OSBORN: Someone asked me today, if my favorite novel character suddenly appeared in reality, what would I do?
MC: So, what’s your reaction?
Osborn: I would teach him how to survive in this world
OPTION 1
MC: Since they’re my favorite, then I’ll secretly hide them away!
Osborn: Afraid I’ll get in a fight if I meet him?
OPTION 3
MC: If It was me, I might get so scared I’d call the police…
Osborn: Don’t be scared, if they really appeared, then I’d definitely be at your side
i have not but after skimming the free chapters, oh god, you are so right LOL. killian has shorter hair but there are some panels where they really do look similar. that’s hilarious.
Osborn would probably be amused, especially at killian’s setting, because he loves joking about how he’s a bad guy and so they match here too! then i could see him start his teasing and ask if she wants him to act like killian does to his heroine. does she like men with sharper tongues and a heavier hand?
also, i instantly remembered the moment i translated above when it comes to Osborn’s reaction to the heroine talking about fictional characters. but honestly, Osborn seems to be rather chill when it comes to fangirling (maybe because of his own experience with his fans? purely my headcanon).
in the date [SR Heartbeat Between Fingers], the heroine drags Osborn to see her favorite band because her friend suddenly couldn’t make it and there’s this scene at the beginning:
MC: … The last member, and also my favourite, is the pianist and also the band leader, Li Yu.
MC: He’s really talented and does all the song arrangements and lyrics for the band!
Osborn raised his eyebrows and looked at Li Yu, who was wearing a camouflage T-shirt and nodding at the fans with a faint smile, before he looked at me again and nodded, unfazed.
O: Oh? Looks like he’s your idol?
MC: Mm… not really, I just really admire and respect him!
MC: I’m the same as these fans, attracted by his talent.
Just as I said this, the two girls beside us cupped their hands around their mouth and screamed.
Fan 1: AHH—HUSBAND!! YOU’RE SO HOT!
Fan 2: LI YU DARLING!! I WANT TO HAVE YOUR BABIES!!
MC:Uh…
I was suddenly forced to eat my own words and my smile stiffened on my face, but Osborn deliberately showed an understanding expression and pretended to nod with great seriousness.
O: Oh, the same as them. I get it.
O: What do you usually shout then? Let me hear.
MC: I don’t! I really don’t!
I waved my hands as hard as I could to clear my name, but my arm accidentally bumped into another person, making them eye me with displeasure.
MC:Sorry!
Osborn laughed and stretched out his arm, drawing me a little closer into him.
O: Alright, alright, I believe you.
this was before the heroine finds out that Li Yu is Osborn’s college friend. Osborn teases her so much in this prologue, including joking about giving her some alone time with Li Yu when he comes over to them after the concert, even though he was coming over because of Osborn.
but i think if she really started paying less attention to him then he would start getting jealous and find ways to get her attention before wheedling her for more by saying things like “You didn’t pay attention to me for [x] days, I’m really hurt and need to be compensated”.
OSBORN: Lately, whenever Pu Ning hitches a ride he only ever sits in the back, saying the passenger seat is for his sister-in-law
MC: I thought Pu Ning was going to say that sitting in the back seat is safer…
Osborn: Sitting beside me is safest
I have to share the other option too because it makes me laugh so hard at how the response was completely expected. Pu Ning has good emotional intelligence when it comes to Osborn~.
OPTION 1
MC: It doesn’t matter, I don’t mind. He can sit anywhere~
Bergamote 22 started its life under the code name “Fire Cologne”, and as soon as we smelled the unexpected effervescent spiciness of its top notes, we knew why. Subtle but noticeable, the piquancy of nutmeg puts a twist on the classic citrus scent genre. The tingling spice compliments beautifully the fizzy notes of grapefruit and bergamot. The translucent green aspect brought on by petit grain is yet another layer that unfolds on the skin revealing the complex nature of this seemingly simple composition. The gauzy citrus notes are grounded by amber, musk and vetiver. The substantionality of the base notes gives Bergamote 22 weight and rich texture seldom found in citrus blends. A unisex fragrance with an unforgettable personality.
EVAN
“I want to know even more, all those parts in your past that I never participated in.”
