Elmo Library › Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium 少女前线2：追放 › Doll stories

Qiuhua

秋桦

35 chapters · 848 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Feeding the Multitude 1 橘井泉香1

(Now that the Agreement binding us has loosened, more and more Dolls have started gathering to my side, and the Elmo's gotten livelier.)（随着协议松动，最近一段时间，回到我身边的人形越来越多，艾莫号上也变得越来越热闹。）

(Most of the Elmo's rooms have been empty for the past few years. For bounty hunters like us, having a vehicle like this is far too extravagant.)（这些年来，艾莫号上其实大多数的房间都是空着的，对我们这种规模的赏金猎人来说，拥有这样的载具甚至可以算是有些过分奢侈。）

(However, I never once considered selling it, even during the darkest days.)（不过，即使在最困难的时候，我也没有想过要出售它。）

SpringfieldYou're fond of nostalgia, after all.毕竟，您是相当念旧的人呢。

CommanderThe Elmo was our base, even if it was just for a few weeks. Even now, I can still find traces from when everyone was here. Perhaps I was waiting for everyone to return all this while.就算只是短短的几个礼拜，艾莫号也曾作为我们的基地使用过。 直到现在，我偶尔还能在车上发现当时的大家留下的痕迹，也许我一直都在期待你们回来的时候吧。

SpringfieldHehe, you mean like that love confession to you which Makiatto carved in a secret corner of the Elmo?呵呵，就像当时，玛绮朵悄悄在车上的一角刻下的对您的表白吗？

CommanderEhhh?! Wait, what?!欸！？有吗！？

SpringfieldIt seems we've gotten sidetracked... The truth is, I invited you here because I had something to tell you.话题扯得有些远了…… 其实，我今天邀请您过来，是有件事要说呢。

CommanderSo you go from dropping a Tsar Bomba right into serious business... ...Well done, Springfield. So, what's the matter?在甩出超级让人在意的话题之后谈正事…… ……不愧是春田小姐，那么，是什么事呢？

SpringfieldWell, like you said just now, there are more and more Dolls returning to the Elmo. While many of them are new friends, many more are old comrades from Griffin. Everyone feels strongly about you; you ought to know that very well.就像刚才说的，最近，回到艾莫号上的人形越来越多。 虽然其中也有不少新朋友，但也有很多，是以前格里芬的老朋友。 大家对您的感情都很深，这一点，您应该很清楚吧。

Commander...I think I have some slight understanding of that.……大概了解一些。

SpringfieldHm, perhaps the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" would be applicable? After all, everyone's eager to do something for you.该说是“小别胜新婚”吗？呵呵，大家都很积极地想要为您做点什么呢。

SpringfieldNaturally, the first destination for them is the lounge's kitchen.率先被盯上的，就是咖啡厅的小厨房。

SpringfieldEveryone wants to cook there and stuff you full of their feelings.大家都想一展厨艺，让您品尝她们满满的心意哦。

CommanderAh... Is that inconveniencing you?这……给你添麻烦了吧？

SpringfieldOh, I'm just kidding. I love it when things get lively. In fact, saying I'm overjoyed would be an understatement.开玩笑的，我最喜欢热闹，高兴还来不及呢。

SpringfieldWhat I want to say is... since everyone's in such good spirits, why not take the opportunity to hold an event?我想说的就是，既然大家刚好都这么热情，干脆趁这个机会，举办一个活动怎么样？

CommanderAn event related to the kitchen... So a party, then?和厨房有关的活动……宴会吗？

SpringfieldI believe a simple party won't be enough to sate everyone's appetites.单纯的宴会恐怕不能满足大家的胃口。

SpringfieldI'm planning to host a great culinary competition, and Dolls who do well will be allowed to freely use the kitchen.我准备举办一次厨艺大赛，在比赛中获得好成绩的人形，之后可以随意使用厨房。

SpringfieldAlso, they will have the chance to feed you their cooking.并且，可以得到让指挥官品尝胜利者料理的机会。

CommanderWait, so I'm the prize now? Why didn't anyone tell me about this?怎么都不跟我说一声就把我当成奖品了啊。

SpringfieldI'm telling you so now~现在就是在跟您说哦~

CommanderWell, it's not like I mind... So do you need me to be a judge or a referee?倒也没什么关系……所以是找我做评委之类的？

SpringfieldYes, please, if you don't mind.是的，可以麻烦您吗？

(I rock back in my chair, waxing thoughtful as I quickly consider my work schedule.)（我若有所思地靠到椅子上，在脑子里快速过了一遍这段时间的工作安排。）

(After confirming that I can spare the time to do this, I nod.)（确认还有余裕之后，我点了点头。）

CommanderSure. This ought to be fun, and I haven't had some in a while.没问题，久违地闹腾一下也不错。

SpringfieldThank you, Commander.那就拜托您了。

Springfield...Oh, there's one more thing I'd like to trouble you about.……另外，还有一件小事，想要麻烦一下您呢。

CommanderWhat is it?什么事？

SpringfieldSince it's a cooking contest, I invited Qiuhua to take part, but she rejected me.因为是厨艺大赛，所以我也邀请了秋桦，不过，被她拒绝了。

CommanderHm?欸？

(I am somewhat surprised by this.)（我有些诧异。）

CommanderWell, if this were in the past, I could understand why. After all, she wasn't a very good cook back then.如果是以前还能理解……毕竟当时她也不是很擅长。

CommanderBut she's got a good shot at winning now, so why not?但，现在的话，都能算夺冠热门了吧？

CommanderWhy wouldn't she want to participate?她为什么拒绝？

SpringfieldI didn't press her on the precise reason.详细的原因，我并没有问。

SpringfieldThat's also one of the reasons I sought your help, Commander.这也是拜托指挥官的一个原因。

SpringfieldIf Qiuhua's got any worries or frustrations, you're the person who's most capable of helping her out.如果秋桦有什么烦恼的话，最能帮到她的人，一定也是指挥官。

CommanderHmm... I understand.嗯……我明白了。

(I nod.)（我点了点头。）

CommanderJust leave it to me.交给我吧。

SpringfieldI'll be counting on you, then.那就麻烦您了。

(Springfield smiles sweetly at me.)（春田嫣然一笑。）

(I remember Qiuhua's performance on missions recently, as well as her attitude and actions.)（我则在脑海中回想起秋桦近些日子的任务表现，还有她平时的神态举措。）

Commander...I hope things are alright.……希望没什么大事吧。

(I arrive at Qiuhua's dormitory and gently knock on her door.)（我来到秋桦的休息室门前，轻轻叩响了她的房门。）

CommanderQiuhua?秋桦？

QiuhuaHm? Ah... Commander!嗯……？啊——！长官！

(Upon hearing my voice, Qiuhua emits an exclamation of mild panic, followed by the sound of bumps and collisions that gradually approaches the door before it opens for me.)（听到我的声音，门内传出了有些慌张的声音，随即磕磕碰碰的，声音逐渐来到门前，为我打开了门。）

QiuhuaSorry, Commander, my room's in a bit of a mess.不好意思哈长官，我房间有点乱。

QiuhuaCome on in, though!请进请进！

(I enter Qiuhua's room and realize that mess is an understatement. The floor is in chaos, her bed is full of junk, and an acrid smell sears my nose. How does she even sleep in a place like this?!)（我走进秋桦的房间，看着凌乱的地板，放满了杂物的床，还有一股子刺鼻的气味，都不知道她平时是在哪休息的。）

CommanderWhat's that?什么味道？

(To my knowledge, Qiuhua isn't THAT unhygienic of a Doll...)（我的印象里，秋桦并不是这么不讲卫生的人形啊……）

QiuhuaOh! Hahaha, sorry about that!哦！哈哈哈，不好意思不好意思！

(Qiuhua hops over the junk on the ground to her desk before scooping up a plant from it.)（秋桦跳过地上的杂物，返回到桌子附近，然后一把从桌子旁抓起一把植物。）

(Its leaves sway as she makes her way back to me, and I realize that it is the source of the odor in question. Upon closer inspection...)（随着枝叶摇摆，我得以确认味道的源头，再定睛一看……）

Commander...Is that a pepper plant?……辣椒？

QiuhuaA bell pepper, to be precise.是灯笼椒，长官。

(Looking closer, I realize that there are many experimental apparatus on Qiuhua's desk, some freshly written notes, and a few bell peppers that have been cut open.)（我走近了看，才发现，在秋桦的桌子上，还摆着不少实验器具，一些显然刚才还在涂画的笔记，以及一些被切开的灯笼椒。）

CommanderWhat are you doing in here?你这是，在做什么？

QiuhuaWell, ah, that's a long story.这个……嗯，就说来话长了。

QiuhuaDid you need something from me, Commander?倒是长官，找我有什么事吗？

CommanderOh, it's nothing urgent. Just that Springfield is going to hold a cooking competition, and I heard you weren't taking part. I was worried that something might be wrong, so I came over to check in on you.我倒也没什么急事，就是春田准备举办厨艺大赛，我听说你不准备参加，担心你出了什么事，就过来看看。

QiuhuaHaiyah! There's nothing wrong with me, Commander! Don't worry!嗨！我当是什么事呢！放心吧长官，我能出什么事！

(Qiuhua laughs merrily and plants her hands on her waist, looking confidently at me.)（秋桦爽朗地一笑，双手叉腰，自信满满地看着我。）

QiuhuaTruth is, I want to participate too, but I just can't.虽然我其实也很想参加，但实在没办法。

QiuhuaI've been really busy lately and haven't been able to make time to prepare for it.因为这段时间我很忙，没有空闲去准备。

CommanderYou're busy?很忙？

QiuhuaYup. You were asking what I was doing just now, right?对，您刚才不是问我在干什么吗？

QiuhuaI was busy with this.我就是在忙这个。

(She jiggles the bell pepper plant she's holding.)（她又抖了抖手里那一簇灯笼椒。）

QiuhuaThey're a common sight in contamination zones.这是在污染区很常见的一种植物。

QiuhuaThey're more commonly known as Devil's Bitter-Peppers. They thrive in contamination zones, though I don't know the reason behind that.一般都叫它魔鬼苦椒……虽然原理不清楚，但这东西就算在污染区也很容易长。

QiuhuaHowever, they're not edible due to radiation making them harmful to the human body, irritating the mucous membranes in the mouth and just being really, really bitter on top of that.只不过，因为辐射影响，对人体有害，而且吃起来非常非常苦，对人类的口腔黏膜也会有刺激，是不能食用的。

QiuhuaI'm trying to figure out how they can be turned into a food source.而我，正在研究让它变得可以食用的法子。

