moment she saw Wen Mian, the iceberg melted, and spring arrived.

Her voice was low and soft, like the quiet of the night surrounded by starlight, or the clear jade-like moon. She murmured into her ear, word by word, “Wen Wen…”

She did this every time, calling Wen Mian’s name first and drawing out the final syllable, like two inseparable ions that cannot form matter without the other.

Wen Mian’s ears heated up. She coughed again before responding, “Mhm. Why the sudden video call?”

Knowing Wen Mian was asking on purpose, Gu Man still answered seriously, “Because I missed you, Wen Wen. Can we sleep like this?”

Wen Mian felt her ears burning even more. She thought to herself: Oh no, I lost!

How had she become so good at this? Unwilling to accept defeat so easily, Wen Mian stared at Gu Man scrutinizingly. Gu Man looked back at her just as earnestly, her eyes filled with shimmering light, tender and silently embracing her.

Fine, a loss is a loss. Looking at Gu Man like this, Wen Mian helplessly surrendered.

She tapped her chin with her finger, thought for a moment, and said in a drawn-out voice, “That won’t do..”

Gu Man’s gaze flickered with a bit of disappointment, but she didn’t ask why. She only said, “Then, can we stay on the call until we fall asleep?”

Wen Mian hummed in agreement. She leaned back against the headboard, watching Gu Man as she lowered her eyes and began handling work. The cold light from the laptop cast slanted shadows on her face, making her look even more ethereal at the junction of light and dark.

Gradually, Wen Mian burrowed into the blankets until only her head was visible. She quietly browsed her phone with the sound turned off.

The corners of Gu Man’s mouth couldn’t help but turn up. She glanced at her from the corner of her eye for a while before continuing her work.

Eventually, Wen Mian slowly closed her hazy eyes. She nuzzled the quilt and drifted into dreamland.

By the time Gu Man finished her work, the clock pointed to twelve. She pinched the bridge of her nose, her face showing a trace of fatigue.

Turning her head, she looked at the phone. In the frame, Wen Mian was fast asleep, her nose twitching slightly as if smelling a familiar scent, her brow softened like a sleepy kitten curled in a ball.

Gu Man’s fingertips twitched; she wanted to touch her.

She sat there watching quietly for a long time, her fatigue gradually washing away as she lost herself in the moment, only snapping out of it when the low battery warning appeared.

She picked up the phone, quickly plugged it into the charger, watched for a few more lingering minutes, and then slowly disconnected the video call.

In truth, she didn’t want to hang up, but… Wen Wen’s words had to be obeyed.

The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, Wen Mian gave a big stretch and opened her eyes. She reached out and skillfully found her phone.

The battery indicator showed a piercing red. She quickly plugged it in to charge and glanced at Gu Man’s chat box. Her eyes landed on the two hour call log, and the corners of her mouth curled up.

Stroking her phone case, Wen Mian lifted the covers and was about to wash up when she was drawn by a vibration. She quickly checked it.

Gu Man: Good morning, Wen Wen.

Her heart overflowed with sweetness. Wen Mian typed back: Good morning, Gu Man.

Gu Man, busy making breakfast, saw the message and her eyes instantly softened. She held the phone in one hand and replied quickly.

Gu Man: Breakfast is almost ready. You can come down and eat.

Wen Mian smiled: Okay, I’ll wash up first.

Perhaps because she was thinking of Gu Man, Wen Mian finished washing up very quickly and trotted downstairs. She went to the kitchen and leaned against the wall to watch her.

Soon, breakfast was ready. Gu Man plated it and carried it to the dining table with Wen Mian following quietly behind.

Today was the last day of the dating show, so it was naturally given great importance. After everyone finished breakfast, Zhong Li brought in makeup artists to prepare them before taking them down the mountain.

Separating them into different rooms, Zhong Li arranged for staff members to interview them.

The live stream was split into six cameras. The audience thought for a second and then quickly chose Wen Mian.

Seeing a familiar face, Wen Mian looked at Xiao Meng and smiled elegantly.

Xiao Meng glanced at the script in her hand, placed it face down, and asked with a soft gaze and a smile: “Today is the last day of the program. Mianmian, how are you feeling right now?”

