aeria-arc

[aeria-arc]

[LoveAndDeepSpace Translation Review] | Main Story | Under Deepspace CH 01 To Begin: 00 Singularity Echo

It's the next day here but I want to wish all the LADS girlies a happy valentines! Hope those banner pulls are kind to y'all~

Started re-reading parts of the main story again. It's always nice to revisit early chapters once in a while and maybe discover new things along the way. Reviewing xavier related chapters for now unless I have time for others. ♡🐰

*contains spo!lers up to Main Story: Voyage of The Outcast & Xavier's Silver Polyphony Memory

Disclaimer: I'm southeast asian chinese (english/chinese speaking). Not from China. Not a language expert. Just a lore and Xavier girlie who's way too invested. My reviews are opinions, not facts. - More Details: HERE

Key: (i keep changing the colors but this is the last time i swear!) Purple = official EN version Pink = official CN version « » = my version (based on CN's script) Blue = external links [Scene] = context [EDIT] = notes added after initial draft ★ = bullet points ◤/◢ = start/end of my thoughts

★ [Scene] Traceback II Message

Day 1326 Attention: 第1326个航行日记播报 «1326th voyage journal entry broadcast»

--Target anchor lost. No response from base. Traceback II is about to pass the event horizon and enter the black hole.--

We are stuck in this loop... This never-ending journey... 我们将停滞在这尚未结束 也永远不会结束的旅程当中 «We have come to a standstill on this journey that's yet to end and will never end.»

◤ This "message" from Traceback II is a journal/diary report. This is the 1326th entry so it is presumed that 1326 days have passed since the start of the voyage. This is confirmed in EN where it clearly states "Day 1326".

After Voyage of the Outcast (Main Story) we now know Traceback II is Xavier's spaceship. What we are seeing here is the ship preparing to enter the blackhole and passing through some kind of time warp/closed timeloop curve* (deepspace tunnel) which would send them back in time to the past Earth where the game takes place.

The current year in-game is 2048 and from his promo video we know Xavier has been here for 213 years (214th year is where he meets adult mc). This means Traceback II arrived in the year ~1834.

Fun Trivia: In real life, the year 1834 on Earth is during the Victorian era (1820-1914), or Qing Dynasty in China (1644-1912). I dun think the game follows the same eras tho it makes you wonder what the backtrackers had to do to blend in during those times 🫠. ◢

*Regarding space science terminologies and concepts, check out these links for some bite-sized info:

➜ Black Hole Anatomy ➜ Are Black Holes Time Machines?

★ [Scene] Radio Message

EN: | And...that's all for today. But before we go, please enjoy this gift we received from Deepspace 14 years ago: Love and Deepspace. These electromagnetic signals have traversed time and space. A miracle of the ages. | CN: 好了，今天概况就介绍到这里。最后， 请继续欣赏14年前来自深空的礼物，这首 《深空传说》。 这些电磁信号历经万年抵达我们的世界。 被视为奇迹 «All right, that's all for today's overview. Lastly, please continue on to enjoy this gift from 14 years ago that came from Deepspace, this song, "Legend of Deepspace". These electromagnetic signals have taken thousands of years to reach our world. It's regarded as a miracle.»

◤ I've always wondered what exactly this "Love and Deepspace" is, and why the radio presenter says it's a "gift". Well I found out and now I feel like an idiot coz the clues were there all along.

In EN, we are not specifically told what "Love and Deepspace" is, but they did give us the info that it's some electromagnetic signals from Deepspace. My initial thoughts were, since the signals have waveforms and this is some kind of radio broadcast, "Love and Deepspace" is a track that's just filled with a static-like sound.

In CN, the presenter says he is leaving us with "这首 《深空传说》". Just based on the brackets 《 》 and measuring word (首) used, and without any other context, this can mean it's either a song or poetry. The next line let's us know it's referring to electromagnetic signals, and similar to my line of thought for the EN ver, this is more likely to be a song rather than poetry. In CN the title of this song is "Legend of Deepspace", not "Love and Deepspace" as written in EN ver.

So we figured out it's some kind of track/song. With the release of Xavier's "Silver Polyphony" Memory, we can now confirm it is most definitely a song/instrumental. In that Memory we got to hear how the raw signals from outer space sound like (an unsettling hum). Xavier also says there are ways to convert the signals, which we later learn it can be converted into a piece of music. ⬇️

But what does this song, "Love and Deepspace" or "Legend of Deepspace" sound like? ...Take a closer look at this screenshot in Xavier's promo vid. ⬇️

On the CD is the title "Deep Space Legend". I didn't translate it exactly the same way but this has to be the song the radio presenter was referring to in CN ver! In smaller print it's written: beyond the universe.

Xavier plays the CD and we get to listen to it. ⬇️

Yeaaa.. so this "song" is an instrumental version of the game's first theme song. A slightly muffled version of the song sung by Sarah Brightman was literally playing in the background of this chapter's cutscene and it completely flew over my head. I thought the EN title misled me, until I went back to check... ⬇️

"Love and Deepspace". It's not just the title of the game, but also the song title in the official EN ver... 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

As for who transcribed this music in the game's universe, I'm not sure and I doubt it's Xavier tho I have a feeling it's a former backtracker. Or it could be EVER. We are more accustomed to labeling them as the "evil" group, but some of their tech actually benefits Linkon. Just like how they also made the cute OTTO robots 😣. ◢

[aeria-arc]

[LoveAndDeepSpace Translation Review] | Festive Blessings Event Story | 🏮Twilight Chronicles (Xavier's Route)

I love this event. There's several chinese culture references in this one and it was fun to see the relationship progress and banter between xavier/mc. ♡🐰

Disclaimer: I'm southeast asian chinese (english/chinese speaking). Not from China. Not a language expert. Just a lore and Xavier girlie who's way too invested. My reviews are opinions, not facts. - More Details: HERE

Key: Blue = official EN version Pink = official CN version « » = my version (based on CN's script) Purple = external links [Scene] = context [EDIT] = notes added after initial draft ★ = bullet points ◤/◢ = start/end of my thoughts

Prologue

★ [Scene] MC chases after Pumpkin Magus but loses sight of them. Having ended Xavier's call abruptly earlier, she phones him again, only to hear a familiar ringtone nearby. She is surprised to see Xavier, since they were only supposed to meet at night as agreed.

