Main Story Ch. 7-19 - If It’s the Grand Finale (假如是终曲) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Previously on Chapter 7-16... (read here)

Driver: The vice director has called.

Charlie picked the call, and the sounds of chaos and cries of the people could be heard in an instant, along with the clanging sounds of metals. Like a marching song from the otherworld, breaking the silence of this moment.

His brows turned into a frown, carrying the girl, and hurried into the apartment.

After five minutes, the car flashing in red lights crashed into the dark night.

On the next day, I woke up from an excruciating, throbbing headache, and the memories last night is still stopped at the moment in the bar.

You: How much did I actually drink?! I wonder how everyone else are?

Just when I picked up my phone and was about to open the call log, the news popup has took my attention away.

"Beware of fire safety! There was a fire in a residential located at Linwan Rd. Alley 79 has at 2300 hrs, three people were heavily injured, and have been sent to the hospital for rescues. The cause of fire is still yet to be known..."

"According to sources, this is the 5th case of fire happening in Guang Qi city recently, we have invited an expert..."

You: There are so much of fires that came out of nowhere recently, gotta check my kitchen soon.

I immediately get down from the bed as soon as I thought of it. However, before my legs could even touch the grounds, I could see starry dots everywhere before my eyes, then gradually becoming a big patch of black, swallowing my entire vision.

I subconsciously held onto the side of my bed, and slowly crouched down.

As if there was someone calling out my name, sounding close for a moment and distant in another. It took about five to six minutes, and only then the scene before my eyes have gradually cleared up.

You: Was it low blood sugar? I've been feeling dizzy recently. 

I made myself a glass of sugary water, then carefully checked my kitchen before heading out.

As soon as I entered the office, everyone are discussing about the fire last night.

Mao Ge: Have y'all heard of the fire last night? It's too spooky! I've heard that the family has only been using induction cookers, there aren't even any fire in the house, how did the fire happen?!

Zheng Lin: Could it be possibly caused by the aging circuits? Since it's an old community district after all.

Mao Ge: That's possible. But I've also saw this from the forums, they said that there were no source of the fire, because it's the fire of karma!

You: How supernatural!

Mao Ge: Don't you dare not to believe it. I've heard that their family have abandoned a baby girl over 20 years ago. Who knows their daughter got rich later in life, and the parents wanted to have her back. They have actually managed to find her, and the daughter is already a mini boss! The parents thought they will be able to live happily for the rest of their lives and was planning to move in to their daughter's mansion, in the end--

Hao Shuai: What happens in the end? Mao Ge, don't leave us with cliffhangers!

Mao Ge: Last night, the daughter looked for her parents, and just when the three of them gathered, the house caught fire right away! It was midnight, and they weren't using much electronics, if it weren't karma then what is it? Who asked them to abandon babies back then?!

Zheng Lin: But didn't the news said that all three of them were injured? How can this considered as karma?

Mao Ge: I've watched the complete analysis from supernatural group, they said that the reason why they can't find the source of fire was because it's an internal combustion!

Manman: Eeeeew, Mao Ge, don't continue anymore, I can feel my goosebumps already!

Mao Ge: According to my years of experience in watching horror movies, I'm guessing-- The daughter is actually not human, but a spirit that is returning to take their lives, she--

Mao Ge gets more excited as he speaks, that Hao Shuai and Manman had to cover his mouth up.

Hao Shuai: It's a child talk, a child talk*.

*T/N: 童言无忌 is usually said when someone said something extremely spooky, to 'apologize' to any nearby spirits so they won't feel offended and haunt us.

Manman: This conversation ends right here! I'll order some milk tea to calm myself down, anyone else wanna join?

You: Milk tea!

I was overjoyed, but three seconds later, I waved my hand in rejection.

You: Forget it.

Mao Ge: What's wrong? How about we order your favorite one?

Zheng Lin: Is your body not feeling well?

You: Yeah, I don't know what happened either, I've been feeling dizzy recently, perhaps it was because I've been pulling off too much all-nighters and eating too much junk food.

Zheng Lin: Was it dizziness from low blood sugar? Or have you not completely recovered from the time you were sick last time?

You: I don't know too, everything before me would suddenly turn pitch black, I'll hear buzzing echoes in my ears, as if there's someone calling for me. My limbs will go numb, and I wouldn't be able to move--

Mao Ge: My aunt had those symptoms too! After a visit to the hospital, the doctor said it was a tumor that have been pressing onto the nerves thankfully it was benign! 

