âȘLet music flow in your heart and enrich your soulâȘ
đč This is a blog which I started out of love for Shaw and here I'm posting his translations and stuff (â âĄâ Ïâ âĄâ  â )â  â ~â âȘ
đč For further info, read under the cut!
đč Enjoy your stay here!
âż Upcoming performances âż
⥠Shaw's 2026 Bday Event
⥠Prologue
⥠Call
⥠ASMR
⥠Date
⥠Video Call
Bar // S2 Translations and Contents
Cocktails // Dates and Events
Cabinets // Calls and Moments
Midnight stroll // ASMR and Events
đčA lil bit about this lil'ol translator!
I'm 24 years old and a chemistry graduate student, so don't expect me to be active (âą âœ âą;)
I'm currently learning Chinese so I know some sentences but in many cases I use Google translate for my translations or ask help from my friends! (ââąáŽâąâ)â§*ă
đč Your favorite bias?
MLQC â> Shaw
Tear of Themis â> Marius
Light and Night â> Osborn
I also like Kiro and Luke!
đč Can we send an ask/ private message?
Yes, yes. You can!
- I'll try my best to answer your asks whenever I get the time. You can ask me anything related to Shaw and Osborn but don't ask me about light and night main story cuz I don't have a clue myself (ïœĄĆïčĆ)
- Lastly I won't be responding to any sensitive topics or talk or anything about other leads since everyone has their own preferences so I don't wanna get accused by other people (;ĆïčĆ)
- You can ask me anything about Shaw cuz I love to ramble about him!
đč Can we request a translation?
Hmm, well I can't say anything since I don't have much time since I'm a busy student, so no I don't take requests. I'll translate things according to my schedule.
đč Can we repost your translations?
Yes, you can. No need to ask me, feel free to use them but do give credit to me!
đč Other social media accounts?
- Yes I'm also available in Instagram and twitter! I'm mostly active on Instagram so you can ask me anything there to!
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an Event which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
[Released Date: 16th June 2026]
[Prologue]
Shaw has been coming to my house much more frequently lately.
The reason was that construction had started below his apartment. Every day at exactly nine in the morning, all kinds of sharp, ear-piercing noises would begin right on schedule, blaring in his ears like an endless performance.
To make matters worse, Shaw was a night owl who often had his days and nights reversed.
He put up with it for two days, but on the third day, he finally showed up at my doorstep with his bag in hand.
Under normal circumstances, this would have made me very happy... if Shaw's birthday wasn't drawing closer and closer.
The afternoon sunlight spilled across the living room floor. While Shaw was catching up on sleep in the bedroom, I quietly dragged out a box of crafting materials.
I had just picked up a pair of scissors and was about to measure a ribbon when a lazy voice suddenly sounded from behind me.
Shaw: What are you doing?
MC: âŠâŠâŠ?!
I had no idea when he had woken up. He was peeking over my shoulder, and the messy blue-purple ends of his hair almost brushed against my cheek.
His gaze moved away from my face and landed on the paper boxes and colored paper scattered all over the floor.
Shaw: Are you preparing a birthday gift for me?
MC: Hmph. Your birthday is still half a month away, and you're already thinking about gifts. Dream on.
Shaw stared at me for two seconds, then lowered his head to look at the wrapping paper and decorative flowers on the floor.
Shaw: Keep pretending if you want.
I smiled nonchalantly and naturally looked up.
MC: By the way, there's something I wanted to ask you.
MC: Our company is preparing a nostalgia program about a classic rock band. You're more familiar with this stuff than I am, so I wanted to get some advice from classmate Shaw.
Shaw: Let's hear it.
MC: If I need a crash course, are there any must-watch concerts or documentaries?
As soon as he heard the words "rock band," Shaw finally stopped paying attention to the suspicious pile of materials.
He narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment, his tone becoming more serious.
Shaw: It depends on what direction your program is taking. If you're talking about live performance energy, Queen is impossible to skip. You could also watch The Beatles, especially their rooftop concert.
MC: The rooftop concert?
Shaw: Yeah, it was their farewell performance. There was no traditional stage, no official promotionâthey just suddenly started playing above the city. Itâs pretty interesting.
I repeated it unconsciously, a faint image flickering through my mind.
Shaw: That look of yours⊠youâre not coming up with some weird plan again, are you?
MC: No, no. Iâm seriously learning. Keep going.
Shaw then listed a few more bands and documentaries. I nodded along while typing the keywords into my phone notes.
Shaw: If you need vinyl records or old footage, you can find Jensen. He collects a lot of that stuff.
MC: Got it. Iâll look into it over the next while.
Shaw: So polite?
MC: Expert advice is very valuable.
Shaw: Cut it out.
Shaw let out a lazy laugh and stood up, ready to go back to sleep. His hand was already on the door when he suddenly paused and looked back to confirm.
Shaw: Itâs really not for my birthday?
MC: Nope. Doing this little mind game every year would be boring. Weâll just have a normal birthday this time, donât worry.
Shaw: âŠâŠ.
Shaw: Alright. I believe you.
â
After plugging in the final cable into the audio interface correctly, I rotated my sore arm and stretched lazily.
The instruments marked with âIsolatedâ were arranged one by one on the rooftop. The red brick walls and wooden floor were bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Wind passed through the gaps between high-rise buildings, making the string lights sway gently, as if tuning this small rooftop stage in advance.
Thinking about the expression Shaw would have when he pushed the door open, my heartbeat quietly quickened.
It should feel pretty similar to those performances back then.
I raised my phone again and took a few photos of the rooftop, sending them into the group chat named âSHAW Plan.â
MC: Venue confirmed! Equipment is almost ready, too. Everyone, remember to follow the plan and come on time.
Adam: Received! Mission guaranteed!
Jensen: Donât worry, weâll definitely give Shaw a birthday to remember.
Randal: Iâm already getting excited!
Fitch: See you there.
Watching the messages pop up one by one, I finally couldnât help but smile.
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an ASMR which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
[Translation under the cut!]
[door opens + footsteps]
Hmm, what's wrong?
[MC gets out of bed and hugs him]
Awake? Or still asleep?
[Shaw laughs]
What do you mean by asleep but not asleep
My steps were pretty light how could you still hear them
That means you just werenât asleep
[Shaw kisses MC]
Alright, then go on and sleepâŠ
[His cute panic voice]
What are you doing?
Hmm? Sleep with you?
I canât really sleep, but I can lie with you for a bit.
[Shaw lies down and takes a deep breath]
Did you forget? Iâm going to the countryside with the archaeology team tomorrow for half a month.
The bus is at 4 a.m.
I might as well just get through it like this and sleep on the bus later.
There are only a few hours left anyway.
Hmm? Iâll definitely get enough sleep.
The place this time is really remote.
The bus ride will take seven or eight hours.
Thatâs why they said to leave early and avoid the rush.
Once I get on the bus, put on a neck pillow, put on headphones, close my eyes,
and by the time I arrive, I can still have lunch.
Who said I canât sleep because Iâm excited
You think Iâm like you?
Every time I travel, I act like a primary school kid going on a field trip
[MC hits Shaw]
Tch, canât even tell the truth?
Youâre getting more and more pushy
Alright, arenât you going to work tomorrow?
Big-time producer
[in a sweet, low-key pleading voice]
Iâm begging you, just sleep already
[typing sounds + Shaw's breathing]
Hmm? I replied to a message
[Shaw lets out a sigh]
Adam asked to borrow my game account, theyâre playing a five-man team
I told him not to change my key settings
[Shaw yawns]
Hmm? Iâm not sleepy
[in a pouty voice]
Yawning is just a normal physiological reaction
You should be the one closing your eyes and sleeping
[Shaw yawns again]
To freshen up
[Shaw gets of bed + pop one candy into his mouth]
Hmm? Itâs just a mint candy
What are you going to eat, aren't you sleeping?
Copycat
[Clicks his tongue + take out a candy and give it to MC]
Hmm, open your mouth
Yeah, itâs yogurt mint flavor I gave you
This one has a softer taste, not too strong.
Mine?
I think mine is calledâŠ
Flame Mint.
No, you canât have it.
[MC gets handsy + Shaw's cute panic sounds]
Why are you acting spoiled? Do you really have to taste it?
Fine then.
[Shaw kisses her]
Can you taste it?
No?
I did taste the milk flavor in your mouth though.
Itâs pretty obvious.
But I barely tasted the mint.
Let me try again.
No?
[in a dangerous voice]
Thatâs not your call.
[Literally kissed her for 10 seconds straight]
Alright, now your candy is in my mouth.
[MC ambush him]
What are you doing?
[acting innocent]
How am I like that? What did I even do?
Like a primary school kid grabbing candy?
Donât slander primary school kids.
[laughs + in a low seductive voice]
Primary school kids donât even kiss like thatâonly college students do.
[Kiss + MC hits Shaw again]
Then Iâll give the candy back.
[starts teasing her]
Do you want it? Do you want it? Do you want it?
[MC fiercely kiss him + as a result he ended up swallowing the candy]
I accidentally swallowed it, letâs start over.
This time, taste it carefully, hmm?
You pick the flavor.
OrâŠ
Do you want a blind pick?
Then Iâll choose blindly.
[puts a candy in his mouth and starts kissing her]
What do you taste?
Still mint.
I mean, besides mint, what else do you taste?
I was just messing with youâyou actually started thinking about it.
Itâs just pure, additive-free mint candy.
Now even our breath smells like it.
Too cold?
I donât think you feel cold anywhere.
Your mouth is warm, and so is your face.
[his voice dropping an octave đ«Ł]
Even here⊠itâs burning hot.
[delicious kissing sounds + low teasing]Â
I just realized something.
[Kiss]
You also smell like mint body wash, just like me.
Thanks to you and the mint, Iâm completely awake nowâno sleepiness at all.
What about you?
Dodging difficult questions again, are we?
Thatâs fine. Your body already gave me the answer anyway.
It's much more honest than you are.
I can feel it, you know.
It's telling meâŠ
...that you can't bear to let me go.
That you're going to miss me terribly while I'm gone these next few days.
[Kiss]
That's why you refuse to sleep tonight.
So, don't sleep.
[Kiss]
Have another one.
Engrave this taste deep into your memory.
[Kiss]
The ice-cold.
[Kiss]
The burning-hot.
[Kiss]
Remember it for a lifetime.
[endless kissing without stopping]
â
ASMR Texts (Miss you)
[Section 1]
Shaw: Miss you.
[Section 1.1]
MC: It's been 15 seconds already. Where's the "v50" reply? Did your internet freeze???
[T/N]: "v50" (Væ50) is a famous Chinese internet meme/slang which means "transfer me 50 yuan via WeChat"
Shaw: 111, the connection's fine.
[T/N]: Typing 111 is Chinese internet slang similar to saying: yep, yeah.
Shaw: Can't I tell the truth once in a while?
Shaw: Do I really have to video call you and say it to your face?
[Section 1.2]
MC: !!!! Who took Shaw's phone? Give it back to him right now!
Shaw: âŠâŠ
Shaw: Must be an impostor Shaw.
Shaw: Want to start a video call to verify my identity?
[Section 1.3]
MC: I miss you too =3
Shaw: ...You accepted it that easily?Â
Shaw: Boring.
Shaw: I thought you'd question whether it was really me first.
Shaw: Then we'd have to video call to verify my identity.
â
[Section 2.1]
MC: Can you video call right now?
Shaw: ...Looks like I can't.
Shaw: What a terrible internet connection out here in the countryside.
Shaw: Forget it. Whatever.
[Section 2.2]
MC: No need. Everything you said afterward already proved it's really you.
Shaw: You verified it that quickly?
Shaw: Actually, I was kind of hoping we'd video call so I could see you.
Shaw: But I tried just now. The internet here is terrible. What a pain.
[Section 2.3]
MC: Actually... you could verify it another way~
Shaw: ?
Shaw: I've sent 520 to your Couple Wallet. Got it?
[T/N]: 520 (wÇ Ăšr lĂng) sounds similar to æç±äœ (wÇ Ă i nÇ), meaning "I love you." Because of this, 520 RMB has become a classic romantic amount to send in China. This brat is using money as a way to "verify" that it's really him, since it's something only he would do!
Shaw: Turns out saying something casually can be pretty expensive.
â
[Section 3.1]
MC: Why did you suddenly say you missed me?
