Key:
🦌: Lu Chen/Alkaid
🖌️: MC
🔭: Astronomy students
🐈: A Can (Lu Chen’s Cat)
For the rest of the day, I continue to help with the “school open day . continued” tour, Lu Chen stayed in the astronomy department, and was saying goodbye to his classmates that were preparing to leave. New students arrive, old students leave, me and Lu Chen spent time this afternoon, it was like a miniature cycle of college. It was time to meet Lu Chen, I was in front of the complex building, and I find him still surrounded by many classmates. He waved towards me, and passed me an apologetic expression.
🦌: Our graduation group photo still haven’t finished, maybe you need wait a little more.
🔭: Lu Chen, can you ask that junior if she can help take a photo?
I was still in a daze, a camera already was skillfully passed into my hands.
🔭: We’ll borrow your junior’s help.
Everyone laughed, messily discussing the group photo arrangement, they were noisy that even Lu Chen was once again being swept along. I stood outside of the crowd, while listening to them laugh and joke around, and while I study the tripod set aside. After the camera is set, I leaned over to confirm they were in the frame, I was about to instruct the graduate students to adjust their position, but Lu Chen who was in frame moved. He shifted two steps towards the middle, and immediately he turned to instruct his classmate next to him. His side profile covered in golden glow of the setting sun, ends of his hair under the light was close to transparent.
🦌: I’m in right in the center of the picture… the person behind me doesn’t need to be so tense, are you guys still going to throw your graduation hats?
Amidst the laughter, the crowd gradually disperse into formation, all of them were in the center of the viewfinder.
After I confirmed with everyone once more about their positions, Lu Chen was on the first row kneeling down.
🦌: We are ready. He raised his hand on his knee, gazed up and smiled at the camera. — or maybe, he was gazing at me who is behind the camera.
🖌️: Then I will count down from three, three, two —
In the small viewfinder, I can clearly recognise his gaze on me. His gazed was fixed into my eyes, a look containing a raw gem that shone. My heart burned under the sunlight, also as if it skipped much quicker.
🖌️: One —— Snap snap —
The camera made a shutter noise, before my eyes many smiles flew together with their graduation hats, the viewfinder repeatedly set course. I suddenly recalled of that festivity when I entered school not long ago. That day, in the play “Morning Star” Lu Chen also went down on one knee in front of me, but that time his eyes drooped down, waiting for me to decide to leave or to stay. And before my eyes he sort of resemble that time, but also not. I release the shutter, get up, and calmly looked at him. Outside the viewfinder, Lu Chen’s smile was increasingly bright. A beam of light between his eyes and brows, and suddenly it seem like the end of winter and the arrival of spring.
= next scene =
After we ate, we returned home from the commercial area. When we reached the entrance, he suddenly turned around and asked.
🦌: By the way, when you left this afternoon, Professor Chen wanted to ask are you free to eat together with us.
🖌️: Me?
🦌: According to him, its thanks to you for letting him have a great student.
Although in Lu Chen’s voice brought a smile, between his words also had some implication to tease, but—
🖌️: How did Professor Chen know?
Lu Chen fished out his keys, borrowing the dusky street lights fumbling to open the door.
🦌: After you left, we have to catch up — Ah!
His fingertips and the door lock barely touched and suddenly exploded in tiny electrical sparks, and he unconsciously pulled back his hand. I was unbearably laughing as I took the key, and at the same time pointing to him still wearing his graduation gown.
🖌️: Its better to change a bit earlier — Did Professor Chen shared some gossip? Generally the professor mostly care about what their student’s girlfriend’s major is, which year and are they good enough? 🦌: He didn’t dig up anything about you… actually it was me.
The lock core moved with the key, making a slight “click” sound. I open the door.
🖌️: Hmm?
🦌: It was me… who can’t help but want to flaunt.
The big doors open in front of me, inside the room the sound of A-Can faint meow. I held the door and looked up at him. I did not know where the idea abruptly came from, an exceptionally bright spark was in my mind. I suddenly thought of a question I never asked him before.
🖌️: I never asked you this, at that time why did you change schools to St. Shelters?
= next scene=
Lu Chen was already inside, having to heard that he turned around again. Under his gaze, I can’t help but grab onto the doorknob. On his face was a smile that suddenly grew a bit, his expression is simply just of.. craftiness.
🦌: What’s your thoughts on it? my reasons for coming here? I groaned slightly
🖌️: Anyway its certainly not because of me.
Lu Chen no longer kept me in suspense, while he brought back some things to put back, he explained to me.
🦌: Because of the ex-chairman, he was more invested into the astronomy department in St. Shelters, and also his academic research was going well
🦌: I compared academic courses and teacher qualifications of other schools, I thought St. Shelters was more suitable for me compared to Shanghai University.
🦌: Although —
He paused, as my curiosity grows, he continued with a smile.
🦌: I finally transferred schools, and also to say because of you is not wrong.
🦌: When I went to the glaciers to take a picture of the aurora lights, I wanted to find an opportunity to make a final decision.
He turned his body around, standing beside the plants, the faint yellow lights mixed with the vibrant green that fell in his eyes, overflowed to a gentle smile.
🦌: As a result, I met you. In a split second, it seems the aurora in middle of the night sky swirled around freely, and thoroughly immersed me.
🐈: Meow —
Without knowing when he had appeared, A Can rubbed against Lu Chen’s feet, for the time being it attracted his attention. Lu Chen crouched down to pat A Can. After a “Crackle” the sound of electric currents, A Can screeched, and in an instant we ran three inches* away from him.
🦌: ….. It seems this was still the first time I saw Lu Chen show this kind of expression towards A Can.
🖌️: The synthetic fibre clothes really are… Do you want to go and change first?
🦌: First, can you take a graduation photo with me?
Lu Chen took his camera bag, and setup his camera, adjusting the angle of the shot. I huddled on the sofa and found a suitable lighting from this position, I brought up the subject from before.
🖌️: Then if you at that time weren’t at the glaciers and haven’t met me what would you have done? Regardless if its my sudden impulse to go on a trip to the lake, or Lu Chen’s plan to take pictures alone, in the end, they are all coincidences that we met.
