#hello mlqc

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s 2023 Qixi Cards + PV Cut

“Even if a thousand years go by, I will still come to your side.”

“If (you) continue like this, I can’t promise I won’t become intoxicated.”

“There are certain stories that will be immortalized in time.”

“If (you) continue like this, I can’t promise I won’t become intoxicated.”

—

[thedummysdummy]

Take These Memories

This takes place after the most recent events in the global server. So...spoilers kind of?

Mr. Mills looked down at the gleaming key in his hand, then back up to Victor with confusion clouding his gentle eyes. "Boss?"

Victor simply nodded before turning his head away, showing perhaps more emotion than he intended. "I don't need it anymore. Souvenir is yours to do with what you will. You have more than paid for it through the years."

What he didn't say was what was really on his mind.

I don't need it anymore. Souvenir has served its purpose.

I already found her and this time...she isn't coming back.

I can't take these memories.

Safely in his car, tears began to fall for what felt like the thousandth time.

And Victor made no move to wipe them away.

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's No Access Date

⚡ Warning: This post contains detailed spoiler's for Date which hasn't released in EN yet!⚡

[This date was translated with the help of Google translate and by my friend!]

✧[Part 1]✧

The winter sky was clear and bright, and the warm sunlight gave the illusion of warmth.

I had just left the warmth of the taxi and was shivering in the cool winter wind. Wrapping up my scarf, I walked quickly into the lively West Moon Street.

With New Year's Day just a few days away, this ancient street has entered the New Year's atmosphere early, and the shops on both sides are decorated with festive decorations.

And I didn't care to hang out, my mind was filled with the message which Shaw had just sent me.

Shaw's message: "We have a big problem, come quickly. "

.. I couldn't contact him through the phone, and I didn't know what trouble he had caused. I immediately crawled out of the bed and rushed over without stopping.

Following the directions, I walked through the small streets.

MC: Lane 102, West Moon Street….

I didn't expect that the end point would be an unremarkable and everyday tea restaurant. After confirming again and again, I pushed open the door suspiciously.

The shop was not big, and I saw the familiar figure in the corner at a glance.

It's peaceful here, and the "help seeker" was leisurely holding a cup of hot pear tremella soup.

Didn't get tied up, not even feeling desperately anxious.

Shaw: You came pretty fast.

As if he had heard my footsteps, he turned around and raised his eyebrows as if he were not the one who had just sent the help message.

At this point, I knew I had fallen into his trap again.

I was relieved and angry that I had been tricked. I took a deep breath and put on a "kind" smile.

MC: Was this the big trouble you were talking about? Did you choke on your tea? Did your pants get stuck on the stool? Let me help you call the emergency services?

Shaw: Good imagination, but you didn't guess right, try harder next time.

As he spoke, he pushed over the still steaming brown sugar glutinous rice cakes.

Shaw: Here, let's start with a sugar boost.

Shaw: And then thank me again for calling you out to bask in the sun on such a nice day.

MC [angrily]: I really have to thank you!

I sat next to him angrily, picked up a piece of brown sugar glutinous rice cake and put it in my mouth.

The crispy glutinous rice cake has just the right temperature, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet and delicious, and the sweetness in the mouth makes the bad mood of being fooled dissipate a little.

MC: You called me out early in the morning, just to let me have breakfast with you?

Shaw: Of course not .

Shaw: It's true that there's trouble, but…

He turned his head and bit off the half-eaten glutinous rice cake on my chopsticks.

Shaw: Let's fill up the stomach first.

✧[Part 2]✧

Unexpectedly, the "trouble" Shaw mentioned was to go out shopping and sweep goods before New Year's Day.

With a full stomach and a warm body, I was now in the mood to enjoy the roadside stalls.

Perhaps because it's time to buy new year's goods, Huapu Street today was particularly crowded.

MC: Is there anything you want to buy?

Shaw: Whatever, just buy something that can decorate the shop.

MC: I didn't expect you to be too lazy to celebrate the festival, but you still have a sense of ritual for New Year's Day.

Shaw: I don't have much interest, but the old man used to make some things during the holidays.

Shaw: The shop is in my hands, so I can't make it cooler than before.

His faint eyes drifted to the festive street, and I don't know what came to his mind. When I saw this, I took his cool hand and shook it.

MC [excitedly]: Then let's go shopping and make your antique shop lively for New Year's Day!

I ambitiously started to shop, dragging Shaw through the wide range of stalls.

But he was a bit bored with the shopping.

Shaw: This couplet looks good after being hung up, just left with the word Fu and we should be done.

Looking at the old-fashioned couplet he was pointing at, I decided to drag him to another stall with more products.

MC: If you're here, why not choose something more suited the atmosphere?

MC: Moreover, you have called me out, and today I will be "responsible to the end".

Hearing this, he laughed.

Shaw: All right, this is what you said, don't renege halfway.

The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes and popcorn on the street, the elaborate New Year's ornaments and Year of the Rabbit trinkets are a sight to behold.

I carefully compared the koi ornaments and the lantern strings, and was a bit hesitant.

MC: Which one do you think is better?

Turning my head, I saw Shaw holding a small fluffy hairpin and gesturing at the side of my hair.

MC: ...... Can you be serious!

Shaw [in a good mood]: How am I not serious?

As he said this, he put the red rabbit-eared floppy hat in his hand on my head, and the little bells dangling from it tinkled in my ears.

Shaw: But I am seriously choosing the "New Year's goods" that can make me happy.

—

We were very efficient and quickly bought everything we needed.

MC: Couplets, window decorations, lucky fruits, lanterns ...... Seems to have bought almost everything.

Seeing my ankle that was a little sore from walking around, Shaw glanced at me.

Shaw: I'm going to buy something to drink, you wait here, don't run around.

After Shaw left, I planned to find a place with few people and wait for him to come back.

The benches around were full of people, and after looking around, I found a wonderful stall.

A sign with “secret advisory service” written was placed on the simple, crude booth. An old man who wore a fashionable sunglasses sat behind the table, swaying his fan.

The interesting sign caught my attention, and with nothing else to do, I walked over to it with great interest.

MC: Old man, what kind of advice can you give?

Old man: Give me your horoscope, wealth luck, love luck and new year luck can all be counted.

Out of curiosity, I half-believed and told him my horoscope, and he counted with his fingers, looking amazed.

Old man: Looking at your fate, you will survive a catastrophe, and you will have future blessings.

Old man: It's not easy recently, is it? Your career luck is back to life, and there are signs of bankruptcy.

I was taken aback. The company did almost lose a big project before.

Although the staff and I managed to turn the situation around in the end, we lost the newly purchased necklace during our business trip.

I didn't expect that a few words would be right on target with my recent fortune, and I became more convinced of this mysterious master.

MC: Can you help me to check my marriage luck?

He calculated, his complexion became subtle.

Old man: Your destiny is younger than you, and your meeting was caused by various variables. How wonderful…

Old man: But the relationship between the two of you will be unstable next year, and there will be a catastrophe.

Seeing my face change slightly, he smiled and shook his fan.

Old man: But there is a way to resolve it.

Old man: The beads I have here are all enlightened and each of you wears one string to ensure that evil will not invade.

I was hesitant to pay an IQ tax for peace of mind when Shaw's voice suddenly sounded behind me.

Shaw: I just went to buy a drink, how did you get fooled again?

✧[Part 3]✧

As soon as I turned around, the hot cup was stuffed into my hand.

Shaw looked at the fortune-telling booth in front of him, his eyes showed a bit of playfulness.

Shaw: Yo, your stall has been renamed, wasn't it still called "Oriental Divination House" a few days ago?

The fortune teller narrowed his eyes when he saw Shaw.

Old man: I see, your partner is this youngster, I was thinking why your fortune is going through ups and downs.

Shaw: Don’t always help others by giving luck, you’re old already, you should just watch your own luck.

With the old fortune teller stroking his beard and staring at me, Shaw dragged me away.

Shaw: If you want to calculate these things , you should just ask me.

MC: If it's up to you, you'll definitely make a bunch of requests, such as eating with you, playing games, or watching movies with you.

I grimaced, thinking about the result of the calculation just now, and the mood which was good before coming out for shopping was now a little clouded.

The hand that was being held was clasped even tighter, and when I raised my head, I saw Shaw's gaze fall on me. 

Shaw: Playing games with me is better than paying IQ tax to this old man?

In a casual tone,with a little imperceptible reassurance, I tilted my head to look at him, 

MC: So I have to thank you for helping me save money? 

Shaw: You're welcome.

Shaw: I'm the one who brought you out, so of course “I'll be responsible till the end”.

Although Shaw said that fortune-telling was unreliable, but I still have some doubts in my heart.

So I quietly went to the gold store and chose two gold beads, one for myself to wear, and the other to weave into a pendant.

—

The day before New Year's Day, I brought the pendant to Shaw's antique shop. I saw him standing on the stool, hanging the lantern he had just bought that day.

Shaw: You finally came at last, Mr. Qian from nextdoor just visited and had a look around, he also said that my store is the only shabby one amongst the entire street.

Shaw: He just hung two lanterns and pasted up a couplet in his house, and when we decorate it, we will hit him in the face.

MC: By then, we will be the most beautiful store in the whole street!

We quickly decorated everything, and the dull store was instantly given a New Year flavor with the red decorations.

After cleaning the high part of the shelf, I put the last ornament on it.

At this time, I suddenly noticed that there seemed to be a few dusty copper coins in the corner of the shelf.

Before I could look any further, Shaw's voice came from below.

Shaw: Come down for dinner, it's too late.

It was getting late, and the last sunset of the year was sinking into the horizon. Through the window, we can see the lanterns on the street swaying in the night.

The dishes on the table are exquisite and the aromatic flavors instantly stir up the cravings in the stomach.

A skit of the New Year's Eve program was being played on the TV, and a person holds three copper coins for divination.

MC: The copper coins on your shelf are similar to this one.

Shaw: That is the money of the Five Emperors, which the old man used for divination.

[T/N]: Five Emperor Coins: Refers to the copper coins cast during the reign of the five prosperous emperors of the Qing Dynasty, namely Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong and Jiaqing.

Stringing these five copper coins together will have the functions of warding off evil spirits, attracting wealth, and praying for good fortune.

Thinking about the results of the fortune telling two days ago, I was still a bit upset, so I moved closer to him.

MC: Idle is also idle, let's calculate our luck for next year ?

Shaw: Okay, skateboarding with me one time, playing games one time, the price was clearly marked, no cheating. I'll calculate it for you.

I said to myself "profiteer" and squeezed out a smile.

MC: We'll see, we'll see.

He glanced at me with a half-smile, took the copper coin off the shelf and put it in my hand.

Shaw: For the six lines of the hexagram, read the question in your mind and shake it six times with three copper coins.

[T/N]: The I-Ching or yijing divination book consists of 64 hexagrams 卦 "guà", (combination of 8 trigrams). A hexagram in this context is a figure composed of six stacked horizontal lines (爻 yáo), where each line is either Yang (an unbroken, or solid line), or Yin (broken, an open line with a gap in the center). These lines are combined into 8 trigrams (three lines each) which are then combined into 64 hexagrams. And the trigrams in I-Ching represent 8 basic forces of nature.

The ancient coins covered with age marks were heavy, so I closed my eyes and shook the coins in my hand.

MC: Please, God of Wealth, bless me with abundant wealth this year!

Shaw [sighs]: Are you here to ask for divination or to make a wish?

MC: With metaphysics, it's always about being pious so you can achieve what you desire!

Shaw drew six layers of horizontal lines long and short on the paper with the result of my throw, looking amazed.

Shaw: It's been a long time since I've seen such a bad result.

MC: ... Are you fooling me?

[T/N]: I skipped a line here since it was related to yijing divination and it was pretty difficult to translate 😭. Anyways what shaw got here was 屯 (zhūn) “sprouting” which is the 3rd 卦 hexagram, meaning “difficulty at the beginning” simply put they'll suffer a misfortune so one must be careful!

[Sylvia's note]: The first time in my life where I wanted to pluck out my hair because of yijing divination 🥹 I was literally this much close to have a mental breakdown🫠

—

Shaw: Next year, don't delay your work. It'll be bad if you won't sleep well until it affects your health.

Reluctantly, I took those copper coins back into my hand.

MC: Calculate my career luck.

I cast another three copper coins.

Shaw: Not bad, There will be a few troublesome problems, but they can be resolved smoothly.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and put the three copper coins into my hands again.

MC: There's one last question! However, can we leave this question aside?

Shaw: Ok.

Thinking "What will happen to me and Shaw next year", I threw the copper coins out.

After throwing six times, I looked at Shaw with some anxiety.

He finished the last stroke and glanced at me hesitantly.

Shaw [in a low voice]: Extreme misfortune.

[T/N]: Shaw basically got 天夬 the 43rd 卦 hexagram. 夬 (guài), “displacement”. Meaning “resoluteness”, “parting”, and “break-through”, simply she'll suffer an extreme misfortune! (It still cracks me up when I think MC luck for next year is way more horrible than mine 😂 three misfortunes in a row LMAO)

✧[Part 4]✧

My heart instantly went cold.

Maybe it's because my emotions were confiscated, Shaw also saw my terrible expression.

Shaw: Your face looks pale, what did you ask for?

MC: Nothing….

Seeing me touch my nose in a concealed manner, Shaw narrowed his eyes.

Shaw: Is that so? Originally, I knew a way to avert the disaster, but since you said it's nothing, I shouldn't use it, right?

MC: Really?

I always felt that there seemed to be a hint of cunning in his eyes just now, and I looked at him dubiously.

Shaw: Don't believe me, then forget it.

MC: Eh, no, I didn't say I didn't believe it. Master Shaw, teach me?

I hastily grabbed him and smiled flatteringly. He just "reluctantly" continued.

Shaw: Put your hands together and raise them above your head.

I put my palms together and raised them above my head as he said.

Shaw [changes his voice]: Yes, close your eyes, turn three times to the left, then turn three times to the right.

Shaw: Say out loud, "Spirits of the sky, spirits of the land, I invite you to come down to eliminate and prevent disasters as soon as possible!”

Seeing that his expression didn't seem to be fake, I took a deep breath, turned left and right three times, and closed my eyes.

MC: "Spirits of the sky, spirits of the land, I invite you to come down to eliminate and prevent disasters as soon as possible!”

For a while there was only the sound from the TV, I opened one eye and saw Shaw was suppressing a smile, his shoulders were trembling slightly.

Shaw [burst out laughing]: Puff haha you are such a talent hahaha.

MC [blushing]: …. Shaw!

The most retarded thing I have done this year was to believe in his nonsense!

Looking at Shaw who was laughing wildly, I scolded myself in my heart for believing in Shaw half a minute ago.

No, I can't let him be so arrogant. With this thought, I silently withdraw my hand and sat down with my back to him without saying a word.

His laughter gradually stopped.

Shaw [stifles his laughter]: Hey, it may seem funny, but that's a serious way to get rid of disasters.

This guy is still stubborn! I pouted, but still ignored him.

Shaw: Don't believe it.

He lightly dropped a word, stood up and left the seat.

.. actually left? !

I froze in place, concretizing a little Shaw figure in my heart, and pinned it to the ground with all my strength, ravaging it crazily.

Stinky Shaw, bad Shaw, a big fool who doesn't understand style......

