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orchid-n-petals · 8 months

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So I've already shared parts of this on a discord server, but I have to scream about Ketheric Thorm on here as well. Obviously spoilers about the character under the cut! It's a long one.

The entirety of act 2 is about him, right? Jaheira, Shadowheart and numerous other NPCs shit on him for his fickle faith. First Selune, then Shar, then, as we meet him, Myrkul. You hear about his changes of faith on a whim, you hear that he's the person responsible for the shadow curse, he is painted as a villain, plain and simple.

You can figure it out pretty early on that Isobel was resurrected and that she is his daughter; the detail as well that he wants Isobel alive is so on the nose, it gives him away completely but there are still a few questions that remain unanswered, mainly about his faith.

And then you get to the mausoleum and the picture assembles; this entire tragedy, the death of hundreds if not thousands and the complete ruination of a landscape was all, ALL because you had this absolutely wrenched, heartbroken father who had lost everything and nobody answered his grief. He was left woefully alone, the Goddess whose daughter his daughter was involved with did nothing to save Isobel.

Imagine outliving your wife and your daughter. Imagine dedicating your life to fight the Lady of Loss, your Lady of Silver's enemy, and then be left so completely alone and in silence with your grief, with your loss. It's so, so poetic how and why he turned from Selune, and it's so understandable as well; he broke. His spirit completely broke. He couldn't deal with that void of having lost the only two important people in his life, seemingly undeservedly so. He was going mad with this and a lot of his ire was likely targeted at Aylin who, in his eye, represented Selune; she's literally her daughter, after all, and it was implied that even before the deaths of his family, he sort of saw Aylin courting Isobel as Selune taking his daughter from him, despite his service. This relationship was clearly not seen by him as a boon of "giving his daughter to the Moon-maiden".

His ways in the past clearly didn't spare him from tragedy and having to cope with it (which he clearly didn't, he snapped under the weight of his grief). He was clearly angry and unable to do anything, furious and helpless, which is a dangerous combination. A good part of his first change of heart must have been fuelled by a sense of revenge.

But then Shar didn't provide any balm to his aching heart either. If you read his letters in Grymforge and in act 2, he is so focused on enacting the will of Shar because he believes that healing lies in oblivion. Everything would be easier if he could just forget, if the damn world could just forget, if nothing was remembered because without Melodia and Isobel, nothing was worth remembering.

Then came Myrkul. Literally the only god who was not only able, but WILLING to give back his daughter to him. Imagine spending your all, EVERYTHING you have to serve two gods who would not give a single shit about the greatest suffering in your life. You were basically nothing, your loyalty didn't matter for shit, everything that was taken from you amounted to no recognition whatsoever: you should simply cope and seethe. Your grief will not simply go unanswered (which is not inherently antagonising) but ignored.

And then comes this supposedly evil entity who can alleviate your pain just like that, snap of a finger and it's a done deal.

I am so serious when I say that I believe Ketheric's main incentive was to extend Aylin's immortality to Isobel as well. You can read in her diary that she feels a taint after having came back, and there are things not even Selune can cleanse, but at this point, Ketheric doesn't care about Selune, vengeance is secondary if not tertiary, he's done that war during his Shar years and what did it give him? Literally nothing.

He doesn't even care about the fact that Isobel is still her cleric. He cares about the single most important fact: Isobel is back. Life is worth living again, there is something for him, and it was not Selune or Shar who gave it to him but Myrkul, and for this singular gift, he would raze the world for the Lord of Bones. Like people can clown on him for being disloyal but the man has the loyalty of a dog bonded to its owner.

He is powerful and is willing to go to insane lengths for crumbs. What is raising a single life for a god? Nothing. It has happened and it will happen again. But Ketheric will go to the ends of the earth to serve the single god who actually listened to him. The one god who didn't ignore him.

He knows that what he does is not the morally upright thing! He is so insanely self-aware that allying with Orin and Gortash and doing this entire plot with them only to then betray them is morally reprehensible at the best of times, he knows that people hate him, etc-etc. He was a Selunite at one point and he's not stupid. He just doesn't care; it could be literal Asmodeus and he wouldn't care as long as he got what he wanted, no matter the price.

He is probably the only one from the three of the chosen who has complete clarity over his situation, he almost sways (if you pass the check during his confrontation), he is not an inherently evil man blinded by power.

But he is inherently loyal to those deserving, and as of the story's standing, completely broken by his grief. In his eyes, at this point, the only one deserving loyalty is the one who actually listened to him. Isobel lives. It doesn't matter that she hates him, that his entire life has fallen apart, that literally nothing else that is good has come of it, because Isobel lives.