Absinthe – the legendary green fairy, that entrancing vixen that brings visions, addiction and madness. Bacchanalian nights on the Moulin Rouge were fueled by this forbidden wormwood liquor that lives on the razor’s edge of bitter and sweet, of cold and hot, of delirium and inspiration. Fou d'Absinthe opens with the steely grip of icy-cool alcohol, enveloped by the distinctive, slightly bitter, unnervingly true note of absinthe, touched with a brisk tingle of angelica. The unique “hot-cold” sensation continues as the crisp, cool bite of anise contrasts with the heat of a cocktail of four spices, before settling into a resinous blend of dry pine, fir balsam and woody cistus. Elegant and mesmerizing, the journey from the initial bracing, herbal sharpness to the deeply sweet and intoxicating mellowness at the end, makes us feel, for just a moment, as if we had actually indulged in contraband. We would follow this green fairy anywhere.
SARIEL
“You want a Valentine’s present? You’re becoming more and more demanding.”
In discussing Holy Grail fragrances with sandalwood lovers, Tam Dao is a name that comes up again and again. While not solely sandalwood, this blend of woods and ambergris features a gorgeous, dry sandalwood note that has earned it a devoted following. The opening is primarily cypress, very green and sharp, with a vaguely industrial feel. Then the blend of exotic incense-like sandalwood and softer, sweeter rosewood begins to develop slowly. The sandalwood becomes luxurious and creamy, with additional richness from the ambergris. Luminous and tranquil, with a meditative quality – Tam Dao smells a like a precious carved object. Even at its creamiest, it still has that authentic, dry bite of freshly-hewn wood and that transparent quality that is the hallmark of so many Diptyque scents. A must try for sandalwood lovers.
CHARLIE
“I’ve told you already that your fiancé isn’t an ordinary person.”
The scented thread which runs through Lord George, Clara and Radcliff is rum. Each perfume has a part of that note. In Roaring Radcliff it is the core upon which the entire fragrance is built. The top accord is an over spiced gingerbread as Mme Bugey uses a bit of cinnamon to amplify the warmer facets. It adds a nice twist to an otherwise normal gingerbread accord. Honey sweetens the mix and sets the stage for the silver flask of rum to make its appearance. The rum accord here is made quite rich, a well-aged version carrying a veil of smoke. That smoke deepens into a full-on tobacco. Early on the narcotic qualities of tobacco are well-balanced with the rum. Then vanilla repeats the use of sweetness to ameliorate the boozy narcotic mixture. It all settles down as the night of cake, cigars, and rum comes to an end.
The warm, woody scent of a fireplace burning brightly, crackling against a backdrop of a snowy day comes to life in this scent. Spicy notes of pink pepper and clove oil blend with chestnut and cashmeran, evoking the warmth of a winter morning. Subtle orange flower and vanilla notes are layered atop the woody base, adding a subtle sweetness to the scent.
The silhouette of each Replica bottle is inspired by classic apothecary jars, allowing the collection to be instantly identifiable.
(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Main Story Update: Chapter 9 + 10 PV Translation
*Light and Night Master-list *Join the Light & Night Discord (＾▽＾)~ ♪ *Main story tag will be #For Light and Night *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *T/N: I lied and translated it during lunch break TwT Evan means expect nothing and never get disappointed. ALSO BABY EVANNNNN, CHARLIE HUGS AND BADASS JESSE
Impeded by the past, and ensnared within the disappointment of failed expectations, people can’t help but to start thinking…
Would the world be better, once EVERYTHING goes down in ashes?
Charlie: Fiancée, we haven’t even tried the chocolate… and you’re already distracted and wanting to have a taste of something else?
Facing Charlie’s smiling eyes, my hand trembles.
MC: No, don’t let your mind wander! I just wanted to wipe some cream off your chest.
Charlie glances at the cream on my finger, and seems to be pondering over something.
Charlie: It looks like you have a little hobby of getting me dirty. It’s a pity that the dessert’s already finished and I can only satisfy you next time.
Charlie places two tiny cakes onto a plate. Then, he bends down and retrieves a slender, coffee-coloured bottle from the freezer.
Charlie: Before trying the dessert, let’s whet our appetite with a pre-meal beverage.
MC: What’s this?
Charlie twists open the bottle cap, then pours brown liquid into two wine glasses.
Charlie: In Di Li Xiu Si, there’s a famous chocolate liquor known as the “Drink of God”. Everyone probably wants to know how it tastes.
While watching his practised movements, I recall how Charlie doesn’t seem to like the taste of alcohol.
