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cheri-translates · 4 years

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[CN] Kiro’s Village Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

The phone call before this date: here! It happens right before the date, so do listen/read it for better context :)

The date begins with MC waiting around the train station for Kiro after reaching a remote town. A stranger comes up to her.

Stranger: Sister, are you here to visit relatives? Want to take my car?

MC: Thank you… but there’s no need…

Stranger: No need to be shy. My car is pretty fast, so just tell me where you want to go!

MC: I really don’t need… ah!

Someone grips my shoulder from behind, making my hair stand on end. My mind gets flooded with horror stories of female travelers who got duped when travelling on their own.

Kiro: Big brother, I’m here to pick my sister up, so there’s no need to bother you.

MC: Kiro!

I whip my head around to see Kiro blinking at me slyly.

Stranger: Ah sister, you should have mentioned that someone was picking you up!

With a wave of his hand, the man leaves. I heave a sigh of relief, and only now take a good look at Kiro.

It has been several days since we’ve last seen each other, and it looks like he has gotten thinner, and a little tanner. Even so, his eyes remain as bright as always, as though they store the blue sky in them.

Kiro: What’s with your shocked expression?

MC: You scared me just now…

Kiro: Then… I’ll definitely stand in front of you next time, okay?

MC: Mm! Have you been waiting long?

Kiro: Only for a bit. I arrived at the right time. Let’s go, sister. We shall take a big car!

Kiro mimics the stranger’s dialect, playfully pulling on my hand.

MC: W-what are you doing…

Kiro: This is to prevent you from getting taken away by people you don’t know.

We walk across the road while holding hands, and I finally see the vehicle that would be transporting us to the mountain village.

The first thing I see is a huge exhaust pipe pointing straight towards the sky. The wheels, which reach the height of half a person, support this giant creature.

The driver rolls up his sleeves from the front seat and greets us.

MC: Wait a minute… Kiro, when you said “big car”, you meant… a tractor?!

On the mountain dirt path, the wheels whip up gigantic balls of dust, and the loud vehicle scares off sparrows.

MC: Why a tractor…

Kiro: [shouting] What? Speak louder Miss Chips, I can’t hear you!

MC: I said – why is a tractor sending us to the village!

Kiro: [shouting happily] It can’t be helped. The only car in the village was sent for repair, so only Brother Zhang’s tractor is available for use. Don’t you find this interesting? You wouldn’t experience such a fun journey elsewhere!

Barely making out his words over the sound of the tractor, I can’t help but laugh.

MC almost falls out of the tractor during a particular rough turn.

Kiro: Be careful!

Kiro frantically reaches out to pull me back, and my head lands on his chest. His breath encases my surroundings – familiar yet mixed with the freshness of the mountains and forests.

Kiro: Are you okay? Did you hit anything?

I shake my head to signal that I’m all right, wanting to pull myself away from his chest to sit up properly. Instead, he hugs me even more tightly.

Kiro: This is to prevent you from falling out again.

I feel the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck, and it travels up to my ear slowly. I lift my head, only to meet his bright eyes. My cheeks begin to flush.

MC: Kiro, the driver is in front…

Kiro: What did you say? It’s too noisy. I~ can’t~ hear~ anything~

For the rest of the journey, I remain in Kiro’s arms. After many more turns on the dirt road, the tractor finally reaches its destination. By the time we thank the driver, disembark, and step into the village, it’s already late afternoon.

Even though the buildings are ancient, and the facilities are not as modern as in the city, there is life everywhere. In an environment so close to nature, even the air carries with it a certain sweetness.

A large group of villagers surround us once we enter the village. Wherever Kiro goes, he manages to build good relations with people.

Villager A: Ro-Ro, you finally brought your girlfriend? She’s very beautiful, you’re really lucky!

Villager B: Girl, come try my family’s walnut cookies. Take more, don’t be shy!

Villager C: Do you eat braised duck? Try my family’s braised duck!

In a moment, my hands are full of souvenirs.

MC: Thank you everyone… there’s really no need to do this…

I look at Kiro with a silent plea, and he comes over to help.