If you have the ability, don't come back!

Shaw [whispers]: What are you muttering about?

I didn't know when he came back and sat down behind me.

Shaw: Then I'll try another method, do you want to see it?

My heart moved, but because I couldn't give in so quickly, I didn't turn around.

Shaw: You don't want it? Then I can take it all by myself.

A burst of sweet breath came from behind.

Shaw [in a regretful tone]: It's rare for me to do it myself, and I didn't expect that someone would not appreciate it.

After all, I couldn't resist my curiosity, I turned my head slowly, and saw Shaw holding a piece of steaming pastry in his hand.

Shaw: Open your mouth.

MC: Huh?

In the moment of my bewilderment, a piece of sweetness was precisely stuffed into my mouth.

[Fifth anniversary bgm starts playing]

The sweet but not cloying taste carries the warmth of his fingertips on the corners of my lips, along with the taste buds to the heart.

MC: …Steamed sponge cake?

Shaw: It's Chinese New Year, let's add some color. I hope that next year, you’ll not be corrupted or poisoned by others and be rich overnight.

MC: Did you make this?

Shaw: Yes, I tried it when I was bored at home.

MC: Then I will try my best to help you finish it.

I pretended not to care, put the lunch box in my arms, and picked up another piece and put it in my mouth.

MC: The taste is not bad, barely passable.

Shaw [clicks his tongue]: The requirements are quite high.

He looked at me, and there was an imperceptible temptation in his tone.

Shaw: It's OK, you've got rid of the big trouble just now.

I coughed softly as I took the short end of the stick.

MC: For the sake of the steamed sponge cakes, fine. But in view of your performance, I have to reconsider whether to give you a New Year's Day gift or not.

Shaw raised his eyebrows, apparently he didn't expect that I had additional conditions. He threw away the copper coins in his hand.

Shaw: What’s so hard about this, let God fix it for you. If it’s YangYao, then give it to me.

MC: ….Let me tell you first, you are not allowed to play tricks.

Shaw: Who cheated?

Shaw: But I have a hunch that God is definitely on my side.

I picked up the coins and shook them a few times and scattered them on the table, one forward, one backward and one spinning.

When it was about to fall over, an invisible flash of lightning caused the coin to shake and fall in the other direction.

The two positive lines and one negative line are the Yang lines.

MC: Just now I seem to see something flickering…

Shaw [acts normal like he wasn't the one who did that]: Are you seeing things? Bring it here.

His smiling eyes were sly and bright, and they caught my eyes straight away.

MC: I am generous, this time I will forgive you ….

I handed him the gift box. Shaw took out the pendant inside, played with it in his hand.

Shaw: After all, you are still very concerned about the results of the old man's fortune-telling.

MC: After all it's about our luck and I want to make it better.

His hand paused, and a moment of enlightenment flashed across his eyes.

Shaw: The extreme misfortune divination that you just asked before, was also this?

When I didn't say anything, he reached out and pressed his hand onto my hair and rubbed it "viciously" a few times.

Shaw: And here I asked you, what kind of divination made you look so worried?

Shaw: The divination that the old man gave me before was not auspicious. But aren't I still alive and kicking to this day?

MC: Was it because it didn't work?

He changed his position and leaned loosely against me.

Shaw: It's basically all efficacious, but this is just what I wished for.

Shaw: Smooth sailing is so boring, if you want something, you have to fight with your fate.

There was a hint of certainty in his lazy expression, it seemed that no ominous suffering could fall into his eyes.

It was like a solitary confidence that suddenly shattered all the unpredictable prophecies that had distressed me.

MC: It seems that my gift was superfluous.

Hearing this, he turned his palms, and hid the beads in fear of my repentance.

Shaw [clicks his tongue]: It takes a little motivation to fight against fate.

Shaw: How about it? Do you want to wipe out all the ominous divinations you made with me?

The careless ending of his sentence lifted the clouds of boredom that had been lingering in the mind for the past few days.

MC [happily]: Of course, you should take me with you for such an exciting event.

I raised my head and felt the warm breath blowing towards my face.

The second hand of the clock moved forward one by one, and there seemed to be cheers of countdown coming from the street in the distance.

I clasped it through his fingers and raised a smile.

It doesn't matter if this divination wasn't good, anyway, with him, even if there is a barren land ahead, we will definitely be able to blaze a path that only belongs to us.

As the hands overlap with the 12 at the top, there was a long chime and cheer outside the window.

MC: Happy New Year, Shaw.

Shaw: Happy New Year .

—

🎊 Call (coming soon)

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Farewell date translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

“Why don't you let me give it a try?”

Before I could react, Lucien wrapped his arms around me and bowed his head next to my ear.

“Now, try to imagine us watching a movie at home. I remember MC would always feel so relaxed whenever she leaned on me.”

“I think this kind of pose may be more suitable for us than the so-called popular templates.”

His breath was so close, and I couldn't hide my secret little thoughts.

Translation under the cut!

The warm sunlight poured into the study through the gauze curtain, adding a bit of softness to the winter afternoon.

I walked into the study with a cup of hot tea and saw Lucien writing something, with a stack of photos sitting next to his hand, showing people in research uniforms.

MC: Lucien, what are you doing?

Lucien: I'm writing New Year's greetings.

Lucien: Many of the research projects this year have been very fruitful. The Human Resources Department has proposed a photo exhibition to summarize and review the year to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.

MC: So these photos are this year's memento for everyone at the research center?

Lucien: Mmm, these are snapshots of the researchers' daily work, contests, and events.

He took the cup of tea in my hand, took a sip, and flipped over the photograph on the table to reveal a sprawling line of New Year's greetings.

Lucien: The Human Resources Department asked me to write some words of encouragement to the fellows who have done well this year.

Lucien: Considering that everyone has really worked hard this year, I agreed to do it.

Lucien: It's just that I didn't expect that the workload would be much bigger than I thought.

Lucien shifts his shoulders, and his calm tone carries a hint of coquetry. I restrained myself from raising the corners of my mouth and readily massaged his shoulders.

MC: Thanks for the hard work, Professor Lucien!

MC: If I were a researcher and received a handwritten message from Professor Lucien, I would definitely faint from happiness.

Lucien wrapped his fingers around my fingertips and slightly rested on me.

Lucien: This classmate is being a bit hyperbolic.

MC: I'm not exaggerating at all. I truly envy them.

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I felt a sudden stirring in my heart.

MC: Why don't we also have a family photography exhibition for the two of us to farewell the old and usher in the new year?

MC: We always take photos whenever we go out to have fun, and I also captured many of your stunning everyday photos…

MC: Those photos can totally support a photography exhibition!

When I took out my phone with great enthusiasm, I swept my eyes to the stack of photos on the table and stopped moving.

MC: ...Of course, we don't need to write a greeting. After all, your workload is already so big.

MC: And if you can't get out of your work, I can "set up" the exhibition myself.

Lucien pursed his lips and affectionately touched my forehead.

Lucien: How can I let MC experience such an exciting thing alone?

Lucien: Not to mention that the number of photos I have should not be less than yours when it comes to snapshots of everyday life.

He opened his phone's photo album, and my figure was immediately displayed in the thumbnails of several photos.

MC: Did you actually take so many pictures?

When I put my head on Lucien's shoulder, I looked through his photo albums one by one and soon found something.

I hesitantly opened my phone album and rapidly swiped the photos while comparing them with Lucien's photos.

MC: ...Why do I feel that the photos I take look so ordinary compared to yours?

It is clear that Lucien is handsome enough in every photo, but the composition and tone look amateurish.

All of the photos taken by Lucien are not only perfectly composed but also reveal a sense of atmosphere that is hard to ignore.

As if hearing that I was a bit lost, Lucien raised his hand and rubbed my head.

Lucien: I do think that the meaning of each photo taken by MC is very special.

MC: But this family photography exhibition is a big responsibility to celebrate the old and welcome the new! I still have to be well prepared!

Lucien looked at me who was gearing up and bent his eyes.

Lucien: I am ready to cooperate with MC if she needs it.

His deep eyes shone with a delicate light as if he was sending me some kind of invitation. I was stunned for a moment and gradually caught an idea-

MC: I got it! Let's go to the selfie studio to take pictures~

MC: The studio has professional equipment and space, so I should be able to take good photographs here!

MC: And most importantly - we haven't taken a serious couple portrait yet!

Lucien didn't seem surprised at my proposal. The corners of his lips rippled with a faint smile.

Lucien: I'm also looking forward to welcoming the New Year with MC in this special way.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the morning, I sat in front of the mirror and applied makeup to my face.

Then there was a sound of slow, unhurried footsteps coming from behind me.

Lucien: If I'm not mistaken, it's not even 8:00 in the morning. Why are you already up?

His voice was husky with haze, making my heart feel soft. I tilted my head and hooked his fingertips.

MC: Since we are taking photographs today, I wanted to get up early to put on my makeup. Did I wake you up?

Lucien shook his head.

Lucien: [chuckles then sighs] The bed was a little empty without you under the covers, so I woke up.

His eyes fell on the skin care products scattered all over the dresser. He bent the corners of his lips helplessly.

Lucien: MC seems to be very enthusiastic about today's photo shoot.

MC: Hehe, it's a couple's photoshoot, after all. So, of course we have to prepare well~

Lucien: Then, if I'm not mistaken, you should have already chosen the dress to wear for the photoshoot?

MC: Of course!

I rushed to the closet and pulled out a small ironed dress, and happily compared it to my figure.

MC: Well?

Lucien: It looks beautiful. I can't wait to see how you look in it.

Lucien: In that case, I should go and take a bath early too. I can't let my other half work alone

(t/n: aww the ’ 我的另一半  (my other-half) :”)

After that, he took the towel and went into the bathroom, and it was only when I was finishing my makeup that I realized Lucien didn't seem to budge for a long time.

MC: ...Lucien?

Lucien didn't answer, and at that very moment, came a rustling sound from the closet room.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I followed the sound to go over and found the closet room door open. Lucien was holding his chin, standing in the middle of a pile of clothes.

He wrinkled his brow and looked as serious as if he was facing a difficult subject. When he saw me poke my head in, he was slightly relieved, as if he had got his way.

Lucien: Can I trouble this lady to help me find a suit that matches your dress?

Lucien: I'd love not to take up your makeup time, but I didn't realize it would be so difficult to match a couple's outfit.

Lucien's tone reveals an obvious hint of grievance, as if he had prepared this remark long ago.

MC: Pfft-

His slightly intentional pitiful look amused me, and I hurriedly took out a suit from the closet.

MC: I've already prepared it for you~

Lucien looked at the suit in my hands. The corners of his lips overflowed with a touch of satisfaction

Lucien: As expected from the producer MC, the color, the material, and the style all fit perfectly with yours.

Lucien: This way, everyone will clearly know that we are lovers when we walk down the road.

MC: Huh?

Seeing that I was a little confused, the corners of his lips curved up in a meaningful arc.

Lucien: Looks like a little lady had forgotten the little incident that happened when she "kidnapped" me to the beach?

Lucien: I wanted to take this opportunity to make up for her little discomfort at the time.

In hindsight, I recalled that a stranger girl and Lucien were mistakenly perceived as a couple by passersby because they were dressed similarly, so I was jealous as a result.

In response to the sly smile that appeared in his long, narrow eyes, I blushed and immediately shoved the clothes into his arms.

MC: Y-you. Just go and change your clothes!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon our arrival at the selfie studio, the owner took us into a closed and private studio.

Owner: This mobile button is connected to the shutter cable. Press it to take pictures.

Owner: The whole process is done by yourself. No one will bother you. If you need help, you can find me in the photo developing room.

After the owner left, I tried to take a few empty shots, adjusting the seat and camera again to determine the best position.

Lucien: What can I do to help this busy Great Producer?

MC: This gentleman just needs to sit here, all you have to do is to be here, and you can be my standard for everything~

The big screen in front of me showed Lucien's smiling eyes in real-time. I winked at him and quickly sat back down next to him.

MC: Then let's start now! Lucien, you put your hand over here… Yes, put it next to my face.

MC: Tilt your head a little more towards me and lean on me.

Lucien: Is that so...

Lucien: (softly) Are you sure we should use this posture?

A soft laugh fell on my ear, tickling me.

Glancing at the real-time screen from the corner of my eye, Lucien's right hand stretched out straight, rigidly holding my face…

And my head was pressed to his head in an extremely awkward posture.

MC: …

MC: Uh, this pose is not suitable for us... Let's change the position!

I quickly flipped through the homework I had done on the Internet last night, searching for couple poses that were relatively easy to learn.

Suddenly, my fingertips were gently hooked by the person beside me.

Lucien: Why don't you let me give it a try?

Before I could react, Lucien wrapped his arms around me and bowed his head next to my ear.

Lucien: Now, try to imagine us watching a movie at home. I remember MC would always feel so relaxed whenever she leaned on me.

Lucien: I think this kind of pose may be more suitable for us than the so-called popular templates.

His breath was so close, and I couldn't hide my secret little thoughts.

I sheepishly stuck out my tongue and leaned my head gently on his shoulder, then let him hold my hand.

*Click*

The moment was frozen in time.

Following Lucien's way of thinking, I quickly mastered the "essentials" and soon finished taking all the photos smoothly.

While waiting in the photo-developing room, the lively sound of gongs and drums was suddenly heard outside the photo studio, and I looked out curiously.

MC: Is there some kind of event?

Owner: Today, there is a float parade in this street to promote the traditional culture of the New year. It just takes twenty minutes for the photo to be developed. You can go around and come back.

As if aware of my strong interest, Lucien opened the palm of his hand to me like an invitation. I willingly took his hand and walked out.

As soon as the door was opened, the festive atmosphere of the New year came, and dozens of floats were parked in the middle of the street-

All kinds of festive decorations on the float decorated the whole street, reflecting the lanterns on both sides, full of New year's flavor.

Next to the float in front of us, a rabbit doll was exaggeratedly waving a brush.

The poster beside it reads, "If you write the Spring Festival couplet for the year of the Rabbit, you will get a Year of the Rabbit woolen hat."

MC: Year of the Rabbit woolen hat?

I looked around curiously and saw a delicate woolen hat behind the doll.

MC: Wow – so cute!

I paused as if I thought of something and turned my eyes.

MC: But you have to write Spring Festival couplets to get it… it sounds so difficult-

With an extended ending, I turned my head and looked eagerly at Lucien.

Lucien amusingly squeezed the palm of my hand. The corner of his mouth cracked open with an understanding smile and pulled me forward.

MC: Has Professor Lucien figured out what to write so quickly? It is required to include rabbit elements.

Lucien's expression remains unchanged as he takes the brush from the rabbit doll.

Lucien: This is not a difficult requirement for me. After all, I have a little bunny that inspires me.

With a broad stroke of his brush, a pair of couplets gradually appeared on the paper with vigorous and bold ink stains.

MC: "Bid farewell to the old year as you follow your dream, And welcome the lucky rabbit into your arms"?

My heart was touched, and when Lucien put down his pen, I gave him a big hug.

MC: Then I will take it upon myself to be your lucky rabbit~

(T/N: 自作主张 is an idiom that means to act on one's own initiative)

Lucien narrowed his eyes, and the flowing light reflected the softness at the bottom of his eyes.