I don't think he regrets a single thing. His consciousness might tear at him at the end, but I believe he would do everything over again, exactly as he did, because in the end, his daughter was brought back. Because what would a grieving, broken parent give to bring back their child? Everything. Absolutely everything. And it's such a simply given answer, no second thoughts, no doubts.

Nobody can tell me that this man is fickle. Nobody. This man was willing to burn the world to the ground, create a Boudica destruction layer all by himself for the one single thing he wanted. For any God that would listen.

I don't know, I just have a lot of thoughts about his character.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #ketheric thorm #and I also have a lot of thoughts of how Aylin foils him #I fully believe that he was in the right in the capacity that he switched around his gods when he was literally ignored despite his life's #work. despite all that he has given. I think it's reasonable to expect in the world of gods who actively meddle in mortal affairs on their #whims and make shit worse that in just one single case they would. idk. NOT expect one of their devotees to remain blindly loyal to them #after their prayers go unanswered. like yes; go and try your luck elsewhere because this devotion of yours is clearly being taken for #granted. you get NOTHING out of your worship. you can't even sleep well because your loved ones are dead and you are expected to just what?#deal with it on your own? and remain loyal? why?#some sense of 'honour'?#I really like this depiction of faith actually. I really like when clerics and paladins are given agency and critical thought that hey!#this is actually giving me nothing despite me dedicating my entire life to it! and I have only one of it so why not take it somewhere where #it's actually valued. you know. as a treat.#I *personally* much more prefer this depiction of a crisis of faith than what we got with Shadowheart or Lae'zel; their stories are very #interesting on their own but I think throwing yourself from one end to the other not because you actually have a goal that it could serve #but because you are desperate for a purpose #is a slightly less potent character narrative than having an actual goal yourself. not by much but by a little.#again #PERSONALLY

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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 23 days

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[CN] Li Zeyan’s MQ: Burning Imprints (Eng Translation) - Part 2

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a mind quest, 灼痕, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

✦ Part 1 || Part 2 || ASMR

🔞 Additional Warning 🔞 Same old but more severe warning this time LOL. The steamy parts of the MQ are as explicit as they can get, i.e., some of the most explicit stuff you’ll read in a CN otome game right now, so if you don’t qualify for the game’s 17+ rating (CN server), I’d very highly recommend that you don’t proceed under the cut~ :>

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

Read part 1: here!

──

【CHAPTER 5】

The pitter-patter of water in the shower ceases. I wipe my dripping wet hair as I walk to the mirror, raising my hand to clear away the damp mist from its surface.

During the movement, I inadvertently trigger a slight twinge in my sore shoulders. I let out a soft hiss and pick up my phone, intending to search for effective ways to alleviate weariness.

My peripheral vision falls upon the work group that has been silent for several days, causing me to pause mid-gaze.

I wonder if the layout of the remaining placement sites is too discreet; it seems like the progress in collecting the bracelets has hit a snag lately.

For several consecutive days, there hasn’t been anyone coming to the “Elven Emissaries” to register with their bracelets. The operations of all the other projects are running seamlessly, with no slip-ups requiring documentation.

My schedule has become increasingly free. Every day, I accompany Li Zeyan to explore the restaurants on the island, trying all kinds of dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

Alternatively, we also engage in activities such as diving, parasailing and so on, having a blast to our heart’s content before returning to our little cabin hand in hand, basking in the warmth of the evening breeze.

The relaxed ambiance has gradually allowed me to unwind from the intermittent stress that work brings, making me feel as if I’m truly on vacation.

I close the browser on my phone, lazily comb through my still-damp hair with my fingertips, and push the bathroom door open a crack.

MC: Li Zeyan, my waist is still sore.

MC: Not feeling up for vigorous activities today. How about we go for a spa treatment or a Thai massage to relax instead?

There is no response in my ears, but the intermittent sound of his voice can be faintly heard.

LZY (on the call): At this stage, if the bracelet is found, just directly… no need to…

LZY (on the call): As for the remaining progress, just wait for…

Progress, bracelet… Why does it sound like this is related to the collection task?

–

Without delay, I gently push the door ajar, finding Li Zeyan seated on the chair, his gaze lowered as he looks at his iPad.

With one hand supporting his Bluetooth headset, he occasionally swipes across the screen, appearing to be ruminating about something.

Upon hearing my voice, Li Zeyan lifts his head in my direction. I point at the screen for him, silently mouthing the words––

MC: [mouthing] Let– me– have– a– look– too––

I snuggle into his arms in the most familiar practice, intending to take a closer look at what he is up to.

