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perhaps-in-anotherdream · 1 year

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[CN] Victor x MC - S2 CH 44 - Part 2 (Eng Translation)

“This smile is not pretty, and I have a feeling that I’ve seen this man smile even more beautifully before.”

“The falling fireworks are as gorgeous as the reminiscence of tears cascading down from the galaxy.”

Do remember to read PART 1 first: Here!

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-9】

The car comes to a slow halt, and the familiar décor of Souvenir comes into view.

After pushing the door open, we are greeted with an exquisite and meticulously organized hallway. Bright lights illuminate the pristine floor, and the tabletops are smooth. Additionally, there is also a pleasant fragrance in the air.

Souvenir likely wasn’t open for business during the time Victor was away, but Mr. Mills still took care of the place attentively.

Seated in the dining chair that exclusively belongs to me, I rest my face on my hands and suddenly sigh for no apparent reason.

Victor: What’s the matter?

MC: Nothing… It just occurred to me that we only have three days now, so shouldn’t we prioritize the investigation?

Victor: Haven’t we already started the investigation?

MC: But…

Victor: Although the other party seems to have gotten the head start, they have also divulged some information.

Victor: They are in a rush.

Victor: That’s why they hurried to take action when Meng Chang took office.

Victor: The more critical the situation is, the more important it is to remain calm. If you allow yourself to be controlled by the other party, you will only end up in a disadvantageous position.

Victor: What we need to do now is to get the other party to follow our rhythm.

MC: I see…

As I listen to Victor calmly analyze the situation, my inner restlessness gradually subsides.

The current situation is impossible to unravel, and it’s difficult to discern the opponent’s true intentions. So, the best course of action at the moment is to wait patiently for opportunities to present themselves.

After completely abandoning my worries, I can’t help but gesture at the empty tableware on the empty dining table in front of me.

MC: So we didn’t come to Souvenir just to look around, did we?

Victor’s gaze carries a slight hint of helplessness within as he lifts the corner of his eyes.

Victor: I’ve already got the ingredients prepared, so it won’t take long to cook.

MC: So that means, I’ll be able to eat pudding soon?

I look up at Victor, my eyes brimming with expectation.

Victor: Unfortunately, the pudding couldn’t be prepared in advance.

Victor: However, I do know a way to get a certain someone to eat her pudding faster.

Victor walks a step closer to me and slowly takes my fingertips in his hand.

Victor: Let’s head to the kitchen and help me out.

—

Along with the familiar aromas wafting from the brightly-lit kitchen, I see that many dishes are already prepared on the spacious table.

Victor skillfully flips the steak in the pan, and the unique aroma of the seared meat continues to stimulate my sense of smell.

Although my stomach is rumbling with hunger, I’m still holding onto the mixer and diligently stirring the egg yolks I just added to the bowl.

I glance at the exquisite food on the table, emitting a tempting aroma, and quietly move closer.

The refreshing and sweet basil sauce paired with the perfectly crispy texture of the shrimp makes it hard to resist the urge to dig in.

Using my fingertips, I pick up a shrimp tail buried at the bottom of the dish, and while Victor isn’t paying attention, I pop it into my mouth.

Victor: Aren’t you supposed to be helping? How come you’re sneaking a bite?

MC: …!

Caught in the act, I guiltily wipe my hands in haste and frantically continue to stir the ingredients in my hand, pretending nothing has happened.

Victor: …if you continue beating it like that, the good pudding will be turned into the batter for a cream cake.

Victor helplessly takes the mixer from my hand.

With great effort, I swallow the food I have just eaten on the sly, then put on a dignified and righteous look.

MC: After all, you haven’t cooked in such a long time, so I was just checking if your craftsmanship had become rusty.

Victor: Even after all this time, the dummy’s excuses are still as peculiar as ever.

—

The lights on the windowsill shimmer brightly, and Souvenir finally welcomes its guest after a long absence.

The table is adorned with a variety of food items arranged with great care, and the exquisite color combinations are reminiscent of pieces of art. In the center of it all is the pudding I have just “made an effort to participate” in making.

We are the only two people in the spacious hall, locking eyes with each other. Even our breathing comes to a pause momentarily.

I blink my eyes slowly, and in this moment, it feels as if this image is being etched into my mind to remain there forever.

Victor: Why are you in a daze again?

The swaying lights softly trace Victor’s contours, haloing him in a blur of colors. I smile and squint my eyes.

MC: Souvenir without any customers… it feels like this dinner has been prepared just for me.

Victor’s brows arch slightly at my words, and he slowly walks up to me. He takes my hand, his warm fingertips caressing the back of my hand.

Victor: Has there ever been a lack of times when I prepared just for you?

The sentence falls heavily on my ears, stirring up ripples of the past. By the time I snap out of it, he has already led me to my seat.

Victor: The only thing you need to do right now is to enjoy everything.

–

The moon gradually conceals itself behind the clouds, and the night deepens.

I’m bored to death as I remain seated in my seat, waiting for Victor, who has gone to get something from the car.

The door of the restaurant suddenly opens. Thinking that it’s Victor who has come back, I lift my eyes to see but am met with the sight of a stranger standing at the doorway.

Customer: I apologize for bothering you, but is the restaurant officially open now?

The other party has a polite and inquisitive look and seems to be a diner who dropped in by chance.

Considering the challenges LFG has been facing recently, Victor will surely be particularly busy, and Souvenir probably won’t be open for business for the time being.