Lucien: With this little lucky rabbit's initiative, it seems that my new year will be a happy one too.

The doll beside the float gave a thumbs up to Lucien and handed us a rabbit woolen hat.

I happily put the bunny hat and Lucien's Spring Festival couplets on the table, trying to record it with the camera when there seemed to be an almost inaudible "click" sound.

I was about to follow the sound, but I saw the owner come out of the store, waving at us.

Owner: Your photos are ready, guests!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night is getting darker, and our exhibition preparations at home are also coming to an end.

Looking left and right, I held up exquisite couple portraits with satisfaction and playfully approached Lucien's ear.

MC: Lucien, it's not good.

MC: Looks like your adversary, the photographer MC, is going to win the award for the winning artist in this year's photo exhibition with this work!

MC: Your position is under threat~

Lucien dotingly stroked my hair and sighed intentionally.

Lucien: [sigh] It's a bit of a shame that I lost out on such a prestigious award. But-

Lucien: I'm delighted to be able to compete with such a great artist as MC.

I couldn't help laughing at his exaggerated remarks and winked at him.

MC: Then I hereby declare - that Lucien and MC's new year family photography exhibition is officially open!

I put my fist like a microphone to my mouth in a serious manner.

MC: This year's photo exhibition focuses on the memories of Lucien and MC in the past year, cherishing the unique love that only belongs to them.

MC: At the opening of the New Year, they will bring the happiness of the past year to greet the embrace of the New Year.

MC: Now, let's give a round of applause to the Great Photographer Lucien for his work!

Lucien clapped his hands in cooperation, then turned to the coffee table and picked up a kraft paper bag.

Lucien: Before the presentation, I would like to request to add an additional photo to the exhibition.

Lucien: This photo was taken at 15:32 this afternoon, and I asked the store owner to develop it when you were binding the photos.

He took a picture out of the paper bag, and I looked over curiously. My eyes widened in amazement.

-It was the scene of me fiddling with the bunny hat and Spring Festival couplets on the float parade, the flowing light of the lanterns reflected in my eyes, making my smile even more vivid and bright.

MC: So that was when I heard the sound of the shutter!

Lucien: In the face of such a lovely MC, it was hard for me not to take out my camera and record it.

I couldn't help raising the corners of my lips as I listened to his words, but the corner of my eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of the couple potraits taken by the selfie studio next to me.

Whether it is the color, composition, style of clothing, and even our pose, there is no room for flaws.

But compared with the one Lucien just took out… It is too exquisite to be natural.

MC: Sure enough, the casual capture by the Great Photographer Lucien would look better than my carefully designed one.

MC: I always feel that your photos are more unique, but I can't tell what is so special about them.

MC: Lucien, you don't have some secret shooting techniques, do you?

Lucien narrowed his eyes and deliberately turned his head to think.

Lucien: Well, I got found out. [chuckle] In that case, shall I share the secret with this clever little girl?

Lucien's cryptic tone made me curious, and I looked intently at him.

Lucien walked to a photo - In which I was holding the phone, happily looking at the screen.

Lucien: This photo was taken not long ago, and the producer enjoyed an interview about me, which came from the pre-recording of the dating reality show we participated in together.

Lucien: Judging from the expression on the photo, she seemed satisfied with my answer.

MC: Of course I'm satisfied-

I replied without thinking, and when I saw the smile in Lucien's eyes deepen, I suddenly remembered the scene when he wiped my fingers, and my face suddenly flushed.

MC: You said you would share your secrets! How did it become Professor Lucien's confession about his "secret shooting" behavior?

In the face of my extremely stiff change of topic, Lucien smiled shallowly and did not expose me.

Lucien: It seems that this student is in a bit of a hurry. But I think that maybe after looking at these photos, she will find the answer.

As he said that, he walked to the next photo, in which I was in front of the fountain with my eyes closed and my hands outstretched, and in the foreground was a butterfly fossil held up by Lucien.

Lucien: This was taken at the moment before I was going to give the fossilized butterfly wood to MC.

MC: So you also took pictures secretly on that day?

MC: Haha, my face looks so skeptical. I didn't know I would receive such a big surprise then!

MC: When I think back to that day, I still feel so happy.

Lucien: I am happy to get such feedback from you.

Lucien: So let's look at the next one, shall we?

With Lucien's gentle explanations, my thoughts also drifted slowly to each moment filled with our happy memories.

MC: It turns out that we had a very happy year…

I murmured as if realizing something and looked again at the photos - every single moment of happiness framed without any elaborate forethought.

It all looks so natural.

Perhaps the happiness that flows naturally is the one that can transcend time, penetrate through the photo paper, arrive at this moment, and finally hit the heart gently.

My heart suddenly stirred, so this was Lucien's secret.

MC: Lucien, I think I have the answer.

I looked up boldly and crashed into those smiling eyes.

Lucien: So, this clever student, can you tell me what you have learned?

I winked mysteriously at him, turned on my cell phone camera, and held it aloft toward us.

Taking advantage of Lucien's slight confusion, I reached out and gently pulled down his collar, quietly narrowing our distance.

The heat of his breath scorched my face, making my heart skip a beat.

I closed my eyes, stood on my tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek-

Outside the window, a cluster of glorious New Year's Eve fireworks soared into the night sky the moment I pressed the shutter, brilliantly lighting up the entire sky.

-A cluster of fireworks called happiness also blooms in my heart.

*Click*

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Moon Date (Preview)

✧ Other date previews: Kiro l Lucien l Victor

Gavin and I are on a date in the planetarium to view the rare Jupiter full moon. However, we unexpectedly bump into my matchmaking partner from a very long time ago…

—

Gavin encircles an arm around my waist, standing beside me while looking at Chandler. He arches his brows.

“Hello, we meet again.”

Upon seeing Gavin, Chandler’s eyes clearly widen. His gaze sweeps between us before realisation dawns on him.

“You’re… that Mr Gavin who ate together with us back then! Looks like there’s truly affinity between us, haha. Sure enough, the two of you ended up together! Let me congratulate you both!”

“Thanks. We’ll definitely invite you to our wedding.”

He says this with ease, as though explaining a fact. As though he suddenly remembered something, he turns his head towards me.

“Oh yes, Eli called earlier and asked when we’d invite him over to our place for a meal. He was very envious because of that bento you prepared for me the other day and has been making a fuss about trying it once.”

Gavin looks at me seriously, as though he just remembered this. However, the volume of his voice was controlled well enough for Chandler to overhear this.

I find his secret yet unconcealable thoughts hilarious and adorable. I lean towards him affectionately, lifting my hand to tidy a few disobedient strands of hair on his head.

“Of course, dear, whatever you say. How about next week? I could also make your favourite. Bitter. Gourd. Soup. It’s suitable for the hot weather.”

[xinyuehui]

Hello there! do you still have an older version of evolwallpaper? I was late to the party and I can't install it properly anymore T_T

Hi anon, unfortunately I no longer have the old .exe 😩 I checked weibo, other users in China are having problems with it as well, my conclusion to this is that it's a broken app full of bugs, probably got nothing to do with regions (ノへ￣、)

Babe because of your ask, I spent good 5 hours tonight trying to debug it, because I insist we all get the dynamic wallpapers!!!

Original guide // Deepspace PC guide

By the end of this tutorial, we should have a video like this applied to our computer wallpaper:

There's Nikki, MLQC, Deepspace and The Perceiver wallpapers.

New guide:

https://paperwall.papegames.com/

Same step as before, download this but don't install yet!

The following was actually hidden in their Q&A, you'll also need this for it to run, download the runtime version.

https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework/net48

After you install the .NET Framework 4.8 go ahead and try to install the PAPERWALL .exe

→ If it works, great! We solved the problem!! 🎉 (You can skip to the section on the bottom on how to use the app)

→ If you get this error message, ugh congratulations, this is where I tried about 67 solutions for hours just so you don't have to

It's weird, because at this point, the thing have successfully installed on your local drive but it won't run.

Let's go back a step, if you open the .exe again, take note of where it's at on your computer. For me you can see that it's in the C drive, I presume it'll be the same for you.

Find the folder, open it

Open the app

→ If it works, great! We solved the problem!! 🎉 (You can skip to the section on the bottom on how to use the app)

→ If you get the same error message, read on:

If the images haven't loaded in the 1.0.1 version it will most likely going to crash when you try to do anything on it, so read on:

Let go back to the C drive

We are gonna move this somewhere else, if you have a hard drive, paste it to your hard drive, if you have another drive on your pc, you can move it to the other drive. BUT DO NOT MOVE IT TO YOUR DESKTOP!!!! Because we practice good computer hygiene 🙏

Once you've moved everything away, open it back up and try to install it again in your new file location

→ If it works, great! We solved the problem!! 🎉 (You can skip to the section on the bottom on how to use the app)

→ If you still get the same error message, I will send my portfolio to Paper Games to be a software developer in their office and write a new app

Once you get it running *fingers crossed* move the entire folder back to your C drive if you moved it to your hard drive, unless your hard drive is plugged in all the time.

If for whatever reason you get the "access to the path is denied" error message, try the right click and select the "Run as administrator" option.

For easy access:

Go onto your desktop, or wherever you want to access it from quickly and paste shortcut!! Remember it's the shortcut!!

───── ⑅ ♡ ⑅ ─────

How to use the app

The UI has changed a little since the original one, but it's easy to navigate.

Change the language to English, it should reboot the app

From here it's self explanatory

For good computer hygiene you might want to double check where the wallpapers are stored and change directory if needed.

If you're like me and have 2 monitors, this is what it'll look like with the wallpapers applied and the game opened, looks like I need a 3rd monitor for Shen Xinghui ⭐

(Desktop icons should show up, I just don't have icons on the desktop)

───── ⑅ ♡ ⑅ ─────

If you still have problems, check your PC specifications against the following that were recommended on the official site:

System: Windows10 or above

RAM: 1024MB or above

Processor: 1.66Hz Intel i5 or above

Graphics: HD Graphics 4000 or above

DirectX: 10

Secret third thing: you might be able to run it and have the lovely wallpapers but it suddenly goes glitchy or black screen... that's because of the faulty app, I've seen people mention it on weibo, it's not just you 😔

───── ⑅ ♡ ⑅ ─────

Feel free to drop me an ask with images if you still run into problems, hope this helps, until next time~ (✿◠‿◠)

Check out this tag for already answered questions #/wallpaper woes

[beneathashadytree]

I had a bit of a "hang in a minute..." thought when going through my 5*memory cards the other day. I started playing the last day of the drunk MC/Zayne and MC/sniffy sniff Rafayel event (I lucked out and got both, but not Xavier's) and it made me think that MC and Zayne have definitely bumped uglies (the business trip card is HELLO 👀) Whereas Raffy and Xavier are merely hinting at maybe, possibly doing the do.

There is another Zayne card that heavily suggests they banged, but I've been asleep since then and can't remember what card.

What do you think?

I will be sending another ask coz I just thought of something else!

I’ve gotten most cards in the game despite being F2P… except for the V-day cards🥲 But here’s my interpretation of this!

Like in the company’s previous game MLQC, the dates with the boys are scattered across different points in their timeline with MC.

For example, Business Trip Date is 100% after they’ve been long dating. After all, Zayne always strikes me as a particularly cautious person and definitely waited a long time to have sex with MC, due to the fact that he’s too worried about Astra’s curse to truly give in to his desires. Also the fact that he probably follows a “well-mannered” agenda to a T: ask them out on a date, kiss their cheek, kiss their lips, make out with them, sleep together, and so on. He’s also just naturally more reserved despite having a heart of gold, and so he’s probably careful with his own emotions, especially since he’s canonically had zero experience before MC. However, in other dates, like the almost-kiss one (forgot its name) you can see that it’s still in that awkward, early phase in the relationship where he’s holding back a lot of his feelings and it often backfires because it comes off as him being standoffish (Zayne is literally just me but in a different font😭😭). So currently? They’re not even dating. A little fast forward? Dating, but kinda shy. Massive fast forward? Sleeping together and teasing each other.

As for Rafayel and Xavier, the same also applies!! They’ve both respectively slept with MC and it’s heavily implied in the same way Zayne’s was. It’s only a matter of WHEN exactly that happened, since the dates are also all over the timeline.

Rafayel’s V-day card was lovely, but it certainly implies that he’s gotten more confident about being more risqué around MC. Despite appearances, he’s incredibly shy and embarrassed about intimacy at the start even though he deeply craves it, and that’s simply because of the way he grew up (being told you’re to be a refined God can’t have been too easy on him) and because of the fact that this is his first lifetime where he gets to be with MC without the constant threat of them being taken away from him. Being an artist also heightens his passion and his ability to tap into his well of feelings, so he can’t help the fact that he constantly desires to be with MC, and that translates into the natural progression of physical intimacy as he knows it. However, in the early days, he’s extremely careful about not toeing the line even when sharing a bed.

As for Xavier… whew. He’s just about the most forward, sneakiest one of the bunch, and I love the fact that it contrasts his endearing earnestness so much. Like, yes, he would absolutely burn the world to protect MC’s smile (he’s a little morally grey, after all, he just reins it in for their sake) but he’s just so so eager to pull the most sinful sounds from them in the name of his all-consuming adoration. The most recent card (the one with the gym clothes) makes it obvious that he’s more than willing to take the first step in their relationship, but it’s just a matter of him waiting for the MC to reciprocate. He’s careful, but makes his intentions VERY clear. During the V-day event, he’s easily the boldest out of the 3. It’s clear this is much later in their relationship, because he literally promises to keep them up all night (!!!) and is certainly okay with having them feel him up and act coy while he presses kisses to their body. On the other hand, in that one card with the Pocky game, they’re still at the stage in the relationship in which he can tease them and fluster them so easily by just surprising them with a kiss. So it’s pretty early on, I’d say.

Coming from the MLQC fandom, the messed up timeline doesn’t bother me, because I know that this is because in-game it hasn’t been long since they first “met” and the game hasn’t been released for long either. It makes sense that during dates, they wouldn’t be in a relationship yet. But since it’s an otome game, they have to feed the fans a little with indulgent dates set in the future to encourage fans to keep investing in the game and stay interested until they actually do start dating in the timeline (eg: 2 years later, maybe). And after that good long while, they’ll only keep pushing out dates where they’re already dating, and things slowly get more and more domestic. So it’s a game of patience!!

This turned out to be a massive rambling post, sorry😭😭 I’m pretty unhealthily obsessed with this game (as I was with MLQC years ago, honestly) so I love spinning my own interpretations of the lore and characters.

[sinful-liesel]

Mr Love Queen's Choice x TapTap x Girlcult Blush Box Sets & Merch Group Order

Hello~ I’m hosting a group order for Mr Love Queen’s Choice official merchandise!

I’m based in the USA & ship worldwide! Please see the order form below for more details.

Shares are appreciated! ❤ #lieselGOs

GENERAL INFORMATION

Form: bit.ly/49W45Nw

Purchase Bonus ✅

Deadline: April 05, 2024 (11PM CST)

Paypal, Venmo, Google Pay, Ko-fi

PRODUCT LINEUP

MLQC x TapTap x Girlcult

Blush Box Set

MLQC x TapTap

Acrylic Stand

Shikishi / Art Board

Quicksand Acrylic Ticket

[acreattaviacco]

My MLQC Experience Log#1

Welcome to my somewhat reaction, I just want to gush about this game. I didn't know anything about this game but I like the art and premise so yeah!