Noticing my puzzled gaze, Charlie smiles with understanding.
Charlie: Don’t worry, it has a very low alcohol level and it’s almost negligible. Here - cheers to this trip.
Charlie places a cup of wine into my hand and clinks his against mine gently.
I tilt my head upwards to drink it. The liquid flows into my mouth, and a unique taste spreads out. Cherry, raspberry and other similar fruits gradually drift over, mingling with cocoa. It’s akin to a melting blackforest cake.
The refrigerated wine has a rich texture and smoothness. I can’t help but take a few more sips greedily.
For some reason, Charlie frowns slightly as he puts the glass down. He has an odd expression on his face.
Charlie: Why does this taste a little different from what I expected?
MC: Really? I think it’s pretty good.
Charlie looks at the wine glass in my hand, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Charlie: This “Drink of God” has a pretty strict requirement when it comes to the way its poured. I guess I might have failed with this glass.
His head droops, and he looks slightly crestfallen. I hurriedly stuff my glass into his hand.
MC: Try my glass. There might be a problem with the wine itself.
Charlie hesitates for a moment. Then, he lowers his head, holding my hand and drinking the liquid in my glass.
His originally furrowed brows seem to smoothen, and a dazzling aura once again returns into his eyes.
Charlie: Sure enough, your glass seems a little sweeter than mine. You should try mine too.
In an extremely natural manner, he pushes his wine glass towards me. I carefully lean forward and take a sip -
It has the exact same taste!
MC: Charlie, you lied to me. These two glasses clearly taste the same.
Charlie: Fiancée, does this count as a traditional wedding toast?
[Trivia]Charlie is referring to a custom called 交杯酒 (jiao bei jiu) in traditional Chinese weddings, where couples drink from each other’s wine glass to symbolise longevity in their marriage
MC:[blushing]You aren’t answering the question.
Despite what I said, my face flushes honestly.
Perhaps due to the alcohol in the liquid, my heart races more fiercely than before.
Charlie: Actually, there’s another half of the “Drink for the Gods” that I haven’t told you about.
Charlie leans over, his slightly bewitching tone causing me to listen more intently.
Charlie: In legends, it’s said that cocoa is a gift from God. Its slight bitterness makes one nostalgic, and it’s been thought of as harbouring a miraculous magic.
MC: What magic?
I stare into Charlie’s eyes, wanting to quell my curiosity. He leans closer to my ear…
Charlie: This magic is… the sensation of falling into the river of love.
The moment he finishes speaking, my heart leaps once again.
MC: So what we drank was…
Charlie: Don’t worry. How could I bear to let my fiancée drink such a primeval beverage? Although the legend is wonderful, the “Drink of God” tastes bitter and spicy in reality, and it’s difficult to swallow. This chocolate liquor is one that I had requested a professional bartender to prepare. As for the feeling of falling into the river of love, we’re free to experience it…
My emotions undulate in an unrestrained manner, as though I’m on a rollercoaster.
MC: So you were deliberately toying with me?
Charlie: How could I dare to lie to you? From the start till the end, I never said that this wine was the “Drink of God”. Were you truly emotionally stirred by me?
My ears flush pink, and I have no strength to respond.
Charlie: But my emotions have been stirred since a long time ago. Even without drinking it, I’ll be deeply captivated by you, fiancée.
Very soon, the day of our vacation arrives. The cocoa journey has officially begun.
As Charlie’s private plane makes its gradual descent, a lush rainforest unfolds before my eyes, and the scent of a foreign land rushes over.
The moment we step off the plane, a man with tanned skin and a straw hat welcomes us.
???: Mr Zha, Miss MC, welcome to Di Li Xiu Si. I’ve been waiting for you.
Charlie: Thanks for welcoming us, Santos my friend.
Santos: Mr Zha, we have arranged everything that you asked us to. You and Miss MC can enjoy this trip to your heart’s content, and nobody will disturb the both of you.
While saying this, he hands something over to Charlie in a respectful manner.
Before I can get a clear look at what it is, Charlie quickly keeps it in his pocket before giving Santos a nod.
Santos: I shan’t disturb you further. May the both of you have a happy trip.
Santos hastily turns around, disappearing into the depths of the lush rainforest.
MC: That’s strange. Isn’t he our tour guide?
