[Jesse] 1st Anniversary Wedding Card - Cupid Express (爱神特快) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋
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This translation is a transformative work of localization focused on narrative fluidity and character integrity. My goal is to accurately preserve the original cultural intent and emotional nuances while providing a natural English reading experience. This project serves as a professional archive to supplement, not replace, the official game experience; all rights belong to the original developers.
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In the early days of summer, the passionate southern sunlight filtered down through layers of dense foliage, scattering flecks of fragmented gold across the brick-paved ground.
A warm breeze brought with it the rich, sweet fragrance of gardenias, while blooming bluebells and lisianthuses swayed gently along both sides of the path, painting the small June city into a vibrant ocean of flowers.
Looking into the distance, pairs of lovers dressed in wedding attire strolled through the streets and alleys, their boisterous laughter drifting over from afar, making it feel as though the very air were floating with the scent of deep romance.
When I stepped out of the dressing room, this was the exact scene that greeted my eyes.
I couldn't help but stop in my tracks, taking in the surrounding scenery.
???: Hello, miss! Are you looking for your groom? Do you need any help?
I turned my head. A young woman I didn't recognize was looking at me with a touch of concern. Her white T-shirt bore the words "Cupid Express—Cupid Bicycle Race," suggesting she was likely a staff member for this event.
It seemed she had mistaken me for a bride participating in this wedding bicycle race, so I rushed to explain.
You: No, I—
Before I could even finish my sentence, my attention was instantly captured by a brilliant, eye-catching flash of color beneath the shade of the trees.
Jesse: Y/N!
Jesse waved at me, jogging over all the way in high spirits.
The blazing sunlight illuminated his face inch by inch. The young man was beaming with smiles, and even the tips of his brows carried a sense of joy he couldn't possibly conceal.
The staff member beside me looked at me with a touch of confusion, then followed my line of sight, her expression melting into an understanding smile.
Staff Member: It seems you two don't need any help after all. Wishing you a very happy wedding!
Hearing those words, Jesse, who had just come to a halt right by my side, smiled until his eyes crinkled into half-moons.
Jesse: Thank you!
Staff Member: You're very welcome.
Staff Member: You two look wonderful together. Good luck with the race in a bit!
The girl couldn't resist offering her compliments, then bid us farewell with a smile. The moment the staff member walked away, I quietly nudged Jesse in the waist.
You: Now you've let the staff member get completely the wrong impression.
Jesse blinked, wearing an expression as pure and innocent as a puppy's.
Jesse: Did she get the wrong impression? We really do look wonderful together in what we're wearing.
Jesse circled around me, taking in the formal dress I had just changed into.
Jesse: As expected of our great designer, Y/N—you look absolutely stunning!
He turned to the side, showing off the formal suit he had changed into.
Jesse: What do you think? The fit of this suit on me isn't half bad either, right?
Jesse had changed into a pure white suit jacket, his collar formally fastened with a bow tie, paired underneath with a pink satin shawl-collar vest. The tailored fit delineated his tall and upright silhouette even more spectacularly.
Jesse: The sizing is completely spot-on. As expected, nobody knows me better than you do.
You: It fits even better than I imagined!
Throughout the design process, I had pictured the image of Jesse wearing this very suit countless times.
Yet at this very moment, the sunlight cascaded over his shoulders, the gentle breeze parted a few stray strands of hair across his forehead, and the lines of his jaw looked sharp and clean.
He gazed toward me against the light, one hand resting in his pocket, still carrying a touch of a young man's free-spirited, uninhibited charm.
The smile blossoming at the corners of his lips, along with the damp warmth of his breath, quietly sprouted within my heart.
???: Well, well, look at you two hiding over here and whispering secrets to each other again.
A familiar voice interrupted my train of thought, causing Jesse and me to turn our heads at the same time.
Gao Xuan had already changed into the cathedral-train wedding dress I designed for her, standing right by the flowerbed behind us. Gathering up her skirt, she stepped forward and took my hands in hers.
Gao Xuan: Y/N, I am absolutely in love with this wedding dress you designed! It's especially perfect for taking wedding photos here.
You: I'm just glad you like it. You are the most beautiful bride today.
Watching her excited expression, I couldn't help but smile along with her.
Six months ago, at her Cafe, bearing that exact same excited smile, Gao Xuan shared the news of her marriage with us, warmly inviting Jesse and me to serve as the best man and the maid of honor.
As her close friend from our junior high school days, I agreed without a single moment of hesitation, and I even took on the commission to design the formal attire for her wedding.
Directly following that, at Jesse's strong insistence, the outfits for the best man and the maid of honor were also added to my work checklist.
Jesse: Serving as the best man for Sister Gao Xuan is a highly important mission. Aside from yours, whose design could possibly be worthy of such an important occasion?
Watching Jesse play the rogue with such perfect confidence, I laughed and gave his shoulder a light tap.
You: You always know exactly what to say.
Jesse: I'm telling the absolute truth. Sister Gao Xuan, wouldn't you say so?
Gao Xuan sat across from us, looping her arm through her boyfriend Yang Ming's. Looking at Jesse and then at me, she couldn't resist bursting into laughter.
Gao Xuan: You two seriously haven't changed a bit. Every single time I see you, you're constantly flaunting your romance.
Jesse directed a beaming smile toward me. Beneath the surface of the table, a hand reached over quietly, settling over the back of my hand.
..
Consequently, Jesse and I traveled along with Gao Xuan and her partner to this passionate southern city.
They, along with twenty other pairs of newlyweds, would ride bicycles to traverse between the city's major hotels and complete various challenges. The first-place winners would secure full sponsorship for their wedding venue.
The race was scheduled to begin in two hours, but at this moment, Gao Xuan was the only one appearing here, which left me feeling a bit confused.
You: Is Yang Ming not here?
Gao Xuan: He said he left an important item back at the hotel and just rushed back for it.
Gao Xuan: It's quite all right. I'll wait for him to return here, which gives me the perfect opportunity to discuss the wedding photos later on with the photographer.
You: Do you need us to help out?
Gao Xuan waved her hand dismissively.
Gao Xuan: No, it's fine, you don't need to keep me company. It's still early, so you two go wander around first. It's a rare chance for you to enjoy a trip here.
Gao Xuan turned her gaze onto us, revealing a deeply meaningful smile.
Gao Xuan: This place is known as the City of Romance. It couldn't possibly suit you two any better.
With one hand draped over my right shoulder and her other hand resting on Jesse's left shoulder, Gao Xuan shoved us both straight out of the race's waiting zone, her movements so rapid that the two of us were left staring at each other in blank surprise.
Jesse: Sister Gao Xuan really is exactly the same as she used to be—still that quick-witted, no-nonsense big sister leader.
You: Yeah, she definitely lives up to her reputation as Boss Gao, managing the Cafe entirely on her own and making it thrive.
Jesse: In that case, we absolutely mustn't let her kind intentions go to waste.
A melodious bossa nova tune drifted over from the distance. Jesse offered me a slight bow, extending his hand like the most elegant invitation at a formal gala.
Jesse: May I invite this beautiful young lady to tour the City of Romance with me?
His emerald-green eyes were illuminated by the sunlight. The lines he delivered in that theatrical cadence always caused a person to fall under his spell unconsciously.
You: Of course. This young lady won't permit you to have any other travel companions, you know.
Mimicking his tone in a half-playful manner, I extended my hand and rested it upon his palm, only to be instantly gripped firmly by him.
Jesse: My pleasure, my one and only partner.
In the month of June, pothos and wisterias draped downward along the railings of the balconies lining the street.
On both sides of the road, exquisite and compact houses were scattered in between, their colorful exteriors completely adorned with fresh blossoms.
I strolled leisurely down the street with my arm looped through Jesse's, as if we were traversing through a fairy-tale world.
You: It really is a City of Romance.
Every now and then, the crisp ring of bicycle bells would echo through the air. A few pairs of newlyweds speeded down the sloped paths on their bicycles, seemingly making their final preparations for the race.
Following the sloped path, we arrived at the square in the center of the city, where streets extended from all directions and converged.
A group of middle school students was listening to an explanation about the clock tower under their teacher's guidance. Before long, they grew boisterous and noisy, forcing the young teacher to wave the small flag in her hand and raise her voice.
Jesse: Weren't we exactly like that during our school spring trips back then? Just a massive crowd of people causing a happy ruckus.