I am not gonna get attached to these characters real quick no I am not

First time doing this let's go

First things first, hello our cute MC❤️

I must admit I did not expect we would run a company let alone our parents died???? But glad to know we have a backstory for ourselves

Another thing that surprised me was that they did voice acting in English!

Unfortunately, we didn't meet Victor in person but the first one we did meet was KIRO!...Oh no....I'm in trouble

Sir you smell like sunshine and that innocent smile is making me melt

You are literally shinning aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh🔅

also-

Don't do this Kiro (Childhood) friends-to-lovers trope is my weakness so don't add more fuel to the fire but sure I can give the prize card inside the potato chips. He's so extroverted!! But he's so sweet 💕

After our separate ways, we try going back to our company and-

Hello there Victor sudden entrance but thanks for saving me. (Wait what do you mean I am an Evol?) Sadly it was short but now it's Gavin!!!

Wait!! Gavin!!...you just left

Okay new plan for the last episode of Miracle Finder instead of Kiro it's Lucien the Professor but

Not only that he was really good at being cheeky and a tease I might have gone red from that conversation alone! Can you blame me? The man slowly whispered in our ear and hahahahahahaha😳

Okay👍

Luckily He agreed to be on the show and I like this side of him as well

aaaaawww 10/10 Domestic life Husband material

After finishing the last episode some good news!

I didn't mention this earlier but the side characters have sprites, some even have voices which is really nice

Now we report the good news to our boss, negotiate and-

Can we trick him with puppy eyes? Oh he's a cat person sadge : (

Okay, seriously both Lucien and Victor's voices are so soothing to hear can you record an audiobook for us? no wait I would sleep through it

Though this is funny

I really like Victor, he's the right amount of tsundere that I like it's cute. Sadly he had the last laugh

We are going through places so fast and this is chapter 2 But we get to meet Gavin now!

You faced Victor you'll be fine...wait he works as a cop?

WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! GAVIN! WE ARE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS :D !!!!!

But at the same time aaawww Gavin what happened? What blood-soaked letter? I need to know more!!! (Also that scar, he doesn't hide it)

Hahahahahahaha I'm sorry why are you a lot cuter now? The fact we go to the same school and even after all these years? Shoot weren't we here on assignment?

After that investigation, there is this

It's sweet only to realize it's a tracker(Actually don't mind this, no I am not delulu) But hey the sentiment is there!

Now to report to Victor! But if he was my boss in real life I swear to you unless he makes moves first I would just be talking business and nothing else

I know we are in the entertainment industry but man our life is dramatic

Dammit why do you have to be our boss, still would romance you though, and 0 to 100 real quick

You call us from time to time and I wonder why Victor is so uh..."soft" to us. Don't stop though keep calling and texting even how much you deny it 💗

After that Business deal, we went out and dun dun dun trouble

!

Hooray! The sweet release of death! /j (Seriously I am joking but a lot of people want us dead)

Luckily Gavin (and Lucien's advice) saves the day!

I know the main story is linear but I still feel spoiled by all these CGs it feels unreal

Also did not expect I would fall for Gavin this hard, look at that warm smile!!! :D

It's nice to know we are still wearing our tracker, no I still don't mind this (Okay maybe I am a little delulu but let me have this)

I will gush on you later my sweet Kiro for now I will add you to the list of my bundle of sunshine characters I love and adore(It's a small list but I adore them aahhhhh)

Chapter two is done!

That's about it I haven't even touched the dates and events heck there are so many I just wanted to focus on the main story, for now, I need to figure out the game mechanics and grind to level up my cards

I should have looked at a tutorial first but now I will!!

@jozhenji , @celiciaa must taggy tag you :D

[night-chant]

Temporary Trouble, Permanent Promise (MLQC One-Shot)

Hello hello greetings it’s me :) Thank you @krishastumblernow​ for this request! I hope you like it!! It is really refreshing and fun talking about MLQC and Lucien with you :))) He is such an interesting love interest (To this day, I still have no idea what goes on in his mind lool)

Featuring: Lucien x afab reader

Word Count: 3103

Summary: Lucien observed that you were in deep thought again, lost in your own world. Fortunately, he had methods to bring you back into his arms and to ensure that nothing would steal you away from him again.

Warnings: 18+ (minors do not interact please! I beg)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The late afternoon sky was clear and beautiful but why was your mind not feeling the same way?

Last week, Anna and Kiki were snooping into your love life for the umpteenth time ever since they had spotted your frequent visits to the university carrying pastries that they craved so badly. 

“I knew the gardenia bouquet was from Professor Lucien!” Kiki squealed at the occupied vase on your desk. 

You sighed. “Anna, please tell me you don’t take part in office gossip too.”

She managed a sheepish smile. “But how has he been treating you? You've been together for almost a year now. How many dates have you gone on?”

With your mysterious boyfriend, a coincidental encounter often ended up as one. It was kind of hard to link a number with that. Wait, why were you even entertaining Anna’s question?

“What is this, an interrogation?” you asked in a huff, hoping they did not catch the waver in your voice. “It doesn’t matter. We haven’t really gone on one for a while now.”

Anna contemplated that scrap of information. “That makes sense. It is students’ midterm season afterall and who knows what sort of complicated research he could be working on? It was so hard to even arrange a time for him to be our consultant for the next show.”

Kiki pinched your cheek as you wrung a magazine tightly. “Don’t worry! He made time to send flowers for you. I’m sure another date will be set or I’m gonna make sure of it! Maybe some sort of amusement park, the beach or maybe Netflix and chill---”

You bonked her head with the rolled-up magazine. “I thought I gave you enough proposals to draft up to keep you busy, Kiki!”

Anna hastily steered Kiki away before the list could become more inappropriate for a workplace environment. 

“Fine! Fine! Just make sure he is not dating his work instead!” Kiki called back, her last words echoing in your mind.

***

The click of silverware broke the trance and brought you back to the cafe where you sat across from your boyfriend in a secluded table at the corner away from the lively chatter.

“It seems like you have stirred your drink into a little caffeinated whirlpool,” Lucien said, amusement evident across his lips.

Instantly, you dropped the slim spoon, spilling droplets of lukewarm coffee over your fingers. “Ah! Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“First at my lecture and now here. What am I going to do with my silly girl?” Feigning a helpless sigh, Lucien gestured for your hand. His dark bangs hung low as he concentrated on patting a napkin across your skin. 

You scowled. “You mean your 8 o’clock lecture.”

“Hm, perhaps I need to resort to other methods that will keep your eyes on me.” He brought your hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, silencing your grumbling. Lucien’s sensual purple eyes did not break contact with yours as his tongue swiped over the last drop of coffee on your skin.

You drew your hand away before anyone nearby would notice. “H-Hey!”

Lucien let out a chuckle with his smiling eyes. He would snatch every single opportunity he got just to see your face burn pink. It didn’t help how easy it was for him either. No matter how much you prepared for his sudden attacks, he would always manage to surprise you, whether it was when he prepared dinner with you or when he laid beside you in bed. 

Just like the sly fox he was. 

Lucien adjusted the sleeves of his dress shirt before leaning forward. “Well, now that I have your undivided attention, why don’t you tell me what is on your mind, Kris?”

Despite his ever-attentive nature, you weren’t afraid to try to escape, undiscovered. “Nothing worth noting,” you simply said, fidgeting with strands of your hair under his scrutiny. 

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? I would not consider it ‘nothing’ if it stole your attention from me --- not once but twice today.”

If he stared a moment longer, you might’ve caved in. His dark overcoat hung over his chair but it easily reminded you of his long white lab coat, of his status as a professor, neuroscientist---heck, even as a consultant. They all reminded you of his duties, responsibilities and surely as a result, the inevitable workload. 

Instead, you grabbed your cup and downed the last of your coffee as you hastily shrugged into your coat. “I-It really doesn’t matter. Let’s go home.” 

Studying your every move, Lucien let you put his coat over him and drag him out of the cafe in silence.

***

The bright red and orange leaves swirled through the cool breeze down the streets of Loveland City. The calling geese soared across the sunset toward the direction of the south. The scenery did its best to distract you but it was too late.

Suddenly, a warm hand held yours and you looked up at Lucien, whose eyes were unreadable. You two stopped walking in the middle of the vacant walkway by the river, barely able to hear the calls of the geese that were now so far away so quickly.

“Something is troubling your mind,” Lucien insisted, reaching for your other hand, shielding them both from the frigid air. “I can’t help but seek the answers to your worries.” He managed a tender smile. “Your scowl is endearing but I prefer your lovely smile the most.”

His quiet, pleading eyes were going to be the death of you. You couldn’t help but smile the smile he cherished above all. It encapsulated the innocence that he would do anything to preserve from the crooked world. He was patient, caring, and intelligent. Maybe, just maybe, it would be unreasonable to turn away from his offer of support.

“I’ve been just thinking . . .” you began but trailed off, fidgeting with his hands that were much larger than you own.

“An awful lot, unfortunately.” 

You held your gaze with his. “Y-You’re not dating your work, are you?”

For a long moment, Lucien did not speak. The breeze was tousling his stubbornly straight hair, rustling his long coat, and rippling the waves of the river. His eyes narrowed as he analyzed your expression as if it was a complex thesis.

Then he let out a soft laugh. 

“So you’ve been scowling all day and lost in your thoughts all because you convinced yourself that I am unfaithful to my dear girlfriend?”

Sheepishly, you rubbed your arm. “Now that you phrased it like that, it really does sound silly.” When he tried to suppress his chuckle, you pouted. “Okay, now you’re making fun of me.”

You were about to turn away, but he caught your wrist. 

“Now, now, there’s no need to turn from me. I still need you so.”

“No, you don’t. You need your work more,” you said but you couldn’t stop the small smile forming when he wrapped his arms around your waist from behind. 

He buried his face into the crook of your neck, nudging your scarf aside with his chin until his lips had access to your bare skin. You giggled against his insistent kisses, squirming from the cold.

“Although I admit I have been busier than usual,” he mused, “it was to ensure that my weekend is free. My weekends are always reserved for you. I will make time for you no matter what.” He turned you around, the last rays of sunlight gleaming against his deep purple gaze. “However, I can’t read your mind, so you will have to let me know what your heart desires from me.” He leaned close to your ear. “And I will provide whatever way I can.”

You blinked, your senses sharpened at his soothing voice and determined devotion. When you didn’t respond, Lucien caressed your hands again. “Ah, it seems like I have not convinced my silly girl.” Before you could protest, he pulled you along, resuming the interrupted stroll down the waterway. “What shall I ever do with you?”

***

There were wonderful perks of dating your next-door neighbour. It almost felt like you were living together, judging by how often you visited each other for simple domestic reasons. You would drop by to water Lucien’s plants, especially since he had convinced you that they grew vibrantly whenever you were around. He would invite you over for dinner after you two went grocery shopping the day before. Sometimes, you two would share coffee on separate balconies, both leaning on the railing, subconsciously, trying to be close even in the early morning.

Tonight, Lucien triumphed as he proposed to invite you over before you could offer the same yourself. I will beat him next time, you promised to yourself as he motioned you inside. You removed your thick coat, deeply sighing into the comforting warmth of Lucien’s apartment, the scent of cinnamon and lavender wafted to you. You started wandering down the hallway, failing to notice how he was locking the door and flipping the latch over the door frame with his eyes trained on your figure, as if the great big fox finally cornered the oblivious rabbit. 

“I left some lettuce in your fridge yesterday,” you mused as you stretched your arms over your head, realizing how stiff you had gotten because of the filming sessions lately. “Maybe we can start with that for dinner. Mm, what goes well with lettuce?” No answer. “Lucien?”

Unfortunately, your momentarily raised arms left you vulnerable as a strong pair of arms wrapped around your waist. Lucien pressed his nose along the side of your neck, inhaling your sweet scent. This did not seem to be the same Lucien as the one at the walkway. This time, a lingering presence of possession hovered in the air. 

“Wait, Lucien??” You tried to squirm out of his grasp, but it was futile against his strength. He always wore that flowing lab coat, making you forget how much muscle was hidden from plain sight. Although your heart was racing, his warmth was soothing as if determined to alleviate the initial panic. “W-What are you doing?”

You could feel Lucien hum against your exposed skin. His soft hair brushing your cheek as his hands began drifting upwards. “I have drawn my conclusions,” he murmured in your ear. “I know what I shall do with you.”

Lucien’s voice was too close to your sensitive ear. He tightened his embrace when you weakly struggled again. “Are you trying to run away from me? After your accusation of my unfaithfulness?” He sighed. “You are truly cruel.”

“I-Is that what this is all about? I wasn’t! That was not what I meant to do!” you protested as you looked over your shoulder, only to find his amused smile and darkening eyes.

You pouted, frustrated you still fell for it. “Hey, you’re just teasing me! Again!” You were about to call him some creative names but his lips met yours, silencing your train of thought in an instant. 

Little did you know that you had always managed to turn such a tranquil professor into a competitive madman with your unintentional provocations. You still thought he was just teasing you even when his hands were all over your body, from tracing your collarbone to squeezing your inner thighs? He’d make sure you retract your words. As every second passed, the gentleness of the kiss slowly but surely became more passionate and dominating, revealing his inner desire. 

You were beginning to feel light-headed and tugged at his sleeve, hoping to take a very much needed breath of air. However, Lucien was insistent that you learn your lesson for doubting the true extent of his love for you, as nothing was more of a priority than his own queen. He yearned for your lips more than he ever yearned for air. His greedy hands craved to feel you more intimately than your clothes were allowing him.

By the time you were able to successfully push his broad shoulders away to breathe, you realized your back was not pressed against his chest anymore, but on a soft comforter instead. Lucien had discarded his overcoat long ago and he was loosening his tie. The blue moonlight streaming through the translucent curtains emphasized his defined biceps and abdomen as he threw his dress shirt behind him.

Lucien was towering over you on his bed, his arms at both sides of your face and his knee between your thighs. Slowly, he stroked your silky hair from your face. His distinct scent surrounded you, overwhelming your senses as it engulfed your own.

Feeling self-conscious, you tried to turn your head to the side to break the intense stare but his slender index finger halted your meek attempt. 

“There’s no need to be shy anymore,” Lucien murmured. “It is just the two of us.” The lightning of frustration had long vanished from your veins. Your heartbeat echoed in your ears, praying to survive his abundant hunger for you. 

Yet your thighs pressed against his leg, your body was instinctively willing to appease his demands.

Lucien ran his lips across your neck, his soft breath fanning over your sensitive skin. “I love you so much, more than anything,” he whispered. “Why won’t you believe me? What must I do to convince such a stubborn heart?”

You made a feeble attempt to pull your sweater off but to no avail with the position you found yourself in, trapped in your boyfriend’s possessive grasp.

“I don’t hear an answer.” Delight creeped into his voice. “I can’t read minds, silly. Tell me what you desire.”

You couldn’t help but let out a whimper, not knowing you ignited a darker desire deep within Lucien. He was being so unfair. With your glossy eyes and small pout, you said, “Please, help me, Professor. It feels too warm.”