Watching as I stare at Santos’ retreating figure, Charlie arches his brows and points at his chest.
Charlie: Fiancée, your most thoughtful tour guide is over here.
MC: But the plantations are hidden in the rainforest… Also, the routes are very complicated. Even if you’ve done your research… can we really do this without a local guide?
His purple eyes see through my doubt.
Charlie: Don’t worry. Nobody’s more familiar than this place than I am. If you’re scared, hold onto my hand tightly.
Right after saying this, Charlie takes my hand firmly, encasing it in the familiar warmth of his palm.
His footsteps are unusually steady, as though he’s very certain about the routes here.
The deep sense of mystery surrounding the rainforest gradually recedes. A strong and intoxicating fragrance of exotic flora and fauna envelop us.
Charlie: Look over there.
Charlie points at a plantation not too far away. A few workers are currently using tools to select cocoa beans from matured fruits before leaving them to dry under the light.
Charlie: The first harvest of cocoa begins in July. It’s still early. The cocoa fruits which matured early will be given to a few small workshops for their products.
Looking at the white fruits, I find it difficult to associate them with the cocoa powder I typically see.
MC: I didn’t expect cocoa powder to look so different from their old ancestors.
Charlie: You’re right. From the planting of cocoa seeds, harvesting, cleaning, roasting, grinding, and the final step of refining them, there are seven steps in total. Using your analogy, they would have gone through seven generations before reaching the customers in a completely changed state.
My eyes widen slightly, not expecting the production of cocoa beans to require that many processes.
But what’s even more unexpected is how familiar Charlie is with these processes. From my understanding, Charlie doesn’t have any related industries under his name.
As though reading my gaze, the corners of Charlie’s lips curl upwards in satisfaction.
Charlie: Fiancée, don’t underestimate my repository of knowledge.
MC: Is that it? I have a feeling that you’re hiding something from me.
Charlie: Shh, don’t get antsy.
With a smile, he takes my hand in a secretive manner and leads me down a small path.
At the end of the path, beneath tall trees that soar into the sky, a petite wooden hut appears in my field of vision.
Intricate flowers are engraved on the golden coloured signboard at the small entrance. I take a step closer to look -
MC: “Charlie’s Chocolate Workshop”.
After reading each golden syllable aloud, I turn my head around incredulously to look at Charlie.
MC: Charlie, could this be your…
Charlie: Correct. This is my personal workshop which is exclusively used for producing creative desserts.
MC: When did this start? I’ve never heard you mention it…
Charlie: After we spent Valentine’s Day together. The custom-made heart-shaped chocolates back then gave me the impulse to construct a chocolate workshop exclusively for us. Since I can blend my creativity into desserts and share this sweetness with my fiancée, why not?
It turns out these deeply buried small ideas had gathered to form a part of Charlie’s romance.
And all of this started since a very long time ago.
MC: Have you been here before?
Charlie: Yes. A while ago, I did on-site checks on a few locations in various parts of the world. Finally, I selected this place for my chocolate workshop. Three months after that, it happened to be 520, and I thought of bringing you here to look at our little hut.
Charlie speaks as though this is nothing out of the ordinary - that the amount of thought put into this is a given.
My questions from earlier are resolved and my heart suddenly grows tender.
Charlie: But there’s no need to feel moved this early. The surprise begins inside.
From his pocket, Charlie retrieves the item that Santos had given to him earlier - a tiny, intricate key.
He inserts the key into the lock, then opens the door of the little wooden hut gently.
The interior of the hut brims with a sweet fragrance, and has been decorated gorgeously and intricately. It’s completely different from the rainforest outside, and there’s a certain familiar aesthetic to it.
There are freshly picked cocoa beans on the ingredient counter, a few tools for making chocolates, and all sorts of baking equipment. Although this is a chocolate workshop, there aren’t any staff around.
Charlie: There are usually two pâtissiers and a few helpers working here. They’re responsible for bringing the freshest cocoa beans over, designing and creating desserts. Mr Santos is one of the helpers.
I nod in understanding.
Charlie: Today is a festival exclusive to us. I specially told them to give us sufficient time and space.
Looking around my surroundings, the amount of ingredients and tools causes my eyes to light up.
MC: Are we going to make chocolates?
Charlie: Not exactly. How could a perfect person give the same gift as the one from Valentine’s Day?
Charlie looks into my eyes meaningfully.