Commander...I see.……原来如此。

QiuhuaIf I could find a safe way to prepare and consume them, I'm sure they could help a lot of people.要是能找到安全的食用方法，这东西产量很高,能帮上不少人。

(Qiuhua delivers her lecture in a serious tone that I've almost never heard before.)（秋桦难得严肃地向我解释道。）

(I look behind her and see pages of experimental data scrawled in densely packed writing. It feels like I'm getting to know Qiuhua all over again.)（我看着在她的身后，摆在桌上的那些密密麻麻的实验数据，仿佛在今天，又第一次重新认识了秋桦一般。）

CommanderAh... I see.嗯……我明白了。

CommanderHowever, I have a suggestion.不过，我有个想法。

QiuhuaA suggestion?想法？

CommanderI think your research doesn't necessarily have to clash with the cooking competition.我觉得，这个研究，和参加厨艺比赛，其实并不冲突。

CommanderIf you can finish your research before the contest, you could enter it as your submission.如果你能赶在比赛之前完成研究，然后把这个定为你的参赛菜品。

CommanderThat would let you show the results of your research to everyone, wouldn't it?不就可以把你的研究成果展示给大家看了吗？

(Qiuhua is caught off guard by my proposal.)（听到我的提议，秋桦明显一愣。）

(Right after that, I see her eyes light up.)（紧跟着，我就看到她两眼放光。）

QiuhuaMy god, Commander! You're a genius!天哪！长官您是天才吗！

QiuhuaThat's right! If I did that, I could both take part in the competition AND show everyone how dangerous ingredients in the Yellow Zones can be cooked safely.确实！这么干的话，不仅可以参加比赛，还可以向大家展示如何让黄区的危险食材变得可以安全食用。

QiuhuaIt's brilliant!多有意义啊！

CommanderMm, yes, that was exactly what I had in mind.嗯，我就是这么想的。

QiuhuaI love you so much, Commander!爱死您了！长官！

(Qiuhua eagerly pounces on me, and I almost lose my balance.)（秋桦兴奋地跳到我身上抱住了我，我差点一个踉跄。）

(She seems to realize that this isn't entirely an appropriate behavior and blushes—a rare thing for her—then quickly untangles herself from me.)（她显然也后知后觉地觉得有些不妥，罕见地有些害羞，慌忙从我身上下来。）

QiuhuaAhem! In any case, please help me tell Miss Springfield that I'll be participating after all!咳！总之，请长官帮忙转告春田小姐！我一定参赛！

Commander...Yes, I will.……嗯，好。

(I smile when I see Qiuhua's happiness and I feel a warm glow in my heart.)（我笑了笑，看着秋桦高兴的样子，心中也不禁升起一丝暖意。）

Feeding the Multitude 2 橘井泉香2

(After Qiuhua decides to participate in the competition, I take part in her research too, which means I'm officially her partner. This means I have to resign my judge's position; it's terribly unfair to Springfield, but it would be even more unfair to the competition if I stayed as judge.)（在秋桦决定参赛之后，我也加入了她的研究。名义上，则是在这次厨艺大赛中与她成为搭档，虽然对春田很抱歉，但我还是辞掉了评委的工作。）

(After seeing the miserable state of Qiuhua's room, I cordon off a section and designate it as her lab so she can properly show her skills.)（在见到秋桦房间的惨状之后，我专门拨了一间空房间作为秋桦的实验室，让她能够更好的大展拳脚。）

(Initially, Qiuhua was reluctant to impose on me, but I insisted on helping out. After all, a worthy cause like hers deserved support.)（秋桦最初其实并不愿意太过麻烦我，但我依然坚持为她的工作献上一份力，毕竟，这样有意义的事理应得到支持。）

(Also, it was only after helping her out that I discovered just how arduous a task it was to detoxify a tiny bell pepper.)（而且，在加入她之后，我才发现，为小小的灯笼椒祛毒的工作，竟是如此的繁琐和忙碌。）

QiuhuaCommander!长官！

(And today, Qiuhua happily bounds over to me as I enter the lab.)（而今天，在我刚刚走进实验室的时候，秋桦便兴奋地跳到了我面前。）

CommanderYou seem happy. What happened?怎么了？这么高兴？

QiuhuaI found a way to detoxify it!我找到祛除毒性的办法了！

CommanderReally?真的？

(I'm not very good at research work, and I've been nothing more than an assistant all this time, so I don't really know just how far things have progressed.)（我并不是很擅长研究方面的工作，这段时间也基本是作为助手在帮忙，其实对进度什么的不是很了解。）

(However, whenever I see how invested Qiuhua is in the whole thing, I can't help but hope her efforts will pay off. The fact that she's made progress makes me happy too.)（但看着秋桦认真和投入的样子，我也真心希望她的努力不要白费，如今得知有了进展，我也很高兴。）

QiuhuaOf course! Why would I ever lie to you?当然，我还能骗您不成！

(She's holding a plate of sliced peppers. I assume that she wants me to try them, but the moment I reach out, she frantically pulls the plate back.)（她手里拿着一盘已经切好的灯笼椒，我以为是准备让我尝尝，然而当我刚伸出手的时候，她却惊慌地把盘子收了回去。）

QiuhuaWhat are you doing, Commander?!你想干什么啊长官！

Commander...Huh? I was going to... try them?……啊？我想……尝尝啊。

QiuhuaNo can do!不行！

(Qiuhua looks at me warily.)（秋桦警惕地看着我。）

QiuhuaDon't forget what happened the last time you ate my experimental dishes! You were laid up in the infirmary for a week!您别忘了！上次您不小心吃掉我放在厨房的实验菜品，结果在医务室躺了一礼拜的事！

CommanderUuuurgh...呃……

(I scratch my head.)（我挠了挠头。）

CommanderBut didn't you say it wasn't toxic anymore?但是，你已经说了没有毒了吧？

CommanderIf you guarantee it, I'll trust you.既然你都挂了保证，我当然相信你。

CommanderIt's not like I'm a glutton for punishment or anything; after all, I'm the one who'll be suffering through it.我也不会自己自找苦吃啊，毕竟难受的可是我自己啊。

QiuhuaCommander...长官……

(Qiuhua seems very moved by this, but she soon regains her gravitas.)（秋桦似乎相当感动，但很快又恢复了严肃。）

QiuhuaWhile the projected outcome does seem to point to that conclusion, I can't be 100% sure that there won't be any accidents.虽然我检测的结果是这样，但保不齐会有什么意外。

QiuhuaYou're a human, after all! I should be the one to do this poison-testing stuff!您毕竟是人类，试毒这种事让我们来做就好了！

CommanderI disagree. In fact, since Dolls are immune to poisons, if the peppers actually are toxic, it would be easier for you to make a mistake, right?不，反过来说，真有毒的话，人形什么事都没有，反而容易搞错吧？

QiuhuaHey, don't look down on my poison-detecting modules!别小瞧我的毒素检测模块哦！

CommanderIs there actually a module like that...还有那种模块啊……

QiuhuaOf course there is! In fact, it's a really important one! When operating outdoors, you need to let Dolls test the stuff you find before you can feed it to human personnel!当然，不如说这是很重要的，在野外作战的时候，很多东西肯定要让人形先试毒，才会给人类士兵吃啊！

CommanderI see.原来如此。

(I've never thought of making the Dolls do this for me, which is probably why I never imagined such a function existed.)（我从来没想过让人形帮我做这种事，所以反倒是没想到还存在这种功能。）

QiuhuaAlso...而且……

CommanderAlso?而且？

(Qiuhua sighs heavily, then picks up a piece of the sliced peppers and places it on her tongue.)（秋桦叹了口气，随即拿起了一块灯笼椒的切片，放进了自己的嘴里。）

(This is immediately followed by her face scrunching up.)（随即，我就看到她的五官挤在了一起。）

QiuhuaIt... it's really bitter... While the toxins have been removed and the irritation of the mucous membranes has been negated, this bitterness is still... Aaaahhhh! Water, water, water!很……很苦……虽然毒素祛除了，对口腔黏膜的刺激也祛除了，但是这个苦味……啊啊啊啊！水！水！！

(I quickly pour her a glass of water.)（我赶忙给她端了一杯水。）

Qiuhua(Glug, glug, glug)... Phew!咕嘟咕嘟……噗哈——！！

QiuhuaThanks, Commander... And I wasn't messing around back there. If you ask me, even if the toxins don't kill you, the bitterness will.谢了长官……不是我开玩笑，我觉得就算没毒，人类吃这个苦也苦死了。

CommanderHaha, so it's worse than my hard life right now?哈哈，还能有我的命苦吗？

Qiuhua...Oh come on, you know I can't joke around when it comes to you, Commander!……别开这种让人没法接话的玩笑啦，长官！

QiuhuaAnd besides, we're all with you, aren't we? If you think that's bad, then I'll...而且，我们不是都陪伴在你身边吗！这样也算命苦的话，我，我可要……

Qiuhua...I'll just have to do something sweet for you?……可要做点让您觉得甜蜜的事了。

QiuhuaIn fact, you went out of your way to help me, but I haven't done anything to repay you...而且，您特意来帮我，我都没什么好报答您的……

QiuhuaThe most I've done is make you a plate of authentic Guo Bao Rou...最多也就是给您做一顿正宗的锅包肉……

Commander(Clears throat) That was just a joke... Really, you don't have to worry about it.咳，我开玩笑的……真的，你不用在意。

(I wave my hands, then head over to the desk and begin going through Qiuhua's experimental results.)（我摆了摆手，走到桌子前，开始翻阅秋桦的实验记录。）

(The truth is, my impression of Qiuhua was that she wasn't good at this kind of paper-pushing stuff, and her writing does look a little messy, but the sheer volume of text here attests to how much effort she's put into this.)（说实话，我印象里的秋桦并不擅长这种文书工作，实际上记录也写得有些乱七八糟，但只从厚度上看，也能想到她有多努力。）

(I mean, when you get down to it, she could barely even cook ten years ago.)（说到底，十年前的她还根本不会做菜呢。）

CommanderStill, detoxifying it is already a great leap forward, right?不过，能祛毒就已经是很大的进步了吧？

QiuhuaYup!没错！

(Qiuhua gets excited again.)（秋桦又变得兴奋起来。）

QiuhuaNow the only problem is the taste. There are way too many bitter foods out there! But I'm sure I could perfect the dish if only I could find the right way to cook it!苦味重的食材多了去了！我觉得，只要找到合适的烹饪方法，绝对能够搞定这道菜！

QiuhuaWhen the time comes, I'll enter it into the competition, conquer everyone's tongues, and use that to help me promote my new creation!到时候在拿到比赛上去，征服大家的舌头，绝对就能让大伙自发帮我宣传了！

