【悠游夏日・齐司礼】光与夜之恋520活动 | Light and Night 520 Event Story (Sariel)

I'll only be translating Sariel's part in the 520 event 悠游夏日!  The prologue is basically MC wondering who to spend her 520 (Chinese's Valentines, it's a homophone to I love you in Chinese) so I didn't have that recorded or translated.

There will be six parts: Prologue, Heartthrob Moment, then four endings that unlocks depending on which part you touched.

You can find Sariel's recording in this video, or you can check this playlist for the other 4 male leads: 

Try touching Sariel! 

[Neck]: ... You have many little acts instead.

[Chest]: It's the best to not challenge certain boundaries.

[Abdomen]: Of course I'm not being sensitive, it just tickles a little.

[Fingers]: Isn't your curiosity a little too much?

[Leg]: This is a bathrobe, not your hand towel.

[Arm]: Hm? What else are you planning to do?

[Shoulder]: Just be direct about what you want to do.

Prologue

The May temperature has been climbing its way up, allowing the white roses all over the fence to bloom.

I quietly poked my head from the office entrance, and looked towards Sariel who is currently packing things.

Sariel: What are you standing so sneakily over there for?

MC: Director Qi, I have a proposal.

Sariel: What proposal?

I closed the door, mysteriously walked towards his desk and squatted down slowly.

With a rustle, a pamphlet suddenly spreads between my hands.

MC: Let's go on a holiday!

Sariel places a magazine back to its original place and answered without even lifting his head up.

Sariel: I'm not going.

MC: Come on, don't reject me so quickly alright!

I leaned my head a little forward.

MC: Look, the recent weathers are so great, isn't it suitable for an outing? Moreover, have you heard of a healing trip? To seek comfort for the heart in a busy life...

I blurted out the script I've thought in advance, then looked towards Sariel with anticipation.

Yet his expressions are just the same as how it was, not showing any signs of being convinced.

Sariel: Who was the one sighing yesterday and complained that her design drafts can't be completed?

MC: ... It's me.

Sariel: Who was also the one that said she wants to immerse herself in reading and not going anywhere?

MC: ... It's also me.

After a short silence, I let out a sigh.

The pamphlet that was originally clenched in my hand drooped as if it's been deflated, and fluttered to the floor.

Sariel picks up the remaining colorful papers, then paused for a moment.

Sariel: However... Since you've just finished your previous project, it's also fine to take a couple days of rest during the weekend.

I looked up in a daze, still in disbelief of what I've just heard.

Sariel: What's with that expression, changed your mind again?

MC: No no...

Although I have no idea what has made him to change his mind, but I secretly showed a peace sign in celebration of the goal achievement.

MC: It's just nice that we haven't been resting for a long time, we can take this opportunity to recharge our inspirations! 

Well, the most important of all, on 520*-- I'm going to have a vacation with Sariel!

*May 20th, sounds like a homophone to "I love you" in Chinese.

Sariel: Does a fully energized clumsy bird requires a recharge too?

Seeing my overflowing joy, Sariel's lips curved into a faint smile too.

He lowers his head to take a glance at the pamphlet. The couple of simple photos paired with exaggerating descriptions shows no signs of beauty at all.

Sariel: So why do you want to head to the mountains?

MC: Well isn't it a trend to heal and recover in the mountains now?

Sariel: ......

MC: It's mainly because I think you'd prefer quiet places compared to theme parks.

Sariel's expressions calmed down, placing the pamphlet between my submitted work, and handed them back to my hand.

Sariel: Since you've already decided, let's go then.

MC: Huh?

He stood up to take his car key, and gave me a glance.

Sariel: Huh what? Haven't you been thinking of ending work since an hour ago? I'll send you home to pack your luggage, we'll depart tomorrow morning.

Before I can even respond to it, the office door is already closed slowly, leaving only a golden ray of sunset.

Heartthrob Moment: Lingering Warmth

The mountain forests are misty in the morning. The vehicle drives on the winding mountain roads, it feels like we're traveling among the clouds.

Unknowingly, my eyelids became increasingly heavy, and with a tilt of head, I fell into the dreamlands...

??: Wake up, we've arrived.