He explains:

Xavier: We did. I was at home trying to figure out how to cook cherries. Then I blinked and found myself here. 沈星回: 嗯，上一秒还在家研究樱桃肉的烹饪方法，下一秒就莫名其妙闪过来了。 «Yeah. One second I was still at home studying the way to cook cherries with meat, the next second I mysteriously flashed over here.»

Xavier: Maybe a careless hunter sent a secret signal by accident. And that's why I'm here. 沈星回: 可能是有粗心的猎人念错了紧急求助暗号，才会把我叫来。 «Maybe a careless hunter wrongly recited the emergency code, and it summoned me here.»

--MC cradles his cheeks and pinches his earlobe--

MC: Xavier, Xavier, Xavier! Did I use it correctly this time? MC: 沈星回沈星回沈星回! 这次对了吧？ «Xavier, Xavier, Xavier! It's correct this time, right?»

Xavier: Yeah, I heard you. Both my ears heard you, too. 沈星回: 听到了听到了，两只耳朵都听到了。 «Heard it, heard it, both ears have heard it.»

◤ In CN, Xavier and MC have this word they like to use for his teleporting ability. The english equivalent is something like "flash" as in like a "flash of light", e.g. "he flashed away". You will see this in other stories and again later in Chapter 4 (the whole convo is really cute). EN doesn't have a consistent word for it but it's usually just "teleport".

The part where MC calls his name 3 times, CN Xavier was trying to match that by also repeating 3 times that he "heard it". ◢

Chapter 1

★ [Scene] They follow the signal to a street with snack stalls and decide to ask around. MC approaches a stall owner.

MC: Ma'am, do you know if there are any Wanderers causing trouble around here? MC: 阿姨，请问这附近有没有捣乱的流浪体？ «Auntie, may I ask if there's any Wanderers causing trouble nearby?»

Woman: Wonder rolls? No, these stalls are closed. 阿姨: 现在哪还有什么牛羊蹄，肉铺摊子早就关门了。 «Where are you going to find stuff like cow or lamb trotters now? The butcher's stall has already been closed for some time.»

◤ So the stall owner auntie misheard "wanderer" in both versions. In CN, wanderer is { liú làng tǐ } which sounds a bit like cow and lamb trotters { niú yáng tí }. EN came up with "wonder rolls" and I think it's clever they found something similar sounding. Also I just found out it's a brand of bread rolls in the US which makes this funnier...

When she said the butcher's stall was closed in CN, she likely meant they were already closed for the new year holidays. Meat is a hot commodity during CNY so these stalls tend to sell out quickly when approaching the new year celebrations. In-game, it looks like it's near the holidays hence why the auntie said you can't find stuff like trotters now. ◢

★ The auntie goes on to talk about the lanterns falling haphazardly and cautions them to be careful. She then asks if they would like some "spicy soup", and told them she could pack up after selling all of it.

◤ In CN, this "spicy soup" is called malatang (麻辣烫 {málà tàng}). The name literally translates to "numbing spicy soup". Because of the spiciness, it's common for people to say they crave for a hot bowl of malatang on colder days (also a recurring theme in chinese fiction!). I'll admit I'm not a huge fan coz of the numbing sensation it leaves on the tongue, but I dun mind it in small quantities as it's quite flavorful. Wiki pg for Malatang ◢

★ In response, Xavier and MC looked at each other and nod, and Xavier says they'll take whatever's left.

◤ If you play the EN ver you will also get this, that they bought all the soup so the auntie can go home earlier. It doesn't specify in CN, but since it's a CNY event I can't help but think this gesture has more significance. Being able to wrap up work and go home to prepare for the new year's is what most people look forward to during that period of time. So to buy up the remaining stock, the auntie will be able go home earlier for the holidays. I think it's really kind of them to do that~ (im ignoring the most probable fact of xavier just wanting soup 😂)

Also the imagery of them giving each other the "want some soup?" look then nodding at the same time is just really sweet. They're a pair of foodies on the same page~◢

★ [Scene] Following the clues, Xavier and MC arrive at a garden where the Linkon New Year Lantern Fest is to be held.

◤ Xavier talks about how he was once given two tickets by a colleague. In EN it's "gave". In CN, he said the colleague "硬塞" the tickets to him, meaning he kinda insistently forced the tickets on him (lol). ◢

★ Xavier recounts his previous experience at a lantern fest. MC's response:

MC: That sounds kind of sad... MC: 那体验感听上去还挺遭糕的...... «That experience sounds kinda terrible...»

◤ When I hear "遭糕", I think "shitty" / "terrible". ◢

★ Xavier defends the "shitty" experience by describing the festival's lively atmosphere and even managed to get the last serving of pan-fried tangyuan.

◤ I was amazed EN decided to go with the pinyin version of the food name tangyuan but not malatang for the earlier convo. "Tangyuan" (汤圆) is a glutinous rice ball desert/snack usually served in a sweet soup tho there are other ways to eat them. In Xavier's case they were pan-fried. Wiki pg for Tangyuan

Actually I was more amazed by Xavier's EN VA. Coz the enunciation of the word was pretty clear? So I've never looked into the VAs since the info is supposed to be private but I was really curious, did some google csi and... I think this confirms something...or someone... 🤐◢

Chapter 2

★ [Scene] Xavier and MC are making a lantern. They decide to decorate by drawing.