(Qiuhua puts her plate down, already imagining the wondrous future ahead of her.)（秋桦放下盘子，好似已经在幻想美好的未来。）

QiuhuaTruth to be told, the others didn't really understand why I was doing this when I told them about my research before...之前，其实大家都不太理解我在做的这种研究……

QiuhuaThey were turned off by the ingredients I was using.对我用的这些食材，也多少有些抵触。

QiuhuaSo if I can use this opportunity to teach them that even contaminated food like this can be made safe and tasty if prepared properly...要是能趁这个机会，让大家发现只要经过处理，就算是这种被污染的食材也可以变得安全又美味。

QiuhuaI'm sure I could spread the idea far and wide.一定能趁机推广到更远的地方。

QiuhuaThat way, I'm sure more people would be able to enjoy it!这样的话，就能让更多的人吃上了！

Qiuhua...Hehe, and it would be nice if it helped change my image of being a clumsy dork in everyone's eyes.……嘿嘿，要是能顺便，让大家忘掉我有点“粗心大意”的印象就好了。

CommanderThat might be a little difficult.那应该很难吧。

(I can't help but chuckle.)（我不禁笑了笑。）

CommanderRight, let's get to it, then. The stove and utensils are all ready.那么，就动手吧，锅灶这里都有呢。

CommanderShall we start by deep-frying it in oil?先从油炸开始？

(I roll up my sleeves in preparation.)（说着，我撸起了袖子。）

QiuhuaYup! Let's go~哦！好嘞——！

(Seeing this, Qiuhua strikes a pose of great motivation.)（秋桦见状，也十分有干劲地摆出了POSE。）

(Together, we plunge into this new culinary experiment.)（立刻，我们便投入到了实验当中。）

Feeding the Multitude 3 橘井泉香3

Qiuhua(Groans)哈啊……

Commander...Hm.……嗯。

(Qiuhua and I are sitting in her messy lab, agonizing over the same problem in different positions.)（我和秋桦各自坐在一片凌乱的实验室里，用不同的姿势苦恼着。）

QiuhuaWhy can't I get rid of the bitterness...苦味怎么都去不掉啊……

CommanderI didn't expect it to be easy, but I didn't think it would be so difficult...虽然想过不简单，但没想到居然这么难……

CommanderWe can't even cover it up with condiments; the bitterness is just too strong.就算用大量调味料也盖不下去，苦味还是很明显。

QiuhuaAlso, it's not like the average Yellow Zone residents can spend that much on flavoring in the first place.而且一般的黄区的居民哪有那么多调味料可以浪费，本末倒置了呀。

CommanderYeah, that's true...说得也是啊……

(I pick up a slice of bell pepper boiled in water and salt and eat it.)（我随手捻起一片用白水加盐煮过的灯笼椒，送入了嘴里。）

QiuhuaAhhhhhh!啊……！！

QiuhuaCommander! Didn't I say you couldn't eat it?!长官！不是说您不能吃了吗！

Commander...Well, I won't be able to give you decent feedback if I don't eat it.……完全不让我吃的话，我没法给出好意见啊。

CommanderFor science, as the saying goes. See, I'm perfectly fine, right?实践出真知，你看，我也没出什么事？

QiuhuaAre you really okay? Any stomach aches?真的没事吗！？肚子有没有不舒服？

CommanderNo, and even if there were any problems, they wouldn't show up so soon...没有啦，就算真有也没这么快……

CommanderHm...?嗯……？

QiuhuaIs it a stomachache after all?! I'll go get Miss Springfield!果然不舒服了！？我去叫春田姐——！！

CommanderNo, no, it's alright. Plus, Miss Springfield isn't a medical Doll anyway.不不不不是啦，而且春田又不是医疗人形。

CommanderIt's more like...是好像……

(I frown, then pick up another slice and chew it thoughtfully.)（我皱了下眉头，又拿起了一片送进嘴里，仔细咀嚼。）

QiuhuaCommander...?长官……？

CommanderI knew it.果然。

QiuhuaHuh?欸？

CommanderQiuhua, haven't you realized it yet?秋桦，你尝的时候没发现吗？

CommanderThese peppers... Their bitterness isn't evenly distributed. Noticed that?这些椒……苦味其实不太均匀？

QiuhuaHuh? Really?咦？是这样吗？

(Qiuhua pauses for a moment, then takes a slice and tries it herself.)（秋桦愣了一下，自己也拿起一片吃了起来。）

(She chews it slowly, very, very slowly, carefully trying to analyze the taste.)（她嚼得很细，很细，反复地品尝着。）

QiuhuaHey, it's true... Some parts are super bitter and other parts are normal levels of bitter...真的欸……有的部分超级苦，有的部分好像一般苦？

QiuhuaWait, that means—!也就是说——！

(Qiuhua suddenly jumps up, as though she's thought of something, and then sits back down in front of her desk.)（秋桦好像突然想到了什么，一把子蹦起来，随即又坐到了桌前。）

(She slices up a full bell pepper, then carefully examines its structures under a microscope.)（她将一个完整的灯笼椒重新分层切片，随即放到了仪器下仔细观察组织结构。）

(After seeing Qiuhua focus on her work, I decide to busy myself with other things.)（见秋桦进入了专心致志的状态，我也做起了别的事。）

(It just so happens that there is a new notebook on Qiuhua's desk that I haven't seen before, so I pick it up.)（刚巧，我看到秋桦的桌子上，有一本之前没有看过的笔记，便将它拿了起来。）

CommanderThis is...?这是……？

(I close the notebook and plan to start from the first page, but then I notice its cover.)（我先把摊开的笔记合上，准备从第一页开始看，便刚好看到了笔记的封皮。）

(The notebook has a brown leather cover, but it's worn, and Qiuhua has hand-written the words "Yellow Zone Survival Cookbook" on it.)（笔记本本身的封皮是皮革的颜色，但已经有些破旧，而在上面，秋桦用手写下了“黄区食材安全处理手册”几个字。）

Commander...……

(I flip through the pages and see densely packed text and diagrams within.)（我翻开手册，发现里面密密麻麻地写满了各种各样的文字和图画。）

(Some of them are sketches of weirdly shaped plants, others are steps and descriptions of various ways to prepare food, and still others are lists of the characteristics and hazard ratings of potential ingredients.)（有些是各种奇形怪状的植物的素描，有些是各种处理食材的步骤和方法，还有一些则是对各种食材的特性和风险等级的评估。）

(The writing is messy, and there are many signs of corrections and alterations, but on the whole, it's a surprisingly detailed and rigorous piece of work.)（虽然字迹潦草，还有不少涂改和修正的痕迹，但内容却意外地详尽和严谨。）

CommanderJust how much time did she put into this...到底投入了多少时间……

QiuhuaCommander! I've found it!长官！找到了！

(Qiuhua happily derails my train of thought.)（秋桦兴奋的声音打断了我的思绪。）

QiuhuaI knew it! The bitter regions are all concentrated in the pith! The outer flesh has low bitterness content!果然！苦味主要集中在内层！外层的果肉部分其实苦味含量很低！

QiuhuaSo if we just peel away the inner fascial layers and cook it properly, we can minimize the bitterness!只要把筋膜剥离掉，再好好处理一下，就能去除大部分的苦味！

(She points to her microscope as she explains it to me.)（她指着显微镜下的图像，向我解释。）

QiuhuaLook! These glowing parts are the source of the bitterness! They're mainly concentrated in these fibrous structures!您看！这些发亮的颗粒就是苦味的源头！它们主要分布在这些纤维组织里！

QiuhuaOh, and my Cookbook notes also say that bitter substances like these can be effectively broken down by boiling in a mildly alkaline solution!而且，手册里也有记载，这种结构的苦味物质，用弱碱性溶液浸泡就可以有效分解！

QiuhuaI was so stupid! I can't believe I never thought about that angle before!我真是太笨了！之前一直没往这方面想！

CommanderNo, you've already done very well.不，这已经很了不起了。

(My praise is quiet but sincere.)（我由衷地赞叹道。）

(Qiuhua might be careless and carefree most of the time, but she can demonstrate a surprising level of focus and awareness when it counts.)（秋桦虽然平时大大咧咧，但在关键时刻却总是能展现出惊人的专注力和洞察力。）

(Seeing the "Yellow Zone Survival Cookbook" has only reinforced this belief in me.)（尤其在看过这本“黄区食材安全处理手册”后，我更加这样认为了。）

(She is more than just a chef; she is a kind, responsible "Yellow Zone Master Chef".)（她不仅仅是个单纯的美食家，而是个善良，有责任感的“黄区美食家”。）

QiuhuaHehe, thanks for the hint, Commander!嘿嘿，多亏了长官的提醒嘛！

QiuhuaHowever, right now we've only just figured out the principles of how the bitter taste is distributed and how to deal with it. Actually coming up with a concrete solution will need more work.不过，现在只是知道了苦味的分层原理和解决的方向，要解决实际问题还得继续想办法……

QiuhuaLet me see... is there anything in the Cookbook...我看看啊……手册里有没有相关的记载……

(Qiuhua once again looks through her battered book. It is then that I realize that the book I'm holding is not the only copy of the "Yellow Zone Survival Cookbook".)（秋桦再次埋头于手册之中，我这时才发现，我手里拿着的，并不是唯一的一本“黄区食材安全处理手册”。）

(Not only does her copy contain experimental data, it also has detailed descriptions of how to prepare each ingredient and the resulting taste and mouthfeel from doing so. She even included simple illustrations to go with them.)（她不仅记录了实验数据，还详细地描述了每一种处理方法的效果和口感，甚至还画了一些简单的示意图。）

(Just how many "cookbooks" like this does she have?)（不知道，这样的“手册”，究竟还有多少？）

(As I ponder that question, I hear a knock on her door.)（就在我思索的时候，休息室的门被敲响了。）

CommanderCome in.请进。

(The door opens and Mayling enters.)（门打开，美玲从外面走了进来。）

MaylingSorry to bother you, Commander!打扰了，指挥官！

QiuhuaMayling? What are you doing here?美玲？你怎么来了？

CommanderCrap... did I forget some bit of work?!难道说……我遗漏了什么工作！？

MaylingNo, it's not that! Don't start getting nervous whenever you see me, Commander!不是啦！别看到我就开始紧张啊！指挥官！

MaylingIt's just that you've been busy with this research lately, so I wanted to come by and take a look...是因为看你们最近都在忙这个研究，所以我就过来看看……

MaylingOh, and I brought you something as well.顺便，给你们带了一点东西。

(Saying so, Mayling places the basket she's holding on the desk.)（美玲说着，将怀里抱着的一个筐子放在了桌上。）

(It's filled with all kinds of testing equipment and reagents.)（我看到，筐子里装满了各种各样的仪器和试剂。）

