perfectclematis

[perfectclematis]

The Melody of Love (Heartfelt - Get Up and Eat)

Prologue

Before we could figure out the answer, our stomachs started growling with hunger at the same time.

It’s lunchtime. I remembered that I had an agreement with Charlie.

Every weekend, if we are both free, we will have a homemade cooking day, making everything from scratch.

He stood by the bed and coaxed me to get up, but the soft quilt was so comfortable that I wrapped myself up and started a tug-of-war against him about getting up.

Charlie: Fiancée, as your personal family doctor, I have the obligation to tell you that a good diet can improve your physical fitness.

Charlie opened my blanket and tried to pick me up. I pulled his hand and asked for a kiss, trying to avoid getting up by kissing him.

Unexpectedly, he immediately showed an understanding expression, nodded, and a gentle kiss fell on his lips.

I crawled back into bed with a smile on my face. Just when I thought I had finally won this tug-of-war, he leaned over the headboard and poked my face with his words.

Charlie: Get, up, and, eat. Me: I gave you a kiss! Charlie: Mh hm. Me: So you should let me stay in bed a little longer! Charlie: I never agreed to that condition. Me: What did your expression just now mean? Charlie: Didn’t you ask me to kiss you? My fiancee wants a kiss, so of course I have to satisfy her.

He showed a smug expression, and then I realized that I had fallen into his trap.

Me: Scoundrel!

His eyes curved into a beautiful angle as he hugged me again.

Charlie: A scoundrel that’s also perfect.

After playing around with him on the bed for so long, I was completely awake.

And today is our very first cooking day together, so I need to get up quickly and get ready.

As soon as I got out of bed, Charlie handed me a set of loungewear that had just been taken out of the dryer. They were a couple’s style with the one he was wearing.

Me: Why did you buy new loungewear? Charlie: This is our first cooking day, so of course we have to be fully prepared.

The light-yellow striped loungewear carried the essence of spring. I rubbed my face against the soft, cozy fabric, and a gentle sense of comfort filled my heart.

Like a true gentleman, he stepped out of the room to wait. I hurried to get changed, eager to begin this long-awaited day with him.

Everything was ready. We went to the kitchen to choose the ingredients for cooking today.

When I walked to the refrigerator, he leaned against the kitchen island and looked at me leisurely.

Me: What are you looking at? Charlie: Nothing. Just wanted to appreciate your next expression at this perfect angle and distance.

Puzzled, I opened the fridge—only to find a charming and whimsical vegetable pot in the center, overflowing with prosperous spring fruits and vegetables.

Potatoes and onions are cleverly placed at the bottom of the pot, while the top half is filled with layers of lettuce, carrots, and bell peppers.

The fridge, which was supposed to only be used to keep food fresh, suddenly became full of spring. I showed a surprised expression as he expected.

Me: Did you do this? Charlie: Of course. Even if it’s just a simple weekend or a simple lunch, spending it with your fiancée requires a sense of ceremony. Charlie: What do you want to eat for lunch? I can make whatever you want. Me: Really?

I looked at the item placed in the center of the fridge and pointed to it.

Me: I want this! I’m craving potato pie! Charlie: No problem, this is my specialty.

He tied on an apron, pulled the tutorial from the recipe box, and laid it on the kitchen island. With his hands on his hips and a deep breath, he studied the recipe intently—looking every bit the part of a chef.

Seeing his expression, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. As his kitchen assistant, I slipped on an apron and reached up to tie back my bangs so they wouldn’t get in the way later.

With no mirror in the kitchen, I fumbled to fix my bangs by hand, but accidentally snapped the rubber band. It flew off somewhere, and I had no idea where it landed.

So I could only hold my bangs with one hand, planning to jog back to the room to get a new rubber band.

At this moment, Charlie, who was looking at the recipe very carefully, stopped me.

Charlie: Honey, we need to agree on another little rule from now on. Me: What? Charlie: From now on, we will ask each other for help at least ten times a day and think of each other even in the smallest matters.

He gestured for me to wait, turned, and headed back to the room. Moments later, he returned with a yellow duck hair tie.

With skillful hands, he swiftly tied a neat little bun on top of my head, then glanced from side to side, clearly pleased with his work.

Charlie: My fiancée can do anything, but small things like tying bangs should be left to your fiancé. Me: Alright, from now on, no matter whether it’s a big or small thing, I will ask you for help first! Charlie: It’s my pleasure.

He kissed my forehead. I saw that there was a small clip on the hem of his clothes, the same type as my hair tie. I smiled and pinned it to his apron.

The breeze from the kitchen blew across our faces. We looked at each other and laughed.

The midday sun glinted off the sharp knife. Charlie picked up the peeler with his right hand and took the freshly washed potato I had just rinsed with his left.

With smooth, practiced movements, he guided the peeler across the potato, effortlessly removing its skin.

Me: Chef Zha’s great knife skills! Charlie: Piece of cake.

Encouraged by this, he picked up the second potato with more confidence and even performed a “potato triple axel” for me.

Me: …

He ignored my little expression on the side and became more immersed in his own performance, showing off his skills.

Charlie: Fiancée, please come back and look at me…

Before he could finish his words, the potato he threw into the air was overweight and almost fell down after just one rotation. Fortunately, he was quick-eyed and quick-handed, catching this “deserter” immediately.

Charlie: Phew, so dangerous. Me: Stop playing around. I know you have a talent for gymnastics! Charlie: Really? Now that my fiancée has recognized my talent, the show can indeed come to an end.

The “potato triple axel” performance officially came to an end. He reached out for the third potato.

The accident happened so quickly that his hand slipped. The potato was sent flying forward in a perfect arc!

Charlie: … Me: We have to rescue our lunch!

By the time Charlie and I reacted in shock and tried to catch it, the potato had already flown far away.

“Plop, plop.” The potato rolled very far after it fell to the ground. We looked at each other in bewilderment.

Me: Chef Zha, you should give up on gymnastics. Charlie: Ahem, accidents happen…

After the minor hiccup, our grand potato pie project was back on track. Charlie mashed the steamed potatoes and started to season them, while I took out the tin foil and pinched out a bowl of the right size.

I stood with him at the island counter. He used a clean spoon to scoop me some seasoned mashed potatoes and asked me to taste them.

Charlie: Would you like to add a little more black pepper? Me: No need. This tastes just right!

He casually finished the remaining portion of mashed potatoes, while I turned and placed the spoon in the sink.

According to the recipe, the potatoes needed to be pan-fried for a while before going into the oven. So he watched the flame carefully and gently stirred them, while I began cleaning up the battlefield of kitchen scraps.

While wiping the table, I accidentally saw the shallots stuck next to the refrigerator and couldn’t help laughing. Charlie, who heard the noise, looked at me and raised his eyebrow.

Charlie: What are you laughing at? Me: Chef Zha who couldn’t tell the difference between shallots and leeks.

It reminded me of a time when we bought some scallions to make our own scallion noodles.

When I came back out of the grain and oil section to get some noodles, I saw Charlie holding leeks instead of scallions, being taught by the vegetable seller about “green vegetable classification.”

Charlie was very depressed that day. When I got up in the middle of the night to drink water, I saw him sleeping in front of the computer.

The glaring light from the computer screen made me unable to help but glanced at the search history on the browser–

“How to tell the difference between leeks and scallions.”

“Which is more expensive, leeks or scallions?”

“Strategies for bargaining at the vegetable market.”

Memories flooded our minds at the same time. The corners of his mouth suddenly dropped and his eyes began to wander.

Charlie: I can tell the difference now… Scallions are round, and leeks are flat. Me: Pop quiz. Are those scallions or leeks in the fridge? 3– 2– Charlie: …Scallions? Me: Why does Chef Zha sound so hesitant? Charlie: They’re scallions!

I smiled secretly. Charlie began to think hard about how to win back the game in this kitchen quiz. Soon, he seemed to have suddenly thought of something and showed an expression of confidence.

Charlie: The stir-fried potatoes with shredded ginger that my fiancée made last time left me with a lasting aftertaste. Me: …I was wrong that time! Charlie: Charlie had a very difficult time eating that meal. Charlie: It’s just like Schrodinger’s shredded potatoes. You never know whether the next bite will be shredded potatoes or shredded ginger. Me: As the old saying goes, eating ginger drives away the cold. I am helping you prevent colds. Charlie: But why did you pick out all the shredded ginger afterwards? Me: …Because I wanted to save it for you.

We talked about everything from Chinese cuisine to Western cuisine, from food culture to daily life, even discussing who would do the dishes later, and how to bargain at the market next time.

In this moment, there are no twists and turns, no ups and downs– only the most ordinary of lives, only the daily rhythm of putting three meals on the table. 

We hid in this kitchen, chatting about trivial and meaningless things, but it made this place more homely.

As we were chatting, the steaming potato pie was taken out of the oven. Its milky aroma filled the entire room in no time.

Me: Smells good! Charlie: Be careful to not get burned. I’ll take over first.

The potato pie was cut into two perfectly sized pieces. I couldn’t wait to cut a piece and put it in my mouth. It was crispy at first with a soft aftertaste.

The only sound at the table was the gentle clinking of cutlery. We were all silent, captivated by the delicious food before us. No words were needed—we simply savored every bite.

Maybe it was because we were so hungry, but we finished everything in no time. With a sip of Charlie’s freshly squeezed orange juice, it became a lunch worthy of a spot on life’s top ten happiest moments.

Although we have a dishwasher at home, in order to celebrate the cooking day, Charlie and I decided to play rock-paper-scissors. The loser would wash the dishes.

We agreed to play a best-of-three, but we ended up tying after more than a dozen rounds.

Charlie: It seems that we are destined to wash dishes together, which is such a happy thing for me.

He put the used dishes into the sink. We put on two pairs of purple dishwashing gloves, one large and one small.

There are two large sinks in the kitchen, but Charlie insisted on washing dishes in the same sink as me, saying that he wanted to save water.

The afternoon sun was warm. We huddled together in front of the sink by the window. I suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

Charlie picked up a ceramic bowl soaked in water and started to scrub it. The sunlight fell on the ends of his hair, casting his silhouette on the table.

I gently used my finger to trace his profile on the table, occasionally getting a few tiny bubbles that would quickly disappear.

I stopped what I was doing and leaned my head on his shoulder, enjoying the spring breeze and happiness of the moment.

Charlie glanced at me sideways with a smile, shook his head gently, then took the bowl from my hand and rinsed it slowly.

Me: Won’t you ask me why I’m being lazy? Charlie: With me, you have the right to be lazy at any time. Me: Really? Charlie: Of course. When have I ever lied to you?

Hearing his answer, I happily hugged him from behind.

He washed the last bowl and placed it in the sterilizer, then removed both our gloves and hung them in the best-ventilated spot by the window.

Returning to the living room, I deliberately avoided the sofa where I woke up from in the morning. Although it has been restored to its original state, I still feel a little embarrassed.

Charlie saw my behavior but didn’t point it out. He just smiled silently and sat on another sofa with me.

The living room was filled with beams of soft warm sunlight, passing through the gaps in the curtains and lazily falling on every corner. He and I enjoyed this spring sunshine to the fullest.

There was a movie playing on the TV about a boy and a chocolate factory.

Originally, I leaned on Charlie, but I was not satisfied. I leaned on him then lay on his legs and closed my eyes to rest.

He let me do whatever I wanted and just grabbed my fingers to kiss them one by one.

Charlie: What do you want to eat for dinner? Me: I haven’t even finished digesting my lunch yet, but you’re already thinking about dinner? Charlie: Fiancée, eating three meals a day is very important. Thinking about what to eat is also one of the daily recurring problems in life.

Charlie: I’m afraid that you’ll say you can’t figure it out when the time comes, and then just half-heartedly gloss over it again.

A sudden wave of guilt hit me—I could tell he was hinting at something.

I remembered that I didn’t eat anything because I worked overtime and missed the meal. After Charlie found out, he forced me to eat before letting me go back to work.

I quickly sat up like a good kid.

Me: Doctor Zha is right. It’s very important to eat! Charlie: Will you remember to eat when you should? Me: I surely will!

I then made several suggestions for dinner, all of which were dishes that both he and I liked.

Me: Have you noticed that our tastes are becoming more similar?

Charlie used to have his own unique standards for eating, but now he can eat with me all the time.

Charlie: The deeper two people fall in love, the more their tastes tend to align. Me: Are you… really not accommodating me?

He and I come from different backgrounds and have led very different lives, so it’s only natural that our original tastes and eating habits don’t quite match.

But now, our tastes have grown similar. I can sense him becoming more like me– and honestly, I worry that this change might be draining his love and energy.

Charlie: Fiancée, changes in taste buds are psychological. Charlie: I like the same food as you because of my love and acceptance from the bottom of my heart. Charlie: This love and acceptance extend to you and everything around you. Charlie: So don’t worry about me accommodating you. On the contrary, it’s because I’m in sync with you that I’ve found joy I didn’t anticipate.

After he finished speaking, he paused and suddenly frowned.

Charlie: Why does my fiancée suddenly think like this? Am I putting pressure on you? Me: How could that be? I’m very happy to be with you. It is a happiness that comes from the bottom of my heart.

Charlie’s words jolted me awake: life is fundamentally made of trivialities such as firewood, rice, salt, sauce, vinegar tea– and human nature is rooted in food and desire.

When two people are together, the first thing they need to do is overcome the dietary differences with each other.

Perhaps it’s also about the difference in our life experiences. Sometimes, you have to push past your own lazy instincts for each other.

But he and I can spend a long time together all because of our mutual love.

The man in front of me seemed to still be worried whether his love would become a pressure on me. His brows were slightly frowned. I smiled and kissed his eyebrows.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief and became confident again.

Charlie: Fiancée, please rest assured and leave everything to me. Charlie: Your Charlie will bring you countless surprises and happiness in the days to come. Me: Of course I trust you.

Thinking back to the various surprises and memories Charlie always created for me, besides his own interests and hobbies, I think he might also be a little worried that life would become ordinary and boring.

That’s why he cares so much about the sense of ceremony.

Whether it's our matching loungewear, the vegetable pot he arranged, or the cooking days we share, these are the special moments he gives me—little things that make everyday life feel extraordinary.

My lover is a superman who is keen on creating a sense of ceremony in life.

It’s such a satisfying life.

Me: I don't mind if life is exciting or ordinary. As long as I'm with you, I love it either way. Me: I like you because you are Charlie. Charlie: I feel the same way, fiancée.

Our promises sounded like the familiar vows in church. We smiled together knowingly.

Today was a very ordinary day. Charlie and I were snuggling together as usual on a spring afternoon, talking about movie plots and the ingredients for dinner.

Today was also an extraordinary day because in this ever-changing world, we can spend all our time with each other.

Over a long period of time, life will always have dull and boring moments.

But because of him, my world will always be colorful.

As night fell, the last rays of sunset faded away quietly. We spent the weekend without being disturbed by anyone.

No phone calls, no emergencies, no impromptu meetings, just each other.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had uninterrupted time with him. It seems that the time I spend with Charlie always goes by very quickly.

Me: Ahhhh, I have to go back to work again tomorrow. How come time flies so fast!

I laid in Charlie’s arms and howled to the sky. When he heard what I said, he just curled his lips and watched TV calmly.

I bit him pretending to be angry. He finally looked at me with a smile in his eyes.

Me: Shouldn’t you be saying things like, “Quit your job, baby. I’ve got plenty of money” at a time like this? Me: Or something like, “I have submitted your resignation application for you. You will be responsible for eating, drinking, and having fun from now on.”? Charlie: “Baby, I’ve got plenty of money,” is true. But the rest… Charlie: I’m sure you don’t want to hear it.

Sure, I admit that no one knows me better than Charlie. He really predicted everything.

Me: But you have to say something!

Charlie pondered for a moment, took out his cell phone, and started typing.

I leaned over to take a look and saw that he was actually transferring money to me. The amount had many zeroes after it!

Me: !

I quickly held down his hand as he was entering the password. He raised his eyebrow and looked at me with a smile.

Me: Don’t be so courteous, Young Master Zha… Charlie: I’m providing financial support to allow my fiancée to open her own independent studio. Charlie: This way, my fiancée can continue her career and choose whether to go to work at any time. Me: Then, when I can no longer work with the company, I will come to you for investment! Me: For now, let me shine in the company.

I quickly put his phone aside to stop any more spontaneous ideas. Without warning, he sighed and pulled me into a hug.

Charlie: But you’re right. Time does go by much faster than usual when I’m with you.

Looking back on the past two days, it seems like I was running at double speed, and it went by in a flash.

Me: Is it that our lives are being sped up? Me: Just like the software we usually use to watch TV series, you can watch it at double speed. Charlie: I wish life could be at 0.5 speed, so we can spend more time together.

I snuggled into his arms, playfully poking around as if searching for a hidden speed button. He didn’t flinch– just caught my hands with one of his and silenced me with a kiss.

Charlie: Fiancée, I used to believe that the length of life didn’t matter– as long as I could fill the time I had with rich experiences, that was enough. Charlie: But since you appeared in my life, I began to crave more time. Charlie: I hope to stay with you longer and experience infinite things with you. Me: From finite to infinite, Dr. Zha has become so greedy. Charlie: Yes, I am greedy and want my fiancée to occupy all my time.

His straightforward words made my heart beat faster. I knew they were not sweet talk, but what he was thinking in his heart.

Me: I hope we both live long lives, so we can spend as much time together as possible. Charlie: Fiancée, could it be that those who sought immortality in the past also thought the same as us, therefore began to pursue a longer life? Me: But generally, people who seek immortality do so for great ambitions, right? Isn’t our motivation a little childish? Charlie: There is no distinction between love and ambition. Charlie: Besides, who said love can’t be a great cause?

He is right. Love is a great undertaking.

Charlie’s love is a flower that never fades and a journey that never ends.

It is an eternal beacon and a bond that can shatter everything.

He gave me freedom, courage, and the confidence to face an unknown life.

With his kiss, we fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Ah, by the way, there is one thing I forgot to say. I have to tell him first thing when I wake up tomorrow.

–Charlie, your love is much greater than any other.

[perfectclematis]

The Melody of Love (Prologue)

The banquet hall’s interior design masterfully interweaves classic and contemporary elements, radiating an atmosphere of resplendent grandeur.

Top musicians and orchestras performed classic pieces live, and every note seemed like a carefully crafted illusion that made people intoxicated.

Every smile, applause, and toast will lead to a business collaboration worth hundreds of millions; every casual moment may affect plenty of future financial directions.

Here, social interaction has lost its essential role as a means of communication and has instead become a bargaining chip for gaining power, fame, and influence.

I held Charlie’s arm and waited for the sightseeing elevator to slowly descend from top to bottom.

Charlie looked down at everything going on in the banquet calmly. No matter how grand the scene was, it was nothing new to him.

Feeling the eyes of the guests in the hall focusing on us through the glass, I secretly took a deep breath and showed an impeccable smile. Charlie chuckled and gently held my hand.

Charlie: Nervous? Me: How could that be? It’s not like I haven’t accompanied you to such banquets before. Charlie: You are worthy of being my fiancée. I will rely on you to lead the way tonight. Me: Alright. Young Master Zha, just follow me obediently.

We joked with each other, and the floor indicator of the classic elevator showed that we had reached the end.

As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, the waiter brought us two glasses of champagne on a tray. Charlie and I each took a glass.

Guest A: Isn’t this Young Master Zha? I didn’t expect to see you here. Guest B: I thought you were too disdainful to attend such parties… Guest C: I wonder what the planning direction of NOVATEN this year is…

Seeing Charlie arrive, a group of people swarmed around us. At first, they just exchanged polite greetings. After a few words, they turned the topic to the direction they anticipated.

Charlie calmly accepted all the expectant looks, smiled and said nothing, only lowering his head to observe the bubbles in the champagne glass melt away little by little.

Seeing that he was slow to respond to any questions, the guests who greeted him at the beginning turned their eyes to me.

Guest A: Could this be…? Charlie: My fiancée. Me: Hello.

When it came to me, Charlie finally said the first sentence of the night. The sharp-eyed people among the group quickly sensed the shift and steered the conversation toward me.

Before the banquet, Charlie told me that we only needed to show up and go through the motions. We didn’t need to bother socializing with others.

But the other party had already raised their glasses to me, so I couldn’t refuse and had to clink glasses with them and take a few sips.

Guest B: Are the cufflinks that Young Master Zha wearing today rare treasures from some private auction? It seems like I have never seen them before.

Charlie glanced at the cufflinks from the same series as my necklace, and a slight smile appeared on the corners of his mouth.

Charlie: This was designed by my fiancée, and it is the only one of its kind in the world.

He spoke in a cheerful tone. We all felt that the mood suddenly improved. He also took the opportunity to talk to us about investment, technology, innovation, and art.

When we talked about design, they would ask for my opinion with a smile on their faces, and I would patiently express my thoughts.

But I knew that they didn't really need to get any definite answers from me or Charlie. They just need to stick with him for a while longer– it’ll serve as their leverage for the next negotiation.

I looked at Charlie. The lines of his profile were neat and steady. He seemed relaxed, dignified, and indifferent. He was a favored child born to be in this world of fame and fortune.

There was no ambition in his beautiful violet eyes, only a calm and composed look down upon others.

Fascinated by what he saw, he quietly scratched my palm and raised the corner of his mouth in a curve that only I could notice.

With the sound of wine glasses clinking, tonight’s Vanity Fair officially kicked off.

Charlie dismissed those who wanted to continue approaching him and took me to his private room to rest. The moment the food closed, the noise outside was immediately isolated.

He sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, his fingertips playing with the hair by my ear, looking at me tenderly.

Charlie: My fiancée’s performance today was really like a fish in the water. She was composed, at ease, and proficient. Me: Young Master Zha was impressive as well. He handled the job with confidence, looked relaxed, and made it all seem effortless.

I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes to compete with him in childish idioms. When I returned to a quiet place, my tense body relaxed. I felt a little cold, but also a little hot all over.

Me: Actually, I’m still a little nervous… Charlie: Is that why you kept sipping the wine?

I squinted at the two champagne glasses on the table. Mine was empty, and Charlie’s was untouched.

Me: Great. It turns out I’m the only one working hard out there. Charlie: No way. Didn’t we agree today that I would be my fiancée’s little tail?

I pretended to be angry and reached out to pinch Charlie’s face. He cleverly moved his face closer.