You: Yeah, every single time you would sneak over to find us, and you always carried a ton of snacks on your back.
Jesse: Which were then completely divvied up between you and Sister Gao Xuan, all under the beautiful pretext of helping me lose weight.
Jesse let his brows droop in mock grievance, then burst into laughter with me at the exact same moment.
Seeming to have reached their free time, the students scattered in all directions.
Boys and girls began blowing soap bubbles across the square. The multicolored bubbles floated past our faces, refracting a kaleidoscope of shimmering halos beneath the sunlight.
Jesse: It really makes a person nostalgic. I can't believe Sister Gao Xuan is already getting married now. It instantly makes me feel like I've grown so old.
Watching him reveal a touch of melancholy, I couldn't resist reaching out to pinch his cheek.
You: You aren't old at all. You're still practically a youth, my little—Tang—yuan—
I intentionally made an exaggerated expression, pronouncing each syllable with a deliberate pause as I called his name. Jesse was instantly amused by me.
Jesse: My lady, quick, look over there.
I instinctively turned my head, and a soap bubble settled right on the tip of my nose before popping gently. For a split second, a kaleidoscope of multicolored sights flashed across my field of vision.
I couldn't help wrinkling my nose, immediately turning around to glare at him in mock annoyance.
You: Well, look at you, Tangyuan. The second I say you aren't old, you go right ahead and physically demonstrate that you really are incredibly childish.
Jesse: So what if I'm childish? I have you to pamper me anyway, right?
This guy was truly getting more and more fond of pushing his luck, but then again, who could possibly refuse those sparkling eyes of his?
Jesse: All right, all joking aside. Let me help you wipe that off.
Jesse laughed as he pulled out a tissue, lightly dabbing the tip of my nose before lifting his hand to brush away the remnants of the bubbles caught in my hair.
The warm pad of his finger brushed against the tip of my ear, whether intentionally or not, instantly kindling a spark of heat.
With the edge of my ear burning slightly, I reached out to loop my arm through his, leaning halfway against his shoulder as we set off together.
Amidst the gorgeous bubbles filling the sky, I lifted my eyes to look at the massive clock face towering over the square. There was still an hour left before the race began. What should we do first?
Option 1: Call Gao Xuan Option 2: Walk back to the racecourse to check on things Option 3: Ascend the City Observation Deck Option 4: Option 5: None of the above
—
Option 1: Call Gao Xuan
You: Why don't we check in with Gao Xuan first to see how things are going over there? I wonder if Yang Ming is back yet.
Jesse: Mm. I can't imagine what could be so important that he'd leave Sister Gao Xuan stranded like that.
Thinking about it that way, I found it a bit strange as well and immediately picked up my phone.
Once the call connected, Gao Xuan's voice sounded visibly anxious.
Gao Xuan: He's still not back, and his phone won't go through either. I'm just about to figure out a way to head back to the hotel.
Picturing Gao Xuan rushing around while wearing that cathedral-train wedding dress, I shook my head.
You: It'll be way too inconvenient for you to move around in that dress. Why don't we—
An idea formed in my mind, and I looked over at Jesse. As our eyes met, he seemed to catch my drift instantly, giving me a decisive nod before picking up the conversation.
Jesse: Why don't you let us head over to the hotel to check first? We're at Axis Square right now, so we're a bit closer to the hotel.
You: Exactly! You stay right where you are and keep an eye out for any updates on the race!
You: In case any sudden emergencies pop up, you'll be right there to coordinate with the staff.
Jesse: Don't worry, we'll make absolutely sure to drag your groom back for you!
With Jesse and me playing off each other perfectly, Gao Xuan burst into a sudden laugh on the other end of the line, and the atmosphere instantly lightened quite a bit.
Gao Xuan: All right, I'll get everything ready for the race here. Let me know the moment anything comes up on your end.
Jesse & You: Will do!
Hanging up the phone, we immediately quickened our pace and rushed toward the hotel.
Rounding the intersection, we spotted a figure in white rushing out from the hotel's revolving doors from a distance.
Jesse: Is that him?
You: It looks like it.
Yang Ming, dressed in a white shirt and white trousers, seemed to notice us and came running over.
Jesse: Did something happen? Sister Gao Xuan has been looking all over for you. She said your phone won't go through at all.
Yang Ming looked at us with a face full of dismay, explaining out of breath.
Yang Ming: I can't find the wedding ring, and my phone just happened to die on me.
Yang Ming: I searched all over just now, only to realize I probably left it in my jacket pocket.
Yang Ming: I was originally planning to present the trophy along with the ring to Xuanxuan at the end of the race.
Seeing his utterly soul-crushed expression, Jesse and I exchanged a glance.
Jesse: Where is that jacket now?
Yang Ming: It was probably sent out for laundry along with the other clothes this morning. I'm just about to go ask the front desk.
Jesse: Come on, let's go together.
At the hotel entrance, Yang Ming explained the situation to the security guard. The guard warmly helped call the laundry department, and after just a couple of words, he looked over at us.
Security Guard: They said the clothes were just picked up by the truck.
Right at that exact moment, a van roared past us from behind, the words "Laundry Service" prominently displayed in bright white across the rear window.
The security guard immediately lowered his phone, pointing toward the vehicle.
Security Guard: Yes, that's the one!
We all poked our heads out in unison to look, but on the wide-open road, all that could be seen was the dust left behind by the van as it sped away.
Jesse: Where is it heading?
Security Guard: To the laundry facility forty kilometers away. I reckon it won't be delivered back until tomorrow or the day after.
Jesse and I looked at each other, our eyes filled entirely with helplessness.
Jesse: Is there any way you could call the driver and ask them to pull over?
The security guard found the driver's number in his contact list, but his consecutive attempts all resulted in a busy signal.
We lapsed into silence together. What other method was there to intercept that jacket as quickly as possible? My brain began to work rapidly.
You: The laundry van hasn't driven too far off yet. Why don't we give chase?
Yang Ming: The downtown area is under traffic control today because of the bicycle race. It'll probably be very difficult to catch a taxi.
Yang Ming let out a sigh.
Yang Ming: It looks like we have no choice but to wait for the clothes to be delivered back……
Just as we were standing at the hotel entrance completely at our wits' end, the sound of a car horn suddenly echoed from behind us.
Is it a car? I didn't have time to think it through and immediately leaned my body out, waving my hand toward it. Instead, I saw a vintage car that looked as though it had been born in the wrong era driving straight toward me.
In a flash, my arm was grabbed by Jesse's hand, and I instantly tumbled into a warm and familiar embrace.
Jesse: Careful!
The vintage car slammed on its brakes with a sharp screech, coming to a halt just before hitting us.
Shaken, I patted my chest and met Jesse's eyes. His brows were knit slightly, and he was holding me tightly in his arms.
Driver: Hey, young lovers, are you standing in the middle of the road re-enacting Titanic?
The driver rolled down the window, the words "Cupid Express" on his white T-shirt looking exceptionally prominent.
Here was our chance! Jesse and I exchanged a smile and quickly stepped forward.
Once we explained the situation clearly, the driver knit his brows.
Driver: Young people, it's not that I don't want to help you, but this mascot of mine has to be transported over before the race concludes.
Driver: The place you want to go is just too far. I'm afraid I can't help you out.
He pointed toward the backseat of the vintage car, and only then did I realize that it was fully loaded with the bicycle race's mascot—Cupid Lambs.
Watching the hope that had just risen pop like a soap bubble with a sudden snap, I could hardly conceal my disappointment and instinctively turned my head to look at Jesse.
Jesse: Please wait a moment.
Jesse turned his head to look at the security guard, opening the digital map on his phone and handing it to him.
Jesse: Sir, does your laundry van have a fixed driving route?
Taking the route map that the security guard had sketched out, Jesse displayed it to the driver.
Jesse: The laundry van only just drove out and hasn't gone far. Could you give us a ride for a stretch so we can intercept it?
Jesse: It shouldn't take very long, and we also hope to make it back to the racecourse before the competition ends.
The driver squinted his eyes to examine the map seriously, then clapped his hands together breezily.
Driver: All right, that's no problem. I know this area like the back of my hand. I'll take you through a shortcut, it'll be quick.
In an instant, both Jesse's and my eyes lit up. Yang Ming pressed his hands together, thanking the driver repeatedly.
Yang Ming: Thank you so much!