However, Li Zeyan smoothly turns the iPad to face the other direction, his voice maintaining its composure as he continues to inquire through the earpiece.

LZY: [gives you a teasing glance before redirecting his gaze] What’s the new development you mentioned?

Confused about what’s going on, I move myself to the side he has shifted the device to. But Li Zeyan, as if on purpose, raises his arm at an unhurried pace.

LZY: [tosses you another mischievous glance before withdrawing] Continue.

It’s quite a rare sight to have him act in such a childish manner. I freeze for a moment, my initial curiosity now spiking to its maximum.

After thinking for a while, I resort to being a rascal and simply seat myself in Li Zeyan’s lap, attempting to suppress him in this manner.

Li Zeyan’s breath hitches for a moment. The body in contact with mine tenses briefly, halting all movement.

MC: Hehe, let’s see how you dodge now~

Thinking I have succeeded in my plan, I raise my eyebrows at Li Zeyan with an air of complacency, then lift my hand to climb up his arm.

Li Zeyan supports his headset with one hand, and there isn’t a single ripple in his expression as he watches me drawing closer to him. As I move, a few drops of water drip onto his face along the ends of my still-wet hair.

Splat.

He stares in my direction, the light in his eyes now dyed with moisture. The next moment, the palm resting on the armrest suddenly lands on my waist.

LZY: [still on the call, while looking at you] Inform the others to proceed with the original plan as previously arranged.

The force around my waist suddenly tightens with his words, clamping down on my provocative actions.

Just as I’m about to struggle, the tight body under my legs shifts slightly. Accompanied by the squeaking sound of the chair moving across the floor, Li Zeyan suddenly stands up from the armchair.

MC: …!

My body suddenly loses its fulcrum, and I cling tightly to his neck with both arms, desperately exerting every effort to suppress the exclamation that’s about to escape my throat, for fear that the person on the other end of the headphones might hear something.

But he effortlessly holds me up with one arm, a practice he couldn’t be more familiar with, then begins to walk at a leisurely pace, neither too fast nor too slow.

With each step he takes, my body collides uncontrollably with his again and again. And being restrained by his control, I’m also unable to create distance between us.

I bite my lips tightly, desperately, having no alternative but to tense up my body to endure it. Despite having only covered a few steps of distance, a thin layer of sweat has already formed on my cheeks––

Until the brief sensation of falling hits me, and I land heavily on the rumpled sheets. Li Zeyan tosses the headphones aside and sits leaning in towards me.

LZY: You’re becoming more and more unscrupulous.

His breath, carrying with it a burning warmth, teasingly caresses my face, keeping at a distance that is neither too close nor too far. His dressing gown has opened slightly during our earlier movements, exposing the dark red marks on his shoulder.

My heart rate uncontrollably accelerates for a few beats.

MC: It’s all because you’ve been playing coy with me… Let me see what you’re up to!

MC: I’m a part of the staff; I won’t get in the way of you guys.

Li Zeyan doesn’t seem to pay heed to my words, casually picking up a grape from a nearby plate.

LZY: I’ve learned this from a certain someone.

LZY: When you don’t want to show me the drafts of your proposals, you are much more of a rascal than this.

As he says this, he peels off the grape skin at an unhurried pace and bites into its luscious pulp. A sheen of grape juice colors his thin lips, which he then raises his hand to wipe away.

Despite pouting at him, my curiosity still gets the better of me. I peel another grape and bring it to his lips, attempting to sound him out.

MC: Well, then, could you perhaps briefly reveal some information? Like, where do you plan to search next, or…

I’m still in the middle of speaking when a sudden burst of warmth is felt at my fingertips.

Li Zeyan bites into the grape I’ve held out, and seemingly inadvertently, his teeth graze my fingertips, sending a tingling sensation through me as if I were being electrified.

My fingertips involuntarily flinch, but my wrist is firmly caught in his grip.

My body, which was already slightly tilted, suddenly loses balance, and I tumble into his arms.

LZY: The benefits of just one grape are far from enough.

LZY: If you want to pry out information, I’ll need more sincere bargaining chips.

MC: Just the other day, I was perfectly fine with you watching me! And now, after getting my appetite whetted, you suddenly cut off any further information… you’re quite the rare being!

Li Zeyan hooks his finger on the sash of my bathrobe and slowly slides it outward.

As the fabric falls with a rustling sound, my body shivers momentarily from the cool air. Soon after, I am covered by his scorching body heat.

Gasping, I try to press my lips together, but his fingertips slip in. Unlike last time, they don’t penetrate as deep, just resting between my teeth and stopping my attempt to close my lips.

MC: W-Why are you doing this again…

LZY: Why can’t I?