You: Mao Ge, don't scare me!

Mao Ge: I wasn't scaring you! Check early and you'll have less worries earlier, hurry up and take a day off to have a look at the hospital!

I sat down in anxiousness, and I can't help but to open up the search engine and typed my symptoms.

You: What disease would have dizziness, blurry vision and echoes in hearing?

You: !!! High blood pressure, high blood sugar, cerebral infarction-- how is there even cancer?!

I scrolled a few pages downwards, all of them are listing various types of diseases. But they are all having the same characteristic: they are all serious.

Feeling spooked, I quickly closed the webpage.

You: I'm this young, it can't possibly be happening, right? No it won't, it won't, it won't! ... Won't it really?

A few hours later, in The First Hospital of GuangQi City.

After having my body check done, I nervously sat in front of the doctor.

You: Doctor, may I know why I'm having dizziness?

Doctor: It's difficult for me to say this based on your symptoms, we'll have to wait for the report. But judging from your age and occupation, the possibility of cervical disease is high. Remember to collect your report tomorrow.

You: Sure sure, thank you doctor!

I let out a sigh in relief, and even my footsteps felt lighter.

Just when I was about to walk towards the elevator, a breeze brushes over, and I could see the balcony that has its doors somewhat closed.

A weak, demure voice could be suddenly heard.

You: ?

Sounds like someone is crying.

Walking close to the balcony, the faint cries sounded clearer. I looked towards the slightly opened door, and I can't help but to feel more and more unsettling, so I reached out an arm to push it open.

The sun was so bright, the glasses reflected the scorching rays from the sun. I stopped my footsteps and widened my eyes.

There's a woman sitting on the edge of the balcony not far away! Her legs are both hanging in the air, and she is so frail that it feels like even winds could easily bring her away.

You: !!

Hearing footsteps, she turned around, tears all over her face.

Only then I noticed, more than half of her face has dark-colored traces of burns, and it was a shocking sight.

Long-haired woman: Stop staring at me!

She howls at me like an injured little beast.

You: I'm sorry!

I hurriedly gazed away, yet I could still see her from the corner of my eyes, worrying that she will disappear if I'm not paying attention enough.

Long-haired woman: You were also shocked, correct?

I subconsciously shook my head, but I felt my actions were powerless.

Long-haired woman: You were also shocked, I knew it.

You: I--

I can't simply console her with my words. Right now, I will only bring her greater pressure no matter what I say.

Calm down, you got to think of something.

It's the wards, also it's lunch hour right now too, there will definitely be nurses or caretakers passing by soon.

Delay as much as you cam, then wait for help to arrive.

I quietly stood there, not daring enough to make a move, praying that she has that little bit of will to live, allowing her to pour her emotions to me, and not to decide to end her life right there.

Long-haired woman: If you're just like me, you'd choose to die too, right?

She took a deep breath, there's a stubbornness in her eyes that are just like the moths flying into fires. An endless sky lies behind her petite figure, making her to seem lonely and hopelessness.

Long-haired woman: The doctor told me yesterday, my face will never return to how it was anymore. Didn't they say skin grafting will cure burns? Why can't I recover? I'm not afraid of pain, I'm really not afraid of pain, as long as I can recover, I can do whatever requested-- I was... I was really good looking in the past...

She began trembling as she speaks in a crying voice.

Long-haired woman: My boyfriend told me I'm the kindest lady in the world. I didn't change, I'm still kind, but why did he not want me anymore? I was just buying him birthday present, why did the mall suddenly caught on fire? Why did I not just die in the fire?

She's crying so much that she could no longer utter a word, only a hoarse cry could be heard, with bitterness and resolute written all over her eyes.

Right then, a few screams could be heard from downstairs, looks like there are nurses that have noticed us.

Nurse A: Miss Qin why are you there? It's very dangerous, hurry and come down!

Nurse B: Hurry! Someone hurry up and stop her! Where's the security? Hurry and call the security!

Long-haired woman: Don't come over, don't come over!

Nurse C: Miss Qin, please believe that our hospital will try our best! The expert that we've mentioned to you before, his skills will definitely not disappoint you!

Long-haired woman: But what for? What for?! My life can't return to how it was anymore!

The woman screeches in her cries, with the large shadows of the dark clouds shrouding her.

I suddenly understood, perhaps what she cares right now is no longer her appearance, but an affirmative pledge and trust.

Rather than pain, sometimes, betrayals are more lethal.