Charlie: This isn’t ordinary chocolate, but a creative dessert that I’ve recently come up with. It’s inspired by the longing for one’s beloved. Today, I’ll be preparing it in front of you.
After saying this, Charlie busies himself. However, a strange emotion surfaces in my heart.
MC: If I remember correctly, your previous original recipe was cocoa cup noodles?
Charlie: That’s right. It has the same unique taste that will guarantee a sweetness to your heart.
Seeing his smile, the strange feeling in my heart is replaced with bubbling curiosity.
Even if Charlie makes something terrible today, I believe that I’ll be able to play along and finish everything.
After he begins work, Charlie takes on the appearance of a master chef while I help out at the side.
Charlie: Fiancée, squeeze some jam for me.
Charlie is currently holding a whisk to make cream, and doesn’t have any free hands.
But when I twist the cover open, the jam spurts towards Charlie’s chest with a “pfft”, leaving a conspicuous red mark on his grey black shirt.
MC: Sorry, I didn’t mean to…
Charlie: It’s okay, this shirt has become more special now.
Charlie smiles while consoling me, but this causes me to feel even more guilty. After all, this is a shirt that he specially selected for 520, and yet it has become dirty.
MC: How about this…
Charlie: Hm?
MC: Wear an apron for now. It’d be problematic if something else gets on your clothes if I’m careless again.
I search the cupboards for an apron before handing it to him.
Charlie: Something else? Don’t worry, nothing-
Charlie suddenly stops in the middle of his sentence.
He stares at the apron in my hand before revealing a smile of understanding.
Charlie: It turns out that my fiancée has such thoughts…
MC: Yeah, so change into it quickly!
I stuff the apron into Charlie’s hand and watch as he disappears into the changing room in the corner.
I can vaguely hear soft muttering from behind the door…
Charlie: Tsk tsk tsk. Sure enough, designers have amusing interests…
MC: Interests?
I blink in confusion, but my tiny doubts are cast aside shortly after.
I turn around, continuing to squeeze the strawberry jam into the bowl of cream before mixing them. Then, a voice with a satisfied tone burrows into my ears.
Charlie: Fiancée, what do you think of my kitchen look?
Lifting my head to look at Charlie’s appearance, I find myself sucking in a breath.
MC: …Charlie, why did you run out looking like that?
His upper body is only clothed with an apron, and the lines of his muscles are discernible beneath the thin fabric.
A red hue surfaces on my cheeks. Pleased with my reaction, Charlie draws even closer.
Charlie: Isn’t this what you requested, Fiancée?
I frantically cover my eyes.
MC: I’ve… I’ve never made such a request.
In the narrow gaps between my fingers, Charlie tilts his head in confusion.
Charlie: Fiancée, are you doubting my memory? Change. Into. The. Apron. Quickly. Isn’t this what you instructed?
His teasing remark enters my ears, which turn crimson.
MC: What I meant was for you to change into a new outfit before putting the apron on…
Charlie: Oh. So you’re saying that I misunderstood you? Don’t worry, there’s an ancient phrase which goes, “holding a pipa with a half-hidden face”. Don’t you think that I’m more perfect and flawless than usual this way, and have a hazy beauty?
MC: What…
I turn away in embarrassment.
Charlie: No?
Charlie’s voice drifts to my ears. His tone takes on an abrupt shift, and he sounds pitiful.
Charlie: Fiancée, I only brought two sets of clothes for this short vacation. If I change into it now, I won’t have anything to wear on the day we return. Can you bear for my body to be seen by so many people?
MC: Well… fine.
I release a sigh, giving in easily. Even if a bare Charlie walks around casually, all I can do is close an eye.
Fortunately, Charlie finishes his dessert pretty quickly. Soon, all that’s left are the cream decorations.
MC: Leave the rest to me.
As a newbie at making desserts, I’m naturally interested in tinkering with the ingredients in the kitchen,
Unexpectedly, while trying to squeeze the cream, I once again lose my grip. A tiny bit of cream spurts out, landing on Charlie’s bare skin, rising and falling along with his muscles.
My face pales. Fortunately, Charlie doesn’t realise what happened. In order to prevent him from having other strange ideas, why don’t I wipe it off for him?
Charlie straightens up, a look of anticipation on his face. It’s clear that he’s ready to welcome all sorts of compliments.