The dazzling amethyst eyes caught my attention and made me forget to breathe. I couldn’t help but stare at him more closely.

Me: Charlie, you… are really good-looking.

Charlie: My fiancée is praising me so much? I will accept it without hesitation.

He accepted my compliment as confidently as ostentatiously as usual, with a smug look on his face, completely different from the calm and composed nobleman he had just shown in front of outsiders.

I couldn’t help but grab his tie and force him closer to me so I could appreciate his purple eyes more carefully– There were stars, spring water, love, and me in them.

Me: Your eyes… are beautiful too.

Charlie: Fiancée, aren’t you a little, drunk? Me: I’m not!

To prove that I was not drunk, I stood up seriously and wanted to show him how to walk in a straight line.

But after taking only two steps, I felt dizzy and fell into Charlie’s arms the next second.

He reached out and touched the skin of my neck. The slight coolness relieved the discomfort, and I couldn’t help but hang my whole body on him.

Charlie: Maybe the alcohol content of the champagne is a bit high. Let’s go home first. Me: Huh? Can we just leave without saying goodbye? Charlie: Why wouldn’t it be allowed?

He took off his coat and put it on me, wrapped me up, and carried me sideways. He then found an inconspicuous exit and left the banquet hall.

Seeing us coming out, the driver hurriedly opened the back door for us to get in. I heard Charlie urging him to drive us home quickly before the door closed.

He wanted to put me gently on the seat, but I refused to loosen my grip on his tie, forcing him to just look at me.

I don’t want to share a single speck of these beautiful purple gems with anyone else.

He knocked on the privacy glass at the back row with his elegant hands, making two crisp sounds. The driver very tactfully closed the glass and pulled up the curtains.

Streetlights cast shifting patterns of light and shadow across the car window, while soft music played in the background. Charlie caught my hand mid-mischief, and a faint blush crept onto his face.

Me: Charlie, I want some water. I’m thirsty. Charlie: Okay. Me: Charlie, I want to take off my high heels. I’m so tired. Charlie: Okay.

He gently held my ankle with one hand, slowly and carefully slipping off my high heel.

Me: Charlie. Charlie: I’m here. Is there anything else I can help you with, my fiancée?

Under the dim light, he looked at me tenderly, patiently waiting for my next command.

Me: I want you to kiss me.

This time, he didn’t answer me. With a chuckle, I felt a warm touch on my lips, gently rolling and biting them.

He and I became more and more greedy, wanting to touch, hug, kiss, and entangle. He didn’t let me go until I let out a moan.

Me: Charlie…

I put my hands on his face. He hugged my waist tightly and rubbed the back of my neck gently.

His name is the key to open Pandora’s box. The first domino that collapses everything. And the fire of Prometheus.

I believe he knows what I want the most right now.

Charlie: Fiancée, are you sure about this? Me: I am. Charlie: …Let’s go home first.

I bit his face in frustration, and he gripped my chin, forcing me to accept his fiery lips.

In the dim living room, Charlie tried to find the light switch. But in order to hold me back as I was about to fall, he was willing to dance with me in the dark.

I hugged his neck, pursuing the only coolness at that moment.

Kissing, dancing, body temperatures rising. Everything was so natural.

The clothes at my feet were kicked aside. He pushed me down onto the sofa.

The misty moonlight shrouded his body. He looked at me with a half-smile, and his strong hands steadied my waist as I sat astride him.

Me: The button, is so difficult to undo… Charlie: Then just rip it off. Me: I can’t. Charlie: Why not? Me: Because… This fabric is expensive. Charlie: …Fiancée, I am really touched that you still maintain such professional ethics at this time.

He didn’t rush my slightly clumsy movements but instead took the opportunity to carefully observe my expression.

The only sound in the air was the rustling of clothes. His fingertips gently circled around my waist, making my heart even more itchy.

Seeing that I was getting a little anxious, he smiled and helped me tuck the hair that had fallen on the side of the table back behind my ears to facilitate my movements.

As soon as I undid all the buttons, he eagerly pulled my neck towards him.

Charlie: Good job.

It was a passionate kiss that ignited us like a raging fire.

His neck carried a deep, intoxicating scent, uniquely his own. I couldn't resist sinking my teeth into him.

Charlie: Hiss, my fiancée loves to bite recently. Me: I bite you because I like you.

He imitated me and left several marks on my chest with even greater force.

Charlie: I love you, that’s why I bite you.

Like a predator guided by its primal instincts, once it claims its prey, it marks every inch with its own distinct scent.

Therefore, even in a dim environment, it can still accurately trap the prey in its territory.

In this game of pursuit, he carried me soaring into the towering sky, gliding through endless clouds.

Until that moment, we reached the peak of the arc together—then we both began to fall.

The feeling of weightlessness grows wildly, but rather than landing safely, we hope that this fall will never end.

Just before I drifted off to sleep, I felt a warm embrace and a gentle kiss on my forehead.

The morning sun warmed my face as the dull ache of a hangover set in. I struggled to open my eyes, and in my haze, I felt warm breath brushing against my skin.

What came into view was Charlie’s sleeping face, with long eyelashes and a high nose bridge. He was sleeping soundly, with his wings shed, like a well-behaved fledgling perched inside.

I couldn’t help but breathe softly, for fear of disturbing him as he rarely gets any good sleep.

I stared at him for a long time. The fatigue and pain brought by the wanton madness slowly emerged. My sight drifted across the room, and I saw the red marks on his body, the messy sofa, and the clothes scattered on the floor.

Confusing yet vivid memories suddenly flooded my mind. Thinking of the indulgence I had with him last night under the influence of alcohol, heat surged on my face.

It was a moment of pure joy—the most genuine and profound satisfaction that comes from the deep connection and union of souls with the one you love.

With that thought, I lifted my head and gently kissed his face. Seeing he was still asleep, I quietly slipped away, wrapped myself in a blanket, and headed for a shower.

As soon as I stood up and took a step, my hand was grabbed.

Charlie: Don’t leave.

Charlie’s eyes were half-open, still glazed with drowsiness. His long lashes quivered gently, as if he were caught in the haze between sleep and wakefulness.

Charlie: My fiancée is so cruel. She wants to run away after taking advantage of me. Me: I’m not. Charlie: It doesn’t matter. You are responsible for Charlie for the rest of your life. Me: How am I responsible?

He gently ran his fingers over my hand, unwilling to let go, his half-awake eyes fixed on me.

Charlie exerted a little force and pulled me closer. His hair was a little messy after waking up, but it did not detract from his handsomeness at all.

He shook his head to drive away the remaining sleepiness, then slowly sat up and held me in his arms with the blanket.

Charlie: I want you to kiss me.

He was imitating what I said last night! When I realized what was happening, I curled my lips and ruffled his hair, pretending to be angry.

But the kiss still brushed the corner of his mouth, just as promised. He caressed my chest in contentment, his silver hair swaying softly, its touch making me feel gently undone.

Charlie: Where did you want to go just now? Me: Seeing you sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to disturb you. Me: Moreover…

I moved my body, and he suddenly realized the problem.

Charlie: This is a huge mistake caused by Perfect Charlie.

After a while, he picked me up and walked me to the bathroom. The bathtub was already filled with water of just the right temperature, just soaking in it relieved my discomfort.

After washing up, we looked at the time and found that it was only a little after seven in the morning. We felt a little uncomfortable sleeping on the sofa last night, so we decided to go back to the bedroom for a nap.

I slowly woke up again, snuggled in Charlie’s arms, and heard his gradually accelerating heartbeat. I looked up and accepted the eager kiss.

The early spring sunshine is gentle, and the tender green leaves sway gently in the breeze, full of vitality.

This is a rare time for just the two of us. How should we spend the day?

How should we spend the day?

Heartfelt - Get Up and Eat

[perfectclematis]

Sentimental Reflection | Delicate Emotions Series • Sweet Quest

[1]

Fiancée, open the door. I’m back.

It’s okay, I’ll carry the ingredients. Here, these the flowers for today.

Charlie brings back a gift for his partner whenever he comes back from an outing as usual. Do you like it?

I knew you would like it when I picked them out, but seeing your happy expression in person still makes me very satisfied.

Why don’t I invite you to go shopping with me? You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to wake you up.

It’s not heavy. I just bought some baking ingredients and some fruits for decorating.

Yes, we’re going to bake a cake today.

When we went out to dinner yesterday, didn’t my fiancée want to order a black swan cake, but she didn’t get it in the end?

Seeing that you were in a bad mood all night, I went out early in the morning to buy materials, intending to make up for your regret in the afternoon.

Replica? No, no, I certainly want to make a better-looking and more creative cake than Black Swan.

Honey, don’t forget that your fiancé is a baking genius.

Once you take a bite of the delicious cake made by Charlie, you will never want cakes made by others anymore.

Isn’t it so delightful?

Of course it is necessary to go out in person. After all, I have to personally select the flowers and ingredients you like.

Whatever you want, I will make it happen immediately.

Fiancée, when I was going home with the flowers and paper bag, I felt a lot of stares from the passersby.

But I can’t remember what they look like at all. I just want to go home and see you as soon as possible.

Hmm? Where is my fiancée taking me?

A surprise for me in the cloakroom?

Sounds good, let’s go.

[2]

What are you looking for?

Two sets of clothes that are perfect for making cakes today? …Are these two sets? Avocado-colored, with a small headscarf and an apron.

And it’s a couple’s edition. I really like this surprise.

Why should I turn around and change? Of course I should change into the clothes that my fiancée prepared for me immediately.

Only unconfident men will be evasive, but I welcome your eyes to stay on my forever.

How is it? Am I handsome? Ah, my fiancée is so talented even at complimenting people. How can there be such a perfect couple like us in the world?

Hmm? fiancée hasn't changed yet?

Okay, I’ll get out first. I’ll wait for you outside the door. Call me if you need anything.

…

Fiancée? Do you need Charlie’s help?

Fiancée, you…

Yes, I was indeed mesmerized by you. I was speechless for a moment.

Well… Like a forest elf, cute and witty.

Excuse me, dear lady. Is there anything I can do for you?

Put on your headscarf? Of course.

It is indeed not easy to wear it by yourself. The tail needs to be fastened with a pin.

Fiancée, bow your head… Good.

Very cute, my little cook.

Hmm? The neck strap is loose? Alright, turn around and I’ll help you tie it.

A little itchy? My fiancée’s neck is so sensitive… I’ll be more careful then.

Mm, a perfect bow.

…Darling, can I give you a kiss?

It’s a bit sudden, but can you fulfill my wish first?

…Don’t hide.

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…

You look so adorable in that outfit that I simply couldn’t resist the urge.

There’s a theory in psychology called “cute aggression”, which refers to the superficial aggressive behavior caused by seeing cute things.

The cuter the object, the more emotionally active your brain becomes, and the more aggressive you become.

I find myself compulsive wanting to draw closer to her, touch her, bite her, ruin her, destroy her…

However, don’t be afraid.

Charlie could never bear to hurt you. The worst thing that I could do to you is…

Give you a kiss like I just did.

There must’ve been something worse? When did it happen? Why can’t I remember it?

After being taught a lesson by my fiancée, I remember. It’s…

Got it, no more talking. Come, my beautiful little cook. It’s time for us to go back to the kitchen.

It looks fun and you want to try it yourself? No problem, I will guide you.

Add corn oil, milk, and low-gluten flour to the egg yolks.

Then stir slowly and evenly. Don’t use too much force… Yes, that’s it.

Add a few drops of lemon juice to the egg white and beat with sugar three times.

The cake base is ready. I’ll take it out.

My fiancée is so active today? Okay, then I’ll leave this task to you.

Come. Put on your gloves and be careful to not get burnt by the steam.

No cracks, no dents… It’s a perfect cake base.

So what’s next…um? You heard some strange noises?

[3]

You heard some strange noises?

[Wings]

[Milk]

[Dessert]

[Wings] 

…

Sherry? Why are you here?

Alas, now Sherry doesn’t even approach me. When she sees you, she’ll jump into your arms.

Jealous? Well, a little bit.

But I’m jealous of Sherry. My fiancée’s love should be shared with me more generously.

Sherry’s still here watching. My fiancée, be a bit gentler with me, won’t you?

Sherry, we still have something important to do. You go and have fun first.

Do you really want to participate? In that case, go…

Want to know what was said? I’ll keep it a secret for now.

Fiancée, if you don’t frost the cake soon, the cream will melt away.

Little cook, I feel like you’re eager to try doing it.

Of course I believe in your skills, so I’ll leave the rest to you.

Your hands are skillful and it’s coming out very smoothly.

You can add a little more here, and then turn slowly.

Hah, it’s okay. It’s just a small dent.

Come, I’ll hold your hand.

That’s it. Place the spatula in the center of the cake. Lift it up slightly and place it flat against the cake, then gently rotate the turntable.

My fiancée is doing great.

My hands are really steady? This is just a basic trait of a doctor.

See? It’s all done… Eh!

Fiancé, you sneaked up on me.

You just subconsciously felt like eating the cream off my hands? Oh– that’s it.

Now there is cream on my lips. Will my honey subconsciously eat it too?

My heart is beating really fast?

Isn’t it natural for my heart to beat so fast when you’re in my arms?

Why do you blush after someone asks you a question?

Alright, not because you’re shy, just that it’s hot.

You’re really not staying in my arms for a little longer? Oh, it really makes Charlie sad.

The remaining buttercream has been put into the piping bag. What kind of flowers does my fiancée want?

Alright, let’s add some red roses and garnish with some strawberries and blueberries, then your Charlie berry cake will be ready.

How’s it looking? Your fiancé’s culinary skills are pretty good, right?

Is it only just amazing? Flatter me properly.

Great, a kiss from my fiancée is the greatest compliment.

You think that the decoration looks familiar? Of course. Hasn’t my fiancée been watching a cake blogger’s videos these days? This is a one-to-one replica of the rose shape.

When did I learn it? Can’t I learn it just by looking at it?

But there was also some ingenuity added by Charlie, so his fiancée should come over to take a closer look.

Charlie’s kiss was added.

You’re giggling so happily? Do you want to do it again?

It’s Sherry… and the grey starling.

I just asked her to pick some petals from the garden so that she could put them on the cake as decoration.

But how come this little one also happened to come by?

My fiancée is sticking up for him… Fine, since he’s trying to plan a surprise for you too, let him join in the fun.

You want to record this heartwarming scene?

Alright, then I’ll pose while sprinkling the icing sugar. Sherry and the grey starling will listen to my instructions.

How is it? Did you take a picture of your handsome fiancé?

It’s a really nice photo. Is this what the legendary “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” means? However… This photo is still missing a very important element.

Indeed, it’s missing you. How can I be without you?

Fiancée, hold the cake while I take a selfie with the phone.

Let me see… Mh, this photo is perfect.

Fiancée, why are you zooming in on me? I am right beside you. Why not just look at the real deal?

Seriously, opening an editing app? Does this face even need retouching?

You’re not editing the photo? What are you drawing on it? Oh, a pair of little heart-shaped wings.

Mhmm, then I will also draw a little wing for my fiancée. You can come into Charlie’s little world and fly with me.

You took so many photos of the cake. It seems that my fiancée is very satisfied with it.

Really? How does it compare to what that cake blogger made?

That’s a given. Anything I give you must be the best.

My fiancée wants to post the cake we made on her Moments? Very well, then she must caption it as “The cake I made with my fiancé, Charlie.”

Wait wait, I suddenly feel that posting on Moments is not enough. fiancée, why don’t we try becoming a couples blogger?

Because I want the whole world to witness our love.

[Milk]

…

We left the milk boiling and completely forgot about it.

I wanted to make an ice cream cake for my fiancée, but the milk is too hot to put the vanilla pod in, so let’s use another pot.

Drinking the boiled chocolate milk? That’s a good idea.

Fiancée, may Charlie request a cup of your homemade chocolate milk every night before bed for the next week?

That’s wonderful. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the heart to finish this last sip.

Darling, don’t move.

There’s milk on the corner of your lips.

There we go.

Don’t fret. It was just a minor accident. There are still a few hours left in the evening, and the ice cream cake will definitely be done before dinner.

Let’s extract the vanilla seeds and set them aside.

You’re peeking around, so curious? It’s very simple. I’ll let my fiancée come try it.

Use the tip of the knife to cut in the middle… That’s right. Be careful with your hands.

Now use the back of the knife to gently scrape out the vanilla seeds.

My fiancée is very clever and picks up things so quickly.

We have to watch it carefully this time. If the temperature is too high, the flavor of the vanilla pod will be lost.

Getting so close, does it smell that good?

This is Tahitian vanilla. Its aroma is more refined, with complex notes of flowers, fruits, and cumin.

If used to make ice cream, the taste will be surely dense and smooth.

If you want to try out a different way of eating it, you can also pour a shot of espresso on the ice cream after making it. This way, you will get an affogato, indulging in both the sweetness of the ice cream and the aroma of coffee.

You think your fiancé is good at making desserts? fiancée, you should think that I am good at everything I do.

Which dessert master did I learn my baking skills from?

I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you, but I learned this by watching my parents make desserts when I was a kid.

Why are you suddenly speechless?

Hmm, you wonder why some vanilla pods are so expensive?

Because vanilla is a very delicate plant. It takes a lot of manpower and material resources from growing and planting, to harvesting and processing.

It also requires pure artificial pollination and perfect soil, temperature, and humidity conditions for several years before it can be harvested.

Finally, it goes through a long process before becoming the current beautiful vanilla and being presented to the world.

Enough. The milk is at the right temperature, so you can put the vanilla pods in now.

You think the vanilla plant resembles like someone? Staring at me like this, do you think it resembles me?

What is my fiancée referring to?

Really? It turns out that in my fiancée’s heart, I resemble a vanilla plant. I have gone through a lot to become the Charlie today and appear by your side.

I thought you were going to joke that I am as delicate as a vanilla plant.

Fiancée, I want to tell you something.

You were so cute the way you tried to change the subject just now.

Are you worried that I will be sad if you mentioned my past? Darling, there is nothing for me to hide in front of you.

When I was a kid, my parents would make desserts every weekend, sometimes cupcakes, sometimes souffle, sometimes ice cream. I was very happy every weekend because I could eat delicious desserts again.

The first time I ate vanilla ice cream, it was made by my mother.

The ice cream tasted so good that I ate several servings by myself. My mom and… my dad shared one, then looked at me and laughed.

Later… I found that I had forgotten the distinct flavor impression. I tried to reproduce it by hand, using different recipes and ingredients, but I couldn’t replicate that taste again.

When I grew up, I realized that the flavor I experienced was not only due to the ice cream, but also the people and the moment itself.

Fiancée, it takes a lot of courage to face what you have lost. The flavor of that vanilla ice cream is like a bitter medicine wrapped in sugar. Every time I look for it with the purpose of reminiscing, I can only taste bitterness.

So gradually, I no longer dared to recall the past.

Hm? You don’t want to eat cake today. You want to search for that flavor again with me?

In fact, you have already helped me find the taste that I had forgotten.

When did it happen? Let me think…

One time, you came to pick me up when I got off work with a vanilla ice cream in your hand.

When we walked hand in hand, you gave me the ice cream.

It was then that I tasted the long-lost flavor.

[Dessert]

…

I almost forgot that I bought this.

Fiancée, guess what this is? …What? Just a plain egg with fancy decorations?

Why would I buy something so boring? How about we open and try it?

Did you taste it? Yes, the eggshell is white chocolate, the egg white is coconut cream, and the egg yolk is a passion fruit puree.

I just happened to pass by this simple molecular dessert when I was shopping. It caught my eye.

It seems that my fiancée is very interested in molecular cuisine, such as Cédric Grolet’s lemon and foie gras cherry, which are all about breaking down food and then rebuilding it.

Although their appearance has changed, the taste of the food remains the same.

Yes, sometimes the looks can be deceiving.

Don’t want to be deceived by looks?

In fact, as long as you cover your eyes, you won’t be disturbed by vision. It can also amplify other senses.

Would my fiancée like to try it?

Okay. Then I’ll use this tie to temporarily deprive my fiancée of her vision.

Don’t be afraid. I’m just carrying you onto the table.

Are you feeling uneasy without your vision? Then hold me tight.

Let me think… which one is better?

This one. Come on, open your mouth.

…Have you tasted it?

Yes, it’s strawberry. My fiancée is very smart.

Try this one again. This should be easy to guess.

That’s right, it’s a cherry.

Are these too simple?

Then let Charlie give his fiancée a more difficult one.

…Did you taste it? What was it this time?

It’s avocado, and what else?

Can’t say it? Want to try again? Of course, the kind-hearted Charlie will give you another chance.

Only…

I hadn’t said anything yet, but my fiancée took the initiative. She really understands me more and more.

Then do it again.

…

How come some people get tired just by kissing?

Okay okay okay, it’s all my fault. I hugged you too tight.

Hm? What’s on your hand? Maybe you accidentally got some cream on it just now.

Let me wipe it off for you.

Honey, don’t rush to take the tie off just yet. I just thought of something I could do with you.

Don’t move… I’m writing with the cream.

Want to guess what I’m writing? Three words.

Wrong, guess again.

Guessed it? Then why don’t you say it out loud? Oh– you want me to say it first? Alright.

I, love, you.

Don’t worry. No food will be wasted. I will eat all the cream off you.

My sweet cake, your body is trembling. Hmm? You want me to kiss you? I sure can.

Baby, you haven’t told me the answer to the difficult question just now.

Can you tell me what I taste like besides avocado?

[4]

The garden swing that I chose with you before finally came in handy. It’s just the right size for two people to lie on.

Do you want to put on a blanket? Although it’s summer, it’s still cold at night.

Is the cake delicious? It will be even more flavorful when paired with black tea.

Why did you suddenly snuggle into my arms?

Are you worried that I’ll be cold too? Sure, then let’s warm each other up.

Fiancée, Charlie also wants to have a bite of cake.

I want you to feed me, ah–

How delicious. It must be because my fiancée fed me this cake herself, so the cake tasted 90% better.

…Hm? What am I smiling at?

I was just thinking that I seemed to have dreamed of this scene before.

I dreamed that we lived in a house with a swimming pool and a yard with a swing that we built ourselves.

In the springtime, you were just like you are now. Sitting on the swing, swinging and laughing, watching me turning the soil and planting your favorite flowers.

In the summer, we swam together in the swimming pool and occasionally had contests to see who could hold their breath longer underwater.