A low, husky voice sounds from behind me. Though it’s a question, it carries an irresistible implication.

LZY: It’s just the two of us here now.

LZY: Don’t hold back. Let me hear you.

A layer of moisture clouds my vision. I moan uncontrollably, biting down on his finger.

MC: [dragging out between her moans] …And you point fingers at me… when clearly you’re the most unscrupulous person there is…

A loose laughter drifts from beside my ear, accompanied by a sudden penetrating weight.

LZY: [as he moves inside her x1] I thought a certain someone already knew this about me.

LZY: [x2] …go on, “accuse” me a little more.

LZY: [x3] Perhaps this way, I’d be willing to give you whatever you want.

—

——————- p.s. Interval, and as you’ll see in the 2nd next sentence, god knows how many times they did it LMFAO ——————-

—

In the end, I still couldn’t coax any words out of Li Zeyan’s mouth.

Amidst the steaming afternoon heat, we’ve worn away the better part of the day once again until even our heads felt dizzy from satisfaction.

I lazily nestle in Li Zeyan’s arms, almost wanting to ignore everything else and simply “wasting” a whole day by his side.

Until the sound of a notification alert chimes from under the pillow.

MC: [reading the text] “Two more guests dropped by in the afternoon to submit their bracelets… Currently, we’re only one bracelet away from the completion of the collection task…”

…so, in other words, the conditions for unlocking the hidden surprise could be met at any time?

I close my eyes, silently running through a few minutes of mental preparation. I push myself up from the bed and sit upright until Li Zeyan’s arm loops around my waist from behind.

LZY: [poor man LOL, laughing softly] Where are you off to now?

I instinctively want to tell him, but then remembering what he did earlier, I let out a soft “humph” instead.

MC: …I’m not telling you. But anyway, received a notification in the group, so I’m heading to the “Elves’ Home Bar” to see what’s going on.

I nudge his arm as I say this and hear him let out a sigh interspersed with a little helplessness.

LZY: [chuckles helplessly] There are quite a few employees from LFG relaxing in the entertainment area there as well.

LZY: Come on, I’ll go with you.

—

The sports car parks outside the streamlined building, and I trail behind Li Zeyan as we make our way inside. [6]

Upon pushing open the sturdy wooden door, the sound of melodious music wafts towards us.

Warm-colored lights dance around the spacious space, illuminating the distant bar counter and the dazzling lineup of floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets.

The recessed seating arrangements create the outline of semi-enclosed spaces where the employees of LFG are gathered in small groups, chatting, laughing, or playing games. The atmosphere couldn’t be more relaxed.

Catching the sound at the entrance, Goldman inadvertently glances over and, upon seeing Li Zeyan and me, sets down the cards in his hand and stands up.

Goldman: CEO Li, you’re here too.

Goldman: We have something to report to you. I wonder if it would be convenient for you to talk now?

Goldman clears his throat, his expression as serious as ever. I nod at him in greeting and whisper to Li Zeyan.

MC: Why don’t you go ahead and check it out? I happen to have some things to attend to as well~

Upon finishing my sentence, I swiftly make my way to the back of the bar counter and find a staff member. I cast a quick glance towards Li Zeyan, then quietly inquire in a lowered voice.

MC: How’s the progress on the collection task now?

The staff behind the counter slides a glass of champagne over to me and answers in a similarly hushed tone.

Staff Member: The progress is still stuck where it was in the latest report, but something is a little off.

Staff Member: Clearly, we’re just one bracelet away from completion, but they seem to have lost their drive, and they’ve been here playing cards and board games… Could it be that the difficulty is too high and it’s affecting their motivation?

I take the champagne and ponder for a moment as I take a sip.

MC: But given the amount of countermeasures they came up with before, they won’t give up halfway… they must have some other plan.

MC: I’ll find another opportunity to look into the situation. If it’s really because of the design of the hiding spots being obstructive, I’ll have the staff controlling the lights make adjustments.

As I say this, my gaze drifts towards those people chatting and laughing relaxedly in the distance, and I inadvertently lock eyes with Li Zeyan.

The person next to him seems to have just finished a game, and a ripple of laughter passes from the group. Another person sorts out the deck of cards and asks Li Zeyan if he is interested in joining.

Li Zeyan sets down his wine glass and suddenly looks in my direction.

My heart skips a beat as I hear him speaking in a calm voice.

LZY: I will fancy a game, actually––

LZY: ––If the “Elven Emissary” over there is willing to accept my challenge.