MC: Hmm… let me think about it.
Complimenting Charlie isn’t a difficult thing to do. But things like “perfect man” and “Guangqi’s famous doctor” have been said many times, and they lack novelty.
As the cogs in my brain turn, a vexed expression involuntarily surfaces on my face. Charlie looks at me with confusion.
Charlie: Is it really that difficult?
Charlie: I have tens of thousands of merits. Shouldn’t compliments to me be at your fingertips?
A wave of dejection appears in Charlie’s confident expression. He furrows his brows slightly and purses his lips. He’s really cute.
Just as I’m about to console him, he quickly returns to his usual pleased expression.
Charlie: I get it. It must be because I have too many merits and my fiancée’s having trouble picking one. After all, whether it’s in my career or love life, I’m considered a winner.
MC: That’s right. Why don’t I summarise all your merits into one line?
Tapping open Moments, I quickly weave a sentence together and show it to Charlie.
Charlie: Not bad. Sure enough, my fiancée understands me.
MC’s Post: Charlie - a brilliant doctor who effects miraculous cures and Guangqi City’s Model Fiancé!
Charlie: One more sentence - “Handsome, cool and rich, his heart only loves his fiancée.”
MC: Of course. And it’s what I’ve been doing. I enjoy sharing trivial parts of my day with you, especially heartwarming moment since you’re usually busy with work. As a doctor, there are times when you have no choice but to face the complexities of reality. I hope that the trivial moments of my day can bring you some happiness and joy, and help you to relax and spend each day happily.
Just like the wish I had made from before, I wish that Charlie can be healed by the world. And of course, I’ll be the first person to heal him.
Charlie looks at me, a gentle warmth surfacing in his purple eyes.
Charlie: Fiancée, you’re truly good.
MC: I’m not…
Charlie: But I need to add on to that.
MC: Hm?
Charlie: Aside from happy moments, you can share your frustration, gloomy, and occasionally emo moments with me too. Don’t forget that I’m your exclusive happy fruit.
[ SCENARIO 2: NO]
After giving this question serious thought, I shake my head.
Charlie: Why not?
MC: Although we have a close relationship, I feel that there’s a need to give each other some freedom and space. After all, everyone has their personal troubles and secrets. As long as both parties’ hearts are connected, they don’t necessarily have to share everything with each other.
Charlie nods in understanding.
Charlie: That makes sense.
MC: Does this make you unhappy?
Charlie: Of course not. Sharing is something you’re free to do. I completely understand and respect your decision. But I think a little differently from you.
I look up at Charlie, and see a tender smile surfacing on his face.
Charlie: When I see a flower bloom or the clouds scatter, I want to share all of these moments with you, so that you feel the same romance and happiness that I’m experiencing.
Deep affection are in his purple eyes as he looks at me tenderly. The clear depths of his eyes sparkle, as though bright stars have been embellished in them.
Charlie’s Post: I sent my fiancée a text half an hour ago and she hasn’t replied. I’m hurt TAT
MC: Ahhhh sorry, I replied mentally.
Charlie: It’s okay, I’ll take it that you’ve mentally accepted my invitation for a picnic. See you over the weekend, Fiancée.
-
Charlie’s Post: I sent my fiancée a text half an hour ago and she hasn’t replied. I’m hurt TAT
MC: No no, I didn’t understand the contents of your text so I was searching it up.
Charlie: Why didn’t you ask me about it? The meaning behind “Mg + ZnSO4 = Zn + MgSO4″ is that your beauty has stolen my heart.
[Note]This is a Chinese pun
-
Charlie’s Post: I sent my fiancée a text half an hour ago and she hasn’t replied. I’m hurt TAT
MC: Don’t feel hurt. I’m here, so give me a chance to make it up to you!
Charlie: In that case, I’ll invite my fiancée to make up for it with a kiss. That isn’t unreasonable, is it?
MC: Huh? Isn’t it a little early to think about this question?
Charlie arches his brows slightly as he looks at me confidently.
Charlie: Actually, I’ve been preparing for it for a very long time.
Charlie takes out his phone before tapping open a document in a seasoned manner. It’s filled with thousands of words.
MC: Wow, is this a guide?
I scroll down. The guide contains all sorts of locations, from Milan’s La Scala to the Caribbean. It’s incredibly detailed.
There are even priorities marked out in the footnotes based on my likes.