With this thought in mind, I apologize on my own initiative.

MC: I’m sorry, it will take some time before Souvenir can open for business.

Customer: Oh, I see. I was passing by just now and saw you having a meal, so I thought the restaurant was already open for business.

MC: Um, I… I’m the chef’s assistant. I just came over with him today to clean up a bit. That’s why we had a simple meal together.

Customer: You were just having a meal with the Souvenir’s chef?! What a shame that I didn’t get to see him! I’ve been here so many times and still haven’t met the legendary chef!

Customer: Since the restaurant isn’t open yet, I’ll ask again next time I visit. I’m sorry for bothering you guys.

The other person expresses their apology and leaves with a regretful look. After a while, the door is opened once again.

Just as I’m about to tell Victor about the arrival of a guest, my attention is diverted by the large and small bags he is holding in his hands.

MC: Why did you buy so many things?

Victor: As this business trip was relatively long, I brought along a few gifts for my family members.

The plain tone sounds as if he’s saying, “These are still not enough.”

Victor: So, one of the purposes of coming to Souvenir was to seek your help in distributing these gifts.

MC: You want me to distribute the gifts? What if the recipients don’t find the gifts to their liking?

Victor: It doesn’t matter.

Victor pauses for a moment, then adds with a smile.

Victor: If worse comes to worst, I won’t tell them who picked the gifts at first. So if they aren’t happy with their presents, I’ll be the one to blame.

I also giggle and curiously open Victor’s gifts, which unveil various objects of different sizes that we spread out on several tables.

The bags are adorned with exquisite decorations and have logos written in various languages from around the world. The gifts inside include intricate handmade knick-knacks as well as a diverse selection of luxury items that are not commonly found in the market.

While the gifts are very much in line with the “Victor-style,” the assortment of items demonstrates the level of care he has invested in them.

After careful deliberation, I help Victor choose a handmade teapot for his father and a necklace for Aunt Grace. I also advise on gift ideas for the other people on his list.

However, after tallying up everything, there are still a bunch of gifts that haven’t been assigned to an “owner.”

MC: What should we do with these extra gifts?

Victor: Has a certain someone forgotten something?

The warm-toned lights reflect in his eyes, setting off an endless series of ripples.

Victor: While making all these distributions, how come you didn’t count yourself in?

In the next second, the piles of gifts are naturally pushed in front of me. Amid the hazy lighting, there is an indescribable tenderness in Victor’s expression.

Dumbfounded, I sweep my gaze over the table. All kinds of intricate and bright colors are shining brightly on the tabletop.

Ultimately, my attention is drawn to a handkerchief that is not particularly noticeable.

The soft and delicate fabric flows through my palm, and the embroidered design at the edge creates a perfect curve as it moves through the air.

MC: I’ll choose this handkerchief then.

Victor: …just this one?

MC: Mm, just this one.

MC: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best choice~

Victor gazes at me as a mixture of helplessness and amusement surfaces on his face, and a small smile graces the corners of his lips.

Victor: …that’s indeed the dummy’s style.

MC: Since I’ve already chosen my gift, it’s your turn!

Victor: Have you ever seen someone buying a gift to give themselves?

MC: What’s wrong with that… I do it all the time.

Victor must have put a lot of thought into preparing so many things. But, the person who deserves to receive a gift the most is Victor himself.

My gaze sweeps over the assortment of gifts on the table, then I glance down at the handkerchief I have just chosen in my hand. Suddenly, an idea pops into my head.

I walk up to Victor and neatly fold the handkerchief in my hand, placing it in his breast pocket.

MC: If you don’t want to choose one for yourself, I will assign this gift to Vic (Xiao Li)!

Victor: …

Victor: This is what people call “presenting Buddha with borrowed flowers.”

Despite saying so, he doesn’t decline the gift. He runs his slender fingers over the handkerchief on his chest and lapses into silence for a moment.

For a while, neither of us speaks. I just gaze at him quietly, watching as the corners of his lips part slightly and the complicated, deep emotions in his eyes become evident.

Victor: You took all that trouble, but you’re not leaving anything for yourself in the end?

MC: Who says I haven’t left anything for myself?

I lift my head and, with an earnest expression written on my whole face, wrap my arm around his.

MC: I left Victor for myself. Doesn’t it mean that I already have everything?

Victor remains silent, his deep gaze fixed on me. The distant moonlight reflects the shimmering specks of starlight in his eyes, and it seems as if something is quietly surging within him.

Eventually, a smile still tugs at the corners of his lips.

Victor: Yes, it does.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-11】

To avoid Meng Chang’s surveillance, at Victor’s suggestion, I choose to stay at his place for a few days.

The following day, we get into the car ahead of time and prepare to head to our respective workplaces.

Since Victor’s reminder yesterday, I’ve begun gathering information on Meng Chang as soon as possible.

News: Mr. Meng Chang, who came to the city yesterday, conducted a visit and thorough investigation into the measures related to the redevelopment project of Loveland City.

News: The locations involved include not just landmark buildings within this city but also newly-built public welfare facilities such as nursing homes and kindergartens.

News: Mr. Meng Chang’s action aims to drive forward the long-stagnated redevelopment work in this city. Additionally, he also conducted a comprehensive investigation of the enterprises involved in the redevelopment.

News: According to reports, several companies have already undergone investigation, among them being [MC’s Company Name], a participant in the redevelopment project, as well as the celebrated LFG.