Driver: Mind you, you'll have to squeeze in with them.
The driver pointed to the little lambs in the backseat. Jesse and I were already overjoyed and couldn't care less about that, nodding our heads repeatedly.
Jesse: No problem!
Jesse turned around and patted Yang Ming on the shoulder.
Jesse: There's no need to worry now. You head back to the racecourse first to get ready for the competition. Leave the wedding ring to us.
Jesse: What you need to do is get to Sister Gao Xuan's side as quickly as possible and win that championship together with her.
Yang Ming: I'm counting on you two!
Yang Ming waved farewell to us, hopping onto a shared bicycle and speeding away.
Jesse and I leaped into the vehicle immediately, and the vintage car started up at full power. Squeezed tightly together, the plush little lambs bumped and swayed, competing with one another to tumble onto our laps.
I caught a little lamb that had nearly flown directly into my face, while Jesse beside me was also struggling amidst the pile of plush, trying his hardest to maintain his balance within a sea of fluff.
The driving instructor, brimming with drive, took us tearing down the wide-open road all the way.
Sitting inside an ancient car with a mountain of cute plush lambs while dressed in formal wear made it feel as though we were participating in a parade.
Thinking of this, I couldn't resist smiling.
Driver: Hold on tight, we're taking a shortcut!
The driver whipped the steering wheel around for a sharp turn, and the vintage car veered into a fork on the right side.
Right then, a familiar silhouette emerged at the end of the road—it was none other than that laundry van driving along at a leisurely pace.
Jesse: That's the van! Sir, can you get a bit closer?
Driver: No problem.
The driver slammed his foot down on the gas, and the vintage car gradually closed the distance with the laundry van. It wasn't until the two vehicles were driving side-by-side that we breathed a small sigh of relief, rolling down the window and waving our hands at the courier on the other side.
You: Hello! We left something behind in a clothing pocket!
Jesse: Could you please pull over for a second—
However, the courier was holding a phone in his hand, his mouth moving continuously, completely failing to notice our waving hands.
Jesse stared at him intently for a moment, his brows drawing together slightly.
Jesse: No wonder his phone kept returning a busy signal earlier. The guy has actually been driving while on a phone call this entire time.
Sure enough, the courier glanced from time to time at the phone screen propped up against the windshield, completely immersed in a highly animated conversation.
Driver: Goodness, that is far too dangerous.
Hearing our words, the driver shook his head.
Jesse: We have to find a way to stop him. It can't go on like this.
As luck would have it, right at that moment, the courier suddenly stepped on the gas, and the van surged ahead, leaving us trailing behind once more.
The laundry van turned down a sparsely populated path, heading straight toward the outskirts of the city.
The pedestrians on both sides grew fewer and fewer. Jesse's lips thinned into a straight line, and his expression turned serious.
Jesse: We need to think of something. We can't let him get onto the highway.
You: What should we do now?
Driver: I have a plan. Hold on tight!
The moment the words left his mouth, the driver hit the accelerator, and the vintage car, moving at full speed, veered into an alleyway, darting rapidly through various side streets.
The sudden burst of speed brought about a roller-coaster-like sensation of weightlessness. I gripped Jesse's arm tightly, letting the rushing wind brush past my cheeks and whip up my long hair.
Very quickly, we overtook the laundry van. Once a decent gap had been established, the driver swung the steering wheel hard, and the vintage car came to a dead stop right horizontally across the middle of the road.
The courier suddenly realized what was happening and slammed on his brakes in a frenzy. With the piercing screech of tires rubbing against the pavement, the van also ground to a halt in response.
You: !!
The inertia inside the vehicle propelled the plush lambs forward like an avalanche, sending them rolling all over the ground.
Jesse gripped my right hand tightly, shielding me in his embrace. Warmth spread gently from his palm, bringing an immense sense of security.
Jesse: Are you okay?
I nodded, tugging at his sleeve. Catching my drift, Jesse immediately hopped down from the vintage car, standing directly in front of the van to block it.
A plush lamb slammed "thud" right against the front windshield. Only then did the courier snap back to reality, rolling down his window in utter bewilderment and poking half his head out.
Courier: What on earth is going on here?
Jesse: We have a mission to complete.
Courier: A... mission?
After briefly explaining the situation to the shocked courier, we immediately opened the backseat of the van to search for Yang Ming's jacket.
Identical laundry bags were piled up like a small mountain in the back. As the door opened suddenly, they began to slide down one after another. Jesse hooked his arm around those bags, burying his head inside to rummage through them.
You: It's a white suit jacket. Let's see if we get lucky; maybe we'll find it right away.
The moment the words left my mouth, Jesse suddenly lifted his head, a smile spreading across his face.
Jesse: Looks like luck is on our side.
The zipper of the laundry bag slid open, revealing a white suit jacket with its pocket gaping open. A little lamb with wings sat perfectly upright on top of the bag, its paw pointing right toward a velvet box that had fallen onto the floor.
You: This is the one! This box must contain Yang Ming's wedding ring.
Jesse picked up the velvet box, carefully lifting the lid, and a silvery-white diamond ring sparkled brilliantly beneath the glare of the sun.
He raised his brows, turning around to flash me a peace sign.
At this very moment, the courier finally couldn't hold back the confusion in his heart any longer, lowering his voice to question us.
Courier: Are you two... a couple of secret agents?
Jesse and I exchanged a smile. He let out a theatrical cough to clear his throat, replacing his look with an expression of pure gravity.
Jesse: That's right. Our mission is to recover these garments and investigate traffic violations.
Jesse: We are issuing a formal warning regarding your conduct of driving while holding a mobile phone.
After receiving repeated assurances from the courier, we helped the driver pack up the plush toys and hitched a ride back to the racecourse in his vintage car.
The driver delivered his cargo right on schedule, bidding us farewell with a smile and a wave. We stood at the intersection watching that antique-looking vehicle amble away at a leisurely pace, looking just like a warrior who had fulfilled his duty.
Jesse: Come on, let's go check on how the race is going.
You: In that case, I'll go check in with the staff to confirm how Gao Xuan and her partner are doing.
...
Upon learning that Gao Xuan and Yang Ming had successfully set off, I breathed a sigh of relief. Squeezing my way out of the crowds lining the racetrack, I instantly spotted Jesse sitting on the lawn not far away, lifting his head to gaze at the sky.
You: Tangyuan!
I waved to him with a smile, and he turned his head around.
The shrouding layers of clouds drifted away at this exact moment, and the early summer sunlight instantly cascaded down. It traced the clean, handsome lines of Jesse's features like the most exquisite paintbrush, outlining his silhouette in a golden contour.
Bathed within the suddenly expansive brilliance, a shimmer of light gold surfaced within the depths of his emerald-green eyes. Jesse watched me intently as I came running toward him, seemingly falling a bit under a spell.
Jesse: So beautiful……
He murmured the words under his breath, directly followed by a slightly bashful smile. As if attempting to conceal something, he gave the white jacket in his hands a wave.
Jesse: Want to come sit over here? I have a parasol.
He lifted his suit jacket to shield the top of our heads, carving out a tiny sanctuary. I bent down and slipped inside, curling up close to him and naturally taking his hand in mine.
The direct sunlight was completely blocked out, casting down a pocket of cool shade. Looking out from my perspective, I could only see the high, vast expanse of the clear blue sky.
The faint, drifting fragrance of flowers filled the air with an ambiguous warmth, giving me the sudden illusion that beneath this wide sky and distant clouds, the entire world held nothing more than the two of us, clinging tightly to one another.
Jesse's fingers stroked along my wrist, then deftly slid upward to find my pulse. Pressing down gently for a few seconds, a sly, knowing smile surfaced on his face.
Jesse: Your heart is beating so fast.
You: That's... that's completely because of our secret agent operation just now!
The sensitive skin of my wrist registered the heat of his fingertips, and the edges of my ears began to burn self-consciously.
Jesse burst into a soft laugh. Grasping my wrist, he pressed my palm firmly against the left side of his chest.
I could feel the solid press of his chest as his laughter-laced voice floated down from above, lightly brushing against my ear along with the warm breath he exhaled.
If there were a mirror here right now, the edges of my ears and my cheeks would probably be completely flushed. I knew I had walked right into his trap, but I still couldn't resist striking back in a low voice.
You: Your heart is obviously beating just as fast……
Jesse: Because you're here.