One second, your body felt stuffy in thick cotton. The next second, cool air rushed over your chest and stomach. You gasped, almost missing the sound of ripping from your sweater. Hasty fingers pulled your long skirt and tights off, leaving them to pool below your dangling feet. Lucien pressed his toned chest over yours, shielding you from the autumn chill before it could rob your body of warmth.

“Is that all?” he prompted as you squirmed for any sort of friction but he remained still, awaiting your words.

You whined as you clawed your straps off your shoulders. “It’s still too hot, please, take it all off.”

“As you wish.”

Lucien kissed your shoulder as he unclipped and slipped your bra off, caressing your chest, a bit rougher than expected. You whined again and he couldn’t help but chuckle at your impatience. Yanking your undergarment away, he was about to give you another hungry kiss, but you put your palm over his firm chest. His eyes darkened at your sudden refusal yet his smile indicated he was very much entertained by your trembling movements.

“And what else must I do to win your affections, my dear?” Lucien asked, his steady tone almost couldn’t hide his wild instincts to ravish you completely. Then, he felt your thighs shifting against his dress pants. He let out a chuckle. The ringing of his brass buckle and rustling as he removed the rest of his clothes felt much louder in his usually silent bedroom. 

As Lucien was slowly pushing himself in you, you hummed with pleasure. “Faster, Lucien,” you pleaded. Despite the contrasting size difference, you didn’t care. You wanted all of him now. Your welcoming arms felt so inviting as he was pulled right on top of you suddenly, eliciting a groan from him due to your tightness. You let out a moan as you felt the friction you craved from his steady thrusts.

As Lucien marked you with multiple lovebites over your throat and chest, your fingers ran through his hair, dishevelling it into something that was sin to professionalism. He was panting, his pale complexion becoming rosy as you kept moaning his name, desperate for his full attention.

Satisfied with the dozen marks, he gave you a passionate kiss, his lustful tongue meeting yours. As you sucked on his in such a shy yet nevertheless seductive way, his thrusts against you grew more erratic.

“Ah Lucien~” you mewled, clawing your dainty nails deep into his broad back while your limp legs jolted around with his every thrust. “P-Please more~”

Your constant pleads seemed to paint you into the insatiable one but his quickening, deep thrusts said otherwise. Lucien could not break the kiss and his unyielding embrace around you.

Suddenly, the inevitable tension within you grew impossibly tight until you reached your high, eyes slowly unfocusing. Your raw moans for Lucien were muffled by his deep, eager kisses as he continued thrusting in, extending the euphoric feeling. 

With your remaining strength, you wrapped your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist before you rocked yourself against him. A deep rumble arose from his chest. You broke the kiss (much to his dismay) before you pressed your lips against his ear: “I love you so very much, Lucien.”

The gentle sincerity and the purity of your sweet voice squeezed his pounding heart, driving him over the edge. He groaned against the crook of your neck as you felt the thick and warm sensation deep in your core. Slowly, it started to trickle down your thighs as well. 

Neither of you moved from your position as you both gathered your laboured breaths finally. You combed your fingers through Lucien’s hair and he nuzzled against your neck, scattering butterfly kisses across your marked skin. 

“I love you more than you will ever know,” your boyfriend murmured, more to himself. He never told you how deep he had fallen for you. He never registered emotions that were this strong in nature before he had met you again after so many years apart. It felt like he fell into an endless abyss, in the realm of the unknown yet there was a sense of comfort indescribable every time you smiled at him.

You pressed your lips onto his forehead to break his trance before craning over to check the clock. “Are you hungry yet? There is still some time to make a quick dinn---Ah, Lucien!”

Before you could get far, his hand pinned your wrists over your head on the mattress. “Yes,” he said, leering at your confused state. “As a matter of fact, I am still very hungry for someone.” Before you could retort against his unreasonableness, he nipped at your ear. “I have reserved my entire weekend to prove my devotion for you, remember? I don’t want to waste any of it until I have thoroughly convinced you with my evidence.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please take my offer of the second smut I’ve written -- I hope you enjoyed it :))

Masterlist

[cheesy09]

[CN] Kiro's Upcoming S2 Ch 55-58 Karma + R&S

🌸 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for content that hasn't been released on the EN server yet! 🌸

I will use everything I have to respond to the world's great love.

I signed more than just my name.

🌟 Kiro's Rumors & Secrets: Top Players

"All experts have the curiosity to enter the world."

Someone who had good intentions has already started to search for C++'s live footage. Jiuwan also urgently searched for it, but the more he searched, the more strange he found it -- If C++ was indeed handicapped, how was he able to study the Boss's mechanism so thoroughly? If he really couldn't operate at a level with high difficulty, then how was he able to guide newcomers to navigate through danger without any pressure?

"I just wanted to play it that way, so I did it."

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s Mind Quest – Not the Slightest Gap (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 至无隙无间, that is yet to be released in the global server! ♡

[Additional Warning]: As the spice for this mind quest is very explicit and borderline, if you don’t qualify for the 16+ rating of the game (CN server), it’s recommended that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

The exclusive radio is to be read before CH 1. Please make sure you read that before continuing. Here: ♡♡

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [Chapter 1] ✧

It’s very early in the morning, and the horizon has just unveiled the trace of a mackerel sky. I gently push open the bedroom door, walk quietly on my tiptoes, roll up a corner of the duvet and get in.

Even though I try my best to keep my movements light, the sound of even breathing in my ears ceases instantly, and I hear a slightly awakened voice reaching my ears.

Victor: [adorably husky, sleepy tone]  What time is it?

MC: It’s past five…

Victor sighs a little helplessly. Then he reaches out and embraces me, wrapping my entire body in the warmth of his arms.

I instinctively release a sigh and curl up in his arms contentedly.

The year-end projects during this time have made me very busy and disoriented, and working overtime has already become a common occurrence. Even Victor is helpless about my frazzled appearance.

But no matter how cautiously I lie down every night, he always feels my presence in the first instance and enfolds me in his arms.

Victor: [sexy grunt, husky tone]  Lie down and focus on sleeping.

Victor: Don’t mull over work stuff in bed like you did a couple days ago.

MC: Understood~

I stealthily stick my tongue out. Just as I’m thinking about trying to relax and fall asleep, an idea for a new project pops into my head.

After a few moments of being torn, I clench the arm wrapped tightly around my waist and quietly move a few inches away.

Victor: [softly gasps]  Where are you going again?

MC: Go-going to the bathroom.

Victor: Didn’t you just go to the bathroom before lying down?

MC: …so you heard that.

I mutter in a low voice, unable to find any other reasons for the moment.

MC: Well… I accidentally came up with an idea for a new project, and I’m afraid I’ll forget it tomorrow. So, I wanted to go and write it down.

MC: I’ll really just go and write it down~

Even though I deliberately emphasize the pronunciation of “accidentally” and make a promise, the strength around my waist still tightens unexpectedly.

Victor: [grunts softly, sighs]  …your “accident” is very dedicated to your work.

Victor: No need to go to all that trouble. I’ll remember it for you. Go on.

MC: Who on earth submits a report to the CEO early in the morning?

Victor: It’s not like a certain someone has never done this before.

–

[Tidbits]: Refresher– a reference to S1 CH 7~ :>

–

His deep and low voice is laced with a hint of sleepiness that he is unable to conceal, blocking my retort.

Victor: And besides, right now, I’m not listening to your report as the CEO.

I blink, sensitively catching the implication of his words. My heart can’t help but turn into a puddle, and I finally give in and tell him about the idea I’ve come up with after a moment of resistance.

I turn over expectantly just as I finish speaking, looking into his deep eyes.

MC: How is it? Do you think it’s a feasible plan?

Victor: [laughs softly]  I’m only responsible for remembering. I’m not gonna comment.

MC: …why are you being like this?

In the cold white light of dawn, I can see the corners of his lips vaguely curving upwards, as if he doesn’t plan on talking with me about this anymore.

I glare at him in secret and roll over again, deliberately sighing long and hard.

MC: That’s good. I feel even more sleepless now––

Hearing me pretending to feel wronged, Victor behind me seems to release a helpless, soft chuckle.

Victor: [sighs helplessly] Since you can’t sleep, answer a few questions of mine then.

Victor: Have you forgotten anything recently?

I’m stumped for a moment, wondering why he is suddenly asking this. Regardless, I earnestly reflect on this for a while. And in the next moment, I can’t help but let out a small cry of alarm.

MC: AHH! I forgot to eat that pudding you made for me!

Victor: [precious gasp] …I didn’t think you’d think of that first.

Victor: No need to have such a big reaction. If those who don’t know hear you, they will think you’ve forgotten something of enormous value.

MC: Of course, it’s something of enormous value! You especially made that for me three days ago when you saw how hard I was working…

I turn around and poke his arm tentatively.

MC: Do you think it’s still edible?

Victor: Yes.

Victor: But after eating it, it shouldn’t be just a certain someone’s brain that will go bad.

I look at him with a blank expression. It takes me churning it several times in my mind to realize that he is scolding me.

MC: Victor!

A few soft, increasingly cheerful laughs ring in my ears. As I glower at him, he slowly withdraws his joking expression.

Victor: Is that the only thing you’ve forgotten?

MC: …is there anything else?

I gape wordlessly, waiting for his “crusade” without any confidence.

Victor: A certain someone was rolling up her sleeves to fight for the tickets to a musical half a month ago, but she forgot about it when they started selling the tickets.

Victor: It’s been about a week now, and the bag of tulip seeds is still exactly where it was in the living room since we bought them.

Victor: You don’t expect that they will jump into the flower pots and grow themselves, do you?

Victor: Also, I remember that you were planning to sign up for a dance class; to go and sweat it out after work…

Seeing my eyes widen in confusion, Victor raises his eyebrows somewhat helplessly.

Victor: Indeed, a three-minute enthusiasm it was.

His face takes on an expression that says– “I knew it,” and following this, a somewhat vague memory surfaces in my mind.

—

───── [Flashback Begins] ─────

It was a night about two weeks ago. Victor and I were waiting on the roadside for the car after having dinner, and I was caught off guard by someone slipping a small flyer in my hand.

Passerby: Learn about Paso Doble dance~

I glanced down inadvertently and caught a glimpse of the bright red headline–– a passionate ballroom dance: Paso Doble.

The male and female dance partners in the picture on the side were intimate and assertive in their movements. I subconsciously stole a glance at Victor. He was looking at the finance and economics news on his phone, a calm and focused expression on his face.

A small, wicked idea suddenly bubbled up in my mind. I mysteriously leaned over to him and shook the flyer in my hand to him.

MC: Victor, would you like to sign up with me for a passionate Paso Doble dance experience?

Victor: [sighs sharply] Nope.

Victor: It’s not like I haven’t experienced a certain someone’s dance before.

–

[Tidbits]: Refresher– “Dance Date” reference where he taught her to dance, “Exhibition Date” reference where they danced in the rain~

–

He didn’t say much, but it seemed to convey the disdain implied therein vividly and thoroughly. I felt choked up and couldn’t help opening my mouth to refute.

MC: You don’t know about this Paso Doble dance yet. Aren’t you rejecting it a bit too early?

MC: Look at what it says on the flyer–– “The Paso Doble dance originated in France. It’s a dance that imitates a bullfighter’s movements, and the dancer’s posture is valiant and impassioned.”

MC: “In the Paso Doble dance, you can unleash the instinct to chase, hunt, and tear at…”

MC: So, don’t you want to chase, hunt, and tear me apart?

Victor: …

Victor finally took his eyes off the phone, shooting a surveying glance left and right.

Victor: Do you want to hear what you just said?

As the belated realization dawned on me, I stopped talking and turned my head to make sure there wasn’t anyone around, smiling in embarrassment.

MC: Actually, I’ve been thinking for a while now about whether to do some exercise after work and sweat it out.

MC: I feel that dancing seems more fun. Moreover, I can learn ballroom dancing with you, and this way, there won’t be any interference in our time together~

I took his arm affectionately, swaying it expectantly.

He lifted the corners of his lips in what seemed like amusement and helplessness.

Victor: [sighs helplessly]  If you’re not over this three-minute enthusiasm by next week, we’ll talk about it then.

───── [Flashback Ends] ─────

—

That completely undisguised query reverberates in my ears, and my cheeks can’t help but be flushed.

MC: It’s not that it was a three-minute enthusiasm. I really want to take dance lessons with you. But how do I find the time now?

I arch up against his chest, my tone tinged with a hint of coquetry.

MC: I now need CEO Victor to remind me about eating.

Victor holds down my bobbing head, rapping it gently with his finger pad.

Victor: [laughs softly] And do you know that your daily routine has also been a mess lately?

Victor: Now hurry up and get some sleep. I’ll take a look at your proposal when I get up tomorrow. I can give you some suggestions.

I let out a small cry of delight and hug him immediately.

MC: No wonder they say no amount of anything can be a substitute for the CEO of LFG. Victor, you’re too great~

Victor: [sexy whisper] If you talk any more nonsense, I’ll dismiss tomorrow’s help.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 2] ✧

By the time I wake up again, it’s already noon.

Relaxed and refreshed, Victor sits on the sofa, sipping his coffee. On the table in front of him is the proposal I wrote yesterday till the late hours at night.

I hurriedly rub my eyes as I walk over to pick up the document and find that it has been marked with numerous annotations.

Victor: The overall direction is fine, but some details need fine-tuning.

Victor: As you can see now, your current logic is starting to get chaotic.

When I skim through it carefully, the realization suddenly dawns on me.

MC: Indeed. I seem to have drilled into a lot of insignificant problems...

Sighing, I rub my face between my hands as I feel a little out of my depth and put on an expression of humbly seeking his advice.

MC: Victor, how do you adjust in such situations when you lose your judgment due to having your hands full?

Victor raises an eyebrow at my words and looks at me. Understanding tacitly, I immediately withdraw my question.

MC: ...yes, you should never lose your judgment, even if your hands are full.

The corners of Victor’s lips curl up slightly. He lowers his head, takes a sip of his coffee, then stands up.

Victor: Go and wash up briefly. Let’s go somewhere.

—

A wave of elegant classical music flows through the high-end dance costume store, and a variety of exquisite dance outfits hang on the clothes hangers.

MC: What are we doing here?

I stand in the clothing store, feeling a little at a loss.

Victor: Pick a set you like. I’ve already asked Goldman to sign us up for dance classes.

MC: ?? You really signed us up for dance classes??

He nods without having any change of expression on his face, his gaze sweeping over the few women’s outfits next to him.

Victor: Wasn’t a certain someone looking forward to it at the time?

MC: Expectations are expectations... but I thought you’d let me have more time to rest when I could. After all, I’m working so much now.

Victor: Work will never end.

Victor withdraws his gaze, a few traces of calmness reflecting in his deep eyes.

Victor: As the boss of [MC’s Company Name], you will only have more and more things on your plate.

Victor: But if you lose the pace of your life every time you are busy with work, all your rhythms will be disrupted.

MC: My rhythms are not at the point of being “disrupted,” right...?

Victor: It looks like a certain someone has already forgotten about that poor pudding in the fridge and those tulip seeds.

MC: ...didn’t forget, didn’t forget.

I make a standing-at-attention posture.

MC: I’m just a little curious. What does this have to do with us signing up for dance classes?

Victor: If you don’t want your work to lead you by the nose every time, finding your core with a regular activity is the best solution.