──────────────

[Tidbits]:

[6] ! NERDING ALERT LOL. The architectural name of the building design is more popularly known as “Streamline Moderne.” Though the geometric shapes and curves make these structures look futuristic, these designs actually emerged in the 1920s and reached their peak in the 1930s-40s, and are known to be timeless. I do want to applaud Li Zeyan’s content team b/c this was such a little detail effortlessly tied with his car model- the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (produced from 1954-57). Widely known to be another timeless classic and a groundbreaking car for its time– kudos to his team for never failing to incorporate such subtle details, though unfortunately, I can’t gush about each and every one of them b/c that will turn bigger than the MQ translation itself ahah. also, not LZY being the only guy who got his car drawn into the event special background arts LMAO 💸😂

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CHAPTER 5, INTERWOVEN EMOTIONS】

[Tidbits]: This is a bonus chapter (equivalent to the memory silhouette in SP MQs), described in the narrator’s POV, comprising moments before Chapter 6~ 🥺

────────

Set against melodious background music, a rather ostentatious scene unfolds on the movie screen.

The protagonist’s eyes shimmer with tears as they are about to deliver a passionate confession of love, and just at this moment, several indistinct murmurs sound from beside him.

Li Zeyan turns his head to look at the girl sleeping soundly next to him and chuckles softly.

The movie being screened at the island’s movie theater today is a classic example of a crowd-pleaser but lacking substance–– a grand setting with overly dramatic plotlines.

Despite the fact that this genre of film isn’t the girl’s cup of tea, she was the one who spontaneously suggested coming here. And sure enough, she nodded off halfway through.

LZY: [smiles helplessly] …

He sighs almost inaudibly, his gaze fixed on the gentle play of light dancing through the girl’s long eyelashes, casting a subtle shadow under her eyes.

These days, she often has to juggle work responsibilities now and then, and she clearly hasn’t let herself relax properly.

At the moment, the person really basking in the enjoyment of his vacation is just him alone.

Li Zeyan lowers his gaze and picks up the blanket nearby, draping it over the girl so that she can sleep more soundly.

Buzz—

His phone’s notification suddenly rings out for a moment, only to be silenced as he swiftly presses the mute button.

Li Zeyan walks out of the screening room with light footsteps and closes the door behind him before answering the call. Goldman’s voice sounds on the other end.

Goldman: CEO, we’ve got a handle on the locations of the remaining bracelets. It’s only the whereabouts of the last one we haven’t been able to track down, as of now.

Goldman: Would you want to consider mobilizing the rest of the employees and get them to participate as well?

LZY: No need. They’re all on vacation now. Let everyone who wants to unwind enjoy their time off peacefully.

LZY: Those who are interested can continue exploring in their leisure time, but do not put any pressure on them either.

LZY: Inform them using your account. Just updating the group with the clues that have been found will suffice. I’ll keep up the search.

Upon receiving a response from the other end of the line, Li Zeyan ends the call and walks in the direction of the screening room at an unhurried pace.

The project area along the coast and the highly popular tourist spots have been searched and ruled out one by one over the past few days… The location of the last bracelet seems to be a little too discreet.

Li Zeyan’s fingertips absentmindedly trace the phone’s surface, the sound of the girl’s expectant voice playing in his mind.

“‘The harvest reaped from a certain someone’s efforts during this time has indeed been worthwhile.’… I want to hear you say these words personally after seeing the surprise.~”

LZY: [laughs helplessly] …The difficulty level is set rather too high for a vacation experience.

Even as Li Zeyan murmurs his discontent under his breath, there is a touch of gentleness in his eyes.

He has closely witnessed the hard work the girl put into this project in recent days. And if he can help it, he doesn’t want her dedication to go in vain.

And even though she hasn’t said anything directly on purpose, she’s been occasionally dropping hints that “she wants this task to be realized as soon as possible”— whether it’s through her words or through deliberate or inadvertent actions…

Li Zeyan’s steps come to an abrupt stop.

The screening schedule for the theater is arranged early in the morning. She should have already known from the outset that the content of this film wasn’t something she’d be interested in.

Given that, why was she insistent on bringing him here?

After contemplating for a moment, Li Zeyan lifts his foot and changes his direction. He doesn’t enter the screening room and instead returns along the path he had taken with the girl.

Before long, he comes to a stop on the stairs of the theater.

LZY: [extremely helplessly and indulgently] Dummy.

Li Zeyan says softly, his voice tinged with the gentle hint of a smile.

A beaded coconut shell bracelet hangs quietly on the railing above, a lustrous sheen haloing it.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CHAPTER 6】

After only a brief moment of contemplation, I stand up and take a seat at the other end of the round table where Li Zeyan is sitting, ready to hear the rules––

First, both parties will receive five cards each, which will remain undisclosed. Upon obtaining the cards, each party can choose to propose to exchange some of their cards with a third party or keep them as they are. Then, they will proceed with placing the bets.