Comments at the side are filled with notes about important things such as the optimal time to visit certain scenic spots, and trivial things like medication to prevent heatstroke or to keep away the cold - there are matters big and small.
MC: You’ve put in so much effort into this guide! Dr Zha, you’ve worked hard!
Charlie: After all, it would be the first long trip with my fiancée, so any amount of effort will be worthwhile. I’m also looking forward to exploring the world with you and leaving traces of our love in every corner.
Charlie’s expression is calm and composed, but my heart feels so moved that it’s brimming with warmth.
I browse through the guide. There are far too many locations and scenic spots on it, and I don’t reach the end even after scrolling for a very long time.
MC: Since there are so many locations, I’m afraid we won’t get to experience all of them in a month…
Sensing my dejection, Charlie takes my hand gently.
Charlie: It’s okay. The honeymoon is simply the start of our happy life. After that, we’ll have a very, very long time that’s enough for us to visit any location we wish to go to.
After searching through my bag of props, I finally find the sticker that I’ve meticulously selected.
Charlie: A tangerine? No, it’s a tangerine wearing sunglasses.
MC: Doesn’t it resemble you?
Charlie puts a hand on his chin, scrutinising the sticker in my hand in a serious manner.
Charlie: Its chubby figure doesn’t resemble mine, and the leaf on its head doesn’t resemble me either.
Charlie: But the aura it emits when wearing glasses and showcasing its biceps issomewhat similar to mine. Considering how unconventional it looks, I’ll accept what you said.
MC: I’ll stick it on for you then?
Charlie: Go on.
I’lll stick the tangerine sticker on him!
MC: Adorable!
Charlie glances at himself in the mirror before revealing a pleased expression.
Charlie: It’s pretty nice. But why did you stick a tangerine on me, Fiancée?
MC: Hehe, this is where your knowledge has a blindspot. Tangerines symbolise “luck”. I heard that pasting a sticker of a tangerine will help you to become luckier!
Charlie: Did you prepare this sticker specially for me because of my bad luck?
MC: Of course. Although you’re already perfect enough, I hope the God of Luck can take better care of you.
Charlie closes his eyes. After taking a deep breath, he opens them slowly, as though composing himself.
Charlie: Thank you, Fiancée. Actually, the God of Luck has already taken good care of me. Otherwise, how could I have met such a thoughtful and kind-hearted you?
Charlie’s Post: When I see tangerines nowadays, I feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.
MC: I suddenly feel like eating tangerines~
Charlie: No problem. I’ll have them washed and sent to your place tonight.
-
Charlie’s Post: When I see tangerines nowadays, I feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.
MC: Has your luck changed for the better?
Charlie: Of course. I won the lottery that I just bought. As a show of gratitude, I’ll take you out for a feast tonight. How does that sound?
-
Charlie’s Post: When I see tangerines nowadays, I feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.
MC: I was correct when I said that the both of you are similar~
Charlie: Nope. The reason why I feel a sense of closeness is because seeing tangerines makes me think of you.
Warm sunlight slopes across the land, and soft clouds drift in a patch of azure.
With my head plopped on the table, the tip of my pen glides across the sketch book aimlessly. When I return to my senses, a series of numbers have already climbed all over the page - 520, 520, 520…
MC: It’s going to be 20 May next week. I wonder what Charlie’s busy with… Could he have his own plans? He might not have the habit of celebrating this festival either…
The sheet of paper is full of scrawled characters, and various thoughts emerge and vanish from my mind. At this moment, a crisp bird call shatters my vexed train of thought.
MC: It’s Charlie’s exclusive ringtone.
With an upward curl of my lips, I tap on the answer button.
Charlie: Hm? You picked up this quickly? Fiancée, be honest. Were you thinking about me?
MC: No way, I just happened to be looking at my phone!
Charlie: Oh. So you happened to be thinking about me then. Sigh, admitting it isn’t a big deal. Anyway, I happened to be thinking about you too.
MC; Huh, really…?
Charlie: Of course. It’s the reason why I called to make arrangements for a sweet 520 vacation with my fiancée. Will you consider it?
MC: I’ve been busy working overtime these days…
Charlie: Do you have other plans?
MC: Of course not! Since I’ve been working overtime frequently, I’ve applied for two days of leave, and they should be around 20 May…
Charlie: So that’s what it is. I didn’t expect my fiancée to be even more thoughtful than myself. Working overtime in advance to make time for a date - why does this tactic seem somewhat familiar?