Someone shook my shoulder when I'm in a blur, and a sliver of faint white sandalwood scent wafted towards me.

But I have only smacked my lips, and subconsciously hugged the person.

Sariel: ......

Sariel: Take your design draft back and redraw it.

MC: !!

The scary keyword shocked me from my sweet dreams--

I immediately opened my eyes, but the cold chatbox isn't present in my blurry line of sight, but it's instead the grey backs of bus seats.

Sariel: Looks like you've slept well.

I rubbed my eyes, and finally realized that I've made a fold on Sariel's shoulder.

MC: How odd, why did I hear someone said I had to redraw my design draft...

Sariel calmly gazed away.

Sariel: If you think of it during daytime, then you'll dream of it at night. Let's go, we are the only ones left.

I stretched myself as I walked out of the bus, and I was immediately welcomed by the sight of the red brick hall located halfway up the mountains.

The view is vast when looked from the mountaintop, the summer view of the lush mountains can be enjoyed completely.

The mists that are yet to disperse dampened Sariel's hair, it feels like he's veiled with a thin layer of moonlight.

MC: Not bad, the healing trip is indeed living up to its name...

Sariel: What are you muttering about?

Sariel carries the luggage, turned around and hushed coldly, so I quickly hastened my steps and followed suit.

MC: I heard that there's a Yue ceramic* exhibition. Shall we have a look later?

*Yue ware is a type of Chinese ceramics, a felspathic siliceous stoneware, which is characteristically decorated with celadon glazing.

Sariel: Yeah, that's fine.

MC: Seems like there's also a teahouse nearby, I heard that it's pretty good too.

Sariel: It's just a teahouse, what's good about it?

MC: The good point is-- the review website said that their tidbits are exceptionally delicious, so we can settle our dinner there too!

Sariel: Your excuse is indeed unsurprising as expected...

A faint smile exudes faintly over Sariel's lips, and I tugged his sleeve.

MC: So you've agreed to it?

Sariel: It doesn't feel bad to occasionally receive arrangements by others.

MC: Then I've also heard about a mysterious legend about this mountain! How about, tonight, let's...

Sariel: Rejected.

MC: Didn't you just say to follow my arrangements?

Sariel: Yeah, but I'm the one who has the final say.

Sariel walked into the hall before me. The reception is displaying various flowers and pots, exuding some hidden beauty of wabisabi*.

* A Japanese aesthetic.

MC: Let's have some rest, then visit the exhibition later, and by the time the sun sets, we can walked to the back of the mountains to have tidbits!

While waiting for the check in procedures, I planned our upcoming itinerary in excitement, yet Sariel, who's standing in front of the notice board suddenly turned around.

Sariel: Do you have other arrangements in your plan?

MC: No I don't... I've done a lot of research on the itinerary, this route is probably the best.

Sariel: The itinerary isn't the problem, it's just not updated.

He pointed at the notice board, the chalk writing clearly states that-- Starting from this month, the exhibition hall is under maintenance, the resume date will be announced separately.

Sariel: Moreover, the tidbits from the teahouse are only supplied until 12PM with limited amounts, advance reservations are required.

MC: Ah... Then wouldn't my arrangements for today all gone to a waste?!

The flames of my original excitement is extinguished in an instant. I drooped my head, just like a wilted eggplant.

Sariel: Losing your energy just because of this?

Sariel joined his index and middle fingers, then gently poked my forehead.

Sariel: What does a vacation means to you?

MC: Hmm... being free from worries, and be free. The more important thing is, to spend a wonderful time with the one I like.

Sariel: So, is the arrangement really the most important thing?

I rubbed my forehead, looked up and met Sariel's tender gaze, and suddenly understood what he meant.

MC: That's true, since there's a saying of "going with the flow", if I'm with Director Qi, even meditating in the bamboo forest would be a wonderful thing!

Sariel: ... Forget about meditating.

After checking in, I dragged my luggage, followed behind Sariel and arrived the second floor with him.

The magnetic card slides over the sensor, followed by two beeps, we entered our respective rooms.

MC: I'll look for you after I'm done getting dressed.

Sariel: Okay.