Shaw: Do I need to submit an application before I'm allowed to miss you?
Shaw: I just heard someone humming one of your favorite songs.
Shaw: And it suddenly made me think of you.
[Section 3.2]
MC: When are you coming back?
Shaw: Soon.
Shaw: Three or four more days, probably.
Shaw: No, tonight I'm borrowing someone's hotspot if I have to. I'm video calling you no matter what.
[Section 3.3]
MC: Shaw, I miss you.
Shaw: You're sure there isn't some elaborate punchline coming afterward?
Shaw: Then I'll take that as your genuine feelings.
Hey, hey!! Is everyone still alive? Because this heat is definitely trying to take me out. đ I figured it's about time I gave you guys an update on my translations, and I come bearing both good news and bad news. đ
The good news is Shaw's birthday content is fully translated!! đ As a little bonus, I've also finished translating his two new ASMRs and the date that dropped during the livestream. Me being productive? I'm just as surprised as you are. (â â êâ áŽâ êâ )
The bad news is My laptop has decided to go on vacation đ« . The traitor didn't even invite me. đ€ So until it's back (and hopefully in one piece), I won't be able to upload any translations.
I thought, "Fine, I'll at least post some spoilers to keep everyone fed." ...Yeah, about that. đ¶ Turns out Tumblr refuses to let me upload photos or videos from my phone, so that's why this blog has been eerily quiet. I promise I didn't disappear into the void on purpose.
So now I need your help! đ„č
Can you recommend another social media platform where I can post spoilers, translation updates, and news about upcoming dates while my laptop is MIA?
Ever since the global server shut down, I know a lot of Shaw fans have been feeling a little lost. đ„Č I don't want this fandom to slowly fade away, and I definitely don't want my silence to make things even worse.
More than anything, I just want to create a cozy little corner where we can scream about Shaw, share updates, discuss new content, and enjoy everything this man gives us. đ„čđ
Thanks for sticking around, even when I've been quieter than usual. I promise I'll be back with translations as soon as my laptop returns from its mysterious vacation. đ«Ąđ
Until then stay healthy and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in this heat đ«
MC: Shaw, are you free tomorrow morning?
Shaw: What? Something happened?
MC: Hehe, didnât you take me to that congee hotpot place that also serves morning tea a few days ago?
MC: Today I suddenly got a notification from them saying theyâve launched a New Year set menu, so Iâm planning to go there with you~
MC: Iâve forwarded the promotion to you~
Shaw: Got it. So they really did make the dim sum pink?
MC: Wait⊠you already knew?
Shaw: Of course. That was actually my suggestion to them.
MC: Huh? When did that happen? How come I didnât know?
Shaw: That day, when you went to the restroom.
Shaw: The owner said they wanted to launch a holiday set but didnât know what young people like these days.
Shaw: So I casually suggested something I thought youâd like, and they ended up using it right away.
MC: No wonder I saw you chatting with the owner when I came out.
MC: But your idea is really good! That day Iâll definitely order a few extra baskets of dim sum to support you.
Shaw: Didnât you say we still had a lot of plans left over from Valentineâs Day?
Shaw: Since weâre already going out, we might as well arrange the rest of the time too.
MC: Hmm⊠I actually still want to try that famous dining-in-the-dark experience with you.
MC: But itâs always fully booked. Iâm still on the waiting list, so that plan is uncertain.
Shaw: If we really canât get a spot, we could just do it at home.
Shaw: Pulling the blackout curtains at home would have the same effect anyway.
MC: âŠ..That actually sounds tempting~
MC: After all, staying in a completely dark environment feels safer in a familiar place.
Shaw: Then itâs settled. You decorate the place, and Iâll go out and buy the food.
Shaw: If we feel like changing things halfway through, we can turn it into a candlelight dinner right away.Â
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
[Released Date: Feb 2026]
[Section 1]
Dingâ
The lingering chime of the bell under the antique shopâs eaves slowly faded away. I lay sprawled over the coffee table, my pen tip scratching nonstop across the notebook.
Tomorrow was Valentineâs Day, yet I was still troubled over our date itinerary.
Footsteps approached from afar. After seeing the customer out, Shaw returned, casually sinking into a soft chair.
Shaw: Youâve been at it for agesâstill not done?
MC: Itâs not that itâs not done⊠itâs just that there are too many places I want to go with you, no matter how I arrange the time, itâs never enough.
A shadow carrying a hint of mint fell over me. He took my notebook and scanned it carefully.
Shaw: Boating on the lake, doing some knitting crafts, and then browsing the market⊠Since when did a single day become 48 hours long?
Shaw: Just remove the few I suggested first. We can find time to go later.
Seeing him lift the pen to cross things out, I hurriedly snatched the notebook back.
MC: Wait! Those plans are pretty interesting tooâyou canât just remove them!
He neither agreed nor disagreed, only tugged lightly at the corner of his mouth, then tapped directly on a line I had crossed out.
Shaw: Then whatâs with this amusement park?
Shaw: Werenât you the one who said you absolutely had to go there after filming that promo video for them before?
Looking at the note that had been almost scratched beyond recognition, I pressed my lips together, feeling a little regretful myself.
MC: âŠOf course I want to go there too.
MC: But Valentineâs Day is their opening day. Itâll definitely be packed with people everywhere.
MC: Anyway, the tickets the park gave me donât have an expiration date, so we can just go another day.
Hearing this, he shrugged indifferently and leaned back into the chair, reaching for the bass guitar standing nearby and casually plucking the strings.
I buried my head again and sighed at the notebook in frustration.
MC: âŠSo where exactly should we go?
The smooth bass line by my ear suddenly took a turn, as if he were pinching his throat to imitate my tone from earlier.
Bass: Where~ should~ we~ go~?
I froze for half a second, then immediately glared at the person across from me who couldnât hide the curve of his lips.
MC: Shaw!Â
Bass: Shaw~~
This guy! I lunged at him angrily, fists clenched, about to give his arm a couple of hits.
Shaw [surrenders]: Alright, alright, I wonât tease you anymore.
Shaw: If youâre this torn, want to try the method I suggested to that customer earlier?
Thinking of how that customer, after hesitating for a long time, had left happily clutching an incense burner, I nodded thoughtfully.
MC: What method?
He took out his phone and sent a digital dice into our chat.
Shaw: We each pick one plan. If it rolls an even number, we go to your choice; if itâs odd, we go to mine.
MC: âŠThatâs it?
Shaw: The greatest truth is simplicity, returning to basics.
Shaw: Alright then. Tomorrowâs first stopâI choose a clay pot congee hotpot. What about you?
Seeing that he didnât look like he was joking, I blinked.
MC: Then⊠Iâll choose morning tea.
Following his gaze, I tapped the screen. The dice spun a few times before slowly coming to a stopâ
An odd number.
â
[Section 2]
In the private room decorated in a modern Chinese style, the dark sandalwood window lattice was half closed. Strands of morning light spilled in, making the ink painting on the wall look even more elegant and refined.
The thick seafood congee bubbled away in a clay pot. I scooped up a spoonful and brought it to my mouth; the rich aroma spread instantly, drawing a soft sigh from me.
MC: So fresh. No wonder you chose this place~
Shaw: Of course. When has my taste ever been bad?
He lifted his hand and tipped a plate of prawns into the pot, when the private room door behind him suddenly sounded with two light knocks.
We both turned around to see a server walking in, carrying a tall stack of bamboo steamers.
Waiter: All your dim sum is ready.
MC: Huh? So you can have dim sum here too?
Shaw: Congee alone wonât fill you up, so I picked a place that has everything.
I vaguely understood his intention, and a sweet, warm feeling spread through my chest as I smiled and lifted the steamer lid.
Steaming-hot dim sum came into view. Just as I was about to pick up my chopsticks, something occurred to me.
MC: By the way, I once saw a psychological test about dim sum~
MC: Just follow your instincts firstâpick the snack you want to eat the most!
As I spoke, I unlocked my phone and pulled up a post I had saved earlier. He gave a soft chuckle and casually popped a piece of barbecued pork pastry into his mouth.
Before I could even find the section about it, he spoke first, his cheeks still full.
Shaw: Let me guess. It says I have a clear-cut personality, with a bit of sharpness?
MC [dumbfounded]: âŠHow did you know?
Shaw: Isnât this kind of thing easy to guess? If you pick something soft and sweet, they say youâre gentle and easygoing. If itâs crispy and firm, they say youâre distinctive and stubborn.
I glanced down. What the post said matched his words almost exactly.
Seeing the smug look on his face, a mischievous thought suddenly crossed my mind, and I curved my lips into a smile.
MC: No no no~
MC: It also says that people who like barbecued pork pastry may seem hard to approach, but are actually using sharp edges to hide their inner thoughtfulness.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned closer, looking suspicious.
Shaw: Youâre making that up. Thereâs no way it says that.
MC: But some people really are quite considerate. Taking me out for morning tea, peeling crab legs for meâŠ
Shaw [in a slightly threatening tone]: âŠ..See through it, but donât say it out loud. Got it?
He snorted softly and spooned the prepared crab meat into my bowl.
The clinking of porcelain mixed with quiet laughter. After eating and drinking our fill, we walked out of the restaurant side by side.
Across the street, a familiar piece of music suddenly played. I followed the sound and saw my promotional video for the amusement park playing on the outdoor screen opposite us.
On the screen, mascots bounced around with their round bodies, and exciting rides appeared one after another..
If only opening day werenât todayâŠ
I tucked away the trace of regret rising in my heart and turned to Shaw with a smile in my eyes.
MC: Time to roll the dice again. This round, I chose the dome cinema!
He folded his arms and slowly shifted his gaze from the screen back to my face.
Shaw: Sure. Then I chose that amusement park.
MC: âŠYouâre serious? If we go now, just getting in will probably mean lining up forever.
Shaw: Silly. Itâs exactly at this time that thereâll be fewer people.
Shaw: Thereâs an opening-day performance today, so most visitors will rush there early.
Shaw: If we go now, we might be able to avoid the crowds and play for a while.
MC: Hmm⊠when you put it that way, it does make sense.
I nodded, eyes fixed on the dice he had rolled.
As it spun rapidly, I silently prayed in my heart: please let it be an odd numberâŠ
Under our gaze, the dice on the screen came to a steady stop â four.
MC: âŠâŠâŠ
I shrugged regretfully and took his hand, and was about to cross the street. Just as I stepped forward, he pulled me back.
Shaw: âŠGoing to sit in a cinema for two hours straight right after eating would be uncomfortable. Letâs walk around somewhere more open.
He looked at me steadily for two seconds, the curve of his lips finally turning into a playful smile.
MC: What do you mean�
Shaw: It means Iâm cheating.
Shaw: I just want to go to the amusement park with you.
â
[Section 3]
The sweet scent of cotton candy drifted through the air. In the distance, the drop tower suddenly plunged downward, followed by bursts of screams.
My gaze swept across couples holding hands and laughing together, then I turned and curiously poked Shaw beside me.
MC: Shaw, why did you go back on your word this time? Going back on your word doesnât seem like your style.
At my question, he withdrew his gaze from the surroundings and tossed out a seemingly unrelated topic.
Shaw: Do you know what the result of yesterdayâs customerâs dice roll was?
MC: Hmm⊠it made him buy the incense burner?
Shaw: Wrong. If he had followed the dice, he should have bought the tall-footed bowl. But the moment the dice settled, he understood what he truly wanted.
He tilted his head and gave me a meaningful glance.
Shaw: So when people hesitate, itâs not because there are too many choices. Itâs because they canât see which one is truly the best choice in their heart.
I froze for a moment, realizing he had seen through my earlier hesitation. I coughed lightly and looped my arm through his.
MC: Heh, you noticed~
Shaw: Iâm not stupid.
Shaw: Alright, since weâre here, donât just stand around. Where should we go first?
I looked around excitedly. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a red panda mascot shuffling out from the entrance, and my eyes lit up.
MC: Letâs take photos with it first!
Seeing us approach, the red panda mascot waved its paw adorably.
I handed my phone to a staff member to take some photos for us and quickly straightened my clothes.
Next, I stood on tiptoe, trying to form little panda ears above Shawâs head.
But just as my hand was halfway up, another palm came down on my head like a âMount Tai pressing down,â stopping me in place.
Shaw: Behave yourself.
MC: Just cooperate a little!