But we were more often sitting by the pool and basking in the sun. You suddenly had the urge to splash water onto me, and I would gently punish you with a kiss.

In the fall, we would invite our neighbors to our house for various harvest parties, where we would barbecue and chat on the lawn.

That dream was so real, it was like I went into the future and experienced our life firsthand.

What about in the winter? I woke up before I even dreamed of winter.

Did my fiancée have a similar dream? It happened to be in the winter?

What did we do in the winter?

Dancing to some blues jazz by the fireplace on a snowy night? Sounds great.

Fiancée, give me your hand.

Although it is not a snowy night and there is no fireplace, there is moonlight and flowers. May I invite you to a dance?

Honey, what are you thinking about?

Remember the legend I told you about when we were doing the “Cha-Cha Dance” on the balcony?

The legend goes that if you dance three times under the fireworks, you will fall in love with each other forever, but there are no fireworks today.

But it doesn’t matter. There is also a legend that if an engaged couple kisses and fences on a summer night, they will be together for life.

Who said that? I did.

Fiancée, old legends are passed down by the ancients, but do you think perhaps ours will become new legends in the future?

What’s more, we are even better than the old legends because we had fallen in love with each other wholeheartedly before we even danced three times.

[perfectclematis]

Masterlist

Introduction – Hello, this blog is to record my revised MTL of Charlie's stories that are untranslated and do not seem to be translated any time soon. I am not a translator, and I do not proofread my posts, so mistakes are bound to happen. I am just here to share Charlie stories. Updates are SLOW and spontaneous. Feel free to give me feedback on anything.

Card Story

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation

Prologue | Heartfelt 1 (Part 1) | Heartfelt 1 (Part 2) | Heartfelt 2 (Part 1) | Heartfelt 2 (Part 2) | Audio | Intimacy | No Selection | Epilogue

Audio

Turntable Card • Artistic Touch

Sentimental Reflection | Delicate Emotions Series • Sweet Quest

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (No Selection)

Prologue

Charlie: Fiancée–

Charlie’s voice came from the cloakroom. I had to withdraw my half-extended hand and turned to walk towards him.

Me: What’s wrong?

As soon as I walked into the cloakroom, I was stunned to find that all of my and his accessory drawers had been pulled out.

Ties, belts, brooches, and watches were all exposed under the light, staring at Charlie standing between the drawers.

Charlie turned to look at me in a serious manner, along with an unusually serious tone.

Charlie: Darling, what accessories are you going to wear when we go out later? Me: I haven’t thought about it yet. Me: But aren’t we planning on just going out for a stroll today? I’ll probably choose some lowkey, everyday accessories.

However, there are so many things in front of me, and at first glance, there is nothing that meets the criteria of “Low-key Daily Life”

Me: What are you gonna wear?

Unable to make up my mind, I decided to pass the question to Charlie.

Who knew that he would raise an eyebrow, smiling confidently.

Charlie: Of course I want to match my fiancée.

I looked him up and down suspiciously for a moment, and a guess came to my mind.

Me: Charlie, are you having trouble choosing your accessories, so you want to call me over to watch me choose?

Charlie: Fiancée, you know my fashion sense and instincts all too well. Charlie: But today’s theme is “Low-key Daily Life” ...

His eyes fell on the drawers filled with extravagant and gorgeous jewelries. I secretly let out a sigh. Too extravagant, too extravagant…

Me: Let’s change the trip’s theme! Me: Leave it to me! The final put-together look will definitely impress you!

After our unanimous decision, today’s “Low-key Daily Life” theme has been changed to a “Euphoric Brilliant Summer” theme.

After resolving the accessories dilemma, the sky outside the window was already dyed with sunset colors. Following the sunset, we finally started our lively day.

Epilogue

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Intimacy - Exquisite Gift Box)

Prologue

My fingertips touched the soft ribbon on the gift box, and with a gentle pull, the ribbon tied to it spread out and fell onto the table.

The lid of the box, which was originally only loosely closed, opened with a sound. A set of sand playset was neatly placed in the box, complete with sand shovels and molds.

The little turtle with rosy cheeks on the sand bucket stared at me with its round eyes, as if saying, “Hurry up and go and play in the sand.”

I poked the little turtle’s face, and my desire to play in the sand instantly disappeared.

Charlie: How’s this surprise?

A warm embrace enveloped me from behind, his voice resonating through his chest and seeping into my heart, effortlessly reclaiming every shred of my attention.

Me: When did you prepare this? Charlie: Alas, it’s true that noble people tend to forget things.

Charlie gave a chuckle, reached out and took the sand bucket out of the box. With his other hand, he took out a note from the sand bucket, which read: Playing with sand at the beach.

Me: Eh? Isn’t this the note we made this morning when choosing our plan?

I took it and found that the crumpled note in front of me was one of the plans we did not pick in the morning.

This part was not originally in his schedule. I wrote it down on whim. I didn’t actually expect him to actually prepare it so quickly.

He put the sand bucket back into the box and took me to the French window. The beach in the distance was sparkling with golden light, so dazzling and fascinating that it drew people in naturally.

Charlie: Are you satisfied with this perfect, sand play set I chose, which includes all-in-one features and is so eye-catching?

Seeing his smug expression, I couldn’t help but want to tease him.

Me: What happens if I’m satisfied and if I’m not? Charlie: If you are satisfied, I will immediately invite my beautiful and lovely fiancée to come and play in the sand with me. Charlie: If you are not satisfied, then I will present to you another one and another one until you are satisfied.

I hooked my little finger around his and looked at him with a smile.

Me: I’m satisfied! I just took a shower, but… Charlie: Then let’s wash up again when we get back. It’s a great opportunity to try out the bath ball we bought yesterday. Me: Okay! Let’s go and build a castle now. We must not let down the perfect sand play set prepared my Mr. Charlie!

The shallow beach was not too hot in the evening, and the perfect sea breeze blew gently past us. The warm sand rubbed the soles of your feet, and a tingling feeling spread to our hearts.

I was so absorbed in stepping on the sand that when I came to my senses, I discovered that Charlie had already taken out all his tools and had even drawn an outline with a shovel. At first glance, it looked like ten adults could lie down in the outline.

Me: How did you draw such a big outline?

Charlie: I have already planned it out beforehand. I will dig a moat around the city and build walls on all sides of the moat. Charlie: There will be defense towers surrounding the city walls, and inside the towers will be the castle. Charlie: The middle part is reserved for the main fort, and the rest of the space can be used to construct miscellaneous buildings…

As he talked about his ambitious plan, I picked out the feasible ones that could be built from the molds. But after a round of selection, I discovered a major issue.

Me: Architect Zha, hold on a second! Me: Your proposal is very ambitious, but we may not be able to replicate it 100%.

He was dumbfounded. I thrust the tower molds into his palm. A quick comparison revealed that the set’s molds were uniformly sized.

If he wanted to complete the project he just mentioned, he would need to enlarge it by ten times. It turns out that rich people still overestimate the limits of ordinary toys.

We looked at the two sets of molds for a while. Like a couple of real architects, we discussed the design plan with great concentration.

Soon, Charlie snapped his fingers.

Charlie: I got it.

As he said this, he swung his shovel and piled up a wall of sand. Compared with the toys next to him, the height of the wall was almost reaching the sky.

After a while, walls rose from the beach. Then, he filled the original castle mold with sand and turned it upside down. After it was fixed, he carefully moved it away.

A building that looks like a castle but actually functions as a tower appeared before us. Although the size was a bit inappropriate, he still used the tools “according to local conditions.”

Me: We did it!

We looked at each other, then acted with tacit understanding, building the castle bit by bit according to his vision.

Unexpectedly, just as I finished digging the castle gate, a small bump suddenly appeared in the sand underneath. I stopped what I was doing for a moment, and started at it curiously to see what was going on.

Charlie, who had his back to me, also turned around and came to look. 

Charlie: What happened? Me: I don’t know what that is over there…

We looked at the location of the bump, which was surging little by little. In the next second, a small pair of pliers pierced the bump, and the “invader” revealed itself.

Charlie: It’s a hermit crab.

A small hermit crab the size of a palm swaggered through the city gate and leisurely “inspected” our castle, as if it wanted to take the castle for itself.

Me: It’s quite experienced at this. Me: Charlie, do you think it wants to move in? Charlie: It may not be the only one. Charlie: I heard that this island is one of the many habitats for hermit crabs. It may just be sent here by its family for “investigation.” Me: Then let’s build a few more rooms. We must not disappoint the natives.

Rolling up my sleeves, I filled several more castle molds with sand in one go. I was working hard when I heard a sour sigh from beside me.

Charlie: Hey, little hermit crab. Look, my fiancée has worked so hard for you that she has forgotten about me all of the sudden. Me: No way… Charlie: Pff–!

As soon as I turned my head, I saw Charlie gasp and take his hand away from the hermit crab.

Me: What happened? Let me see!

Pull his hand over and see where the wound is!

[Touch his waist]

Hmm? You want to take advantage of me while I’m injured?

[Touch his wrist]

Fiancee, I’m injured.

Charlie frowned and stretched his hand in front of me. The pinched finger was indeed a little red and swollen. Fortunately, there was no blood drawn.

I pinched his finger and blew gently on the wound. At the same time, I reached out to get the mineral water beside him and rinsed the wound clean.

Me: Why did it suddenly pinch you? Charlie: Sigh, I touched its shell while chatting with it. Charlie: Maybe it was worried that its home was being invaded, so it was using this as a way to warn me. Me: It turns out that crabs are so defensive… Charlie: After all, to some extent, the shell is its home and its whole world, so it’s necessary to be vigilant. Charlie: It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been jealous of it.

As he spoke, he sighed again and glanced at me meaningfully.

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. His brows furrowed even more.

Me: Alright, alright. Is this better?

To console him, I bent down and gently kissed the edge of his wound. He finally smiled, full of glee.

Charlie: My fiancée’s kiss is a panacea.

I didn’t continue responding to him. Luckily, I had a bandaid with me, so I carefully put it on his wound.

After the wound was treated, I didn’t want his wound to come in contact with the sea water again, so I pulled him to sit down and rest.

He and I sat side by side, gaze set upon the unfinished castle.

I saw the little hermit crab still walking around inside. It was carrying a huge shell, trembling as it walked, like an old man or a child carrying a heavy load.

Me: Say, isn’t it tiring for such a small creature to carry such a big shell all the time? Charlie: It’s not tiring. Hermit crabs have certain criteria for choosing shells to live in, and they don’t just crawl into any empty shell they see. Charlie: Before each molt, they make numerous attempts. Charlie: Among all the available shells, they carefully select one with moderate weight and opening that best suits their body shape. Charlie: It takes some time to try living there before finally deciding to stay. Me: So, hermit crabs are not only vigilant, but also cautious. Me: After all, it is their home.

As time went by, the sea breeze became warmer. We decided to go back to avoid the peak heat on the island beach.

As soon as I stood up, Charlie next to me bent down and squatted in front of me. Seeing that I didn’t react, he turned his head to look at me and patted his back.

I understood his hint. After thinking about it, I shook my head.

Me: You are injured, so don’t insist on carrying me. Charlie: So what? Also… Me: Are you going to say that you’re also a hermit crab who has to carry your whole world on your back?

A look of pride crept up his brows.

Charlie: You guessed it. Charlie: So, wanna get up here? My whole world? Me: Of course!

I couldn’t help laughing and jumped onto his back.

Feeling his breath and heartbeat from his back, it felt as if we were the only ones left between heaven and earth, accompanying each other for a lifetime.

Epilogue

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Audio - Seashell Wind Chime)

Prologue

I carefully picked up the hook at the top of the wind chime and let it hang down naturally.

This is a string wind chime. Below the hook hangs a milky white conch shell with mottled brown spots. Five silver threads hang uniformly from the bottom of the conch, with small scallop shells of different colors strung on the threads.

Charlie: It was a charity item for sale at the hotel front desk. I chose the most beautiful one. Charlie, who finished changing his clothes, walked towards me with an unconcealable smile in his tone. Me: I really like it.

He raised the corner of his mouth, his eyes sparkling. The smile on his face was even brighter than the glow outside the window.

Leaning on his shoulder, I watched the breeze pass through the silk threads. The tiny shells swayed gently along the threads, making clear tinkling sounds, as if they were harmonizing with the noisy waves not far away.

The wind stopped and the bells were quiet. The light danced between the shells and the silver threads. I couldn’t help but move a small shell at the bottom with my hand, and another tinkling sound rang out.

A sudden idea came to my mind along with the ringing of the bell. I pulled Charlie’s hand.

Me: Charlie let’s make a wind chime and take it back with us! Charlie: Okay, let’s make a unique wind chime to record our memories. Me: That’s right! Me: That way, when we see wind chimes in the future, we can think of the wind and waves on this island, and the soaring seabirds… Charlie: And our freedom on this island.

He instinctively took over my words, then pulled out his phone and started searching on it.

Me: What are you looking at?

I moved closer out of curiosity and found a map popped up on his phone. There were many shell marks scattered on the map, but some were marked with a cross.

Charlie: I figured that you’d want to make one yourself, so I looked up some information in advance. Charlie: In order to prevent ecological damage, collecting shells is prohibited in some waters of Doggo Island. Charlie: The good news is that the nearest shelling area is only two kilometers away. Charlie: The tide table shows that the low tide today will be at 6:30 PM, so we can set off after dinner, which is just the right time. Me: Charlie, I’m gonna call you Mr. Know-It-All from now on. Charlie: I still prefer you to call me your dear fiancé. Charlie: Also, if my fiancée wants to compliment me, she can do so later. Me: Eh? What do you mean?

Just then, the room’s doorbell rang. Charlie went to open the door and took some materials for making wind chimes from the hotel staff. I had to give him a thumbs up for his thorough planning.

He shook his head, leaned forward, and put his face closer to mine. I smiled and kissed him gently.

After dinner, we came to the beach. There were fewer tourists than during the day. No one disturbed us and we could pick all the seashells we like.

Eventually, we picked up half a bucket of them, big and small, all sorts of colors.

When I sat down and got ready to make the wind chimes, I found that the shapes of the shells he and I had chosen were very similar. Most of them could be made into a pair.

Charlie: What’s up?

Noticing the pause in my movements, Charlie glanced over.

I picked up two lavender shells, placed them on the table, and tapped them gently

Me: The shells we chose were such a coincidence. It feels like they were made for each other…

He also observed them carefully, and just as I said, he picked out a dozen more pairs of shells that could be put together perfectly. He laughed and raised an eyebrow at me.

Charlie: Fiancée, we are a perfect match. The shells we choose must also be a perfect match. Me: In this case, let’s not separate them, shall we?

As soon as he finished speaking, with a “click” sound, he had already glued a pair of shells together with a glue gun.

I used the red thread that I had prepared in advance to string them together.

The light of the setting sun faded away bit by bit. I quickened my pace, wanting to finish our wind chime before nightfall.

He glued them together while I threaded. Time passed bit by bit. As the wind chime gradually took shape, Charlie promptly looked up at me.

Charlie: Fiancée, have you decided where to hang it after we get back? Me: Hmm… How about hanging it on the bedroom balcony? Me: Wait, after thinking about it, it’s not wrong to hang it in the bathroom…

I was still carefully choosing a place to put this wind chime that was imbued with our love, but Charlie had already started laughing.

Charlie: What’s the problem? Can’t we just make a few more? Charlie: You can hang them wherever you want. You can even hang them in both of our places and enjoy them any time. Me: Woah, how many would we have to make… Charlie: It depends on how many places you want to fill up.

After he said that, I also felt a little touched.

The DIY wind chimes were eventually completed. We made seven or eight of them in one go, with the slender shells connected sequentially into vertical layers, with the round shells scattered in an orderly manner.

Although this amount is not enough to fill up all of Charlie’s houses around the world, we agreed that every time we go to the beach, we will bring home another wind chime.

We admired our masterpieces for a long time, then carefully packed them up and put them in the back of the car.

Westward to us, a colorful glow slanted into the sea. In order to not miss the beautiful scenery, we held hands and walked along the beach.

In this instant, a bright object on the sea surface jumped into view.

Me: Charlie, look. There seems to be something there.

Out of curiosity, we took a few steps forward to check and found that the shining object was a drifting bottle with a note and some white powder inside.

Charlie picked it up and held it in front of him, reading the words out loud.

Charlie: “Nice to meet you. Please don’t open the bottle. My ashes are traveling.” Charlie: “If conditions permit, could you please take a picture of the current scenery and send it to the following email address?”

After listening to him finish reading, I found myself a little surprised.

Me: I didn’t expect there to be such a way to say farewell to the world. How should I put it? It's very interesting… Charlie: Interesting things always find their way to interesting people.

He winked at me, took the bottle away, and looked at me inquiringly.

Charlie: Fiancée? Me: I… want to send them that picture. Charlie: Alright.

As if he had anticipated my choice, Charlie quickly opened the email app on his phone and sent some interesting landscape photos we had taken in the past few days as attachments to the address on the drift bottle.

Looking at the successful delivery notification popping up on the phone, we gently threw the bottle back into the sea and returned to the beach chairs to lie down and rest.

Fiancée? Why aren’t you talking? You have been silent for a long time after sending the email. What are you thinking about? Hmm? The message in the bottle gave you a small inspiration? What would you do if the day came when you had to deal with “that”? Why don’t you finish talking? Don’t worry. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Have you forgotten that your fiancé is a doctor, the person in the world who needs to face death the most? He is even more qualified to discuss this topic with you more than you think. Also, I’d love to hear how my fiancée would handle it. Do you want to learn from this “drift bottle friend”, or do you have another idea? What other methods are there? I know of some more. In some places, there is a tradition of sky burial, which means letting a vulture take the deceased to heaven at a fixed location, symbolizing a smooth ascension. Some people choose to bury their ashes at sea, scattering them and allowing the body to return to nature. There are also tree burials, cave burials, sand burials… But compared to these, I prefer something more special… no, more interesting ways. Imagine crafting your ashes into fireworks, blooming gloriously in the night sky. A final, radiant spectacle for the world and a last blaze of brilliance for yourself. Or perhaps shaping it into a dice, left for someone cherished. Who knows? When they face crossroads, they might roll it, whispering a hint of chance in their moment of uncertainty. … What am I smiling at? Because I really treasure this moment, discussing life’s important matters with you tonight. Fiancée, have you ever heard of a saying? When lovers no longer shy away from discussing what they need to face after death, it means that they have completely entrusted themselves to each other. Because the only people who can be entrusted with handling someone’s final affairs are those irreplaceable and profoundly significant individuals in their life. If there really ever comes a day like that… Why are you holding me so tightly all of the sudden? It’s just an “if”, and that “if” is far away from us. Darling, don’t frown. I promise you; we still have many, many days ahead of us. After all, we haven’t filled all the houses around the world with wind chimes yet, have we?

Epilogue

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Heartfelt - Island Brochure) Part 2

Part 1

Charlie took me into a quiet cave, which was filled with humid air due to the rain. After walking in, I casually found a stone to sit on.

He also sat down next to me, but the earlier argument left me unable to hide my embarrassment. After he sat down, I got up and moved to another stone, yet he immediately followed and sat next to me again.

After chasing each other for a long time, I stood by the stone wall and looked at Charlie. Following a momentary silence, our hearts finally reached a consensus. We sat down on both sides of the stone wall tacitly.

Waterlogged and weary, unbearable discomfort spread from every inch of my skin. In addition, I still couldn’t figure out why he became so strange today, and the grievances in my heart surged like a tide.

I heard the sound of someone rummaging around next to me. I turned to look and saw Charlie taking out a vacuum-sealed bath towel from his bag and handing it to me.

I hesitated for a moment and refused. But the next second, he squatted in front of me and firmly wrapped me in the bath towel.

Charlie: If you don’t stay dry, you will get sick.

Seeing that I didn’t resist, he began to wipe my hair gently and carefully. At that moment, I couldn’t hold back my tears.

I quickly lowered my head, not daring to make eye contact with him, but just staring at the hem of his shirt silently.

His fingertips combed through my wet hair and I felt his warmth. I couldn’t hold back my sniffs, and as a result, he stopped moving his hands.

Charlie: Does it feel uncomfortable?

I gave a wordless nod.

He let out a sigh, brushed the corner of my eyes with his fingertips, and poked my face again.

Charlie: After a preliminary examination, the doctor will issue a prescription for you. Charlie: If you want to cry, come to my arms. If you want to vent at me, or bite me, come to my arms.

Then he opened his arms to me. I looked up and his amethyst eyes just looked at me quietly, waiting for my response.

Charlie: Come, I’m ready. Me: Do you really think I don’t dare to bite at you? Do you think…

Before I could finish my words, he pulled me into his arms. I started to sob uncontrollably. He also reached out his hand, signaling that I could bite him, but I shook my head vehemently. I instead wrapped my arms around his neck, giving him a gentle nip there.

He didn’t say a word when he was bitten. All my pent-up emotions gushed out instantly. I began to accuse him of hiding things from me and pushing me away. I also began to express my inexplicable irritability and anxiety today.

Me: Charlie… I really shouldn’t have said those things earlier… that you weren’t acting like yourself… Me: But today, I really haven’t been myself either… I don’t even know what’s wrong with me…

I said a lot of incoherent words about what I understood and what I didn’t. He just patted my back gently until he saw that I was in a better mood, and then he slowly spoke.

Charlie: You’re not the only one weirded out. Charlie: To be precise, it’s not just today. We have both become strange since we arrived on this island. Me: Ever since we arrived at this island?

I began to try hard to recall what had happened in the past few days, trying to find any discrepancies.

Me: …Yesterday I seemed to want to stick to you, but today I am particularly anxious… Me: Also, when I got to the island, I smelled a scent…

I told Charlie about all the strange things I could think of. He listened to me intently and then frowned.

Charlie: I smelled it too. At first, I thought it was the scent of some flower, grass, or fruit, but after these two days… Charlie: I guess there is a power within Nameless Island that affects our emotions.

This is quite beyond my understanding. When I thought about it, all the food we ate was brought by ourselves, and we didn’t touch any strange plants either, so this is the only possible explanation.

Me: …No wonder we have all become so unlike our usual selves.

After finding the suspected cause of the change, the haze in my heart dispersed a little. Looking at Charlie, who was still frowning, I reached out and stroked his brows, intending to say something lighthearted to make him not feel too troubled.

Me: If I had brought a camera with me, I could’ve recorded this different side of the always-confident Charlie.