Kiro: Thank you all for your kind hospitality. Miss Chips just arrived, so I’m going to help her settle down first, all right?

The villagers gradually disperse after leaving a few more kind words. I heave a sigh of relief. Kiro takes the souvenirs from my hands, a little apologetic.

Kiro: Did they scare you? I didn’t expect the entire village to be here… they just wanted to give you a warm welcome since you came from such a faraway place.

MC: I’m happy that everyone is so welcoming, so I’m not scared.

Kiro: That’s great! Let’s put down our bags, then I’ll show you around. There are so many interesting places here. There’s a Flower Valley near the outskirts, and if you continue down the right…

He talks excitedly about the scenic areas and his filming experiences here, as though painting the empty period when we were apart with his colours.

MC: Kiro, do you like this place a lot?

Kiro: Mm, of course. I like it a lot. And now… I like it even more.

He turns to look directly at me. The cloudless sky is behind him, but the sky in his eyes are clear, and of an even brighter blue.

Kiro: What about you, Miss Chips? Do you like it?

Bathed under the sunlight, Kiro’s smile is tender. Yet, his eyes carry within them a certain seriousness.

MC: Mm, I like it too.

In that moment, the look in his eyes becomes even brighter, and he flashes me a wide smile.

Kiro: After dinner, I have a secret surprise for you!

MC: What surprise?

Kiro: I already called it a “secret”, so of course I’ll keep it to myself first!

He blinks at me slyly, carrying our luggage as he runs up the stairs. He stands at the top of the stairs and waves.

Kiro: Miss Chips, hurry up!

MC: Mm!

In the span of an afternoon, Kiro shows me around the entire village – from the large banyan tree at the door to the river’s thousand-year-old stone path.

We take time to appreciate the traditional textiles, and even eat delicious farm dishes…

Starlight appears in the distance. To city-dwellers, this means that the night has just begun. But to the people here, it means that it’s time to return home and rest.

In the distance, I hear tea women singing. In the midst of the song, I call out to the person who is in front of me.

MC: Kiro…

Kiro: What’s wrong? Are you tired?

MC: No, I’m just a little curious… is the “secret surprise” you mentioned very far from here?

Kiro: Not really. There, it’s on that mountain.

MC: Then why are we bringing a tent?

Kiro: That’s also a secret!

I can only pout and continue following him.

Kiro looks incredibly well-prepared. He’s carrying a tent on his back, a high-power flashlight in his hands. You can tell from a glance that you can’t buy these things from this town.

Even though he is usually bad with directions, he walks with light steps in the twilight, clearly familiar with this path. As for the small black bag he’s carrying… I stare at it with curiosity.

I should just anticipate the surprise he has prepared!

With this in mind, I smile, my footsteps becoming lighter as well.

MC: Kiro! Wait for me!

By the time the heat of the day ebbs away and the sky is lit up by a few stars, we have reached the foot of the mountain. I look at the stone steps in front of me, slightly shocked.

MC: I thought it would be an undeveloped steep mountain road…

Kiro: Hehe, bet you didn’t expect this! Also, this stone path has a legend tied to it.

MC: A legend?

Kiro: Legend says that in ancient times, there was a loving married couple. They agreed to go up this mountain to view the sea of flowers in Spring, the forests in Summer, the sunsets in Autumn, and the stars in Winter every year. But one day, the wife suffered from a grave injury and it became difficult for her to walk. So her husband built this mountain path by hand, so they could continue their agreement till they became old and grey. As we walk up this path, we could be walking in their same footsteps!

Kiro offers me his hand as he says this. Feeling playful, I hide my hand behind my back.

MC: I’m not the wife in the legend who needs support when walking.

Kiro is stunned for a moment, then he laughs.

Kiro: [laughing] All right, then let’s see how amazing this strong and healthy Miss Chips is!

MC: No problem! Let’s race to see who reaches that banyan tree first, how’s that!

Kiro: Does the winner get a prize?

MC: Hm… the person who loses has to fulfil the winner’s wish!

Kiro: Deal!

MC: Three, two, one, go!