In the room, a faint scent of gardenia blossoms wafted from the windows along with the warm winds of early summer, that even my body began to act languidly.

I shoved my head right into the bed, and the real feeling of "healing trip" is finally felt.

MC: Sigh, it's rare to be able to come out with Sariel, we can't possibly staying in the room at all times, right?

My thoughts aimlessly spreads across the room-- there's only a bed in the room, what can we play? We can play...

Weird images surfaced in my mind, that I was surprised by my own thoughts, and quickly pulled the bolster and covered it on my flustered face.

"Thud thud--" A short, hurried knock sounded from the door.

MC: Who's there--

Noticing that nobody responded, I jumped off the bed and opened a slit from the door, only to find a properly-dressed Sariel standing at the entrance.

He looked at me, gaze exuding a rather familiar helplessness.

Sariel: So this is the result of you "getting dressed"?

MC: Huh?

Puzzled, I turned my head towards the dressing mirror at the entrance, and turns out to notice my hair is curling messily, and there's even a reddened pressing mark on my face.

MC: !!

I quickly tidied my hair in attempts to save my precarious image.

MC: Uh... what brings you here? Didn't we agree that I'll be the one looking for you?

Sariel: I'm here to see what exactly you are doing to have been dilly-dallying for so long.

MC: N- Nothing much!

Out of guilty conscience upon recalling the irrelevant thoughts I had earlier, I switched the topic of conversation.

MC: Hehe, you're actually bored, right?

I looked at Sariel with puppy eyes. He hesitated for a few seconds, and finally agreed to my saying.

Sariel: ... Yes if you put it that way.

MC: Then what shall we do? Fishing or cycling?

Sariel: Your energy really comes on a whim.

MC: Hm... or should we go--

I took out the gaudy pamphlet from my bag, and pointed towards the exaggerating image on it.

MC: How about we go for a swim? 

Sariel stares at the eight words "a luxurious swimming pool with a prestige experience" written in large fonts and remained silent for a moment.

Sariel: Sure.

MC: Really?

Sariel: Otherwise? It's good to spend your extra energy away.

I impatiently took my room card, dragged Sariel along the pebbled path to the courtyard in the middle of the mountain.

After applying for a permission from the staff, I quickly changed into my swimsuit in the changing room.

As my feet step over the cooling cobblestone, the infinity pool looks like it's connected to the skies, where the scene of clouds, mists and mountains are all in sight.

I squatted by the pool in eagerness, gliding my arm across the transparent waters in the pool.

Sariel: What are you doing?

Sariel's voice approaches along with the sounds of his footsteps.

MC: Of course it's to adjust to the water temperatures!

I turned around to only find him donned in a white bathrobe. The long robe is ankle-length, covering him closely.

MC: Why are you still in a bathrobe? You can't possibly plan to only watch me swim, right?

While Sariel is unguarded, I scooped a handful of water and splashed it towards him. The patch of white fabric around his waist is immediately soaked.

Sariel: Swim if you want to swim, playing with waters is not an option.

He reaches out to untie the belt of his bathrobe, and the collar that was tightly closed opened in an instant, revealing his well-defined body.

Right when the bathrobe is about to slide off from his shoulder, Sariel suddenly stopped his movements.

I blinked, and looked at him in confusion.

Sariel: Until when are you planning to stare at me?

MC: I'm just purely admiring!

Sariel's brows raised a little, and scoffed softly.

Sariel: What more would you expect? You can't be thinking of feeling it with your hand, right?

That sounds... like a good idea too, no?

Heartthrob Touch (I): Fingers

Seeing that Sariel isn't planning to take off his bathrobe, I subconsciously hooked his fingers placed by his plackets.

Sariel: What are you planning to do?

A slight glow flashes before his golden eyes, that I can't help but to back out.

Coincidentally, the wind brushes, and the leaves rustled, so I pretentiously patted his shoulder.

MC: Uh... there's a leaf on it.

Sariel: ... The door is closed, where does the leaf even come from? Warm up before swimming, don't go straight into the waters.

MC: Then what about you?

Sariel: I'm heading to the reception.

MC: Did you leave something behind?