I wanted to continue making some jokes to make him feel better.

But he said nothing, did nothing, and just stared at me speechlessly.

So I also quieted down and looked at him silently.

Me: ...Am I wrong?

Charlie: That may be true. But fiancée, I'm sorry. I can’t tell you anymore.

He took my hands, then slowly gathered both into his palms.

Charlie: Your fiancé behaved very poorly today. Many of his actions were puzzling, but you can’t say those emotions did not belong to him.

The warmth I am familiar with enveloped my hands tightly.

Charlie: I have said many times that we will spend our whole lives together and will never be apart.

He paused and looked at me. I smiled and nodded solemnly.

Me: I remember. I love hearing you say that. Charlie: I like it too. When I say these words, I have no doubt that they are genuine. Charlie: But I know that there is another voice in my heart asking me, “Can you really stay with Y/N forever?” Charlie: I have seen too many illnesses and accidents, so I also know that there are too many factors that can separate people.

His voice was steady as he calmly recounted all his thoughts and feelings. The person before me now seemed to be the real him. Charlie, stripped of all pretenses.

We never mentioned separation, but he is a man who thinks through everything and always has a plan , so how could he not have considered this?

He reached out to gently stroke my face, Even though was he said was so pessimistic, he still kept a serene smile.

Charlie: Or it could be as simple as, one day you just stop liking me.

I opened my mouth, ready to refute his words, but he just tapped my lips and shook his head.

Charlie: Darling, no matter what the actual situation is or what the outcome is, I believe that there is always this kind of possibility with you.

Charlie took my hand and pressed it against his chest. I knew he wanted me to feel his complete sincerity and honesty.

Charlie: Rather than influencing my emotions, this island amplified them. Charlie: I want you to be safe and always within my sight. I want you to stay only by my side. Charlie: Therefore, in my view, the cliff in the distance is dangerous. The few minutes you disappeared are dangerous, and the questions you posed to me became dangerous as well.

I finally understood the meaning behind his many actions today. How I dodged when he put on the earrings, how he was antsy when I talked about the uncertainty in his future plans…

These actions, which normally would not seem like a big deal, would make him feel a sense of crisis and unease under the influence of the power on the island.

Me: That’s why you insisted on writing down an agreement and having me sign it…

He nodded candidly. The rain dripped down his hair onto my hands. I quickly covered his head with the towel on my head.

When our eyes met, I saw a familiar, cunning light flash in his eyes.

Charlie: In fact, I had more terrible things to say and more extreme actions to do in my heart at that time, but I didn't want to scare you. Me: But you made me sign it anyway. Charlie: Because I want you to see it again. Charlie: Take this opportunity to let her see your weakness. That’s what I might be thinking.

At this moment, we are like two newborn children hiding under a white cloth, naked, just wanting to show each other our truest selves.

He was restrained. But even under this restraint, he still couldn’t help but want me to understand him.

In fact, wasn’t it the same for me? When I lost my temper with him, didn’t I have a vague hope in my heart that no matter how angry I was with him, he would still love me?

Me: I sure saw it, Charlie.

I reached out and touched his face, and he took my hand and rubbed it.

Charlie: What do you think? Will you hate me for acting like this?

I thought about it and shook my head again.

Me: Never. I always feel that my own emotions are a bit complicated. Me: But I definitely don’t think it’s annoying

As for what it was? It was sour, warm, and accompanied by some star-studded knocks. After hearing my answer, he kissed my forehead.

His honesty gave me a lot of courage, so I took a deep breath and prepared to confess to him my thoughts behind my poor performance.

Me: Charlie, my own annoying behavior is also not ingenuine. Me: In fact, I can’t keep my emotions in check all the time, and I can’t have strong self-discipline like you… Me: I just wanted to control my thoughts and actions. But in the end, I had to let it all out. Me: …What do you think? Would you hate me for this? Charlie: We’re the same.

We are the same. There’s no need to hate a lover who dares to be honest with us.

After arguing, crying, and reconciling, all we have left is the instinct to hug each other.

I don’t know how long it was before we stood up and looked at each other, feeling a little curious and at peace.

The air on the island can affect emotions, but this conclusion remains to be determined.

Looking through the island brochure again, there is a large blank area on the edge of the map. Combined with some anecdotes Charlie had seen before, after deductions and analysis, we finally locked onto a clue.

There is a stone tablet at the highest point of Nameless Island. The words on it can only be seen when the setting sun shines upon it before low tide.

Me: There are about two hours until low tide, so we have to set off now.

The rain gradually stopped and we set out on our journey again.

When I was packing my bag, I accidentally saw Charlie secretly put away the scarf that tied us together.

I went forward and held his hand.

Me: Young master Zha, actually, I have seen your bad side as early as our first encounter. Me: So you don;t have to hide. You can be more honest with yourself and with me.

He laughed.

Charlie: Then there is no need for my fiancée to hide. Even though we were arguing just now, I also think she is very cute. Me: Really? What if I started to act recklessly and you can’t stand it anymore?

He came over with a smile and bit my ear.

Charlie: You can try as much as you want, but I don’t believe that will happen.

On the way to the stone tablet, Charlie held my hand the entire way. When we passed some dangerous places, I could still feel that he would subconsciously tighten his grip.

Then he would look at me, and I would meet his gaze without hesitation and hold his hand tightly.

I also suffered from the “influence on reality.” I became very impetuous, my mood fluctuate greatly, and I would easily get upset over trivial matters.

After walking for a while, I got tired and stopped to look at him silently. He immediately understood and squatted down to carry me on his back. The forest was too stuffy and I didn’t want to talk. He twirled his fingers in the air and a gust of wind blew.

After he comforted me, I felt much better. He seemed to have a solution for all my mood swings. Seeing how relaxed he was, I couldn’t help but reach out to ruffle his hair.

He ignored my “attack” and quietly took out a new scarf to tie us together again, this time even tighter.

He then raised his hand and smoothed his hair, forcing me to move closer to him, and he took me into his arms.

Me: You are a scoundrel! Me: My fiancée told me not to suppress myself. You seem to like it very much.

He spoke too bluntly, so I drooped my head shyly and deliberately said something sarcastic.

Me: Who said that? I don’t like it. Charlie: But I like it very much, so my fiancée has to endure it, or else…

I bumped him twice in the arms, asking him to take back the words “separate.” He smiled, held my hand, and kissed it.

Since he said so, of course I have to do “something I like.”

I’m trying to shed the layers of adulthood built through growing up, to become more direct and vulnerable, longing to rely on him more, wanting to attach my emotions to him more deeply.

I started making some outrageous requests. I wanted him to hug me. I wanted him to kiss me every time he saw a purple flower, and I wanted him to say he loves me when the sun sets on us.

But he enjoyed my misbehaving very much and began to ask for rewards from me. For example, after carrying me across two streams, I had to praise him as the best Charlie in the world before he would continue walking.

The road to discovering the truth is quite lengthy. We trekked through water and stepped on the leaves. In this world where only the two of us existed, we spoke without a care

I don’t know who started it, but we began to tell each other about our own shortcomings that we had hidden away.

In fact, he told me he would always stare at me after I fell asleep, and sometimes he would not be able to help but touch my face. After accidentally waking me up, he would bury himself in the quilt and pretend nothing happened.

Then when I was half asleep, he hugged me and coaxed me, making me feel like I couldn’t sleep well without him.

He also told me how he always took pleasure in arranging everything for me and present it as a surprise. Yet, no matter how meticulously he plans things out, there’s inevitably a hint of forcefulness in his approach. 

He also brought up a lot of shortcomings, but as I listened, they didn’t strike me that way. Instead, I felt happy to see a more candid side of him.

With his encouragement, I also talked a lot about myself, saying that I encountered a lot of troubles at work, and sometimes felt very powerless and angry.

After returning home, I really wanted to vent to him, but I always kept silent before opening my mouth. I was afraid that if I said anything, he would think that I was an immature person, and also that saying too much would dampen his mood.

Taking this opportunity, I talked non stop about the troubles at work, processes, products, liaisons… At first, I was able to analyze everything rationally, but after a while, I couldn’t help but start to express myself emotionally.

After releasing a lot of negative energy, I breathed a sigh of relief and couldn’t hold back a shout. Then I realized Charlie was still beside me, and I looked at him awkwardly.

He just smiled, his eyes full of understanding and comfort.

Charlie: Fiancée, you can tell me about these things anytime, anywhere. Me: Don’t you think it’s so boring? Charlie: I don’t. Me: Then don’t you think… that I am bad for being so negative?

He smiled and shook his head.

Charlie: I like you no matter what you are. Charlie: As the one who loves me, kisses me, confides her dissatisfaction to me, and quarrels with me… I like all of her.

His words made my heart surge with indescribable tenderness, and I could feel my eyes getting warmer. He touched my face and continued speaking.

Charlie: Fiancée, jealousy, compromise, dependence, or the desire to spend the rest of my life with someone, many of these emotions were experienced for the first time. Charlie: But one thing I am sure of is that I don’t want to let you go, no matter what happens, no matter how many flaws were mentioned today.

I was not surprised by his answer, and I even knew with some certainty that he would say so.

Because he and I have the same thoughts. Our mutual honesty is not to make the other person hate us. On the contrary, we don’t want the other person to leave us.

Me: Coincidentally, my answer is also no.

He and I looked at each other in the wind, and the moment our eyes met, we both smiled at the same time.

In love, we are always used to avoiding those flaws that we think will affect our relationship. We will choose to ignore them, choose to embrace each other in the present, and forget about those unpredictable storms.

But today, he and I finally had the opportunity to touch each other’s true thoughts deep in our hearts, and show each other the flaws that should have been concealed without reservation.

Our conversation picked up again. Like a competition, it seems that the more we talk about our shortcomings, the more the other person will love us.

There is no winner or loser in this game. When we stop hiding and concealing ourselves, exposing our insecurities and flaws to the other party, we are all winners.

Now, despite our many flaws, we still hold each other’s hands and refuse to let go.

We reached the highest point of the Nameless Island before the tide receded, and indeed found an ancient stone tablet. The setting sun shone on it, and the light seemed to give it life. The words on the stone tablet were looming in the light and shadow.

We approached the stone tablet and carefully examined the words on it. According to legends, this island was once the island of love, with fragrant flowers blooming all year round. It was once a paradise longed for by lovers.

However, the island was cursed for some reason, and whenever someone set foot on this land, their inner emotions would be magnified. No matter whether it was love or pain, they could not escape the influences of this force.

I secretly complained in my heart. No wonder the island’s  recommendation index is only two stars…

But fortunately, the end of the stone tablet said that the inexplicable influence will disappear as long as you leave the island.

Me: It seems that everything will be fine once we leave the Nameless Island.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Me: If I really keep on being in this state of amplified emotions, I feel like my life will become very chaotic…

He smiled softly and held me tightly.

Charlie: I wouldn’t mind living a chaotic life with my fiancée. Charlie: I will understand you better and love you the way you need.

He looked straight at me with sincere eyes.

The wind blew gently, and I smelled the wind passing by him, carrying the scent of love.

Me: …Foolish Charlie.

Charlie: I admit that even for someone with such a brilliant mind as myself, there is always room for the exploration of love.

Charlie: So, in the days to come, my fiancée will have to continue to be my exploration partner.

I turned around and hugged him tightly, burying myself deeply in his arms.

Me: Of course, as your best partner, we will always explore together.

We sat side by side on the highest cliff of the Nameless Island, with the deep ocean at our feet and the skyline in the horizon framed with a golden edge by the setting sun.

I winked at Charlie and asked him if he was worried that I would fall.

He smiled and said he was not afraid anymore.

He shook the scarf between us and said that even if it fell, we would fall together, so we would still always be together.

His gaze was blazing like the sun and casual like the breeze. But, no matter what, it always fell on me.

Unexpectedly, I recalled the unknown and complex emotions that were surging in my heart while in the cave earlier.

Me: Charlie, I finally understand what the complicated emotions that I was unclear about were.

He looked at me, his purple eyes filled with gentle light.

Charlie: What a coincidence, I also figured it out.

The complex emotions were heartache and sadness. When I saw his confusion and self-doubt, I wanted to cry for him.

It’s love. It’s pity. It’s the instinctive desire to get closer. It’s the desire to kiss him right now.

I held his face and kissed him.

He didn’t understand, looking at me with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

Me: It’s a celebration of our honesty with each other. Charlie: How can such a one-sided celebration be enough?

With the warm kiss on my lips, he made the celebration even more grand.

The uncertainty and hypocrisy, ugliness and restrictions that arise from love are never just the product of love. They have always been a part of love.

Love has a negative aspect, but deep love means being willing to accept all facets of the other person and loving the part of the other person that you don’t even love.

It means that even after the other person does something that you don’t understand or makes you worry, you still choose to continue understanding them until you touch their soul.

The wind blew, sweeping the silk scarf that connected us across the wrists. Charlie held my hand.

The beating of his pulse at this moment is telling me we will continue to love each other, thousands and thousands of times.

Epilogue

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Heartfelt - Island Brochure) Part 1

Prologue

I picked up the island brochure with an impressionist-style cover and flipped through a few pages randomly.

The contents of the brochure are mostly about the introduction of the island and a travel guide. In addition to Doggo Island where we are located, there are also recommendations for some neighboring islands, which should be prepared by the hotel for guests.

At this time, my eyes stopped on an island introduction on the second to last page. I found that the island had no name, and its introduction and travel guide are much shorter than those of the other islands.

The scenery in the promotional photo is very charming with a unique, pristine ecological environment. However, the recommendation index is only two stars.

Just as I was getting curious, I smelled a scent of fougere beside me. Charlie naturally put his arm around my shoulders and came over to look at the manual in my hand.

Charlie: What are you looking at? Me: Look at this island. It looks very mysterious, and I don’t even know what it’s called. Charlie: This is the Nameless Island.

I gave him a skeptical look, and he laughed.

Charlie: That’s the name I saw when I was planning our trip. Charlie: It is said that this island has very special natural landscapes and retains many traces of local ancient civilizations. Me: It sounds so interesting, so why is its star rating so low?

I stared at the brochure for a while, and my interest in this island grew stronger and stronger.

Charlie: Since my fiancé is so interested, I would be happy to add an island camping experience to our shared memories. Charlie: How about we go and have a look tomorrow? Me: Huh? So sudden? Charlie: Sudden? Isn’t our vacation motto to set off whenever?

 Seeing the relaxed and casual smile on Charlie’s face, I quickly made up my mind.

Me: Then– Let’s go!

Facing this novel possibility, we readied ourselves to hit the road immediately. Even our movements packing up became lighter and quickly.

Charlie also swiftly and efficiently purchased a lot of camping supplies from DogCamp and made full preparations for going to the island.

Everything was ready. He and I snuggled on the sofa, planning this unexpected but much anticipated trip together.

The next day, we set off from the hotel on time. When we arrived at the port, the yacht waiting for us was swaying in the golden waves. Captain Zha took my hand and led me onto the boat.

Nameless Island is quite far from Doggo Island. Even if we set out in the morning, it would be afternoon when the yacht stopped at the shore of Nameless Island.

We got off the yacht barefoot and walked ashore, following the traces left by small crabs on the beach.

When looking from afar, the lush greenery comes into view, transforming into completely different vivid tones. The drooping coconut leaves and tall shrubs are intertwined, creating a vibrant and primitive scenery.

Looking around, the Nameless Island was very quiet without anyone else present. Occasionally, I could smell a fleeting sweet fragrance in the air, probably the scent of fruit.

An unknown emotion suddenly flashed through my heart, but it disappeared immediately. Was it because I was too excited about going camping?

Me: It seems that we are the only ones on the island right now. Charlie: Well, that’s good. No one will bother us when we do anything. We chose a place with a wide view as our home for the next few days and began to prepare for the coming night.

The place where the sea and the sky meet casts the afterglow of the setting sun. It is a big challenge to set up the tent, erect the canopy, light a bonfire, and prepare a drinking water source before the sunlight disappears completely.

Fortunately, Charlie was very skilled in outdoor living skills. He confidently took on all the physical work and only gave me some very easy tasks.

I took out the things that I would need tonight from the suitcase and placed them on the camping table. In the process, I discovered some things that were not in the scope of “camping supplies” that I had imagined.

Vases, flowers, camping lanterns… even candles, candlesticks and white china tableware.

Me: He really lives up to his title as the King of Flamboyance wherever he goes…

There was an unexpected sound behind me, and before I could react, I fell into a warm embrace.

Me: You scared me! Are you done? Charlie: No, I’m still busy. Me: Eh? Charlie: Busy hugging my fiancée.

I was amused by his silliness. Just when I wanted to tell him to go about his business, I found that the tent and canopy had been set up behind him, and the bonfire was flickering.

Me: Was it done so quickly? You are amazingly fast. Charlie: Would you like to give me a reward?

I turned around to face him, and he leaned over slightly, sandwiching me between him and the table.

I raised my head a little and our eyes met. His purple eyes were as deep as the night sky, making my heart beat faster unconsciously.

An inexplicable urge surged in my heart, and my desire to get close to him became stronger and stronger.

Me: Alright.

He leaned his face towards me as usual, signaling me to give him a kiss, but I held his face. After letting it go, I kissed him without hesitation.

He seemed a little surprised, but he reacted quickly, hugging my waist tightly, even putting some of his body weight on me.

This kiss was passionate and rapid. I was more proactive than ever before. My tongue traced his outline and was entangled in his.

We reluctantly separated until we accidentally knocked over the tableware. My body felt a little weak, but he licked the corner of his mouth calmly.

Charlie: My fiancée is so proactive today. It’s like she wants to eat me up.

A look of pleasure appeared on his face. He then buried his head in my shoulder, gently rubbing his lips against my neck.

Me: Is that no good?

He smiled next to my ear and hugged me tighter.

Charlie: What’s not good? Charlie: If you think once is not enough, we can do it a few more times.

I felt a little embarrassed and my cheeks were slightly hot, but my heart was uncontrollably filled with more joy.

Before the night fell completely, we finally completed the arrangement of the island candlelight dinner as we were busy being intimate with each other.

Under the flickering candlelight, the roasted steaks were delicately placed on the plate, exuding an enticing aroma.

Charlie sat down before me, and just as I was about to sit down opposite him, he suddenly patted his thigh lightly and raised his eyebrows at me.

Charlie: Your seat is here.

Before I could react, he pulled me over and sat me directly on his lap.

His arms were filled with a rich fragrance, so complex and tempting that I couldn't help but indulge in his embrace.

Charlie: Fiancée, I just did a lot of work, and now I’m exhausted.

He extended his hand with its pronounced knuckles in front of me, and I couldn’t help but squeeze it gently.

Me: You’re not allowed to put me down.

I seldom say this because I know he would be extremely prideful once he hears it.

I turned my head to look at Charlie beside me. The corner of his lips curled up slightly and his hand had quietly slid across my waist, holding me firmly.

Charlie: Don’t worry, I won't let you go even if you want me to.

He raised his chin in a matter-of-fact manner towards the delicious food on the table.

Charlie: I’m hungry. I want you to feed me.

I decided to spoil him today, so I picked up my knife and fork, cut a piece of steak and gently put it in his mouth. A smile flashed in his eyes, he opened his mouth slightly and took a bite with ease.

Looking at his fiery purple eyes, I found a place to lie down in his arms.

I don’t know why, but today I especially want to be closer to him and get touchier.

Maybe it’s because I know that there are only the two of us on this remote island.

After finishing my meal and cleaning up slowly. I lay back in the tent feeling a little tired, my eyelids almost unable to open.

Charlie also lay down beside me, intertwined his fingers with mine, and swayed them back and forth.

Charlie: Fiancée, there is one thing you haven’t done tonight. Me: What? Charlie: Where is my goodnight kiss?

Although I was very sleepy, my body instinctively moved closer to him.

Then he kissed me until I was dizzy again, my eyes became blurry and I couldn't even utter a complete sentence.

Me: … I can’t breathe anymore… Charlie: Punishment for your forgetfulness. Me: …What? I don’t remember making that agreement with you before. Charlie: Really? Then let’s make an agreement starting today.

We cuddled tightly in the bed. Charlie was as clingy as a large plushie, always looking for opportunities to come over and give me kisses.

He was more excessive than usual today, almost nonstop, but I inexplicably liked it.

Finally, he was tired of kissing me and just hugged me tightly. The surroundings fell into a quiet darkness, and my consciousness started to become hazy.

The waves gently hit the shore, and his low murmurs could be heard in my ears.

Charlie: Good night.

When we woke up the next day, the sun shone through the gaps in the tent, casting its soft light on Charlie and me.

We still maintained the posture of facing and hugging each other tightly as we did last night. I wanted to reach out and scratch the exposed skin on his chest, but I found that he held my hand tightly, refusing to allow even a little distance.

Because of my little movements, he hugged me tighter, closed his eyes, and started kissing and biting my shoulder.

Me: Charlie, it’s time to get up and go. Charlie: Why don’t we just not go? I want to just hold you like this… Me: No, we have spent a lot of time on the guide. We can’t waste it. Charlie: A waste is just a waste… It’s better that you stay with me and don’t go anywhere…

Having said that, he suddenly opened his eyes. A strange emotion flashed in his violet eyes, with a bit of imperceptible endurance and repression.

I blinked, and his expression instantly returned to calmness, as if the strangeness just now was just an illusion of mine.

I looked at him hesitantly, but he just sat up and shook his head, then scratched his hair casually and answered me with a smile.

Charlie: After all, with the company of my fiancée and the waves, I had many sweet dreams.

After getting up, we went together to choose clothes to wear for today, and he accurately brought the one that best suited the style of island adventuring.

When I saw his accessories today, it suddenly occurred to me that I might as well wear a pair of earrings to match his style.

So, I walked to the jewelry box with a clear purpose and started looking for it, but I couldn’t find it after searching for a long time.

Me: There’s no more…

I searched over and over for a long time, and my originally orderly search gradually began to become more messy. Anxiety and annoyance suddenly rose in my heart.

My fingers paused for a moment, and I was stunned. What happened to me?

But the irritation in my heart still spreads. I kept rummaging through the jewelry box and even wanted to pour all the jewelry on the ground to look carefully.

At this time, Charlie leaned over from behind and looked at me with concern.

Charlie: What’s wrong, fiancée?

I suppressed my somewhat depressed mood and smiled at Charlie.

Me: Nothing… I'm missing a pair of earrings.