🦌: I’ve considered that, I believed we were still going to meet at St. Shelters, and than… love each other.
Probably its the trauma from the shock of static electricity, Lu Chen set up his camera than went and wash his hands, and just walked in front of me.
🦌: Regardless when, where we get to know each other, us right now, is certainly what I am maybe looking forward to the most.
Like the celestial bodies that meet in the middle of the universe and than attract each other, its not certain the beginning will always be facing the only certain ending. I held his hand, and urged him towards the sofa next to me. We were like the gravitational force of two stars, stuck in the middle of a white sofa getting closer and closer. Even though the distance is unable to get closer, I slightly raised my head, and gave him a light peck on his cheek. Our face was red. After the light peck, I released my hand and stroked the tiny crease on his shoulder. The gentle and soft sound of removing the wrinkles within his clothes.
🖌️: It seems you zapped me a little.
Lu Chen smiled, his lips leaned in and softly pressed into mine, and soon after it deepen into a kiss.
Flash and the sound of the shutter, I couldn’t help myself to lean on his shoulder.
My fingertips drawing on his graduation gown, the sound of electricity fleeing from my thoughts.
🖌️: The clothes will get wrinkled.
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Key
🦌: Lu Chen/Alkaid
🖌️: MC
🔭: Astronomy students
⭐: Professor Chen
🎒: High school students
Following where the high school students glances went, only to see a group of students in gradational robes from the astronomy department to come out. That’s right, today as it turns out is also the astronomy department graduation photo day. Everyone from the astrology department had other concerns compared to the attention they are receiving from the high school students.
🔭: The clothes has static… I should have put “God of Thunder” on that career survey.
🔭: This weather is unbearable in synthetic clothes, it wrinkles and has static.
🔭: Are we still all together? It seems Lu Chen is missing — Hey don’t touch me!
The newly arrived graduate students bustled past us. I glance over the crowd, I still don’t see Lu Chen’s shadow within the crowd. Did he work on his thesis till very late last night? He won’t miss today’s graduation photo because of that, will he?
= flashback =
During late spring early summer, after Lu Chen finished his thesis paper, he received an invitation to a certain research intuition. The college also said because of some important academic contacts, outstanding graduate students’ return and graduation photo will be delayed until summer. After that, Lu Chen was busy with many things, he cares about the research intuition and “My secret”… But expectedly graduation he placed graduation, which is a big life achievement, as a lower priority than “My Secret”.
= end of flashback =
Even if so, his name is still written on the list of outstanding graduate students, and furthermore he is continuing to study in St Shelters. Maybe because of this, from the beginning I did not feel the reality towards his graduation.
= next scene=
The college lecture was divided into two parts, the first part was about a campus tour and after that finish, the second part is approaching to the Q&A panel. The students freely moved about in the classroom, there were some chit chat while doing things slowly, the big part was to surround the astronomy department’s Professor Chen with questions. I hid in the corner of the classroom, to give Lu Chen a call. Before it was answered, the slide door of the classroom on the other wide of the flight of stairs opened with a “creak” The next second, my phone rang. Lu Chen’s footsteps hurriedly entered the classroom, he still has not put on his graduation gown as it was hanging on his arm, the dark blue necktie is also only hanging casually. The classroom is suddenly quiet, Lu Chen was also stunned when he walked in. Everyday he is always neat and tidy, it is rare to see him like this.
After he calmly straighten his clothes, he faced towards the classroom and apologetically nod, and noticed I was standing at the back of the classroom. Lu Chen took out his phone and looked at it — Despite hanging up unconsciously the moment I saw him — and immediately he smiled understandably. Professor Chen gave a chuckle as he draws him in the crowd, with somewhat teasing mischievously
⭐: Your girlfriend is calling?
Lu Chen somewhat helplessly cut off his conversation.
🦌: Professor Chen, you don’t need to gossip — The graduate school’s project had a small problem, but it already been settled. Compared to Professor Chen, the mild and young Lu Chen received more of a welcome from the high school students. After a simple self introduction, Lu Chen begins to be surrounded by the students. I took a glass of water from the dispenser besides and gave it to Lu Chen, I had thought that since he came in a hurry, he is most likely thirsty, but when I approached the crowd I had realised —
In the middle of the crowd there was a crack, Lu Chen absorbed listening to a student’s question, from time to time nodding his head.
His slightly long blonde hair shines under the bright light, at the tip of his hair pricked his neckline pressing into an arch, and next time it bounced off again as he turned his head.
Not knowingly, I suddenly can’t help but laugh.
Luckily no one noticed my laugh, because the subject there were at the moment was much more interesting.
🎒: Senior Lu Chen can you say, what is the the biggest advantage to study in St.Shelters?
Before Lu Chen is able to answer, and already someone had to step in to his response.
🎒:It is certainly that he found his girlfriend here.
A wave of laughter, Lu Chen’s voice as if a creek of melted snow unrestrained from the crowd.
🦌: I was truly lucky to come to St Shelters.
I raised my head, and my smile that I had jot being able to stop was caught by him in the crowd. It is as though a wave of warm blend of spring breeze brushed over me, my cheeks suddenly got hotter. The conversation topic returned to Professor Chen’s hands, Lu Chen took a step back and I stood next to him, carrying the cup in a low voice he told me.
🦌: Just now you were looking for me, what’s the matter?
🖌️: … I was a bit worried you missed your graduation photo.
🦌: Oh, I went to the laboratory at the last minute. The class photo is in the afternoon, don’t worry. He took a sip of water, his hand hung beside his body moved, holding my hand gently. Warm palms touched, made me feel kind of sneaky. — But, compared to becoming the focus of these high school students, we were better of being sneaky. I finally held onto his hand that had loosen, finger tips on his finger pads quietly caress upwards. Up and down —
🦌: But I'm scared a certain someone is worried.
In an instant I released my hand.
I face the future students visiting open day and sincerely introduce them
🖌️: I’m not from the astronomy department so I don’t have the ability to explain much of the course… but “interest” in it is something we have in common.
Someone in the line raised their hand.
🖌️: Yes. The question is from a polite high school student, he asked – does having “interest” in astronomy have any real meaning?
