Xianyu And Protagonist A Are Together Chapter 13
byChapter 13: Everything is Beautiful, Including You
Wen Mian’s fox-like eyes glanced at Gu Man, who was sitting on the sofa wearing gold-rimmed glasses and looking down at a script.
She was wearing a fitted white shirt, the sleeves neatly folded up to her elbows, revealing smooth, defined arms. The top button was fastened, emphasizing her long neck, giving her an air of meticulous refinement.
She made it? Wen Mian murmured softly to herself, then smiled at Zhang Yunxi (Xi Xi). “Then I must properly taste the cooking of you and Shiqiu.”
Zhang Yunxi (Xi Xi) nodded excitedly, grabbing Wen Mian’s arm enthusiastically. “We were just waiting for you!”
Wen Mian followed her lead to the dining table, where Su Shiqiu uncovered the dishes one by one.
The takeout looked like takeout. As for the dishes the two of them made, the best that could be said was that they weren’t burnt and were edible; whether they tasted good was another matter entirely.
Finally, the cream of mushroom soup in the center piqued Wen Mian’s appetite. The rich broth enveloped finely diced mushrooms and was sprinkled with browned bacon, emitting a fragrant aroma.
Wang Mo called Song Xue down, and the group gathered around the table.
Perhaps farming had consumed too much energy, as Song Xue was uncharacteristically quiet and didn’t cause trouble, genuinely looking a bit like a delicate princess.
Wen Mian lowered her head, picking at the food in front of her, her eyes bright as she looked at the cream of mushroom soup. Just as she was enjoying her meal, a bowl of soup suddenly appeared before her.
Looking up, she saw Gu Man standing, slightly bent over, scooping the soup. Her voice was flat and even. “For you.”
Wen Mian was slightly stunned. She picked up her spoon and took a mouthful. The rich creaminess mixed with the fresh tenderness of the mushrooms burst in her mouth.
Wen Mian’s fox-like eyes widened slightly, impressed internally, which showed on her face involuntarily. She was generous with her praise, a flood of sweet words pouring out. “Delicious! Gu Jie, your cooking is truly excellent! This is the best cream of mushroom soup I have ever tasted!”
Gu Man handed the ladle bowl to Wang Mo, not forgetting to respond, “Drink more.”
The others quickly caught on and immediately chided Wen Mian. “Mian Mian, you’ve used up all the compliments. What are we supposed to do now?”
Wen Mian was momentarily blank. Huh? Was that a rule?
Gu Man subtly stepped sideways, blocking Wen Mian, and spoke calmly. “No need for compliments. I’ll be satisfied if you finish drinking it.”
Su Shiqiu held her bowl and took a large gulp. “Then you don’t need to worry! We definitely won’t leave any behind!”
Wang Mo nodded, her peach blossom eyes blinking. “Gu Man, don’t worry, we’ll finish it all! Oh, right, you seem to be blocking Mian Mian…”
Gu Man’s body stiffened, then she slowly moved away, her eyes, caught in the sidelight, sweeping toward Wang Mo. The soft light in her eyes receded, replaced by a sharp intensity, like a polished blade.
Wang Mo didn’t notice, still smiling cheerfully at Wen Mian.
Wen Mian pursed her lips into a smile and obediently drank her cream of mushroom soup.
[Haha, Mo Mo, don’t you feel a little chill?]
[Speaking of which, I’m so curious about how good the soup Man Man made is. Wen Mian hasn’t even looked up.]
[To be honest, I’m curious too…]
[How wonderful would it be if Man Man darling could cook for me one day!]
[Sister, you’re dreaming too beautifully. I wouldn’t even dare to think that.]
After finishing the soup in her bowl, Wen Mian quietly observed the others. Seeing that they didn’t intend to continue eating, she silently finished the remaining soup.
Afterward came the time to send the Heartbeat texts. Wang Qiang (Director) closed the live stream as usual.