I could feel his body temperature from behind. Charlie hugged me and stretched out his slender fingers to search carefully in the jewelry box, patiently turning over each piece of jewelry to let me identify whether it was the one I was looking for.

However, after searching for a long time, the earrings I remembered were nowhere to be found. I frowned, hooked his fingers that were still busy in the jewelry box, and shook my head at him.

Me: Oh… Never mind, I’ll just wear another pair.

Charlie stroked my fingertips and thought for a moment, then waited a bit. Then, he turned around and picked up a few flowers he brought yesterday, and picked out a pair of small pearl earrings from the jewelry box.

The hands that usually held scalpels were deftly busy among the earrings. After a while, a pair of pearl earrings decorated with flowers were handed to me.

Charlie: Can these earrings, handmade by a master, and the only one in the world, alleviate my fiancée’s worries?

I nodded, looking at his composed appearance. No matter what happened, Charlie seemed to be able to face it calmly without exception.

Many times, I have thought to myself, if only I could be like him.

Seeing that I was looking at him without saying a word, Charlie leaned over to me with a look of understanding and carefully put on the earrings for me. His movements were extremely gentle and he even rubbed my earlobes after putting on the earrings.

The tingling sensation spread along my earlobes. I couldn’t help but tilt my head slightly, and my earlobe slipped through his fingers.

He was startled for a moment, then suddenly held my hand tightly with a lot more force than usual but soon relaxed again. I was alarmed by his sudden behavior and looked at him with some concern.

Me: What’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell? Charlie: It’s nothing. I’m just touched by your cuteness.

Charlie showed his usual bright smile, but deep in his eyes, there seemed to be something different hidden inside.

A strange feeling washed over me, but after careful observation, I only saw his flawless smile, so I had to temporarily suppress my doubts.

After this little episode, we quickly packed our bags and set off for today’s journey– to look for wonders in the corners of the Nameless Island.

Walking in the forest, the humid fresh air hits you in the face. The branches and vines around you interweave into a green sky net, and the sunlight shines through the gaps, casting mottled spots of light.

The wind blew, and the remaining raindrop fell from the broad leaves above our heads, leaving a cool breeze on our faces from time to time. As I walked, my eyes were attracted by a huge banyan tree on the side of the road.

It still looked lush and green, but the trunk was obviously dead. A vine was tightly wrapped around it, leaving deep marks. I took out my camera and took a picture of this scene out of curiosity.

Me: Charlie, look. The inside of this tree is so magical…

Charlie: This is girdling, a unique sight in the rainforest. Charlie: Although the tree still appears to be standing upright, it has actually been hollowed out due to lack of nutrients and water.

He held my hand and continued to explore forward, telling me all kinds of wonderful knowledge about the rainforest. Among them, the Eight Wonders of the Rainforest, such as the “dripping leaf tips” and the “sky gardens,” particularly intrigued me.

Seeing my eyes sparkle, Charlie looked around while talking, and asked me to take photos every time he found a wonder. However, we didn’t see the “sky garden” until we walked out of the rainforest area.

Looking at the illustrated book of the “Eight Wonders” that was only one away from being complete, I felt uncomfortable as I had OCD. At this time, Charlie touched my head and held me in his arms.

Charlie: Don’t worry. We’ll find an opportunity to go to another rainforest next time, and I’ll accompany you then. Me: Really? Then you better remember to go with me when the time comes.

He smiled softly, then took me to sit down at the root of the tree, took out a pen and paper, and started writing. I leaned over to see that he not only wrote down the verbal agreement just now, but also emphasized that he must accompany me.

After signing his name, Charlie, in fancy handwriting, he handed me the paper and asked me to sign and date it.

Me: Letter of commitment? Why did you suddenly think of signing this? Charlie: Preventing my fiancée from defaulting on debt. Me: What’s so good about that?

I looked at him in confusion, but he shook his head and insisted on putting the pen in my hand. He then held my hand and put the pen on the signature.

He stared at the pen tip intently, and after a few seconds, when he saw that I hadn’t moved, he raised his head and looked into my eyes. He smiled, as if he was joking, but also as if he was extremely serious.

Charlie: What if my fiancée goes out with her friends and doesn’t want to go with me? Me: No way. There is no one else who is such a perfect travel companion like you, knowledgeable about the rainforest and has such a good sense of humor.

Charlie lightly raised the corners of his lips, but he still held onto the letter of commitment firmly in place, as if he would not give up until he achieved his goal.

Although I was puzzled as to why he seemed particularly insistent, I did not dwell on such a small matter and signed my name in accordance with his wishes.

After I finished signing, his eyes lit up as if he was in a good mood and started to think about future travel plans, from itinerary to food and drinks, and even the matching couple outfits.

After planning for the next year, he began to think about his travel destinations for the next five to ten years and even expressed his desire to check in here again ten years from now.

I felt happy when I saw how high his spirits were, but I also found it funny when I thought about how far in advance he planned. I couldn’t help but raise my hand and poke his cheek.

Me: Isn’t it too early to talk about traveling ten years from now? No one can predict the future!

He grabbed my hand disrupting him and looked up at me. In his burning gaze, there seemed to be an elusive shadow that made me feel a little at a loss.

Then he forced a smile, rubbed my hand with a little strength, forcefully separated my fingers, and interlocked our fingers tightly.

Under that grip, I suddenly realized that Charlie held my hand a little tighter than usual throughout the day.

Charlie: Fiancée, what do you mean by the uncertainty of the future?

His expression was extremely solemn. Although I didn’t understand why he asked such a question, I still answered him sincerely.

Me: There are many things. For example, you don’t know when your vacation will be. After all, you are too busy. Me: Or maybe we will have other places we want to go by then and won’t come here anymore. Me: It’s also possible that ten years from now, it will suddenly rain heavily, and we will have to change our itinerary. Charlie: …I see.

He seemed relieved and smiled that familiar way again.

Charlie: Don’t worry about the vacation. I’ll be there whenever my fiancée is ready to go. Charlie: As for the rest, don’t worry. Aren’t all those trips enough to prove myself as the perfect fiancé?

The doubts in my heart surged up again. His mood was not right today. It kept changing suddenly, as if he was hiding something from me.

Me: Charlie, you seem a little different today.

He was stunned for a moment, but soon a smile of sudden enlightenment appeared on his lips.

Charlie: Did you notice my cleverness today? That’s right, I changed into a pair of sunglasses for today’s trip.

It’s like this again. There must be something wrong. Watching him talking, I was almost certain.

When he didn’t want to answer questions seriously, he always liked to talk nonsense to fool me.

For a moment, I wanted to grab him by the collar, ask him what was behind the jokes, and make him tell me everything by any means necessary.

But he gently caressed my wrist, and his warmth flowed from my wrist into my heart. I quietly raised my eyes and looked into his deep eyes and was a little dazed briefly.

I know Charlie always has his own thoughts and emotions, and we will tacitly leave each other space to calm down first, then talk later.

 But what on earth happened today… I took a deep breath to suppress my racing thoughts and spoke as if nothing had happened.

Me: Yes, those sunglasses really suit you!

Charlie’s eyebrows curved into a beautiful arc. He held my hand and continued to lead me forward.

But I felt the strength in his wrist tighten and loosen, as if he was constantly practicing regaining his usual control.

The plants on the island had been growing wildly for too long. Their leaves blocking out the sun, and their thick branches and roots left no room for humans to pass through.

Charlie brushes aside the branches that could scratch me, reminding me of the protruding tree roots and encouraging me to step into potentially dangerous areas first, then choose the safer and more convenient fork in the roots.

I accepted his meticulous help with aplomb. Just as I enjoyed the intimate behavior that was a little different from usual last night.

When we approached the marked point, we stopped at an intersection in the road. Charlie frowned and took out the map to look at it carefully.

His eyes wandered between the two forked roads. I looked around and saw a few brightly colored flowers growing on the vines on my side. A plan suddenly came to my mind.

He seemed so nervous today, so I thought a surprise might help him relax.

So, while he wasn’t paying attention, I quietly walked to the side, picked up the fresh flower that had just fallen to the side, and imagined what Charlie would look like wearing a wreath.

Unconsciously, I walked around behind a large tree with lush branches and leaves. The thick trunk and drooping branches intertwined together, completely blocking our views.

I carefully wove the flowers and stems together, and just as I was concentrating on the movements of my fingers, I heard Charlie calling my name.

Charlie: Fiancée!?

His voice was panicked, so I quickly responded and ran towards him. As soon as I got out from behind the tree, he suddenly pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly.

Then he immediately pulled me out of his arms and pressed my shoulders with some force. I saw a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, and his chest was rising and falling slightly.

Charlie: Where did you go just now? Me: I went to make you a wreath.

I took out the wreath I had just strung from my arms, but I found that it had been knocked into pieces and the petals were scattered on the ground.

Me: But… it fell apart. Charlie: You should’ve asked me to come along.

His tone was more urgent than ever before. He was taken aback after he finished speaking. He then closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. When he opened his eyes again, the seriousness in his eyes was gone.

Charlie: I’ve checked. The road on the left is a dead end. Let’s try another road. Charlie continued to hold my hand and walked a little ahead of me, as if to block the dense branches for me, and as if to do more than that.

But as he walked, he suddenly stopped and turned slightly, looking back at me.

Charlie: Fiancée, are you willing to do something with me? Me: What? Charlie: Let’s hold hands a little tighter.

He untied the scarf on his hand, then put our hands together and let me scarf cover our wrists. I immediately understood what he was trying to do.

Me: Tie our wrists together? Why? Charlie: For safety reasons, this road may be a bit difficult to walk on.

As I was thinking about what he had just said, he leaned over and kissed my forehead as gently as a feather brushing across water.

Charlie: If I accidentally go astray, my fiancée can pull me back in time.

I stared at him for a while, but he looked calm, as if he was really just worried about our safety. So, I chose to let the scarf be tied around our wrists.

Our wrists were tightly pressed together, so we could easily feel each other’s pulse. He finally felt relieved when he saw that the scarf on his hand was tied very tightly.

We walked side by side. I looked at his profile, and a subtle feeling welled up in my heart. That familiar face seemed a little strange at this moment. 

What happened to him today? The unanswered question made the surging emotions that I had suppressed with great difficulty surfaced again.

We walked forward for a long time. Our footsteps on the wet rocks, echoing in the silent trees, His steps were still steady, but I always felt that he was still tense.

Soon, a small cliff appeared in our sight. From a distance, the forest under the cliff was like a layer of emerald, green waves.

I wanted to step closer, to take in the picturesque view. But before I could even move, Charlie’s hand gently pulled me back. His grip wasn’t forceful, just firm enough to stop me.

Charlie: It’s better to watch from here. It’s too dangerous over there.

I looked at him, with mixed emotions arising in my heart.

There shouldn’t be any danger in just looking at the scenery. Not to mention… he himself is a person who loves adventurers more than anyone else.

Me: But how can we see the scenery below the cliff from here? Charlie: No matter how beautiful the scenery under the cliff is, it won’t be as beautiful as you.

Charlie started making those jokes again to cover up his true emotions, but it was his attempt to cover up that made me even more uneasy.

The more I thought about it, the more annoyed I became. I stared at him for a long time, but he didn’t waver at all, remaining calm. After a long time, my emotions finally burst out like a dam breaking.

Me: I don’t get what your problem is. I just want to go over there to enjoy the scenery!

As I spoke, I was about to untie the silk scarf around my wrists that was binding us tightly together, but he quickly stopped me.

However, I still insisted on untying the restraint. In fact, I could feel that he didn’t even hold onto my hand too hard. Finally, the scarf was untied by me and returned to his hand.

Then I turned around and walked towards the cliff without hesitation.

He reached out to grab me, but I firmly broke free. While struggling with him, I didn’t pay attention to the road under my feet. Suddenly, I was tripped by a small rock, lost my balance, and almost fell to the ground.

Charlie reacted very quickly. He quickly reached out and pulled me tightly into his arms.

Even though there was no chance of me hitting the ground, he still anxiously began checking every inch of my skin, desperate to see if I was hurt.

Me: …I’m fine.

But he seemed to not hear my words, frantically looking around my body, his eyes anxiously scanning every part.

Me: I said I’m fine!

I yanked my hand back with even greater force, confusion and grievance surging into a single impulse. Without a second thought, I even flung the silk scarf from his hand onto the ground.

Me: Why don’t you listen to me? I told you I wasn’t hurt!

Charlie seemed to have just reacted to me in a daze while I lost my temper.

Me: Charlie, what happened to you? Why are you acting so weird today? Me: And why don’t you want to let me see the scenery below the cliff? Me: You know I will watch from a distance. It’s not dangerous at all. The chances of anything happening are almost zero… Charlie: But what I want is that you are absolutely safe. That’s 100%, no less.

He suddenly interrupted me, his voice low and cold. I was caught off guard. My heart tightened slightly. The coldness I had even seen in him before made me feel a little overwhelmed.

Me: Even if you’re right, do you have to guarantee your 100% like this? Charlie: What if I said yes?

I couldn’t help but think of the days when I went on adventures with him in the past. Every time I faced a dangerous situation; he would give me choices instead of doing it like this.

Me: You’ve become so strange today. You don’t seem like yourself anymore…

He wanted to reach out and hold me but stopped because of what I said. His eyes showed a hint of surprise and shock.

Looking at his expression, unprecedented discomfort and regret swept over my heart.

At this moment, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky. Then, heavy rain suddenly poured down. In an instant, the whole world was shrouded in a heavy rain curtain.

The storm was raging, but it was unable to break the silence as we looked into each other’s eyes.

Charlie and I seemed to be motionless in the rain as it soaked us endlessly. Our clothes were already sticking to our skin, but neither of us moved.

Finally, he gave in first. He snapped his fingers and created a vacuum umbrella above our heads, isolating me from the heavy rain.

I didn’t know how to solve the problem in front of me for a moment and subconsciously wanted to escape from the safety he created for me, but he held my hand silently.

Compared to the cold rain, his palms were the only source of warmth at the moment. Even though we were still facing each other in silence, we could feel that the atmosphere between us had eased a little.

The clap of thunder shook me, and he instantly pulled me back into his embrace and covered my ears. When I recovered, I left his arms. He looked at me and sighed softly.

Charlie: It’s raining so heavily. It’s not safe here. Let’s take shelter first.

Looking around me, I could see that the rain was getting heavier and heavier and was indeed unsafe. At this moment, he offered me his hand. I hesitated for a moment but finally put my hand in his.

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Epilogue)

Prologue

The leisurely times passed by like a flash, and in a blink of an eye, the rest of our vacation time had been used up and our island life had come to an end.

While sitting at the dock with Charlie, waiting for the cruise ship, I looked back at the corner of the hotel in the distance and suddenly felt like I was back to the first day I landed on the island.

At that time, the blue sea and sky, the sound of waves, and the chirping of birds on the island seemed to welcome us. Now nothing has changed, but it seems that they are clearly saying goodbye.

Charlie: Fiancée, do you feel like you just landed on the island yesterday and are leaving today?

I clearly didn’t say a thing, but Charlie suddenly turned his head, and it seemed that what was reflected in his clear pupils was not my figure, but my voice.

Me: Yeah. Every time this happens, I feel very reluctant to leave.

He looked at me half-teasingly, stretched out his arms, hooked my shoulders and chest, and brought me into his embrace.

Charlie: Don’t worry, we can come back anytime you want. Me: That being said, I just feel like every vacation goes by too fast. Me: It’s like… entering a time-limited version of your life. Me: When vacation begins, the countdown starts. When the countdown returns to zero, we go back to our daily lives. Then vacation begins again, and the countdown starts again… Me: In every countdown, we try our best to do what we want to do. Me: Sometimes we can do everything we want, but sometimes we can’t. Whether it is completed or not, the countdown will return to zero… Me: It’s time to return to the long and tedious daily life, and wait for the next countdown to begin.

I looked at the vast ocean in the distance, and it seems that my thoughts were rippling with the waves.

At this time, Charlie covered my hand with his. As his palm rubbed against mine, my fingertips, which were cooled by the sea breeze, gradually regained its senses.

I glanced at him sideways and found that there was a faint smile on the corner of his lips. I didn’t know what he was thinking.

Me: What are you smiling for? Charlie: I was just thinking that we have actually created countless countdowns like this. Me: We…have? Charlie: Of course, does my fiancée want to ponder on this? Me: Could it be that… we always take advantage of every holiday to travel?

Charlie shook his head slowly, rejecting this answer.

I thought about it and gave several examples one after another, but Charlie just smiled mysteriously and shook his head again and again.

After thinking about it for a long time, I chose to surrender.

Me: I’ll ask Dr. Zha for the correct answer! What is it? Charlie: Sigh, it seems that we have too many countdowns in our daily life, which has confused my fiancée. Charlie: For example, from the moment we go out and say goodbye every day, we will start counting down, wondering when we can go home and see each other. Charlie: For example, when eating together, we would start counting down to see when the other person would feed us a bite. Charlie: For example…

Charlie suddenly paused and raised his eyebrows at me.

Charlie: When sitting at the dock holding hands and waiting for the cruise ship, you will start counting down to when the other person will kiss you.

I burst out laughing, and under his purple eyes filled with anticipation, I walked forward and gently kissed him on the face.

Woo–

Almost at the same time, the cruise ship’s whistle sounded in the distance. The low whistle sounded with a long tailing piping and fell into our ears.

As if he had found a new inspiration from the whistle, Charlie’s eyes suddenly lit up.

Charlie: I think we can add this to our countdown. Me: What? Charlie: Our kiss will start from now until the cruise ship docks.

Woo–

There was another whistle, then a gentle, lingering kiss fell on my lips. All the gloom caused by the end of the holiday was covered by his breath.

The countdown was infinitely stretched in the sound of the pipe, and the kiss was infinitely prolonged.

As we kissed each other, I think I heard what he left unsaid–

No matter when and where, as long as you are with the person you love, you can love each other infinitely.

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Heartfelt - Line Puppy Sticker Phone) Part 2

Prologue

Part 1

After changing clothes, Charlie took me to the famous sunset bar on Doggo Island. This bar is famous for being able to watch the most beautiful sunset on the island, and he specially reserved the best viewing position in advance.

The bar is located on the cliff of the island. The terrace outside the bar is completely open with a wide view, as if the entire ocean is flowing slowly before your eyes.

The sun has not yet completely set, and the sky is spreading with gradient colors.

Charlie sat near the railing, holding a glass of sparkling water in his hands. His eyes moved slowly with the rise and fall of the waves.

Charlie: How is it? Do you like it here?

I heard melodious jazz music. The sea breeze blew gently as I admired the golden light gradually spreading in front of me. I lowered my head and took a sip of the special cocktail, becoming intoxicated with the beautiful scenery little by little.

Me: I like it!

Facing this picturesque scenery, I couldn’t help but pick up my phone, set up the tripod, and record this moment.

Charlie noticed my little actions and laughed, even helping me adjust the angle.

Charlie: Not only can you see the most beautiful sunset here, but you may also see a small group of dolphins jumping under the setting sun. Me: We will definitely watch it together! Charlie: So confident? Me: Of course, don’t you find that when we are together, we always encounter many good things that have extremely low probability of happening? Charlie: Now that my fiancée has said so, I am starting to look forward to it. Me: When we see the dolphins, we must clink our glasses together to celebrate such a rare and wonderful thing!

Charlie smiled, with a warm light in his eyes.

The sun sets low, and its afterglow shines on the sparkling sea. The golden light and the blue water interweave into a beautiful picture.

The skyline in the distance connects with the sea level and is gradually swallowed up by a gentle orange color. Light and shadows dance on the water like golden ribbons blown by the wind.

The wind carried a light salty smell through our hair. Even if we were not on the boat, the breath of the sea would wrap us. Charlie leaned on the edge of the terrace, and the sea behind him made him even more charming.

My gaze frequently moved between him and the sea. Charlie’s silver hair was a little messy due to the wind, but the look he gave me remained unwavering.

My chest gradually filled with a sense of satisfaction. I don’t want to miss even a second. I want to engrave the waves and the person I like in front of me in my mind forever.

There were suddenly some waves on the sea in the distance. It seemed that something was gathering causing the waves to sway, making them look even more crystal clear and gorgeous.

Suddenly, I didn’t want to sort out the equipment anymore, and I seemed to be satisfied just watching with my eyes.

But there was another voice in my heart telling me that if I don’t record such a spectacle, such a Charlie, won’t I regret it in the future?

As I was struggling with my inner dialogue, the screen of my phone suddenly flashed. I took the phone and checked it almost reflexively.

Charlie reacted quickly, with a hint of worry in his eyes, and came over.

Charlie: Fiancée, what happened? Me: Nothing, it’s just that–

It’s really nothing. The phone just dimmed right away.

Out of nowhere, there were shouts of surprise from all around, and some people even applauded.

We looked up quickly, but saw only circles of ripples steadily spreading on the water.

Me: Is it a pod of dolphins?

I quickly pulled Charlie’s hand.

Me: Charlie, did you see that?

Charlie shrugged and shook his head at me.

Charlie: No, but–

Before he finished speaking, I stood up, held onto the railing and looked out. The sea was calm, and even the ripples had disappeared.

But soon, several tourists around us began to enthusiastically discuss the scene of the dolphins they had just seen.

Me: It really was the dolphins.

In an instant, a feeling of guilt surged into my heart.

The highly improbable moment that we were looking forward to was missed just like that due to an unexpected situation.

I turned to look at Charlie and found that he frowned slightly. His eyes were also on the tourists who were laughing and talking about the jumping dolphins they had seen.

He then lowered his head, took out his phone, and slid his fingertips across the screen.

Thinking back to how Charlie was looking forward to seeing the dolphins, I started to feel depressed. If I hadn’t been focusing on my phone again, he wouldn’t have also followed me to look…

Me: Charlie… Charlie: What’s wrong, fiancée?

Charlie seemed to be searching for something pensively, but when he heard me calling him, he immediately looked up and responded to me.

Me: If it weren’t due to me, you would’ve seen the dolphins just now…

Charlie: To me, my fiancée’s adorable exclamations were more worth attending to than watching a pod of dolphins.

His relaxed tone collided with my complicated mood, and I was speechless for a moment and didn’t know how to answer him.

Then he seemed to confirm something on his phone, snapped his fingers, raised the corners of his lips, and took my hand.

Charlie: Let’s go. Me: Eh? Where are we going?