MC: Core?

MC: You mean, it’s something analogous to the power of body and mind?

Victor glances at me with a gratified look.

Victor: There will always be changes and challenges in the outside world, and these are variables that are impossible to guard against.

Victor: It’s only when you have a stable core that the chaotic situations won’t be able to snatch away the initiative.

Although his explanation is brief, I already vaguely understand something, my eyes resting on the dance skirt behind Victor.

MC: So, the regular activity you mentioned just now is taking me to dance lessons?

Victor: Mm. Dancing is a good way of regulating yourself.

Victor: It can not only help you sweat and relieve stress, but it’s also a good form and physical exercise and a way of looking for core.

He pauses, his serene tone taking on an imperceptible hint of indulgence.

Victor: And like you said, it’s something I can accompany you on.

He downplays the last half of his sentence, but it stirs up a small wave of tingle in my heart.

He talked about so many major principles and all that. But in the end, it’s all because he cares about me~

Victor doesn’t seem to make out the smugness in my heart, continuing to speak.

Victor: It won’t take up too much of your time. If you can spare an hour or two for a few days, it will work just fine.

MC: But what if I can’t finish my work?

Victor: When have I ever let you drop the ball?

MC: That’s true~

The transparent favoritism in his words causes me to burst into a cheerful smile. I look at my toes and begin to ponder conscientiously.

What Victor said just now is actually traceable in him. After all, no matter how busy he is, he will still find time to go to Souvenir to cook and relax.

Perhaps cooking is kind of a core of his being.

MC: If I can find my core, will I be able to make judgments and deal with things as calmly as you do?

Victor: I can’t guarantee that.

Victor glances down at my hand with which I have hooked his finger, seemingly a little amused.

Victor: [with an interlaced soft laugh]  But right now, at least you can calmly fire your flatteries.

I give a soft “humph,” deciding to be generous and not quibble with him, and lift my chin accordingly.

MC: I take your suggestion and will go to the dance classes with you.

MC: But why did we come straight to pick out clothes? Don’t we need to attend a trial class to understand it first?

Victor: Because beginning with the sense of ritual a certain someone likes the most can bring out one’s vibrant nature.

As he finishes speaking, he suddenly turns around and directly picks up a dance dress of vibrant color right behind him.

Victor: This one.

MC: Eh? But I haven’t picked it out yet?

Victor: From the moment we walked in the door, your eyes have been darting towards this one.

Victor: If I couldn’t still read what’s on your mind, I’d be a dummy.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 2, Memory Silhouette, Narrator POV] ✧

Several beautifully plated dishes have been laid out in order on the table. Victor lifts his eyes and glances toward the living room, but he doesn’t catch sight of the girl’s figure on the sofa.

Victor: MC, dinner is ready.

The voice that always responds to him loudly and clearly doesn’t ring out.

A little surprised, Victor cranes his head, realizing that it seems the girl hasn’t made much noise since the two of them bought their dance clothes and returned home in the afternoon.

Victor: Have you fallen asleep?

Victor takes off his heat-resistant gloves and heads toward the bedroom.

—

The bed in the bedroom is empty. His eyebrows knit into a frown, only to hear the faint rustling sound of a zipper coming from the walk-in closet.

Through the blurry, transparent glass door, he can vaguely see the familiar figure of the girl.

Victor takes a few steps inside and sees the girl standing in front of the full-length mirror and trying on her newly brought dance dress, totally unaware of his arrival.

The silky satin fabric tightly hugs her waistline, and her beautiful butterfly bones are revealed through the backless dress, the vibrant crimson color making her skin even fairer in contrast.

Even though Victor has seen the girl trying on the dance dress in the clothing store before, there seems to be something a little different about this moment.

The warm light of the walk-in closet glistens on the hem of the girl’s skirt, the satin glowing with spots of golden reminiscent of fish scales.

The girl gently sways the hem of her skirt a little, and stars seem to be trickling brilliantly on her body.

She seems dazzled by the fine light streaming through her eyes, and unconsciously reveals a simple and somewhat silly smile.

Victor is stunned for a moment, subconsciously recalling the last time he saw this smile.

Perhaps it was a week ago, the day they agreed to plant tulips together.

When Victor pushed open the door to the home, he almost tripped over the bag of tulip seeds sprawled across the foyer.

Heaving a sigh, he moved the seeds to the corner and found the flower pots and planting tools there. Upon this, he headed for the study.

He thought the girl would welcome him with a beaming smile, take his arm, and jump and frisk about toward the “little garden” on the terrace she had nurtured with utmost care.

But before he could approach, the girl’s serious voice transmitted through the half-closed door of the study. It seemed that she was in the middle of a work phone call.

Out of courtesy, Victor did not continue to listen. But from the few words that drifted to his ears, it wasn’t difficult to perceive—

Time was pressing, but she insisted on prioritizing the quality and asked for the program to be redone.

Victor knew a smile that could be called one of approval had surfaced on his face.

Planting the flowers could wait until she is done with her work–– Victor thought to himself and put the tools for planting flowers one by one in their original position.

Or perhaps it was four days ago, when he made her most beloved pudding for the girl who had been working late.

Even though she had eaten the same taste countless times, she would always finish eating the pudding in big scoops and give a satisfied giggle every time.

But that day, she just wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled coquettishly. Then, she put the pudding next to her computer and said that she would use it to motivate herself to be more efficient tonight.

The next morning, Victor was a little surprised to see the pudding in the fridge, untouched.

Originally, these were the moments when he could’ve received that simple smile from her without a second thought. But time and time again, his potential expectations were dashed.

Victor pulls himself back from his thoughts. The smile on the girl’s face in front of the full-length mirror has not yet waned.

As if infected, his brows slowly slacken, and the corners of his lips curl up into the same arc as hers.

Victor quietly takes a step back and closes the door to the walk-in closet for her.

Just let her be so simply happy for a little while longer.

While he waits, he can prepare another pudding for her for dessert.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 3] ✧

The pure white marble floor is as bright as a mirror, and the ornate crystal chandelier overhead reflects the multicolored light.

Standing in the dance classroom reminiscent of a palace, I quietly lean into Victor’s ear.

MC: This is not the dance classroom in that little advertisement, is it?

Victor lowers his head and straightens his sleeves, and there isn’t a single ripple in his tone.

Victor: It’s a one-on-one class, so that you can flexibly adjust the class time to suit your schedule.

A feeling of warmth surges in my heart in vain, and before the smile at the corners of my lips can be heaved up, Victor adds another sentence unhurriedly.

Victor: [overflowing teasing tone]  And, I also found teachers of high caliber. A certain someone can hone her skills conveniently while learning, so that she doesn’t keep stepping on other people’s toes at parties.

MC: [muttering]  grudge-bearing devil.

While the dance teachers are entering the classroom, I stick my tongue out at Victor’s back.

In order to give us an initial introduction to the Paso Doble dance, the two teachers briefly exchange pleasantries with us before demonstrating a short dance routine for us.

Female Teacher: In the Paso Doble dance, although the female partner is in a passive position, she actually needs to arouse the instinct and desire of the male partner to “fight,” to seduce, stimulate and conquer the other person.

As she explains, the female teacher moves her body in a particularly expressive and lively manner to the impassioned music. I can vaguely feel a lot of pressure coming over me.

I tug at the corner of Victor’s shirt.

MC: I had no idea that the emotions of the Paso Doble dance would be so extroverted.

Seemingly hearing the hesitation in my tone, Victor lowers his head and looks at me.

Victor: [overflowing teasing tone]  Didn’t you want me to chase, hunt, and tear you apart? Why is there no confidence now?

MC: …

I grit my teeth in indignation and pay no more attention to this gloating man.

Male Teacher: Today, we will start with the simple basic steps.

Along with these words from the teacher, we officially begin our first Paso Doble dance lesson.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve given myself the psychological cues, but I really feel a little helpless. It’s either that I can’t stretch my body at all, or I’m simply getting frantic.

Female Teacher: You can spin your hand’s pattern along with your body.

MC: Like this?

Victor: She meant for you to rotate your palm when you jump apart, not take me with you.

MC: Oh-oh!

Female Teacher: When you put your hand on your male partner, sink your shoulder. Otherwise, it will look like you’re trying to fight with him.

MC: Okay, okay…

By the end of the class, I’m already dripping with sweat, not to mention the female teacher’s outpouring emotions, strength, and feeling of conquering the male partner.

On the other hand, even though Victor’s forehead is also covered with a layer of sweat from the dance, the way he carries himself exudes a sense of calmness at all times.

…damn it, why is this man so skilled at everything he does?

Fortunately, the content of the first lesson is only about getting familiar with the basic dance steps. It soon ends with a wonderfully rich psychological activity.

After making an appointment for the next session, the teachers bring us to the entrance of the lounge.

Male Teacher: The two of you can rest here. We will have someone bring champagne for you guys in a moment.

Female Teacher: It’s a special benefit for the very first course here. Enjoy~

—

After politely expressing our thanks, I move my already stiff limbs and walk into the lounge with a complex feeling.

As soon as the door is closed, I can’t help but stare at Victor with an extreme look of grievance.

MC: Sob sob sob, what should I do, Victor? I feel like I can’t do it.

Victor: [laughs helplessly]  It was only the first class. Don’t be so nervous.

MC: It’s not a question of what the class number is… it’s that this dance is too physically and emotionally demanding!

MC: And the teacher wants me to “conquer” you! What is this concept? It’s harder than mounting the sky––

Victor seems to choke on my phrasing.

Victor: [he actually chokes]  Do you have to overstate like that?

MC: Of course! You know I’ve always been the one to be “dominated” by you.

MC: And I’m asked to guide you all of a sudden, and I’m at a loss…

Victor is slightly stunned, his deep eyes roaming over me for a moment as if he is pondering something. Then, he sits down on the sofa in a relaxed manner.

The space suddenly lapses into silence. Victor casually shakes off the sweat from the tips of his hair, then he slowly unfastens his cufflinks and pulls up his sleeves little by little in graceful movements.

Before I can react, I see that long, slender hand moving to his chest and unhurriedly loosening the first button.

…is it that hot?

The question still hasn’t left my mouth when I see that hand continuing to move down, resting on the second button.

My throat inexplicably feels dry. I swallow my saliva, my eyes “sincerely” glued to his slightly undulating chest.

And Victor doesn’t say anything, just meets my gaze looking at him straight-forwardly.

??: Mr. Victor, Miss MC, may I come in now?

There is a sudden knock at the door, interrupting the enchanting sight in the room.

MC: [blushing and frantic]  ! W-wait a moment!

I subconsciously blurt out. Victor’s hand pauses only for a moment before continuing with the interrupted unbuttoning process.

And even his movements slow down more and more.

MC: What are you doing?

I anxiously ask him in a low voice, gesturing to the door with my gaze as my eyes widen. His gaze falls indifferently to the front, and his tone of voice is heedless.

Victor: [very amused]  Unbuttoning.

MC: [blushing] …I didn’t ask you that! I mean why on earth are you doing that now! There are people outside.

Victor: [sounds very proud of himself] Because I feel very hot right now.

I’m baffled by his “rightful” attitude, and the constant knocking on the door agitates my mind. I hurriedly gesture at him again.

MC: [blushing and more frantic] Button up! Quick!

Victor obviously doesn’t listen to me, and the slightly raised corner of his eyes even spills out a hint of provocative arrogance.

Victor: [even more amused and proud]  Are you sure you’re just going to keep watching like this?

Of course not!

The moment the next knock sounds on the door, I finally can’t help but spring up to my feet and walk quickly to the door.

Very cautiously, I open the door just a crack and politely take the champagne from the other party’s hand.

MC: I’m sorry. We’ll help ourselves.

Closing the door, I immediately turn around with a huff.

MC: If I hadn’t stopped that person just now, was CEO Victor going to present himself naked!

Victor: [deep, sexy™ laugh]  …

MC: You’re still laughing??

I can’t help but grit my teeth. Meeting his haughty and midnight-dark eyes, I simply walk straight up to him and uncork the champagne, pretending to be angry and harsh as I open my mouth.

MC: [blushing]  The teacher will come in a while and talk to us about the feedback.

MC: [blushing]  CEO Victor, you should hurry up and wear your clothes properly. How can you be like this?

Hearing my words, he smiles in an even more unusual manner and gently tugs on yet another button.

His fingertips quietly circle the body of the button. Another one doesn’t survive.

Victor: [with a hint of rogue]  I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this.

I immediately shoot him a glare. But he remains unmoved and continues with the unbuttoning process. The dense beads of sweat slightly dampen his dark red dance shirt.

Beneath the gorgeous light, the sparkling and translucent particles are drawn into his firm skin, reflecting a seductive luster.

Those transparent droplets continue to glide down and disappear into the unrevealed territory. They seem to guide one’s line of sight, making them want to see more.

My heartbeat gradually accelerates along with his movements, but the continuous sound of passing footsteps outside the door makes me keep the last ounce of my sanity at bay.

I lift my gaze and meet the rare slyness in his eyes, feeling as if I’ve been gently pricked by something. At this moment, the twisted emotions within me pour down in torrents completely from my heart.

I pick up the wine glass and shove it into his hand, tightly pursing my lips as I pour the champagne. A few drops of translucent wine splash around and land on the backs of our hands.

Victor: [slow, deliberate teasing]  Be calm. You’re wasting the wine.

MC: [blushing] Isn’t this happening because a certain someone... anyway, I can’t calm down now.

Seeing me retorting angrily, Victor, on the contrary, gives a beaming smile.

Victor: Oh? Why?

MC: I don’t believe that someone as smart as CEO Victor wouldn’t know why.

Victor: [coquettish tone x1] I really don’t know.

Victor: [x2]  After spending a long time with a dummy, there are times when it can get contagious.

MC: ...Victor!

The sweet fragrance of alcohol lingers on the tip of my nose, and along with his provocation, my thoughts are thrown into chaos. I can’t help being the first one to “surrender.”

MC: Don’t you at all feel that your behavior just now was a little too much?

Victor: [deliberately dragging the tail notes]  Maybe, or maybe not.

MC: ...anyway, Mr. CEO just won’t admit to the “crime” he committed just now.

I pause for a moment, glancing at his finger resting on the button.

MC: And you still plan to continue doing it, don’t you?

Victor releases a soft laugh, looking at the liquid in his glass with a composed expression.

Victor: Wanting me to listen to what you say, to do what you say – wouldn’t that depend on whether or not a certain someone can show some “sincerity?”

…you almost presented yourself naked in front of other people, and you want me to show “sincerity?”

I grit my teeth in indignation, lifting my wrist, which was about to stop pouring the wine, aloft again.

The raised wine bottle continues to spurt out the golden liquid with a gurgling sound, and an unending stream of wine pours into the glass in his hand.

MC: Is this kind of “sincerity” enough?

The aroma of champagne gradually pervades the air of the lounge, and the wine is about to be filled to the brink. But Victor still wears that expression of remaining calm in the hour of peril.

I start to lose confidence a little, so I can only inwardly bite the bullet and see it to the end without stopping.

At the moment when the golden champagne is about to spill over, Victor finally opens his mouth softly.

Victor: [laughs softly]  It’s enough.

I hastily withdraw my hand, stealthily heaving a sigh of relief.