Wen Mian pondered for a second, then quickly sent her message to Gu Man—It was very fun working with you, and the cream of mushroom soup was delicious. I love it!
She followed it with a cute emoji.
*
Mist filled the bathroom. Gu Man, wrapped in a white bathrobe, was walking and drying her hair. Water droplets fell from her strands onto her neck, which was fair and long.
Her phone chimed. She casually opened it, and a trace of joy, like the flowing spring water in March, spilled into her usually calm eyes.
Gu Man put down the towel and tapped her fingers on the desk, taking a long time before typing out a line of text.
[Gu Man: Everything is beautiful.]
The praise is beautiful, the scenery is beautiful, and so are you.
Wen Mian raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at the message on her phone. She didn’t catch the underlying meaning, instead focusing on Gu Man’s profile picture.
Gu Man’s profile picture resembled her—dignified yet noble, featuring a dazzling red rose encircled by a brilliant starry sky.
Casually tossing her phone aside, Wen Mian lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
She had slept too much in the afternoon and wasn’t very sleepy now. Wen Mian couldn’t help but touch the scent gland on the back of her neck.
The gland was covered by a scent patch, but a faint strawberry aroma still leaked out, filling the room.
Wen Mian swallowed, feeling a little craving, wanting to eat…
As soon as the thought emerged, she quickly shook her head, pushing the idea out of her mind.
A vibration from her phone interrupted her scattered thoughts. She picked it up and pressed the answer button.
“Mian Mian, can we meet after you finish filming the show?” The voice on the other end was gentle, carrying a hint of cautiousness.
Wen Mian looked at the phone in confusion. There was no contact note. She frowned slightly, unsure what to say for a moment.
After a long silence, the woman on the other end’s breathing quickened, but she still asked gently, “Mian Mian, are you listening? Can Mama see you?”
Wen Mian abruptly sat up. The original owner’s mother?!
She quickly thought about how to reply. Should she refuse? But they would have to meet sooner or later.
In that case…
“Yes…” Wen Mian agreed. Since she was here, she would take things as they came. At worst, she would be exposed. Wen Mian thought like a lazy fish.
Hearing Wen Mian agree, the woman on the other end sounded delighted. “That’s great. Just let Mama know when you have time, and Mama will make the arrangements.”
Wen Mian hummed in acknowledgment.
The two fell silent, their heartbeats audible in the quiet.
Finally, the woman on the phone spoke first. “Well, Mian Mian, Mama is hanging up now. You need to take good care of yourself.”
Wen Mian hesitated whether to speak, eventually only murmuring, “Mm.”
*
Flopping back onto the bed, Wen Mian couldn’t help but think about the original owner’s mother. It was known that the original owner had been very happy until she was eighteen, and her mother was a gentle person.
So how did things reach this point of estrangement?
Wen Mian racked her brain but couldn’t find the answer. She sighed in frustration and lay motionless on the bed.
Who cares! She should focus on her own life first! Wen Mian turned and burrowed into the quilt.
Outside the window, a light rain began to fall, drifting against the glass and blurring the view.
Wen Mian, dressed in a long red outfit, sat cross-legged on the sofa, holding a steaming cup. The coffee table in front of her was covered with various snacks.
She gently sipped the warm milk and sighed contentedly. “Comfortable!”
The viewers in the live stream expressed envy, jealousy, and hatred.
[So comfortable, I want that!]
[Who is living this life? Oh, it’s Wen Mian!]
[How did Wen Mian turn a dating show into a life of leisure? Look at this…]
[You guys are so talented, but I’m truly miserable. Work, work! Can work just die already! This rain is like my mood—not heavy, but it dampens the world.]
[No, Director, come quickly! I want to see Wen Mian busy!]
[Me too, send her to another show quickly!]
Wang Qiang (Director) appeared, answering the audience’s calls. He cleared his throat, his right fist held to his mouth. “It’s a new day, and our Heartbeat Dating Show must also have a new look. Therefore, I announce—a new mission has arrived!”