MaylingI heard you talking about how to remove a bitter taste.我昨天听指挥官说，你们在烦恼去除苦味的办法。

MaylingSo I found these items in the storeroom. I'm not sure if it'll help.这些是我在仓库里找到的仪器和试剂，不知道能不能帮上你们。

QiuhuaWow! Mayling, you're amazing!哇！美玲！你真是太好了！

MaylingAw, it's nothing, hehe. You guys just seemed so serious about it that I couldn't resist trying to help.没什么啦，嘿嘿，看你们这么认真，我就忍不住想帮帮忙而已。

MaylingAlso, it'll be good for everyone if it works out!而且，要是真的能成功，对大家来说也是好事嘛！

QiuhuaThank you, Mayling!谢谢你，美玲！

QiuhuaI'll make sure to succeed!我一定会成功的！

(Mayling nods, then turns to me and winks.)（美玲点了点头，然后看向我，冲我眨了眨眼。）

(I quickly wave her away so she doesn't let slip that I was the one who told her about it.)（我赶忙摆手，让她别暴露了是我告诉她们的。）

MaylingIt wasn't just me, though; there were other Dolls who wanted to help you out.不光是我哦，也有其他人形想要帮指挥官和秋桦的忙。

MaylingLeader Groza said she could bring back extra specimens upon returning from missions.闪电队长说，她出外勤的时候可以多带点样本回来。

MaylingCentaureissi saw your files scattered everywhere when she was passing by yesterday, so she wanted to help you tidy them up so they'd be easier to reference.桑朵莱希昨天路过的时候，看到你们把资料丢得满地都是，准备方便的时候来帮你们收拾一下，方便查找。

MaylingOh, and Makiatto said that she could help check if there was any useful intel on sale during information brokering sessions.对啦，还有玛绮朵，她说可以在情报交易的时候，帮你们看看有没有相关的资料在挂售呢。

QiuhuaWha...?欸……？

(It isn't just Qiuhua this time; even I'm taken aback by this.)（不仅是秋桦，连我也愣了一下。）

(Has our research swept through the entire Elmo before we realized it?)（不知不觉，我和秋桦的研究，居然已经惊动了整个艾莫号？）

MaylingOh, there's more.哦，还有喔。

MaylingMiss Springfield also said you have priority for using the kitchen at any time~春田小姐说了，你们可以优先使用厨房，随时都可以~

(Mayling doesn't seem to have noticed our reactions. She smiles and leaves with a wave.)（美玲并没有察觉到我们的心情变化，笑着挥了挥手，便转身离开。）

(And right after that, the people she mentioned—Springfield and Centaureissi—show up, like they've planned the whole thing out.)（而在她走出房间之后，刚才她提到的人——春田和桑朵莱希，像算好时间一样走了进来。）

SpringfieldOh my, isn't it lively in here?啊呀，真是热闹呢。

SpringfieldGroza and Makiatto will be coming by to drop off some things later. Would you like to take a break for now?闪电和玛绮朵等下会送东西过来哦，要不要趁这个机会休息一下？

SpringfieldI made some delicious tea~我泡了些不错的红茶哦~

CentaureissiPlease permit me to tidy up the lab while you are resting. I will be quick.请允许我在两位休息的时间里整理这间实验室吧，我会很快的。

CommanderYou guys...你们……

Qiuhua(Sniffle)呜……呜呜！

QiuhuaYou guys... You're such great people!!大伙……！！我好感动！！

QiuhuaAnd I thought you'd think I was slacking off!我还以为你们肯定觉得我在不务正业呢！！

SpringfieldHehe, perish the thought. You're doing something very noble, Qiuhua. It is an honor for us to help you out.呵呵，怎么会，秋桦在做非常有意义的事情，不如说能帮上忙，才是我们的荣幸。

SpringfieldThat is, if you don't consider us to be getting in the way.当然，前提是你们不觉得我们碍事哦。

QiuhuaNo! Of course not! Isn't that right, Commander?!不！当然不会！对吧！长官！

Commander...Mm, of course.……嗯，当然。

CommanderSorry to bother you.麻烦你们了。

(After that, the two of them quickly begin attending to their respective errands.)（在我们说完之后，两人很快便麻利地开始做起了各自的事。）

(We receive Makiatto's intel and Groza's specimens after our short break. Qiuhua combines them with our prior discoveries and performs several new experiments, which yield new and surprising findings.)（短暂的休整后，我们拿到了玛绮朵和闪电带来的资料和新样本。秋桦用它们结合我们目前的成果，又重新做了几次实验，得到了更多令人惊喜的结果。）

(This process repeats itself over the next few days. More and more people crowd into the lab; there are times when I come by and find that there's barely anywhere to stand.)（接下来的一段时间里，这样的情景几乎每天都在重演，甚至人数越来越多，有好几次，等我来的时候，实验室里都没有我能下脚的地方了。）

QiuhuaCommander, over here! I found something!长官！这边这边！我有新发现！

(Even so, Qiuhua can immediately sense my approach. She calls me over to share her discovery.)（即便如此，秋桦也总能第一时间发现我的到来，并与我分享她的发现。）

CommanderRight, let me see.好，我来看看。

Feeding the Multitude 4 橘井泉香4

(Inside the lab, a faint, sour fragrance fills the air.)（实验室里，一股淡淡的酸香弥漫在整个房间里。）

(It's the unique smell that comes from soaking the Devil's Bitter-Pepper in a specially made basic solution and then pickling it in vinegar and other flavorings.)（那是魔鬼苦椒在特制碱水中浸泡后，再用醋等调味料泡制后散发出的独特气味。）

(I'm standing beside Qiuhua in front of the workbench, looking at the jars of enticing, vividly colored bell peppers before us. We both have smiles on our faces.)（我和秋桦并肩站在实验台前，看着眼前那一罐罐颜色鲜艳、饱满诱人的灯笼椒，脸上都露出了欣慰的笑容。）

QiuhuaIt should work now!这次应该没问题了！

(After several weeks of hard work, we've finally found the best way to prepare them.)（经过几周的努力，我们终于找到了最佳的处理方案。）

(First, we use the alkaline solution to get rid of the toxins on the plant's surface, then use Qiuhua's new and improved traditional pickling method to eliminate the bitterness.)（先用特制的碱水浸泡去除外层毒素，再采用秋桦改良的传统腌制方法去除苦味。）

(Finally, we stew it using a technique she learned online.)（最后，再用她从网络上学来的炖菜手法进行烹饪。）

(This method makes the Bitter-Pepper safe to eat and delicious, and the low cost of all the materials involved means even ordinary Yellow Zone residents can do it easily.)（这个方案不仅让魔鬼苦椒变得安全可口，而且成本低廉，普通居民也能轻松掌握。）

CommanderThe pickling's gone very well. Next we have the taste test.腌制的程度很完美，接下来就是品尝了。

QiuhuaYup! C-Commander, it's all up to you now... Please, go ahead!嗯！长、长官，拜托你了……请！

(Qiuhua nervously watches my movements.)（秋桦神情紧张地注视着我的动作。）

(I pull a bell pepper from a jar and pop it in my mouth, carefully savoring the taste.)（我从罐子中捞出一颗灯笼椒，送进嘴里，细细咀嚼品味。）

QiuhuaHow is it?怎么样？

CommanderSpicy, sour... but no bitterness at all.酸辣鲜香……完全没有苦味。

QiuhuaThis is great, Commander! We finally did it!太好了，长官！我们终于成功了！

(Qiuhua hugs me in excitement, her face grinding against my chest as she bubbles with joy and accomplishment.)（秋桦兴奋地一把抱住我，脸颊贴在我的胸口，语气中充满了喜悦和成就感。）

(I can feel the warmth of her body and the sheer delight that's spilling out from inside her.)（我能感受到她身体的温度，以及那份发自内心的激动。）

CommanderOh yes. It was all thanks to your unwavering hard work and everyone's help.是啊，多亏了你坚持不懈的努力，还有大家的帮助。

(Qiuhua looks up, fixing me with eyes like shining stars.)（秋桦抬起头，眼睛闪闪发亮地看着我）

QiuhuaNo, it's also thanks to your encouragement and support, Commander. I'd probably have given up long ago without you.不，也多亏了长官的鼓励和支持，如果没有您，我可能早就放弃了。

CommanderNonsense.才不会呢。

(I look into her sincere eyes and feel a surge of warmth in my heart.)（我看着她真诚的眼神，心中涌起一股暖流。）

CommanderI saw the notes you took. You've been putting one foot in front of another all this time, blazing a trail until you got to where you are now.你写下那么多本笔记，一步一个脚印，扎实地走到今天。

CommanderI'm sure that you'd have carried on even if I wasn't around.就算没有我，你也肯定会坚持下去的。

QiuhuaHehe... Well, things probably wouldn't have ended as well as they did!嘿嘿……但，至少肯定没有这么快有好结果啊！

CommanderMmm... Can't argue with that.嗯……这个我倒是不否认。

(I smile.)（我笑了笑。）

QiuhuaStill, it isn't time to celebrate yet.不过，现在还不是庆祝的时候。

CommanderHm? Why's that?嗯？为什么？

(Qiuhua's face suddenly goes serious again, like she's suddenly thought of something.)（秋桦突然想到了什么，神色又变得严肃起来。）

QiuhuaPeppers alone won't fill people's bellies. We need to find more mutated plants that can be safely eaten.单单只是灯笼椒并不足以让人果腹，我们还需要找到更多可以安全食用的变异植物。

QiuhuaI think that we could apply the detoxification process for these peppers to other kinds of food!我觉得，我们用在灯笼椒上的祛毒方式，应该可以用在更多食物上！

CommanderAh...啊……

(I freeze up for a moment.)（我顿时了然。）

CommanderYou're right, this is just the beginning. We need to keep experimenting.的确如此，这只是一个开始，我们还得再多做点实验。

CommanderAlso, we need to promote this so more people know about it.而且，我们还需要将这套方法推广出去，让更多的人知道它。

QiuhuaYup!嗯！

(Just then, Springfield opens the door and enters. She has a large jar in her arms, which is tightly sealed with oiled paper.)（就在这时，春田推门走了进来，手里抱着一个大坛子，坛口用油纸封得严严实实。）

SpringfieldQiuhua, I found the old jars you were looking for.秋桦，你要的老坛子我找到了。

SpringfieldThey're really hard to get, so I only managed to find a few of them.这种坛子现在实在不好找，我也只找到几个。