The red panda, half a head taller than Shaw, quietly raised its paw and copied him, placing its paw on his head.
Shaw: âŠâŠ
MC: Ha!
I couldnât help laughing.
He clicked his tongue lightly, then suddenly reached out and pinched my cheek instead.
MC: Youâre taking ârevengeâ on the wrong person!
I snorted, though the corners of my lips couldnât help curving upward, letting the camera capture the little commotion.
Under the teasing gaze of the staff member, we tilted our heads in sync before the camera, letting the happiness spread freely.
Staff member: Last one. Try a different pose~
As the staff member lifted the camera again, I blinked, thinking about what pose we hadnât tried yet.
Instinctively, I glanced at Shaw beside me and saw him curl his lips knowingly.
My hand, still suspended in midair, was suddenly grabbed. My balance shifted, and I fell solidly into his cool, refreshing embrace.
His hand around my shoulder tightened slightly. At the very last second, his bright, bold smile brushed against my cheek.
Shaw: Youâve been cute enough. Time for something different.
Clickâthe heavy beat of my heartbeat overlapped with the shutter sound. The lively surroundings blurred into background noise.
Warmth spread slowly across my cheek. Even without looking at the photo, I knew this moment would be the most perfect capture.
After waving goodbye to the red panda, I was led out of the photo area by Shaw.
Staff member: Today our park is holding a special couplesâ event. Complete the challenges and you can win a mysterious grand prize. If youâre interested, you can join~
The staff member returned my phone and handed me a colorful flyer.
I scanned the words on it, my eyes lighting up as I turned to Shaw.
MC: Want to check it out? The closest one to us seems to beâŠ. the disco spinning ride over there!
He tilted one corner of his mouth upward, lightly gripping my wrist, eagerness clear in his tone.
Shaw: Letâs go have a look.
â
[Section 4]
Pushing through the bustling crowd, Shaw and I finally stepped onto the disco spinning ride and found seats right next to each other.
The machine started up slowly. The laughter of the couples around us tangled with the upbeat music, lifting my mood along with it.
The amusement park decorations that had been hidden by the crowd now sprang vividly into view. Swaying with the rhythm, I tugged at his sleeve.
MC: This ride feels pretty relaxing, kind of like sitting on a boat.
MC: Looks like that mysterious grand prize is as good as ours~
Buzzâ
The platform beneath us suddenly jolted. I was caught off guard and thrown up from my seat, only to be pressed back down quickly by Shawâs fast reflexes.
Shaw: Hold on tight. This is just the warm-up. I donât want to see you launched straight out of here.
Amused by his tone, I wrapped my arms around the one he had placed protectively in front of me.
MC: Hehe, then Iâll hold onto you tightly. Even if we get launched away, Iâm getting launched out together with you~
Shaw: Sure. Then hold on tighter.
As he spoke, he gently pried my hands off his arm. Before I could feel confused, he guided them around his waist instead.
Shaw: Youâve got to grab the right place.
My heartbeat seemed to hit the fast-forward button. The warmth beneath my palms felt like a subtle current, brushing lightly through my whole body.
The flowing music and cheerful laughter filled my ears. Amid the swaying, I gradually sank into his presence, letting the person beside me become the warmest support in that moment.
But the rideâs jolts grew more intense. The out-of-control shaking nearly threw people off.
The open platform seemed to magnify every vibration. Waves of weightlessness surged up again and again. I finally shut my eyes and buried my face in his chest.
The couples around us gradually gave up. In the blink of an eye, only two or three pairs were still holding on.
The arm around my waist tightened a little more.
Shaw [concerned]: Weâve had about enough fun. Maybe we shouldâ
MC: âŠ.no!!
I cut him off decisively, instinctively tightening my arms around him.
Shaw: Tsk, stubborn again. Then donât close your eyes. Fix your gaze on something far away.
I forced my eyes open just a crack. In my line of sight, we were being tilted high into the air at a frightening angle.
My heart jolted violently. I squeezed my eyes shut again and burrowed further into his embrace.
MC: Iâd rather stay dizzy like this. I donât dare lookâŠ.
Shaw: Then youâre going to miss the message I left for you on the electronic screen.
Shaw: Not going to look? Itâll switch to the next one in a few seconds.
Curiosity overpowered fear at that moment. I snapped my eyes open, and almost at the same instant, rows of colorful daytime fireworks burst in the distance with a loud bang.
It was as if the entire romance of spring had been splashed across the skyâsoft pink wrapped in pearly white, tender green streaked with flowing goldâeach color racing to leave its mark.
I stretched my neck, swaying left and right, trying to make out the words through the drifting smoke.
Shaw: What are you shaking for? Youâll only get dizzier.
MC: Didnât you say you left me a messageâŠ
Shaw: âŠâŠ.
Our eyes met. The way his lips parted was clearly reflected in my pupils. I paused, then suddenly realized.
MC [angrily]: You tricked me again, didnât you? You didnât post anything on the confession wall at all!
Seeing me huff and turn my head away, he chuckled softly and rested his chin on top of my head.
Shaw [in a sweet whisper x1]: I did want to upload something while we were in line.
Shaw [x2]: But some things arenât meaningful unless you say them in person.
MC: âŠThen what were you going to say?
Shaw [x3]: A lot of things. For example⊠Happy Valentineâs Day.
Shaw [whelp- he's so lovesick]: And itâs you who keeps my world interesting.
â
After we stepped off the ride, a staff member approached us with a smile.
Staff member: Congratulations! Please accept your prize â a single ice cream voucher!
Shaw: âŠ..So this is the âgrand prizeâ?
I couldnât help laughing. Shaw let out a short scoff and immediately pulled me toward the nearest ice cream cart.
His gaze swept across the options behind the glass. Before I could say anything, he decisively ordered one.
And he picked my favorite flavor.
This person todayâŠ
I took the scoop of ice cream from the staff member. Thinking about all of todayâs plans, I pressed my lips together slightly. Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly caught a faint glint of reflected light.
Following it, I saw a little boy on a nearby bench playing with some park badges in his hand.
One of them clearly bore the image of the red panda we had just taken photos with.
An idea flashed through my mind. Under Shawâs puzzled gaze, I held up the ice cream and quickly walked toward the child.
MC: Hi there. Can I trade this for your red panda badge?
Child: Wow~ ice cream~ I have several red panda ones anyway~
Taking the cool badge into my hand, I smiled and ran back to Shaw, carefully pinning it onto him.
Shaw: You traded for it yourself. Why give it to me?
MC: Hehe. Today is our holiday. Of course you need a little gift too.
Shaw: Me?
MC: Mm-hmm~ But itâs not just this badge. Next is your turn! Letâs go do something excitingâsomething you want to play.
He paused, rubbing the badge on his chest, then smiled at me.
Shaw: Youâre such a fool. Havenât I been doing exactly what I wanted all along?
MC: HuhâŠ
Shaw: What, you think I was deliberately giving in to you today, choosing whatever you chose?
MC: Wasnât that the case?
Shaw: Thatâs because the one I chose was you.
Shaw: So whatever choice you make is fine. Itâs what I want.
Shaw: No matter what it is, Iâll experience it with you.
My heart stirred. I blinked in sudden understanding.
MC: You mean Iâm your âoptimal choiceâ?
Shaw: Tsk. Do you really need to confirm that?
MC: Of course. Say it again properly~
Shaw: I donât repeat nice words. But I can confirm it in another way.
He leaned slightly toward me. In his eyes, shimmering like flowing gold, my reflection was clear.
Even the sunlight seemed to favor this moment, falling softly over our intertwined hands and casting our joined shadows on the ground.
My heart filled with a gentle sweetness, warm and enveloping. I couldnât help smiling as I rose onto my toesâ
Until his breath blended quietly with mine.
And just like that, it became another perfect Valentineâs Day.
Heya everyone! How are ya all? I finally had some free time, so I thought Iâd stop by. Iâve been meaning to drop by for a while, especially after hearing the MLQC news.
When I first heard the news, I was honestly shockedâI'm still kind of in the denial stage. I never thought things would go downhill to the point where theyâd have to shut down the server. Yes, they had been skipping many things like not voicing the main story, dates, not updating company projects, pet cards, and more, but I didnât expect it to end like this.
Iâm really heartbroken. Ik there's CN server and we'll be up-to-date with the dates and events, but listening to it in English has its own charm, you know? I was especially looking forward to this year on the EN server because the upcoming dates were all top notchâthere are already so few Shaw dates in EN and now there will be none đ„Č
And then they released the 7th anniversary cards right after dropping this huge bomb on us đ Worst part this one is my most favorite Shaw dates. How am I supposed to enjoy it when I'll be bawling my eyes out the entire time?đ€§đ
This call accompanies Shaw's A Promise on the Long Journey Date!
Shaw: Did you listen to the demo tracks I sent you just now?
MC: What a coincidenceâI was just about to tell you my thoughts when your call came in.
MC: But seriously, sending five tracks at once is way too much!
MC: And the filenames tooâdemo3, demo3-rev, demo3-rev-after-minor-tweak, demo4, demo5-brain-deadâŠ
MC: It honestly feels like Iâm looking at one of my own planning proposalsâŠâŠ
Shaw: Pfft, the names werenât mine. Not important. Tell me how they sounded.
MC: Hmm⊠if Iâm being honest, demo3 feels the cleanest and most decisive. It really fits Isolatedâs usual style.
MC: Demo4 feels a bit⊠not quite like you guys?Â
MC: Demo5 just feels like everyone was already bald from stress and started giving up.âŠ
Shaw: Not bad. I kinda get it.
Shaw: Soâwhich version do you like the most?
MC: If I really have to choose⊠my favorite is actually demo2, the one I heard last time on the bus.
Shaw: Oh? Then your taste really is different from everyone elseâs.
Shaw: Jensen and the others all think the only good thing about demo2 is that bass soloâbut that it doesnât really fit into the track as a whole.
Shaw: Thatâs why we worked out the more balanced demo3.
Shaw: Then Fitch said he had nothing to do in that version, so we tweaked it twice more.
Shaw: As for demo4 and demo5, those were rushed out in a last-minute brainstorming session these past two days. Neither is fully polished yet.
Shaw: Youâre the only one who thinks demo2 is good. Why?
MC: Maybe because when I first heard it, it was exactly when your bass solo came in.
MC: For meâŠ
MC: It happened to echo a fleeting emotion of mine at that moment, and turned into an anchor point. Thatâs probably why I canât forget it.
Shaw: Alright. I know which one to choose. Iâm hanging up.
MC: Waitâso which one are you choosing?!
Shaw: The demo3-rev-after-minor-tweak. Thatâs the one weâll release for everyone to hear.
Shaw: As for demo2â Iâll make a separate version. One that belongs only to you.
This call accompanies Shaw's A Promise on the Long Journey Date!
Shaw: Hey, let me ask you something.
Shaw: Do you still remember that group of kids handing out balloons we ran into at the Route 330 stop last time?
MC: Of course. Did you get handed another balloon again?
Shaw: âŠDo I really look like the kind of person whoâs easy to approach by strangers?
MC: Not reallyâbut kind of, at the same time.
Shaw: ? What kind of description is that?
Shaw: Anyway, back to the point. I looked it up todayâtheir âGet Close to Natureâ event isnât over yet.
Shaw: Today, theyâre collaborating with Loveland University, going to Forest Park for an exploration. Thereâll be instructors leading everyone to learn about insects and plants.
Shaw: And things like sorting fallen leaves, making small natural art installationsâstuff like that.
MC: Wait, waitâwhy are you suddenly introducing all this to me?
MC: Youâre trying to drag me along, arenât you?
Shaw: What else would I be doing? Iâve already explained the activities in such detailâhow did you not catch on?
MC: Itâs just⊠those activities sound pretty âgentle.â Not really your style.
Shaw: Actually, the activities themselves arenât the point.
MC: Then what is?
Shaw: The point isâ
Shaw: The weather is really nice today.
MC: Huh?
Shaw: The sunlight is great. The air is great too.
Shaw: I want to drag you out of the house and let you soak up some sun.
MC: Pfft. Then how long do you plan on sunbathing?
Shaw: Until the sun goes down.
Shaw: Get out here. Iâm downstairs at your place.
[CN] Shaw's A Promise on the Long Journey Date (Part 2/2)
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
You can read Part 1 from here!