News: Although the investigation findings have not been disclosed yet, it is reported that [MC’s Company Name] is involved in a major financial issue.

News: As an investor of [MC’s Company Name], LFG also seems to be heavily implicated.

In the video, the picture changes into the LFG building, while the projects in which LFG participated in Loveland City are also displayed on the side.

The Cliff Villa, nearing completion, is still decorated with celebratory balloons. But at this moment in the picture, it appears unusually chilly.

I tightly purse my lips, and my fingertips touching the screen feel slightly cold. Even though we took emergency measures yesterday, I didn’t expect the situation would ferment so rapidly.

City Hall Bodyguard: Miss MC, we’ve arrived.

As the car comes to a slow stop, the company’s building appears in front of me. The spacious entrance, which is usually unobstructed, is now crowded by a swarm of visiting journalists, causing an impenetrable blockade.

The camera lens in the far-off distance is flickering, reminiscent of an innumerable number of eyes.

“The more chaotic the situation is, the more important it is to remain calm and not get caught up in the opponent’s rhythm.”

Victor’s words from last night replay in my mind, giving me an invisible confidence boost.

I take a few deep breaths before raising my hand and opening the door.

—

By the time I see Victor again, the night has already fallen.

Although there is no one at the company entrance, those cameras remain hidden in the shadows, reminiscent of vultures waiting for their prey.

I quickly get into Victor’s car, and upon seeing his familiar figure seated beside me, my anxiety alleviates to some extent.

MC: Victor, how was the situation at LFG today?

Victor: The same as usual.

The uncharacteristically cold and distant tone catches me off guard for a moment, and it looks like he doesn’t intend to continue the conversation.

MC: Victor…?

I turn my head to look at Victor. Without changing his expression, he gently holds onto my hand while keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead.

My mind stirs slightly, but I swallow back the question that’s about to escape my lips and imitate his posture instead as I lean back against the seat.

The urban scenery slowly recedes on the window glass in silence until a familiar building appears in my sight.

Victor: Park the car by the side of the road.

The bodyguard complies with the instructions, and Victor motions for me to get out of the car first. He then crouches down and fumbles around at the crack of the door a few times.

Shortly after, he lifts his hand, and between his fingers is a bugging device that had been planted there at an unknown time.

Victor: The glue is quite fresh. It seems to have been attached only recently.

He simply states it plainly, but it’s enough to make the faces of Meng Chang’s bodyguards turn deathly pale.

City Hall Bodyguard: Th-that…

The bodyguard in front of the car seems to want to say something in defense, only to be responded with the sound of Victor closing the door.

Victor: If something like this happens again, you guys must be aware of the appropriate course of action.

—

After returning home, I battle with all my willpower to keep myself seated on the sofa. The eavesdropping incident just now is merely a microcosm of what we’ve been experiencing lately.

If the root of the problem is not tackled, such situations will continue to emerge endlessly.

I lightly tap myself on the forehead, trying my regain my vigor as much as possible and focus on the investigation report sent back by Victor’s team on the table.

Almost all of the previous suspects are eliminated in the report, down to the extent that the entire focus now is drawn toward the missing accountant, Chen Hui.

However, among the information we’ve received, in addition to confirming that his previous work experience was completely fabricated before he arrived, another noteworthy point is that - he is an Evolver of the space department.

I carefully analyze the connection between the fragments of information before me, and gradually, a web that has been laid out for a long time appears before me.

The fact that Chen Hui is kept hidden in this way suggests that the mastermind behind it all must have a great deal of trust in him, and it’s likely that Chen Hui also knows the identity of the other party.

In other words, if we can find Chen Hui, not only can we clear the public’s opinion outside, it will increase our chances of uncovering the person behind him.

My mind is filled with chaos, as if slicing up every part of the past few days of my life into tiny fragments.

It’s not until the sound of a soft voice accompanied by the aroma of milk reaches my ears that I’m snapped out of my trance.

Victor: MC.

I lift my eyes to look at Victor, who’s already been sitting beside me without even me noticing when he came over. He leans in and calmly places a glass into the palm of my hand.

Victor: There’s no need to be so anxious.

He takes hold of my wrist and quietly leads me into his arms. His palm, warm against my back, gently pats me up and down.

Miraculously, my restless emotions slowly calm down. It feels like as long as he is by my side, all the anxiety and worries will become insignificant in his presence.

Victor: Loveland is not a big city. No matter how hard you try to hide left or right, there is always a limit.

Victor: I had already sent people to conduct a comprehensive investigation throughout the city from the moment I was being investigated. The purpose was to exert pressure on the other party.

Victor: As long as the opponent senses this, they will undoubtedly take the next step of action before we find this person.

Ding, ding – Victor’s phone suddenly rings. He answers the call, and as he listens to the voice on the other end, a stern expression appears on his face.

Victor: Chen Hui has appeared.

Chen Hui: The Loveland City redevelopment project that everyone has been looking forward to is progressing so slowly, and the main culprit behind all of this is LFG!

Chen Hui: Under their coercion, I had no choice but to comply with their demands to become a tool for transferring assets.

Chen Hui: I know that they have sent people to catch me, and I may be caught soon. But I believe that someone will eventually stand up for justice on my behalf!

In the video playing on the phone, Chen Hui, who has been missing for a long time, is actually sitting calmly in the hall of the villa.

The room is adorned with gorgeous vintage furniture, and even the walls are covered in exquisite patterns.