◤ EN text says they drew "chibi" versions of themselves. It's nice that they went with the accurate term "chibi" (from jp manga/anime). CN ver used "Q版" which is the chinese version of chibi. ◢

★ Between their two chibis is an empty space which Xavier filled with some flowers and plants. MC says she has only heard of "magpies building bridges" and asks if this is "flowers building bridges" instead. He replies—

Xavier: I doubt the magpies and flowers would enjoy couples trampling on them unless there was a good reason. 沈星回: 喜鹊和花，应该都不想被小情侣无缘无故踩上几脚吧。 «The magpies and flowers, surely they don't wish to be stepped on by the little couple* for no reason.» (*little couple = referring to the chibis 🤣)

--[MC agrees and says it's like a vine connecting them. He asks where the vine is leading him to. MC replies]--

MC: We're going to the Lantern Fest? You should hang out with me this year. My sense of direction is a little better than yours. MC: 去看灯会？今年跟着我走，我的方向感大概还是比你好一点的。 «To see the Lantern Fest? This year, follow my lead. My sense of direction is roughly a little better than yours.»

◤ Remember what happened in the Mountain Journey event? No way she is ever trusting him again with the directions! Also CN MC not giving Xavier a choice...she already decided he's going to the fest with her by telling him to follow her lead.

"Magpies building bridges" is a reference to the folklore, "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl". It is about a pair of star-crossed lovers who were banished to opposite sides of the heavenly river and are only allowed to meet once a year on a single day when the magpies form a bridge for them to cross. This day is the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunaisolar calendar, and is celebrated as Qixi Festival in China. This festival is also known as China's version of Valentine's Day. Korea and Japan have their own versions (Chilseok / Tanabata) based on variations of this folklore, although their festivals are unrelated to valentines. Wiki Pg ◢

Chapter 3

★ [Scene] Xavier and MC are at his house doing some spring cleaning for the new year. MC finds two tickets to this year's lantern fest and asks if he is inviting her to go.

Xavier: Well, I couldn't invite someone special to see the lanterns with me until now. 沈星回: 嗯，以前没有机会邀请喜欢的人来看。 «Yeah. In the past I didn't get the chance to invite the person I like to see the lanterns.»

Xavier: So, does this mean I can ask you out? 沈星回: 所以，可以吗？ «So, may I?»

◤ The "spring cleaning" that Xavier and MC are doing is part of the CNY tradition of cleaning and tidying up the house, discarding old/broken things and replacing them with new stuff. This is done to remove the "bad luck".

In CN, Xavier directly states he didn't get the chance to ask out "the person I like" whereas in EN it's "someone special".

Note, in CN ver for the 2nd line above, the way the question is phrased: ''可以吗", it's the same way he asked MC if he can kiss her in 21 Days. If you only play EN ver, you'll remember it as "May I?". Not sure if this was intentional to remind us of that scene. ◢

★ Xavier teases MC, leaning in for a kiss only to stop and say he will go check on the food. MC not letting him get away with this by—

(mc) I grab him before raising my head. (mc) 我干脆伸手一把拽住他， 仰起头凑上去。 «I directly reached out and grabbed him, raised my head and got closer.»

(mc) Then, I pat his shoulder and smile. (mc) 片刻后，我心满意足地拍了拍他的肩膀。 «A moment later, perfectly satisfied, I pat his shoulder.»

MC: All right, it's time for you to tend to your beef stew. MC: 好了，去照顾你的那锅炖肉吧。 «All right, now go look after that meat stew pot of yours.»

◤ CN is a bit more detailed with the descriptions. EN removed the "perfectly satisfied" bit and replaced it with "smile". ◢

★ Not to be outdone, Xavier does this—

(mc) Suddenly, he pulls me. Our bodies come into contact with each other and— (mc) 然而，在突然间我感觉自己被他伸手一拉，生体向他的方向倒去—— «Suddenly I felt myself being pulled by him, my body falling toward his direction—»

—🫣🔞🫣— ★ After the kiss(es), MC asks if he needs to check on his food. Xavier replies he doesn't need to. Because—

Xavier: Once a stranger, twice a friend. 沈星回: 一回生，二回熟。 «Unfamiliar at first, well-accustomed a second time.»

◤ uhhh for research purposes: CN kissed multiple times (at least ≥2), EN gave a small laugh and kissed only once. In conclusion, EN gave a playful kiss, CN gave a passionate one.

The idiom used at the end is "一回生，二回熟". The official EN translation is correct but let's decipher what it means in this context. The idiom is used to describe when meeting someone for the first time you start as strangers and when you meet again the second time you become more familiar with them. That's the basic explanation but because he is supposed to be talking about the food that's cooking in the background, there should be another meaning hidden in there. So he's talking about the food on the surface but at the same time he might also be subtly referring to the kiss. As for what that is, tbh I'm actually not sure but I have a few guesses.

The idiom can be used in other ways such as to describe "skill level". You are unfamiliar the first time, familiar the second time, in other words: "practice makes perfect".

The individual words on their own can refer to other things. When directly referring to food, "生" = "raw", "熟" = "cooked".

Sooo something about him already perfecting his cooking that he doesn't need to watch it to know when it's done? And something about practice makes perfect hinting that they need to kiss more?? Or they already kissed so many times that they are experts now??? ◢

Chapter 4

★ [Scene] Xavier and MC are at the Lantern Fest. It is crowded and MC tells him to hold her hand tight to avoid getting separated.

MC: You might be able to teleport around without getting lost, but it's so crowded here there's hardly any room for you to slip through... MC: 虽然你能闪来闪去也不怕丢，但这里挤得都快没有你能闪进去的空隙了...... «You may be able to flash here and there without fear of getting lost, but this place is so crowded that there's no empty space for you to flash to...»