Jesse drew even closer, gently cupping my cheeks.
Jesse: How did I perform today?
You: Incredibly amazing. It was just like being in a movie—no, wait, you were honestly even cooler than a movie's male lead!
Jesse: In that case, my leading lady, why don't we bring this movie to a perfect closing scene?
The fabric cascaded completely over our heads, blocking my line of sight. In the darkened space, every single one of my senses outside of vision suddenly became sharply magnified.
A familiar, gentle warmth pressed against my lips, followed by a tender, tentative movement. I closed my eyes, completely surrendering myself to this passionate and lingering kiss.
We didn't part until our oxygen was entirely spent and we were forced to separate.
Our burning, breathless exhalations fell against each other's cheeks, and I heard his low, raspy whisper.
Jesse: From the past to the future, you are the singular reason behind every beat of my heart.
His words swept away the hazy mist of memory, and I was finally able to see clearly where those once-hollow yearnings were always meant to belong.
The hidden pride of the young boy and the budding affections of the young girl from days gone by came crashing in like wild ocean waves, intertwining here and now, never to be parted again.
And so I opened my eyes, looking at the person standing right before me. Deep within the depths of those emerald-green eyes, a quiet fire seemed to be burning fiercely.
You: For me, you are too.
I looked straight into those brilliant eyes, and then I pressed my lips to his.
We remained hidden away like this in a world that belonged only to the two of us, until cheers drifted over from the distance, signaling that the bicycle race had seemingly reached its final verdict.
Standing up from the lawn, Jesse held my hand as we walked together toward the finish line of the race.
Gao Xuan and Yang Ming were completely surrounded by the crowd, waving enthusiastically at us from a distance the moment they spotted us.
With one arm shielding me, Jesse used his other hand to part the crowd, trying to squeeze our way in. But things didn't go as planned; we were blocked by the surging waves of people, unable to make any forward progress.
Seeing Yang Ming waving with sheer urgency, Jesse lifted the velvet box slightly to show him, and then tossed it over.
Jesse: Catch!
The velvet box traced a perfect arc through the air, caught securely by Yang Ming in the very next second.
Seeing me staring blankly under a spell, Jesse turned his head. The afternoon sun slanted westward, softening the sharp contours of his features.
Jesse: What are you thinking about?
You: I was just thinking... if you would also leap up like that in the future, reaching out your hand to catch the ring box.
He lowered his head slightly, the tip of his nose brushing gently against mine, his voice slow yet incomparably certain.
Jesse: Of course.
Jesse: For you, I will make absolutely sure to catch it seamlessly.
Amidst the warm, enveloping sunlight, the haze lingering within the depths of Jesse's eyes gradually dispersed.
I could finally see with perfect clarity that what those emerald depths held was every single piece of scenery within my world at this very moment.
—
Option 2: Walk back to the racecourse to check on things
The lazy sunlight spilled across the brick-paved ground. On one side of the square, the aroma of roasting coffee beans drifted over from afar, where tourists sat in front of the open-air cafe, leisurely enjoying their afternoon tea and pastries.
Within the relaxed atmosphere of the small city, we walked unhurriedly along the medieval streets, soaking in the comfortable passage of time.
You: I wonder how things are going over on Gao Xuan's end. Why don't we head back and check on her?
Jesse: Mm, whatever you say.
When we returned to the starting line of the racecourse, we could see Gao Xuan from a distance, waving to us anxiously. Jesse and I exchanged a quick glance and immediately ran over.
Jesse: Sister Gao Xuan, is Yang Ming still not back yet?
Gao Xuan: No, and he isn't answering his phone either.
Gao Xuan: I've already asked the staff to help head over to the hotel to see what's going on, but there's no news yet...
Perhaps due to all the rushing back and forth to search for him, Gao Xuan's cathedral-train wedding dress had become a bit wrinkled. I bent down to help her smooth it out, then gave her shoulder a reassuring pat as I stood back up.
You: Gao Xuan, let me take you to the dressing room first so you can change into that shorter formal dress for the race.
You: That way, the moment Yang Ming gets back, you two can head straight onto the course to compete.
Gao Xuan nodded, and we accompanied her to the entrance of the dressing room. Right at that moment, Gao Xuan's phone suddenly rang.
On the phone, Yang Ming apologized to her repeatedly, explaining that he had searched for ages only to realize that his phone and the wedding ring had been sent out for laundry together inside his jacket pocket. Because of this, the surprise plan he had prepared for her after the race had completely fallen through.
Gao Xuan held her phone, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Gao Xuan: You big dummy, just hurry up and get back here for the race.
Right at that exact moment, the racecourse broadcast began to urge the participants.
Broadcast: Check-in is about to begin. Will Newlywed Couple Number 11 please proceed to the starting point immediately, or it will be deemed a forfeiture.
Gao Xuan and the two of us were instantly frozen to the spot. Yang Ming, who was still back at the hotel, would most likely not make it back in time.
All kinds of strategies flashed rapidly through my mind, only to be dismissed by me one by one just as quickly. Shaking my head, my eyes suddenly caught sight of the formal suit Jesse was wearing.
That's it! Why don't we... I lifted my head excitedly, and as our eyes met, Jesse also gave me a subtle wink.
Jesse: Looks like we're thinking the exact same thing.
He turned to face Gao Xuan, speaking in a serious tone.
Jesse: Sister Gao Xuan, why don't Y/N and I take your places and participate in the bicycle race?
He smoothed down his white suit jacket, then gestured toward the dressing room.
Jesse: There isn't much time left. Have Y/N change into that shorter dress, and we'll still make it if we head out right now.
Gao Xuan pondered for a brief moment, then nodded her head breezily.
Gao Xuan: Looking at the situation right now, this is definitely the best way.
Gao Xuan: As for that dummy, let's make him make amends for his mistake by going to chase down that wedding ring!
Watching her wave her hand with such large-and-in-charge swagger, neither of us could help bursting into laughter.
Gao Xuan immediately picked up her phone to assign Yang Ming his mission. Jesse went to buy some time with the staff, while I rushed toward the dressing room, changing into the shorter wedding dress I had designed for Gao Xuan at absolute lightning speed.
I walked briskly to the racecourse to join up with Jesse. Gao Xuan, who had been waiting on the side, instantly shoved the map in her hands into my grasp and explained the rules to us.
Gao Xuan: The rules of the race are that the groom is responsible for riding the bicycle, while the bride sits in the backseat and navigates for the groom.
Gao Xuan: As for the check-in locations, they are set up at major hotels across the city. After completing the challenge missions at all locations, the first newlywed couple to cross the finish line will become the champions of this race.
Staring at the unfamiliar map and check-in locations in my hands, I couldn't help but feel a touch of worry. This was our very first time visiting this city; would I really be able to navigate properly for Jesse...
As if reading right through my anxious mood, Jesse gave my shoulder a gentle pat.
Jesse: Don't worry. While you were changing your dress just now, I seized the time to cram the traffic layout of this city.
Jesse: I've pretty much memorized the route by now, so when the time comes, you just need to keep an eye out to find the landmarks surrounding the check-in locations.
Perhaps it was his supremely confident expression that injected a bit of assurance into me, because I mimicked him, putting on a look that screamed we were bound to win.
You: Mm! I believe we can absolutely do this!
In order to pump myself up, I spoke a bit loudly, drawing the attention of the competing couples nearby.
They began whispering among themselves, seemingly treating Jesse and me as their number one rivals.
You: Great, looks like I really have to put in one thousand percent of my effort this time……
Jesse: There's no need to force yourself to act tough in front of me. Just leave it all to me, Jiejie.
You: Someone calls me Jiejie with his mouth, but it looks like his hands don't think that way at all?
You: What was that idiom again? Insubordination?
I spoke in a highly theatrical manner. Hearing this, Jesse crinkled his eyes, smiling with a touch of slyness.
He drew close to my ear quietly, his warm voice brushing against the side of my neck.
Jesse: Insubordination? Just how exactly are we talking about breaking the rules here?
A faint wave of heat hit my cheeks, but thankfully, the sound of the broadcast echoed from a distance right at that moment.
Broadcast: The Cupid Bicycle Race is about to begin! Please take your positions, everyone.
Gao Xuan grabbed one of us in each hand, shoving us toward the racecourse.
Gao Xuan: The race is about to start! It won't be too late for you two to show off your romance once you get back.