Although the scenery outside the window is somewhat blurred, a vague sense of familiarity emanates from it.

MC: Is this… the Cliff Villa that LFG was in charge of reconstructing before?

I stare at Chen Hui in the video, my brows involuntarily furrowed together into a frown.

He speaks with calmness and composure, as if he is not the slightest bit worried about his whereabouts being known by others, seemingly suggesting that he is not the culprit behind framing [MC’s Company Name], but rather an innocent victim.

MC: But why would Chen Hui suddenly appear out of nowhere? Could there be some conspiracy behind it?

Victor: Rather than a conspiracy, it’s a blatantly laid out trap.

Victor: Moreover, the other party is confident that we will walk right into their trap.

Victor’s tone is serene, his deep voice laced with a solemn undertone.

Although Chen Hui’s actions appear to expose himself, he has actually garnered significant social attention. If he is allowed to continue unchecked, it will likely trigger even greater waves in public opinion.

The other party has used retreat as a way to advance, putting us in a difficult situation where we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I flip through the investigation document on Chen Hui again, and an idea suddenly comes to mind.

MC: Before we set off, I’m gonna make a quick phone call.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-12】

By the time Victor and I arrive close to the villa where Chen Hui is located, bodyguards are already stationed around the vicinity as per Victor’s arrangements.

The curtains at Cliff Villa are swaying, indicating that someone might be trying to peek outside from within.

Victor: How is the situation now?

Bodyguard: We’ve confirmed that the person is currently inside the villa.

Bodyguard: We just attempted to break in, but the other party is an Evolver in the Space Department. He can directly teleport anyone in their line of sight, and he teleported many of our comrades out of the area.

Bodyguard: The last encounter with him was in the master bedroom on the west side of the second floor, and we didn’t take any further action after that.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Victor asks again.

Victor: What is the approximate range of his distance control?

Bodyguard: About four meters.

Victor: Got it. Ask the ones who are injured to step aside and rest for a while.

As I watch the injured bodyguards being assisted in departing, I wrinkle my brows into a frown.

It’s evident that Chen Hui has the ability to teleport a large number of people, so why is he insistent on staying here?

Moreover, despite knowing that there are people outside the door, he still seems unconcerned.

MC: Could it be that… Chen Hui never had the intention of escaping in the first place?

Victor: It’s highly likely.

Victor: Based on the current situation, it seems highly probable that the other party is stalling for time.

MC: Could he be waiting for backup to arrive?

Victor: It’s unclear, but…

Bodyguard: CEO Victor! Take a look at this!

Before he can finish his words, a bodyguard hurries over holding a phone that is playing a news broadcast.

News: “——Mr. Meng Chang is currently en route to the villa reconstruction area for an inspection, and the media is vying to cover the story.”

MC: Hold on…

I vaguely feel that a gear that is not quite wedged in the event flashes through my mind.

MC: That’s too much of a coincidence… did Meng Chang know that Chen Hui would be here beforehand?

I lift my gaze towards Victor, who calmly surveys the villa before us, while his facial expression betrays a touch of solemnity.

Victor: Regardless of Meng Chang’s purpose for coming here, we need to capture him first.

Victor: Otherwise, things will become more troublesome.

I clearly understand Victor’s point. Meng Chang’s coming here must be accompanied by a large amount of media coverage. Should he witness Chen Hui being captured, the media will undoubtedly report it without restraint.

As I’m feeling extremely agitated, the phone in my hand suddenly rings.

Zehn (on the call): Haha, boss, I’m here!

Zehn (on the call): I was actually on vacation, but I rushed back as soon as you called. Aren’t I very loyal?

Zehn’s voice comes through the phone, causing my hanging heart just now to be lowered halfway.

As a Space Evolver, Zehn understands the weakness of this ability the most. As long as he strikes when Chen Hui is off-guard, we can capture him.

I briefly explain Chen Hui’s ability to Zehn, and he bursts into laughter.

Zehn (on the call): Only four meters? That's far less compared to my ability. However, I'm currently on a different slope, and it will take me around ten minutes to get there.

MC (on the call): There’s not enough time. Can you see the villa in front of me from where you are?

Zehn (on the call): Um, I can barely see half of the corridor.

Upon hearing Zehn’s words, I can’t help but furrow my eyebrows.

At this moment, Victor walks up to me.

Victor: Are you trying to make him leave the room and go out to the corridor?

MC: Hmm, but that seems difficult…

Victor: Give me three minutes, and I’ll help you with that.

Victor looks at me with certainty, as if this is merely a trivial task for him to accomplish.

Victor: I’ll leave the rest to you once he is out in the corridor. Alright?

I nod. Although it’s a somewhat audacious move, it’s worth a try at this point.

MC: Sure, absolutely.

After his words, Victor bends down slightly and helps me put on the earpiece. His fingertip lightly grazes my ear, leaving a slight warmth in its trail.

Victor: Go.

I take a few deep breaths and address Zehn.

MC (on the call): Send me to the corridor.

—

After a momentary distortion in my vision, I find myself in the corridor. I know that in just three minutes, Chen Hui will be leaving his room.

Although Victor didn’t explain his plan to me, I have faith in him.

Four meters. Only four meters.

I look calmly at the hallway ahead of me, while continuously envisioning what might happen later.

Not long after, I seem to hear intermittent sounds coming from my earpiece.

Exactly three minutes have passed.