[Released Date: Dec 2025]
[Section 3]
Once the excitement of finally meeting again settled back into a sweet, clingy intimacy, I kept lounging in his arms, chatting idly about the little things in our recent lives.
He talked about a few collectors heâd recently gotten to know; I talked about my work frustrations and the misery of being on a business trip in a culinary wasteland of a city.
Even though weâd already talked about these things countless times over voice calls, it still felt different saying them face to face.
And sure enough, Shaw toyed with my fingers as he listened, letting out a soft laugh.
Shaw [chuckles + in a loving voice]: This little bit of trouble wore you down this badly?
MC: Itâs not a little thing at all!
MC: Anyway, once this business trip is over, Iâm definitely taking a proper vacation for myself.
Shaw: By the way, your partner this time is that Wen familyâthe one with a huge business empire, right?
MC: Yeah, thatâs them⊠speaking of which, they invited me to a dinner this Saturday. Do you want to come with me as my date?
I handed the invitation to Shaw. He glanced at it and nodded.
Shaw [immediately agrees]: Sure.
His answer came so readily that it caught me off guard. I couldnât help lifting my head to look at him; he lowered his gaze and glanced back at me.
Shaw [puzzled]: Whatâs wrong?
MC: âŠYou agreed so easily. I thought youâd at least put up a bit of a struggle with me.
Shaw [sighs helplessly]: I came here specifically to accompany you. If I still dragged it out, wouldnât that just make me seem overly affected?
I let out a laugh and rubbed against the chest of that very unpretentious classmate Shaw.
MC [brimming with joy]: But I should give you a heads-up firstâthe banquet will probably be pretty boring, since itâs all business partners.
Shaw [brat mode on]: Thatâs fine. You handle the socializing, Iâll handle freeloading the food.
MC [speechless]: âŠâŠ?
Shaw: Any other warnings to give?Â
MC: And alsoâŠOh right, I need to prepare a formal outfit for you. These families are pretty particular about appearancesâmm, hey, why are you pinching me?
Shaw pinched my cheek and raised an eyebrow with righteous confidence.
Shaw [clicks his tongue]: You really underestimate how worldly I am.
Shaw: Letâs just meet directly at the mansion then.
â
On the day of the banquet, I arrived at Jingyuan Mansion fifteen minutes early.
Luxury cars pulled up one after another at the entrance, and faint, elegant music could already be heard drifting from the hall inside the grounds.
Holding the invitation, I scanned my surroundings and immediately spotted a tall, slender figure standing beneath the trees.
The pure black suit was tailored cleanly at the waist, a snow-white bow tie neatly fastened at his collar, reining in his usual unruly air.
It was Shaw.
Only the deep red coat and his blueâviolet hair stood out strikingly under the lights.
His gaze swept over the crowd and locked onto me. Those flecked golden eyes gleamed brightly beneath the lamps, and his lips curved into a smug smile.
Shaw [teasingly]: What, canât recognize me?
MC: With someone as eyeâcatching as Mr. Shaw, how could I not?
I teased as I walked closer. A scent deeper and richer than his usual mint washed over me, and I couldnât help lightly poking the button on his suit.
MC: So even Shaw can clean up to look this presentable?
Shaw [pretends to be hurt]: What kind of talk is thatâare you saying I donât usually look human?
As Shaw spoke, he reached out to ruffle my hair, but when he noticed the hair ornament nestled among my locks, he stopped himself and instead awkwardly straightened the necklace at my neck.
Shaw: Since I promised to accompany you in socializing, Iâll let you off for now.
I linked arms with Shaw and walked into the hall, quickly drawing several gazes our way.
A few guests who had previously dealt with [MC Company Name] approached us, exchanged a few pleasantries with me, then turned their attention to Shaw.
Partner A: Miss MC, who is this gentleman?
MC: Heâs Shaw. Heâs myâŠ
I was still debating whether to say family, or assign him some kind of company position, when Shaw spoke first.
Shaw [professional mode on]: A collector, just an enthusiast really. You could say Iâm Miss MC's âcompanionâ for the evening.
Shaw: Iâve long heard that the Wen familyâs collection is exceptionally rich, so I came especially to broaden my horizons this time.
He gave his name calmly and neither humbly nor arrogantly, smoothly steering the conversation toward âcollections.â
After a few rounds of casual talk, Shaw handled himself with perfect ease, and the others no longer dared to treat him lightly.
Soon, two more guests arrived and invited me to step aside for a word, leaving me no choice but to separate from Shaw for the moment.
As I talked, I kept glancing in his direction, worried he might feel uncomfortable dealing with things on his own.
But Shaw remained completely at ease, chatting and laughing effortlessly with anyone who struck up a conversation with him.
As if he were the young master of some old-money family, thoroughly familiar with the unspoken rules of high society.
By the time I finally finished dealing with the last round of courtesies and looked back, I realized Shaw was no longer where heâd been.
Where did he go?
Holding an empty glass, I searched around the venue. After circling a few times, I finally spotted a curl of blue-violet hair behind the champagne tower.
The tall champagne tower perfectly concealed Shawâs long frame. Several desserts were arranged on his plate, and I walked over and took a piece of cake from it.
MC: Youâre pretty good at hiding.
Shaw: This spot has great feng shuiâno one bothers me, I can eat, and I get to enjoy the scenery too.
I followed his line of sight. Beneath the crystal chandeliers, there was a whirl of fine clothes and coiffed hair, indulgence and excess everywhere.
MC: Nothing but peopleâwhereâs the scenery in thatâŠ
Shaw [dragging his words]: Of courseâŠ
He leisurely took a sip of his drink and leaned closer, his voice brimming with laughter by my ear.
Shaw: Watching a big-name producer maneuver smoothly through the world of fame and fortune, juggling everyone, parched and frazzled, yet still smilingâ
Shaw [lightly screams in pain]: Hiss! Watch your image!
I withdrew the hand that had been pinching him and huffed indignantly.
MC: You just like lounging around yourself and taking schadenfreude in my misery.
Shaw [in a low seductive tone x1]: So⊠do you want me to come rescue you?
His voice dropped low, blending perfectly into the indoor string music. The slightly lifted ending brushed lightly against my ear.
It felt as if someone suddenly squeezed my heartâthump, thump, it started racing.
MC [trying to process his words]: Youâre going to help me make an escape?
Shaw [x2]: Why not?
I almost nodded on instinct, but reason forcibly reined in the impulse.
MC: [resisting his charm] âŠ.I still have serious business to take care of.
Shaw: What serious business?
MC: Of course, meeting the real guest of honor of this banquetâthe Wen familyâs âhigher-up,â Old Master Wen.
MC: Officially, itâs said that the current head, Mr. Wen, handles those collections, but the one who truly makes the decisions is still the old master.
MC: But the old man has an eccentric personality and only meets people heâs familiar with. Thatâs why I wanted to show my face at the banquet first.
Shaw [x3]: I get it. You donât want to keep waiting while the Wen family drags things back and forth in the processâyou want to strike straight at the heart, right?
MC: Exactly. But Iâve looked around, and I donât seem to see the old master anywhereâŠ
Shaw [x4]: You shouldâve said that was your plan earlier.
MC: Eh?
Shaw [x5]: If you want to get on Old Master Wenâs radar, just look for me.
Seeing that I still looked a bit dazed, Shaw simply handed his plate to me.
Shaw [x6]: Wait here. Iâll call you when itâs done.
Before I could react, he had already moved past the champagne tower and into the crowd, heading toward the second floor of the banquet hall.
MC [baffled]: âŠâŠ.
Holding the plate, I stood there dumbly by the champagne tower and blinked.
Waitâcould it be that heâs helping meâŠ?
A vague guess formed in my mind, my heartbeat quickening unconsciously, and I immediately wanted to chase after him.
Woman: Miss MC, a pleasure to meet you.
Man: Isnât this Producer MC?
But the moment I stepped out from behind the champagne tower, I was intercepted by several guests.
By the time I finished exchanging pleasantries and looked up again, Shaw was nowhere to be seen.
Time flowed slowly amid the interweaving sounds of string music and clinking glasses. I waited where I was for a while, then looked upstairs again.
MC [worriedly]: Why isnât he back yetâŠ
Did the conversation not go well? Was the other party too difficult? What if they gave him a hard time?
The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became. I finally decided to go up to the second floor myself.
Just as I was about to ask a server where Old Master Wen was, another guest came over to strike up a conversation.
Interrupted again and again, irritation surged up from the bottom of my heartâ
Shaw [in a possessive tone]: Sorryâmy companion has more important things to do.
I turned my head abruptly and saw that someone had appeared on the spiral staircase at some point.
Shaw was standing there.
Golden flecks and petals drifted through the vast hall, and the crystal chandeliers overhead spread dizzying rings of light above him.
I suddenly thought of the old movie weâd watched together on a call a few nights ago.
The male lead in that film had appeared at a banquet just like thisâfull of confidenceâand had appeared, too, in the female leadâs dull, monotonous life.
At this moment, Shawâs face overlapped with the images captured on that strip of film. I held my breath, feeling that same unmistakable flutter with startling clarity.
He took her galloping through a world of freedom, capable of anything.
He leaned casually against the railing and raised a glass of champagne toward me.
The golden liquid shone just as brightly as his eyes.
Shaw [seductively]: Cheers.
Shaw [knows he looks like a charming hero]: Iâm here to rescue you.
â
[Section 4]
After that, everything fell into place naturally, and I managed to meet Old Master Wen ahead of schedule.
He didnât make things difficult for me either. After I presented the newly reorganized materials to him one by one, he made a decisive call and gave the final approval.
When the news spread that weâd finally be spared at least another week of unnecessary social maneuvering with the Wen familyâand that we could return to Loveland City as early as tomorrowâthe work group chat erupted in cheers.
I finally relaxed my nerves and slept straight through to morning in Shawâs arms.
MC [stares at him in a daze]: âŠâŠ
Shaw [feeling uncomfortable by her stare]: âŠWhy are you staring at me?
MC [still in a daze]: Why didnât you wake me up this morning?
Shaw: ? Didnât you say you wanted to indulge yourself and then sleep as much as you wanted?
MC [getting second-hand embarrassment]: âŠThat does sound like something I said.
I felt a little guilty, but my mind quickly spun up an excuse.
MC: Ahemâwell, thatâs true. And itâs the weekend anyway. Even if thereâs no intercity transport, we can always take a taxi back. We could even laze around in bed a bit longer before leaving, right?
Shaw grabbed my hand, both exasperated and amused, then rolled over and blocked my mouth with his.
Shaw [chuckles + in a low voice]: Youâve already said everythingâwhat am I supposed to say?
We continued âlazing aroundâ in bed for most of the day before slowly getting ourselves together and checking out.
The air was filled with the noise and restlessness unique to a holiday. Linking my arm through Shawâs, I took out my phone to call a car.
MC: If we take a taxi back to Loveland City⊠about three hours, right?
Shaw: Wait.
He suddenly reached out from behind me and pressed my phone down.
Shaw: Taking a car is boring. Letâs use another way to get back to Loveland City.
I looked up at him suspiciously, my gaze instinctively sweeping over the skateboard behind him.
MC: âŠYouâre not actually planning to skateboard all the way back, are you?
Shaw: Do you think Iâm an idiot?
MC: Then how else are we supposed to get back? Donât tell me you really have a teleportation EVOL.
Shaw: Of course, thereâs another way.
Shaw raised his hand and pointed toward the roadside, where a bus was slowly pulling away from the stop.
Shaw: You can take the bus all the way back to Loveland City from this city.
I froze for a couple of seconds, my mind momentarily unable to even picture the scene of Shaw and me hopping on and off one bus after another.
MC: Are you serious?
Shaw: Why not? Werenât you eloquently telling Old Master Wen just yesterday that âart is a journey of exploring the unknownâ?
Shaw: Now that itâs time for a real-life experience, youâre chickening out?
MC: âŠThen at least tell me how weâre riding.
Shaw: Simple.
Shaw: First, take Route 106 to the passenger transport hub. Then transfer to the Jiajing Line and switch to Route 113 to Jiangping Station. After that, take Route 181 to Haixing Passenger Terminal.
Shaw: Then take Route 153 to Loveland Bus Station in Sunshine Town⊠and finally, hop on Route 330, which goes straight into downtown Loveland City.