I let out a couple of self-conscious coughs, turning my head around to flash her an OK sign.
You: We'll bring Cupid's blessing right back to you.
Gao Xuan tilted her chin up in response, pinching her fingertips together to blow us a little finger heart.
Gao Xuan: Fight on! I believe in the lovelove power of you two.
Jesse straddled the bicycle, and I gathered up the hem of my dress before settling onto the backseat, naturally wrapping my arms around his waist.
The exact moment I looped my arms around him, I clearly felt his body give a sudden, subtle shudder. Jesse turned his head around very quickly though, looking back at me.
Jesse: Hold on tight to me, don't let go.
You: Mm!
Broadcast: 3, 2, 1...
The countdown hit zero, the sound of ceremonial cannons boomed, and the race officially lifted its curtain.
Charging straight into the colorful confetti dancing across the sky, the bicycle surged away from the starting line at a rapid pace. The warm wind came roaring past, whipping up my tied-back hair.
The wheels spun rapidly, and the scenery along the road melted into abstract lines, blurring past our eyes. We rounded Axis Square and the fountain pool, steering toward the main street of the small city.
You: The first location is Hotel de Ville, right over there.
Parking the bicycle at the entrance, we dashed into the courtyard garden following the direction of the signposts. This mission was titled "A Taste of Tipsiness."
The newlyweds needed to cooperate with one another to complete a wine-tasting task, during which the two were not permitted to converse. One party had to be blindfolded and drink the alcohol brought to them by the other, then state the name of the liquor.
You: As long as we can guess five types correctly, it counts as a successful check-in.
After reading the mission description, I looked over at Jesse teasingly.
You: This is exactly what you're best at, Student Xia Tangyuan, whose alcohol tolerance is an absolute bottomless pit.
Jesse: Putting it that way is still a bit of an exaggeration..... But I should be able to manage. Why don't you do the feeding, and I'll do the guessing.
I took the strip of cloth from the staff member's hands, and Jesse leaned down slightly. I blindfolded his eyes, then tied it into a beautiful ribbon bow.
The staff member brought over four trays containing all sorts of compact wine glasses, filled to the brim with alcohols of varying hues.
Secretly praying in my heart that everything would go smoothly, I brought the wine glass to the edge of Jesse's lips.
Jesse tilted his head back in obedient cooperation, instantly giving me the sudden illusion of feeding a small animal.
Jesse: Champagne. White beer.
Jesse: Sangria—the kind we tasted at that Tablao in Seville.
Staff Member: Correct.
Jesse: The fourth type…… a Tequila Sunrise. We went to drink it after the wrap party ended, remember?
You: Of course, we both ended up drunk that time……
Remembering that after-party, a faint wave of heat surged up behind my ears.
Staff Member: The final question will increase in difficulty. Not only do you have to name the type of alcohol, but you must also state its recipe.
Jesse: Looks like it's still a cocktail.
Placed on the tray was a small glass of amber-brown liquor. I picked it up with utmost care. Catching the aroma of the alcohol, Jesse revealed a highly confident smile.
Jesse: A Long Island Iced Tea. Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and lemon juice.
The staff member shook their head, however.
Staff Member: This is a variation of the Long Island Iced Tea. There is still one more important ingredient.
Jesse: Oh? In that case, please let my bride give me another taste.
Hearing that form of address, my cheeks self-consciously flushed crimson. Steading my mind, I brought the wine glass in my hand to his mouth.
Stray drops of alcohol spilled onto the corner of his mouth, so I grabbed a tissue to wipe it for him.
The exact fraction of a second I brushed against the corner of his lips, my finger suddenly collided with an unexpected wave of warmth.
A deft tip of a tongue lightly licked the pad of my finger, a trace of a warm and ambiguous sensation vanishing in the blink of an eye.
My cheeks burned a bit as I rapidly retracted my finger, only to see the corners of his mouth tilt upward into a gentle curve.
Jesse: Orange juice.
Staff Member: Correct! Congratulations to you both, you may proceed to the next challenge item.
Jesse yanked off the blindfold cloth in one swift motion. Sweeping his gaze around, the other newlyweds were still battling through hardship, causing him to enthusiastically loop his arm through mine in high spirits.
Jesse: It seems this is exactly what they mean by Heaven rewards "love."
You: What on earth kind of bizarre phrasing is that?
Jesse: Naturally, it's a spontaneous piece of inspiration from Literary Giant Jesse Xia, deeply moved by the sight before him.
Jesse: It looks like... we are incredibly suited for this "newlywed challenge."
You: It looks like…… Literary Giant Jesse Xia is getting very into character.
Jesse: I'm not acting a part. I'm entirely serious.
Jesse winked at me, his smile carrying a touch of playfulness.
He straddled the bicycle, and I hopped onto the backseat, continuing on toward the next location.
Although we expended a bit of time on locating the landmarks, we completed every single challenge with plenty of excitement but no actual danger.
Jesse: Only the final stretch of the race is left!
The final stretch of the racecourse was located on Mont-Highlands at the edge of the downtown area. The difficulty of the ascents and descents was no small matter, making it a rather grueling task for the competitors.
Rounding the curve at the base of the mountain, we steered up the winding path toward the summit. Catching sight of us, the staff members lining the road smiled and flashed us a victory sign.
Staff Member: Fight on! You're not far from victory!
You: Tangyuan, it feels like we actually have a real shot at winning the championship!
Jesse: That's amazing!
He quickened his pace as he spoke, his voice sounding just as brimming with drive as it always did.
Right at that moment, a powerful gust of wind suddenly whipped past our side. I turned my head around, discovering that another newlywed couple was trailing right on our heels.
They closed in on us at a rapid pace, seemingly attempting to squeeze into the right-hand curve to overtake us.
You: Careful, someone's behind us!
I immediately called out to warn Jesse. But they had accelerated far too quickly, and we no longer had time to dodge out of the way.
The gap between the two bicycles grew tighter and tighter. A sudden slam of the brakes during the turn sent my body instantly losing its balance, tilting over toward the left side, immediately followed by the sound of fabric ripping apart.
Right at that exact second, my wrist was suddenly grabbed by a large hand with distinct, elegant knuckles. Jesse's anxious eyes filled my field of vision as he caught me just in time, steadying my body.
Jesse: Y/N! Are you okay?
You: Yeah, I'm fine.
We had no choice but to pull over and check for damage. Not far away, the newlyweds who had attempted to overtake us seemed to have been affected as well, grinding to a halt all the same.
Jesse: That was a foul.
Jesse knit his brows slightly, his tone freezing over. But the other couple didn't look even remotely apologetic; they merely cast a completely indifferent glance at us before riding away.
Having no time to spare for anything else, he turned straight around and crouched down by my side.
Jesse: How is it? Did you get hurt anywhere?
I shook my head. A subtle shimmer rippled within his eyes, his expression completely stripped of the irritation from a moment ago, leaving behind nothing but pure worry.
You: Thank goodness you caught me just now.
Unfortunately, a piece of the inner lining had gotten tangled into the bicycle chain, and despite attempting to yank it out several times, I couldn't get it free.
Jesse: Let me take a look.
Jesse dropped to one knee right in front of me, his hand brushing against the stitched seam at the edge of the dress. He lifted his head, looking up at me inquiringly.
Jesse: Is it all right to tear it open here?
You: It doesn't look like we have much of a choice.
I tried to rip the hem along the stitched seam, but my strength was too lacking, causing me to accidentally damage the lace trim instead.
Left with no alternative, I could only look up silently, casting a pleading gaze at Jesse.
Jesse: In that case, does this count as me committing insubordination under official orders this time?
He looked at me teasingly, instantly breaking my serious expression into a laugh. With a sharp rip, the hem of the dress was successfully torn away by him.
You: I'm so sorry, Gao Xuan. I'll make sure to sew it back up for you when we get back.
Muttering under my breath, I gathered up the remaining skirts and hopped back onto the backseat of the bicycle once more.
Passing the final uphill stretch, we arrived at the highest summit. In an instant, our field of vision grew endlessly vast, and the mint-colored clear sky felt as though it were right within arm's reach.
I took a deep breath of the crisp, fresh mountain air, immediately followed by a rush of weightlessness—the final downward stretch of the racecourse led straight as an arrow toward the finish line in the downtown area.
The beautiful streetscape, looking just like a fairytale kingdom, had already emerged ahead. I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms tightly around Jesse's waist.