MC: Didn’t I learn it from you… Cough cough, let’s not dwell on this. Tell me more about what you’ve planned!
Charlie: For this 520, I’ve planned a trip to a tropical rainforest.
MC: We’re going on a… trip?
Charlie: That’s right. We’ll be going to the faraway “Town of Cocoa”, Di Li Xiu Si . We’ll be able to smell the fragrance of cocoa beans while finding the source of sweetness under the tranquil shade of trees. Bitterness before the sweetness. Fiancée, don’t you think this is similar to our journey of love?
Hearing his plans for the trip causes ripples to surface from the depths of my heart.
MC: You’ve been making so many plans in secret…
Charlie: After all, it must be worthy of my fiancée’s week-long anticipation.
MC: HAHAHA. Isn’t it a little late to start looking forward to such a high quality trip?
Charlie: Late? There’s no concept of “late” in our treasury of love. It’s simply a layback and cha cha. So there’s no need to feel burdened about it. I’ll pick you up punctually on the night before 520, my dear fiancée.
After hanging up, the pleasant surprise and sweetness from earlier seem to reverberate around me.
I lift up my pen, striking out today’s date on the calendar excitedly -
Sunlight streams through the large French windows, spilling into the office of Team A.
A number of pictorials are piled on the table, all of them featuring good locations for vacations.
Li Man Man: It’s almost 520. Has anyone asked you out yet?
[Trivia]“520″ is the short form of “May 20″, a date akin to Valentine’s Day in China. In Chinese, “520” sounds phonetically like “I love you” (我爱你 - “wo ai ni”) ♡
Li Man Man glides over to me on a swivel chair, speaking softly with a gossip-hungry grin.
MC: Not yet…
Hao Shuai: Me neither!
Hao Shuai leans over.
Hao Shuai: Why don’t we have a Team A bonding activity and celebrate together?
Bro Mao: You might not have plans, but I do…
Bro Mao doesn’t speak loudly, but every word strikes Hao Shuai’s sore spot. Li Man Man follows up with another strike.
Li Mao Mao: To be honest, me too.
Hao Shuai: Hey hey hey, why are you guys putting your lovers before your friends! Am I going to spend such a wonderful day decaying at home…
Hao Shuai’s sighs and groans make me feel that I shouldn’t waste the day either.
A breeze courses by, causing a corner of a pictorial to flutter upwards, showcasing swaying reeds beneath a clear sky, a stream beside a cluster of mountains, and gravel sparkling with faint light along the coast…
MC: How nice.
I support my head with my hand while muttering to myself.
Hao Shuai: It doesn’t matter whether I celebrate the festival. I just want to have fun outside even if it’s only for the weekend.
Agreed - even if it’s only for the weekend.
Consecutive days of working overtime have caused this originally peaceful afternoon to become gloomy. Although the coffee on the table has been finished, it’s difficult to dispel the drowsiness.
The scenery on the page seems to merge with the azure sky outside the window, stirring to life.
I find myself unlocking my phone. My fingertips glide across the text messaging platform, and a familiar conversation bubble appears before my eyes.
I want to spend this 520 with him…
☀️ Go on a trip to the tropical rainforest with Charlie:here
![jokertrap-ran:(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Charlie’s 6✩ Inspiration: Midsummer’s Gilt [仲夏鎏金] Date Trans](https://64.media.tumblr.com/cb78c2deb1dd22b66e344b7e9e76759c/86d67a21e3a23e00-81/s1280x1920/1eb7e45153bb49eadd2b1570fc6ef30701dd3c12.jpg "jokertrap-ran:(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Charlie’s 6✩ Inspiration: Midsummer’s Gilt [仲夏鎏金] Date Trans")
![jokertrap-ran:(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Charlie’s 6✩ Inspiration: Midsummer’s Gilt [仲夏鎏金] Date Trans](https://64.media.tumblr.com/9aff0fafda803f3f2429373c97a2eef0/86d67a21e3a23e00-13/s1280x1920/9be950e97b31f62e095b44c6435d18a9ec3f09c3.jpg "jokertrap-ran:(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Charlie’s 6✩ Inspiration: Midsummer’s Gilt [仲夏鎏金] Date Trans")