The persuasions from downstairs still continued, but the woman's emotions have gotten increasingly agitated. Her body trembles violently, and she is looking like she's about to fall.

If there isn't anyone stopping her, she will really fall!

[Light and Night Event] Delightful Moments: Two-Person Trip（双人成行）In the Vast Mountain Streams || 光与夜之恋 活动06 森海时至歌・旷远山涧: 趣味瞬间

Item to unlock scenario: Band-Aids

You: Sss--

The excruciating pain spreads up from my palm, I trembled as I wanted to keep my hand, but Osborn has held onto it tightly.

Osborn: Does it hurt? I'll be more gentle, bear with it for a little.

I can feel tears coming out from my eyes, but I can only clench onto my teeth as I nodded.

Osborn lowered his head as he continued disinfecting for me.

My gaze followed his as they fell onto my palm, it's a big patch of redness over there, there's even a wound now.

Just before this, because I was attracted to some birdsongs, I didn't watch my steps and almost sprained my ankle.

Thanks to Osborn's quick reflexes, he pulled me over in time, but my palm accidentally grazed against the tree trunk behind me.

You: I'll not simply look around anymore.

Hearing my exclamations with lingering fears, Osborn's lips turned into a smirk.

Osborn: Just watch if you want to, I'll pull you next time.

As he speaks, Osborn has torn open a band-aid and stick it properly for me.

His tone was casual, but his gaze towards me has a sliver of seriousness.

My heart immediately began to beat faster, I blinked, and panickily avoided his gaze.

You: Is that the main point? How could someone advise another to not watch their steps? Also, my hand is already in this state, how are you going to pull me? It hurts upon touch...

Osborn: Well don't you still have another hand? Why won't I pull this side instead?

He looked at me in amusement, and held my uninjured hand as he spoke, then complacently waved it before my eyes.

Osborn: Or are you saying that this hand of yours is hurting as well?

You: This isn't the main point...

A continuous warmth kept spreading from the connecting palms, making my cheeks to slowly begin to boil.

I moved my fingers, wanting to keep my hand back, but Osborn has tightened his grip instead.

Osborn: It's set. Otherwise what should I do if you trip again? I'll only feel assured if I hold it in my hand.

The sunlight pours into his eyes through the leaves, blending into his smile, making his words irresistible.

I can only nod as I continue to fluster.

[Light and Night Event] Delightful Moments: Secrets of the Wristband（护腕秘密）In the Vast Mountain Streams || 光与夜之恋 活动06 森海时至歌・旷远山涧: 趣味瞬间

Item to unlock scenario: Sunscreen

I took out the sunscreen from my bag, lightly squeezing a little bit in my palm, then handed it to Osborn.

Suddenly, I noticed the wristband on his wrist. 

Speaking of it, Osborn has always seemed to be wearing things like bracelets, watches, or wristbands. Could there be a secret around his wrist?

Could it be a scar? A tattoo? Or some mysterious markings of the bounty hunter?

My hands that are applying the sunscreen suddenly tensed, my brows began to turn into a frown as I start thinking nonsense.

Osborn: Why spacing out?

Osborn's voice snapped me right back into reality, after hesitating for a bit, I placed my gaze onto his wrist.

You: Nothing. I just suddenly thought of it, you seemed to have been always wearing all sorts of things to cover your wrist. Is there a reason behind it?

I nervously chose my words, and gave Osborn an uncertain look.

A sliver of surprise could be seen from his eyes, only to see him quickly drooping his gaze, and by the time he looked over here again, his expressions turned a little serious.

His gaze made me nervous all of a sudden, could I really have found out a great secret?!

Osborn: This is a big secret, wanna know?

You: ... Can I?

Osborn didn't say a thing, only to lift his wristband with his index finger, then threw me a glance.

Osborn: Come a little closer.

I nervously gulped, and quickly leaned to his side as I looked down in curiosity. 

Osborn suddenly let go of his index finger, and the wristband returned to its original placement once again. I raised my head and looked at him, completely puzzled.

Osborn: I suddenly feel that I can't tell you about this so easily. You have to first promise me two things.

You: What is it?

Osborn: First of all, you aren't allowed to tell anyone about my wrist.

I hurriedly nodded.

Osborn: Then, give me your hand.

I gave him a hand, and on the next second, a black wristband is loosely worn around my wrist.

I was stunned, and recognized that it's the wristband Osborn was wearing earlier right after, so I immediately looked over.

There aren't anything different on the skin of his wrist compared to its surroundings, there's no scary scar, and no weirdly-shaped markings.