With my cheek pressed flat against his warm back, feeling that same comfortable and reliable warmth as always, Jesse's effortless, laughter-laced voice floated over through the wind.
Jesse: My lady, hold on tight, we're almost there!
Flowing clouds and the warm wind of early summer chased past us, the roaring currents lifting my long hair as the suit jacket and bridal skirt fluttered wildly in the breeze, serving as the most flawless footnote to our youth.
The fragrance of flowers and grass swirled all around us, and as our speed accelerated, we overtook bicycle after bicycle.
Amidst a sky filled with celebratory confetti, we were the very first to cross the finish line, completely enveloped by cheers and applause.
Jesse leaped down from the bicycle ahead of me, and unable to suppress the joy in my heart, I naturally threw my arms right around him.
You: You truly are our most incredible Tangyuan Knight!
Jesse: What do you mean by "our"?
Bright light danced within those emerald-green eyes as Jesse looped his arm around my waist, drawing close to my ear to whisper softly.
Jesse: I am a knight who belongs solely to you.
He lifted his hand, gently brushing away the confetti that had settled on the tips of my hair.
Right at that moment, an atmospheric buzzkill of a commotion suddenly echoed from the judges' table.
Following the sound, we looked over only to discover that the newlyweds who had nearly crashed into us earlier were currently locked in a loud argument with the staff.
Man: On what grounds are you saying we fouled! The rules of the competition never stated that overtaking isn't permitted!
Staff Member: The competition rules dictate riding on the right side!
Staff Member: Your conduct of overtaking from the right constitutes a violation, and it severely threatened the personal safety of other competitors.
Staff Member: Therefore, we must disqualify your second-place result.
Hearing their exasperated, furious bickering, Jesse and I looked at one another and smiled, walking toward the award podium.
Emcee: Congratulations to these newlyweds for winning the wedding dress bicycle race championship! Would the two of you be willing to accept an interview from us?
The emcee brought the microphone right in front of us, smoothly picking up two angel lamb plushies and stuffing them into our arms.
Emcee: Having secured the hotel sponsorship, do you have any acceptance speeches? Or perhaps any plans for the wedding?
You: We……
For a moment, I didn't know whether I should just go along with the misunderstanding and play along, instinctively turning my head to look at Jesse. He smiled, smoothly taking the microphone.
Jesse: We want to hold a grand wedding on the hotel lawn—
Jesse: Let the earth, the sky, and the wind that accompanied us through the completion of this race all come to witness this moment.
Following his description, I self-consciously pictured that exact scene in my mind; it would undoubtedly be incredibly beautiful.
Emcee: That sounds wonderful! Congratulations to you both once again!
You: Mm, thank you.
Jesse took my hand, placing a tender yet solemn kiss upon it.
People began to applaud enthusiastically, and as I lifted my eyes to look into the depths of his, I tumbled right into his clear, brilliant smile.
Cradling the trophy, we walked through the crowd, running straight into Gao Xuan and Yang Ming as they came jogging over.
Gao Xuan: You two were amazing! That "marriage proposal vow" just now was truly so romantic!
Jesse: When the time comes for me to actually propose, it will definitely be even more romantic. I'm just afraid my lady will say I'm committing "insubordination" again.
He stole a glance at me, and I couldn't resist giving his waist a gentle poke.
Gao Xuan and Yang Ming looked at us, both bursting into laughter.
Gao Xuan: You two truly flaunt your romance anytime, anywhere.
Jesse scratched his head a little sheepishly, looking over at the two of them.
Jesse: Right, Yang Ming, did you find your wedding ring?
Yang Ming nodded his head, pointing toward his right hand which was tightly clasped with Gao Xuan's.
Gao Xuan: Even though this big dummy didn't manage to pull off the ceremony he pictured, having this thought of his is enough to make me happy.
Gao Xuan looked down at their intertwined hands, a blissful smile spreading across her face.
Jesse handed over the trophy in his hands along with the wedding venue prize voucher to them. Gao Xuan accepted the voucher but politely declined the trophy.
Gao Xuan: This trophy is something you two won, so you should keep it.
Gao Xuan pulled Yang Ming along, and together, they gestured a massive heart shape toward us.
Gao Xuan: All of Cupid's blessings are going straight to you two.
Jesse and I burst into laughter at the exact same time. I leaned against his shoulder, and he lowered his head, gently nuzzling his cheek against my hair.
Jesse: What should I do? I've been struck by Cupid's arrow.
You: Oh? You don't want it?
I pretended to pluck the sharp arrow from his chest, but he caught my hand in reverse and pressed down, as if driving it even deeper instead.
Jesse: Too late.
Jesse: The god of love says I need a kiss to find my salvation.
Jesse's breath drifted over to the edge of my lips, his prominent throat catching slightly as he lowered his voice.
The sunlight gradually tilted westward, quietly retreating along with the arrival of dusk. Within the June breeze, the only thing I could taste was the damp air.
The fluttering hem of my dress was stained with scattered bits of gold. Perhaps, this was the entire meaning of summer.
—
Option 3: Ascend the City Observation Deck
You: Let's find a spot with a better view to watch Gao Xuan and her partner's race, shall we?
Jesse: I know just the place. Follow me.
Rounding a few small alleys, Jesse brought me up to the observation deck at the summit of the mountain.
Beneath our feet, countless streets radiated outward with the square at the absolute center, looking just like a fresh blossom in full bloom.
Standing by the edge of the terrace were several coin-operated telescopes that looked as though they had come straight out of the last century, overlooking the city landscape.
You: Look, they have coin-operated telescopes here! It feels so retro.
Jesse: Doesn't it look a bit like the kind we used to see by the riverbank when we were kids?
I remembered it instantly. The riverbank from our childhood did indeed have similar coin-operated telescopes.
Back then, our pocket money was scarce, so every single time we would crowd close together shoulder-to-shoulder, each of us peering through a single eyepiece.
Seeing the corners of my mouth curve upward, Jesse also smiled in perfect understanding, dropping a coin into the telescope.
Jesse: My spotter, come find where Gao Xuan and Yang Ming are.
I pressed my eyes against the eyepieces. Within the lens, tiny figures dressed in black-and-white wedding attire were running through the medieval-style streets and alleys, looking so adorable they resembled miniature toys in a fairytale town.
Unfortunately, due to the resolution, it was impossible to make out people's faces clearly. I searched around for a full loop but still came up completely empty-handed.
You: I can't find them... Tangyuan, why don't you come over and take a look too?
Acting almost entirely out of habit, I shifted a bit to the right, freeing up the left lens for Jesse.
The bridge of my nose was enveloped by the clean, crisp scent of his body, and sensing the close proximity of his body heat, my heart tightened slightly.
Jesse: I think I see them…
You: Where?
I tilted my head just a fraction, but accidentally bumped right into his forehead.
Jesse: Ah.
Both of us froze for a split second, then burst into laughter at the exact same time.
Thankfully it was merely a soft bump, and the spot that collided didn't hurt at all. Jesse rubbed the place where his head had been bumped, then dotingly massaged the spot for me as well.
Jesse: I completely forgot we aren't little kids anymore. As expected, we can't squeeze in together.
Amidst our laughter, the warm breeze blew over a shower of sycamore fluff, like tiny, fluffy umbrellas brushing gently past our cheeks.
Jesse beside me suddenly blinked his eyes, his brows drawing tightly together.
Jesse: .....Oh no.
Jesse: I think something just flew into my eye.
You: Eh? Is it sycamore fluff?
Seeing Jesse rubbing his eye in obvious discomfort, I hurriedly leaned my body forward, wanting to help him brush the fluff away.
His Response 1 Jesse: W-Wait... if you're really going to touch me there, now isn't the time!
Jesse: Ugh, it's not a stomachache, it's my eye.
Jesse: Huh? Is there sycamore fluff stuck to my face too?
Jesse: Sss…. That hurts.
Hearing his groan, I rapidly retracted my hand.
Venturing forward recklessly would probably only make the situation worse, leaving me with no choice but to stand right where I was, completely at a loss.
Jesse: It's fine. It'll be better in just a bit.
Jesse gently closed his eyes for a short moment, then used his hand to lightly lift his upper eyelid.
The piece of sycamore fluff dropped cleanly out of his eye.
Catching sight of my utterly tense expression, he let out a laugh, giving my cheek a little pinch.