Charlie: It’s a secret for now.

After getting in the car, I looked out the window and watched the scenery in front of me quickly recede.

Thinking back to what I had just said when I was interrupted, I suddenly felt disheartened.

Obviously, the intention of capturing my day today on camera was to record our life make the both of us happier.

But now things have become a bit upside down.I glanced at CHarlie beside me. He still looked calm and focused on steering the wheel.

The conch he found was placed on the back seat, reminding me of what had just happened.

A similar situation seemed to have occurred when we were eating as well. In order to record the scene, I didn’t get to enjoy the food with him.

I missed Charlie’s surprised expression when he found the conch, I missed his chance to get a glimpse of the spectacular sight of the dolphins leaping out of the sea, and all those things before that… I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

I thought that the car was heading back, but Charlie suddenly turned the steering wheel a fork in the road, chose another direction, and headed straight to the top of the mountain.

Soon, we reached the top of the mountain. He parked the car, spread out a soft blanket over the car roof, and pulled me up to sit beside him.

He even thoughtfully took out the camera and tripod, and found a suitable place to set them up.

Then, he brought out some drinks and glasses from somewhere, skillfully mixing a glass of “Charlie’s Special” for me, and gently placed it in my hand.

Dusk fell slowly, and the afterglow of the sky dyed the outline of the mountains. But whenever I asked him what he was going to do next, Charlie always kept silent, just smiling and asking me to wait a little longer.

So, I could only lean on his arms and wait silently.

Suddenly, a beam of light flashed across the sky, like a silver-white thread, and instantly disappeared into the twilight,

Then the second and the third flashes blazed through consecutively, until countless stars fell out one after another, then did I realize that it was a meteor shower!

At the moment when the night sky was completely lip up by stars as bright as diamonds, Charlie gently took my hand and clinked glasses with me.

Charlie: Cheers.

I was stunned for a moment before raising the glass in my hand.

The crisp sound of the clinking glasses that should have been heard at sunset now rang out in the silence on top of the mountain.

Me: So how did you know that there would be a meteor shower right now?

Charlie: I checked just now. Charlie: Just back at the bar, I was a little sad to see that you didn’t get to watch the dolphins. Charlie: At that time, I was thinking that I should take you to see another off-chance event to make you happy. Charlie: Fortunately, this meteor shower gave me face.

I turned my head to look at him, his purple eyes were filled with a deep, delicate light.

Me: What if it never came? Charlie: Then I’ll give you another surprise.

He took my hand and nodded his head.

Charlie: Your fiancé still has many plans in his mind to surprise you. Charlie: So darling, don’t be sad about the moments we missed, because I can always make up for it with another surprise.

My heart softened instantly. I went forward and hugged him.

Me: Actually, I wasn’t sad that I didn’t get to see the dolphins back then… I was worried that you would be unhappy. Me: I was too selfish and wanted to remember it forever, but I ended up making things worse… I didn’t see what I wanted to see, and all I had was regret in the end. Charlie: I wouldn’t be unhappy. I know that you just wanted to record all the moments we experience.

He took my hand and kissed my fingertips.

The starlight reflected in Charlie’s eyes, so bright that it seemed as if they were another pair of stars. Endless tenderness enveloped his gaze and projected it towards me.

Charlie: Fiancée, you look so serious and focused today, as well as a little bit persistent, which is very cute. Charlie: Especially when you’re always trying to find the perfect angle and put me in the center of the shot. Charlie: Therefore, I am very happy to participate in the filming wholeheartedly. Charlie: I don’t want you to feel stressed about it.

He held my hand tightly, interlocking our fingers. The warmth from his palm was transmitted to me, flowing along the veins of my limbs and throughout my body.

Charlie: Darling, we don’t need to remember all the scenes. We just need to remember the feelings at that moment. Charlie: I will remember the moments you worry about forgetting. Charlie: I will also remind you again and again when you accidentally lose it.

The wind from the top of the mountain mixed with the freshness of grass and trees. His words fell gently into my ears, causing ripples in my heart.

Charlie: If you want to take pictures, take pictures. If you just want to enjoy the moment, enjoy it without distraction. Charlie: We will be together for a long time, so it doesn’t matter if we miss or forget a moment. Charlie: Because the next moments we will have are countless.

I buried myself in his arms, closed my eyes, and listened to his strong heartbeat.

In the reassuring rhythm, I thought back to the useless persistence just now, and suddenly, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Because I like him so much, I want to take pictures of all the moments related to him and keep them.

Because he likes me so much, even though he is not the one who needs the recordings, he will still cooperate with me wholeheartedly.

It was also because I like him so much that his few words of comfort could easily dissolve my stubborn and somewhat tense mood.

Liking him and being liked by him are the most beautiful feelings in the world.

Me: Charlie. Charlie: What’s up? Me: It’s great to have you by my side.

There are still thousands of words left unsaid in my heart. It seems that I don’t even need to say them anyways, because Charlie seems to have heard them.

I heard a muffled laugh, and he gently touched my hand.

We looked into each other’s eyes and exchanged a kiss, hiding from the stars.

I missed this moment of the starry sky, but I know I will remember it forever.

In the evening, after returning to the sandhouse, I sorted out the clips I recorded today, and planned to upload them to the cloud so that I can watch them anytime later.

Charlie came up to me after taking a shower, and when he saw me busy fiddling with my phone, he casually leaned over.

His eyes unconsciously stayed on the screen, and he watched the clips with me. When we saw interesting clips, we would watch them over and over again.

Somehow, we inexplicably began to imagine what the scene would be like when we watched today’s clips ten years from now.

Me: I really want to know how we will feel when we see today’s clips ten years from now. Charlie: Of course I will sigh with contentment, that our love has been steadfast as ever for ten years.

I was amused by him and the corners of my lips rose unconsciously. I continued with the uploading work at hand, when he suddenly spoke.

Charlie: Fiancée, have you ever heard of time capsules?

I understood what he meant instantly and shook the phone as he laughed.

We put our heads together and thought about it in front of the camera.

Me: What would you say to us ten years from now?

This question was a little difficult to answer for a moment. I was still thinking about it, and Charlie slowly tightened his arms around me, as if he had already thought of the answer.

He lowered his eyebrows, his soft hair brushed my neck, his warm breath brushed my earlobe, and he lowered his voice.

Charlie: Hello, Charlie ten years later. I am you ten years ago. I’m guessing you have a happy married life now? Charlie: During these ten years, you must have kissed your lover everyday and given her everything she wanted. Charlie: I wonder where you are settled now, in Guangqi? Or in Richini? Or in a small country that you suddenly decided to go? Charlie: Or maybe you have started a journey around the world, holding hands and leaving your traces in every corner of this world. Charlie: No matter where you do, as long as you still love each other, it’s enough.

After saying that, he raised his eyebrows and looked at me.

Charlie: Fiancée, it’s your turn.

I found a comfortable position in his arms, propped up my chin and faced the camera, thinking for a long time before I spoke.

Me: Hello, Y/N ten years from now. Me: Actually, I don;t know what to say. Me: Today is a very special day, but it doesn’t matter whether you remember it or not. I believe Charlie will remind you. Me: If Charlie ten years later is next to you when you see this video, then please give him a kiss. Me: If he is still busy at work, wait until he comes home. Give him a hug, and then kiss him. Me: I wish you a happy and joyful life.

After thinking for a bit, I added one more sentence.

Me: We will also remain happy ten years after, until we grow old together.

After I finished speaking, I turned my head to look at Charlie beside me. I don’t know if it was an illusion, nut there seemed to be a glimmer of light in his eyes,

Then he stroked my face gently and laughed.

Charlie: Fiancée, we can’t lose to ourselves ten years later. There are some things we have to do before them. Me: Such as? Charlie: Such as, I’m here with you now. You can kiss me.

I also laughed, and leaned forward to kiss him.

What will happen to us in ten years? I can’t imagine it.

But I hope that in ten years, Charlie and I can still be by each other;s side and kiss passionately at any time just like we are at this moment.

With only one day left in our vacation on Doggo Island, we decided to go to DogCamp to say goodbye to the puppies.

When we arrived, we found them resting inside. But when they saw us coming, they immediately ran out excitedly to greet us.

When they learned that we were about to leave, there was a hint of reluctance in their eyes and they gently wagged their tails, as if expressing their reluctance to part in their own way.

Me: It’s no big deal. We will visit again one day.

When they heard what I said, they became happy and their tails began to wag happily.

Then they started another “pantomime” performance. I understood that they wanted to take a photo with us.

Charlie beside me also immediately understood and took out the phone–

Charlie and I leaned our heads together, and I gently made a heart shape on his face.

Charlie: Three– Two–

At this moment, the two Line puppies on both sides of us suddenly jumped onto Charlie, one jumped happily on his head, and the other lay in his arms.

Suddenly, there were two living creatures above his head and in his arms. Charlie was stunned for a moment, but soon steadied himself and made the puppies sit stably. One man and two dogs, both showing bright smiles at the same time.

I leaned against his shoulder. The puppies and Charlie both exuded a soft and warm aura, and my mood also rose up like the bright sunshine.

I planted a smacking kiss on Charlie’s cheek. He immediately reached for the shutter, but was a step too late. I had already lifted my head, flashing a smile as radiant as theirs at the camera.

Kacha–

It’s a very cute photo, full of vitality.

Looking back at the photos, the Line puppy is still resting on Charlie’s head, and even beckoned the golden retriever to lie down together.

Me: They like you very much. Charlie: What about you?

I poked his smiling face gently, and the Line puppy continued to gesture on his head.

Me: Oh, so you guys think his hair looks like silver marshmallows.

While he wasn’t paying attention, I went up and rubbed his hair.

Because there were the puppies above his head, he couldn’t move at all, so he could only let me playfully rub his hair.

Me: Pfft…Hahaha–

His silver hair was ruffled by me, and he looked like a little fluffed up bird. I couldn’t contain my laughter.

Charlie: Taking advantage of me while I’m vulnerable? Me: No, I just like your silver marshmallow hair, just like the Line puppies. Charlie: Don’t you like anything else? Me: Of course I like everything else too!

The puppies heard my passionate confession. They jumped off Charlie’s head and covered each other’s ears shyly.

Charlie, who was liberated, held me in his arms and ruffled my hair just like I ruffled his hair just now.

All at once, laughter and joy could be heard from DogCamp. Even the group of seagulls that were originally standing at the door to watch were startled and flew away.

The sea breeze blows gently. Laughter echoes on the quiet island and the sun shines through the shadow of the trees, casting mottled spots of light.

Charlie’s embrace was warm and reassuring, and the laughter between the puppies and us became the most precious memories.

Even if there are no cameras to record it, I think I will remember this moment forever.

Epilogue

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Heartfelt - Line Puppy Sticker Phone) Part 1

Prologue

I had just reached out to pick up the phone with the Line Puppy sticker on it when I heard a rhythmic knocking coming from the balcony’s glass door.

When I opened the door, I saw the striped puppy and its good friend, the golden retriever, waving at me. The two cute puppies huddled together like two soft marshmallows.

Me: Hello, what brings you here?

The furry little dog pointed at the phone in my hand, and then performed a “pantomime” in front of me with the little golden retriever next to it. One pretended to hold the phone while the other changed his movements to be filmed.

Finally, they packed up the “air phone,” tied a bow around it, and handed it to me.

Me: So this is a gift from you. Thank you.

The puppies continued to gesture, and I somehow matched their wavelength.

Me: So you mean this is a phone with unlimited battery? Or unlimited memory?

They showed happy expressions and nodded at the same  frequency. I didn’t expect this phone to have such a function, and I looked down in surprise.

When I looked up again, the two marshmallows had disappeared without a trace, leaving only two lines of small footprints on the fine white sand.

The light and shadow that fell on my hand began to sway with the breeze blowing on the coconut leaves. The golden light shone under the refraction of the rippled glass.

I picked up the phone, adjusted the settings, and recorded the light and shadow in front of me.

At this time, I heard a snap of fingers behind me, and I turned around. I found Charlie casually using water to give himself a slicked-back hairstyle, leaning against the black and gold wooden cabinet, looking at me, with his arms folded.

Charlie: Fiancée, I heard your wish. Me: Ah? Charlie: You now need a handsome man to be the protagonist of your shot. Charlie: So, here I am.

He hooked his finger at me, indicating that I should point the camera at him. Then, he pointed at the male model in the fashion magazine next to him and shook his finger.

Me: Please start your performance.

I held back my laughter, followed his instructions, and recorded his various exaggerated modeling movements.

He would stop from time to time, as if thinking whether his expression and movements were perfect so that he could adjust them at any time.

Even until he had posed enough and walked towards me, I didn;t put down my phone and continued pointing the camera at him.

Charlie: Still haven’t finished taking pictures yet? Me: Pff…

He came closer and finally realized that I was not taking pictures but recording a video, which recorded his entire actions from crossing his arms trying to look cool at the beginning to his exaggerated poses later on.

I watched the video I had just recorded over and over again, laughing as I watched.

Charlie put his arm around my shoulder and looked at me tenderly. After a while, I finally had enough and rested in his arms.

Charlie: Have you laughed enough? Me: I have, I have.

While I was talking to Charlie about the origin and magic of this phone, I was about to delete the video, but he reached out to stop me.

Charlie: Why would you delete it? Of course you should keep a video that makes you so happy. Me: Really? Charlie: Mh-hm. If you like it, we can make it into a looping video and play it at home any time.

I imagined it. Although Charlie is very pleasing to the eye, but…

Me: It feels a bit strange to loop this video. Charlie: Then just take a few more shots. Charlie: Didn’t my fiancée say that she wanted to be a couples blogger with me? Should you take this opportunity and give it a try?

I remembered that Charlie and I often joked about becoming a couples blogger and shooting vlogs to record our lives, but we were always unable to implement it due to various problems.

I looked at the magical phone in my hand and couldn’t help but feel excited.

But this excitement is not just due to shooting vlogs, but because of another more important thing–

Charlie is undoubtedly a person who will engrave a sense of ritual in life. Every day I am with him, I can get at least one small surprise.

Charlie has carefully kept those objects that witnessed our happiness as souvenirs for future reference.

For example, the bouquet of flowers given to me on a date was placed in a huge glass cover by Charlie using a vacuum.

Or when we went to a certain place, he put the souvenirs we bought together with the photos we took that time.

Sometimes I would drag Charlie to browse through the amazing collection room, and go on a treasure hunt of sweet memories that belonged to only us.

But since Charlie gave me so many surprises, it was not easy to remember them all, so it was inevitable that my memory would wander.

One time, Charlie and I passed by a street garden. He took me to a garden and I found that my name and his name were engraved under the garden.

Later, I remembered that he and I had once planted seeds we carefully selected here, and agreed to come back to admire the saplings after they grew up.

However, because the time gap was indeed quite long, this incident was gradually forgotten in my mind.

I glanced at Charlie besides me with a guilty conscience.

Me: Charlie… Actually, I didn’t remember the garden at first. Charlie: I can tell from your expression. Charlie: It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember. Look, isn’t this a second surprise? Me: It was a surprise, but this is something you and I experienced together. Me: You remembered it so clearly, but I forgot… Charlie: So what? Charlie: Fiancée, if someone wrote down our story, itt would probably be ten times longer than the longest novel in the world. Charlie: We have been together for such a long time and have naturally experienced a lot. It is normal to accidentally forget some things once or twice.

Although Charlie didn’t seem to care and even comforted me, I still felt a little guilty.

I took Charlie’s hand and he squeezed my palm soothingly..

Me: It won’t do if I forget even once or twice. Don’t worry, I have a way to solve it.

Seeing my serious expression, Charlie laughed, his eyes full of anticipation. 

Charlie: Oh? what did you think of? Me: …I don’t know yet. Nevertheless, I’ll try my best to think of something!

So when he suggested recording our lives just now, I thought that if I could use the camera to record every moment between him and me, I wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting it again.

Thinking of this, I pulled Charlie’s sleeves and then hugged him.

Me: Charlie, I figured it out! Charlie: What is it? Me: Back then, I mentioned that we needed to find a way to record what we were doing.

I picked up the phone and waved it in front of his eyes.

Me: Now that we’ve found it, let’s give it a try today! Me: Don’t worry, young master Zha. I promise to make you look very handsome. Charlie: No no no, rather than my handsomeness, I want you to record our displays of affection more.

He laughed. His purple eyes are as bright as the Milky Way in the silent night.

Charlie: Fiancée, even though we haven’t started yet, I’ve already thought of a title for today’s video. Me: What’s it called? Charlie: My Honeymoon With My Runaway Bride. Charlie uttered these words so proudly, I was stunned for a moment and couldn’t stop laughing. Charlie: What? Not satisfied. Me: I have a better one. Would you like to hear it?

He pretended to be listening attentively.

Me: The Secret Recipe for Love: A Few Things About Me and a Rich Bachelor.

This time it was his turn to be stunned, and he burst into laughter.

After playing for a while, we changed our clothes and prepared to go out.

The sea breeze, carrying a hint of humid saltiness, blows gently through the narrow alleys.

The mottled walls were covered with ivy, and sunlight shone through the narrow gaps onto the cobblestone ground.

Charlie quickly immersed himself in his role as the protagonist of his vlog and began to show off his OOTD.

Charlie: …Today’s main focus is on leisure, so don’t wear too many accessories.

Looking at Charlie’s serious introduction, I tried hard to hold back the smile on my face, but he still caught it.

Does the Great Designer have any critiques on my outfit?

Me: Not much, it is very well coordinated, tasteful and stylish.

Amused by my three wildly exaggerated figure of speech in a row, Charlie lowered his sunglasses and fixed his gaze on me.

Charlie: But my fiancée’s outfit today…is missing something. Me: Uh?

He hugged me in his arms, then turned the back camera around so that I was in the frame.

I saw Charlie holding a shiny object and gesturing at my neck.

Charlie: You’re missing a necklace that matches mine.

I looked down in surprise and saw an exquisite puppy pendant hanging onto the ingeniously-designed silver chain. It was obviously a couple’s necklace with the same design as the one he was wearing.

Charlie: Do you want me to put it on for you now? Me: Of course!

In the camera, Charlie lowered his head and carefully put the necklace on behind me.

It seemed that even the wind favored him, blowing the hair on his forehead to the perfect angle, making him look particularly handsome.

I quietly moved the camera so that Charlie occupied the center of the frame. I don’t want to miss even a single bit of his expression or posture.

Charlie looked different from his usual angles and I had never seen him like this before. I was fascinated by him and thought to myself that my decision to shoot a vlog was genius.

When I came to my senses, I found that Charlie on the screen was looking at me with a smug smile on his face.

Charlie: Miss Photographer, if you want to look at me, then you can do so openly. No need to hide. Me: I do this so that my male lead is always in the center of the screen.

He readjusted the camera so that both of us were in the frame, then he fixed his hair.

Charlie: Then he can’t be without you, the heroine, by his side.

Following his footsteps, I quickly got into the mood and walked around every corner of Doggo Island with him holding my phone.

We passed by an ice cream shop that was decorated like a fairy tale house. A variety of ice cream flavors were neatly arranged on the counter, successfully attracting our attention.

Because he couldn’t decide which one to eat, Charlie bought all the flavors.

In the camera, he holds a colorful scoop of ice cream, each of which looked very appetizing. But no matter which one it is, he always feeds the first bite into my mouth.

Charlie: Is it delicious?

The avocado-flavored ice cream melts easily on the tip of my tongue with a light touch, bringing with it a rich milky aroma and a slight fruity sweetness.

Me: Very delicious! You should also have some!

He didn’t say anything, smiling as he took my phone. He gently placed the ice cream scoop in my hand, leaned forward and opened his mouth, gesturing for my next move.

Of course I understood what he meant, so I scooped a spoonful of avocado ice cream with a wooden stick. Then, under his expectant gaze–

Quickly put that scoop of ice cream into my own mouth!

He laughed, reaching out and grabbing me when I was about to run away, and looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

Me: I’m just kidding! Charlie: How is my fiancée going to compensate me?

I glanced at the device that was still recording, and he was pulling my hand closer and closer on the screen.

I looked away and found that his violet pupils were already in front of me, and my heartbeat gradually quickened.

The anticipation, nervousness, and a hint of sweetness gradually spread in my heart. My other hem tightly grasped the hem of my clothes, waiting to welcome the expected warmth–

The next second, he leaned over and took a bite of the ice cream in my hand, then looked up at me with a smile.

Charlie: Why do you look so disappointed? Me: …I don’t!

I shoved the ice cream back into his hand, grabbed my phone and walked forward. With just a few effortless strides of his long legs, he caught up to me and naturally took my hand.

Walking along the winding alleys, we stopped in front of an empty stall. On the stall were several rows of small upside-down cards, and on the back of each card were some mysterious patterns.

There was a simple sign next to it that said “self-service.”

Charlie looked at the styles of those small cards, thought to himself for a moment, and then said to me decidedly.

Charlie: Fiancée, I see now, these must be fortune-telling cards. Charlie: I know that there are some very effective fortune-telling stores on Doggo Island, so let’s try that.

He waved his hand, signaling my camera to follow his lead as he selected a card.

Charlie: This one… or this one?

In the end, his hand stopped on a card. As if he had a flash of inspiration, he picked up the card and pointed the face towards the camera.

What came into view were two swans, one black and one white, their necks gracefully intertwined.

Charlie came over and laughed after seeing the card.

Charlie: The swans are embracing each other. Charlie: When I was picking one just now, I kept thinking in my mind that I must choose a card that matches us. Charlie: Oh, one black and one white. It is indeed us. Charlie: The sweet swans embracing each other represents that your life and mine will be like theirs, forever entwined and inseparable…

Charlie was still facing the camera, holding a card, and talking about his conclusion. At this time, a slight sound of footsteps came from the stone wall behind the stall.

Looking sideways, I saw a man wearing a straw hat. He walked straight into the stall. He must be the owner,

Boss: Welcome to our store, both of you.

Charlie slowly placed the card in front of the other person and made a “please speak” gesture.

Charlie: Boss, you’re back just in time. Please interpret the meaning of this card. Boss: Huh? Interpret what? Boss: Oh, you guys want to know the origin behind this card, right? Boss: This is our local souvenir card. The one in your hand is the latest one from the animal series. Boss: Woah, it’s a swan souvenir card. You are so lucky. This kind of card is rare…

In the camera, Charlie was stunned for a moment. It was obvious that he didn’t expect to encounter a blind box store on Doggo Island, far away from the hustle and bustle.