Shaw was clearly well prepared. After glancing at his phone, he rattled off the entire route without a hitch.
Shaw: Soâwant to give it a try?
It was obviously a ridiculous proposal, yet looking at the confident, animated curve of his lips, I found myself unable to voice any real objection.
After all, if it was with Shaw, anything we did was bound to be interesting.
I took a short breath and nodded firmly.
Together, we walked toward the nearby bus stopâ
MC: Fine. Letâs try it.
With a soft hiss, the bus doors opened, and the crisp winter air slipped into the carriage, washing away the stale, stuffy smell inside.
There werenât many passengersâjust a few elderly men and women scattered around, and several kids loudly debating a mobile game.
Cutting through the chatter, I pulled Shaw toward a window seat in the back row.
The bus slowly started up, the cityscape sliding backward outside the window.
The kids in the front grew more and more excited, their voices rising. I had just begun to frown when an earbud was suddenly pressed into my ear.
I turned my head and saw Shaw handing me the MP4 as well.
Shaw: Pick whatever you want to listen to.
As the bus swayed gently, I felt a subtle sense of disorientation.
MC: Then⊠[Holiday].
Trials by fire, setting fire.... Just cause, just cause, because we're outlaws, yeah!
The first leg of the journey wasnât long. We soon arrived at the passenger hub and transferred to the Jiajing Line.
This bus was noticeably more crowded. There were many more students with backpacks, as well as families traveling together.
Shaw shielded me in the packed carriageâone hand gripping my arm, the other struggling to hold onto the handrail.
MC: Are you okay? Can you stand steadily?
Shaw: Iâm definitely fineâitâs you who should lean a bit closer to me. Otherwise, you might get flung away in a moment.
MC: I wonâtâwhoa!
I was just about to argue when the bus took a sharp turn, and I fell straight into his arms.
He let out a sudden low laugh and wrapped an arm around me, holding me tight.
Shaw [chuckles]: Heyâcareful not to bump into my skateboard.
As the bus left the city, the number of passengers gradually thinned out.
Outside the window, the scenery shifted from tall buildings to low houses, and then to vast fields and bare trees.
Winter fields took on a very pleasing earthy yellow, like ochre casually mixed on a painterâs palette.
In the distance, a few white birds stood by the water. I lingered over the view with obvious delight.
MC: Itâs been so long since I just slowly watched the scenery like this.
Shaw: Donât you often go to outdoor locations for shoots?
MC: Thatâs looking at scenery. This is looking at the road.
MC: When Iâm filming, my mind is full of things like where to place the camera and how to lay the tracksâthereâs no time to watch anything slowly.
Shaw: Then what are you thinking about right now?
MC: HmâŠ
I slipped my fingers between his and leaned against his shoulder.
MC: Nothing at all. Just wanting to stay like this with you.
The bus kept stopping and starting, the road rising and falling, as if the journey would never end.
The sky shifted between cloudy and clear. When the sun finally burst free from the clouds, the view ahead gradually changed from countryside back into the city.
Standing at the bus stop waiting for Route 330, we exchanged a look, both inexplicably filled with a sense of having âcleared a level.â
MC [excitedly]: Victory is right in front of usâŠ!
Seeing me cheer with my hands on my hips, Shaw let out a smug little huff and was about to speak when a colorful balloon suddenly drifted over from the side.
We turned our heads and saw a group of children walking toward us, holding small wooden signs with slogans like âGet Close to Nature,â along with strings of brightly colored balloons.
They stopped at the platform and, like little adults, began handing balloons out to the waiting passengers.
One little girl with twin ponytails handed me the last pink balloon she had.
Little girl: Sister, this balloon is for you two.
Little girl: Take it out to see lots of sunshine.
Shaw also received several balloons on his side. When he noticed me looking at him, he shook the balloons in his hand at me.
Not far away, Route 330 was pulling in. The children waved goodbye to us.
Shaw: Letâs go. Time for the next stop.
The next stopâalso the most familiar one.
With a soft hiss, the doors of the 330 opened in front of us.
Shaw tugged me along and hopped lightly onto the bus.
The MP4 happened to switch tracks at that moment, playing a melody Iâd never heard before.
The bass hummed and vibrated near my ears, much like my own heart pounding fiercely right now.
The balloons in his hand were like two weightless clouds, gently brushing together with the jolts of the bus, rubbing out an invisible drizzle.
Sunlight streamed in from the side, filtering through the semi-transparent balloons and casting patch after patch of pale light across his profile.
The low rumble of the engine vibrated beneath our feet, and the warm air inside the carriage wrapped around the two of us.
Shaw: One more transfer after the 330, and weâll be at your place.
Shaw: Are you going home?
At some point, fine threads of rain began drifting outside the bright window. His gaze shifted back from outside and settled on me.
His tone was casual, yet it felt as if he were earnestly waiting for an answer.
For an instant, I even felt as though all the light in the carriage had folded in on itself and gathered right in front of me.
I tightened my grip on the balloon string and spoke almost without thinking.
MC: ⊠I want to go to the next stop with you.
In the brief second I waited for his response, patches of light flashed past the window, as if the whole of spring had spilled into the bus ahead of time.
That also caught his eye.
Shawâs lips curved upward, and he spoke slowly, word by wordâand that light spilled into his eyes as well.
Shaw [in a probing tone]: No matter where the destination is?
In my ears were the roar of traffic, the broadcast announcing stops, and the engineâs hum.
All those ordinary sounds urged me to say that one sentence.
MC: As long as Iâm with you, any destination is fine.
â
đ„Call 1
đ„Call 2
â
OMG THIS WAS THE BEST DATE OF THIS YEAR!! A perfect date to wrap up this year! There were so many callbacks from his second Valentine's date and main story.Â
The first two sections of the date were my favorite. Compared to last year, when Shawâs jealousy felt awkward and full of denial (I'm talking about his Sweet and Sour date; it was released last year), this year he expresses his love and longing openly, in his own way. And being wrapped in that affection, and one thing I've noticed when MC acts shamelessly and more spoiled toward himâwhat can we say, Shaw actually falls for that đ«Ł
Even when theyâre apart, they stay connected: voice-chat gaming, sleeping on voice chat, refusing to hang up, and just admitting he wants to hear her voice. Even when heâs half-asleep, he still reminds her to come back early. Thatâs exactly what clingy college type boyfriends-are-like-this moment. When they finally meet, thereâs no time for greetingsâhe goes straight in with a kiss to say everything heâs been holding back. When MC notices heâs lost weight, he just admits itâs because HE MISSED HER. Iâm screamingâthis was too good. I was literally screaming the whole time!!
And the very endââI came to save you,â the legendary fated 330 bus, Holiday, and the famous âwatch out, donât bump into my skateboardâ line (it's such an iconic line, both in S1 and S2 when they first met and now in this date)âabsolute god-tier moments. This time, PG should give a raise to the writing team since they wrote such a masterpiece!! I can't wait to read his 8th anniversary event and enjoy more of this couple's romance đ«Ł
[CN] Shaw's A Promise on the Long Journey Date (Part 1/2)
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
[Released Date: Dec 2025]
[Section 1]
I figure lifeâs a gift and I don't intend on wasting it.
You never know what you're gonnaâŠ.
MC: Hm?
Faint voices kept coming from beside my ear, and I groggily opened my eyes.
The image on the projected screen ahead had long since gone gray; only the phone by my pillow was still glowingâ
and that was exactly where the sound was coming from.
MC: Why is he still watching⊠huh?
The person who was video calling me wasnât on the other end of the camera. At this moment, the screen showed only a tabletop, with several notebooks spread out on it, a few pens, and a bottle of water.
Except for a desk lamp, everything around the image was dim. Filtered through the not-so-clear resolution, it was also veiled in a layer of soft glow.
I didnât see Shaw in the frame.
During this time, Iâve been on a business trip in a neighboring city, acting as a representative of the exhibition organizer to coordinate with a certain family regarding their private antique exhibition.
Originally, the process was expected to be completed within a week, but because of the partnerâs pickiness, half a month has now passed and itâs still stuck in repeated rounds of review.
So during this period, Shaw and I have been able to ease our longing for each other only through the internet.
Sometimes weâd connect our mics to play mobile games together; sometimes weâd listen to music while each of us worked on our own tasks. Todayâs activity was playing an old movie in sync on both sides.
MC: Shaw?
Only the dialogue from the old movie kept coming from the phone, without any response from him.
MC: He didnât fall asleep too, did heâŠ?
The hotelâs air conditioning warmed the winter air into something cozy and comfortable, but it also left my throat a little dry.
Muttering to myself, I simply got out of bed and went to pour a glass of water.
The cool liquid had just slipped down my throat when an even clearer voice sounded from behind me.
Shaw [in a lazy voice x1]: Did you just call me?
MC: âŠâŠ!
I hurriedly swallowed the water in my mouth and rushed over to grab the phone.
The movie sound stopped, and the image on the other side began to shake. When the camera steadied again, it no longer showed the desk, but Shawâs face.
He had taken off his glasses and was lying on the bed, only half of his face visible.
Beneath his tousled bangs, those eyes that were always so lively now looked utterly languid, reflecting the faint glow of the phone screen.
The front-facing camera caused slight distortion to that familiar face, his complexion turning a cool, almost unreal pale under the light.
He was also gazing steadily back at me, the corner of his mouthâhalf hidden by the pillowâcurving into an ambiguous arc.
Just seeing such a blurred face was enough to make a sweet sense of happiness well up inside me.
I imitated him, resting my chin on the fluffy pillow, and comfortably set the phone in front of me.
MC: I didn't see you just now.
Shaw [x2]: I went to the bathroom.
Shaw [x3]: So you really did call me. I thought I was hearing things.
Shaw [teasingly]: I thought you were going to sleep straight through until morningâI was even planning to let this movie loop all night.
MC: If you knew Iâd fallen asleep, why didnât you hang up the call? Why keep looping the movie?
Shaw [scoffs]: Why do you care? I just didnât want to turn it off. Is that not allowed?
MC: No, itâs notâso I care.
Maybe it was because Iâd just woken up and my head wasnât fully clear yet, or maybe because once people relax they start acting shamelessâI began to act spoiled.
Shaw: âŠâŠ
Shaw [in a soft voice]: I just thought that if I couldnât see you, listening to your breathing wasnât bad either.
I didnât expect my offhand bickering to actually get a response. Because of what he just said, my heart instantly thumped and swelled, and I couldnât help but laugh.
MC: Arenât we seeing each other every day anyway?
Shaw: It doesnât feel right.
MC: Then what would feel right? Face-to-face?
Shaw: Yeah, something like that.
Shaw had already buried his head back into the pillow, shifting the topic awkwardly and stiffly.
Shaw: âŠSleepy. You should hurry up and go back to sleep too.
MC: But what do I do? Iâm not really sleepy right now.
MC: Then Iâll listen to your breathing too.
Shaw [scoffs + his sleepy voice x1 AHHH]: Youâre such a copycatâeven this you have to imitate.
MC: Iâll imitate, Iâll imitate.
Anyway, with a screen between us, I can act shameless to my heartâs content.
A muffled laugh came from Shaw through the receiver. The pair of flecked, golden eyes peeking out from the gap between the pillow and his hair were slightly curved..
Shaw [x2]: .....Alright. Then donât stare at meâdo your own thing, or I wonât be able to fall asleep.
I pouted, but still twisted on the bedside lamp and went back to the materials I hadnât finished reading.
The room returned to silence, with only two heartbeats, hundreds of kilometers apart, weaving together.
I absentmindedly flipped through a few pages, then couldnât help lowering my gaze to look at the phone again.
In the frame there was only a small section of blue-violet hair tips; if you looked closely, you could see a faint, subtle rise and fall.
MC: Shaw.
I wasnât expecting a response from the other sideâI just suddenly wanted to call his name.
Shaw [mumbling in his sleep]: âŠCome back early.
MC [surprised]: Huh?
What answered me was the sound of his breathing as he slipped into deep sleep.
I froze for a moment before smiling and poking him on the screen with my finger.
MC: I want to come back early tooâso I can face you in person.
â
[Section 2]
MC: âŠAlright, I understand. Their concerns are reasonable as well.
MC: You should go back and fill in the parts of the proposal related to the insurance contract first. Iâll think about how to communicate with them.
The staff nodded helplessly and left the room with their documents.