Jesse: There, it's already completely fine. Don't look so incredibly serious.
You: Is it really totally fine now?
I drew close to perform a thorough inspection, and only after seeing that he truly was completely unharmed did I finally breathe a sigh of relief.
You: Whew, that was a close one.…… No wonder there are so many people who don't like sycamore trees.
Jesse: When it comes to sycamore trees, I've actually heard a rather romantic legend before.
Jesse: They say that a century ago, sycamores were the mayor's wife's absolute favorite trees, so he planted them in every single corner of this city.
Jesse: Thinking about it that way, don't you find that these floating bits of fluff aren't quite as annoying anymore, and might even be a little romantic?
Amidst his softly spoken words, I watched as the sycamore fluff drifted and danced up into the air, looking just like the onset of a tender rain shower.
I nodded my head silently, and that unpleasant little interlude from a moment ago vanished from my mind in an instant.
His Response 2 Jesse: Mmh, right, it's this exact eye. You have to be very gentle, okay?
I slowly closed the distance to Jesse's cheek, using my fingers to gently prop his eyelid open.
Blowing a soft breath of air into his eye, I watched his eyelashes flutter slightly, looking just like the faint tremor of a butterfly's wings.
You: Is that any better?
He opened his eyes, and that butterfly folded its wings away, revealing the clear sky that had been shielded beneath.
Jesse: Mmh, it's completely fine now.
His eyes were right within arm's reach, containing a clear, emerald-sky expanse of their own that mirrored the rows upon rows of buildings across the city.
I suddenly recalled our childhood back on the rooftop patio, where I used to help him blow away eyelashes that had fallen into his eyes in this exact same way.
Seeing the corners of his mouth curve upward, I knew our thoughts had drifted to the exact same place.
Jesse: What are you doing staring at me so blankly like that?
You: Nothing. I just think……
You: You really are still the exact same Tangyuan from back then.
As I spoke the words, my eyes crinkled into a smile.
Even though so many things had undergone changes, certain places remained completely identical to how they had always been.
At this very moment, time seemed to circle all the way around, arriving right back at its starting point.
Within the early summer breeze, a kiss descended gently upon the corner of my forehead, so light it left behind almost no trace at all.
Jesse's whisper floated right beside my ear.
Jesse: Well then, I'll be in your care for all the days to come, too.
—
Option 4: Head to the Gift Shop
You: I saw in a travel guide earlier that there's a really unique handmade gift shop around here.
I pulled up the rankings from a review app on my phone, and a shop named "Memory" caught my eye.
Jesse scrolled up and down through a few of the reviews, and it seemed to spark his interest too.
Jesse: Someone wrote in their review that the owner is a huge fan of blues folk music. Maybe we can even pick up some out-of-print merchandise!
Jesse and I rapidly exchanged a look of mutual confirmation. Five minutes later, we knocked on the front door of "Memory."
Pushing open the door and stepping inside, the soothing country music walled us away from the boisterous street. Jesse hummed along with the melody, his fingertips lightly tapping out the beat against the hem of his jacket.
Jesse: It's an interlude from an old movie, Yesterday Once More.
You: Yesterday Once More? That sounds like a perfect match for the shop's name, Memory.
The handmade shop wasn't very large. The wooden structural displays and the dim, warm amber lighting gave the slightly cramped space a touch of cozy warmth.
Inside a glass display case, a pair of matching rings caught my attention.
Two silver bands nested intricately inside one another, combining into a singular, complete ring. Yet when they unfolded into a cross formation, they looked just like the overlapping, naturally intertwining rings of a planet.
You: Tangyuan, look at this—
I turned my head around excitedly, only to find the space beside me completely empty.
1. [Record your audio] Fail to call his name
Suddenly, the ring of ukulele strings echoed from behind me.
Jesse plucked out a few notes, appearing to mimic the exact song playing inside the shop.
I walked forward out of curiosity, finding a twenty-one-inch rosewood ukulele resting quietly within his hands.
You: It's been so long since I last heard you play.
Jesse: What do you want to hear?
You: I just want to hear the one from a moment ago, Yesterday Once More.
You: I always feel like standing in a place like this makes it incredibly easy for a person to fall right into memories.
Jesse: It's probably because everything surrounding us was crafted by hand.
Jesse: When you look at them, you can't help but measure the time and meticulous care the creator poured into them.
You: Where did this sudden wave of sentimentality come from?
I laughed and poked Jesse's cheek, but his eyes dropped, his middle finger lightly plucking at the low carbon strings.
Jesse: I actually made one myself in the past.
You: Is that one still around?
Jesse shook his head, waiting a brief moment before he spoke.
Jesse: Before I went abroad, it was only half-finished. I left before I could finish making it.
The moment those words left his mouth, even the record player seemed to stutter for a fraction of a second. I stepped closer to him, forcing his gaze to settle into my eyes.
You: Jesse.
I called his name softly, using even less force than he did when plucking the strings.
You: Why don't we make one together?
You: Once it's completely finished, you can play it for me again.
Jesse's fingers resting against the instrument strings felt a touch chilly. I covered the back of his hand with mine, slowly drawing it in and tightening my hold bit by bit.
Appearing to register my body heat, the corners of Jesse's mouth finally curved upward at a slow pace.
Jesse: Then we'll make it the absolute second the race finishes.
Jesse: But right now... I suddenly want to play a song for you incredibly, incredibly badly.
He picked up that ukulele and gave a wave toward the owner at the front counter.
Jesse: Excuse me, I'll take this one.
You: What on earth are you playing that's such an emergency?
Jesse: Falling in love. Would you call that an emergency?
Jesse pulled me by the hand, quickly pushing open the heavy wooden door of the shop as a sheet of gilded sunlight cascaded straight down upon us.
2. [Record your audio] Call him dear, baby, hubby, Tangyuan, etc.
A familiar, large hand reached out from the other side of the display cabinet, catching mine in a gentle grasp.
Jesse: Y/N, come look at this first.
I surged along the direction of our joined hands to a corner of the shop. Calling it a corner felt like an understatement; it resembled a tiny study room much more closely.
A Bohemian-style woven tapestry hung quietly against the wall, and a wooden desk held incense along with a few old books with yellowed, curled edges.
You: You're being so mysterious. What exactly do you want me to look at?
Jesse: Take a guess.
My gaze searched back and forth among the handful of decorative items, and Jesse's eyes instinctively followed along, until they halted on a floor lamp.
I let out a knowing smile, pressing the switch of the floor lamp as a splash of soft, pale yellow light slowly sparked to life.
You: Well? Wouldn't you say we're completely in sync?
Jesse froze for a split second, then tilted his head to look at me.
Jesse: Don't tell me… you can read minds?
You: Reading other people might be a challenge, but reading you is a piece of cake, isn't it?
I lightly poked his chest with my fingertip, lifting my head to ask him.
You: Why the sudden interest in a floor lamp?
Jesse: It isn't sudden.
Jesse: Actually, I've wanted to buy a floor lamp for a really long time.
Jesse caught my finger resting against his chest, looping his fingers through mine as he moved behind me.
Jesse: Take a close look at the glass lampshade. Isn't it really unique?
You: Well, if I had to say, I guess the light filtering through feels unusually even and soft?
Jesse: Mmh, that's because the glass lampshade is hand-blown.
You: Huh? Hand-blown?
Jesse: Yeah, I saw it in Venice before. It felt just like a magic show.
Jesse: There was an old master craftsman there who said the very first time he ever blew glass, he made a floor lamp to give to the person he loved.
Enfolding me within his embrace, he reached out to flip the switch off, then turned it back on, the bright light flickering for a brief instant.
Jesse: When I saw that floor lamp, I suddenly thought of you.
Jesse: It was a living room with an incredibly soft couch, the kind we'd sink right into, with the TV casually playing some movie or another.
Jesse: It was already nighttime, so the room was quite dark, illuminated only by the warm glow radiating from the floor lamp.
Jesse: That tiny bit of light falling over you felt like a guide, making me feel as though all the light in the universe combined couldn't compare to this single speck.
Listening to the slow, steady cadence of Jesse's voice as he spoke, my heart softened inch by inch.
Jesse: Maybe what I want to possess isn't just this lamp.
Jesse paused, leaving nothing but the sound of his breath in the quiet air.
I gently caught his sleeve, turning around just enough to catch the dancing shadows beneath his eyelashes. I tipped up on my toes, drawing close to his ear.