Many people had considered their own interests, like only looking at the stars with the naked eye, to discuss and recognise the constellations does not in the least have to do with the modern age of astronomical physics.
But coincidentally, this question as it turns out is something I can and willing to answer. Several months ago, I also already hold Lu Chen’s answer to this question.
How he answered me was – I remembered Lu Chen’s mood and to paraphrase what he said.
🖌️: I don’t consider them unrelated.
🖌️: People of ancient times use the stars in the sky as a guide, a farmer’s proverb to depend on the sun, the moon and the stars… why does the sun and the moon rise and set and how the stars revolve completely in the sky – this is our ancestors’ astronomy.
🖌️: How can we possibly progress on the subject itself, and say that our ancestors' observations and research is "not astronomy”
🖌️: Watching the stars is of course astronomy, the change of day and night, the change of the 4 seasons is also the same as astronomy, we all live on this continuously spinning Earth.
🖌️: There are some things that is maybe not “astronomy research nowadays”… but everything matters on this moving planet and everything have something to do with astronomy.
= flashback=
🦌: But this idea of astronomy, the gap between nature and the universe all have something to do with celestial bodies.
🖌️: Then do I also have something to do with it?
I shook Lu Chen’s hand, smiling squinty and dazzling
🦌: Of course.
Lu Chen also paused for a bit, sincerely feigning he starts to speak (feigning to be stern)
🦌: Thinking so, I’m grateful to the people who caused me to be interested in astronomy, and allowing me to be able to come here and meet you
🖌️: Then also on my behalf I am thankful for those who had lead you to me years ago.
Regardless of his mentioned uncle that brought him camping during his childhood, his teacher, or other… In his past, how many people already brushed pass him? For him to grow, leave behind a mark, or to finally be separated.
🖌️: I remember there was a saying, it is said inside our's and every person’s body is composed of cloud essence (galactical residues from the Big Bang), and in the very beginning, all of us were one… 🦌: Perhaps.. I suddenly took a step forward and lightly peck him on his cheek.
🖌️: Then ultimately we will meet at once.
🖌️: … is what the stars told me.
One sentence “I want to” almost came out from my mouth. I must compose myself and pretend to calmly ask.
(I composed myself)
🖌️: Then, how do you intend to write me?
🦌: I wanted to ask for your opinion.
I contemplated, my fingers unconsciously played with his lapel pin. 🖌️: For example, “My appreciation for MC's great contribution in frequently coming and disturbing the production of this thesis”?
🦌: What disturbance are you referring to?
MC hugged Alkaid from the back in the scene before, so basically Alkaid tugged her hands up, prompting MC to bend down and fully lean herself on his back. He turned his head, his cheeks lightly rubs me. In his pupils is like there were a luster of gems letting out a bluish green light in the bottom of the ocean and the reflection of the stars rocking. What find of disturbance can only be this nebula of entangled plain silk, suffused with the bluish green ocean waves? I can’t help myself to move closer.
🦌: Your name is only used in the thesis from the last time your helped with the colouring the picture.
Lu Chen blinked, facing the monitor with a list of collaborators’ names and their provided help.
🦌: You see, will this disclaimer be alright?
His expression was sincere and no ulterior motives although he didn’t pressure anyone, I can’t help but ponder over how this person… Confronting whatever challenge all with ease and skill… How is it still making my heart beat so much for him?
=flashback=
To bring up his interest in astronomy, I could not help to think of the conversation in YueCheng planetarium —
🖌️: Lu Chen, was this the earliest moment your felt a strong interest in astronomy?
🦌: Hmm?
🖌️: The day you came to YueCheng high school for the public astronomy class exhibit, is that day the start of your interest in astronomy?
🦌: Its earlier.
🖌️: Oh?
🦌: Maybe 7 or 8 years old… oh, that's not right, when I was 5 or 6 years old.
Lu Chen paused for a moment, it appeared he recalled memories of when he was young. I can’t help but to blink.
🖌️: 20 and 22 years old is somewhat young; but 7 or 8 and 5 or 6 years old is somewhat really young… (The difference of 20 and 22 y/o is a lot lesser than 7 to 8 or 5 to 6 y/o...)
🦌: I don’t remember clearly.
Because of Lu Chen’s memory strength, him saying he doesn’t remember clearly I can’t believe him.
But he didn’t give me a chance to question him and very quickly the conversation continues.
🦌: In short, it is when I was really young. That time my mother’s work was really busy, sometimes she brought me to her colleague, or let my uncle take care of me.
🖌️: Uncle?
🦌: Mm, he is a taxonomy scholar and he would bring me to walk though the desert, the stary sky looked brighter there than the city… 🦌: Later when I got older, I planned to develop in the field of astronomy, and heard many opinions about it.
🦌: Some said, regardless of whether I do astronomy or explore the world, are both basic scientific research conducted by huge countries with the capability to do so, and many things are not so easy to use in reality.
🦌: Some also said, this is a rigorous and uninteresting subject, it is more of data, code and physics…
🦌: These statements I think are all right. When I mentioned to study astronomy, Lu Chen’s pupils brighten up.
🦌: But I remembered that moment the first time I was convinced. 🦌: Everywhere around me was empty and quiet, all of it was boundless not reaching the edge of the sand, the celestial stars are many and beautiful. Uncle pointed at the sky and taught me how recognise the directions.
🦌: He said, the stars will point you the way home.
Key:
🦌: Lu Chen/Alkaid
🖌️: MC
🎒: High School student
🖌️: Next, I will bring everyone to tour around the astronomy department. I cleared my throat and spoke as loudly and clearly as possible.
🖌️: Please follow me—
The new students stood up from their seats and I can’t believe I am standing in the same position as Senior Fen Mao* who had said the same thing to me when I was a new student.
Still the school day is not here and this is only a reminder of end of vacation and “School open day” and to draw out and select high school students who are going to sit exams and are interested to come for a tour.
Although year after year we ridicule “Why do we need to still shoot a promotional video every year even though we will not be using it.“… But to see those anticipated eyes— Truly says there is no intention of pride and vanity, also its fake.
=next scene=
🎒: MC, do you know about radio wave telescope project between St Shelters and other research institutions?
🖌️: I do. There were many people who were the kind to ask many questions and some of the questions I happened absolutely know the answer to.