Xavier: It's okay. Let's go somewhere quieter. 沈星回: 没事。我们可以闪去人少一点的地方。 «It's okay. We can flash to a place that's less crowded.» ◤ Just phrasing differences. The convo in CN is cute coz they kept saying flash. ◢

★ The next few lines in EN flow nicely and closely resemble CN ver. I will highlight a few cos I think they deserve a mention. The part where MC had the idea to play the mittens-rock-paper-scissors game and the way she acted all dramatic when she lost by yelling "somebody do something please! he's cheating~" was expressed well enough in EN to show MC being childishly-playful. In CN it was "will anyone caaare, someone's cheating here~", to which Xav responds with "clearly someone is self-confessing here".

★ They move on to comparing the lanterns to food: the lollipop-shaped" one that looked sweet and the "snake-shaped" one that look like curly fries. These sound ridiculous but I can assure you they are exact translations from CN.

★ MC makes a comment about the lanterns being almost the same every year and things possibly getting boring next year. In EN, Xav says they can "upgrade our plans and try something else". In CN it's "upgrade our set meal so it'll be different". CN kept the theme of food descriptors going.

★ This part where she closes her eyes and the screen fades to black:

(mc): At this moment, I only feel Xavier. (mc): 此刻，最清晰的感觉好像只剩下沈星回给予我的这一种。 «At this moment, the clearest feeling that's left within is the kind that's given to me by Xavier.»

Xavier: You won't be able to forget now. 沈星回: 这样，应该就真的不会忘记了。 «This way, you should not be able forget anymore.»

◤ CN's description of MC's feelings is more detailed and poetic. I tried to convey it the same way in my version so you'll get what I mean by "poetic". ◢

Chapter 5

★ [Scene] After returning from the Fest, they are back at Xavier's apartment. They decide to write their own couplet.

◤ "Couplets" (duilian 对联) are a pair of poetry lines written in accordance to certain rules. Xavier and MC are writing the CNY version of couplets which are called chunlian (春联) or "spring couplets". Spring couplets usually consist of 7 characters per line and each line is put up on each side of a doorway (xavier suggested his study door). The content of the poems often express well-wishes of good luck/fortune and represents the homeowner's wish for the coming year. This is why when Xavier asks if she has any requests, MC insists it's for his home so he gets to decide. Wiki pg for Duilian ◢

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Additional Info:

If you play Genshin, remember that confusing Poetry Event with Hutao and Xingqiu? They were competing by completing the second half of couplets. I felt bad for the EN localization team... (EN literally gave up on the the poetry rules coz it was impossible but i thought they did good with what they could!)

Every year Papergames (/Infold) makes CNY merch featuring their characters which usually includes decorative couplets. The poems in the couplets are customized to fit each LI, like a wordplay on their name or theme. LADS had merch this year with the 4 LIs (no Caleb back then). 👇

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★ Xavier's finished couplet:

EN: With smooth sailing and good fortune comes wonderful views and a great partner CN: 顺���顺水顺财神，好事好景好搭档 «Smooth sailing follows good fortune, good things with good times and good partner.»

◤ EN ver conveyed the poem well enough. EN MC goes on to praise him as "very poetic". Meanwhile CN MC had this to say: "Xavier you're really...a couplet-matching genius". ◢

★ Xavier asks MC to watch the pot. She asks what he's cooking this time.

Xavier: Cherry stew. 沈星回: 樱桃炖肉。 «Cherry stewed meat.»

MC: ?

MC: Well, it does sound like a vibrant, hearty dish... MC: 好吧，听起来也确实是一道很红红火火的菜...... «All right, it does sound like a prosperous dish.»

Xavier: Yeah, it's perfect for Linkon New Year's. 沈星回: 嗯，很适合新年。 «Yeah, it's very suitable for the new year.»

◤ In CN, MC said the dish sounds "prosperous" likely due to the cherries which are red. The descriptor she used "红红火火" means prosperous/booming and it happens to also contain the character for the color red (红). Red is an auspicious color for cny. ◢

★ This final scene:

MC: Xavier! This Linkon New Year's is my favorite. MC: ......沈星回! 这是我到目前为止，最喜欢的新年。 «...Xavier! So far, this is my most favorite New Year.»

Xavier: I know. / 我知道。

Xavier: Maybe we can upgrade your "favorite" next year though. 沈星回: 但也许再过一年，我们还能一起吧你的 “最喜欢” 升级。 «But maybe after one year, we can still upgrade your "most favorite" together.»

Xavier: And it'll become "the best Linkon New Year's you ever had." 沈星回: 变成 “最最喜欢的新一年”。 «It'll become your "most most favorite new year's".»

◤ um I hate to end with this, but just to be clear I'm nitpicking as a xavier main...

The scene in CN: MC says it's her most favorite new year so far; Xavier telling her they can upgrade it to more than most favorite next year.

The scene in EN: MC says it's her favorite new year; Xavier telling her they can upgrade it to the best ever next year.

The difference is, for CN MC it's already the best ever. She made it a point to state this was her most favorite new year so far (到目前为止). She clearly says SO FAR. I'm sad this was removed for EN coz without the emphasis it just hits different. It's their first time celebrating new years together, and already she declares she likes it the most? So... she's implying it's even better than the previous years with grandma and Caleb?? This is a big deal and a bold claim. In EN she just says it's her favorite (favorite compared to? there's no reference of scale). I'm being nit-picky about details... but the nuance makes a difference to me 😭. ◢

[aeria-arc]

The new catch-22 banner surprised me not because of the theme but I thought they would slowly introduce the fandom to the idea of AU. Not full on in your face chains, cages and whips. Like maybe start with something more tame with a similar concept so the fans wouldn't overreact like the world is ending. But I'm pretty sure infold knew the risks and took it anyway and you know what, I like that they are unafraid to go all out with their ideas. If anything, this choice of banner being so different from usual tells me they're not restricted to a fixed theme and supporting creativity is something I can get behind.