Once everything is finalized, the cards will be revealed, and victory will be determined by comparing the ranks of the card combination.

The rules don’t sound that complicated, so I nod to Goldman, signaling that we can begin.

The shimmering yellow glow of the light dances on the marble table top. After a brief shuffle, five cards are respectively placed in front of me and Li Zeyan.

MC: You know, we haven’t yet decided what the wager should be.

In order to test the waters, I intentionally speak up, watching as he calmly flips his cards over, shooting me a glance.

LZY: How about a wish?

LZY: Even if it doesn’t comply with the “rules” of this island, we still have to fulfill for the other person.

Whether intentionally or otherwise, his pronunciation of the word “rules” seems to carry extra emphasis. I blink, and a realization suddenly strikes me.

The progress of the bracelet collection task has currently hit a snag… Perhaps Li Zeyan wants to gain clues through this method?

MC: Yeah, sure thing.

Saying this, I glance at my own cards, my heart pounding in my chest. To my surprise, luck has favored me this round–– I have Two Pair among the five cards.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him intermittently tapping his fingertips on the table. Displaying such subtle gestures of contemplation likely means his cards aren’t as good.

I have to seize this opportunity and compromise a little bit.

MC: I want to swap cards.

LZY: [simultaneously] I want to swap cards.

As the deep, heavy hum of the music interweaves, our voices coincidentally collide with each other. Li Zeyan and I hold each other’s gaze for a moment before he calmly takes out three cards to exchange with Goldman.

I also trade my Two Pair with Goldman, acquiring a few new cards in return. Then, following Goldman’s cue, I spread out my cards on the table.

And just like that, the game is settled in a moment–– Li Zeyan’s Joker with a four-flush clearly outmatches my high cards.

Even as I’m trying to maintain my composure, I still breathe a sigh of relief, my eyes crinkling into a smile as I turn to Li Zeyan.

MC: CEO Li’s move to swap the poor cards for such an amazing hand was rather wise, I must say.

Li Zeyan doesn’t say anything and only arches an eyebrow, while Goldman beside him clears his throat with a cough.

Goldman: Actually, CEO Li’s original hand was a straight, so it wasn’t bad either.

A straight… that’s still better than my original Two Pair, isn’t it?

MC: …Then why did you take the risk of changing cards?

LZY: [chuckles softly] Just to be cautious.

LZY: After all, judging from a certain someone’s subtle cues, her hand must have been pretty good.

LZY: Since the Joker was already in my possession, there was a high chance the new cards would either form a flush or above, so it was worth the gamble.

Calculating the probability in mind from his description, I can’t help but widen my slightly as I look at Li Zeyan.

The interval was only about ten seconds or so, and this man calculated everything so fast even within that window!

MC: [mumbling to herself] Had I known earlier, I wouldn’t have gone easy. At least, I could’ve lost with some dignity…

I mutter under my breath in a voice only I can hear, watching as Li Zeyan rises from the seat and addresses me.

LZY: [and he still hears it LMAO, ofc he does] A bet’s a bet.

LZY: Now, you should accompany me to fulfill my wish.

─

───────

[Tidbits]: Just in case it eludes anyone, they are actually playing their version of exclusive poker. I’m not gonna explain the specific terms or the game b/c it’d be a long ass explanation. But just wanted to point out that while MC was playing to have Li Zeyan win the game, the man just really wanted to win LMAO– and why, you’ll find out in a bit~ 🥺

────────

We take our leave from the entertainment room. The nearby and distant buildings are already veiled by the gathering darkness of the night.

The streamlined sports car zooms through the night, racing towards the highest point of the island, and it soon pulls into a secluded parking garage.

Keeping an intermediate distance, the sports car comes to a slow stop by the food-to-ceiling windows. Lights from the surroundings spill a surfeit of light through the glass, making it so that it seems we’re almost close enough to touch by just reaching out.

…What a coincidence, this is the best spot for enjoying the “hidden scenery”!

Everything seems to have fallen perfectly in place, and my heartbeat instantly quickens a little. Li Zeyan turns his head sideways and casts me a casual glance.

LZY: Come on, let’s enjoy the night scenery first.

The door on the driver’s side opens silently, and Li Zeyan seems about to rise from his seat and get out.

MC: Hang on, you haven’t yet told me, what’s the wish you want me to fulfill for you~

I grab his sleeve at flying speed, but he still maintains his calm and composed demeanor.

LZY: I don’t think there’s any need to rush it at the moment.