🎒: Ah, don’t tell me MC is also —
🖌️: Oh, Its not me. Its just I happened to have a friend who knows a lot.
🖌️: I have a friend who especially like stars.
🖌️: From young she wanted to find life in the stars, later she didn’t let these dreams end only as mere interest and was really outstanding in a physic competition…
🖌️: Hmm… Later, if you come to the St Shelters, you should also be introduced to that senior and her course mates.
I think of Wang Xing Xing’s sudden showcase of a shy and astute smile, I can’t help smiling.
🖌️: Regardless what major you are in, its in fact interest is the biggest source of motivation.
🖌️: What major is convenient to find work, what major is “Boys and girls can and should study”, what major should I not sit the exam for… 🖌️: … All are not ”Number one priority” you must take in consideration.
While I lead the way, I continue to answer questions, the more I speak the easier it got.
🖌️: In St. Shelters, we hope every subject may ought to be your primary one, and be able to become what you originally aspired to be.
=The day before=
🖌️: So difficult, its too hard…
Only a day ago, I was still worrying about “How to be a host on open day”
I leaned on the sofa like a deflated ball, attempting to memorise the school’s distinguishing qualities and well-known schoolmates by heart, and I’m also worried of myself and the uninteresting tedious burden on my back. I was unwittingly hit that the night is already gradually getting darker.
🦌: What made you stumped? When Lu Chen came out to get water, our eyes met, ashamed I waved back.
🖌️: Just now you also heard and saw nothing… actually its not hard, you don’t need to worry about me.
Lu Chen placed a glass of water in front of me, willingly accepted my view, he brought another glass of water directly back to his room. The display light hits his golden hair, making him to be covered in a gentle light
He didn’t even looked back at me, and me still maintaining to not disturb work mode.
I’m preparing my speech for the school open day and Lu Chen is working on his final edit of graduation thesis paper.
For the difficulty factor said, his work is greater than mine and at first my intentions was to accompany him.
However I did not think that I would instead be the one to wail like ghosts and howl like wolves*, I lowered my voice scared to disturb him and Lu Chen according to plan carried on in a steady pace. But for a moment, I still can’t help to quietly walk behind Lu Chen
🖌️: Lu Chen… Have your thesis been settled yet?
🦌: Hmm.. Let me see, maybe I need your help.
🖌️: What can I help with? I hugged him from behind.
On his computer screen, the cursor flickered indefinitely at the end of a just finished sentence. Lu Chen scrolled for a little while and shared his reference page…
🖌️: Your thesis acknowledgment….
🦌: Mmm, I wanted to ask you, can I… include you in my thesis? The butterflies in my stomach couldn’t stop fluttering.
🖌️: Wait, after your thesis is published, my name will be recorded on your paper forever.
Our names, will be together forever in a form that I never thought of. Lu Chen nodded his head, his gaze full of expectation in a much deeper level.
🦌: Are you willing to do it?
Translation Notes
Senior Fen Mao
Chen Zi Han's nickname
Wail like ghosts and howl like wolves
An idiom which mean to scream and whine freely
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This time the planetarium doesn’t have anyone visiting, my voice echoed around the bright silver, ring shaped walls, there was a faint muddled sort of sound that echoed back.
From the moment we entered, Lu Chen smiled, regardless I led him down to his seat, he waited for the next part of my plan.
— To entirely carry out my promise for today.
I first prepared two different kinds of things in front of him.
🦌: Cake and — crystal ball?
🦌: I didn’t see when you brought it out, so…
It is like he already has some kind of unsure guess, I smiled and nod to confirm.
🖌️: Yes, I placed it here before hand.
🦌: MC, you…
I slightly arranged my way of expression, still I decided to first take out that hair clip from his high school days and ask him to put it on.
🖌️: First put this on.
Lu Chen listened, in between his hair, fingers carelessly brush over a certain spot.
His light finger touch, together with the thin light screen quickly before his eyes formed.
🦌: —!
Up until now, there is something I can finally acknowledge.
🖌️: After deciding to celebrate your birthday in Yuecheng, I always thought, what kind of gift I should give you.
🖌️: Apart from the cake, the crystal ball and the usual, After thinking it through — it seems I only can use this method to give you a …
When I didn’t know, how should I convey, Lu Chen tries to conclude.
🦌: A… possibility?
This explanation made me stare blankly, smiling happily.
🖌️: Well said.
With the help of paint souls’ power this hair clip changed into special glasses. Now in Lu Chen’s perspective, it is that we are wearing the same uniform.
As if I already was part of his life far earlier, and he shared more enjoyable time with me than he previously had.
— Like a kind of… extremely beautiful possibility.
🖌️: Ah, today there is no teacher present, and so, allow me to give student Lu Chen an astronomy class.
Lu Chen’s gaze is on me, I lightly touched the spherical display and pushed a button.
In an instant, the vast sea of stars displayed above us.
I took a laser pointer to explain, pointing at the direction of planetarium projection.
🖌️: Taking Earth as the center point, the furthest distance that we’re able to see would be only the radius of it. From there, we draw a circle from there——
🖌️: Then we can see all the stars, embedded in this “celestial sphere” above…
The things that I said are actually content Lu Chen previously talked about. In regards to him, its already very simplified and clear,
But I still talk about it in a serious manner.
The laser pointer reflected a red dot, leaped back countless of light years; and in a tiny secret in the corner not far from me, Lu Chen quietly listened attentively.
His eyes reflecting the stars that forms different designs, as well as reflecting me who is surrounded by the stars.
🖌️: …. Every group of stars’ arrangement, is all a unique wonder of the universe.
🖌️: —And the class ends here for today. Finally……
I am still considering wanting to genuinely express myself, afterwards, nevertheless I see Lu Chen smiling and raised his hand.
=Birthday card pops up=
The person in front raised his hand with a clear serious expression, for a moment, it seems he had deployed me into this situation and unconsciously I followed his intent.
🖌️: This student, what is your question?
🦌: May I ask…
I’m nervous I don’t know what kind of question Lu Chen will ask, also I am not sure I am able to give an accurate answer, I saw he put his hand down, his sincere eyes—
🦌: Why the person in front of me, dressed in my commonly occurring school uniform, explaining a topic I know very well for a long time…
🦌: Still, I can currently feel this kind of — endless desire?
