The Salted Fish And Protagonist A Ended Up Together - Chapter 44.1

After taking the customary photos with the fans, Wen Mian watched them leave before continuing her food hunt. The students, finally unable to contain their excitement, skipped away hand in hand, hopping with joy.

Feeling the fullness in her stomach, Wen Mian stood still and suddenly thought of Gu Man, who was far away.

She took a photo of her haul and sent it to Gu Man, her tone full of mock pride: Look, the spoils of war from my one hour campaign.

Gu Man was likely still filming and didn’t reply immediately. Wen Mian curled her lip slightly and tucked her phone away.

By the time she returned home, it was 9:00 PM. The living room was quiet. Wen Mian grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the fridge and headed upstairs. After washing up and emerging in her bathrobe, she checked her phone, Gu Man had just replied.

[Gu Man: Wenwen is so impressive. I’ll accompany you next time.]

Wen Mian’s eyes crinkled into a smile. She typed back quickly: Then I’ll have to think long and hard about whether I’ll let you!

Currently eating a crew meal, Gu Man’s lips twitched upward. She typed with one hand: [But I really want to accompany Wenwen. Is that not allowed?]

Just by looking at the words, Wen Mian could imagine Gu Man’s “aggrieved” expression. She burst out laughing: I wonder what your fans would think if they saw the “Cold Movie Queen” like this?

[Gu Man: They would be happy.]

Gu Man wasn’t wrong, if the fans saw more of her emotions, they would indeed be thrilled.

Wen Mian gave a playful huff and changed the subject: Fine, you’re right. But are you still busy now?

[Gu Man: Not busy. No night scenes today. I’m eating.]

Nodding to herself, Wen Mian switched to voice messages, chatteringly sharing the interesting things that had happened during her day.

The next day was another full day of acting classes. Wen Mian dragged her exhausted body home, and by the time the clock hit 6:00 PM, it was time for her promised live stream.

What should I stream? After a few seconds of thought, she looked at her computer. Maybe play a game?

As the time arrived, she adjusted the camera, put on her headphones, and started the stream. Fans flooded in instantly. Suddenly, the “beauty filter” on the streaming software thinned her face out aggressively. Startled, Wen Mian quickly reset it to default.

Only then did she look into the lens and smile. “Hello everyone! I’m so happy to see you all!”

The comments flew by:

• “Hello Mianmian!”
• “Mianmian is so beautiful!”

“Since this is my first stream, I’m still quite nervous. If you have any questions, feel free to ask~” Wen Mian said, her hand resting on the mouse.

• “Haha, we can tell! Don’t be nervous, Mianmian.”
• “What is Mianmian going to stream? So excited!”

Wen Mian smiled. “Let’s play a game together today.”

She logged into her streaming assistant and browsed through small games before finally selecting Fall Guys.

“Alright, finally chose one!” Wen Mian’s tone was relaxed. She glanced at the screen, which was filled with “cute” comments.

• “Mianmian is so cute, sending kisses!”
• “I want to kiss her too, but I’m afraid Manman will hit me.”
• “It’s fine, Manman isn’t here right now. We can steal a kiss.”

On the other side of the screen, Gu Man, who was watching the stream, gritted her teeth. She felt a bit disgruntled. I am here!

But her inner voice remained unheard by the fans, who were focused on the game. Wen Mian was very serious about gaming, her small face was tense, her striking features set in a solemn expression. She looked quite like her sister Pei Ting when Pei Ting was being serious.

However, there was a difference. Pei Ting could be intimidating, but watching Wen Mian purse her lips, act frustrated, or cheer when she succeeded, the fans only felt an urge to “rua” (pet/squeeze) her.

After losing two rounds, she finally won. Wen Mian’s eyes curved up with joy. “I won! Am I great or what?”

She looked at the camera, tilting her chin up like a little pet seeking praise. The fans’ hearts skipped a beat as they showered her with compliments.

Gu Man’s expression also softened. Her fingertip tapped the screen as if she wanted to touch the radiant girl within it. The longing she had been suppressing spread through her body. At this moment, the urge to see her was profound.

“Movie Queen Gu, we’re ready to start.” The call brought Gu Man back to reality. She slowly withdrew her hand, turned off her phone, and stood up.

For the next hour, Wen Mian played games while answering fan questions.

“Acting? I’m currently studying. If there’s news, I’ll definitely tell you all immediately.” “Am I still in touch with Xixi and the others? Of course, we chat every day.” “With Gu Man? Yeah, we’re in touch. She’s just very busy right now. We’ll hang out when she’s free.”

Two hours passed. Wen Mian took a sip of water to soothe her throat and bid farewell to her fans.

“It’s getting late, and I need to eat dinner. Bye-bye everyone, see you next time.”

The fans were reluctant to see her go but mostly felt bad that she hadn’t eaten yet. After a round of heartfelt goodbyes, the stream ended. Wen Mian stretched. She felt exhausted to the point of collapse.