I grabbed onto Osborn's hand curiously, and looked around his wrist in detail for once again.

You: It doesn't seem like there's any problem with your wrist though?

Osborn: Really? Don't you think that this part is a little paler than its surroundings?

Now that he mentioned it, I noticed that it is indeed as he described. Perhaps it's because he has always been wearing accessories all year long, his wrist is paler than the surrounding parts, but it isn't obvious.

You: The big secret you mentioned... it can't be this, right?

A suppressed laughter could be heard, and I immediately understood that I've been fooled once again.

So I angrily took off the wristband, stuffed it back into Osborn's hand, turned around and was about to walk away.

Osborn: Angry already? I didn't lie to you, it is a big secret. 

Osborn: Besides you and I, there isn't a third person that knows about it.

You: I wouldn't want to know this kind of 'secret'!

[Light and Night Event] Delightful Moments: Mountainous Imagination（远山畅想）In the Vast Mountain Streams || 光与夜之恋 活动06 森海时至歌・旷远山涧: 趣味瞬间

Item to unlock scenario: Aluminum Alloy Trekking Poles

Osborn: Hold this.

Just when we were about to depart, Osborn took out a trekking pole out of nowhere, and placed it in my hand.

You: Is this a trekking pole? But aren't we having a walking trip? There isn't any mountain around us too, no?

Osborn: You can use it in walking trips too. Bring it with you, and it can reduce the stress on your legs.

You: Is that so... Then aren't you going to use it? Why is there only one?

Osborn raised an eyebrow, and you can see the mock and smug from his smile.

Osborn: It's not until the extents where I'll have to use a trekking pole for a mountain road like this.

You: Have you always been hiking?

Osborn: Not always, but the number of times aren't little either. Compared to the mountains that I've been to, this isn't even comparable to a 'hill'.

I stunned as I nodded, with a slight throb in my heart, I suddenly figured out something.

You: It can't possibly be... you're hiking because of your bounty hunter mission, are you?

Osborn: Yeah, why?

I didn't expect Osborn to admit to it this quickly, I can't help but to feel curious, and leaned closer to continue asking.

You: Then what kind of mountains did you hike? What kind of missions were those? Heading to deep mountains and old forests, did you face any safety issues?

Facing my string of questions, Osborn let out a chuckle.

Osborn: So curious? If you wanted to know, how about I bring you along next time?

You: Eh? Can I?!

I startled, as I grabbed onto the trekking pole nervously while also being excited, there are already images of Osborn and I passing through snowy mountains and forests appearing in my head.

Osborn: Of course-- Not.

I knew it... I drooped my head in disappointment. On the next second, a slight weight could be felt on my head.

Osborn patted my head, and still smiling.

Osborn: Not for a mission, but I can bring you to the mountain race tour next time.

Mountain race tour! I perked up once again, and blinked in excitement.

You: Then it's set! Next time I'll cheer for you at the live competition!

Osborn: Mm, it's set.

I smiled in satisfaction, and once again imagining Osborn winning the first place in the competition, and also the image of us hiking.

I've now began to anticipate even more.

[Light and Night Event] Delightful Moments: Spray Expert（喷雾达人）In the Vast Mountain Streams || 光与夜之恋 活动06 森海时至歌・旷远山涧: 趣味瞬间

Item to unlock scenario: Mosquito-Repelling Spray

In the depths of the forest, besides the sounds of rustling leaves and the flowing waters, there are more buzzing sounds that have been lingering around my ears.

You: Weird, I remembered that I've placed it in this tiny pocket, why is it gone?

Osborn: Haven't found it?

Osborn's question could be heard from above. I raised my head to look at him, and let out a helpless sigh.

Osborn: I'll look for it.

As he speaks, he places his bag onto the ground, then half-squatted himself as he began to look around in the bag.

I squatted by his side and pointed to one of the small pockets.

You: I remembered placing it here!

Osborn: Let me see... Isn't this it?

Osborn's fingertip held onto a small spray as he raised a brow at me.

Osborn: I thought it's that difficult to find, but I ended up finding it in an instant.

You: That's not it, look properly, it's a stain removal spray.

Osborn: Stain removal spray?

Osborn lowered his head to have a look, the smile on his face slowly fades, looking a little puzzled.

Osborn: Why are you bringing this?

You: Well aren't we going to have our lunchboxes? I was thinking, it'd be bad in case if the oil stains got onto our clothes. Since it's not heavy, and a tiny spray like this doesn't take up much space too, so I brought it along.