Accompanied by the steady voice in my earpiece, Chen Hui, who is yelling furiously, bursts out of the door, stumbling and crashing.

Victor (through the earpiece): He is out.

Victor (through the earpiece): I’m leaving the rest in your hands.

I nod my head, then shout vigorously at the other person.

MC: Chen Hui! You must know who I am, correct?

The other party’s body visibly freezes for a moment before he turns around to face me.

MC: I know you’ve been monitoring me all along, and I’m also aware of your true conspiracy.

Immediately after I speak, a gradual sound of footsteps approaches from the end of the corridor.

One step, two steps, every time his feet land, it feels as if he is treading on my breath.

How far is he from me now? And how far is Zehn from him?

Chen Hui: You can’t possibly know…

MC: Is that so? Would you like me to tell you then?

MC: At first, you figured out a way to infiltrate the company, bided your time for an appropriate moment, and concurrently kept monitoring me.

MC: However, even after a long time, you did not receive any corresponding instructions until a particular event occurred.

MC: Meng Chang took office.

Chen Hui lapses into silence as the sound of footsteps echoes through the corridor once more, only this time, they are much faster.

MC: You guys knew Meng Chang’s style, so you deliberately provided him with leads.

MC: Your aim was to implicate LFG, wasn’t it?

I try my hardest to suppress the nervousness in my chest and sustain my confidence.

The shadow of the corridor streaks across his face, dividing his footsteps in two. Now all he needs to do is step across the boundary between light and dark on the ground to succeed.

But Chen Hui stops walking.

He holds his hand up and looks straight at me, and there seems to be some kind of subtle fluctuation in the air.

Chen Hui: Your life is now in my hands, and I can throw you off the cliff at any time.

My heart begins beating uncontrollably, but I try my best to remain calm so my voice won’t tremble when I speak.

The victory or defeat will be decided in the next instant.

MC: Then why haven’t you taken any action yet?

Tightening my lips and suppressing my racing heartbeat, I take a step forward with determination. I want to force him into making a choice.

MC: Or is it that the person behind you won’t allow you to do this?

Chen Hui: …

Chen Hui’s eyebrows jump suddenly, and the calm composure he had on his face in the video disappears, replaced by a dark expression.

He steps half a pace forward and lifts his hand abruptly.

Chen Hui: Who said I’m unable to take action?

At this moment, as the distance lights illuminate his side profile, the balance of victory is slanted toward me.

MC: Zehn!

The intense wave of dizziness shatters the trailing sound of my call, and as my vision spins, Chen Hui’s figure suddenly vanishes from my line of sight.

Simultaneously, I’m also flung out of the corridor by strong inertia and abruptly fall into a brilliant light.

Splash––

Amidst the dizzying whirl, I stagger to my feet from the neither-too-deep-nor-too-shallow pool, and my blurry vision gradually regains its clarity.

The setting sun slowly sinks toward the horizon, painting the figure approaching at this moment with a red glow.

MC: Victor, look! I did it!

MC: I didn’t expect that I’d actually succeed!

Victor: [heavily doting sigh mixed with inexplicable relief] Hmm, I heard everything.

Victor walks to the edge of the pool and bends down, reaching out his hand towards me naturally. But then, he pauses for a moment before discreetly lowering his arm.

He parts his lips, as if there is something very important on the tip of his tongue that needs to be released, yet he never speaks it out loud.

But I know it’s not a criticism, and perhaps it’s not even a compliment.

It’s simply a sentence he wants to say but is unable to find the words for.

I blink my eyes at him in perplexity. However, before I can say anything, he has already bent down and retrieved the handkerchief I’ve given him from his chest.

The soft fabric dabs away the droplets of water on my face, and I can still feel the warmth radiating from his chest.

The action of his wiping is slow, as he does it with great care and cherishment.

My heart suddenly feels an inexplicable pang of sourness, but I quickly lift my head and give him a big smile.

MC: See~ this gift is very handy, isn’t it?

The fingertips resting on my cheek pause briefly, and I seem to hear a soft, almost imperceptible sigh.

Victor: [istg that sigh shaved off a few years of my life] Dummy.

–

───── [Narrator’s POV Begins] ─────

The sky darkens, and the moonlight caresses the contours of Victor’s sharply defined face, leaving behind the trails of an unfathomable emotion.

He gazes quietly in the girl’s direction, while the “dummy” he couldn’t hold back just now echoes in his mind.

Obviously, he doesn’t have the count of how many times he has called her “dummy.”

However, this time, he feels an indescribable sentiment lingering in his chest.

In fact, she has always been capable of exceeding her own expectations, and he has long known this fact better than anyone else.

She always says that he is her confidence. But the truth is that she may have already found it within herself to walk forward without even realizing it.

When that clear line stood between them, he had witnessed her proudly proving herself to him.

He just didn’t know which expression to put on, so he chose to adopt his usual demeanor.

It turns out that she had already achieved it long ago, and it was just that he couldn’t bear to let go.

It turns out that he himself had acted like a dummy without even realizing it.

────�� [Narrator’s POV Ends] ─────

—

─────

【CH 44-13】

Reporter: CEO Victor? Why is he also here?

Reporter: CEO Victor, would you mind answering a few questions if you have time?

Wearing Victor’s coat, I sit on the steps next to the villa, watching Victor standing in the distance before the media who came after hearing the news.

He adeptly responds to all the tricky and blunt questions raised by the journalists, just as he has always done in the past.