Tbh this is not the kind of aesthetics I like. It's giving dom/sub dynamics and it's not what I normally go for in romance/otome. I mostly prefer soft/fluffy/sweet themes with a of hint of angst. But yea I'm still willing to give this a chance and reserve judgment until I actually play the whole damn thing.

[aeria-arc]

⋆⟡⊹₊「 Translation Review List 」⋆☆⊹

◈ MAIN STORY ◈

✦ Homecoming Wings - 02 Night Unending ✬ 09 Captive Bird (2-Feb-25) ⤷(edited 7-Feb-25: added notes for title's meaning)

✦ Under Deepspace - 01 To Begin ✬ 00 Singularity Echo (15-Feb-25)

◈ EVENTS ◈

✦ Festive Blessing ✬ [Xav] Twilight Chronicles (12-Feb-25)

✦ Mountain Journey ✬ [Xav] Journey Footprints (5-Oct-24)

◈ W.I.P ◈

✧ [Xav] Plushie Go Go (w.i.p 90%)

✧ Timeless Days ✬ [Xav] Celestial Message (w.i.p 90%)

[aeria-arc]

[LoveAndDeepSpace Translation Review] | Main Story | Homecoming Wings CH 02 Night Unending: 09 "Captive Bird"

Bringing you an unfiltered version of the EN translations for the infamous "Captive Bird" cutscene. This is for the girlies who appreciate Caleb in all ways and form. Caleb is not my man but consider me intrigued. ~♡🍎

EDIT 7-Feb-25: added notes for title's meaning

Disclaimer: I'm Southeast Asian Chinese (english/chinese speaking). Not from China. Not a language expert. Just a lore and Xavier girlie who's way too invested. My reviews are my interpretation and should not be taken as facts. -More Details: HERE

Key: Orange = official EN version Pink = official CN version « » = my version (based on CN's script) Blue = external links [EDIT] = notes added after initial draft ★ = bullet points

09: Captive Bird

Caleb: Sit first. We need to tend to your wound. Caleb: 坐好，你的伤口要尽快处理 «Sit properly, your wound needs to be treated quickly.»

MC: Is the Colonel ordering me around? Or is Caleb worried about me? MC: 这是长官的命令，还是哥哥的关心？ «Is this an officer's order, or an older brother's concern?»

Caleb: Do you remember that injured cat you brought back home? Back when we were kids. Caleb: 还记得小时候，你抱回来了一只受伤的猫吗 «Do you remember when we were young, you brought back an injured cat?»

Caleb: We kept it in the backyard. But that cat always kept trying to run away before it fully recovered. Caleb: 我们把它养在院子里，它却不领情，伤还没好就总想逃 «We raised it in the courtyard yet it was ungrateful. It kept wanting to escape even though its injuries have not healed.»

MC: I don't want to listen to this. MC: 我不想听你说这些 «I don't want to listen to you talk about this.»

Caleb: Do you want to know what I did in response? Caleb: 后来，你知道我想了一个什么办法么？ «Then, do you know what I came up with?»

Caleb: I got a collar with a bell. I put it on the cat. That way, it couldn't escape without being noisy. Caleb: 我给它系了一个铃铛，走到哪里都叮铃铃的，它就再也逃不掉了 «I attached a bell to it and it made a ringing sound wherever it went. That's how it will never run away again.»

Caleb: If I had that kind of bell right now... Caleb: 你说，这样的铃铛…… «What do you say, a bell like this...»

Caleb: I should make you wear it, right? Caleb: 我是不是也该给你系一个？ «Should I also attach one to you?»

======================================= Choice 1 <Is this your "protection"?> <这就是你的“保护”吗?> «same as EN»

MC: Is this how you'll "protect" me? I just need to be glued to your side? MC: ……把我困在身边，这就是你所谓的“保护”吗？ «...keeping me trapped by your side, is this your so-called "protection"?»

Caleb: I know it's unfair. But... Caleb: 这的确对你不公平，可是…… «This is indeed unfair to you, but...»

======================================= Choice 2 <Fine. I'll let you do what you want.> <好呀，哥哥做什么都可以> «It's all fine, older brother can do anything you want.»

MC: Okay, fine. I guess I'll let you do what you want. MC: 好啊，你是哥哥，自然做什么都可以 «Fine, go ahead, you are the older brother, naturally you can do anything you want and it'll be ok.»

Caleb: Is there anything I can do? Caleb: 身为“哥哥”，我能对你做什么 «As the "older brother", what can I even do to you?*»

[*NOTE: He is responding to mc being sarcastic about how older brothers have the 'authority' to do anything. She probably wants to get a rise out of him out of frustration but caleb doesn't take the bait. He shuts it down by saying as a brother in the proper sense, he can't do anything to her that will cause her harm. By saying this it is implying that in his mind, keeping her by his side is not "harmful" but for "her own good". He goes on to 'justify' this by talking about her wound infection.]

=======================================

Caleb: Because of that monster, your wound is infected. Caleb: 被那种怪物攻击，你的伤口已经轻度感染了 «After being attacked by those kind of monsters, your wound has already been slightly infected.»

Caleb: Is there truly a way for you to run around without getting injured? Caleb: 你说，我要怎么安心放你一个人到处跑？ «Tell me, how can I be at ease and let you run around out there alone?»

MC: Are you still the Caleb who confronted danger with me? MC: 你还是那个和我一起对抗危险的夏以昼吗？ «Are you still the same Caleb who fought against danger together with me?»