QiuhuaOh! Thank you!哦——！！谢谢！

(Qiuhua accepts the jar from Springfield, and her eyes light up.)（秋桦接过坛子，眼睛一亮。）

QiuhuaThis is great! Now my wish can come true!太好了！有了这个，我的想法就能实现了！

(She carefully opens the paper, and a rich scent of spices and sauces spills forth, making me salivate reflexively.)（她小心翼翼地揭开油纸，一股浓郁的酱香扑鼻而来，让人忍不住食指大动。）

CommanderWhat is this?这是什么？

(I turn to look quizzically at her.)（我好奇地问道。）

QiuhuaThis is an old preservation technique I learned from that granny when I was still working at that farm.这是以前在农场的时候，跟那里的一个老奶奶那里学来的腌制方法。

QiuhuaUsing jars like this for pickling vegetables helps prevent them from spoiling and adds flavor to them, too.用这种老坛子腌制蔬菜，可以更好地防止在腌制过程中蔬菜变质，而且还能增添风味。

(Saying so, Qiuhua turns around and pours the Bitter-Peppers we've prepared into the jar.)（说着，秋桦转身，将我们已经处理好的魔鬼苦椒放入了坛中。）

(Then she adds salt water and some spices to it before sealing it back up again with the oil paper. Her movements are slick and polished.)（随即，她又加入了一些提前准备的特制调料和盐水，最后，用油纸重新封好了坛口，动作十分利索。）

CommanderThat's it? That'll make the taste better?这样就可以了？味道会变得更好？

QiuhuaSure will.对啊。

QiuhuaNow we just need to be patient and wait a bit for it to ferment.只需要耐心等待一段时间，让它慢慢发酵就好了。

QiuhuaAlthough we can't do anything about the environment in the settlements within the contamination zones for now... I still want everyone there to be able to eat something delicious and live better lives. After all, just surviving is hard enough already.虽然暂时没有办法改变污染区的居住环境……但我还是想让这里的大家都吃上美味的东西，过得好一点，毕竟生活都这么艰苦了。

CommanderI see...原来如此……

(I look at her confident face, and my heart is filled with respect for her.)（我看着她自信满满的样子，心中充满了敬佩。）

(She spent ten years turning herself from a kitchen assassin to a master chef, and now she's planning to spend even more time to help more people.)（她花了十年的时间，让自己从厨房杀手变成了厨艺大师，而现在，她不惜要花更多的时间，也要帮助更多的人。）

(How can I not like Qiuhua when she's like that?)（这样的秋桦，又怎么会让人不喜欢呢？）

(Over the next few days, Qiuhua experiments with using this technique to pickle other common mutated plants.)（接下来的几天，秋桦开始尝试用这种方法腌制其他常见的变异植物。）

(While things like potatoes and eggplants can just barely be grown in contamination zones, they don't produce anything edible.)（像是土豆、茄子等等，虽然在污染区勉强能够生长，但果实都无法食用的东西。）

(She's been constantly tweaking her recipes and carefully recording the time needed to properly pickle each kind of ingredient as well as the taste and texture of the resulting food item.)（她不断地调整配方和比例，并详细记录每一种植物的腌制时间和口感变化。）

(Even after realizing that her experience with the bell peppers can not be copied over directly to other ingredients and that her detoxifying technique is not universally effective on everything, she doesn't let these setbacks get her down.)（尽管在实操之后，她才发现，在灯笼椒上得到的经验完全无法照搬，一种祛毒方式也不一定对所有作物都能起效，但她依然没有泄气。）

QiuhuaWell, I never expected things to be so simple.本来我也没觉得这件事会很简单。

QiuhuaIt just means I'll have to start over from the beginning. I can do this!只不过是从头再来而已。我还搞得定！

(At the same time, the day of the great cooking competition is drawing closer.)（而与此同时，料理大赛的日子也越来越近了。）

(However, the nature of the competition has changed.)（然而，这场比赛的性质已经悄然发生了改变。）

(It's gone from a contest to an exhibition of culinary efforts.)（与其说是一场比赛，不如说是一场成果展示会。）

(On the day of the competition, the Elmo's lounge is bustling and crowded like never before.)（料理大赛当天，艾莫号的公共区热闹非凡。）

(The place where the contest is supposed to take place is now filled with all kinds of dishes; all of them emit a tempting aroma.)（原本用来比赛的场地，现在摆满了各种各样的料理，散发着诱人的香味。）

(The Dolls gather in small groups, tasting these new and intriguing delicacies.)（人形们三五成群地聚集在一起，品尝着这些新奇的美食）

SpringfieldEveryone~ Come try some!各位~都来尝尝吧！

SpringfieldThese dishes are made with our brand-new bell pepper sauce!我们用最新的灯笼椒酱做的菜肴！

SpringfieldThey come with a free copy of the Yellow Zone Survival Cookbook too!还附送黄区饮食安全手册哦！

ColphneThe Yellow Zone Survival Cookbook? Wow—Centaureissi, did you work on this?饮食安全手册？哇哦——是桑朵莱希整理的吗？

CentaureissiQiuhua wrote it; I merely handled the editing, printing, and binding.内容是秋桦收集的，我只是帮忙归纳和打印装订而已。

Makiatto...Hm, this isn't bad (coughs heavily).……哼，味道还可以嘛，咳、咳！

VepleyWow! Your face is so red, Makiatto! Are you alright?咦，玛绮朵的脸都被辣得好红！没事吧？

MakiattoI-it's just... too hot! It's not spicy at all!我、我只是……太热了！这个一点都不辣！

SharkryManager, can Sharkry have some extra copies? That way, Sharkry can give them out to the locals when doing missions in the contamination zones.♥店长！夏克里可以多拿几份吗？这样在污染区执行任务的时候，也可以给分发给居民们哟♥

SpringfieldCertainly. You're welcome, please go ahead.可以可以，非常欢迎，请吧。

(The other Dolls chime in about how they're going to promote the book while on their respective missions, and the cookbooks are soon fully distributed.)（其他人形也纷纷表示要在各自的任务区域宣传这套方法，手册很快就被分发一空。）

GrozaQiuhua, I don't quite understand this part, could you explain it to me...秋桦，这里我看不太明白，是否可以请教一下……

QiuhuaWhere, where? Let me see... Oh! This part says...哪里哪里？我看看……哦！这里是说……

SabrinaQiuhua~ Teach me too!秋桦~也教教我嘛！

QiuhuaSabrina, do you need pointers from me?塞布丽娜，你还需要我教吗？

SabrinaOf course I do! This is your specialty, after all.当然需要！这可是你的专业领域。

SabrinaI've never made dishes like this before, so I need to ask you about them!我没处理过这种食材，当然要问你啦！

QiuhuaHehe, that makes sense! Then you should come listen too!哼哼，这么说也对！那你也来一起听！

(Qiuhua stands in front of her exhibition table and begins an earnest explanation on how each dish is made and how it should be consumed.)（秋桦站在展台前，认真地向大家讲解每一道菜的做法和食用方法。）

(She even has a few booklets which contain detailed instructions on how to prepare and cook various mutated plants.)（她还特意额外准备了一些小册子，上面详细地记录了各种变异植物的处理方法和食谱。）

Commander...……

(I quietly watch her work while standing in the crowd. My heart is filled with respect... and a bit of pride.)（我站在人群中，静静地看着她忙碌的身影，心中充满了欣慰……也许还有一点骄傲。）

(It is at this moment that Qiuhua notices me. She smiles and waves, indicating that I should come over.)（这时，秋桦注意到了我的存在，她笑着向我招了招手，示意我过去。）

QiuhuaYou should try some too, Commander.长官，您也来尝尝吧。

(She hands me a plate of cold vegetables seasoned with a hot sauce made from Devil's Bitter-Peppers that have been pickled with a new technique.)（她递给我一盘用新腌制方法处理过的魔鬼苦椒制作的辣酱拌的凉菜。）

QiuhuaI made this just for you, Commander. It tastes pretty good.这是我特意为您准备的，味道很不错哦。

(I take the plate from her and tuck in with a pair of chopsticks.)（我接过盘子，用筷子尝了一块。）

(As expected, the bitterness in the hot sauce is completely gone now, replaced by a unique sweet and sour flavor.)（果然，辣酱中的苦味已经完全消失了，取而代之的是一种独特的酸甜口感。）

(I chew on it again and find myself starting to enjoy it.)（我又咀嚼了一番，甚至有些喜欢这个回味。）

CommanderThis is delicious.很好吃。

(This praise comes from the bottom of my heart.)（我由衷地赞叹道。）

CommanderYou're amazing, Qiuhua.你真是太厉害了，秋桦。

(Qiuhua's face beams with a dazzling smile.)（秋桦的脸上露出了灿烂的笑容。）

QiuhuaThank you for your praise, Commander. I couldn't have done it without your help and everyone's contributions!谢谢长官的夸奖，这都是长官，还有大家的功劳！

CommanderHey, don't sell yourself short.别老把自己摘出去啊。

QiuhuaTeehee...嘿嘿。

(Suddenly, she seems to remember something and blushes before continuing.)（她突然想起了什么，有些不好意思地说道。）

QiuhuaOh yes, Commander, I owe you some original-recipe Guo Bao Rou.对了，长官，我还欠您一顿正宗的锅包肉呢。

QiuhuaTonight, I'll use this new recipe with the Bitter-Peppers as an appetizer and cook a sumptuous dinner spread for you.今天晚上，就让我用新腌制的灯笼椒作为开胃菜，为您准备一顿丰盛的晚餐吧。

CommanderHah?啊？

(I freeze up for a bit. Then I remember that she did mention this before.)（我愣了一下，这时候才想起来，她之前随口提的那件事。）

(It seems that while I had taken it for a throwaway comment, Qiuhua had taken the matter very seriously indeed.)（看来，只有我把它当成了随口一说，秋桦自己，却一直都记在心里。）

Commander...Alright, I'll be looking forward to it, then.……好啊，我很期待。

CommanderI'll keep my stomach empty for you tonight.我晚上会把肚子空下来的。

QiuhuaAwright!好耶！

(Qiuhua looks very excited. Just then, more Dolls approach her with questions. She turns to face the newcomers, ready to clear up their doubts.)（秋桦十分雀跃，这时候，又有来向她提问的人形走来，她赶忙又转过去，为她们解答疑问。）

(I watch her hard at work, then shake my head and smile as I turn to leave.)（我看着忙碌的她，摇了摇头，微笑着转身离开。）

(Night has fallen, and I've arrived at Qiuhua's room as arranged.)（晚上，我应约来到了秋桦的休息室。）

(After I set aside a space to serve as her lab, Qiuhua's room isn't as messy as it was the last time I came. It's certainly not spotless, but it now clearly looks decent.)（在我单独给秋桦划出一间实验室之后，这里已经不像我上次来时那样凌乱，虽然也算不上非常整洁，但已经能看出是属于少女的房间。）