For a moment, all of my nervousness that filled up to the brim, break into confusion at this question that doesn’t follow common sense.
🖌️: You, how are you breaking the rules once again…
If it is not for my cheeks burning hot, If I don’t have the self-control to resist smiling, this question probably will still have more grandeur.
Lu Chen softly smiled, hinting me to sit next to him. Naturally, my hand held his palm.
🦌: This course’s content, did Teacher Xi tell you about it?
He as expected guessed it.
Outside the planetarium, me and Teacher Xi’s familiarity, of course it is not because of familiarity at first sight.
—Before this trip, I already prepared Lu Chen’s birthday to be celebrated here ahead of time, as it turns out incidentally Teacher Xi’s lessons was preparing his lessons inside.
🖌️: We only chat for a little and, teacher just guessed it, that my boyfriend who’s about to celebrate his birthday is you
🖌️: So, he told me the things about when you two first got to know wach other.
That time Lu Chen is still at Shanghai middle school, the first time he came to Yuecheng high school, it is in order to advance in a public astronomy class interactive exhibit for once.
🖌️: Teacher Xi thinks that you’re doing well explaining in the class,, so he stops you after class and asked you a few questions
Lu Chen’s gaze shows a bit of a reminiscing expression, naturally he resumed my story.
🦌: He asked a few questions that are closely related to the ones that I have explained, but the final question is one that has nothing to do with it
🦌: “Looking at today’s reactions, are you disappointed that the effort you’ve done is laid waste?”
—Because that course closed with applause and praise, most of it was to Lu Chen himself and to that very small child talking on stage, calmly not to oppress his elegance, and not for the class content presented.
🖌️: The teacher said that time you first nodded,and after thinking through for a little, you shook your head and said…
🦌: “If only somebody was listening, don’t consider it a disappointment.”
That exchange marks the beginning of their teacher and friend bond. And I also, as a result, became certain of my plan today.
To find out the talk I prepared today and that public class with the similar subject, Teacher Xi gave me a lot of help.
🖌️: If not for the teacher, today my speech manuscript and I’m afraid it still won’t be completed like this.
🖌️: But there is content, the teacher sold me a climax.
Behind us the screen above, a round of wedge-shaped light spinning silently. Lu Chen looked back, and along with me gazed towards that vortex of stars.
🖌️: NGC 4631, people also call it the whale galaxy.
🖌️: Teacher Xi said, that there is a story revolving that galaxy, and said that, later other people will tell me the story.
🦌: Indeed, there is a story. It is said…
Looking at how he’s about to answer my question at that very moment, I promptly interrupted him
🖌️: Lu Chen.
🦌: Hm?
🖌️: Compared to this, now I want to talk to you more, it is separate matter.
I turned around, deeply gazing into his eyes.
🖌️: Look, you’re always like this, putting yourself last.
🖌️: You can remember the words I said without thinking, however you will forget about your own birthday; You are willing to share your understanding of something you know, even if majority of people listening doesn’t cherish it.
🖌️: I’m just the opposite. No matter what, I want to place you in the highest level.
🖌️: I want you to be happy, I wanted to with the utmost care make preparations for your birthday, also I want to use this way to tell you, if only you said it out loud, I will listen and remember it with all my heart.
The stars that he yearns for, the beautiful scene that he witnesses. His enthusiasm, his memories.
If only I am at his side, for everything that he owns, I want to be that person who “listens“, over and over I will lend an ear.
🖌️: You always share your wishes with me, then today, I come with the power to make a wish—
🖌️: I wish my lover from now on, treasure himself like how he treasures me.
🖌️: I wish he knows, in my eyes, that he has won over all the unique and strangeness of the world-…
My remaining voice, engulfed in a sudden kiss.
This is a rarely seen not in the least sign of a kiss.
Lu Chen can feel the moment MC stared blanky.
The next moment, MC lift up her hand, wrapping them around his waist. Accepting and responding everything that he gives with all her heart and soul
He suddenly thought of what he didn’t finish saying before —
That whale galaxy “story”, actually is not that complex.
It only occurred once in a casual conversation, Teacher Xi was sharing his beginning in astrophysics.
🦫: That time I still didn’t understand any sort of observations, it is only from telescopes I felt the novelty, using it to see the night sky, by coincidence I saw a multicoloured light.
🦫: That kind of unique majestic and beautiful, deeply stunned me.
Afterwards he started dipping into astrology, and naturally begins to understand what he had seen that night—
Number NGC 4631 galaxy, also a nice sounding name, called, “Space Whale”
🦫: So many years went by and every time in this field I experience setbacks, feel exhausted, I still think of that night the first time I saw the space whale that moved me —
🦫: It provides me with inspiration, passion, and the belief and courage that pushes me forward.
Finally, he softly pats Lu Chen’s shoulder.
🦫: There will inevitably be a day, you will also find your own “Space whale”.
After a while, MC opened her eyes, facing his gaze on her eyes. The stars light and shadow in her eyes moved back and forth, like a multi-coloured whale.
Before I know it, I am actually at Yuecheng high school. Besides the further east side of the planetarium, we already walked through every place.
Under the March sun that has clearly become warmer, I just became aware of my own sweat on my forehead, conveniently a gust of cool refreshing wind blew over.
🖌️: The wind sure is here right on time
??: It is, many students when they don’t have class, likes to come to this side to feel the breeze.
A voice suddenly replies to my response
— I follow the voice to its origin, that person with a smiling expression is a middle-aged man.
Lu Chen’s eyes obviously showed some surprise, bringing me quickly to a jog to go and meet him.
🦌: Teacher Xi
At first, I listened to Lu Chen talking with his teacher for a while, I also previously imagined to myself that for someone who had taught Lu Chen, he will for sure have a tender and earnest side like Lu Chen,
But now, we looked at this person in front of us ––
🦫: Now I also think the wind here is not bad, after all it will come back*….
He smiles as he looks at Lu Chen, and his gaze fell on me soon after, his expression almost brightly written “How should I tease him”.