Victor: I admit that I’ve committed a worthy “crime” just now.

Victor: Didn’t a certain someone say just now that she is incapable of occupying the guiding position in front of me? But now it seems that it’s very much in the process of being shaped.

Victor lowers his head and lightly takes a sip of the champagne in a graceful movement, not allowing a single drop of wine to be divulged.

Victor: So next time, just try to “conquer” me.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 4] ✧

Two weeks later, at night. I’m practicing my newly learned dance steps in the dance studio at home.

Although I feel tired after each dance practice, I wake up the next day with high spirits, a positive feeling radiating from my body and mind.

This feeling is particularly strong when I’m working. Compared with the dispirited tone some time ago when I was dragging my body, now my entire being feels as if it’s brimming with energy.

Is this the core Victor was talking about?

Although I’m not too sure, I do find time to practice at home on days when we don’t have class so that I don’t lose this energy.

I look intently at myself in the mirror, and as the last rhythm falls, it jams perfectly with the ending movement.

Victor: That was a pretty good dance.

Following the sound, I turn around and see Victor leaning against the doorframe with arms crossed over his chest. He is wearing a dark-colored bathrobe, and the tips of his hair are slightly wet. It seems that he has just finished his shower.

MC: It seems I don’t feel so embarrassed when I’m not dancing in front of the teacher.

MC: Why don’t you and I dance together and see how it feels?

My gaze lands on his hair, and I shake my head again.

MC: Never mind. You’ve already washed up.

Victor: [laughs softly]  It won’t hurt to dance through it once.

He walks up to me before I can answer and extends his palm. I slightly freeze for a moment, then hand my palm to him.

The melody flows slowly, and along with a note soaring intensely, the heavy curtains of the high-pitched and penetrating symphony are pulled open.

I skillfully put my hands on Victor’s shoulders, rise on my tiptoes, and then make my landing on the ground.

In the swaying dance steps, we sometimes cling to each other’s chest, and sometimes we push and pull, spinning and stretching.

Plink.

And along with a sharp flinging back of the head, a few drops of cold water land on my lower jaw, appearing to be the droplets of water from the tips of Victor’s hair.

They glide down my chin to my collarbones, producing an almost unbearable itching sensation. I pull out my hand to wipe them away, only to have it tightly clutched by Victor in the next beat.

MC: ?

I meet his gaze and capture a fleeting glimpse of teasing in the depths of that pair of slender eyes.

Victor: Stay focused.

Without waiting for me to react, Victor’s forearm exerts light pressure and pushes me out of his arms according to the choreography of the dance steps.

The dramatic movements cause the belt of his bathrobe to flap, tracing across the skin of my thighs coarsely.

My eyes can’t help but be drawn to his belt, following it to the corners of his robe, which are twining up in the air.

…wait a second.

Victor has just taken a shower. So right now, he shouldn’t be…?

I’m stunned for a moment, my cheeks flaring up immediately as I’m half-nailed to the spot by this sudden thought of mine.

I subconsciously draw my gaze back. However, an indescribable instinct drives me to lift my wrist and glide it toward his lapel.

Victor lowers his head and looks at me in surprise. I slide down my fingers, taking advantage of the twirling motion to “inadvertently” climb up his chest and “accidentally” tug his collar loose.

Intentionally or otherwise, my fingertips brush over his smooth, tight muscles, leading waves of fine shivers to linger in my heart.

Victor: It seems a certain someone has indeed gained her energy back. She is now daring to make little moves.

The steady, self-sustaining voice lands on my ear, leaving a burning warmth in my auricle. I promptly draw myself away a little, winking at him.

MC: If CEO Victor doesn’t mind, I can step up my moves a little more.

Victor: Is that so? And here I thought, that was the limit of a certain someone’s boldness.

The passionate music happens to reach its climax just at this moment, the melody flooding the entire dance studio. It causes my brain to turn blank for an instant, making me impulsive.

I don’t know if it’s his words that have aroused me to lose my reasons for a moment, or if it’s the faintly discernible instinct in the bottom of my heart that has done it…

Before I can think properly, the restless palm of my hand has already taken advantage of the dance movements and quietly slides over the strong thigh underneath the bathrobe.

Even my finger pads seem to glide through even more dangerous territory.

Victor: [lets out a heavy moan, blushing]  …

The fiery beats seem to conceal a fleeting moan. Victor’s movements clearly fall short by a beat, and a slit finally appears in his blazing gaze.

Seeing him being disoriented like this, I can’t help but feel a little proud of myself.

MC: What do you think of my dance?

His wandering eyes gradually settle down little by little and focus on my face once again, flickering with some unknown complex emotions.

Victor: You loosened up quite a lot.

Victor: [dangerously husky tone]  However, it’s still not enough.

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, the force around my waist suddenly tightens, shackling me firmly to his fiery chest.

The entire world seems to be instantly taken over by Victor’s scent. The searing heat brands onto every inch of my skin, but the man opposite me doesn’t seem satisfied.

He closely follows my movements, and reminiscent of a wild animal on a hunt, he intertwines all my limbs until our bodies completely fit together.

My cheeks instantly flare into a crimson red. The flaming acceleration of my heartbeat causes my breathing to be thrown into chaos, and I struggle to draw in a deep breath.

MC: [blushing]  Wait, this isn’t how the dance works at all, is it?

Victor: A certain someone mustn’t have listened carefully during the class.

Victor: [elaborating the teacher’s words x1]  The teacher clearly said that the Paso Doble dance requires very high coordination of your limbs.

Victor: [x2]  If you really can’t meet the standard, there’s no need to force it.

Victor: [x3]  Amateur entrants can adjust their posture according to their preferences and do improvised dance steps.

The warmth circling my waist gradually shifts downward, holding my body steady as I try to escape.

Victor: [return of the dangerously husky tone, with a hint of rouge x1] Right now, I’m just tweaking it according to my own preference.

MC: But…

He interrupts my powerless retort, his deep and low voice revealing an irresistible intensity.

Victor: [x2]  And what’s more, we’ve been practicing these few dance steps for two weeks now. It’s time to make some changes.

He slowly presses on towards me, closing the distance until there isn’t the slightest gap between us.

The burning heat coming from the pit of my stomach makes me vaguely aware of what he means, and I can’t resist accepting all of this seduction in my heart as it comes, but I still try my utmost to hang in there with my mouth.

MC: But didn’t you say that if you want to find your core, you have to do it with a regular set of activities?

Victor: That’s indeed what I said.

Victor: But there are many things in the world that… once you set them into a repetitive and fixed order, they will become monotonous to some extent.

As he says this, he squeezes in the slightly moist skin of his thigh between my legs. It’s as if he wants to open up everything I have to him without the slightest reservation.

Being in touch with an icy sensation behind me, I’m suddenly given a jolt, only to find that I’ve been pressed up against the mirror without even realizing it.

In front of me is the breath I’m familiar with. The slightly ragged breathing disturbs the air between us, and I feel my brain becoming light and airy, as if it has been stripped of oxygen.

Victor lowers his head. His moist kisses land softly and wordlessly in the pit of my stomach, dabbing away a few drops of water that pelt onto there earlier.

I instinctively squint my eyes, feeling the delicate sense of satisfaction flooding my entire chest.

Victor: [that sly, sexy whisper x1]  Do you know what needs to be done when something becomes monotonous?

MC: [blushing] Wh-what?

Victor: [x2]  Make an improvised mess.

My consciousness is erratic at the moment, and I can’t seem to fully comprehend the meaning of his words. I only feel as if I were being burned by the blazing heat of his voice, and all my feelings seem to rush together to the top of my head.

Through the hazy corner of my eye, I see a dense layer of mist appearing on the surface of the mirror behind me, concealing the overlapping and undulating figures in the mirror.

I withdraw my gaze, using the last ounce of my sanity to focus on the face in front of me.

That pair of eyes, which has always been self-restrained, gradually becomes dazed, reflecting my equally inextricable gaze.

Longingly, I cling even closer to him, until the entire world is invaded and veiled by his breaths.

Amid the chaotic thoughts, the last glimmer of calm reflection flashes through the entirety of my perception––

I seem to clearly understand what my core is.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 4, Memory Silhouette] ✧

It’s early morning on the weekend. The warm sunlight spills over the entire dance studio. Filled with vigor, I tug on my rubber gloves and count the cleaning tools on the floor.

MC: Mop, rags, bucket – we’re all set.

MC: Reporting to CEO Victor, we can start cleaning up the dance studio now~

Victor stands helplessly next to me, silently pulling up the sleeves of his loungewear.

Victor: When I asked a certain someone to find her core, I didn’t mean she has to do every big and small thing.

Victor: We can just call the cleaning auntie. Why go to all this trouble?

MC: [blushing] How can that be! Weren’t we here yesterday…

I subconsciously make a loud retort, my ears immediately burning up a little as I think back to the scenes from last night that made my heart pound and me a blushing mess. Hemming and hawing, I seem to have lost my ability to speak properly.

MC: [blushing]  A-anyway, we’d better clean it up ourselves!

Victor gives me an amused look and doesn’t say anything more. He just simply picks up the mop and walks to a corner of the dance studio.

His back is straight, and the slightly blue veins on his arms peek out along with his movements of holding the mop. The sunlight filtering through the window blurs the contours of his sharp jawline.

I stare fixedly at his profile and can’t help but marvel again and again in admiration.

Is there really anyone out there who even makes doing household chores look so captivating?

And at the same time, another voice clamors in a low voice in my heart that I cannot ignore. After staring at Victor for a while, I finally can’t help giving those words a voice as I ask––

MC: Victor… why aren’t you asking me where the steam mop machine at home has gone?

Victor continues to drag the mop without any reaction whatsoever, not even giving me a look.

Victor: I thought you could keep that to yourself for good and not bring it up.

MC: What do you mean?

I tentatively walk up to his side, wiping the mirror while quietly observing his face in the glass.

MC: Did you already notice that the mopping machine is missing?

Victor: If I were as slow as a certain someone, it wouldn’t be surprising at all that this house would be utterly emptied one day.

MC: …humph. Then why didn’t you ask me where it went?

Hearing my words, Victor finally stops his movements and straightens up, giving me a meticulous and careful once–over with a smile in his eyes.

Victor: So that I could see this tentative, fluky, and curious look on a certain dummy’s face right now.

The expression on my face freezes immediately, and I can’t help pouting.

MC: You aren’t curious, are you? Then I won’t tell you~

After saying that, I continue wiping the mirror and catch a glimpse of Victor continuing to mop the floor with a focused expression out of the corner of my eye.

…he can really put up with it, huh. Or is it that he is really not curious?

While I absent-mindedly clean the mirror, the dumbbells, the yoga balls, and all the tables and chairs, I observe Victor’s movements out of the corner of my eyes the whole time.

He cleans the floor on the right side of the dance studio neatly, then wipes his hands and takes out his phone with his back turned to me, not making any new movements for a long time.

What is he looking at? Why so serious?

Victor: …

Hearing him release a perplexed tone, I can’t resist taking advantage of the wiping motion to walk up behind him and sneak a glance.

Seeing that he is reading an email, I promptly withdraw my gaze out of courtesy, but I inadvertently happen to catch one of the lines––

“Your steam mop machine has been repaired. Please come to the store and collect it promptly.”

MC: Eh??

A soft chuckle resounds in my ears. I lift my head and look at the mirror before me, only to see Victor’s eyes colliding with mine in the glass.

MC: Did you already know that I had sent it in for repair after I accidentally broke it?

Victor: I filled in my email address when we first bought it. So, it’s only natural that the store would send the mail to me.

Victor: Even the reason for the damage is clearly noted here––

Victor: [adorable teasing tone]  “When teasing a cat with the machine, the body was accidentally knocked to the ground…”

MC: Okay, okay, stop reading…

I smile in embarrassment and cover his phone screen, sheepishly averting my gaze.

Suddenly, a broad palm rubs the top of my head. I lift my eyes and see that Victor seems to be in a very good mood, curling the corners of his lips upward.

Victor: [laughs softly] Of course, I was curious.

Victor: It’s just that a certain dummy has never been very adept at concealing the answer.

Victor: Next time, you can redouble your efforts to do so.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

✧ [Chapter 5] ✧

The end of the year is drawing increasingly nearer. I breathe a long sigh of relief as I conclude processing my final review before the holidays.

The work at the present stage has finally come to an end.

But compared with being relaxed, the feeling that consumes my heart even more is a sense of pride at being able to get things done methodically without wrecking my work and rest balance.

And all of this credit belongs to Victor, who helped me find my core.

I take out my phone and am just about to call him, when Victor’s name jumps up on the screen.

MC: Hey, are you done with your meeting yet?

Victor: Mm, and I’ve also cleared up my schedule for the night.

Victor: Can a certain someone now tell me what exactly is the mysterious “surprise arrangement” she’s been cooking up these last few days?

MC: I simply want to thank CEO Victor for accompanying me in the dance practice. As for the details, you will find out when you get there.

MC: I’ve already given the address to your driver, and Goldman has the outfit I’ve prepared for you in advance!

Victor: [helpless, inaudible laugh]  …you’re quite good at managing people.

MC: It’s all because CEO Victor taught me so well~ See you later then!

—

Before the evening descends, I arrive at the garden villa guest house ahead of schedule.

According to my arrangements, this place has been vacated in the morning, and some special preparations have been made.

After confirming everything, I come to the suite with the best view and begin to decorate this room with utmost care.

MC: Scented candles, flowers, mood lighting… and red wine! All set!

Elated, I admire my own decorations, take out my phone, and record the setting.

A few moments later, the doorbell to the room rings. I rush to the door at once and straighten my hair, before opening it slowly.

MC: Welcome~

Outside the door, Victor stands against the backdrop of light, the white dance shirt embellished with fine diamonds perfectly framing his physique.

The V-neckline on the chest clings to the surface of his packed muscles, adding a touch of softness and alluring charm to his robust body.

And as his gaze lands on my red dress, a flash of imperceptible daze and breathlessness seems to flicker through his eyes.

I’m unable to grasp the entirety of all this. I just stare blankly at the person in front of me, forgetting to speak for a while.

Victor: Have you seen enough?

I shake my head.

Victor: [laughs helplessly] …let’s go inside, and you can watch more if you haven’t seen enough.

Amused and in a good mood, Victor takes me by the hand as he walks into the room and sweeps his gaze over the decorations inside, a little smile dyeing the light in his eyes.

Victor: [precious, soft laugh] Is this the dummy’s surprise?

MC: This isn’t everything.

I step forward and take his arm, bringing him to the semi-open-air balcony with a wide view while wearing a mysterious look on my face.

Seeing that he is a little puzzled, I draw a step back and solemnly twirl up the corner of my skirt, standing on ceremony before him.

MC: Welcome to Victor and MC’s exclusive ball.

MC: Mr. Handsome CEO, may I have this dance?

As soon as my words fall, a spotlight comes from the direction of the guest house’s wall, enclosing the shadows of the two of us together.

Victor’s motion freezes slightly, followed by his long and narrow eyes gradually rising little by little.

Victor: Of course.

The instant our palms interlace, music begins to play in the garden outside the balcony. We dance to the familiar tune, melding warmly into each other’s arms.

At this moment, a delicate rustling sound breaks out from the sky. Our eyes can’t help being drawn to the source, and we see dazzling red dots of stars emerging high on the horizon.