Caleb: ……

MC: I've had enough of... your "protection". MC: 你所谓的保护，我也受够了 «Your so-called protection, I've had enough of it.»

Caleb: If being with me only brings you pain, then just put up with this for three more days. Caleb: 如果待在我身边让你这么痛苦，那么，最多再三天 «If being by my side makes you suffer so much, then, three more days, at most.»

MC: What are you going to do? MC: 你要去干什么？ «same as EN»

Caleb: Tie up loose ends. Caleb: 最后的善后 «The final clean-up.»

Caleb: And then... All of this will be over. I just need three more days. Caleb: 三天过后，这一切就都结束了 «After three more days, all of this will come to an end»

[Three days later...]

News Report: Our reporters out in the field confirmed the lockdown will be lifted after being in effect for weeks. The Farspace Fleet assures everyone that the explosion in the Cascade District will not happen again... News Report: 本台前线报导，持续数周的全面戒严已结束。远空舰队称，流云区爆炸案将不会再次发生…… «um whatever EN says lol»

Caleb: After all this is over... The Fleet will return to the Deepspace Tunnel. You'll be safe. For now. Caleb: 这次动荡过后……舰队会回到隧道里，你暂时安全了 «After this recent unrest...the Fleet will return to the Deepspace Tunnel, you will be safe for now.»

MC: In other words, you'll just disappear again? And not even say anything? MC: 所以这一次，你又要什么都不说就离开吗？ «So this time around, you're also going to leave without saying a word?»

Caleb: I'll be gone. Aren't you happy you won't have to see me then? Caleb: 看不见我，你不是应该很开心吗 «Not seeing me, shouldn't you be happy?»

Caleb: I'm about to leave. It'd be nice if we had a meal together. Caleb: 我就要走了，陪我再吃顿晚饭吧 «I'll be leaving soon, come have dinner with me once more.»

MC: So I have to listen to the Colonel even when it comes to eating and drinking now? MC: 不仅是行动，现在连吃什么喝什么，我都要遵从执舰官的命令吗？ «Not just my actions, now it's what I eat and drink too? Do I need to obey the colonel's orders for everything?»

Caleb: You can be mad, but don't let it affect your health. Caleb: 你可以生气，但不��以身体为代价 «You can get angry, but not at the cost of your health.»

MC: I'm not mad. MC: 我没有生气 «I'm not angry.»

Caleb: Growing up, we knew each other well. Better than most, even. Caleb: 从小到大，我是最了解你的人 «Since young, I'm the person who understands you the most.»

Caleb: I could see through your lies when you'd blink. Bite your lip, and I could tell you were upset. Caleb: 你眨一下眼睛我就知道你在说谎，咬下嘴唇就知道是受了委屈…… «You'll blink and I would know you are lying, bite your lip and I would know you must have felt wronged.»

MC: In that case, tell me. What am I thinking about right now? MC: 既然是最了解我的人，那哥哥知道我现在在想什么吗？ «Since you know me the best, then older brother do you know what I'm thinking right now?»

MC: I wonder. How did you turn into someone I hardly recognize? MC: 我在想，你怎么会变成一个让我这么陌生的人 «I'm thinking, how could you have become someone who is like a stranger to me.»

Caleb: Oh I know. You're thinking some chip got put into my brain, right? And now, I'm no longer who I used to be. Caleb: 我知道你想说什么。你想说，我是不是也被什么芯片控制了，变得不像我自己 «I know what you want to say. You're thinking of saying, could it be I'm also being controlled by some chip, and have turned into someone unfamiliar(/not like myself).»

Caleb: What if I told you I was always like this? Caleb: 如果我说，我本来就是这样的人呢？ «What if I said, I have always been this kind of person?»

Caleb: Your life has threats around every corner. Caleb: 是你还活在想象的世界里 «It's you who is still living in an imaginary world»

Caleb: The people who are after your power, who wanna hurt you—they should all just... disappear. Caleb: 那些觊觎你力量、想要伤害你的人，不论是谁……都该消失 «Those who covet your power, those who wish to harm you, no matter who it is....they all need to disappear.»

Caleb: You're only safe when you're by my side. Caleb: 只有我身边才是最安全的 «You are safest only by my side.»

MC: I'd rather face danger head-on than "safely" live like this! I don't need you— MC: 比起这种“安全”，我宁愿去面对危险！不需要你来…… «Compared to having this kind of "safety", I'd rather face the danger head-on! I don't need you to...»

Caleb: You don't need me? Is that what you think? Caleb: 不需要我？ «Don't need me?»

Caleb: All right. What do you need? You can tell me. Caleb: 好啊，那你需要什么？我都可以答应 «Fine, then what do you need? I'll agree to anything»

Caleb: We can return to Linkon if that's what you want. Caleb: 你想要回临空，我们就回临空 «You want to return to Linkon, we can return to Linkon»

Caleb: If you want to return to the past, we'll rebuild our old house and move in together. Caleb: 你想回到从前，我们就把老宅翻修，一起住回去 «If you want to return to the past, we can rebuild the old house and live in it together again.»

Caleb: And if one house isn't enough, I'll build you a whole maze. Caleb: 一座房子不够，那就给你建一座迷宫 «If a house is not enough, then I'll build a maze for you.»

Caleb: I'll decorate it with everything you could ever want. It will be the most beautiful, stunning garden you've ever seen. Caleb: 我会在里面给你准备最好的一切，把它建成世界上最漂亮的花园 «Within it I will prepare the best of everything for you, make it the world's most beautiful garden.»

Caleb: No one will be able to find you ever again. I'll protect you forever. Caleb: 有我陪着，以后，他们就再也找不到你了 «With me keeping you company, in future, they will never ever find you again.»

MC: Caleb... You can't just... MC: 夏以昼……你不该是这样的 «Caleb......you shouldn't be like this.»