Lu Chen subtly stopped, unconsciously he opened his mouth, and habitually tries to stop him from teasing me — but I opened my mouth before he did.
🖌️: Back comes— your student and his girlfriend?
Teacher Xi laughed.
🦫: That’s right, you’re more frank compared to Lu Chen when he was younger.
Apparently, what I heard may be an unbelievable adjective.
🖌️: Frank?
🖌️: Lu Chen when he was young is frank? Is that what you said?
🦫: To be honest, there is a lot more to say….
Me and Teacher Xi echoed one another, forging an alliance at rapid speed, obviously causing him to be surprised. His gaze is between us in a hesitant loop then he promptly decided to pick defeat and to beg for forgiveness.
🦌: Since its when I was a kid, can you give your “complacent student” some face?
It seems like even if Lu Chen talked more about his time as a student, there still be a lot of information that I didn’t know that I could use against him, and all of it are under this Teacher Xi’s palm.
I held back a laugh.
🖌️: Never mind, I won’t ask you to get to the bottom of things, after all —
🖌️: We don’t want to dishonour our birthday boy
To mention “birthday boy” I intentionally emphasize these words. Originally the idea is to hint to celebrate Lu Chen’s birthday, I would like to ask his teacher to wish Lu Chen happy birthday.
Its just that Teacher Xi didn’t follow through as expected, he didn’t express any sort of surprise or realization but nods calmly instead.
🦫: Hmm, It’s about time for you to get some documents legally*?
🖌️: Get legal… documents?
I am still at a loss, Lu Chen already reacted, there is a slight bit of helplessness in his smile.
🦌: …. MC is still a minor, Teacher.
🖌️: Ah? What does it have to do with me….
Halfway speaking, I realised and reflected—
Indeed, this is Lu Chen’s 22nd birthday, and he is old enough to apply for a marriage certificate.
Me and Lu Chen looked at each other’s embarrassed expression, Teacher Xi is overjoyed.
Under the guidance of this teacher that doesn’t do anything within expectation, we talked about topics spanning from Yuecheng high school 100 year history, the connection between astronomy and arts and to “Where did these two planned to eat”.
🖌️: Teacher Xi, We —
From an angle Lu Chen can’t see, I try hard to pass a glance to Teacher Xi.
The other party understood and left to the only way to the planetarium, facing us waving his hand.
🦫: It is getting late, you two go in.
🦌: Oh?
🖌️: Okay Teacher Xi! Goodbye!
Before Lu Chen reacted, I had already dragged him, facing him this time to the final stop on campus.
Translation Notes
“After all it will come back”
Teacher Xi was referring how rare it is for young people to returning to a place of their childhood. Like how rare is for a feather being blown in the wind to revisit places it had been before.
Marriage certificate
The legal age in China for men and women to be married is 22 and 20 respectively. MC in this story is 19 so she is still considered a minor. In addition all married couples are given a certificate to show they are officially married.
Day 1: Yuecheng Docks
We reached Yuecheng Docks it just reached evening, we just got off the boat and the view was filled with flickering lanterns.
🦌: Every time before evening, the boats of Yucheng would light candles.
🦌: Now it’s changed to coloured lights, contrary to what you expect the visual effects does not fluctuate much.
🖌️: That’s right, I had thought that I’ve entered into an ancient city.
🖌️: It doesn’t feel real…
🦌: Come, walk with me.
🖌️: Here is … Yucheng night market？
🦌: Also here is the place most like the ancient city.
We walked through the night market, osmanthus cake, sweet osmanthus taro, fermented red beans…
🖌️: Lu Chen, which stall are we going to next?
🦌: MC, my hands are full.
🖌️: Ah, I didn’t know I unconsciously asked Lu Chen to hold many things, sorry
🦌: I mean, before we head to the next booth, I need your help grabbing my phone from my pocket.
🦌: And then, scan the QR code to pay.
🖌️: ….!
🦌: Now, do you feel the reality of this place?---
Day 2: Wutong* Street
🖌️: This nevertheless is the first time I saw this many Chinese Parasol trees extending forever.
🦌: The species of Chinese Parasol trees of the street, it is regarded by many people of Yuecheng as a significant memory.
🦌: And an overwhelming majority of YueCheng’s Chinese Parasol trees are here.
🖌️: Its truly beautiful —
🦌: It’s a bit unfortunate.
🖌️: Unfortunate?
🦌: It is unfortunate that now it is spring, you can only see the Chinese Parasol trees’ seeds.
🦌: Summer here there will be thick tree saplings, it can shield you from the sun and hide from the rain.
🦌: In autumn the Chinese Parasol trees will turn golden yellow, it is when the trees are the most beautiful.
🖌️: Then its also not a pity.
🖌️: Waiting for the seasons to change, we can find another chance to come here again.
🦌: Now I suddenly understand, why many people walk through here, they will slow down without realising.
🖌️: Hmm? — Why?
🦌: Because now, I also can't help hoping that this road extends forever.
🦌: I want to go down this road together with you through the four seasons.
Day 3: Yuecheng Middle School Entrance
The school entrance right in front of us, “Yuecheng middle school” handwritten impressively in front of my eyes,
🖌️: That’s right, I remembered that your hometown is Shanghai*
🖌️: Why did you study in Yuecheng high school?
🦌: I wanted to experience something new in a new environment by myself, I knew a teacher who is here by chance, might as well just come.
🦌: But lately, I didn’t experience new things by myself.
🖌️: Is it because of An Zeheng*? I remembered both of you studied together in the same school.
🦌: That’s right, he doesn’t want to be subjected by his family control, and he heard that I wanted to go to Yuecheng for school, so he insisted to go to school together.
🦌: But at first Yuecheng lifestyle was unfamiliar, he quickly regretted it.
🖌️: That seem quite understandable.
🖌️: Then, Lu Chen did you regret it?
🖌️: –– coming to Yuecheng, or perhaps… St Shelter?
🦌: I made that choice myself; I have no regrets.
Day 4: Sport Arena
Just not far away we walked to the basketball court, Lu Chen suddenly did a throwing basketball motion.
🖌️: …?
🦌: … ah
🖌️: So, Lu Chen also have a subconscious motion while on the road.