Sariel did not answer me directly. Suddenly, a thought popped out from my mind.

MC: Hey... Sariel, you aren't actually afraid of water, are you?

Sariel: Prodding doesn't work on me.

Seeing that he's really going to leave, I wanted to reach an arm out to tug him, but only managed to hook on his belt.

With a rustle, I tugged off the originally loose bathrobe while Sariel was off guard.

MC: ......

Sariel: ......

MC: I'm sorry! It was unintentional!

Sariel sighed, exuding some helplessness through his gaze.

Sariel: Unintentional? Looks intentional to me.

He directly took off the bathrobe and threw it sideways, walked a few steps forward, and leaped into the pool.

It didn't take him long for him to resurface from the waters, and gently shook off the droplets from his hair.

Sariel: Didn't you say you wanted to swim?

Sariel lifted his head up slightly, and extended an arm towards me.

Sariel: Come down.

I turned my back against him and walked down while grabbing onto the stairs railing tightly, and carefully reached out my arm towards him.

I didn't expect to accidentally stepped wrongly, and my body dropped into the waters with a thud.

MC: *coughing*...

Sariel: Are you alright?

Sariel quickly helped me, and gently patted my back.

My throat felt slightly bitter from choking on water, even my sight became blurry.

Sariel: Are you still going to swim?

MC: Of course!

I sniffled, and lifted my chin a little.

Seeing that I'm looking fully confident, Sariel's lips curved up slightly.

Sariel: Then hold my hand, and don't let go.

As soon as the tone of his voice ends, his arms glide elegantly across the water surface relaxingly, leading me to swim forward.

With Sariel leading me, I almost didn't spend much energy to swim to the other side of the pool, that it can almost be said that was basically "paddling".

After a few cycles, we leaned by the pool to catch some rest. The connecting mountains and lush greens before my eyes makes me feel that time has slowed down.

MC: By the way, what were you going to take earlier?

Sariel: Floating kickboard.

MC: You're already a good swimmer, what are you taking a floating kickboard for?

Sariel: Who do you think I'm taking it for?

He glanced at me, and I immediately became silent out of guilty conscience.

Under Sariel's lead, I successfully entered the deep waters, and the scenery before my eyes became vast in an instant.

I swam clumsily in an unskillful manner for a few laps, then swam towards Sariel who's currently resting.

But with a splash, the waters accidentally splashed all over his face.

Sariel: ... I can know where you've swam by sound itself.

MC: I just happened to not swim for a very long time, my full capabilities are yet to recover!

I stuck my tongue out playfully, then approached Sariel with a grin.

MC: Is swimming one of your Talents?

Sariel: Why are you asking this?

MC: Scientifically speaking, foxes are canines, so they are probably good with waters.

Sariel: I just happen to know how to swim, I wouldn't say I like it.

MC: Why is that?

Sariel: I dislike getting wet.

MC: Pfft, as expected, most fluffy animals dislike water after all...

I muttered quietly, imitated Sariel to lean against the pool, and looked towards the mountains in distant with him, shoulder to shoulder.

After the mists dispersed, the blurry sunlight pours between the clouds. It's now dusk, and the whole world has fallen into a quiet peace.

MC: Sariel, why did you agree to have a vacation here with me?

I turned sideways towards him. The pair of golden pupils seems like they have blended with the gentle colors of sunset.

Sariel: Perhaps it was because you've convinced me with those nonsensical excuses. Or perhaps... forcibly attached occasions like these has a different meaning because of your presence.

The wind carries his soft tone of speech, allowing it to slowly disperse into the setting sun.

Turns out that even the perfect itinerary would never match this accidental moment of happiness.

Heartthrob Touch (II): Abdomen

Watching the well-defined abdomen under Sariel's opened bathrobe, I can't hold back from expressing my amazement.

MC: I didn't expect...

Sariel: What is it that you didn't expect?

MC: I didn't expect that your abs didn't change despite we're all working overtime in the same office! And others' have already degraded into a single piece.

Sariel: You looked at others' (abdomen) before?

I touched my flat tummy, and I can't help but to feel a little envious.

MC: Aiya... I'm just making assumptions based on my condition. How about I'll train my abs too?