MC: …but this is a task that must be done eventually! If you don’t tell me, I won’t be able to set my mind at ease~

With my hopeful gaze fixed on him, Li Zeyan ponders for a moment.

LZY: [YOU CAN’T SEE ME BUT I’M PRACTICALLY IN TEARS RN] Well then, from this moment onwards, leave all your time for me and me alone.

MC: [confused] …?

I find myself momentarily doubting if I’ve heard him wrong.

MC: Are you sure you want something so simple? You know you could take this opportunity to get your hands on some even more “impossible” terms!

I subtly stress the word “impossible,” but Li Zeyan seems to have missed my hint and simply gives me a nod.

MC: …Li Zeyan, you’re really a dummy!

I straddle his lap and punch him on the shoulder, feeling a little depressed.

MC: You clearly said yourself, that you wanted to realize the collection task! Then why not seize this opportunity and ask me––

LZY: Ask you about the location to activate this surprise?

And just like that, my hidden thoughts are exposed by him. I stare into his eyes, finding myself a little astonished.

Li Zeyan lifts his hand and runs his finger down my chin, signaling me to pull myself together.

LZY: You’re looking in the wrong direction, turn your head.

I follow the direction his finger points at and, somewhat perpexedly, look out the floor-to-ceiling window.

In the next second, it’s as if an invisible switch has been pressed, and the outline of the entire island is suddenly illuminated by magnificent lights.

The resplendent yet gentle lights, akin to a cascade of stars falling from the vast expanse of the night sky, delineate the long and winding curves of the coastline.

And just like that, the scene I have seen repeatedly in the design drafts and renderings suddenly unfolds before my eyes without warning. My lips part, and my heart suddenly skips a few beats.

…During this whole time, as I spent monitoring the progress, I imagined countless times how Li Zeyan would react when he saw it.

He would probably smile, wouldn’t he? Or perhaps, he wouldn’t even be able to take his eyes off of it.

Harboring such anticipation in mind, I always wanted to achieve the completion of this task as soon as possible, so that he could enjoy this perfect surprise.

Yet, as this scene suddenly materializes before me, I find myself becoming the one who can’t tear her eyes away.

—

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[Tidbits]: Sorry to break the flow, but just a little refresher/ reminder as to why MC’s surprise is so significant and emotional (p.s. the BGM here is the 3rd anniv. theme btw 😭)– in S1 CH11, Li Zeyan first told MC how looking at the city lights from a height would quell his anxiety and worries. From then on, it has become one of LZY’s most prominent themes (night, city lights, and meteors). We also saw the reversal of it in the winter world (Only Tonight SP), where MC told Li Zeyan how looking at the city lights would remind her of her special person, and it calmed her down, too. Aside from the little scattered ones, some major moments where we’ve seen the significance of this reference– S1 CH 37 farewell scene, S2 CH 4 re-bonding scene (at the hospital again), S2 CH 40 memory returning, LZY’s 5th birthday etc. This is why MC’s own surprise apparently takes her aback just as much here, too~ ꒦ິ꒳꒦ິ🙏

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A soft chuckle rings in my ears, and I finally snap out of my daze.

Only to find that Li Zeyan’s gaze is fixed intently on me, and I see countless lights and myself mirrored in his eyes.

MC: You had already guessed what the hidden scenery was, didn’t you?

Li Zeyan responds with a soft hum, his palm gently caressing my wrist.

LZY: After all, a certain someone did say it was something worth appreciating with someone you hold dear.

LZY: Since every single element of it was designed by you, I reckoned my preferences were taken into account subconsciously.

LZY: During my morning runs these past few days, I scouted for locations on the island that would offer a breathtaking view. And, combined with the information gathered from the group, I did indeed make this discovery.

His voice carries a sense of ease, and interlaced with it is a confidence of calmly accepting love. A soft “hmph” escapes my lips, and I can’t resist pressing on for more details.

MC: Had I known earlier… I should have chosen my words more carefully when making the introduction.

MC: Come to think of it, the bracelets should have all been collected a while back… You were simply keeping it under wraps so that you could unveil it now, weren’t you?

Li Zeyan doesn’t deny it, leaning back into a relaxed posture.

LZY: Had you known in advance, you wouldn’t have felt the surprise.

I blink my eyes and speak subconsciously.

MC: But this surprise wasn’t prepared for me in the first place––

LZY: [cuts her off] Why can’t it be for you?

As he says this, the touch of resigned laughter colors his baritone voice.

LZY: [lets out the most helpless, gentlest of chuckles] When you persuaded me to come, you clearly said we’d be on vacation together.

LZY: Why is that after “tricking” me into coming here, more often than not, you seem to be so on edge and distracted by all sorts of work related matters?