As the door closed, I collapsed onto the hotel sofa.
MC: SighâŠ
MC: Communicate⊠how do I have the energy for communication right nowâŠ
After spending a whole morning arguing my case with the partners and then an entire afternoon in meetings with my colleagues, I felt completely drained today.
I couldnât summon any energy to think about the next steps at work; I just let the fatigue wrap around me.
My emotions urgently needed an outlet, so I picked up my phone and started sending Shaw a string of venting messages.
MC [frustrated]: This is infuriating! I feel like Iâve met the most difficult client in my life!!!
Three exclamation marks and three emojis later, the avatar on the other side was still gray.
MC: When it comes to art preservation and photography experience, [MC Company Name] is already top in the industry.
MC: Hmph! What are they even worried about (* çżÂŽ*)/
MC: They said their Wen family is a big family, so every Wen has to come and voice their opinions, and the contact person keeps changing endlessly.
MC: Finally, after everything is confirmed and the logistics for the exhibition are ready, their family says to pause again and wait for approval from âaboveââŠ
MC: Above the Wen family, who else could there be âaboveâ?
As I kept typing, my anger was joined by a spreading sense of frustration in my chest.
MC: Looks like I wonât be able to come back to see you for another week TT
MC: So annoying, I miss you so much TT
MC: TT
I wasnât expecting a replyâI was just letting all my emotions pour out in the chat box.
I imagined how he would respond to me.
He would probably raise one eyebrow, looking like he wanted to smile but didnât, then type on his phone:
Shaw [imaginative voice]: Since you miss me, finish these little things quickly and come back to see me.
Then, of course, I would huffily replyâ
MC: How can these be âlittle thingsâ!
And weâd go back and forth, arguing one, two, three, four, fiveâŠ
Once Iâd emptied all the words in my stomach and mind, all those frustrations would vanish without a trace.
Just imagining this conversation with him was enough to make the corners of my mouth lift into a smile.
I was gathering my energy to go over the materials again when there was a knock on the hotel room door.
Waiter: Hello, this is an invitation from Jingyuan Mansion.
MC: Jingyuan⊠ah, the Wen family!
Realizing this, I immediately took the invitation.
MC: âŠWe have had very pleasant exchanges with your company recently, and hereby cordially invite you to a business dinner at Jingyuan Mansion this Saturday at 8 p.m.
MC: We sincerely invite Miss MC to attend the banquet with a companion, so as to further our cooperative relationshipâŠ
I glanced at the signatureâit was from our current partner, the Wen family.
MC: Lately, our collaboration with them hasnât exactly been âpleasantâ⊠so whatâs the meaning of this dinner?
I couldnât help grumbling inwardly.
But thinking it over carefully, since they sent an invitation, itâs probably a gesture of goodwill rather than a deliberate hassle.
The collaboration still has to continue, so in any case, I have to attend the dinner.
I secretly sighedâlooks like I urgently need to find a male companionâŠ
Just as I started considering who to bring, there was another knock at the hotel door.
Is it another waiter coming to deliver something?
MC: Iâm comingâmm!
The moment I opened the door, I was enveloped by a cool, crisp scent.
The invitation in my hand fell to the floor with a slap, my lips pried open without any chance to resist.
Almost the instant our tongues tangled, something shot straight through my nerves, a jolt like electricity rippling through my limbs and bones.
I couldnât help widening my eyesâmy vision filled with brilliant gold.
A firm force wrapped around my waist, and as our steps tangled, I stumbled backward with him.
With a soft thud, I fell onto the plush bed.
I wanted to call out his name, but my voice was sealed away by his breath, forced into a near-pleasurable sigh instead.
The shock and confusion from seeing him so suddenly melted away amid our mingled breaths, leaving only the joy of being held by him.
Only after every last trace of longing had been thoroughly plundered did Shaw release my lips.
Shaw [breathless + HIS DRUNKEN IN LOVE VOICE]: Now this finally feels right. Surprised?
MC [blushing hard]: Not surprised.
Shaw [in an intoxicating voice x1]: Your face is red like thatâwhy are you still pretending to be tough?
I refused to admit it, reaching up to hook my arms around his neck.
MC: Why did you suddenly decide to come over?
Shaw [x2]: Because I saw someone pouring out all their grievances to me, so I âteleportedâ over to offer some comfort.
MC: Oh~ since when did you get this Evol?
Shaw [x3]: Just mastered it.
MC: Then after youâre done comforting me, are you going to âteleportâ back?
Shaw [in a husky hungry voice]: Iâve used up all my energy. I canât go backâso Iâll just have to freeload here.
After saying it so matter-of-factly, he leaned down and kissed me again.
This kiss was different from the heated, possessive one just nowâit was light instead, falling like fine raindrops on my eyelashes, the tip of my nose, and the corner of my lips.
The kisses tickled a little; I laughed and tried to dodge, but Shaw caught my cheek with one hand.
Shaw [even his concerned tone is SO INTOXICATING TT]: âŠI wanted to say this earlierâyou seem to have lost some weight.
Unable to escape his fingers, I slowly traced my gaze from his brows and eyes to the curve of his cheek.
MC [returning the gesture]: Youâve lost weight too, havenât you?
Shaw [he's a lost cause]: From missing you.
Heat flooded over me, my face growing even redder than before.
In that instant, it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps Shaw really did possess some kind of superpowerâone I didnât know about and couldnât describe.
He always appeared when I least expected it, saying things I never anticipated.
Dazed, I realized I had to respond with something.
So I tightened my grip on the hand resting at his neck, pulling him closer and closer, until there was no space left between us.
MC [in the heat of the moment]: Then I must⊠miss you even more than you miss me.
This call accompanies Shaw's Settling Accounts Date!
Shaw: Hey, why did it take you so long to pick up?
MC: The phone only rang for two seconds at most! Whatâs wrongâsomething urgent?
MC: Or were you just too eager to hear my voice?
Shaw: Both.
MC: Cough cough, so whatâs the serious matter?
Shaw: Answer me first: âLamb & Raspberry Sweet Donutâ or âTurkey, Alligator & Cranberryââwhich one do you want to eat?
MC: âŠ..?
MC: Iâm not eating either of those. Is there something more normal?
Shaw: Let me see⊠then do you prefer game meat or deep-sea fish?
MC: Wow, that sounds like a feast. As long as I donât have to hunt it myself, Iâm fine with either.
MC: Hey, waitâthis stuff is from legit sources, right?!
Shaw: Same brand as what Ah Huang eats at the shop. Should be pretty legit.
MC: âŠâŠ
MC: Wait, you mean dog food?!
Shaw: Cat food. Iâm picking food for âLittle Radish.â Tch, there are way too many flavorsâmy head hurts from reading the ingredient lists.
MC: Then why are you asking me?
Shaw: It canât talk. I was choosing and suddenly thought the two of you get along pretty well, so I figured you might like the same things.
Shaw: And your âeither is fineâ answer is pretty much what I expected anyway.
MC: Hmph, youâre putting so much thought into picking food for the kitten. Next time Iâm telling Ah Huang.
MC: But honestly, when we go back to the village to escape the summer heat someday, Little Radish is probably going to be fed into a chubby ball~
Shaw: Tch, somehow that sounds more like someone else is craving food.
Shaw: While I was looking up cat food, I also found a few new restaurants with really good reviews.
Shaw: Want to go try them together?
MC: You searched for âcat foodâ and ended up with âgood foodâ? Is that reliable?
Shaw: When has any place I took you to ever tasted bad?
Shaw: Since you didnât refuse, Iâll see you in a bit.
Shaw: Donât make me wait too long downstairs at your place. If I get bitten by mosquitoes because of it, youâre responsible for putting mosquito repellent on me.
This call accompanies Shaw's Settling Accounts Date!
Shaw: Have you decided what to do for Qixi yet? If not, I already have a plan.
Shaw: This yearâs Qixi date is guaranteed to interest you.
MC: Iâd like to hear the details first before deciding whether Iâm interested.
Shaw: That new museum exhibition someoneâs been talking about for agesâwant to go?
MC: Yes, yes! I was still trying to grab tickets today, but the website kept saying sold out. Youâre unbelievableâhow did you get tickets?
Shaw: Just because others canât get them doesnât mean I canât. There are always more solutions than problems.
MC: But didnât you say you had volunteer work these past few weeksâŠ?
MC: Youâre not skipping it, are you?!
Shaw: Relax, Iâve been very well-behaved lately. The curator saw that Iâm hardworking, eager to learn, and always helping others, so I got special approval.
MC: Haha, youâve gotten pretty good at doing good deeds lately, havenât you?
Shaw: Learned it from you.
MC: By the way, the museum where youâre volunteeringâisnât it one of the venues for this exhibition?
MC: Then havenât you already seen it?
Shaw: When would I have the time? The exhibition is so crowded that all you can see are people, not exhibits.
Shaw: But once youâre here, we can take our time and walk through it slowly.
MC: Really? Donât tell me you splurged and rented out the whole museum.
Shaw: Nope. Take another guessâIâll give you a hint.
Shaw: When does a museum have no visitors?
MC: Usually at nightâŠ
Shaw: Well? Doesnât a nighttime museum tour sound exciting? When the lights dim, those old artifacts feel like they might start moving on their own.
MC: It does sound kind of magical⊠and a little creepy.
MC: Iâm warning you in advanceâno ghost stories inside! If I accidentally break something, thatâs on you.
Shaw: Got it, I wonât scare you. But if you scare yourself, thatâs not my fault.
Shaw: I still have to protect the rest of the exhibits from your âdestructive hands.â
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
You can read Part 1 from here!
[Released Date: Aug 2025]
[Section 3]
We arrived at the fields on the west side of the village. Many people were already working there, full of life and energy.
Looking at the stretch of green with the fresh scent of soil and grass in the air, I took a deep breath and glanced around with satisfaction.
MC: Hmm~ the environment is great and the light is just right, Shaw are you ready?
Shaw: Ready... not really.
Shaw stood at the edge of the field staring down at the cluster of radish leaves at his feet his frown growing deeper and deeper.
Shaw: I have a serious question. How do you... pull out a radish?
MC: So you donât know how to pull one out?
Shaw [awkwardly]: IâŠ.
Shaw suddenly swallowed the rest of his words and in the next blink his face showed an innocence and clarity I had never seen before.
Shaw [acts innocent]: Sorry I spend all my days in the ivory tower, my social experience is too little.
Shaw: Could I trouble the producer to give me a demonstration first?
Shaw stepped aside leaving me half the space making a âleader firstâ gesture.
MC [stunned]: âŠThis guy reacts way too fast!
When it comes to pulling radishes I actually do have experience after all last time we went to a farmhouse together Shaw was the one planting and I was the one harvesting.
But if I do the demonstration now wonât I lose the chance to watch him struggle?
I pouted stepped into the field grabbed the radish leaves and pulled upward with force.
âŠWhy didnât it budge at all? Could the soil here really be different?
I heard a muffled laugh above my head and not wanting to let him mock me I tried even harder. I gripped the radish leaves with both hands and yanked backward with all my strengthâ
Snap thud!
Shaw [burst out laughing]: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
The sound of leaves snapping the thud of me landing on my butt and an unrestrained burst of laughter rang out all at once.
It didnât really hurt but a wave of grievance still welled up in my chest.
He told me to wait until tonight but isnât this his revenge already? Hmph!
Our commotion startled a farmer in the next field. An old granny peeked over and immediately frowned.
Old woman: Aiyo young man, what's the matter with you? Your wife fell and you didn't even help her up?
Shaw [blushes]: âŠâŠ
MC [blushes]: âŠâŠ
In an instant the red on Shawâs face spread visibly to his ears. He quickly turned his head away and pulled me up from the field.
I patted the dirt off myself stammering as I explained,
MC: Granny weâre actually not in that kind of relationship...
Old woman: I know! Youâre the pair who came from the city these past few days and are staying in the village right!
Old woman: You city folks call it dating but in our countryside we say if youâve already given your hearts to each other then youâre a couple!
Shaw: Mm, thatâs right, exactly.
Shaw held back a laugh nodding along with the grannyâs words the next second though she put on a stern face.
Old woman: Donât just stand there grinning, the girl just took a fall. She wonât say it out loud but of course she must be feeling upset inside right!
MC: Mm, thatâs right, exactly.
I immediately copied Shawâs tone nodding hard at him.