Sigh, this body’s stamina isn’t what it used to be. In my previous life, sleeping a few hours over three days was normal. Now, I feel tired after doing so little.

Rubbing her face to wake up, she dragged her tired self downstairs for dinner. Auntie Li watched her with deep concern, noticing her struggling to keep her eyes open. She didn’t nag, but she mentally planned to buy more supplements the next day.

Over the following two days, the acting classes left Wen Mian’s head spinning. After one session, she sat slumped on the floor, her eyes glazed.

Teacher Yan stood tall and glanced back at her. She paused before saying, “You don’t have to come tomorrow.”

Wen Mian was startled and looked up. What? Is she giving up on me?

Teacher Yan continued, “Xu Qing told me, you have a shoot tomorrow. It’s a good chance to relax. Come back the day after.”

Wen Mian breathed a sigh of relief and gave a thumbs up. “Teacher… your way of speaking… is really something.”

Teacher Yan ignored her and walked out.

While it sounded like a break, it really wasn’t. All the way home, Xu Qing was in Wen Mian’s ear: “Don’t stay up late, don’t eat too much, or your condition tomorrow will be ruined!”

Wen Mian nodded repeatedly. “Yes, I know, I understand, don’t worry.” The moment the car stopped, she bolted.

Following Xu Qing’s instructions, she ate a light dinner and went to bed early to rest her mind.

The remaining two outfits for the shoot focused on “minimalist comfort.” The stylist, Aina, finished quickly and walked around Wen Mian with satisfaction. “As expected, the face is the core equipment,” she sighed, resting her chin in her hand.

Wen Mian smiled and went to change.

The first was a summer vibe warm orange knitted flower camisole, adorned with 3D blossoms, paired with wide-leg jeans to elongate the waist. With layered gold chains and brown bear earrings, the look was energetic, playful, and very “girl next door.”

The second outfit featured a white sleeveless T-shirt under a light blue sheer shirt with a layered skirt, gentle and intellectual.

After a long shoot, the photographer finally stopped, looking quite regretful. Wen Mian comforted her with a smile, “It’s okay, there’s always next time.”

As she headed home, Wen Mian flopped onto her bed. Her phone rang.

“Gu…” “Mianmian!” Zhang Yunxi’s voice came from the other end.

Wen Mian’s eyes lit up. “Xixi! Why are you calling me all of a sudden?” “Hmph! If I didn’t call you, would you have ever called me?” Zhang Yunxi complained.

Feeling guilty, Wen Mian quickly changed the subject. “Alright, alright. How have you been these past few days?”

Zhang Yunxi got excited. “Great! It’s a bit of a hassle going out now, but I’m happy. What about you? How are things progressing with Sister Gu?” Her tone was full of gossip.

Wen Mian’s expression softened. “Not bad. And you and Shi Qiu?” Zhang Yunxi turned shy. “About the same. Forget them, are you free tomorrow? Let’s have a meal together.”

“Sure,” Wen Mian agreed without hesitation. “But it has to be after five. I have classes.”

After hanging up, Wen Mian sent a quick message to Gu Man and went to sleep.

Meanwhile, Gu Man was looking at her phone with a soft gaze. After a moment, she called Xie Yun. “How is the matter progressing?” Gu Man’s voice was cold and emotionless.

“Halfway done. But he seems to have noticed our movements. Should we slow down?” Xie Yun asked. “Yes, slowing down is fine. Just protect yourself. We don’t want him doing something desperate.”

After hanging up, Gu Man walked to the window and looked at the stars. Mother, just wait one more month… just one month…

Thinking about the dinner with Zhang Yunxi, Wen Mian didn’t even feel tired during class. The moment it ended, she flew out the door.

She pushed open the private room door and waved. “Xixi!” Zhang Yunxi stood up and hugged her. “Mianmian, I missed you so much!”

Wen Mian patted her back. “I missed you too. Now, can you let go?” “Heartless!” Zhang Yunxi pouted.

They sat down and began to gossip. “So, you said things are ‘not bad’ with Sister Gu. I want details!” Wen Mian pushed Zhang Yunxi’s forehead away. “You want to ask me? Why don’t you tell me about you and Shi Qiu? Why isn’t she here today?”

Zhang Yunxi choked. “She’s busy, she couldn’t make it.” Wen Mian nodded. “True. It seems like after the show ended, everyone except Gu Man has gotten incredibly busy.”

A few days later, after a class, Xu Qing found Wen Mian. “That variety show is about to start. Prepare tonight, we head out tomorrow.” “How long is the recording?” “Three days. You’ll be in two episodes,” Xu Qing replied.

The night sky shifted to blue as the plane landed at the recording location.

The participants of this variety show were all Wen Mian’s seniors: top-tier host Wang Li, “Television Queen” Lu Xueqi, the “crowd favorite” Zhao Min, and the only person Wen Mian actually knew Gu… Gu Man?!