Wen Mian thought for a moment and replied, “Mhm… a lot of things. Reluctance, sadness, and also a bit of anticipation.”

Anticipation for her future days with Gu Man.

Xiao Meng nodded, “I see. Then the next question is one you’ve answered before, if you were asked to choose a partner again now, who would you choose?”

“Gu Man,” Wen Mian said without hesitation.

Xiao Meng immediately looked like she was swooning over the “ship,” and the audience felt the same.

[It’s mutual! Our ‘GuMian’ for the rest of our lives is so sweet!]

[Ahhh! Mianmian chose Manman, and Manman chose Mianmian! Just confess and get together already!]

[Agreed!]

“Alright, last question, has Mianmian found her favorite ‘type’ now?”

Wen Mian lowered her head, her eyes curving into crescents as she asked back, “Isn’t that obvious?”

Xiao Meng was stunned for a moment but quickly caught on. “True. Then my questions are over. I wish Mianmian a happy and blissful final day here.”

Wen Mian nodded, accepting the blessing. “I will.”

She walked out of the room and exited through the back door.

Walking along the streets of the small town, Wen Mian looked left and right, searching for a gift for Gu Man.

What should she give? Wen Mian pondered. Thinking of Gu Man’s usual ethereal, “immortal” appearance, she found it a bit difficult.

Suddenly, she caught sight of three large characters, Jewelry Store and walked in involuntarily.

The sales assistant was shocked the moment she saw her, then broke into a brilliant smile. She hurried forward, “Mianmian! Is there anything you’d like to buy? I can give you some recommendations.”

Accustomed to being recognized, Wen Mian replied with a gentle nod, “Do you have jade?”

The assistant nodded repeatedly, “Of course we do. This way, please.”

She led Wen Mian to the dedicated fine jade section.

“Thank you.” Wen Mian looked up and scanned the area. She was drawn to a pair of jade-inlaid stud earrings, suddenly remembering the first time she saw Gu Man. The sparkling diamond studs on her earlobes had been dazzling, complementing her jade-like ears.

Wen Mian moved her feet and stood still in front of the earring counter, looking down silently for a while.

The assistant asked cautiously, “Is Mianmian looking for a gift for Manman? If there’s something you like, tell me, and I can check the stock for you.”

Wen Mian nodded absentmindedly. Her gaze fell upon a pair of white jade pendants. She tapped them with her slender finger and asked, “Could I see this pair of earrings, please?”

“Of course, I’ll get them for you.” When they were taken out of the counter, Wen Mian picked them up. They felt warm and smooth to the touch.

“I’ll take these,” Wen Mian said instinctively.

From the first moment she saw them up close, only one thought remained in her mind, this was the one. She turned to the sales assistant.

The assistant’s eyes lit up, both happy for the high commission from the sale and feeling blessed to personally participate in Wen Mian’s gift-giving to Gu Man.

She carefully packaged the earrings and handed them to Wen Mian with both hands.

Wen Mian took the gift, holding it in her palm, then looked up at her and said with a smile, “Would you like a photo together?”

The sales assistant could hardly contain her joy, her head bobbing up and down repeatedly. “Yes, yes, yes!”

She pulled out her phone and took a rapid series of photos.

After the photos, Wen Mian turned to head out, with the sales assistant following behind.

The moment Wen Mian stepped out of the jewelry store, the assistant finally couldn’t help but speak up: “Mianmian, you and Manman have to stay happy together forever.”

Wen Mian turned back, her eyes curving into a smile. So she’s a fan of Gu Man, she realized.

She replied in a low but firm voice, “Of course. Don’t you worry.”

The corners of the assistant’s eyes turned red as she hummed in response, watching Wen Mian walk away.

Upon arriving at the date location specially arranged by the production team, Wen Mian sat in a small pavilion, resting her chin on her hand as she looked outside.

The live stream started at that moment, and fans flooded in.

[Finally back on air! I wonder what gift Mianmian prepared for Manman?]

[Curious +1! Manman, hurry up and get here!]

[Haha! Manman is probably still picking out a gift.]

[Seriously, can time just skip to when Manman arrives? I’m dying of anticipation!]