🦌: And when I am together with you, I am relaxed. I unconsciously…
🖌️: Cute
🦌: Hmm.. Am I only cute?
🖌️: Of course, you are also handsome.
Lu Chen smiled satisfied with this answer, it seems he is a bit cuter than a moment ago.I thought to myself, and took some things from inside my pocket.🖌️: Do you want some sweets, Lu Chen?
🦌: –– MC, it feels like you’re taking me as a child.
🖌️: heheh
Although with this said, Lu Chen still cooperated and took the candy.
🦌: I recalled something I heard by chance campus myth.
🖌️: What campus myth…
Caught off guard, a soft sensation can be felt on my lips.
🦌: “Before kissing the person I like, I have to remember to eat a piece of fruit candy.”—
Its lemon flavoured.
Day 5: School Main Building
🖌️: I'm pretty sure for a model student like Lu Chen, you've never gone through experience like “to stand in the hallways as punishment*” experience.
🦌: … Think about it properly, I also had experienced it.
🖌️: Really? When, Why?
🦌: Its true. Probably around … the second half of semester of my second year, because me and An Zeheng skipped class.
🖌️: Skipped class?
🦌: That time An Zeheng had a crush on a female student that is going to study abroad, his mood wasn’t good, and I just accompanied him to climb over the school entrance, we played in the arcade for the whole day.
🦌: When it was approaching evening, both of us were on the DDR machine and the teacher caught us.
🖌️: Pfff
🖌️: And then? What happened with An Zeheng and that girl?
🦌: Afterwards, they both never got in contact, you can say that… nothing came out of it.
🦌: After that, we came to a conclusion.
🖌️: Is it… the person who you liked when you are young, will without a doubt seize the opportunity, to avoid missing it?
Lu Chen looked at me, and showed me a small smile.
🦌: This sentence is also not wrong, but it is something I understood after a long time.
🦌: And during that time, both of us agreed on the same thing––
🦌: The next time when we go to the arcade, we have to remember not to wear school uniforms.
Day 6: Belltower Assembly Hall
We walked to the honour wall* outside of the assembly hall, I subconsciously stopped.
🦌: MC are you… looking for me?
🖌️: That’s right, and there’s no need for you to tell me where you’re at, I’m sure I’ll be able to find it quickly—— Ah, there you are!
🖌️: Lu Chen come to this side for a bit—
🦌: What is it?
🖌️: Help me block the lights, I want to take a photo of this and use it as a wallpaper.
🦌: …..
🦌: MC, come over here, let me see.
🦌: I personally still think that the me in front of you looks better than the ones in the photo
🖌️: Lu Chen are you jealous?
🦌: A bit.
🦌: But I also genuinely think that I’ve become a better version of myself after meeting you
Translation Notes
WuTong street
Wutong (梧桐) is named after a the trees that is planted in that street, I chose to keep the pinyin to avoid confusion.
Shanghai
Usually Shanghai is referend in chinese as 上海 but MC used 申城 which is also another way of saying Shanghai.
An Zeheng
He is featured in some of Alkaid stories and he is his childhood friend.
“To stand in the hallways as punishment”
Common punishment in Chinese schools is to make students stand outside the classroom, in the hallways with their arms up and stand there still their next class. Usually after that the punished student have to write a written reflection.
Honour Wall
Its like a wall of fame, but is just to commemorate students achievements and accomplishment at the school.
Not long after the weekend; school started, I picked up my pace to full swing to catch up with my art assignments.
🖌️: The ULTRAMARINE.... AH! I forgot the ultramarine paints already ran out----
A fresh tube of ultramarine paint was gently pushed in front of me
🖌️: Oh, Lu Chen when did you buy this....?
🦌: Last weekend it appeared that someone was muttering to themselves about the ultramarine paint running out, and now you've forgotten about it?
🖌️: .... Really?
I tried to think back to last weekend to what Lu Chen said. ----Of course with no result.
I got caught up in my thoughts, Lu Chen added.
🦌： Look, last weekend we went to the commercial street, why did we go there in the first place?
🖌️: Well
Through this sentence I remembered, and eventually able to clear my thoughts.
Last weekend, me and Lu Chen went to the commercial street to purchase painting supplies, however midway there was the dessert shop with a long queue in front. For this reason, our attention was attracted the shop with a long queue.
🖌️： .... Oh yeah, this, you can't blame me.
🦌: Really, then should we blame the "dessert shop's new limited once in a lifetime products"
----This sentence that is easily said and is the same as what I said.
From the bottom of my heart, I silently reflected on his sweet words, but suddenly I just couldn't hold my laughter.
🖌️: Sometimes I will think, Lu Chen is simply like my----
I paused to think of an appropriate comparison
🖌️: A human walking memo book.
🦌: A human walking... memo book.
He repeated the new set up I gave him and couldn't help himself from laughing.
🦌: If you look at the intention of the standard memo book, it is seemed as mine is out of order.
🦌: For example, I remembered you had to hand in these assignments at the end of the month. Why are you rushing this early?
🖌️: Because next weekend we have other plans.
🦌: Hmm?
I realised after a while, what ushered back was even more of my curiosity and a strange silence filled the room.
I put my thoughts behind me, maybe this one time my memo book senior is not working quite well.
I put my drawing pencil down, seriously looking at him.
🖌️: Lu Chen do you know what day is it next weekend?
🦌: Its....
I caught a seldom seen expression, a bit hesitant and bewildered.
I copied his body language, patiently guided.
🖌️: Think about it, last year just not long after school started, what were you doing Lu Chen?
🦌: Planning for the semester, arranging literature works for the project, extracurricular activities such as participating in the drama club after class and also...
His voice was loud but until now it was firm, he stopped at this moment and his words was replaced with laughter.
🦌:----and also a performance tour, for MC to welcomed me to a birthday surprise after the tour.
Now I completely understood, why last year's birthday he was still busy with his club on the same day---- as he mostly doesn't recall his birthday at all.
Before I could tease him about it, Lu Chen was the first to open his mouth.
🦌: MC accompanied and spent time with me on my birthday, to think I almost forgot about it.
He slightly got closer to me, this voice was warmer and lower, yet it was clearly on his face, an expression seeking for open minded advice.