And in the next instant, bright rose petals sprinkle down like droplets of rain, rendering the crystalline and shimmering lake outside the bay window until it blends in with the warm red of the sky tinged with the colors of sunset.

Victor laughs quietly, a rare softness emerging in the light of his eyes.

Victor: [precious, helpless soft laugh]  Now can you explain your arrangements to me?

I purse my lips and take a deep breath of the pleasing fragrance of flowers in the air.

MC: We’ve been learning to dance for so long. We’ve got to “perform” once, right?

MC: And I also really wanted to find a sense of ritual for our dancing lessons.

MC: But I still might feel embarrassed in front of other people, so…

MC: I prepared a ball that belongs only to the two of us.

MC: Most importantly, it’s only you and me here now. So, it’s just “our” time~

Victor glances at the rain of petals descending from the sky, raising the tip of his brows slightly.

Victor: [“still-surprised” laugh]  You not only prepared all these, but even reserved the entire place?

Hearing the surprise in his tone, I stick my tongue out.

MC: Thanks to CEO Victor, I’ve made a small fortune as the owner of [MC’s Company Name].

Victor smiles, letting me lightly spin in his arms.

MC: Judging from the expression on your face, it seems like my surprise has been successful?

Victor: Yes, I’m very surprised.

It’s rare for Victor to admit it so candidly, and the tip of his brows seem to have melted into a soft layer of warmth.

Victor: After all, work and dance practice already kept a certain someone very busy during this time.

Victor: It’s hard to imagine that she still had the energy to prepare all this.

MC: I’ve been very, very busy– so busy that at one point, I was writing a proposal and dancing simultaneously in my dreams.

I wink at him, causing the twinkling light flowing in his eyes to sway even more clearly.

MC: But thanks to the best Victor in the world, now I will no longer lose the original rhythm of my life because of being busy.

Victor: [precious, overflowing laughter] A certain someone was very quick to see the light this time.

MC: Of course~ Don’t you know who is the one that taught me~

I raise my chin to him as if to show that he is the one who deserves the credit. And then, I seem to think of something. So, I withdraw my joking expression and stare at him earnestly.

MC: And it’s not just that. I also understood one thing––

MC: Just like eating, sleeping, and laughing heartily, “accompanying the person I love” is something that I cannot allow for its pace to be disrupted.

MC: No matter the situation, it shouldn’t be muddled through for reasons such as “being busy.”

Victor doesn’t say anything, but the ripples shimmering in his eyes lay bare his happy mood.

MC: Come to think of it, this is how you’ve always treated me.

MC: Clearly, you yourself are already very busy. But you still attentively listened to my troubles in the early hours of the morning, found the time to practice dance with me, and helped me regain my stability step by step.

MC: You even secretly got the musical tickets for me and planted the tulips.

Victor laughs softly, drawing us a little closer to each other. I press myself against his chest, quietly listening to that powerful heartbeat.

–

[Anika’s Notes]: I mostly skip adding translation notes now since time is very short. But I had to stop here– MC uses the term “聆听,” which is different from the usual “听 (listen).” The term MC used means “listening respectfully,” which conveys a reverent emotion; and adds so much more depth to that seemingly simple action~ ❤️

–

MC: And because of that, I realized––

MC: Victor, you are my core.

MC: With you by my side, I won’t be too flustered even if something as big as the sky smashes down on me.

I lift my head and gaze at Victor unwaveringly, as if I were trying to look into his heart.

The only thing left in the surrounding is the melody of the music. Amid the quietude, the light in Victor’s eyes is profound, and it’s as if they are tainted with a misty yearning.

I’m intoxicated by the light in that pair of eyes. Despite so, I ask with a little uncertainty.

MC: Why aren’t you saying anything? Did I say it wrongly?

Hearing my words, he releases a deep laugh. His finger pads fondly caress my lips and cheeks, and they finally rest on my back, holding me steady.

The hem of my skirt flutters in the wind as I gently sit on Victor’s lap, my body leaning back slightly without the slightest apprehension.

Victor bends down following my movements, and his palm clasps around my waist, giving me a sense of complete security just like he’s always given me every time before.

As our breaths entwine in close proximity, I hear his answer.

Victor: [the softest™, sexiest™, striking you in the heart™ whisper to exist x1]  You didn’t say it wrongly.

Victor: [x2]  It’s just that I realized one thing too.

Victor pauses, his tone of certainty brimming with completely undisguised yearning.

Victor: [x3]  Beginning from a very long time ago, a certain someone seems to have firmly believed that I’m the one who is leading her forward.

Victor: [x4] No matter how big or small, she seems to subconsciously seek my advice and my embrace.

Victor: [x5]  She will cry endlessly in front of me because of a trivial matter. But when faced with real difficulties, she is more courageous than anyone else.

Victor: [x6] And this girl who loves to cry so much, combined with her courage – she made me unable to take my eyes off her.

Victor: [x7]  I thought this contradiction in her was part of the reason that made me addicted to her.

Victor: [x8]  But now, I have another answer.

I gaze back into his eyes with some puzzlement and see the colors of night outlining the moving expression on Victor’s face. It’s as if he has got the entire world in his arms.

Victor: [x9 + helpless laugh] Dummy, it’s not that you’re incapable of guiding me left or right.

Victor: [x10] Rather, it’s with your ability to use the softest of words, and the most natural of gestures that…

Victor: [x11] –– you have conquered all of me.

The setting sun quietly conceals its appearance, and the pinkish-purple sunset glow is inlaid with infinite stars, bearing witness to everything that has happened on the balcony.

The eyes in front of me are deep and burning hot, as if there are still more words to be said.

But before I can ask, he gently leans into my ear, giving me the best possible answer.

Victor: [x12] What I mean is, I’ve already been conquered by you a long time ago.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

[Anika’s ramblings, feel free to ignore haha]

—

[ana-thedaydreamer]

Follower Celebration Event

Hi hi, it’s me, Ana.

Today I have reached 500 followers in Tumblr, although this is a small numbers comparing to other amazing artist/writer accounts, I'm so delightful with this little achievement 🤩 I would like to thank you for all of your support and love towards my little account ❤️❤️❤️

Hence, I want to make a small fanart prompt event celebrating this 🌹

Please read the information as follows:

- The event is exclusively for the following fandoms:

Ikemen Sengoku - all suitors

Ikemen Revolution - all suitors

Ikemen Vampire - all suitors

Ikemen Prince - all suitors

MLQC - Lucien, Victor, Gavin, Kiro, Shaw

Tears Of Themis - Luke, Vyn, Artem, Marius

- For couple art, only suitor with MC will be approved, I will take suitor x oc request if you already have a visual design exceptionally.

- No BL ship.

- All of you are free to submit the request via comment, private message, ask box

- There will be SFW and NSFW fanart scenario prompts

- The request will open from now to Sunday, 11th September 2022 00:00:00 (GMT+8:00), I will open more slots (if I have time~)

- Special! I will choose random 1 request to make it into an animation gif 💝💝💝💝

Guidelines

DM me with a "Hi/Hello", it is nice to meet you <3

You can request 1 prompt from each category for maximum 1 suitor per request.

Example: “SFW + 1 + Leonardo” or “SFW + 2/ NSFW + 5 + Masamune & Mai”

I can say no to a request if I don't feel like I will able to finish it nicely.

I won’t take NSFW requests from ageless blogs, minors or anons accounts. NSFW fanart will be rated as 16+.

Please be patient to me, it will take time to finish depending on how many requests I take.

————————————————————————————

Fanart Prompts

SFW

It’s always you that I’ll ever fall in love for.

Thank you for always be here with me.

Did you dream about me last night?

I’m really upset for what you did, maybe a kiss can make me happy…now.

Never leave me again like that. I thought I lost you.

Looks like someone stay up all night again, come here.

Don’t go home just yet, it’s cold outside.

I love you, I love you, I love you very much. Do you know that?

You look really cute when you are angry, it makes me want to tease you more.

I just wish that I met you first, not him.

I don’t see nobody but you.

You look stunning in that dress tonight.

May I have a dance with you?

You’ve been staring at me all day. Tell me, am I that attractive to you?

You are really good at making me think about you, days and nights.

Say, if we were together, I would make you the happiest person in the world.

So...are we officially dating now?

Why don't we eat out tonight? I made a reservation for us.

Mm…Good morning, my love.

Sweet dreams, I love you.

NSFW

You are so good at tempting me.

How do you want to be touched here, tell me.

If we are at home right now, I will take off that dress and have you.

You can ask me to make love to you whenever you want, I’m all yours.

Are you alright, my love?

I’m just enjoying the view, you look beautiful like this.

I don’t think I can hold it anymore…ugh.

You sound so cute when I touch you here.

Bite me if you want to cry out, ok?

Don’t cover up, you’re, gorgeous.

How about we do it again?

Mmm…you’re so hot.

You’re finally mine.

You taste sweet

I love you, I love you so bad, honey.

Say, “I’m yours”, I like that.

Kiss me, I love to be marked by you.

I can’t….urgh…mmm…

Feel good, yeah? I feel good, too.

Turn around, I wanna see your face.

Thank you 💋

If you love my artworks, you may consider buying me a coffee ☕️ Thank you

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's Floating Sea Date [Blurbs]

This gift that I gave you for our first meeting - is it lively enough?

Remember this - I’m the only one who can leave marks on you now.

[Date blurb]

According to legend, there was a “ghost” brought up from the bottom of the sea by the captain of the ship. 

I don't have any memory, but I never forgot the figure that broke through the darkness of the deep sea. 

The mark left by the nib of his pen has already drawn you into his territory. 

 ——“Remember, only I can leave a mark on you”. 

[FEAST YOUR EYES WITH THIS THOSE DAMN ABS]

I'M NOT OKAY BRUH WHERE YOU MARKING HER??? DANG THIS IS SO HOT AND SPICY!!! THIS TRANSLATOR HAS DIED RIP ME!

[laxmiree]

[CN] Lucien new SP karma + Mind Quest blurbs

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a story that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

"Maybe now... is not the right time to stop."

Blurbs under the cut~

[Mind Quest: Slow Motion Fireworks]

On the unfamiliar cruise ship, he suddenly plays the game of "first encounter" with you.

Darts game and dance floor next to the bar instantly become a stage where you come and go.

Pretending to be a stranger but unable to restrain the passion, dance steps ignite sincerity.

The one song tonight, which no one can forget.

"Only you can calm my heart."

[cheri-translates]

[CN] 5th Anniversary - Well Wishes from the VAs

🍒 English translation under the cut 🍒

Bian Jiang (Kiro’s VA)

Hi everyone, I’m Voice Actor Bian Jiang. 

Without realising it, it’s the fifth year that I’ve known Kiro. Mm... I still remember that when we first met, Kiro was a sunshine-like and dashing big boy who always wanted to eat snacks behind his agent’s back. Now that I think about it, he was exceptionally cute. 

Well, in these five years, I feel like I’ve witnessed Kiro’s growth. Even after experiencing many many heart-gripping moments, Kiro continued to be the brightest star in the night, bringing with him an inextinguishable light to illuminate the darkness. It seems like he never needs others to worry about him. More importantly, I’ve also witnessed how Kiro and the Producer met to the moment their hearts were linked. And now, they’re each other’s suns. 

Even though I feel some gnawing pain when the both of you brush past each other, what heartens me is every moment of happiness that the both of you share. I’m very happy to accompany everyone to the fifth year. 

Here’s wishing MLQC a happy fifth anniversary. Aside from looking forward to these five years with the Producer and Kiro, I’m also looking forward to many more “five years”, and the many stories that will take place in the future. 

A Jie (Gavin’s VA)

Hello to all the Producers. I’m A Jie. 

I was looking at the dates a while ago and suddenly realised that it’s been five years since I’ve known Officer Gavin. It’s about time for me to ask Officer Gavin out for a meal again and talk about the past. 

Eh, as compared to five years ago, Officer Gavin has changed quite a lot. Of course, these changes are mostly due to the Producer. Ever since he met the Producer, he changed from a fearless and righteous special agent to having a most important worry in his heart. He started to feel anxious and frantic on your behalf, and would also display the cuteness of a big boy without realising it. He’s also finally taking care of his own safety because of you. I would say that this is his biggest improvement.

As his friend, seeing the Producer fulfil his dreams from his youth and continue keeping him company till this day makes me feel sincerely happy on his behalf.

May the Producer and Gavin experience more wonderful things in the world in the future. Finally, I wish MLQC a happy fifth anniversary!

Xia Lei (Lucien’s VA)

Hello everyone, I’m Voice Actor Xia Lei. Time tends to pass by incredibly quickly. In the blink of an eye, it’s been five years since we met. Whenever it’s this time of the year, Lucien and I would reach a tacit agreement and hope to give the Producer a special and meaningful anniversary. 

Many rich memories have been left in these five years. Lucien and the Producer have experienced many things together. Releasing fireflies in the forest, capturing the most beautiful sight beneath the aurora, watching old movies on rainy days, and Garda flourishing on the windowsill under meticulous care.

To Lucien, I believe the time he’s spent with the Producer are the most beautiful colours in his heart.

To me, I’ve always been very happy to keep Old Lu company like the Producer, and watch him become a better version of himself bit by bit.

Let me tell you a secret - as compared to the Old Lu from five years ago, the current Old Lu has improved greatly. This is all thanks to our Producer.

Finally, I wish MLQC a happy fifth anniversary. I’d also like to wish our Producer and Lucien happier times together in the future that go beyond five years.

Wu Lei (Victor’s VA)

Hello everyone, I’m Voice Actor Wu Lei. This is my fifth year of knowing Victor. It feels like these precious and memorable five years have gone by in the blink of an eye.

In these five years, I’ve seen many sides of Victor. Because you stepped into his life, you’ve enabled me to discover the more mature and tender side of the “Unsmiling King”. Aside being someone who takes his work seriously, someone who’s filled with passion for life, CEO Victor can also act coy and is a good learner when he’s by the Producer’s side. I can’t help but want to tease him.

I feel that every year is more interesting and meaningful because of CEO Victor and the Producer. I believe that CEO Victor feels the same way as I do.

I truly look forward to the future where the Producer and Victor will create even more miracles. I’m grateful to everyone for these five years.

Finally, I wish MLQC a happy fifth anniversary.

Zhao Lu (Shaw’s VA)

Hello everyone, I’m Voice Actor Zhao Lu.

It’s finally December. I’m really happy to celebrate this memorable day with everyone. From the time I met Shaw, he’s always been a free and brave person. When I’m with him, I’d often run into all sorts of mishaps. But at the same time, I’d receive surprises that go beyond my imagination. I’m really happy to be his friend. 

In the time of knowing Shaw, he’s always bringing me along in experiencing the boundless possibilities in life. As compared to me, this is something the Producer is more familiar with. I trust that with him beside the Producer, the Producer would experience many things that are interesting and filled with happiness. Although he isn’t used to saying mushy things, I believe that you can definitely sense that he’s incredibly, incredibly happy to have met you, kept you company, and barge into limitless and unknown adventures.

Ok. Finally, I wish MLQC a happy fifth anniversary. I’d also like to wish all the Producers happiness every day, and that you may create even more possibilities belonging only to the both of you with Shaw in Loveland City.