As he speaks, his fingertips brush my head, causally removing my headwear.

—

The delicate ornament lands soundlessly onto the carpeted floor of the car. A few strands of hair by my cheeks trail downward, causing a slight tickling sensation.

I lower my gaze and belatedly piece together the way I’ve had an increasing amount of free time these past few days, as well as the bet he cleverly orchestrated and won. Suddenly, a realization dawns on me.

MC: …So, everything that happened the past few days was part of your plan?

LZY: After all, a certain someone didn’t have that awareness.

LZY: So, I could only use my ways to bring you out to escape the confines of rules and identities.

As I gaze into that pair of serene eyes, I feel as if a flower is blooming within me, my innermost being silently overflowing with an exquisite sweetness.

The corners of my lips involuntarily curve upward as I lean in, resting my forehead against his. I feel enfolded by the warmth and breath of the person in front of me, and he hems me in completely, not leaving even the slightest gap between us.

MC: So, you’ve been planning this all along, step by step… guess this falls under Teacher Li’s “aesthetics of delay,” doesn’t it? [7]

LZY: Of course. Moreover, the one who gets to immerse in the enjoyment shouldn’t be just me alone.

Our warm breaths intertwine, and I can almost see my own reflection mirrored in his eyes.

A soft laugh escapes me as I lean in towards him.

MC: Well, now it’s time for me, the “dummy student,” to be proactive and respond.

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[Tidbits]:

[7] Putting the note here before we get into the intense™ scene again LOL– the “aesthetics of delay” part is a throw-back to Li Zeyan’s top-up SP card– “Exuberant Fruits of Patience” (aka When Love Matures in EN). I’d highly recommend re/reading that to find out the significance of the throwback here~ 😉

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—

I plant a kiss on his lips as I say this. The palm supporting my hips suddenly tightens.

His lips wrap around mine, neither too fast nor too slow, stealing all my oxygen away at a leisurely pace.

Amidst our entwined breaths, even the air lingering between us burns hot. I nibble on his lips, only to be answered with an even more intensified demand.

Sapped of all my strength, it’s not until I give a push on his shoulder that I manage to catch a sliver of space to breathe.

The night air, carrying with it a slight chill, embraces our fiery body heat. I shiver involuntarily and reach out, yearning to steady myself on his chest, but the progressive intensity of the thrusts leaves me swaying back and forth.

MC: Li Zeyan, please let me lean on you a little more…

Allow me to find a mast to rely on and continue to meet the deeper waves.

I’m not sure if I’ve actually said these words aloud, but the panting in my ears suddenly grows heavier. At the same time, my wrists are held captive by a palm soaked with moisture.

Accompanied by the rustling sound of a tie twining around, my wrists are bound and looped around his neck.

MC: [moaning] Li Zeyan…

Murmuring, I turn my head to the side and bite Li Zeyan’s equally damp shoulder.

He doesn’t speak and only releases a restrained pant, holding me even tighter in his arms.

The magnificent lights, the shimmering reflections… the colors on the car window sway, gradually becoming blurred in my vision––

–– Until, akin to fireworks, everything converges into a burst of white light and explodes in my mind.

I take a deep breath, and in the all-consuming embrace of our entangled bodies, lift my hand and run my fingers through the wet tips of his hair.

MC: Li Zeyan, do you still find this delayed surprise to your satisfaction?

With those profound eyes staring fixedly at me, he leans his head in and gently plants a kiss on the inside of my arm.

LZY: Of course… I find it even more satisfactory than you could imagine.

LZY: And I also find myself to be even more addicted (to you).

His lingering kisses wreathe upwards, charged with a passion that can set everything ablaze.

I almost forget how to breathe, as I feel even the last spark of my consciousness grow burning hot and melt into the flowing night.

The world fades into distance and obscurity, leaving only the fiery and violent pounding of our tightly pressed hearts.

And so, I close my eyes, sinking into his temperature once more.

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#gonna beat my own drum Imao 🫣 but i’m really proud of this translation piece- feel like it was done justice for how long of a wait this was #+ i tried my very best to get the emotions across to make up for not being able to write the essay as much as possible~ 🥺#now coming into gushing -- WHERE DO I FIND WHAT THEY HAVE AAAHHH 😭#LZY and his heroine truly and really are relationship goals- setting the bars to such surreal heights(/ω\。)#the way their instinct is to always give the other the very best of all + LZY BEING THE BEST LIFE PARTNER A GIRL COULD ASK FOR AS USUAL #mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc #mr love victor #mr love queen's choice #恋与制作人 #李泽言 #love and producer #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

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