Sariel: Is this something you came up with a whim again? Can you control yourself from not eating heaty* food with high calories, or can you persist to wake up and train early in the morning?

MC: It's too harsh on salarymen to wake up and train early in the morning, nobody can snatch my time to linger with the bed! At most... I'll drink iced milk tea in the future then! Iced ones have no "heat*"! 

*I am not sure how to translate this. Original text contains no 'heaty' but it wouldn't make sense in English. It's a word play of 'calorie', which is 热量, but the word 热量 also means heat. MC is trying to sprout nonsense by saying iced milk tea has no heat. Though interestingly, some people claim that colder food has lower calories. I don't know how true it is, though.

Sariel: Blasphemy, pure heresy. A cup of iced condensed milk would only increase your risk for heart diseases.

Sariel loosens the belt of his bathrobe, that his originally hidden skin is now completely exposed in the air.

I can't help but to stare a little longer, and my fingers disobediently lingered around.

MC: Can I...

Sariel: No.

MC: I haven't even finished my words!

Sariel: Your thoughts are already written all over your face. What's with the wronged expression? Could you actually be planning to "feel" it?

MC: You were clearly the one that said yes...

I glanced at Sariel secretly. Seeing that he doesn't show any direct signs of rejection, I mustered my courage and reached an arm out.

The skin under the touch of my fingertips is cooling to the touch with the waters from the pool, allowing me to rub softly in yearning.

Sariel: ... When do you plan to stop touching?

A slightly deep voice is heard from above. I lifted my chin slightly, and I can clearly see his reddened ears perfectly from this angle.

MC: Huh? Looks like your ears are red?

Sariel: *coughs*... You saw wrongly.

MC: Then I wonder who's this sensitive.

Sariel: This isn't being sensitive, it just tickles a little.

Sariel's eyelashes trembled a little, and calmly grabbed onto my disobedient hand.

Sariel: Do you happen to think that I won't strike back?

Listening to Sariel's completely unthreatening words, I looked up slyly.

MC: How do you plan to strike back?

Sariel: How I'd strike back? For instance...

Taking the opportunity while Sariel's drooping his gaze to examine me, I've made up my mind to land my first strike.

MC: Take this--!

I reached out to poke towards Sariel's waist, but I didn't expect him to nimbly dodge sideways.

With nothing to grab onto, I lost my balance, and fell into the pool before I can even scream.

Sariel: Watch out!

Sariel quickly held me, but with a loud splash, the strong inertia pushed us both into the waters.

MC: *coughs*...

I poked my head out of the water's surface thanks to Sariel carrying me as I cling onto him in shock.

He patted my back in comfort, and frowned slightly.

Sariel: Breathe slowly, otherwise you'll feel even more uncomfortable in your throat. Are you feeling better now?

I nodded. Sariel reaches an arm out to put my drenched hair to the back of my ear.

Sariel: So your so-called trick is to cause losses to both parties?

As my breath gradually calms down, I began to speak stubbornly again.

MC: There's always a price behind success, although it's a little like injuring a thousand enemy troops with eight hundred of my troops wounded*...

* Reference to Art of War

Sariel: Looks like injuring eight hundred enemy troops with a thousand of your troops to me.

MC: Hehe, then I'll add another two hundred for you!

I flicked the water droplets on my finger towards Sariel as I speak. He turned sideways to dodge it, and grabbed onto my wrist.

Sariel: Looks like I'm being too optimistic to hope for you to rest quietly. Didn't say you are here for a healing trip? Watch your steps, don't injure yourself anymore.

He softens his gaze a little, fingers that were stopped on my wrist moved downwards, and slowly interlaced with my palm.

The water droplets rolling from the ground drips melodiously, echoing in this space where there are only the two of us.

MC: Sariel...

Sariel: What are you going to ask again?

MC: Why did you suddenly change your mind and have a vacation with me?

Sariel: No special reasons.

Sariel looked towards the clock hanging high on the wall. The hour hand and minute hand are getting closer to each other.

Coincidentally-- It's 5:20PM.

5:20PM on May 20th.

Sariel: Humans sure do have a lot of nonsensical occasions.