Meng Chang: What a coincidence! Is CEO Victor also here for the inspection of the project?

The crowd parts ways on their own, and Meng Chang walks out from the center. He speaks in an amiable tone and doesn’t seem to think that the group of journalists he’s brought has caused any inconvenience for Victor.

Victor: I’m simply here to attend to some personal matters.

Hearing Victor’s words, Meng Chang nods in understanding.

Meng Chang: I apologize for the delay caused by my untimely arrival, CEO Victor.

Meng Chang: However, judging from CEO Victor’s appearance, the matter should have already been resolved, right?

Victor: I believe Mr. Meng will soon find out.

Victor turns his head, and his gaze drifts casually toward Chen Hui, who is sitting in the car and is unable to use his power due to restrictions.

Meng Chang nods with a smile, and Victor turns around to leave. However, just then, another reporter steps forward.

Reporter: I’m from the City Hall’s Publicity Department. Would you two please take a photo together?

Meng Chang: I don’t mind. I’m simply curious about what CEO Victor thinks…

Victor: As an ordinary citizen, it’s my duty to comply.

Victor: I also hope that Mr. Meng remembers the obligations of the City Hall.

After Victor finishes speaking, he takes half a step to the side and makes a gesture of invitation.

Meng Chang: …of course, I remember.

Meng Chang turns around with a smile across his whole face, and for the first time, takes off his leather gloves.

And as soon as their hands meet, a slight crease forms on Victor’s otherwise composed brow.

However, his expression reverts to its normal state in the next second. The flash of the cameras lights up in due course, bearing witness to this scene of “friendly exchange.”

—

After changing out of the soaking wet clothes, Victor and I proceed to drive home.

MC: It’s a pity that Chen Hui was taken away by City hall, but we had no reason to keep him back in their presence either…

MC: Thankfully, once the accounts are disclosed to the public, the previous climate of opinion should be resolved quickly.

MC: Although I’m not afraid that Meng Chang will play tricks after having Chen Hui in his grasp… after all, we still have the archives. But I still feel a little anxious for some reason…

MC: Say, will Meng Chang really solve the subsequent problems? And about the mastermind behind Chen Hui… [realizes she’s been chattering all alone so far] Victor?

After muttering to myself for a long time with no reply, I turn to look at Victor, who is driving beside me, only to find that he too has turned his head at this moment.

Victor: What were you just saying?

This guy was actually absent-minded! I can’t help but pull the corner of Victor’s clothes and reply to him in a tone of dissatisfaction.

MC: I was talking about that Meng Chang….!

Victor remains silent for a while, fixating his gaze on the road ahead.

Victor: Meng Chang appears to be amiable on the surface but is actually very shrewd.

Victor: There will likely be further troubles down the road when dealing with him in the future.

Victor furrows his brows, and his words reveal an imperceptible anger.

Victor: Moreover, there is a certain uneasiness that comes with him.

MC: What kind of uneasiness?

Victor: It’s hard to say. Anyway, you should be more careful around him from now on.

MC: In fact, you are the one who needs to be more careful around him! Although he appeared to be targeting my company, he was actually aiming at LFG.

Victor: Mm. Moving forward, I…

Midway through his sentence, Victor suddenly swallows back his words and lapses into a certain silence.

The streetlights on either side of the road shine down, casting a faint glow of quietude. I move closer to him and adopt a half-joking tone.

MC: By the way, you haven’t told me how you got Chen Hui to come out!

MC: I just know that it had to be done within those three minutes.

Victor: Is the answer really important?

MC: I’m simply curious…

Victor’s gaze falls on the road ahead, and he says in a deep voice:

Victor: I did the math that if everyone present at the time went to capture Chen Hui, the maximum limit would be three minutes.

Victor: After three minutes, either my people would rush in and succeed, or it might result in failure.

MC: So, you were taking a gamble?

Victor: Yes.

Victor: But I don’t seem to be the only one who took a gamble.

He arches his eyebrows slightly. It appears he had already seen through my audacious plan at that time. And even though he knew this, he still chose to trust without a second thought.

MC: So what was going through your mind when you saw me falling into the pool? After all, a certain someone seemed to be hemming and hawing when he came running…

MC: Victor, do you have something you want to say to me but feel a little embarrassed to say out loud?

Upon hearing me say this, Victor freezes momentarily.

MC: Rest assured. Even if CEO Victor praises me above the moon, I can take it~

Victor’s gaze drifts slightly toward me, and a barely perceptible smile appears at the corner of his lips.

Victor: [heavenly laughter but somehow pricks you in the heart] I do have something to say to you.

Victor: But for something so important, does a certain someone really want to hear it in the car?

MC: Since when did CEO Victor become so adept at “diverting the conversation”?

Victor: Being with you all day long… this is called seeping in through osmosis.

Victor: Also, have you forgotten something?

MC: Hm?

Victor: The two lantern festival tickets that were placed inside the proposal, were they simply for me to take a look at?

—

[Tidbits]: It’s a subtle nod to their “Night Cherry Date” (on EN), and how MC placed the play tickets inside the proposal, but he missed them cause Goldman thought those were for him since MC didn’t leave a note lmao~ T_T

—

Upon hearing him say this, I immediately open the proposal and, sure enough, find the tickets inside.

Victor: I even thought that perhaps it was a special surprise you prepared.

Victor: But now it appears that a certain dummy herself has forgotten about it.