With these words, we run up the stone steps. Responsible for carrying more items, Kiro trails behind me.

However, as the mountain path gets increasingly steep, I begin to lose steam.

MC: Huff… huff… another ten steps…

The distance between Kiro and I grows smaller, and I can almost hear his shallow breaths from behind.

With a sudden burst of energy, I release a shout and lunge forward.

MC: Three more… two more… I’ve reached! Victory!!

The moment I step on the top of the steps, I raise up both hands in celebration.

Soon after, Kiro also reaches the goal and gives me a high-five.

Kiro: Ah… I can’t believe I lost… congratulations to Miss Chips for being the champion! You can state your wish now!

MC: Hmm, I haven’t thought about it actually. I just said it in passing just now… is it okay if I save it for now?

Kiro: You’re so sly! I’m reluctantly agreeing, but I’m only extending the time-limit of making the wish to the end of today!

MC: Mm! I will give it serious thought!

After resting for a while, we continue up the path until we reach an empty plain.

Kiro hangs a light on a tree branch, casting the surroundings in brightness. He removes the tent from his back.

MC: I just realised that you planned this right from the start. This tent is big enough to host a party!

Kiro: Savin helped me pick it. He said the blackout tent is especially suitable for…

MC: [blushing] Suitable for what?

Kiro: Mm… you’ll know in a while. [laughing]

After setting up the tent, Kiro asks me to wait outside.

He takes the small black bag and enters the tent. After a while, he sticks his head out of the flap.

Kiro: Miss Chips, come in.

MC: Eh? Do you need help with anything?

Kiro doesn’t respond, but his eyes are crinkled, a secretive smile on his face as he looks at me. I can only play along with him, bending down and entering the tent.

MC: …it’s so dark! Why didn’t you turn the light on?

Right after the words leave my lips, a sea of stars appear before my eyes.

In the tent, countless little star-shaped lights flicker. It’s like magic. The warm yellow lights illuminate this space - a space belonging only to the two of us.

The source of the light is in his hands, and light is also reflected in his bright blue eyes.

MC: It’s beautiful… is this the surprise you wanted to give me?

Kiro hangs the final star lamp on the tent carefully. He lowers his head and answers my question.

Kiro: [cheeky laughter] This is more like the “appetizer” of the surprise. The “proper meal” is still on the mountaintop, and is even more beautiful than this!

MC: Mountaintop?

Kiro: Mm! There’s a banyan tree with long, winding vines that form an enclosed natural area. Last time, the film crew strung several lights similar to these on the vines, and it was so beautiful to look at in the night! After the filming was over, I specially asked them to keep the scene as it is, so that I could bring you there someday.

He takes a step towards me, offering me his hand.

Kiro: May I ask if Miss Chips is interested to go to “Kiro’s special, limited-time-only secret base” with me?

I nod my head vigorously and place my hand in his.

MC: Of course! I’m looking forward to it!

MC and Kiro carry on upwards but fail to notice that the clouds are grey and that it’s about to rain.

It starts pouring and they realise it would be too late before they can reach the tent. Kiro notes that the mountaintop doesn’t have shelter either, so they head to a nearby cave to seek shelter.

The cave isn’t very deep, but it’s dry. In a corner, there are traces of burnt candles and food offerings.

MC: Looks like this place was used by the villagers to worship the mountain god…

Kiro: Mountain god grandfather, I am grateful that you have lent us your cave so we can hide from the rain. If you can hear this, please give the rain god a call so that he can make the rain stop quickly!

Seeing Kiro putting his hands together and talking to the rock reverently makes me laugh.

Kiro: You’re laughing at me? I’m seriously praying here!

MC: I’m not laughing, I’m not laughing. I believe the rain god will soon get the call!

Despite what I said, the rain doesn’t seem to be letting up. I roll my slightly sore ankles and turn to look at Kiro.

MC: Why are you sitting down?!

Kiro: [sighs] The rain wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon, so why not take a break.

He is sitting down, leaning against the stone wall. He tosses a wave in my direction.

MC: That makes sense…

I move over to Kiro and prepare to sit down, but he spreads out his arms.

MC: What’s wrong?

