Tears of Themis Offical Artbook - Voice Actor Interview: Zhao Lu (Artem Wing)
Do note that this is a fan translation and I am not in any way affiliated with Mihoyo/Hoyoverse. I'm just translating out of love and support for the game and Zhao Lu. Please do NOT repost my translations anywhere, and do correct me nicely if I've made any mistakes! Do remember to read the footnote for translator notes too :) Enjoy!
Zhao Lu's Voice Actor Interview
There are actually some differences between the Artem that I initially met and the current Artem. “Tears of Themis” is a plot-focused game, where within many small details, everyone can sense Artem’s growth. During the process of “Artem’s” growth, the voice actor also goes through constant growth as well. During recording, I will revise my tone of voice and state (of voice), trying to figure out Artem’s speaking habits, breathing rhythm, way of thinking… using all these details to show that “this is Artem”. This isn’t just me, there is also the joint effort of all the staff who gradually pieced together “a straight line” [1], and this straight line refers to the word “Artem”. Actually, during the creative process, we actually thought of trying to give everyone something different. In order to fit the different sides of Artem, I’ve also made some adjustments to my interpretation style. For example, the Artem in “飞雪落红尘” (Gufeng event), the story was required to give Artem a huge character contrast, at that time during creation I came up with two versions. In one version, the discrepancy was still something one could expect within Artem’s core character, the other version transcended Artem’s normal core character. The choice that was presented to everyone was actually the latter version, which was the version that had the bigger difference in Artem’s core character.
Since the first encounter, besides his professional and capable side at work, his emotionally delicate side is also becoming more and more felt. For example, in the second chapter of the personal story (Sweet Chapter), Artem and MC had their first argument. Perhaps due to MC’s sense of justice as a lawyer, she overlooked certain potential dangers. Artem, who was always concerned about MC in his heart, thought about MC’s safety, and therefore argued with MC, but this type of argument stems from good intentions, and also allows both parties to understand each other, the process of becoming even more connected with each other. In terms of work, Artem is a top student, but when it comes to emotions, Artrem actually has an inexperienced side. When I interpret the way he conveys his emotions, I will also add some thought, some prudence, some cautiousness. He previously took some “detour” [2] when showing MC his feelings towards her, for example, “Introduction to the Psychology of Love and Attraction”, “I am not a good person” [3]... However, these actually clearly showed Artem’s simplicity, kind-heartedness, and uprightness.
For Artem, his love for MC changed from “you’re someone who I can encounter but not seek for” to “you are the theme of my life”, the most important change is the word “distance”. From “‘Por Una Cabeza” (“One Step Away”, Xmas Partyland SSR), the Artem who was always one step away waiting to show appreciation (towards MC), to “Two Hearts as One” (1st year birthday SSR) where “we’re partners, so the both of us will always be two hearts as one” [4], and again with “Eternal Yearning” (1st anniversary confession SSR) where Artem confessed his love for MC in a public space with many people around. This kind of subtle change in “distance” allows for these feelings to be even more wonderful.
Artem is “a straight line” in every aspect only because he is such a simple and pure person, such that everyone can admire and like him. However, as the saying goes, “water which is too clean has few fish, and one who is too severe has no friends” [5], so the question arises, for such a limpid person, when something goes against his values, how would he choose? Not only me, I believe that everyone is really looking forward to what happens from now on in the story, when Artem encounters a dilemma, would he hesitate, be at a loss, struggle, how should he make his choice?
Finally, what I want to say to everyone is still the same line as before, choose Artem (serious face)! [6] I’m really grateful to everyone for being able to meet in this big family of Themis City, everyone’s concern, opinions and even criticism, are all embodiment of “love” towards this world (of themis), this is also all of our non stop motivation for us to keep improving.
Zhao Lu
Translator Notes
[1] He says “一条直线” here which literally translates into “ a straight line”. Zhao Lu often describes Artem as a straight line in many of his ToT related interviews and events as Artem doesn’t deviate in his actions, thoughts, and decisions in all aspects of his life before meeting MC. You can find Zhao Lu’s interview subbed here.
[2] The word he used here is “弯路” which literally means detour or roundabout route, but it can also figuratively mean the wrong way of doing something.
[3] Reference to Artem’s personal story chapter 1 (Blossom Chapter) episode 3-01. In the EN version, they translated this line as “I’m a bad guy…duh”.
[4] The line said here was “身为搭档,永远要两心无间” where “两心无间” is the name of this card. This directly translates to “as partners, we must always have no distance between our hearts”, where “两心无间” means no gap between two hearts. I referenced the official English version since I didn't know how to translate this line smoothly.
[5] The sentence he quoted here is “水至清则无鱼, 人至察则无徒” which is an idiom literally translates to “the water is too clear there is no fish, one is too strict won’t have a partner”. It can indicate that one should not be too demanding.
[6] He ended his ToT VA interview asking people to choose Artem over the other male leads, which can be viewed here, and here if you need subs. Ever since this has been a recurring line that keeps being brought up (by both him and players).
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Retired Ocean Liner and Lovers on Park Bench
Regardless of the time of day, the benches of Yamashita Park facing the waterfront are enjoyed by young mothers looking to take a break, elderly couples out for a short walk, young embracing couples, elderly men listening to the AM radio broadcast, young skateboarders at night waiting for pedestrians to disappear, and more.
The first time I boarded the NYK Hikawa Maru cruise ship was back in the mid-80s. I hope to go back to visit again and take photos when I’m able to leave my dog at home.
Before the war, this ship was the most luxurious means of travel to the U.S. with passengers that included members of the Japanese imperial family, Charlie Chaplin, and Babe Ruth to name a few.
Pentax K-1 II + D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
58 mm ISO 100 for 1/200 sec. at ƒ/6.3
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