Shaw gave me a speechless glance but still lifted my arm his voice low.
Shaw [genuinely concerned]: Did it really hurt?
Actually just that one line from him was enough The embarrassment and grievance I had just now dissolved silently in the softness of his words I shook my head.
MC: No not really I justâŠ
MC: I just wanted to say Shaw letâs stop bickering and get the work done first.
Shaw was quiet for a moment then gave a small nod. After thinking a while he called out to the granny again.
Shaw: Hello, we were entrusted by the village committee to come film a video supporting the farmers and also help Grandpa Liu tidy up his field Could you please tell us auntie how to pull up the radishes.
Old woman: Oh, thatâs easy!
The old granny readily agreed and stepped over the ridge toward us.
Shaw gave me a look and I snapped out of it quickly raising my phone to start recording.
It was clearly just some farming tips but in the camera Shaw was listening with full attention.
Shaw: ...So you canât just use brute force you have to pull straight up right, Got it.
In the frame he gripped the radish near the base just as she instructed bent his body and with one firm tug the radish came clean out of the soil.
MC: Wow! amazing!
I clapped enthusiastically and Shaw shot me a sidelong glance.
Shaw: So youâre planning to clap every time I pull out a radish?
MC: Pfft, then can I save them up and clap all at once?
Shaw: Suit yourself.
He grinned showing his teeth then simply took off his jacket and tossed it to me.
I had seen Shawâs calm focus when repairing relics his carefree energy when playing sports his untamed air when performing music...
A twist a pull and another radish in hand...
I had seen so many sides of Shaw.
But no matter which side it was he always managed to hold my gaze.
That striking blue-violet hair faded into a shining white under the sunlight only the bright red vest blazed even hotter.
Even though I had teased in the morning that Shaw had turned into some rough country guy the truth was he had nothing to do with that image at all.
Even doing farm work like this he still looked pleasing to the eye.
Every twist of his wrist made the muscles in his arm tighten into smooth curves impossible to look away from.
Beads of sweat rose at his temples and along his forehead then traced slowly down the sharp line of his jaw dripping into the soil of the field.
And with each radish he pulled up he seemed to grasp a little more of the trick making the next movement even smoother.
I held up my phone recording it all watching his side profile a warm sense of contentment rising in my chest.
We had come to this small village in search of treasure yet it felt like we had instead gained so much more unexpected joy and a flutter of emotion.
And of course a whole field of radishes.
Shaw [out of breath]: Got it all filmed?
MC: Of course.
I nodded at him with a smile but suddenly felt a little reluctant to send this video out.
â
[Section 4]
The views on my video kept climbing and the more farm work Shaw did the more skilled he became. Within just a couple of days he had already won the praise of all the village elders.
Everyone kept saying things like âClassmate Xiao Ling is really capableâ and âClassmate Xiao Ling is handsome and kindhearted.â
At first he insisted he wasnât buying into it but gradually he started to look a little pleased with himself.
By the end he had basically become the villageâs ânumber one labor forceâ as well as its âposter boy.â
Shaw [exhausted]: I really feel like Iâve been set up by all of youâŠ
After another day of work, Shaw collapsed straight onto the bamboo bed in the yard muttering as he lay there.
I cut a slice of watermelon with a smile and held it up to his mouth.
MC: Thereâs no setup. Look, every time you help out, the elders send us loads of fresh fruits and melons.
MC: Even the village secretary said heâs never seen a college student as hardworking as you Xiao Ling~
Shaw took a bite of watermelon and gave me a sidelong glance.
Shaw: What about you then.
MC: What about me.
Shaw: Shouldnât the big producer give her intern a grade?
I laughed leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek.
MC: Of course itâs a perfect score. Classmate Xiao Ling you might as well not go back to university just become a full-time employee of our [MC Company name]⊠mm.
My chin was caught and the rest of my words were silenced by a watermelon-flavored kiss.
The evening breeze drifted cicadas sang and the air carried that freshness that only comes with summer.
Shaw [in a low voice]: Still calling me âClassmate Xiao Lingâ?
MC: Well you were the one who started calling me big producer⊠mm.
I was kissed again.
MC: âŠ. Shaw.
I lay back on the bamboo bed too, above me a vast starry sky, in my ears only the rustling of leaves stirred by the wind.
Only then did Shaw curve his lips into a smile and release his hand.
Out of nowhere Little Radish appeared, hopping onto the bamboo bed and curling up at our feet with a rumbling purr.
MC: By the way the village secretary went to visit Grandpa Liu today, said heâd put in a word for us and ask him to reconsider the matter of the stone figurine.
Shaw: You actually still remember? These past few days have been so exhausting I almost forgot why we came here in the first place.
MC: Heh, because doing good deeds feels fulfilling, right?
Shaw: Not just that.
Shaw narrowed his eyes, gazing at the moon above.
Shaw: Itâs very carefree here, reminds me a lot about West Moon Street.
Shaw: Looking at the faces of these elderly folks, I canât help but think of the old neighbors back in our street.
Shaw: Time in places like these always seems to move so slowly.
I glanced at his profile, a soft feeling rising in my heart.
MC: Then⊠is there anything here that makes you feel uncomfortable?
Shaw: Uncomfortable? Oh, thereâs plenty â so much I couldnât even count.
He finished speaking, then turned his head, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment before a rare, gentle expression appeared.
Shaw: But if youâre there, even those places would feel a little better.
My heart skipped a beat. I quickly lowered my head, pretending nothing had happened, and picked up the palm-leaf fan beside me, fanning lightly to hide the heat on my cheeks.
Shaw: Silly, thatâs not how you use a fan.
Shaw took the fan from my hand, and with a few strong swishes, a refreshing breeze brushed against my face. I couldnât help but laugh.
MC: Your fanning skills look so practiced.
Shaw: When I was a kid and went to my grandmotherâs old home to escape the summer heat, she used to fan me just like this.
Shaw: Thinking back, the scenery of the countryside then, the Milky Way that night, and the cat by my feet⊠it all feels pretty much the same as now.
His voice was low, the faint curve of a smile tugging at his lips, as if he were lost in a distant memory.
My heart softened at his words, and I slowly leaned against his shoulder.
The moonlight in the mountains and the breeze through the hills felt just the same as in the old days.
The two of us were laughing and fooling around while weaving, when suddenly footsteps sounded at the gate.
The next day, the villagers called us over again to help weave bamboo baskets.
Village Secretary: Little Ling, Little MC.
MC: Youâre back? Howâs Grandpa Liu doing?
Village secretary: Don't worry, he's much better now, and he should be able to be discharged in about a week.
Village secretary: I also told him about the help youâve been giving in the village. He was really touched!
MC: Really? Thatâs wonderful!
Village secretary: ButâŠ.
But the village secretaryâs face grew troubled. He hesitated before continuing.
Village secretary: Itâs just that after hearing about your good deeds, he said he couldnât let his own conscience fall behind yours. So heâs decided not to sell the stone figurineâhe wants to donate it to the museum!
MC [stunned]: âŠ..
Shaw [stunned]: âŠ..
My eyes widened in disbelief, and I turned to look at Shaw. His expression was even harder to describe.
I couldnât remember what else the village secretary said to us afterward, nor could I recall when exactly we left. My mind echoed with only one thingâ
Head bowed in dejection, I stared at the half-woven bamboo basket in my hands. A sour mix of panic and helplessness clung to my fingertips, leaving me unable to move forward.
I messed it up.
âŠStill weaving baskets? Iâd made a real mess of things this time!
After a long silence, a hand suddenly pressed lightly against the brim of my hat.
Shaw: Hey, why do you look more upset than me?
MC: You already know the answer.
I bit my lip and added softly,
MC: âŠSorry.
Shaw: Why are you apologizing?
MC: What do you mean âwhyâ? I ruined your deal, of course I have to apologize!
MC: Or maybe⊠maybe I should compensate you with something of equal valueâŠ
Shaw: Why would you need to compensate me?
Heâs doing this on purpose, isnât he? Why does he keep asking âwhyâ?!
I pouted, feeling utterly wronged. The more I thought about it, the worse it felt, and before I could hold it in any longer, I lifted my head and blurted outâ
MC: Because I donât want to owe you anything!
Shaw was stunned for a moment, then a helpless smile slowly spread across his face.
Shaw: I actually rather hope youâd owe me a little.
MC: What âŠ.
I froze, instinctively lifting my head â and fell straight into that glimmering golden light.
Shaw was looking at me seriously, his eyes soft yet earnest.
He usually likes to bicker with me, always trying to get the upper hand, so why doesnât he dare now?
Shaw [comforts her]: You owe me a little, Iâll give you back a little more. In this back and forth, feelings turn into an account that can never really be balanced.
Shaw: Besides, isnât that how it is between people?
Shaw: If you never owed each other anything, wouldnât you just be strangers?â
As he spoke, he leaned closer, his voice dropping a little, carrying a hint of temptation.
Shaw: Or⊠do you really want to settle everything clearly with me? Owe nothing?
My heartbeat completely lost its rhythm. I shrank back nervously, my eyes darting away from his, muttering softly,
MC: âŠOf course I donât want to settle it.
Shaw: Then thatâs fine.
Shaw let out a low laugh, satisfaction glinting in his eyes as if heâd already won.
I always feel like heâs leading me around in circles, and thereâs still something in my heart I canât let go of, so I quietly speak up again.
MC: Putting aside this whole âowingâ thing⊠is there any way I can make up for your loss this time?
Shaw raises his brows, as though heâs just heard something ridiculous.
Shaw: That stone statue has belonged to Old Liu from the very start. I never got it, so what loss are you even talking about? ButâŠ
He suddenly leans in close, the corners of his lips curling with a hint of teasing.
Shaw: If youâre that determined to show goodwill and compensate me, well⊠I wouldnât exactly say no.
My face goes hot instantly and I turn my gaze away.
MC [blushing hard]: âŠ..You say it first.
Shawâs smile deepens. He lifts the brim of my straw hat and brushes a soft kiss across my lips.
Shaw: Donât overthink it. The compensation Iâm talking about isâ
His voice softens further, as if making a solemn promise.
Shaw: When the stone statue is on display at the museum, just come see it with me more often.
My heart is effortlessly soothed by him. I quietly squeeze his hand and nod firmly.
Shawâs rightâbetween him and me, what we need is exactly this kind of âblurred account.â
⥠Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!âĄ
[Released Date: Aug 2025]
[Section 1]
A thin layer of sweat clung to my skin, my hair sticking damply to my cheek. I turned over, uncomfortably brushing it aside a couple of times.
Only then did I realize that all I could hear by my ear was the long, sharp cry of cicadasâthere was no longer the humming of an old electric fan, nor the cool breeze brushing past me.
MC: No way⊠the fan broke again?
MC: Shaw, Iâm counting on youâŠ
Muttering, I stretched out my hand, instinctively reaching for the person beside me to âgive the fan a jolt,â but my hand touched nothing.
I opened my eyes. Moonlight spilled through the window onto the empty bamboo mat, tinting the wheat-colored bedding with a silvery glow.
MC: âŠWhere did he go?
I waited a few more minutes, but he still hadnât returned.
MC: Donât tell me he missed his footing in the dark and fell into a ditchâŠ
Worry rose in my chest, and sleep fled from me at once. I simply picked up the flashlight by my pillow and got up to look for him.
The mountain night was much quieter than the cityâand far darker too.
I stepped out from the small farmhouse courtyard where I was staying, carefully placing my feet within the circle of the flashlightâs beam as I slowly made my way onto the dirt path.
Just as I turned a corner, the light suddenly caught two figures ahead.
Even though I had been mentally prepared, I was still startled for a moment. But I quickly realized what those âfiguresâ were.
One of them was an inorganic stone statue. Though its features had been eroded by time, one could still faintly discern the benevolent look it once bore.
And the other tall figure was the one I had been searching for.
His back was to me, and the blazing light overexposed his originally blue-violet hair into a translucent white.
Even with the light shining from behind, he still stood there in silence, utterly motionlessâmore like a statue than the stone effigy itself.
I slowly edged my way to his side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
MC: Why arenât you sleeping?
Shaw: Insomnia.
Shaw: And why arenât you sleeping?
Me: Then Iâm also insomniac.
Shaw: What do you mean, âthen Iâm alsoââŠ
Shaw let out a faint laugh, the corners of his lips lifting, and only then did he turn his gaze to my face.