(Currently, this room has been set with a tantalizing dinner. Apart from the promised Guo Bao Rou, there are all kinds of unique Yellow Zone dishes here too. Their fragrance fills my nose and makes me start to drool.)（此时房间里已经摆好了丰盛的晚餐。除了锅包肉之外，还有各种各样的黄区特色菜肴，香味扑鼻，让人垂涎欲滴。）

(Qiuhua is wearing an apron, a gentle smile on her face as she serves up a piping hot bowl of soup.)（秋桦穿着围裙，脸上带着温柔的笑容，为我盛了一碗热腾腾的汤。）

QiuhuaPlease enjoy, Commander.长官，请慢用。

CommanderThank you... But do we really have to eat in your room?谢谢……我们一定要在你房间吃吗？

CommanderYou even lit a fire in here... Won't the smell of oil and smoke be unbearable?你还在房间里起火，油烟会很重吧？

QiuhuaHaha! Relax, don't worry!哈哈！别担心别担心！

QiuhuaIt's not like I'm cooking in my room for the first time!我又不是第一次在房间开伙了！

CommanderHaha... I see.哈哈……原来如此。

QiuhuaRight, I made these all by myself. Quick, try them!好啦！这些可都是我亲手做的，您快尝尝！

QiuhuaI worked really hard, you know!我可是很卖力的！

CommanderOkay, okay... Hm? That's strange, the Guo Bao Rou seems to be the only dish without hot sauce on it.好好好……嗯，只有锅包肉没加辣酱啊？

QiuhuaHow can you add hot sauce to Guo Bao Rou?! That's too much, even for a joke!锅包肉怎么能加辣酱！！您别开玩笑了！！

CommanderWell yes, I suppose that's true.说得也是啊。

(As we sample the delicious cuisine, we chat about our recent adventures in culinary research.)（我们一边品尝着美味佳肴，一边聊着这段时间的研究经历。）

(During the course of our conversation, I discover that this is the first time I've spoken to her at such length after she came back.)（中途，我才发现，似乎在她回来之后，我还是第一次与她聊得这样久。）

(Qiuhua describes various amusing tales from her life in the Yellow Zone, and I share my experiences over the past ten years with her.)（秋桦又向我讲述起她在黄区生活中的趣事，我也向她分享了我这十年来的经历。）

(We're still chatting animatedly well into the night. After the food is gone, we start on the wine, as though there is no end to the conversation.)（直到深夜，我们依然兴致勃勃地聊着，菜吃完了我们就喝酒，仿佛有说不完的话题。）

(Outside, the night is speckled with stars, and moonlight pours down on the dormitory floor, setting it aglow with a silvery light.)（窗外，夜空中繁星点点，月光洒落在休息室的地板上，镀上了一层银色的光辉。）

Qiuhua(Hic) Ehhh, we're out of wine... Commander?嗝……哎，酒好像没了……长官？

(As I look at the earnest, kind, and vivacious girl in front of me, a feeling that I can't quite put into words rises up inside me.)（看着眼前这个认真、善良、充满活力的女孩，我的心中涌起一股难以言喻的感觉。）

(I reach out and gently squeeze her hand.)（我伸出手，轻轻握住她的手。）

CommanderThank you for everything, Qiuhua.秋桦，谢谢你做的这一切。

QiuhuaAh... erk! Commander, you don't need to thank me!啊……呃！长官，您不用谢我啦！

QiuhuaIt's just... something I wanted to do...我也只是……自己想做……

QiuhuaAnd I'm glad that I could help do a little something for everyone.能为大家做点事，我很开心。

CommanderI know that.我知道。

CommanderHowever, it's because I have someone like you around...但是，就是有你这样的人在。

CommanderThat I can remember the kind of person I have to be.我才能牢记我是什么样的人。

QiuhuaUm... Hehe, it kind of seems like the wrong way around...唔……嘿嘿，本末倒置了啦……

QiuhuaI only became what I am today because of you, Commander.我才是受长官的影响，才会变成现在这样的……

(She seems a little shy and scratches her head with her other hand, but she doesn't pull away from me.)（她似乎有些害羞，用另一只手抓了抓头发，但并没有收回被我握住的手。）

Qiuhua...Well, if you want to thank me, then you need to promise me something.……您要非得感谢我，就答应我一件事。

CommanderAnd what would that be?什么事？

QiuhuaThat you will never ever, ever, ever, ever evereverevereverever—永远，永远，永远，永远，永远永远永远永远永远——

CommanderWait, that's too many evers...等下，你说太多次永远了……

Qiuhua—Ever! Never ever leave us again.——永远！都别再离开我们了。

Commander...……

(I sigh, then let go of her hand and gently pat her head.)（我叹了口气，松开她的手，转而摸了摸她的头。）

(As I look at her face that's as red as though she's short-circuited, I smile and nod.)（看着她像是短路一样烧红了的脸，我笑着点了点头。）

CommanderAlright.嗯。

CommanderI promise you.我答应你。

Covenant 铭契

QiuhuaNever ever, ever, ever, ever evereverevereverever— —Ever! Never ever leave me again.永远，永远，永远，永远，永远永远永远永远永远—— ——永远！都别再离开我了！

Qiuhua...I've already told you that before? What the heck! You didn't even notice the difference? Honestly...……您说这话我已经说过一次了？ 什么啊！连这种差别都发现不了，真是的……

QiuhuaOh, never mind, you're my commander, after all. I'm going to be cooking for you all my life! You'll have a full belly and never have to worry about anything. You'll never go hungry again as long as I'm around!算啦，谁让您是我的长官呢。 我可是要给您做一辈子菜的！吃饱吃好，万事不愁，只要有我在，就绝对不会让您挨饿哦！

Teaching Torches To Burn Bright 采兰赠芍

(On a certain evening, Qiuhua has set up a candlelight dinner in her room and invited me to join her.)（某个傍晚，秋桦在她的休息室中摆了一桌烛光晚餐，邀请我前去品尝。）

CommanderSpeaking of which, you don't have culinary modules installed, right?说起来，秋桦你没有安装厨师模块，对吧？

QiuhuaYeah! Don't get me started... Took me a LONG time before I realized there WERE actual specialized culinary modules out there!是啊！我跟您说，我隔好久才知道，敢情还有专门的厨子模块这么个玩意儿！

QiuhuaI wouldn't have had to go to all this trouble if only I'd known beforehand!要是早知道，我至于学得那么痛苦吗！

QiuhuaImagine if Makiatto got them installed one day and ended up becoming better than me! I wouldn't be able to bear it!要是哪天，玛绮朵装个模块，厨艺就变得比我还好，我可真不能接受！

CommanderHahaha, that would never happen. She's got a strong sense of pride and wouldn't be happy about beating you in that way.哈哈哈，不会啦，她也有自己的自尊，靠那种方式超过你，她自己也不高兴的。

CommanderHowever, the two of you are really competitive when it comes to cooking.不过，你们在厨艺上的好胜心还真是够强的。

QiuhuaNo way, Commander. Do you really not know?不是吧，长官，您真不知道为什么吗？

Commander...Wha? Is there something I should know?……啊？我应该知道吗？

QiuhuaHaiyah, why don't you think about it? It's not like we Dolls even need to eat in the first place.唉，您也不想想，说到底，我们人形又不是真的需要吃东西。

QiuhuaSo why do you think we learned to cook? Who do you think we're doing it for...我们学厨艺最后为的都是谁啊……

Commander...Wait, is it for me?……难不成，是为了我？

QiuhuaOf course!那当然了！

QiuhuaDo you have any idea how happy we get when you eat something that we made ourselves?您不知道，能让您吃上一口自己做的菜，在我们当中是多值得高兴的事。

QiuhuaEveryone who can't cook envies the hell out of us!不会做菜的家人们可羡慕了呢！

CommanderI see...原来如此……

QiuhuaGranted, the reason why I started cooking wasn't entirely for your sake, but recently, I've realized that the most fulfilling moments for me are when I manage to prepare a full-course meal for the person in my heart—in other words, you.虽然我修炼厨艺的出发点不全是为了长官，但我这会儿觉得，我当厨子最有成就感的时刻，就是为心上人——我是说，长官您，成功整上一桌好菜的时候。

QiuhuaFully satisfying a person's desires isn't easy. You need to understand their preferences, their tastes, and spend all day and night thinking about how to really get in their shoes... Fortunately, it's been getting easier for me recently.要完全合一个人的心意，可不是什么容易的事儿，得要细细地琢磨那个人的喜好，了解他的口味，日思夜想，不过只求感同身受……好在，最近我好像有点心得了。

QiuhuaCommander, what do you think of today's dinner? How close to being "utterly beloved" or the "object of my adoration" is it?长官，今天这一桌饭菜，您觉得如何？距离“爱不释手”、“情有所钟”，还有多少距离啊？

(The final rays of dusk have faded away at some point, and the interior of the room is dark, lit only by the flickering light of the candles which dye Qiuhua's face and skin a warm red.)（落日的余晖不知何时已经消逝，屋子里光线昏暗，只有桌上的烛光摇曳着，将秋桦的面容和肌肤晕染得温润如玉。）

(Perhaps it's because of the candlelight, but Qiuhua's eyes seem especially bright tonight, and I can see myself reflected in them.)（或许是借了烛光，秋桦的眼睛格外清澈明亮，其中映照着我的倒影。）

(I subconsciously down a glass of the wine on the table. The cool beverage helps me settle my heart.)（我下意识地喝了口桌上的餐酒，微凉的酒液让我定了定心。）

CommanderYes, it was good... I like what you made very much, Qiuhua.嗯，不错……秋桦的手艺，我非常喜欢。

(Qiuhua reaches out and takes my hand, the one that's holding the wineglass.)（秋桦伸出手，握住我持杯的手腕。）

(For some reason, my heart races a little, and the wine I just drank seems to ignite in my belly.)（我的心跳莫名变得有些快，刚才喝下去的酒似乎在肠胃中烧成了火。）

QiuhuaYou only like what I made? Then... what about me?只是“手艺”吗？那……我呢？

QiuhuaCommander, I have... I have a jar of liquor here that's been aging for a while now. It was brewed with passion and stored with devotion, and its name is "Qiuhua". Would you care to try some, Commander?长官，我这里……有一坛酝酿已久的好酒，情意是酒曲，钢铁是酒器，名为“秋桦”，不知道长官，有没有兴趣品尝？

(Qiuhua smiles at me, as straightforward as always. However, she's less confident than usual. In fact, she seems a little shy.)（秋桦看着我笑了一下，笑容仍旧直率，洒脱比平时要少，羞涩倒是很多。）