Feeling embarrassed, I glance down at the tickets and notice that the designated time for the festival is 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

MC: It’s almost 8 o’clock now. I don’t know if we can make it in time if we go now…

Victor looks at his wristwatch and steps on the accelerator.

Victor: At my side, you will always have enough time.

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【CH 44-15】

[Tidbits]: It’s wholly unnecessary to mention, really, but yeah, we will see the “travel back” back to their “Lantern Date” here~ Should also mention his chapter tagline at this point because— ༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽

“And like that, he walks through the cracks of time, illuminated by his own wounds.”

───

The streets are adorned with colorful lights, zigzagging ahead reminiscent of a galaxy on the ground.

Victor and I stroll along the path decorated with colorful lanterns, surrounded by a bustling crowd.

As if to completely forget the worries that have risen over the past few days, we both slow our pace down in tacit agreement.

Holding his hand in mine, we walk through the streets and alleys, as if we are stepping across the waning light of time.

Looking at the multitude of lanterns lining the street, I can’t help but stop in my stride. For some reason, memories from the distant past come flooding back to me like an overwhelming tide.

Memories of that dazzling starry night surge back, along with the wish he and I had written together for all wishes to come true.

Back then, I thought wishing for “may all wishes come true” was too greedy. But now I know as long as I’m able to be with him – this alone is my wish come true.

Victor: Are you planning to write “may all wishes come true” again?

MC: How did you know!

Victor points at my face, his expression brimming with a smile as if saying, “All your thoughts are written on your face.”

MC: Humph, this time, I’ll definitely make a wish that you won’t be able to guess!

Victor: Let’s hear it then.

MC: For instance… my wish is to have ice cream now?

I stick my tongue out and deliberately make a tangential wish.

Victor looks at me with an imperceptible smile, giving my finger he is holding a gentle pinch.

Victor: Sure, what flavor do you want?

MC: You’re actually saying yes? I was just joking around. I don’t think they sell ice cream here...

Victor: There isn’t any here, but let’s go and check out the place up ahead.

Victor: The path ahead of us is still very long.

We walk leisurely onto the lantern-lit bridge adorned for the festival, and the crowds grow increasingly dense. The lights soften Victor’s features, and the flickering candle-lights embellish the entire long dark night.

Today, he seems to be more silent than usual, but the smile on his face is also a little wider than usual.

I remember the words he didn’t say in the car earlier, and I sway the hand I am holding with him.

MC: Mr. deliberately being mysterious CEO Victor, can you tell me now?

MC: What was it that you wanted to tell me earlier?

Victor: I don’t need to think about what I want to say for so long.

As we talk, our pace slows down, and we stop in the middle of the small bridge.

Victor’s gaze firmly locks onto mine, as if his eyes have been on me from beginning to end and have never strayed away.

—

[Anika’s Tidbits]: I do want to talk about the grammar of this sentence here since it’s a very important detail. The 2nd half of the sentence is “仿佛从始至终就在那里, 不曾离开,” the writers could have added a pronoun (他), or a subject (他的目光) to make it more definite, but I can see why they didn’t. The sentence is structured in a way that you could interpret it as either the one I translated or “he has been there from beginning to end and has never left.” I chose the former because it keeps in pace and conveys the intensity of emotions more heavily– « that this person’s eyes have always been on you, which means, they may have a thousand things going on in their life to distract them, but you’re still the center of their world, and they will always return home to you », which again, is a recurring theme for Victor x MC, and crucial for the upcoming part~ ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ

—

But he still doesn’t tell me what he wants to say. Instead, he raises his hand and points his fingertips toward under the bridge.

Victor: It seems that a certain someone’s wish is about to come true immediately.

I glance in the direction his finger is pointing and vaguely see an ice cream sign at the distant end of the bridge.

MC: There really is…!

Although I intended to deliberately make things difficult for him, it ended up being more like a trap that I’ve thrown myself into unwittingly. This causes me to foam at the mouth and clench my fists.

Victor: I’ll never break the promises I’ve made to you.

Victor: So, before that, let’s satisfy the wish of a certain dummy first.

His voice becomes a little more serious, causing my heart to soften.

MC: Then you wait for me here~

Victor: Do you really need a sense of mystery to buy ice cream?

MC: Hmm! If you can correctly guess the two flavors I bought, I’ll share one with you. After all, this is my wish.

Victor: [i can’t with his voice anymore––] Childish.

Victor can’t contain his laughter, and the corners of his eyebrows curve into a beautiful arc.

Victor: Then remember to walk a little faster. The lantern show is about to start.

MC: I’ll be back very soon! You wait for me here, and don’t wander off too far!

Weaving through the crowd, I turn my head several times to confirm Victor is still obediently standing in place, then hurriedly run towards the small shop by the bridge.

MC: Boss, give me one strawberry-flavored and one milk-flavored. And please make it quick~

Milk and strawberry – he will surely be able to guess that I got these two.

Carrying the prepared ice cream, I walk towards the bridge, and from afar, I can see that familiar figure.

He stands quietly in place, his silhouette hazed by the lantern lights. Even though the distance makes it hard for me to see him clearly, I have a wonderful intuition that he is gazing at me.

I subconsciously quicken my pace and walk up to the bridge. Perhaps because the lantern festival is about to start, the crowd around me is so tightly packed that it seems like a barrier.

The lanterns on the bridge ascend gradually, reminiscent of a resplendent galaxy on the earth.