Kiro: The floor is too cold! I think Miss Chips needs a warm cushion.

He looks at me with a straightforward expression, as though predicting that I would agree.

MC: In that case… you’re not allowed to complain that I’m heavy.

Kiro: I wouldn’t!

I walk towards his outstretched arms and carefully sit on his legs.

He holds my hand firmly with one hand, and takes up the star lamp in the other.

In the darkness of the night, the only source of light rests in between us.

Fine speckles of light adorn the sturdy rock, the trees that are drenched outside, and both of our eyes.

I see my own reflection in Kiro’s eyes – there is a little panic, a little embarrassment, and a little shyness.

To calm my rapidly beating heart, I break the peaceful and silent atmosphere.

MC: Mm… I wonder when the rain would stop…

As my words leave my lips, I tell myself: “Oh no”.

Sure enough, Kiro’s eyes dim, and the smile originally on his lips turn downwards.

Kiro: [pouting] I should have checked the weather forecast…

Looking at his downcast expression, I try to comfort him.

MC: Today has already been a very happy one for me. So it doesn’t matter even if I can’t see the lights on the banyan trees.

Kiro: But…

He shakes his head, bending forward to wrap me in his arms. The tips of his hair brush my cheeks, and his breath carries with it the dampness of the rain.

Kiro: I’m sorry, Miss Chips.

Hearing the despondent voice coming from the head buried in my shoulder, I suddenly feel a heaviness in my heart.

MC: …why do you have to apologise?

Kiro: I ruined this whole thing… I wanted to have a “Tidbit Eating Showdown” with you, but it can’t happen because of me. And then I wanted to give you a romantic surprise, but because of the rain… Miss Chips, I don’t want to disappoint you. I want every single one of our dates to be perfect.

The melancholy, regret, and resoluteness in his tone makes me hold him tightly.

MC: I think our dates are already perfect.

Kiro: [sighs and sniffs] Miss Chips…

MC: Because… there’s me, there’s you, and there’s nothing missing.

I straighten up and look into his eyes as we sit under the starlight.

MC: We rode a tractor, visited every corner of the village, raced up the mountain, and even hid from the rain using the mountain god’s turf. This isn’t just an interesting date - it’s an extraordinarily interesting one!

MC: Come to think of it, it seems like every time I’m with you, we have these unexpected yet memorable special experiences!

MC: So perhaps that starry scene at the banyan tree is an invitation letter to our next “perfect date”!

Clearly not expecting what I just said, he blinks at me in a daze.

Kiro: Miss Chips, are you truly happy today?

MC: Yes! Oh, I thought about what my prize should be from that earlier competition.

I reach out to place my hands on both sides of Kiro’s mouth, then tug upwards gently.

MC: I want to see Kiro’s signature smile!

We maintain this comical position while looking at each other. My reflection in his eyes contains a serious expression and also a hint of stubborn silliness.

At first, Kiro is stunned. His eyes seem to have harnessed all the light from the lamp.

Even without my assistance, Kiro smiles automatically.

--It’s a smile that belongs to him, and a smile that he shows only to me. No matter when, or whatever happens, Kiro’s smile always brings me warmth and strength.

Kiro: Oh!

As though suddenly realizing something, he raises his pinky finger towards me with a brilliant smile.

Kiro: Do you remember the promise we made last year at the Spring festival?

MC: Of course I remember. You said… that you would be with me in the future.

Kiro: Not quite. It’s that I would be with you forever. But this time, let’s add on to the promise.

MC: Add on?

I hesitantly hook my pinky finger with his, and the place where our fingers link is a place where a tiny star-shaped speckle of light happens to be.

Kiro: The promise I want to add on is that I would not only be with you forever, but I will always be happy when I’m with you!

MC: Mm! Me too!

Kiro: It’s a promise! This is the mountain god’s turf, so he will be our witness!

I nod my head vigorously.

His voice melds together with the lights in the cave.

Kiro: Miss Chips, look. The rain has stopped.

🌧

Call after the date: here

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc kiro #here's a tranquil date so we can all calm down from the Ch 37 PV release

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