Though saying so, a faint smile is still seen across the corners of his lips.

The sunlight is gradually warming up, pouring onto the water surface, rippling in faint sparkles.

Heartthrob Touch (III): Adam's Apple

I couldn't hold myself back, and raised an arm to touch Sariel's Adam's apple.

His expression changed slightly, gulped a little, and his ears flustered a little.

Sariel: What I said earlier was just a rhetorical question, I wasn't asking you to really "feel" it by yourself.

I tilted my head, and finally realized that I seemed to have misunderstood him.

MC: Aren't rhetorics... sometimes a form of affirmation too?

Sariel: This is not a linguistic exam, there's no need for over-interpretations.

He paused, and gazed on my fingertips that have been poking around.

Sariel: Still not getting into the pool? Until when do you plan to keep touching? Weren't you the one very excited to swim earlier?

MC: You're clearly the one that hasn't taken your bathrobe off...

I kept my hand and muttered quietly.

Sariel's ears moved a little, it's obvious that he has heard me.

But he didn't respond to me, but instead tugged the bathrobe belt off, and hung it on the rack.

The beautiful lines that were concealed within suddenly lost its cover, and is now displayed before me.

He gently flipped his hair, allowing the water droplets to fall on his collarbones and trickled downwards, little by little.

Sariel: What are you dilly-dallying for?

Sariel's sends a faint glance over, so I turned my head away in guilt, and jumped into the waters before him.

After happily swimming a few laps in the waters, Sariel entered the pool too, so I turned back and swam towards him.

Seeing that he just got out from the waters, I quietly opened my palms, and pushed the water waves forward.

Coincidentally, Sariel's arms happened to be gliding on the waters. The two forces collides, and splashed back to me instead.

MC: !!

I shut my eyes tightly, and a cooling splash bloomed before me, splattering countless droplets all over.

It's clearly "a taste of my own medicine", but I can't hold back from bursting out in laughter.

Sariel: You're saying that you're coming here for a swim, but looks like you just wanted to play with waters to me.

MC: Swimming is also a way of playing with waters, a high-class method of playing with waters!

Sariel: Then what's the type of class of your water play?

MC: Probably a borderline entry level player?

Sariel: Shouldn't entry level players go to that side instead?

I looked to the side following Sariel's line of gaze, that's a swimming playground specially made for kids.

MC: Hey, I'm at least past entry level alright!

I quickly entered the waters as soon as I finished saying, attempting to prove my true swimming capabilities.

Sariel smiled faintly, then immersed himself into the waters, and overtook me very quickly.

MC: How can you be so free in the waters?

Sariel: You're very "free" too.

MC: Why does it sound like a somewhat negative description when you're the one saying it...

He leaned by the pool, unable to hold back the smile he has in his gaze.

The sunlight pours over generously, shrouding a faint golden layer around him.

There's a saying called the God's shower... but it's just something so-so, no?

I'm entertained by the weird adjective I had in mind, so I've decided to trick this "God" over here too.

So I dived under the waters, quietly approached Sariel, and suddenly coming out from the waters right before him.

Sariel: What are you doing?

Sariel frowned a little. His beautiful jawline and the slender curves of his neck are all seen from this angle.

Subconsciously, I leaned towards him and softly bit on his Adam's apple.

Sariel's gaze immediately stunned, even his originally relaxed body is slightly tensed.

Sariel: Do you know what you're doing?

Watching the faint trace of redness on his Adam's apple, my rationality has finally returned to me slowly.

MC: This... is a badge I'm gifting to the top-class player!

Sariel: Is that so?

Sariel asked very softly, but his tone exudes slight danger.

I retreated backwards a little, but he has already sealed off my exits with his arms long ago.

Sariel: Then where should I leave a mark for entry-level players?

His gaze patrols by my neck, so I can only lower my voice and lowered my head obediently.

MC: I'm sorry.

Sariel loosens his arms a little upon hearing so. I caught onto the timing and quickly escaped from the gap.

MC: Although I'm sorry, but I'll still be daring enough to do it again next time!

I immediately dived into the waters after saying so, and swam forward without stopping.