(Tonight, Qiuhua is different from how she usually is. For instance, her pink cheeks and fluttering lashes, as well as her heated eyes.)（今晚的秋桦，似乎与平日的她有些不同，诸如泛着粉色的面颊与眼尾，诸如这双炽热的眼睛。）

CommanderUm, I...呃，我……

(Qiuhua leans toward me, her hand covering mine. She raises the glass for me and feeds me another mouthful of wine.)（秋桦倾身靠向我，手指覆上我的手背，代我握住酒杯，又喂我喝下一口餐酒。）

QiuhuaCommander, you don't have to rush your reply. The night is still young.长官，不用着急回答，夜还很长呢。

QiuhuaHave some more wine. I picked it out myself.您再尝尝这餐酒，也是我精挑细选的……

(I close my eyes and swallow.)（我闭了闭眼，下意识吞咽。）

(Suddenly, the dorm room shakes and the wine spills out, drenching us both.)（突然，休息室的车厢不知为何震了震，酒水溢出酒杯，洒了我们一身。）

(Qiuhua freezes up. A moment later, she comes to her senses. Her face goes bright red, and I can almost see the steam boiling off her face.)（秋桦愣了愣，过了一会儿，似乎终于回过神来，脸瞬间涨红，甚至肉眼可见地开始冒出蒸汽。）

QiuhuaAiyah, what was I doing just now?!哎，我刚才是在干啥呢！

QiuhuaCommander, I'll go get a towel! Just wait!长官，我，我去给您找手帕！您稍等！

(And then, before I can say another word, she flees in panic.)（随即，不等我说下一句话，她便仓皇而逃。）

CommanderHehe...呵呵……

(As I watch her leave, I sigh in relief and chuckle quietly.)（看着她远去的背影，我不禁松了口气，哑然失笑。）

(The feast on the table is still steaming hot, like a wordless declaration of love.)（桌上丰盛的餐食仍旧冒着热气，似乎在无言地诠释着何为“爱人”。）

(I look out the window, at the darkened sky. The only illumination comes from the warm candlelight on the table, and we still have a long night ahead of us.)（我看向车窗之外，暗色漫延向天际，唯有桌上的烛光温暖静候，夜还很长。）

Food Tasting 1 美食品尝1

The first taste astounds, immediately awakening slumbering taste buds.入口的惊艳，瞬间唤醒沉睡的味蕾。

CommanderEvery mouthful tastes like bliss.每一口都是幸福的味道。

QiuhuaYo, Commander! Got time to chat?哎哟！长官您来了？咱们唠两句嗑呗？

About Pets关于宠物

About Cooking关于厨艺

About Creativity关于创意

About Friends关于朋友

About the Past关于过去

About her Specialty Dishes关于拿手菜

CommanderIf you could raise a pet, would you rather have a cat or a dog?可以养宠物的话，你会选择猫还是狗？

QiuhuaOf course I'd go for a doggy! Doggos are lively and passionate. I bet I'd get along great with a doggy!当然是小狗啊！小狗更热情，我觉得我跟小狗一定合得来！

QiuhuaAnd if I could take a third option, maybe a parrot might be good? Hehe, it'd be lively, that's for sure.如果有别的选择，鹦鹉也不错？嘿嘿，够热闹。

CommanderHahaha, I figured you'd say something like that.哈哈哈，你的回答和我的猜想差不多。

CommanderQiuhua, how did you train up your cooking skills? If I'm not wrong, you weren't a very good cook in the past, right?秋桦是怎么磨炼厨艺的？我记得你以前不太擅长烹饪吧？

QiuhuaUh, practice makes perfect, I guess?我这算是熟能生巧吧？

QiuhuaIf you experiment, practice and analyze culinary data, you'll end up learning something sooner or later.多尝试、多练习、多分析菜品数据，早晚能练出来。

CommanderSo it was through lots of hard work, then... It must have been tough. Well done.依靠大量训练吗……辛苦你了。

QiuhuaLook, Commander, I just found these fruits while exploring in the Yellow Zone. They're pretty sweet once you peel off their shells.长官您看，这是我最近在黄区探索时捡到的果子，去掉外壳后是甜的。

CommanderYou're going to cook with these?你想用这种果子来做菜？

QiuhuaWell, we've got enough sweet dishes running around already. This time, I was thinking of a dessert, or maybe fillings for a bun or something?甜口的菜已经不少了，这次就做成甜点或者包包子吧？

CommanderCan't wait to try it.期待你的新菜。

CommanderHave you been keeping in touch with your friends lately?最近有和你的朋友们联系吗？

QiuhuaOf course! Sabrina goes without saying, we see each other every day.当然！塞布丽娜就不用说了，天天都能见着。

QiuhuaWhen there's signal, I also swap emails with the rest of the people I met in Griffin.还有以前在格里芬结识的朋友们，有信号的时候，我们会互通邮件。

CommanderWell, that's an extroverted Doll for you.真不愧是外向型人形啊……

CommanderAfter you left Griffin, did anything happen which left a deep impression on you?离开格里芬后，有遇到什么让你记忆深刻的事吗？

QiuhuaOh man, where to begin! I have way too many experiences to share. It would take days to talk about them all.哎呀！那可太多了，我能给您说上个几天几夜呢。

QiuhuaDo you want to hear about sad stories or happy stories?长官，您想听悲伤的故事还是高兴的故事？

QiuhuaLet's go find a comfy place to sit down and I'll tell you all about it.我们找个舒适的去处吧，我给您从头讲起。

CommanderWhat's your best dish?你最擅长的菜是什么？

QiuhuaI suppose it would have to be a Chinese dish. After all, I know the recipes and seasonings by heart now.家乡菜都还算拿手吧，毕竟那些调味配方已经刻进骨子里了。

QiuhuaBut if I had to pick one, it would definitely be Guo Bao Rou. Mine's the most authentic there is!要是非得说一个，果然还得是锅包肉。我做的锅包肉最正宗了！

CommanderJust hearing about it makes me hungry. Can I have some tonight?听得我都饿了，今晚可以吃到锅包肉吗？

QiuhuaYou bet! Just leave it to me!没问题！包在我身上！

The wafting aroma enchants, carrying away every trace of my weariness.扑鼻的芬芳，顷刻带走满身的疲惫。

The flavors blooming upon my tongue delight, filling my body with warmth and happiness.舌尖的绽放，幸福的暖意随即拥抱全身。

Intoxicated Reflection Ⅰ 对影酣醉·Ⅰ

QiuhuaCommander, you're here! The wine's here too, time for us to get stinking drunk!长官，您来啦！酒已经到齐了，今天不醉不归！

QiuhuaCome on in, have a seat, I just need to finish up one last dish, I'll be out when it's done!您先请坐，我这儿还有最后一道菜要收个尾，做完就来！

QiuhuaHelp yourself to the tossed salad on the table first, get an appetizer in your belly.桌上的凉拌菜您先吃起来，垫个肚子再说。

CommanderDon't mind if I do, then.好，那我就不客气了。

QiuhuaThe salad's light to clear the palate, which means our drinks can't be too heavy either. Let's start with this sparkling wine, Commander.开胃拌菜味淡清新，酒也不能太重口味。长官，我们就从这瓶清爽的气泡酒开始吧。

(Qiuhua shows the first bottle to me. There is a "pop" as she opens it and then she pours the clear, frothy liquid into our glasses.)（秋桦向我展示今天的第一杯酒。砰的一声开瓶后，她将冒着气泡的清透酒液倒入杯中。）

QiuhuaWe have a long, long drinks list tonight. Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed.今天的酒单可长得很呢。我这里先卖个关子，绝对不会让您失望的。

QiuhuaI hear that in the high-end Green Zone restaurants, they serve a different kind of wine with each course of a meal. Let's indulge ourselves a little today, see if it makes the food taste better.听说绿区的高档餐厅里，每一道菜都会搭配不同的酒水，今天咱也“奢侈”一回，尝尝这样做是不是别有滋味。

CommanderHahaha, does that mean you've already figured out what you're pairing with your specialty dishes?哈哈哈，你想好用什么搭配你的那些拿手菜了吗？

QiuhuaI thought of serving up a dry white wine with my Guo Bao Rou, a dry red with the chicken stewed with mushrooms, pickled vegetables in bak kut teh with... Hm, I think a sweeter wine would be pretty good for that.我寻思锅包肉可以配干白，小鸡炖蘑菇可以配干红，酸菜炖大骨配点儿……嗯！就配个甜味儿更明显的吧，应该不错。

QiuhuaOh and just look at me, I've been so busy chatting with you that I haven't served a single thing! One moment, Commander—光顾着和您唠嗑了，我菜还没上桌呢！长官，您稍等——

QiuhuaHere it comes! And now I'll pour the wines for all the courses too!来咯！我给您把这几道菜配的酒全都倒上！

(Qiuhua moves swiftly and efficiently, lining up an array of glasses in all shapes and sizes before me. Each of them is soon filled up with a different alcoholic beverage.)（秋桦动作利落，高矮宽窄各异的酒杯在我们面前一字排开，不同的酒液倾注其中。）

CommanderUh... is this right?这……对吗？

QiuhuaIt... it is, isn't it? In restaurants, they serve dishes in order, and they change the wines with each dish.对、对吧？餐厅里是一道菜一道菜依序上的，那酒也就随菜更替了。

QiuhuaPersonally, I prefer serving everything at once, looks like a great spread. As for the wines that complement the dishes... just means I have to serve them all at once too.我更喜欢一起出菜，看起来热闹，就是这配餐的酒……只能一起上了。

CommanderI understand. It's fine, this is actually pretty new.我理解了。没关系，这样也挺新奇的。

QiuhuaLet's begin, then! A toast to you, Commander! May every day of every year be like this!那咱就开动吧！长官，我先敬您一杯，祝我们年年有今日，岁岁有今朝！

(I raise my glass and return the gesture.)（我也向秋桦举杯示意。）

QiuhuaFwaaaah... Now that's a drink! Come on, dig in!呼啊……好酒！吃菜吃菜！

QiuhuaCommander, this Guo Bao Rou without the tomato sauce is the real deal right there! I think I paired it with a good wine. Also, you should try the pickled vegetables too...长官，这不加番茄酱的锅包肉就是正宗！我这酒配得也不错。还有啊，您再尝尝我的酸菜……

(At some point, the wine glasses have all gone empty. Qiuhua leans forward and brings her glass to my mouth.)（不知不觉间酒杯空了几轮。秋桦倾身，将她的酒杯送到我的嘴边。）

QiuhuaFinished all of yours? No problem, I've got some here...您的喝完了？没关系，我这里还有……

(She eagerly presses the rim to my lips, and just as I'm about to protest, my mouth opens, permitting the slightly sweet wine to flow in.)（杯缘热情地抵住我的嘴唇，我说不出拒绝的话，一张口，微甜的酒液就滑入口中。）