I held back my laughter, paid the box, then took him and the card away.

When we reached a corner, I gently stuck the swan card into Charlie’s breast pocket.

Me: My dear guest, please take good care of it. This style of card is rare.

He looked at me with a hint of bitterness, then leaned over to whisper in my ear.

Charlie: Fiancée, I want to discuss something with you. Me: What is it? Charlie: Can you delete that recording just now?

I laughed, remembering the trick he had played on me with the ice cream scoop. Now, it was my turn to play a trick on him. So I shook my head decisively.

Me: I can’t. Me: It’s a rare opportunity to record the usually calm and composed Charlie’s defeated look. So of course, I want to preserve it well. Me: When you are old and have forgotten about this matter, I will bring it up again and reminisce about it.

I deliberately looked back at the clip in front of him while secretly glancing at him to see his reaction.

Charlie: Sigh, that really gave my fiancée a good handle against me. Me: Really? Then how can I use it against you?

Suddenly, he came so close to me that I could see the twinkle in his purple eyes.

Charlie: You can use it whenever. Me: Now I even have more of a reason to not delete it. Charlie: Can’t I bribe you a little? Me: How are you gonna bribe…

Before I could finish my words, he quickly wrapped his arms around my shoulders and kissed me.

Charlie: Bribe you like this. Me: Well… Let me think about it.

Charlie burst into laughter, and his laugh echoed in the empty alley.

After that, we took photos for a long time. I found many popular couples poses, such as making a heart shape with my hand, and Charlie making the other half with his body not far away.

Charlie agreed to all of my requests, and sometimes even used his own creativity to make the scenes in the camera more exciting.

But more often, the camera shows Charlie’s daily life, such as his elegant and confident steps, and his heartwarming eyes when he looks at me…

Even the small action of unbuttoning his clothes when he feels a little tired, or the yawn that he thinks he has concealed well, although they are the little rebellions against Mr. Perfect, it only makes me think that he is extra cute.

We also took some funny photos. Charlie was standing behind some funny photo stand-ins. With only his face showing, he looked like a fat man with a big belly, which made me laugh.

I originally wanted to refer to some check-in guides, but some of them turned out to be total filter frauds. But since I was already there, I couldn’t bear to just give up and leave. Charlie cooperated the whole time until I finally got a photo I was happy with.

Suddenly, our stomachs growled and we realized how much time had passed without us noticing.

With the recommendation of the locals, we came to a restaurant with very local characteristics.

The restaurant was decked out in vibrant island flair. The wooden tables and chairs were in bright, cheerful tones, walls adorned with colorful seashell decorations, and every corner giving off a breezy coastal vibe.

We chose a seat with the best view, facing the open sea landscape. Charlie lowered his head to order food while I fiddled at the table for a long time, trying to find a palace to put my phone on steadily.

But no matter how I placed it, either the viewing angle was always off or the phone was unstable, and all my attempts failed to achieve the desired effect.

At this time, Charlie reached his hand out, and cleverly wrapped the silk scarf on his hand around the phone, and fixed it to the ornament on the table.

Charlie: This is just right. Me: Perfect angle! As expected of you.

I quickly shook my sore fingers as soon as my hands were completely freed. Charlie also took my hand and rubbed my wrist

Charlie: Your hands are so tired. Why don’t we stop here today? Me: That won’t do. We agreed to record our entire day, so we can’t give up halfway. Me: And I captured a lot of interesting moments today, so I look forward to filming more.

Before Charlie had time to speak, the dishes were served, and soon filled the entire table.

Considering the perspective problem when shooting, I unconsciously divided half of my attention to the phone while eating. Adjusting the angle from time to time, I couldn’t even focus on eating the food.

Because we were by the sea, some of the seabirds are intermittently attracted, particularly to Charlie.

People in the restaurant interacted with the seabirds curiously, while Charlie was concentrating on eating, occasionally watching out for the “little thieves” who wanted to steal his french fries.

How could I miss such an amusing scene? So I picked up my phone and started taking pictures, completely forgetting about eating.

Noticing my antics, Charlie shook his head in resignation, but said nothing, only to then fork a piece of food and hold it to my lips before finally indulging me by posing endlessly for photos.

After getting my fill of photos, I checked the pictures I had just taken and unexpectedly discovered many of Charlie’s little movements.

It turns out that Charlie would tie my hair before we ate, and would also hand me napkins or other things I needed at the right time.

Sometimes I didn’t say anything, but just casually glanced at his dish. He would pick up the hint and put it into my bowl.

Not to mention that while I was too busy snapping photos to enjoy the food properly, Charlie kept feeding me bites at just the right moment, sending quiet ripples of sweetness through my heart.

Charlie: What are you looking at? Me: Looking at… the considerate and attentive Mr. Zha.

As I dragged the progress bar to those thoughtful gestures from Charlie, I couldn’t help but give him a kiss on the cheek. He was more and more proud of it.

Me: How chivalrous you are, Mr. Zha. Charlie: It’s not just chivalry, it’s a habit. A habit reserved for only you.

We also discovered another little habit of Charlie’s together. He likes to look at me with his chin in his hand, his eyes slightly narrowed, and the corner of his lips always have a beautiful curve while doing so.

Charlie: It turns out I have this habit and I didn’t even realize it. Me: Huh? But you do this often. Me: I’m often in the middle of doing something and then turn around to see you staring at me like this.

Charlie let out an “Oh,” then moved closer, blinking while looking at me.

Charlie: Is this what some people call– a wife-staring maniac? Me: W-When did you learn this term?

His sudden approach made my heart stop for a moment. Charlie didn’t answer, but handed me the fork in his hand.

Charlie: Although appreciating handsome men is a kind of spiritual food, you still have to eat well. Me: Understood.

Having said that, I still had to record every minute of today, so I adjusted the angle of my phone before feasting on the food.

Charlie kept the chin-resting posture, gazing at me quietly with a look full of adoration that he himself didn’t even notice.

We were enjoying the food and the beautiful view of the sea. Suddenly, a noise broke the silence and a small group of people gathered at the beach.

I looked over with some curiosity, then stopped a waiter who was passing by.

Me: What happened over there? Why are so many people coming over? Waiter: Oh, that is one of Doggo Island’s interactive activities. Everyday at this time, a few small sharks will come near the shore, waiting to be fed. Waiter: If the two guests would also like to participate, they can buy the special feed from us. Waiter: Don’t worry, those little sharks are not aggressive. They are the gentle nurse sharks.

After hearing that, I felt relieved and wanted to give it a try. I looked at Charlie, who had already placed his card on the bill and handed it over to the waiter.

Charlie: Bill, please.

He glanced over at me with the corners of his lips curled up.

Charlie: Also, please bring us some feed for the small sharks. 

After a while, we walked towards the beach, with bags filled with feeder fish and shellfish. The blue water sparkled silver against the sun.

Through the clear surface of the water, I saw a group of small sharks swimming around in the shallow sea, waiting for people to approach and feed them.

I handed the bag in my hand to Charlie and asked him to try it.

Me: I’ll leave the feeding to you while I record this wonderful moment!

Charlie did not take the bag but instead pulled me into his arms and commandeered my phone’s camera.

Charlie: You feed them in my arms and I take the photo so we can both be in it.

He held the phone up high and captured the vast ocean, the sharks swimming on the soft beach, and the two of us.

Although the waiter said it was safe, I still felt a little nervous when I saw the shark in front of me and my steps became hesitant.

Charlie: Scared? Me: … Sort of.

The next second, Charlie actually picked me up. I hugged his neck and sat steadily in his arms.

Me: ! Charlie: How about now? Me: It’s not so bad like this…

I looked left and right, then couldn’t help but lean over to whisper in his ear.

Me: But wouldn’t it be too ostentatious for us to do so…

Charlie smiled indifferently and hugged me even tighter with ease.

Charlie: Aren’t you already used to those kinds of attention?

His confident and self-righteous look left me speechless for a moment, because then again, even if he did nothing Charlie himself was enough to attract everyone’s attention.

Thinking of this, all the worries in my heart disappeared. Charlie and I happily fed the little sharks.

After playing like this for a while, I realized that Charlie’s camera was always facing me. This was not okay. How could we miss the shot of the male lead?

Me: Let me down, I’ll take the photo.

Charlie frowned, as if he didn’t want to do that.

Charlie: Darling, you obviously want to–

But before he could finish, I took the phone and handed him the bag of feed.

At this point, Charlie naturally said nothing more and took the bag.

Charlie: Then let your fiancé fulfill your wishes and create the best shots for you.

He put me down and started feeding the group of little sharks. However, compared with my method just now, his feeding method was like scattering flowers from the sky.

But this method was indeed more interesting. Soon, a group of small sharks swam in front of us, splashing water.

From time to time, I moved the camera to Charlie’s hands, and then captured the close-up of the small sharks clustered around him as he threw the shellfish in an arc.

Of course, Charlie’s handsome face is not to be missed.

He was like a conductor in the sea. Wherever the food in his hand fell, it instantly attracted a group of small sharks. He also had a contented smile on his face, and it was obvious that he was enjoying it.

Suddenly, a wave came and I couldn’t stand still for a moment, swaying involuntarily.

Charlie noticed my situation right away, but the sand under our feet was too soft. Without paying attention, we both fell into the waves on the shore.

Me: Charlie! The phone!

Fortunately, we were able to stand up quickly after the wave passed since the water was not very deep.

But because of this little incident, the phone also fell into the soft sand. Although Charlie picked it up immediately, I still took the phone and checked it anxiously.

Me: We were so lucky… Otherwise, today’s records would’ve been lost.

Fortunately, the phone was in good condition. The video recordings were also safe, and even the video mode was not turned off, which recorded the scene of our fall.

Just when I wanted to share this discovery with Charlie, I found him looking at me with a smile while holding a uniquely-shaped conch.

When he noticed that my eyes had finally returned to him, he placed the conch in my hand.

Me: What is this…? Charlie: I touched it when we fell into the sea together just now. Charlie: Look, isn’t the shape very special?

I looked down at the conch in my hand. It looked like a dome-shaped pagoda with interlaced spiral curves. The color gradually changed from blue on the top to orange on the bottom, just like the ocean and the sunset meeting in front of us.

After admiring the conch, I looked up at Charlie. It took a long time to check the video just now. I didn’t know how long he had been waiting for me.

Me: Sorry, I was so busy checking the phone that I didn’t notice what you discovered…

Charlie raised his index finger and pressed it on my lips, making me swallow the unfinished words.

Charlie: I’m willing to wait for my fiancée no matter how long it takes. Charlie: And you will be surprised to realize that Charlie in the next second is more handsome than the past.

After saying that, Charlie picked me up and took me back to the beach chair on the shore.

We stayed wrapped in each other’s arms. Only now, Charlie had turned us around, pulling me snug against his chest.

He was still holding the special conch in his hand. I also picked it up and studied it, putting it to my ear to listen to the legendary sound of the waves.

Just then, I saw some sand on Charlie’s hand.

Was it stuck to him when I fell into the sea just now, or did I not notice it when I picked up the conch?

Pursing my lips, I neatly placed the conch on my lap, took his hands, and brushed off the sand with care.

His gentle eyes fell on me, letting me silently check repeatedly whether there were any grains of sand left on his hand. After a while, Charlie raised my wrist and looked at the time on the watch.

Charlie: The reservation time is coming up. Let’s go back and change our clothes. Me: Okay… Charlie, don’t you have a watch yourself? Why are you looking at mine? Charlie: Can’t I appreciate how suitable the style I picked out for you is?

Charlie deliberately held my wrist and looked at it again properly.

As the reservation time was approaching, he took my hand and returned to the sand house.

Part 2

[perfectclematis]

Line Puppy Series • Sunshine Commendation (Prologue)

The morning light shines through the blinds, casting warm patches on the sand house. I push open the back door, my eyes pass through a small tree-lined path, and fall on the endless blue sea and fine white sand beach.

Raising my hands to block the dazzling sunlight, I walked towards the sea. The sand under my feet was warm and soft, and every step awakened the dormant cells in my body.

Until the cool sea breeze swept through my hair, I saw Charlie lazily lying on a lounge chair wearing sunglasses, looking from a distance like a magazine cover with a holiday style.

I quietly got behind him and covered his eyes with lightning speed.

Charlie: Huh? Who is it?

I deliberately kept silent. He was not flustered at all. He raised his hand and held my wrist, stroking it gently with his thumb.

Charlie’s eyelashes gently brushed across my palm, like a feather brushing past, bringing a slight itch.

Charlie: Young lady, I have given you a chance to escape, and since you chose to stay…

He held my wrist with one hand and pulled me forward. I could only lower my head and fall towards him, looking into his eyes.

Charlie: You can’t run away unless you leave a kiss. Me: Who told you I was leaving? Charlie: That’s even better, I get to have both the person and the kiss.

He smiled and kissed my wrist.

At this time, his eyes fell on my feet and found that I was not wearing shoes, so he reached out and picked me up and sat me in his arms, letting me shake off the sand on my feet.

Charlie: Didn’t you say you wanted to sleep for a while? Me: Hehe, I’m hungry.

He handed me a fresh coconut and made a phone call. Soon, a sumptuous breakfast was served to us.

The smooth scrambled eggs paired with golden and crispy toast, and the sweet mango papaya and freshly squeezed orange juice on the side, is a breakfast full of tropical morning vibes.

I was enjoying the delicious food happily when Charlie suddenly left his seat. After a while, he came back and the hotel staff brought two servings of exquisitely presented fish.

This is the fish we caught yesterday. I asked them to make it in two different flavors for you to try.

I couldn’t help but recall the fishing scene yesterday. He started fishing confidently but only caught some scattered small water plants.

Later, he finally caught some fish, but they were all species that needed to be released. In the end, only this one was left.

Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing that I hadn’t made any moves, Charlie pushed both the dishes towards me.

I immediately took a small piece of fish from each plate and stuffed it into my mouth. The one on the left was cooked in the local taste of Doggo Island, and the one on the right was – 

Me: Such a familiar taste…

The delicate fish exudes a fresh aroma in my mouth with just a light bite. I looked at Charlie. He held his head and looked at me, raised his eyebrows, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

Charlie: Which one do you prefer?

I understood his intention immediately and stretched out my fork to the left. Then I moved to the right while observing his expression and found that the corners of his mouth were getting higher and higher as the fork moved.

Me: I prefer – this one.

I made my final decision and tapped the edge of the right plate with my fork.

Charlie: Was this review made based on feelings? Me: I prefer the one on the right whether it’s with or without it.

Charlie seemed to be very pleased with my review. He put his arms around me and pecked me on the face.

Charlie: Well, the chef on the right is very happy to hear your review.

In fact, I recognized it as Charlie’s cooking the moment I took my first bite. I have been eating local dishes from Doggo Island recently. Although they have a unique flavor, I can’t help but miss the taste of other dishes.

I didn’t expect Charlie to remember what I had said so casually. I was touched, so I gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Shortly after, the attentive chef and I fed each other and finished this sumptuous breakfast.

This is our second week at Doggo Island. We were invited by Line Puppy to be the acting store manager. Now that the work is over, we can finally start our original vacation plan.

It should be winter in Guangqi City, but now we are bathing in the warm sunshine of the other hemisphere, which is actually a different feeling.

After breakfast, the warm sunlight shone on my body, making me feel drowsy. I leaned against Charlie and my eyelids started to droop.

While I was half-asleep, I felt a strong pair of hands gently picking me up.

Me: … Hmm? Where are we going? Charlie: Go back and get some shut-eye. You’re almost asleep. Me: No, I can’t sleep anymore…

Since finishing my job as a store manager, I have been catching up on sleep almost all the time to where I didn’t even get to appreciate the beautiful scenery on the island, which is a pity.

Me: It’s a rare vacation, so we should enjoy it. Let’s plan our trip now.

Before I finished speaking, Charlie put me back on the recliner, sat down with me, and picked up the tablet on the side and handed it to me.

Me: Eh? What’s this? Charlie: To enjoy this kind of thing, of course, the sooner the better. Charlie: I have planned out the itinerary. So start choosing, young lady. Me: Huh? When did you prepare it? Charlie: Just last night when my fiancée fell asleep, she was still muttering about going out to play.

I put my arms around his neck and moved closer to him, smiling.

Me: Charlie, it’s great to go out with you. I can completely empty my mind and not have to think about anything! Charlie: Who said that? Choosing a plan is also crucial, you need to think about it carefully.

Looking down at the screen, he had a wide array of plans, including speedboat trips, snorkeling, island cycling, sea paragliding, etc. Each one was filled with tropical romance and adventure.

He carefully wrote the features and reasons for recommendation next to each item.

For example, “Snorkeling allows you to experience the mysterious underwater world and the feeling of kissing underwater.” “Don’t be afraid of the current, I will always hold your hand…”

Another example is, “Going out to sea on a speedboat can give you a taste of the sea version of Fast and Furious, which will definitely make your heart beat faster.” “Of course, the reason for your heart beating faster is because you have a handsome fiance by your side...”

In the end, I was really unable to choose, so I decided to leave the choice to fate. I wrote all the options on a piece of sticky note, crumpled it into a ball, and let Charlie choose.

He slowly picked up a piece of paper ball and unfolded it. I leaned over to take a look and saw the words “speedboat out to sea” written on the paper.

Me: I like this one! Charlie: I like it too. It can make your heart beat faster for me. Me: Are you so confident that it’s because of you? What if it’s because going out to the sea is so exciting? Charlie: That’s impossible. It must be because of me.

I was amused by his usual confidence, so I clapped my hands and nodded. Seeing my reaction, Charlie raised his eyebrows and smiled at me.

Charlie: Don’t believe it? Just wait and see.

After returning to the sand house and changing into more suitable clothes for going out to sea, Charlie stopped me just as I walked to the entrance to change my shoes.

Charlie: Put on sunscreen before going out. There are fewer clouds in the center of the sea, and it’s easy to get sunburned without any shelter. Me: Understood, Dr. Zha!

Just when I was about to take the sunscreen from Charlie, he suddenly raised his hand, showing an expression that said, “Does my fiancée need to do this herself?” and slowly squeezed out a small ball of sunscreen.

He gently caressed  my skin, meticulously lingering over every joint. His touch left me somewhat flustered, so I looked around to distract myself. It wasn’t until our eyes accidentally met that I realized he had been staring at me.

Charlie: Your heart is already beating faster before we even leave the house?

Great, so the “ just wait and see” has now started from here. I quickly hid the blush on my face.

Me: …How boring! You’re slathering it on too slowly.

Seeing that Charlie was about to tease me again, I quickly pushed him away, pretending not to hear the laughter behind me.

Driving to the small pier, Charlie took me to a shaded place.

Charlie: Fiancée, wait here a bit for me. Me: Okay.

Gazing into the distance, the blue sea and the blue sky seamlessly connected, while the air was filled with the scent of sea salt.

Before long, I heard the sound of the waves echoing.

Looking sideways, I saw a golden speedboat breaking through the calm sea, rolling up splashes of waves, dazzling like a golden line falling from the sky.

Charlie sat in the driver’s seat, holding the steering wheel with one hand. Even his golden sunglasses could not hide his smug look at the moment.

The speedboat slid through an elegant arc and stopped steadily at the dock. Charlie lowered his sunglasses, revealing a pair of eyes with a nonchalant smile.

Charlie: Hi, beautiful…

Halfway through his speech, he suddenly raised his eyebrows slightly and made a “wait a moment” gesture to me.

Then, he adjusted his posture, put his arm on the steering wheel more casually, took off his hat, and looked at me.

The wind blew up his scarf and ruffled his silver hair, making him look even more relaxed and charming.

Charlie: Hi, beautiful young lady. Charlie: Today’s weather is very nice, suitable for going out to sea. Charlie: So, do you want to go for a ride with this handsome man in front of you?

His gleaming purple eyes stared straight at me. His expression was calm and composed, not at all affected by the “accident” that had just happened. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Me: Why did you make a mistake today? Didn’t you always do it right the first time when you acted back then? Charlie: That’s because there is a woman on the shore who was brighter than the sun and attracted my attention, affecting my performance. Charlie: How is it? Are you satisfied? If not, I can try again. Me: All good, all good.

Charlie’s lips curved into a beautiful arc, he then hooked his finger at me. I held onto his arm and jumped into the speedboat.

After he seated me, he put his hat on my head with one hand and turned the steering wheel smoothly with the other to change direction.

Charlie: Sit tight, Miss Tourist.

Within the next second, the roar of the speedboat was as shocking as the waves.

Charlie controlled the boat with one hand, and the boat suddenly accelerated and slid out, cutting the water with a string of crystal fragments.

The speedboat shot into the boundless sea like an arrow, and swallowed up our screams and cheers.

I looked at Charlie who was holding the steering wheel beside me. At this moment, he seemed to be conquering the wind, waves, and the sea rather than driving a speedboat.

I saw the endless water split into two white wings by the speedboat. Like a few seagulls chasing and playing above our heads, Charlie and I seemed to be traveling between the mirror images of the sea and the sky.

The waves sparkled with light, and the schools of small fish under the boat were like flowing silver foil, carrying us to a new territory.

The speed of the speedboat gradually slowed down until we reached the middle of the sea.

Everywhere I looked, there was only the boundless ocean and nothing else. It was as if I had arrived in a world where only Charlie and I existed.

Charlie: Fiancée, there is no one else here except us.

I looked at him with some surprise

Me: How did you know what I was thinking? Charlie: Such a coincidence? Charlie: It seems that in addition to language and words, there will be another way to let you know that I miss you.

He looked at me with such a tender gaze, even though the speedboat was not accelerating, my heartbeat still quickened due to the fondness between us.

Charlie: Fiancée, would you like to guess what I am thinking about now?

He suddenly approached me, tucked my hair that was tousled by the sea breeze behind my ears, and a cunning light flashed in his eyes.

I see this look every time before he wants to kiss me.

I was sure that my heartbeat was all because of him, and I knew exactly what he was thinking at the moment. Suddenly, I felt shy, so I avoided the topic.

Me: I’m guessing– Me: You are thinking that the sea breeze is too strong now, and you are afraid it will mess up your hair, so you want to go back.

He laughed and looked at me with his chin propped up.

Charlie: Hmm, I was indeed thinking that the sea breeze is quite strong right now. Charlie: It is urging us, “Hurry up and kiss each other in the world that only belongs to you two.”