Time passes very quickly, that the sun slowly sets among the clouds in the mountains within the birdsongs of returning birds.

Sariel: Let's go back.

MC: Sure, I just happen to feel a little hungry too.

I got out from the water, then blinked, suddenly feeling a little curious.

MC: You clearly don't seem passionate about swimming, why are you accompanying me here?

Sariel: Nothing special, I just didn't want to let someone to have an overly terrible occasion. Now, we at least have left ourselves a somewhat decent memory, this alone is enough.

Sariel walked before me, and the fragrance of dishes wafted towards me.

I held his hand, and the two elongated shadows under the sunset slowly crossed. 

Heartthrob Touch (IV): Chest

The water on my hand has left a trail of water on Sariel's chest.

He frowned slightly, seemingly feeling a little uncomfortable towards the cooling water.

MC: You were the one asking earlier, so I "made my move".

Sariel: I've never agreed to your monologue. Won't you put your hand away already?

He's speaking in a questioning tone, yet his reddened earlobes have instead made him sound completely unthreatening.

MC: Director Qi, are you working out secretly behind everyone's backs? Or have you been running while drawing design drafts...

Sariel: Don't compare me with someone who has five meals per day.

MC: Hey, who said that I was...

Sariel: Do you want me to count for you? In the morning--

I quickly covered my ears and shook my head vigorously.

MC: I'm not listening, I'm not listening! Only with a full stomach that I can train my body better!

My gaze brushes over Sariel's tall shoulder, and moved downwards to his abdomen.

MC: Only by training my body, that just like Director Qi, I'll be...

Sariel: Be what?

MC: Hm... beautiful enough to be a feast for the eyes?

Sariel: ... Don't use idioms so simply.

MC: Are you getting shy already?

Sariel: No, keep your excessive imaginative powers away.

Sariel turned away unnaturally and moved his gaze away from mine.

Feeling tempted, I suddenly reached out to pinch the reddened ear while he's off guard.

Sariel: ...!

He startled slightly, and immediately responded to the culprit right after, and quickly enough, my escaping hand was caught red-"hand"edly.

Sariel: Keeping it so quickly, where did your courage earlier go?

MC: I was just confirming something.

Sariel: So what findings did you manage to confirm?

MC: It's that... your ears are a little red, and a little hot.

Sariel leaned down. The originally cold scent of white sandalwood is now carrying an unordinary heat.

He slowly gazed up towards me, and softly pinched my earlobe with his slightly cooling fingertips.

A sliver of numbness came from his warm fingertips, combined with an almost unnoticeable pain.

Sariel: Fighting fire with fire.

Sariel paused, and it looks like he's carefully examining my current expressions.

Sariel: Looks like yours are also a little red, and a little hot.

MC: ......

Sariel: Weren't you quite the chatterbox earlier? Why so quiet now?

MC: I wanted to talk too, but you're the one that didn't allow me use idioms simply.

I blinked, looking a little wronged, only dared to speak in a quiet voice.

MC: If it's possible, I wanted to say this tens of thousands of times, a feast for the eyes, a feast for the eyes, a feast for the eyes...

The strength used on my ear has obviously increased, that I can't help but to let out a whine.

Sariel: Looks like someone needs a lesson.

Watching his opened bathrobe, my heart drummed so vigorously that I could only blink nervously.

MC: What lesson?

Sariel: I'll punish you to...

Sariel's gaze fell on my lips, leaning closer and closer, so close that our breaths are almost intertwined.

Sariel: I'll punish you... to queue in the teahouse early in the morning tomorrow.

MC: Huh?

Sariel: Haven't you been mumbling that you wanted to eat them for a long time, that you've even prepared your ordering strategy?

Sariel lets go of my wrist and straightened himself up.

I nodded in late realization. The few birdsongs from the distant have dispersed the enchanting atmosphere along with the winds.

MC: Then how about we split the task?

I hooked Sariel's pinky and swayed it gently.

MC: I'll do the ordering, and you'll pay the bill!

Sariel: Tell me again after you can actually get up in time.

Though saying so, Sariel has instead let out a faint smile. The scent of the damp forest bamboos, is a unique scent of May.

I think, our vacation has only just begun.