Osborn: Right, well-prepared.

Osborn nodded, placing the stain removal spray into my hand, and buried his head as he continued his search.

Osborn: Mm, found it, it's here.

You: That's not it, this is a sunscreen spray, the application is more event compared to normal sunscreen.

He glanced on the words written on it, gave me the item, and continue his search.

Osborn: How about this?

You: This is a disinfectant spray, we can use it in case of an injury.

Osborn: ... Then this one?

You: Breath spray.

Osborn lifted a brow, looking a little sly in his gaze.

Osborn: Why isn't there any "usage instructions" written for this one?

You: Well it's just to spray after eating the lunchbox, so I can avoid... to have a smelly breath when I talk to you later. This is lemon-flavored, and it smells really good, do you want to give it a try--

Before I can finish saying, Osborn's face has already leaned over, he took a light sniff and gave a satisfied smile.

Osborn: Mm, it smells nice indeed.

[Light and Night Event] Record: Memo of the Greens: Songs of the Forest and Seas: In the Vast Mountain Streams || 光与夜之恋 活动06 森海时至歌・旷远山涧: 趣味瞬间: 沁绿手帐

① Mercury Lens

Osborn handed me a pair of sunglasses. Different from the usual dark-colored glasses, this mirror has a silver-colored coating. He told me that this they are mercury lenses, compared to the usual sunglasses, these are more suitable for outdoor activities.

I quickly put them on, but I didn't feel much differences compared to the other sunglasses, so I turned towards Osborn to ask him questions.

Before I can even open my mouth, he has already tugged my hand to keep walking, he said he knew what I'm thinking, so he's now bringing me to get some good sunlight, while also experiencing how unique this pair of sunglasses is.

② Wonderful Bird

I heard that this mountain is a great spot for bird observation, so I've purposely brought my telescope, hoping to have a proper experience in nature.

I saw many small and adorable birds, but I don't know what they are, but I didn't expect Osborn to be able to answer them all, and even purposely asking me if he has redeemed his image back or not*. Just when I was about to ask him about their habits, I suddenly noticed a bird-shaped cloud in the skies, so I can't help but to tug Osborn's sleeves and let him watch it together.

He said, this is his first time seeing such species of 'bird', so this is my turn to introduce it to him properly.

*T/N: This is actually a spoiler for his 6* card. To be translated in future.

③ A Tidal Promise

I noticed Osborn's watch is different from the one he usually wears, and only to know it's an watch specifically used for outdoor activities after asking. 

He took the watch off for me to have a look. So this watch is actually coming with many functions that could help with outdoor activities, such as compass, thermometer, and you can even see the tide times.

"Then remember to wear this watch next time we go to the beach," I said. After saying so, only then I realized that, it's considered my first time asking him out for a date, right?

I was originally a little nervous, but luckily Osborn immediately agreed to it.

④ Foolproof Guaranteed

Osborn said, besides a walking trip, there are also bikes that we can ride around here. I have never ridden a mountain bike before, so I am really looking forward to it, but I'm also afraid that I'm not used to it, or even accidentally injuring myself.

I told my concerns to Osborn, and just when I was thinking if he'd be laughing at me for being overexaggerating, he unexpectedly raised an eyebrow and nodded instead, and even took out another pair of knee protectors from his bag to show me, saying that he has prepared them for me.

I can't help but to feel a little touched, and at the same time I feel completely safe.

[Light and Night] Charlie's SNS Moments for Mid-Autumn Festival (All 3 Replies) || 光与夜之恋 查理苏朋友圈 (全选项)

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! The responses are from different accounts, each account can only retrieve 1 response so I had to use a sub account with a friend's help.

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Charlie:

The foie gras airlifted from France has arrived, and it's just right to pair with the moon tonight.

Reply   ①

MC: Such a combination, is quite of Dr. Zha's character indeed. 

Charlie replied to MC: Very well, looks like my fiancée is understanding me better now.

[Light and Night] Evan's SNS Moments for Mid-Autumn Festival (All 3 Replies) || 光与夜之恋 陆沉朋友圈 (全选项)

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! The responses are from different accounts, each account can only retrieve 1 response so I had to use a sub account with a friend's help.

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Evan:

Resist the invasion of cold airs with the moonlight.

Reply   ①

MC: The moon is so beautiful today, I even snapped a lot of photos.

Evan replied to MC: Can you share the photos of the moon you took with me?