He slowly drew closer to me, and the familiar warmth carried by the bending breeze swept towards me, enveloping me. And then, quite naturally, we fulfilled “the wind’s wish.”

It was not until a long time later, when our breaths became disorderly and heavy in the wind, that we ended the kiss.

Me: Charlie, you won. Charlie: Hmm? Won what? Me: …Asking questions you already know the answer to. Charlie: The kiss just now can be considered as a reward for the winner.

I reached out and patted his face gently, but my eyes fell on the steering wheel. Thinking about how cool Charlie was when he was driving the speedboat just now, I was also tempted to give it a try.

Just as I was thinking this, Charlie suddenly spoke.

Charlie: Wanna try it? Me: I want to, I but won’t. Charlie: Don’t worry, Captain Charlie will teach you until you learn it. Charlie: And I have seen the hidden potential in you. You will definitely be able to drive well later.

Charlie’s few words stirred up ripples in my heart. I reached out and touched the steering wheel.

Me: If we fall into the water together, don’t blame me. Charlie: It doesn’t matter. Even if you fall into the water, I can fly and bring you back.

After he said that, my worries disappeared instantly and I nodded repeatedly.

Me: Captain Charlie, teach me now!

He adjusted the seat neatly and pulled me over to sit in his arms. Then, he pointed his finger at the dashboard and began to explain some basic knowledge to me.

Charlie: Don’t be nervous. It looks complicated, but it’s actually very simple. Charlie: This is the tachometer, which shows the working status of the engine. Keeping it below 3000 rpm is enough. ???: Gaah– Charlie: That is the speedometer. For speedboats, it is best to control the speed to be between 15 and 20 knots. ???: Owhh–

Mr. Charlie raised his head with some displeasure, looking for the source of the noise that interrupted his serious teaching.

Overhead, two circling seagulls suddenly flapped their wings violently, like an untimely greeting.

Me: You have quite a few students.

We both laughed. Charlie made a hissing sound towards the seagulls, and the seagulls seemed to really understand. After a moment of silence, they suddenly dived and landed on the speedboat, and started to cry out again.

Seagull: Owhh– Me: What are they saying?

Charlie: You can tell them to be quiet, but you have to give them some… compensation. Me: Then let’s go back and buy them some fries?

As soon as he finished speaking, the two seagulls jumped on the side of the boat, calling out to each other cheerfully. Until Charlie shrugged and nodded at them, then did they fly away. 

Me: Is this considered a scam in your bird world? Charlie: I have a very good reputation and great charm.

After the little episode in the classroom, Mr. Charlie continued his “speedboat course.” Before long, the boat was moving smoothly under my control.

Charlie: See, I told you that you’d get the hang of it quickly. Me: Then let me drive faster and see if I can surpass you? Charlie: Are you not afraid of falling in the water anymore? Me: Didn’t a certain someone say that he will pick me up if I fell?

Hearing me say this, he burst out laughing and completely let me control the steering wheel.

The sun shining on the sea was very blinding, so Charlie put his sunglasses on my face. But the size was too big, and the sunglasses just hung loosely. Seeing this, Charlie couldn’t help but laugh.

At the beginning, I was a little restrained. Perhaps because I remembered that there was someone behind me, or perhaps because I had wanted to do this for a long time, and before I knew it, I had increased my speed to the max.

Instead of stopping me, Charlie opened his arms and felt the strong wind whistling past him. Amidst the roar of the speedboat, we laughed heartily.

The strong wind blew away the heat and the smell of diesel, and we enjoyed the freedom and comfort together.

After parking the speedboat at the dock, I jumped off the side and landed on the wet beach.

Charlie held my hand and we walked in the cool breeze, talking about our feelings on the sea today, with light and easy steps.

On the way back, we actually met the two seagulls on the speedboat, and we actually bought them French fries. After eating, the seagulls chirped and turned around, and Charlie told me it was a thank you.

Back in front of the sand house, Charlie gently asked me to step on his feet. He reached out and scooped water from a long wooden bucket, calmly helping me wash away the sand on my feet. 

After taking a shower and changing clothes. I found a few things on the table in the living room when I passed by.

There is a phone with a Line Puppy sticker, an island manual, a string of shell wind chimes, and a beautifully packaged gift box.

I decided to pick one up and take a look –

Which one should I pick up?

Heartfelt - Line Puppy Sticker Phone

Heartfelt - Island Brochure

Listen - Seashell Wind Chime

Intimacy - Exquisite Gift Box

[perfectclematis]

Turntable Card • Artistic Touch

[1]

Honey, it’s me. You’re finally here.

How could I forget my promise to you? On the contrary, I’ve been waiting here for a long time.

Yes, this is a unique way of welcoming you. Does my fiancée like it?

You think I smell good? Of course, I have bathed in black fragrance and prepared myself both physically and mentally in order to create a perfect portrait for you with my superb art skills.

You already noticed, yes, those snacks are for you, in case you consume too much energy later.

This is all for the pursuit of the ultimate beauty of my fiancée. But, I can’t guarantee that I will “let you go” easily.

Hm? You brought me a gift? It’s a small pink pendant. Such an eye-catching pink, as expected, only I can handle it.

What’s wrong? Why are you smiling so happily? The picture on the tag is Sherry… Well, although this pendant is very suitable for my outfit today, this style is also suitable for Sherry.

I just know that my fiancée would not forget to give Charlie a gift.

Having me guess what it is first? Would my kind fiancée be willing to give me some more hints?

Well, interesting. I’ll close my eyes and feel it.

Mm, it’s itchy. Furry, like a high-tech face washcloth?

Isn’t that right? It’s a toy? My fiancée is really romantic, but these little props can really enhance the experience. I'll have to use them next time… hahh…

You don’t want to listen to my nonsense, so you shut me up with a kiss? I’m very generous. Next time you want to kiss me, just do it. No need to find excuses.

Oh, it’s a stuffed toy. A pair of pink spoonbills, and a necklace you customized for me. I like this gift very much. 

On behalf of the other bird members of Charlie’s corner, I would like to thank you for giving them two new friends.

Let’s go to the studio first and find a place to put them.

Hmm, how about putting it here, next to the emperor penguin and call duck? Okay.

Well, my dear model, can the artist start to draw you attentively now?

[2]

Hang on a little longer, fiancée. This great portrait is in the final stages of completion.

The taro paste cake can be placed farther away from the head.

Hmm? If I’m not mistaken, it seems to be closer than before.

Am I seeing things? Where did the little purple flower on the cake go?

Oh, it turned out to be on the kitten’s face.

If you liked it, you should’ve eaten a few more during dessert time.

All the desserts here are prepared for you, and the props are not bad for this one.

Don’t move, I’ll help you clean it up… As an artist, of course it is my responsibility to help the model with her makeup.

Okay. Don’t worry, you’re beautiful. Even if you miss a drop of cream or two, it will not affect your charm at all.

Huh? Why did you come over here and stare at me like that? Is my fiancée testing the artist’s professionalism and concentration?

Oh, this strand of hair does bother me occasionally. Thank you for the hairpin.

It didn’t hurt. My hair wasn’t pulled, and my fiancée’s movements were very gentle.

If you keep touching me, I can no longer guarantee my professional ethics.

However, it seems understandable that some ambiguous feelings arise between the artist and the model.

I must explore and sense your deep beauty before I can present it on the canvas…

I always feel that this drawing is missing something. It turns out to be the warmth when I hold you in my arms.

Well, now we have it. Let’s finish the last few strokes together.

Do you like this drawing very much? That’s great. Nothing is more precious to an artist than the praise of the person in the drawing.

Beautiful? This is what you are, and beauty is your least noteworthy quality.

For me, the most special thing about this drawing is the you in the drawing who is unique and unmatched.

You remain authentic and comfortable in front of me. That unrestrained and free-spirited you is the most beautiful.

Do you want to draw together? Of course, no problem. My fiancée is a professional when it comes to art, I am looking forward to appreciating your drawings.

[3]

What should I use to draw with?

Ink

Charcoal

[Ink]

Crayon

……

Did you choose ink because the colorful bottles look pretty? Oh, it turns out it’s also because of the sweet smell.

That’s because I chose edible ink which is easy to clean and safer to use.

When doing activities with my fiancée, safety always comes first.

Do you want to invite me to work with you? Okay, I’ve been looking forward to working with you for a long time. What do you want to draw today?

Fireworks? You think I would like it?

Yes, seeing the peaceful night sky illuminated by many different colors cheers me up.

Those “bouquets” of flowers exploding in the air reminds me of the important moments that make up life.

In these moments, I can always see you.

That’s awesome of you. I love this suggestion.

Since it is fireworks, we have to use a large format to present it. How about this two-meter high canvas?

Okay, then let my fiancée, the maestro, do the line art.

The line art was finished so quickly. The structure is very good, and some details are very imaginative. I can already see how it will look after the colors are added.

Can’t reach the top of the canvas? I have a suggestion.

Just put it on the ground like this. Many masters draw like this. It might have unexpected effects.

Do you want me to help you draw the fireworks on the left?

How about using fuschia for the body and lavender for the halo around the edges?

The painting is finished, come and take a look.

Hmm, after you blend it like this, the fireworks will become more natural. However, if you want to adjust the color, you can actually move it away first. 

Otherwise, lying like this doesn’t look like the correct posture for drawing. It’s more like playing Twister.

Why would I have any objection? I’m just afraid my fiancée might be distracted.

With such a large canvas, we can of course be more unconfined and draw wherever we want.

I didn’t mean to hurt you. Is the painting crooked? Is it crooked? Why do I feel like it’s a stroke of genius?

There is an extra horizontal line here, just like a heart with an extra tail.

This stroke is like a jellyfish growing a smiley face.

Does this look like the curved antennae of a butterfly?

fiancée, why don’t you try this side? No, no, this side doesn’t count. My body is not your canvas.

Did your clothes get dirty accidentally? It doesn’t matter. It’s easy to clean. Just have fun.

How can I draw if you throw yourself on me like this?

Can you draw like this? Okay, but this drawing posture is a bit bold.

You are right. Boldness is a very valuable quality for an artist. Please continue.

Your hair is making me hot.

But I can control myself and not interfere with the artist’s drawing process.

You can even go a little further.

Which position should you go to? It depends on what you like. As long as it’s comfortable.

Well, the art style is loose and the artist is also madly charming.

Is it a surprise? Didn’t we agree long ago that the two of us would draw together?

Don’t move. There’s some color on your chest. Let me help you deal with it.

Mm, this one is peach-flavored.

Oh, and your cheeks, the back of your neck, and arms were all accidentally stained… It seems to be of different flavors.

Unfortunately, I didn’t taste it properly. I need to taste it again.

This primitive method doesn’t seem to be able to handle it cleanly. Otherwise, we will just “make the best of it” and overlay some patterns on it.

Hm? Have you guessed the shape of the pattern? That’s right, here on your chest is a heart with layers of hearts.

As for the cheeks, arms, and other empty spaces of the canvas, we will continue to complete them little by little.

[Crayon]

My fiancée chose crayons. Is she planning to draw a stick figure?

Oh, I see. You want me to guess what you are thinking through a simple picture, right?

It just so happens that I have also dabbled in the psychology of art. My fiancée can draw anything she wants. Allow me to help you analyze it.

The spiral circles you draw represent that you are curious about many things, eager to understand the laws of development of things, and have a strong desire to explore them.

These small flowers are chosen in four different colors, which shows that you are a person with a rich inner world, and you are in a good mood at the moment. Probably because you are drawing with me.

Sherry, why are you here? Uh, she said she thought I was… talented and wanted me to help analyze her claw drawing.

Isn’t that right? Well, she thinks I said that because I understand you.

fiancée, stop laughing. Let me try again. This time, you can draw something more complicated so that I can show my true strength.

Hmm… Now the drawing becomes more detailed. There are two castles. They are different colors but both are warm… There is a big tree in front of the castle. You and I stand under the shade of the tree.

You thought about your job, right? You have been under a lot of pressure at work recently. You think you can handle it, but you also hope that someone can give you some strength.

I got it right? Why didn’t you tell me that you were under a lot of pressure at work recently? You can still put on a relaxed and optimistic face every day.

How did I know that? Maybe it’s because the color of the whole drawing is cold, which means that your mood in recent times is not as happy as it looks.

You gave yourself broad square shoulders, which means you feel that the responsibility on your shoulders is heavy. And your head is slightly tilted towards me, which means that you still want my emotional support in your heart.

However, the big tree in your drawing has a full crown, luxuriant branches and leaves, and is full of fruits, which means that it is difficult for you to be defeated by momentary wind and rain.

How is it? Is the master of art psychology worthy of his reputation? Sherry, who did you learn from recently? You are starting to tear me down. You let them…

It’s okay. Children grow up and will always rebel sometimes. Just get used to it.

Hmm? My fiancée finds it very interesting and wants to try to analyze me too?

Alright, I’ll just draw something. You want to analyze my childhood drawings?

No problem, which one do you want to see? That drawing of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix was indeed drawn by me when I was very young. What does my fiancée think was on my mind at the time? 

“Some kind of desire to conquer?” When I put the pen to the paper, I might just be enjoying the birds surrounding me. But after listening to your analysis, this drawing does seem to reveal a part of my subconscious desire to conquer. My fiancée’s perspective is very sharp.

And what else? He looks like he is having a lot of fun playing with the little birds, but he really needs a hug?

I can’t imagine how touched little Charlie would be to hear these words… He would definitely come with the little birds in his arms and hug the caring big sister tightly.

Tell you about my childhood? Well, there was a time when I really liked drawing. The moment I picked up the pen in art class, I would feel relaxed and comfortable.

My teacher also encouraged me to draw. A blank piece of drawing paper is one of the few spaces in my life where I can express myself truly.

At that time, I carried a drawing board with me wherever I went. Whenever I saw flowers and plants on the roadside, I would stop and record the scene and my mood at that time.

Then one day, I found my drawings in my father’s study, and I knew that he would send people to do psychological analysis on those drawings to understand my true thoughts.

I have never really drawn since then. I disguised the brushstrokes and the colors just to get a passable report from the psychoanalyst.

Later, I also tried to use drawing as a way to remind myself what I should be like.

It’s okay, fiancée. It was all a long time ago.

After that stage, I slowly picked up drawing again.

When? Let me think… It was probably one of the summer vacations after I started medical school, and my colleagues and I went to the beach near Richini to relax.

At that time, there was a child using a wooden stick, writing and drawing near my beach chair.

The child took the book that I was covering my face with and excitedly asked me to guess what he had drawn.

I took a look and saw only simple lines and details on the beach, so I guessed based on the shape that it was a turtle.

He said no, this is his moving castle. The turtle is just the base of the whole moving castle.

His words made my heart tighten, and a distant yet familiar feeling seemed to hit me.

The child frowned as if he was very proud of his drawing, but also seemed dissatisfied with something.

After waiting for a minute, I pulled out the straw from my soda and started drawing something on the beach.

I asked him, does your castle need a navigator? He nodded, so I drew a two-story sunflower on the turtle shell.

Then I drew an eagle on the top of the castle. It knows all the roads in the sky and is the navigator of this moving castle.

The warehouse is also filled with desserts, providing the turtle with the power it needs to fly.

There is a big eye on the window of the castle. I drew it for no reason. I just liked it.

The child and I drew on the beach for an entire afternoon until the sun set and the sea became pitch black.

When we finished drawing, we didn’t know what we had drawn and collapsed on the beach.

No one can understand those strange patterns, but I know that doesn’t matter.

Afterwards, I held an art exhibition.

Yes, that’s right. I have held art exhibitions, and you should get better used to the fact that your fiancé can do anything,

Okay, I’ll continue talking. I drew what it looked like at each stage from birth to then.

When I was drawing, I didn’t think too much. Whatever memories flashed through my mind, I put its reality on the drawing paper.

Some of it is me being eccentric, some are confident, some are brilliant, some are not so brilliant, some are a piece of scenery, some are just a block of color, but I know that they are all me.

There were many children who came to the exhibition. They liked my paintings very much, so I gave them the paintings they liked.

By the last day of the exhibition, the entire exhibition hall was emptied out, and I was very happy.

Well, I started to continue drawing after that, and through art and other things, I gradually regained the feeling of sitting alone in front of the drawing board when I was a child.

In the world of art, there is no need to hide or explain to others, just show your true thoughts.

I decided that I would never be older than eight years old when I was drawing, because it was an extremely simple thing and I wanted to remain pure.

However, drawing is a very personal thing. In principle, I don’t want anyone to be around me when I’m drawing.

But in front of you, all my principles are voided.

Such a private act, of course I have to share it with you.

[Charcoal]

You want to draw a portrait of me in charcoal? Sure, I look forward it.

You also drew a picture for me last week, and I want to put the two together.

Want me to comment on the previous picture? I can only say that my fiancée knows me too well.

The little tongue that sticks out inadvertently represents my inner pride.

The wings spread out behind me represents my extraordinary imagination. In addition…

Wrong? Where was I wrong?

The wings were painted in hopes that Charlie could find true freedom…

I am so lucky to have a fiancée who understands me so well.

You don’t want to go for a cartoony style today and want to draw a realistic one? Okay, my fiancée will try different types of drawing to show her true strength.

Then the model Charlie has officially swapped places with you.

What kind of pose do you want me to do this time?

Let me guess… Open my lips slightly and bite something, or pull my collar with one hand and show off my arm muscles?

Still feeling a little bit off? Oh, I get it. What my fiancée wants to draw this time is not an ordinary portrait sketch, but a figure study.

Why are you shy? This is an elegant and pure artistic creation. I will definitely respond to your request and give my full support.

Hm? Not ready yet? Then I’ll take off my clothes slowly to give my fiancée more time to get ready.

Is it enough to just show off my abdominal muscles? Michelangelo’s masterpiece goes beyond this.

What’s wrong? Since it’s a nude sketch, of course I have to take off everything and be naked.

This is nothing. I’m happy to offer myself for my fiancée’s art.

How about I sit on the chair like I am now, prop my chin with one hand, and stare in your direction?

Why is your face so red all of the sudden?

You don’t want me to look at you? Okay, then where do you think I should look?

En. En. En. Although I promised you, it is really a big test for me to not look at you during the whole process.

fiancée, there is a secret I have never told you.

My eyes are organs independent of the body. They have their own thoughts and consciousness, and will automatically follow and lock onto things that are too dazzling and fascinating.

Okay, I won’t tease you anymore.

Why are you breathing so rapidly? Why don’t we take a break and start again later?

No need? But if you blink so quickly, will it affect your observation? Then take a deep breath and slow down, or look somewhere else.

Why did you look there automatically? Could it be that my fiancée’s eyes were also out of control and attracted by something fascinating?

However, starting from there is also a new way of drawing. You can try it boldly.

Are you thirsty? Then I’ll pour you a cup… No need for me to pour, just have me sit here nicely?

Okay, okay. I’ll stay here and be your exclusive model. I won’t go anywhere else.

Of course, if you have any needs during tis process, I will be happy to serve you.

What’s the problem? Because you’re too familiar with my body, you want to get closer and find some new perspectives?

How about I look down? You can feel the lines of my eyes, the curve of my eyelashes, and the gleaming luster in my pupils.

Not feeling it? Then take a look at other parts as well.

You know my lips too well, so you lack a feeling of novelty? I know just how to discover a new perspective. Does my fiancée want to try it?

Cover the windows and leave only a 45-degree light source shining into the room.

Simple lighting strips away the effects of diffused light and reflected light, so the boundaries of the mode’s body structure will appear much clearer than usual. This will also make it easier for you to come up with new creative sparks.

The light is too dim now, and you can’t see the shape of my lips clearly?

In fact, the fastest way is to experience it directly without using your eyes.

Do you want to leave after finding the least bit of an idea? Since you are here, why not observe it thoroughly? Besides, how do you know that I can’t give you more inspiration?

Want to get to know this “strange” fiancé again? Kay, is it the kind of “getting to know” I imagined?

Oh, so you want to start directly from a deep understanding.

Not deep enough? How about this?

Raise it a little higher. Or is this better?

Are you admiring my spine? It is the core support of human aesthetics. It is a work of art in itself with a flowing and elegant outline from top to bottom.

Your hands are now touching my sacrum and coccyx, which are now tracing a double reverse curve moving back and forth.

Does it feel hard? Because the abdominal muscles are tightening and the pelvic floor muscles are contracting repeatedly. Look down and you will see that my abdomen is showing a perfect shadow under the light.

The quadriceps assist the body in lifting and bending the legs… The prone position and movement lines may satisfy the comfort and variety that my fiancée needs.

Darling, do you want to sit on it because you think your view will be more beautiful if I hold you up?

Now, do you understand me better?

Why are you avoiding my eyes? Look at me and speak clearly.

Your voice was too soft and I couldn’t hear it.

Mn, now I can hear it.

I also feel that every time we explore each other, our souls “resonate” again.

Do you want to hear how I feel at this moment?

I want to be close to you, to touch you, and warm you. I long for both of us to piece together as a more complete whole. Yet I also restrain myself from the desire to invade, devour, and destroy.

Hasn’t all of this been laid bare before your eyes?

Don’t want me to suppress it anymore? Your slightest touch could ignite sparks– care to try it out?

[4]

We really completed quite a few paintings today. Cheers, fiancée, good teamwork!

You want to take home that portrait I drew of you?

Wait, let me frame this painting before you take it away.

After all, for a picture, a suitable picture frame will add a lot to it. It happens that my family has purchased a lot of picture frames before. Do you want to go and have a look?

It turns out my fiancée is so interested in these picture frames.

Well, here are some embossed frames from the Rococo period, and here are some wide-edged handmade solid wood frames and some colorful transparent acrylic frames.

That’s right, embossed frames are more suitable for retro-style art, solid wood is suitable for natural and gentle art, and colored acrylic is suitable for matching some modern and experimental works.

What kind of frame do I think is more suitable for your portrait? It depends on… how you define the picture.

I think that since you are the one in the picture, the right to choose should be given to you. Well, because only you can define yourself, not even me. 

You just want this one? My fiancée really has refined taste. The frame she chose is very suitable for this picture. 

Think of it this way, once a frame wraps and decorates a picture, they will accompany each other for a long time, just like lovers.

You’re asking who between us is the picture and the frame?

You and I are, of course, the people in the picture.

Not only that, the series of pictures belonging to the two of us will be continued until the end of time.