MC: You're very important to me. And no one could ever replace you... MC: 你明明是我的哥哥，是我重要的家人…… «You are clearly my older brother, my important family member......»

Caleb: Really? Caleb: 哥哥？ «Older brother?»

Caleb: (MC name), I've always held myself back and endured. Day, after day, after day. It was suffocating. Caleb: (玩家)，你最大的错，就是以为我愿意一直扮演你的好哥哥 «(MC name), your biggest mistake, is thinking I was willing to keep up the act as your good older brother»

Caleb: But now, I'm tired of playing these games. Caleb: 这种过家家的游戏，我早就玩腻了 «This game of house, I've long been tired of playing it.»

Additional Notes

★ Chapter Title Meaning

The chapter title "Night Unending" in CN is "无昼长夜", and it has a double meaning. The phrase has the character "昼" in it, which is also part of Caleb's CN name (夏以昼). A quick breakdown of his name: 夏 (xià) = summer 以 (yǐ) = with/by (preposition) 昼 (zhòu) = daytime

Caleb's name roughly translates to something like "summer by day".

Back to our title, the actual idiom referenced is "无昼无夜", it refers to living as if there's "no day, no night"; i.e. it means being so occupied with something all through the day and night, to the point that there's no distinction between daytime and nighttime. The writers changed it from "无昼无夜" to "无昼长夜", so now it means "no day, long night". In other words, "without caleb, long night". The EN title "Unending Night" is not wrong, it's just missing the wordplay on his name.

My guess: On the surface this is likely referencing Caleb's long disappearances at night during the chapter, but if we think deeper, it might have to do with mc's feelings about Caleb's absence (nights are long without Caleb).

[EDIT] About the title's double meaning, after reading Caleb's Endless Summer memory I realized I might be looking at it too literally. The character for daytime (昼) in the idiom does not represent Caleb as I previously thought, but instead it is a part of Caleb, just as it is a part of his name. Daytime is usually associated with light and good things and it's how MC thinks of Caleb in her memories. But he has become someone unfamiliar to her in this chapter. So "无昼长夜"="no daytime, only long night", meaning Caleb has lost his "daytime" and has turned "dark" and unrecognizable to MC.

[*fun fact: any tales of themis fan here? In case u didn't know, Luke has the same CN surname as Caleb. Coincidence? ;) ]

[aeria-arc]

All my tour passes from Touring in Love event!

I miss the mini games... ( ._.)

[aeria-arc]

Love and Deepspace: 2025 Chinese New Year Official Merch ⭐Xavier Edition⭐

▶ Source / Official TMALL Online Store: LINK

↑ [CN¥58] Set includes: Decorative Couplets (vertical x2, horizontal x1), Decorative '福' (fortune) x1, Red Packet x4

↑ [CN¥45] Acrylic Hanging Ornament

↑ [CN¥85] 2025 Calendar Stand

↑ Calendar Features (compiled by me) • Customizable Acrylic Board (approx 17.3cm x 20cm) • Sliding Disk Calendar • Weather Tab Calendar • Blobbu Mood Slider (...cute <3) • Calendar Disk, Acrylic Decorative Pieces x5, Clip and Shelf are removable and can be re-attached anywhere to the pegboard. • Comes with 4 Polaroids (wordings are in English): - White Ver: Would you let me become a part of your everyday life? - Black Ver: My light only shines over you.

[aeria-arc]

Xavier's Handwritten Letter in the VIP Gift Box (for CN players only)

When I wrote this letter to you, the sun was shining brightly outside the window. Fatso entered my study and left many footprints on my letter paper. I tried to choose the cleanest one. Don't mind.

The letter paper was bought before, but I was hesitating whether to write it.

You must be tired of hearing words like "I miss you, can I go find you?". Even if I write it down, it may not make any difference. But when I wrote "I miss you", I thought of you again, and then everything after meeting you and all the moments I felt happy after meeting you.

Before I met you, I was used to walking along a road by myself, without hesitation, and rarely had other expectations. But now I do hope that the end of the road I choose will always be connected with yours.

- Shen Xinghui

REPOSTED WITH PERMISSION FROM @gehlee_aecee on twitter

Picture by: xhslink.com/a/ywBCRvemZ2WY

translation by: @yuanisabel on twitter

[aeria-arc]

Random Facts: Xavier

Xavier's Music Collection

We've all seen the intro sequence for the game. As always, the obscure details intrigued me. So, today, I'm going to talk about this particular scene. Shout out to Rachelcookie321 on X for the image and their CD identifications!

Collection List:

In order from the right side of the screen to the left side, here's what I could identify. But from what I discovered, Xavier is a big fan of Leonard Bernstein!

"Passando Per Laterra • Purple Dawn • The Seven Stages • Variation 10"

?

"Bernstein Conducts Beethoven"

?

?

"Two Step (...)"

"Symphonic Dances & Rumble • West Side Story"

"Üegar Stjornurnar Falla • Katie Mahan"

Another "Passando Per Laterra"

"Waiting For Nobody • Alone - The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete"

"Four Anniversaries: 3 • For David Diamond (July 9, 1915)"

Another "Üegar Stjornurnar Falla"

Another "Bernstein Conducts Beethoven"

?

"Blue Danube Waltz"

Another "Waiting For Nobody • Alone - The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete"

"Champions of Folly • Roy Harris, Bold Lovell"

Another "Passando Per Laterra"

"Hovhaness A.: Lousadzak / Shatakh / Achtamar / Tziakerk"

Collection Details:

Passando Per Laterra • Purple Dawn • The Seven Stages • Variation 10

"Passando Per Laterra" translates to "Passing Through The Earth". The words beyond that were identified by Rachelcookie123, but I've been unable to find any matches for this one.