🦌: How should I be punished?
🖌️: wha, what....
Foul move. I was distracted and completely forgot what I wanted to say.
My line of sight I couldn't help but focus on these facial features, his eyes, his lips... the words on the tip of my tongue, I subconsciously lick my lips.
🖌️: Let's punish you with... having you be mine for the whole day on your birthday this year.
As if I wasn't careful, I could have accidentally revealed 100% of my feelings of possessiveness towards him - I tried to cover it up with other words, his lips touched mine faintly, leaving a gentle kiss on my lips.
🦌: I'm yours every day.
=next scene=
After obtaining Lu Chen's word, on my free time, I started to think about plans for his birthday.
🖌️: A long distance trip, there seem to be not much time.
🖌️: Go and eat a big meal? On Qin Ning island, there seems to not be any new restaurants we haven’t tried yet.
🖌️: A movie？ an exhibit, isn't that too boring?
Every plan proposed were rejected by me, for one reason or another.
I was distressingly browsing on my phone for places to go, suddenly a text appeared.
= text message pop up =
(Options doesn't affect the story)
I put my phone down, I looked up at the sender's text---- Obviously he isn't far from my side.
🖌️: What's wrong, Lu Chen?
🦌: I want to try and see if my presence will be any greater, I’d do that.
🖌️: .....
I was caught off guard by his “attempt”. Upon seeing Lu Chen, he slightly laughed.
🦌: Okay, are you still perplexed about plans for that day?
🖌️: Mmm...
I nodded hesitantly
🦌: MC, I really treasure your sincerity and preparations for my birthday.
🦌: But letting you feel so distressed, is not my real intention.
He extended his hand, softly switching off my phone screen.
🦌: If you can't decide in the meantime ----
🦌: Then still as usual leave the planning to me, okay?
🖌️: Lu Chen already have some ideas?
🦌: Maybe I should tell you, I had some ideas earlier.
🦌: I still remember Chinese New Year, do you remember what I said to you?
My memories are not as strong as the walking memo book Lu Chen, but inspirations came to me when he said that
🖌️: Lu Chen said, you wanted to bring me to see village of hanging hoarfrost, and you wanted to bring me to your hometown, to pay a visit to your teacher....
Before anything was said, the former is perfectly fulfilled on Valentine's, as for the latter...
Thinking about how I could enter further into his past, my heart tensed up, my heart suddenly tensed.
🖌️: Are, are you sure....
🦌: Its me, who should be asking.
Lu Chen his usual gentle gaze which is like a deep, calm clear lake, it contains some sort of earnest hope.
🦌: You wish is for us to go back together?
Of course, I wish to go is perhaps what I should say, but I can't think what is even more special than this.
"Lu Chen's hometown", this many words put together, just so much so I let a soft spot reside in the bottom of my heart.
🖌️: Then Lu Chen, what is it like?
It was definitely a sentence I was only meant to say to myself, but Lu Chen let out a small laugh.
🦌: Wait a moment, MC.
He told me to turn around and then walked to a nearby bedroom.
Do I want to find that photo from before? Also, he said something about a precious video recording in his camera？
I let my imagination run wild, soon after, the bedroom door opened once more.
🖌️： ----！
Caught off guard, my gaze was on that figure.
Neat, smart, tall and straight....
Countless descriptive words ran across in my heart very quickly, every word fits, every word somewhat is not enough.
🦌: I also don't know how to describe how I was like before, simply put it when I found this high school uniform, I brought it out.
🦌: It’s just after all how many years passed, I'm going to graduate university soon and then how many more disparities will there be.... MC？
This call out made me realised I've been staring at him.
Indescribably it made my heart jump in shock, I even was staring out into space, shortly moving on ----
🖌️: Hey, what is... that?
What attracted my attention was on his lapel there is a bit of a bluish light.
🦌: Uh?
Lu Chen followed my line of sight, at first he stared blankly then quickly he reacted, gently he taking it off.
🦌: Its nothing, when I was tidying up it wouldn't stay on....
Before he could put away that thing, I was already staring and capturing what it is.
🖌️: Is that a... hairclip?
In an instant, I came up with a bizarre idea.
Only a quick glance at my expression, Lu Chen understood everything, using a sentence to disperse my thoughts.
🦌: Yes, its mine.
🦌: Of course its convenient for when I have head down writing, so... the design doesn't have any meaning.
---- Its really a hairclip.
I was looking at him, staring intensely, I want to say something but than I hesitated.
One second, two seconds, three seconds.
After three seconds, Lu Chen acceptedly closed his eyes, softly said
🦌: Earlier I said, ok, you..... are not allowed to laugh.
For knowing each other for more than a year, I already rarely experience this kind of intimacy and his blushing state, let alone to the point his ears are dubiously red.
This once in a blue moon opportunity, I was in awe.
🖌️: Lu Chen don't worry, I will absolutely not laugh.
I stared with anticipation, Lu Chen gently use that hairclip to trace a portion of his hair on his forehead to clip behind his ear.
He slightly disturbed his soft hair, his appearance in order especially the contours in his hairstyle are clearly distinct, nearly breathtaking.... beautiful.
I took a deep breath.
🖌️: Lu Chen
🦌: What is it?
🖌️: When you were in high school, does your school have to select the school beauty by a vote?
Lu Chen clearly stumped for words.
🦌: You said that you wouldn't laugh, MC....
🖌️: I'm not laughing, really!
🖌️: Its just Lu Chen looks really pretty, can't help think lightly...
Midway through this sentence, I quickly reached out my hand, wanting to take advantage of an unprepared Lu Chen for once, I executed an attack----
But he precisely grabbed my rebellious hand , slightly squinting his eyes.
🦌: So, you're attempting to tantalize me?*
🖌️: Yeah.... ah no, no its....
Now, whether to say it or not it’s useless.
Lu Chen slightly approached me, those pair of breathtaking eyes clearly illuminating my reflection.
🦌: This however is my responsibility.
Translation Notes
Tantalize The word used was 轻薄 which means harass or molest, but since these words have a strong negative connotation in English, What MC was doing was just playfully teasing. Although teasing seems a bit weak in this context so the word tantalize is used.