Shaw: Be honest.
MC: âŠThe truth is, that fan broke down again and I woke up from the heat. When I opened my eyes and didnât see you there, I got up to look for you.
Shaw: âŠâŠ
MC: You didnât think Iâd be like you, brooding in the middle of the night over a big deal that might fall through, did you?
I tilted my head and smiled at him. Having had his worries exposed by me, Shaw didnât get upset. He simply raised a hand and ruffled my hair.
Shaw [smiles helplessly]: Heartless thing.
So it really was because of that that you couldnât sleep, huh. I secretly pouted.
Last week, one of Shawâs informants reported that in this mountain village, a familyâs courtyard actually housed a stone statue from the Five Dynasties periodâan exceptionally rare âtreasure.â
The moment Shaw heard this, his interest was piqued. As for me, since I also happened to be intrigued by the trade of rustic antiques, I pestered him relentlessly until he let me come along.
But upon arriving here, the statueâs owner, Grandpa Liu, mistook us for shady, black-hearted antique dealers and nearly chased us out with a broom.
After days of wheedling, bargaining, and battling wits with Grandpa Liu, we had finally managed to make him show the faintest sign of relenting.
The old man had finally shown a faint sign of softening.
But yesterday, while working in the fields, he suddenly collapsed and had to be sent to the hospital in the town outside the mountains.
MC: Although the doctor said it wasnât serious, at his age he still needed proper restâŠ
MC: Hopefully, since we helped cover his medical expenses, Grandpa Liu wonât be so stubborn anymore.
MC: Ohâif youâre worried, how about we go to the hospital in a couple of days to see how things areâŠ?
I hadnât even finished speaking when he lightly tapped me on the head.
Shaw [in an irritated tone]: Iâm not the kind of person who would âtake advantage of someoneâs misfortune.â
Shaw: As for the medical expenses we covered, I already told him they had nothing to do with the statue deal.
Shaw: Since heâs in the hospital, we should just let the old man rest well.
MC: Arenât you already seeing things clearly? Then what are you still worrying about?
I reached out in confusion, wanting to touch the faint crease between Shawâs brows, but he leaned back slightly, avoiding my hand.
Shaw: Because yesterday, old man Liu told me the reason he had always been unwilling to sell.
Shaw: This stone statue was originally one of a pair. During the famine years, his father encountered a foreign antique dealer and sold one of them for three hundred yuan.
Shaw: But when his father reached the city, intending to exchange the money for food, he discovered that the currency had already depreciated. That three hundred wasnât enough to buy even a single flatbread.
He clicked his tongue as he looked at the stone statue, its painted surface mottled with fading colors.
Shaw: I just feel helpless. So many good things in the past were swindled away like that. The more I think about it, the more it frustrates me, and the more frustrated I get, the harder it is to sleep. Thatâs all.
MC [surprised by his statement]: âŠâŠ..
After listening to Shawâs account, I was left speechless. Only after a long while did I let out a sigh.
MC: So thereâs actually a story behind it⊠No wonder the old man glared at us the moment he heard weâd come to buy itâŠ
MC: But itâs fineâGrandpa Liu will realize sooner or later that weâre nothing like those black-hearted dealers!
I clenched my fist and gave Shaw an encouraging gesture.
He lowered his eyes and looked at me for a few seconds. Suddenly, the corners of his lips lifted, and he wrapped my fist in his palm.
Shaw: Alright, the old manâs all the way at the town hospitalâhe canât see that youâre a âdealer with a conscience.â For now, go back and sleep.
MC: First, we need to fix the fan!
Shaw [clicks his tongue]: I know, I know.
The flashlightâs beam wavered in the night, stretching our shadows out long behind us.
â
[Section 2]
After we fixed the old fan, its creaky whirring like white noise, I finally slept soundly until dawn.
The satisfying sleep made every bone feel loose and pliant; I stretched lazily and reached beside me...
Why is there no one again?
Just as I was about to pout, a few meows and Shawâs laughter came from outside.
Shaw: Want to eat? If you want to eat, first stick out your paw and shake my hand⊠Canât? Then youâve got to learn â Iâll teach youâŠ
I snorted with laughter and tiptoed outside; sure enough, I saw Shaw holding a small dried fish, teasing the neighborâs little cat named Little Radish.
Hearing my laugh, Shaw turned his head and lifted his chin as a greeting.
Shaw: Awake?
MC: Why are you up so early today?
Shaw [stretches himself]: After staying here a few days, it feels like my body clock is getting assimilated.
The little cat circled anxiously around Shawâs feet. I rubbed its head before deliberately studying its face.
MC: Itâs trueâearly to bed, early to rise, plus healthy eating⊠not only are your dark circles gone, but even that pimple by your left eyebrow has disappeared.
Hearing my words, Shawâs lips curved with a trace of amusement.
Shaw: Didnât expect you to be observing so closely. So, what else has changed about me?
MC: There is something⊠let me seeâŠ
I leaned in closer until my reflection filled his pupils.
The next second, in a lightning-fast move, I reached up and pinched his face.
MC: And alsoâyouâve turned into a tanned, rough country fellow!
Iâd just succeeded with my little prank and was about to dash away when Shaw caught my hand in one swift move.
Shaw: Running off? You tease me and still think you can escape?
MC: How am I teasing you? Iâm telling the truth, every word of itâcome on, let go, let goâŠ
I argued back while twisting to break free, but Shaw had already pulled my arm firmly back, not letting me escape.
He copied what Iâd just done, his gaze roaming carefully over my face.
Shaw: Since you critiqued me, I should also take my time, carefully, and observe you.
Shaw: Hmm, bright eyes, healthy complexion, but thereâs a mosquito bite on your face.
MC: âŠAnd what else?
Shaw: And alsoâŠ
He reached out, his fingertip poking the mosquito bite on my cheek, and an intense itch spread instantly.
Shaw: Youâre also a little tanned village girl.
MC [angrily]: Shaw!
I elbowed him in annoyance, but he dodged nimblyâonly to give Little Radish the chance to snatch the dried fish from his other hand.
Little radish: Meow~
When the snipe and the clam quarrel, itâs the cat that reaps the benefit.
Shaw and I exchanged a glance, both seeing the suppressed laughter in each otherâs eyes. The next second, we burst out laughing together.
Little Radish lay sprawled on Shawâs knee, purring contentedly, while the morning sun finally broke free from the clouds beyond the distant mountains.
The not-so-big yet not-so-small village was waking up.
As I gazed at Shawâs profile, last nightâs conversation unconsciously rose again in my mind.
MC: You know⊠how about we take this chance to improve Grandpa Liuâs impression of us?
Shaw [scoffs]: Youâre still hung up on that?
MC: Hmph, when it comes to you, of course, Iâm hung up on it!
Shaw chuckled softly. He stopped rubbing the little catâs head, turned to me, and raised his brows.
Shaw: Alright then. So how do you plan to score those pointsâby visiting him in the hospital?
Shaw: Iâd advise you not to go too oftenâtoo many visits might look like weâve got ulterior motives.
MC: Thatâs not what I mean. I was thinking, what if we do some âgood deedsâ?
MC: When Grandpa Liu sees how sincere and kind we are, maybe after heâs discharged, heâll agree to sell?
Hearing my idea, Shaw laughed even more.
Shaw [amazed]: You really did rack up plenty of âgood deed experienceâ back in Loveland City.
MC: Heh heh, just admit it makes sense!
Shaw: So what kind of good deeds are you planning?
Grinning, I tugged him up from the stool and made a filming gesture.
MC: Of courseâmy specialty!
â
Village secretary: You two want to help us film a promotional video for free? But our village doesnât really have any tourist spotsâŠ
The walls of the village committee office were covered with all kinds of regulations and poverty alleviation posters. Behind the desk, the energetic village secretary sized the two of us up, his tone skeptical.
I gave a slight smile, skillfully pulling up our companyâs account page and handing it to him.
MC: Secretary, hereâs our companyâs videos. Please have a look first!
As he scrolled through the account, the village secretaryâs eyes widened.
Village secretary: OhâDiscovering Miracles was actually made by you, young lady? Thatâs impressive!
MC: Thatâs right. As you can see, weâve also produced many promotional films on rural revitalization, and theyâve received a lot of praise!
Working in tandem with the village secretary, I immediately started listing the places in the village that could be filmed. The secretary praised each one repeatedly, then turned his head to look at Shaw.
Village Secretary: Then he isâŠ
MC: Oh right, I forgot to introduce him. This is our companyâs intern, Xiao Ling, here to earn credits.
MC: What do you think of him as the image ambassador for your village?
Shawâs eyes widened, and before he could say anything, the village secretary was already nodding repeatedly.
Village secretary: Not bad at allâthis hair color, such a spirited young man!
Shaw: âŠSpirited what?
The village secretary didnât hear a word of it, still lost in his excitement about filming ideas. Suddenly, he clapped his hands.
Village secretary: Iâve got it! Old Liu is still in the hospital, and no oneâs tending to his acre of radishes. I was just worrying about organizing people to pull them up!
Village secretary: If you really want to help, why not film that too?
MC: Yes, yes! Letâs have⊠Xiao Ling on camera. A trendy guy helping farmersânow thatâs a great theme!
Village secretary: Perfect, perfect! Nothing moves people more than real labor scenes! Plus, itâs a great chance to show outsiders how fresh and vibrant our villageâs produce is~
Seeing that we were about to settle the whole plan for him, Shaw quickly raised his hand in protest.
Shaw [protest]: Wait, hold on⊠why me? Why do I have to be on camera? Do I even look like a local?
MC: Ah, Xiao Ling, thatâs where you donât get it. The stranger the video, the faster it spreads!
MC: A handsome guy with radishes? Thatâs guaranteed traffic!
Village secretary: Hah, no wonder this young lady can be a producer. Xiao Ling, you should learn from your bossâdonât stick to that rigid college student mindset. Be flexible, adaptable!
Shawâs mouth twitched, clearly already at the edge of his patience.
Shaw [holding himself back + takes a deep breath]: âŠâŠ
He took a deep breath and turned a bright, easy smile toward the village secretary.
Shaw [puts on a fake smile]: No problem, Iâll definitely follow the organizationâs arrangement.
As soon as he finished and turned away, he secretly pinched my waist.
MC: âŠâŠ.!
My yelp was still caught in my throat when Shaw bent close in a flash, letting a voice squeezed out from between his teeth fall into my earâ
Shaw [with gritted teeth]: Just wait until tonight.
Shaw: Hey, I just got home. Thereâs a big box of alcohol at the door. Did you order it?
MC: Yes, that's right.
MC: I saw a cocktail-making video a few days ago, in which the blogger shared more than a dozen delicious cocktails.
MC: The comment section below was full of praises, so I bought various base liquors and ingredients according to the recipe he provided to try it out.
Shaw: Looks like the saying âfailing students have the most stationeryâ really isnât wrong after all.
MC: You haven't drank it yet, so you can't jump to conclusions!
MC: Now, take out all the wine first, I will be at your house soon to show you my skills.
Shaw: Okay, let me see what you bought first.
Shaw: Why did you buy so many bottles of gin? The alcohol content is not low..... Tonight's drink menu shouldn't all be hard liquor, right?
MC: Hehe, I didn't expect you to find out so quickly.
Shaw: âŠâŠHey, hey, what are you planning?
MC: Mainly because I came across this video â it really sparked my strong interest in hard liquor.
MC: But if we go out drinking and I end up having too much, it might be kind of dangerous.
Shaw: So you moved the drinking place to my house?
Shaw: Even if you get drunk, only I can see your foolishness, so you don't have to worry about being embarrassed?
MC: That's right, at your house, by your sideâŠ
MC: Even if something really is going on, Iâm totally at easeâfree to drink to my heartâs content!
Shaw: You're safe, but I'm in danger.
MC: What do you mean by that?
Shaw: You already have a record of biting people.
Shaw: What if you get drunk and I... accidentally say something that upsets youâŠ
Shaw: I'm afraid my arm will end up covered in your exclusive "fashion accessories."
MC: Then don't provoke me, wouldn't that be better?
Shaw: No, I have a better idea.
Shaw: If you get drunk, I will get drunk with you.
Shaw: Then we each play to our strengths, and after sobering up the next day, we settle the score with each other.