Bernstein Conducts Beethoven

Album by: Leonard Bernstein

This is an album of Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic in Beethoven symphonies, recorded between 1958 and 1964.

Symphonic Dances & Rumble • West Side Story

Composer: Leonard Bernstein

This musical is a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, telling the story of star-crossed lovers in 1950s New York. The score is a mixture of jazz, Latin rhythms, and Broadway style.

Üegar Stjornurnar Palla • Katie Mahan

Composer or Performer: Katie Mahan

Katie Mahan is an American pianist. In Icelandic, this translates to "When The Stars Fall", but I've been unable to find a work/performance of hers by this name.

Waiting For Nobody • Alone ~ The Forest Sings • Allegretto Leggerenete

Composer: ?

This one stumped me. Couldn't find anything at all about it.

Four Anniversaries: 3 • For David Diamond (July 9, 1915)

Composer: Leonard Bernstein

Four Anniversaries is a piano composition written by Leonard Bernstein in 1948. It consists of four movements, each dedicated to a specific person in his life. Xavier has a CD of the third movement, written for David Leo Diamond. David Diamond was also an established composer and this movement reflected his unique style.

Blue Danube Waltz

Composer: Johann Strauss II

This is a consistently popular piece in any classical musicians repetoire.

Fun fact: Among other uses in popular culture, this is the song used in Netflix's show "Squid Game" to announce the start of arepertoire.

Champions of Folly • Roy Harris

Album by: Roy Harris

Roy Harris was a popular American composer in the 1940s. "Champions of Folly" is a specific album of his music and "The Saucy Bold Robber" is a piece from that album.

Hovhaness A.: Lousadzak / Shatakh / Achtamar / Tziakerk

Composer: Alan Hovhaness

This is a recording of pieces by Alan Hovhaness that includes: Lousadzak, Shatakh, Achtamar, and Tsiakerk. Alan Hovhaness was an American composer who was one of the most prolific of the 20th century. While his official catalog includes 67 symphonies and 493 opus numbers, a true tally of his total works comes in at more than 500 surviving works.

Bonus CD:

The subsequent part of the intro scene shows Xavier selecting one CD and putting it into a CD player. On the CD are the words "Deep Space Legend: Beyond the Universe".

[aeria-arc]

Happy Birthday Xavier~ 💜

I made a little gif of the cake designs! They all look so pretty and it was sooo hard to choose but I knew I had to pick the forget-me-not base because of the uh... history 😭.

[aeria-arc]

source: https://x.com/Love_Deepspace

UGHHhh the entire promo design, theme, colors, the quotable quotes and the little stars and bunbun motifs. The fairy-tale-like 5star memory. That outfit. Everything about this. is. just. perfection.

[aeria-arc]

Wander in Wonder Wish Log

Had Xavier, Zayne and Sylus on rate up.

Sylus came home in my first 10 pull far from pity and Xavier was NOT HAVING IT!!

I swear this man's jealousy is out of control.

BONUS:

I was so excited about the alt colored outfit but guess what he decides to do RIGHT AFTER I made him put it on.

OF COZ he goes right back to sleep!! 😭

[aeria-arc]

[LADS Translation Review] Story Event: Journey Footprints (Xavier)

ABOUT: This is a series of blog posts where I share my thoughts on the translation and differences between the EN version and original CN script. English is my first language, Chinese second. I am no language expert so expect my takes to be imprecise at times, tho I will do my best to present them accurately!

★ [Context] In the prologue of Xavier's route, him and MC talks about the book "How to Get Moving". The cover had a swallow on it which inspired Xavier to make a paper origami version out of the note they were passing around. He later says that he bought the book and invites MC to make paper swallows together.

In the EN version, it is strange considering the title sounds like a motivational or fitness book, and he bought it only to ask MC to make paper birds with him instead of like exercising together. And the fact that Xavier was inspired by what I assume is a drawing/photo of a swallow and was able to make his own paper version. Paper crane? Believable. But...swallows? It is a little hard to imagine Xavier being artsy like that (uhh isn't this a Rafayel thing?).

In the CN version Xavier elaborates that the book is an origami GUIDE book. The title is indeed "Teaching You How to Get Moving", probably misleading on purpose just so MC can tease Xav about it. And Xavier saw the origami swallow that was featured on the cover and decides to make one (presumably by following the instructions, not from imagination). And now things make sense. It's not artsy Xavier but just usual Xavier and his guide books lol.

★ Another very tiny thing to point out is the ending scene where MC finds Xav and pretends to be an old lady, and him initially falling for it replies with "Yes, I'm trying to find...". He says the same in CN, and in addition addresses MC as "granny" before realizing. MC must have had a very convincing elderly voice 😄.

★ There's not much else to comment on since there's no significant missing detail and I actually think the EN translations are done well for this story 💜.

[aeria-arc]

Can't stop playing the treasure hunt gem game coz it's sooo fun and oddly therapeutic. I'm still trying to get 7000 points on Xavier but 6000+ seems to be the highest I can go. Sylus on the other hand is easy mode, hit 7000 on the first play without even trying D:

Going to miss this mini game when it's gone T^T

[aeria-arc]

New Blog

Making this a love and deepspace blog because I am currently obsesseddd with this game. And Xavier. Especially Xavier. Also Xavier with our Miss Hunter MC! I have some ideas for this blog and one of it is talking about the translation in the game. Playing with CN voice-over and EN text has made me realized that EN fans are missing out a little. That said, I am not claiming to be a language expert or the translations are wrong. My intention is to share, not to critique. Like I understand some phrases are gonna sound weird when translated directly. But localizing content can sometimes alter the meaning with omitted/false additional info which may affect perception and enjoyment of the characters, i.e the 'flavor' is lost. I'm only doing this for Xavier's stories, tho I will comment on the others as well if I come across something!