You: Actually, me too.
Humans are greedy creatures after all. How could the space illuminated by a single lamp ever hope to hold all the things we wish to possess?
The night itself is nothing out of the ordinary, but simply because you are here, I find myself craving it just a little bit more.
—
Option 5: None of the above
You: Why don't we blow bubbles too!
I pulled Jesse over to a roadside stall, picking out a round, chubby little lamb bubble machine.
Practiced at the task, I popped the batteries in and loaded the bubble solution, then aimed it straight at Jesse and pressed the switch.
A continuous string of translucent bubbles soared up into the air, casting a glaze-like, colorful shimmer under the scattered rays of sunlight.
Jesse pulled out his phone, tapping the shortcut key on the far right side to instantly pull up the camera mode.
Jesse: Look over here.
A sky full of bubbles drifted past my face, obscuring my vision. I took a step forward, right at the exact moment Jesse happened to be walking forward too.
A mischievous bubble floated onto the tip of my nose, causing my eyelashes to blink instinctively before the colorful, phantom light popped with a soft "snap."
Jesse: My lady, look at the camera.
Jesse held the phone up high, and I turned my head to look toward the lens. Within that rectangular frame, a tender kiss happened to land right on my forehead.
—
On the day of the wedding, as the maid of honor and the best man, Jesse and I arrived early at the hotel venue.
The wedding site was located right where we had previously done our wine-tasting challenge, and the entire atrium had been decorated into a sea of pink and white flowers.
Jesse: This place really is quite nice. How about next year, we join the bicycle race too?
I laughed and gave him a light nudge. Over by the edge of the ceremonial stage not far away, Gao Xuan and Yang Ming were waving to us.
Gao Xuan: Y/N, come sign your name first!
On one side of the lawn stood a white signing wall enveloped in fresh blossoms.
I took the marker, and just as I was about to write my name on the wall, Jesse suddenly leaned down behind me, his palm settling over my hand holding the pen.
Jesse: Not on this section.
He arched his brows slightly, signaling for me to look to the right.
Only then did I realize that the signing wall was actually divided into different sections. One of the sections was adorned with statice flowers, completely filled with pair after pair of names.
You: Pfft, even the signing board is flaunting romance. This is definitely exactly the kind of thing she would do.
Jesse: There's even a singles' area. She truly lives up to her reputation as Sister Gao Xuan.
I tilted my head up slightly to look at Jesse, intentionally scratching beneath his chin.
You: You just said we aren't signing here. Then where are we signing?
You: Ah, I get it. You want to sign in the singles' section, right? My, my……
Jesse let out a blossoming smile, shifting my hand that held the pen over to the main board of the wedding.
Using his fingertip, he lightly tapped the two solemn, elegant calligraphy names right in the center, his breath falling beside my ear.
Jesse: I want us to be able to sign right here one day.
My heartbeat was instantly magnified to infinity at this exact moment, drowning out the wedding march that had begun playing behind us.
The entire ceremony was simple yet incredibly heartwarming. After the vows concluded, Gao Xuan took the microphone from the officiant.
Following a brief speech, her gaze swept past the gathering of guests and rested squarely upon Jesse and me.
Gao Xuan: Lastly, the people who deserve the biggest thank you for this wedding are our dear best man and maid of honor.
Gao Xuan: They were our Cupids, helping us secure this beautiful venue.
Gao Xuan: Therefore, I want to pass this happiness along.
I quietly shifted my gaze to look at Jesse, but he maintained his posture of watching the ceremonial stage.
Right at that moment, a tender sensation brushed against the back of my hand—Jesse's hand slid over quietly, covering mine.
In a place hidden from the crowd's view, our fingers interlaced one by one, ultimately interlocking tightly.
Gao Xuan: All right, now I'm going to toss the bouquet, okay?
Gao Xuan smiled at me and turned her back. The pink-and-white bouquet flew from her hands, soaring straight in our direction.
Petals broke free in midair, transforming into a grand shower of blossoms.
The pink-and-white flower rain drifted down continuously, settling over my head as if the earth, sky, and wind had delivered a bridal veil to me.
Across the drifting petals and the bouquet, Jesse lowered his head slightly and leaned in close to me. I closed my eyes, feeling the gentle kiss he placed upon my forehead.
In a trance-like flash, prophetic fragments danced before my eyes: we would continue to walk hand-in-hand like this all the way down our path, until the winter frost settled over our hair just like these falling petals.
————
PHONE CALL
Jesse: Y/N, did you see the news...?
You: Yeah, I saw it.
You: Is it the news about DM passing away? My social media feeds are completely filled with tributes to him.
Jesse: Yes. It's a bit too sudden, it doesn't quite feel real.
Jesse: I was just listening to his records at home earlier, and I suddenly felt a bit down.
Jesse: It feels like a guide who was walking right in front of you suddenly vanished one day.
You: Even though I haven't listened to a lot of DM's songs, I can still understand that sense of loss.
You: Tangyuan, you've always really loved rock music, haven't you?
Jesse: Yeah. Back in high school, his songs were all I listened to, and it was because of him that I picked up the electric guitar in the first place.
Jesse: His songs pulled me out of my emotional low points, and they made me realize that music possesses the power to salvage a person's soul.
Jesse: To think that I'll never get to hear any of his new songs again……
You: Still, Tangyuan, you shouldn't be too sad.
You: Look at it from another perspective—maybe DM has gone to heaven now, and he's continuing to sing for the gods?
Jesse: Y/N...... You always have so many whimsical ideas.
You: Besides, even though DM has departed….
You: There are still so many people like you who remember him, and who will continue to create music that grants people strength.
You: Isn't that wonderful?
Jesse: I knew it. Y/N, you have magic. Chatting with you always makes my mood so much better.
Jesse: I suddenly feel like having you by my side really is the most wonderful thing.
You: As you should! Do you and I really need to use words like thank you?
You: When I'm in a bad mood, aren't you always the one staying by my side and making me laugh?
You: So, cheer up! The best Tangyuan is the one who always wears a smile on his face.
Jesse: All right, all right. Understood, my lady.
Jesse: I'm already smiling!
Jesse: Right, have you been busy lately?
Jesse: I want to host a small-scale concert.
You: A concert?
Jesse: Not a very formal kind. I'll just find a bar near the theater.
Jesse: I'll be performing some of DM's songs. Think of it as a tribute—I want to find a way to remember him.
You: That sounds great! Once the time and location are set, you absolutely have to tell me. I'd love to come!
You: Getting to see Tangyuan play the electric guitar is a rare treat, after all.
Jesse: Then I certainly can't fall short of your expectations.
Jesse: I will be waiting for your arrival, along with my guitar.
Jesse: The seat right in the dead center of the very front row will always be exclusively yours.
-
TEXT MESSAGE
Jesse: Y/N, I discovered a secret agent's field manual in the library. You: Are you planning on changing careers from a musical theater actor to a secret agent? Jesse: That's not the reason at all. Did you forget? We are the Secret Agent Couple, after all. You: You still remember that nickname? Jesse: This is a major memory of ours, so of course I have to remember it. You: Well then, tell me, what kind of secret agent techniques are written in the book? Jesse: Is there anything my lady wishes to know? Jesse: Welcome to Tangyuan's Kingsman Classroom. I shall tell you everything I know. You: I'm pretty curious, are there any ultimate combat moves? For instance, a way for a girl to overpower a stronger opponent by utilizing her weakness as an advantage. Jesse: Mmh..... There aren't any instant combat tricks, but there is one little tip: you can use everyday objects within arm's reach as weapons. Jesse: For example, if you wrap a dozen or so coins tightly in a newspaper and hold them inside your fist, it can increase the impact of your punch. You: I get the concept, but it probably won't have any practical use for me, because I still wouldn't be able to put it into practice.... Jesse (Voice MSG): Don't underestimate yourself too much. The exact second you encounter danger, it might just be this kind of protective awareness that ensures your safety. Jesse (Voice MSG): But don't be too tense either. If worst comes to worst, you still have your knight to protect you.
-
TIMELINE POST Jesse: See you at the bicycle race next June! You: I've noted it down in my memos too! Where is the location for next year's competition? Jesse's Response: In California where it never rains, with a racecourse that cuts straight across Hollywood. Perhaps we'll get the chance to play the leading actor and actress of a road movie!
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LN Masterlist
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