I try hard to find Victor’s figure, only to realize that his face is obscured in the dimming lights of the lanterns.

MC: Victor!

I shout loudly across the sea of people, as if trying to grab his attention. He turns his head slowly, but then a lantern happens to block his face.

The candlelight traces the lines of his contours on the fine material to create a shadow, gradually flying upwards.

At this moment, that face I couldn’t be more familiar with slowly becomes hazy in my eyes.

The strawberry ice cream, which has begun to melt, drips into my palm, feeling slightly sticky. I glance down and can’t help but frown.

The overwhelming joy in my heart instantly dissipates into a boundless sense of stillness.

Endless cheers and shouts are jumping around in my ears, but they seem to have nothing to do with me.

Why am I here? Am I here to see the lantern festival?

Feeling lost and confused, I blink my eyes in a daze.

It seems like something is disappearing little by little.

MC: …who is Victor?

The moonlight is misty, coating the lake’s surface with a cool temperature.

The joyous laughter creates ripples in the moonlight, while the lake quietly observes the hustle and bustle of the world.

The bridge is still bustling with crowds, packed and congested.

But amid the crowd, a person stands exceptionally tall and straight, and my gaze can’t help but be drawn to him.

The surrounding clusters of flames emit a bright glow, and the slowly rising lanterns encircle the man. It seems as if he is a god descending from the heavens.

He gazes at me quietly, his eyes churning with turbulent emotions that I’m unable to comprehend.

I seem to hear the frequency of his breathing and see the slightest movement of his Adam’s apple.

Victor: MC, remember to continue doing what you have to do.

MC: …do you know me?

MC: Who are you?

I feel that I should know him, yet for some reason, his name eludes me.

The call of his name is like a lump in my throat. No matter how hard I strain to pronounce it, I remain unable to do so.

I find myself instinctively moving forward. I don’t know why I’m insisting on moving forward, but every step I’m taking leads me closer to that person.

I feel as if something has been ruthlessly gouged out of my heart, violently tearing my soul apart. And then it has been scattered in pieces and concealed in the hubbub of time.

My breathing inexplicably becomes urgent, and I grasp at my chest, as if stopping my heartbeat at this moment could prevent everything from slipping away.

MC: Vi…ctor.

I don’t understand the meaning of these six letters, but I find myself simply murmuring them over and over again.

Seemingly hearing my voice, his lips twitch slightly, and he slowly pulls out a smile.

This smile is not pretty, and I have a feeling that I’ve seen this man smile even more beautifully before.

Victor: That’s fine.

Victor: I’ll leave now.

I don’t know why this man is saying this to me, but he shouldn’t leave first.

Because he has never left first before.

Dazedness and sourness flood my chest, yet I can only feel an inexplicable sense of bewilderment.

Bewildered because I clearly shouldn’t have any memory of this person.

MC: Wait… you––

The next second, the lanterns soar to their highest point, and the surging crowd completely submerges the person.

Dappled light and shadow fall into my eyes, and I stand rooted in place, staring blankly at the two ice creams in my hands.

The strawberry jam slowly trickles down the ice cream cone and drips into my hand as I tightly grasp the crispy outer shell.

I look at the lively atmosphere in front of me, where everyone has a smile on their face except for me. I feel at a loss and bewildered, like a child who has lost sight of their parents.

MC: I… why…

Why am I feeling anguish?

Isn’t today supposed to be the lantern festival? I even bought some ice cream there that was very hard to find.

But why did I buy two ice creams?

“If you can correctly guess the flavor of the ice creams I bought, I’ll share one with you.”

Out of nowhere, a sentence echoes in my mind. I instinctively try to listen carefully, hoping to discern the person I’m speaking to.

However, even after exerting some mental effort to remember, I can not conjure up any memory of the person’s appearance or voice.

I gaze blankly at the end of the bridge, finding myself incapable of moving forward.

I should continue to move forward. I should start walking.

But… someone was supposed to accompany me on this journey.

The noise around me continuously rises and falls, until there’s suddenly a loud noise––

The lanterns are scattered in all directions, while the fireworks ascend into the sky.

The dazzling fireworks illuminate the joyous faces of everyone.

Tears inexplicably keep streaming down my face in big drops, and I can’t help but lift my head and look around.

The falling fireworks are as gorgeous as the reminiscence of tears cascading down from the galaxy.

—

The moonlight shines on the messy straw hat, casting dappled shadows on the young and tender face peeking through the crack.

The young boy is wearing a brightly reflective sweatshirt that shimmers with white light, and he is holding a stream of sand in his hand. The fine sand gradually trickles through his palm, forming a tiny heap on the ground.

A broken hourglass lay among the heap of sand, with its sharp glass edges reflecting a cold and white glow.

Little Boy: Are you ready to bear the price?

─────

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

✧ [Conclusions] ✧

—

#PG YOU BIGGEST CLOWNS ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH TELL ME WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS VICTOR SHAPED HOLE IN MY HEART ༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽#no one– literally no one– asked you guys to give this man the “god” and ✝️ figure imagery and continue dropping these—#unbearable knives after knives on him!!! just leave him alone and let him live the mundane life with his girl as they both wish.#SMH THEY LITERALLY JUST HAVE ONE WISH. TO BE TOGETHER. and then you go and do this— 💀🔪🤡#mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc #mr love victor #mr love queen's choice #恋与制作人 #李泽言 #love and producer #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc translations

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