Commander(Coughs) Er... thanks, I can pour my own.咳……呃，谢谢，我可以自己倒酒。

(My hand slips and hits one of the glasses on the table, and the entire row looks to be in danger of falling. However, a pale white hand shoots out and rights all of them at once, pressing tightly against my hand as it does.)（一不小心，我的手碰到面前的某只酒杯，一排杯盏顿时摇摇欲坠。一只白皙的手及时伸出，一把稳住所有酒杯，也与我的手背亲密交叠。）

QiuhuaCareful, Commander. Are you getting drunk? You seem a little wobbly.长官小心，您是不是有些醉了？似乎不像平时那么稳当呢。

CommanderNo, that was an accident... Thank you.不是，只是意外……谢谢你。

QiuhuaOho! Good thing you're not drunk, since this is just the beginning. We still have rounds two and three to go!哦哦！没醉就好，这才刚开始，后面还有第二轮和第三轮呢！

QiuhuaCommander, remember what I said earlier? Time. To. Get. Stinking. Drunk.长官，您还记得我的预告吗？我是说……今天，不·醉·不·归。

Intoxicated Reflection Ⅱ 对影酣醉·Ⅱ

QiuhuaCommander, this is my first time appreciating red wine from this angle.长官，我还是第一次从这种角度观赏红酒。

QiuhuaIt's so pretty, just like... like a ruby in a museum.好漂亮，像……像是博物馆里的红宝石。

(Qiuhua raises her glass high, and the liquid within sparkles under the light. Spots of light sway and dance, occasionally landing on her.)（秋桦将酒杯举高，恰到好处的灯光下，杯中液体璀璨生辉。光斑摇曳，时而落在她身前。）

QiuhuaCommander? Why aren't you saying anything? Does this wine look bad?长官？您怎么不说话？这酒不好看吗？

CommanderHm? ...No, it looks good.嗯？……嗯，好看的。

QiuhuaSay... I just realized this, but the way you hold your glass looks really classy. Nothing like the way I do it...诶？我忽然发现，长官，您握杯的姿势很优雅呢，我就不是这样式的……

QiuhuaSince I hardly get the chance to ask you about this sort of thing, can you teach me how to do it? You know, teach me how to be more... that is to say, more like you?难得今天有时间，您教教我呗！要怎么做才能看起来更……就是，像您一样？

QiuhuaC'mon! Teach me!来嘛！来教我嘛！

CommanderHahaha, well, since you're so set on it, I won't be able to leave if I don't say yes.哈哈哈，你这么坚持，要是我不答应，今天怕不是走不了了。

QiuhuaHehe... Well, you're always so busy, so if I miss the chance, I'll probably have to wait forever for another one. Best to seize the day!嘿嘿……长官工作那么忙，错过了现在，我还得等好久，还是择日不如撞日吧！

(I walk around the dining table to Qiuhua's side.)（我起身绕过餐桌，走到秋桦同侧。）

CommanderMove your hand lower. Just hold the stem and don't stick out your pinky... Haha, it popped out again.往下一点，捏住杯脚就好，别翘小指……哈哈，你的小指又翘起来了。

QiuhuaUrgh... Maybe you could hold it down for me?呃唔……要不，您帮我掰扯掰扯？

(I reach out to help adjust Qiuhua's hand, and our fingers get all tangled up. I don't know if it's because of the wine's warmth, but her hand feels cooler than expected. That coolness is enough to counteract the heat after the wine goes down.)（我伸出手帮秋桦调整。十指不经意间纠缠，或许是受到酒的温度影响，秋桦的手比我想象的要更凉，这种凉爽似乎能平息酒后的燥热。）

QiuhuaThat's more like it!这回好像对了！

CommanderYeah, you look pretty good now. Go ahead and swirl the glass, see how the color of the wine changes.现在挺好的，可以稍微转一下杯子，看看酒液的成色。

QiuhuaRight!—Aiiiieeee! The wine's about to spill!好！——呜哇！酒要洒出来了！

QiuhuaYou made it look so easy! I can't believe it's so hard...明明看您这样做的时候非常轻松呢！没想到这么麻烦……

QiuhuaFrankly speaking, I'd rather have a big cask of wine right now. It'd taste better and go down faster!要我说，还得是大酒坛子对口喝起来更香更方便！

CommanderDon't we have one more round to go? You don't need to push yourself. Just drink at your pace for the next round.不是还有下一轮吗？你不用勉强自己，下一轮就按你习惯的方式喝吧。

QiuhuaThat's true... Haiyah! The red isn't doing it for me. Commander, I'll go get some Baijiu for us.也是哦……哎呀！红的还是不够劲，长官，我去整点白的来。

QiuhuaStay here! I'll be right back!您别走，就在这里等吧，我去去就来！

Intoxicated Reflection Ⅲ 对影酣醉·Ⅲ

QiuhuaI'm baaaaaack! Speaking of which, shouldn't we play some games to go with our drinks?我回来啦！说起来，喝酒是不是还能配上点儿小游戏？

QiuhuaYou know, drinking games, rock-paper-scissors, that sort of stuff. Anything you'd like to try, Commander?什么行酒令呀，猜拳呀，长官有什么想玩的吗？

CommanderI'm okay with anything, but what about the stakes?我都可以，输赢有什么说法呢？

QiuhuaHm... rock-paper-scissors it is! The winner can do whatever but the loser has to drink, how about that?唔……那就玩猜拳吧！赢家随意，输家一定要来一杯？

QiuhuaBetter be prepared, I won't listen to any pleas for mercy when the time comes.您可做好心理准备，到时候我可不听您求饶。

CommanderHeh, that depends on who wins in the end,呵，谁赢还不一定呢。

(And as it turns out, my luck today is better.)（事实证明，今天是我的运气更好。）

Qiuhua...What the heck! I lost five times in a row? How does this even make sense?! Is this real life or is this just a fantasy...……这怎么可能！我已经五连输了吧！这科学吗？我是在做梦吧……

QiuhuaCommander, is there some kind of trick you're using?长官，您是不是有什么特别的诀窍？

CommanderUh, besides being born lucky? Still, you've drunk a lot tonight, so we can call it quits here if you can't take it anymore.呃，只是运气来了挡不住。不过，你确实喝了很多，要是受不了，游戏还是到此结束吧。

(I reach out to cover the glass in front of Qiuhua, indicating that she doesn't have to continue.)（我伸手盖住秋桦面前的酒杯，示意她不必继续。）

QiuhuaI won't give up so easily! I... I can still drink!我才不会这么轻易就认输呢！我……我还能喝！

(Qiuhua paws my hand like a kitten playing with a toy.)（秋桦以指尖勾了勾我的手，像是猫咪拨弄着她的玩具。）

QiuhuaStill, if you want to console me, there's something you can do.或者，您要是想安慰一下我的话，也可以换个方式嘛。

CommanderAnd what do you have in mind?你想要什么方式？

QiuhuaYou... come closer, will you?您……您先过来，离我近一点儿，好吗？

(Curious, I get up and approach her.)（我好奇地起身，走到她身边。）

QiuhuaThere's still wine in your glass, right?您的杯中还有酒吧？

QiuhuaEarlier, you had a glass of mine, so now you can return the favor. How about that?先前您喝了一杯我的酒，现在正好还我一杯，您觉得如何？

CommanderUm... what? Oh, you mean the one you funneled down my throat just now?嗯……？哦，是你先前灌给我的那一杯吗？

QiuhuaHehe, good, you remember, that makes things simple. Now then, want to give it back to me now? Since it's a good chance for it now and all...嘿嘿，您还记得就好说了。那么，要现在还给我吗？择日不如撞日嘛……

CommanderYou want my wine? There's still some left in the bottle, I can pour it for you.我的酒？酒瓶里还有，你想喝我再给你倒就好。

QiuhuaI want the glass you're holding as a reward!作为奖励的话，我就要您手里这杯！

(Qiuhua lifts her head up to meet my gaze. Her pink lips are half-parted and moist from all the drinking she's done so far. A wave of intoxication catches up with me at last and I allow myself to be guided into pouring my wineglass into her mouth.)（秋桦仰头看我。红唇早已微张，在酒液的浸润下更显润泽。迟来的酒意在此刻涌上，我由着她的引导，将我杯中的酒喂入她口中。）

Commander...So how is this any different from your own wine?……和你自己的酒有什么区别？

QiuhuaHehe... Well, if you're curious, why don't I pour you another glass? Then we can switch places and you let me do it for you, how about that?嘿嘿……长官，您好奇的话，要不我再给您斟上，我们换位，您再体会一回？

CommanderSure, that works for me. Not now, though. We still have a fourth round of drinks, right? Then we need to be patient; good things come to those who wait, especially when they're the best things.也行，不过，不是现在。还有第四轮的酒吗？对最好的东西，要有点耐心。

(I wipe away drops of wine from the corner of Qiuhua's mouth.)（我擦去秋桦嘴角少许溢出的酒液。）

QiuhuaOh, ohhhhh. You're right. I... I'll go take a look.哦，哦。您说得……有道理，我……我去看看。

Intoxicated Reflection Ⅳ 对影酣醉·Ⅳ

QiuhuaCommander... There's something I wanted to tell you, but... but what was it... I think... I think I forgot...长官……我有话要说，但是，是什么呢……好像……好像忘了什么……

CommanderIt's okay if you don't remember. Take your time and think about it, it's not like I have anything else planned for today.想不起来不用急，慢慢想，今天我也没什么别的安排。

Qiuhua...Ah! I remember now! I... I have a secret... and I want to tell you... Come closer so you can hear it!……啊！想起来了！我……我有个秘密哦……我要……告诉您……您再靠近一点才听得清！

(Not knowing whether to laugh or cry at this, I lean towards her. I immediately feel something against my ear, a moist touch... followed by an impact.)（我哭笑不得地附耳过去。耳廓立刻感受到湿润的触碰……和撞击。）

QiuhuaUh oh! That was too close... I think my balancer program is on the blink.唔哦！近、近过头了……我这定位程式好像出了点问题……

QiuhuaCommander, are you alright? Does it hurt?长官，您没事吧？撞疼了吗？

CommanderI'm fine. What about you, what were you trying to tell me?没事。倒是你，想说什么？

QiuhuaHehe... Actually, before I invited you over, I did a little special something—嘿嘿……其实我呀，今天……在您过来之前，特——意——

QiuhuaI maxed out my human simulation parameters and turned off my alcohol content regulator too, hehehe...把拟人比值拉到了最大，关掉了酒精管理控件，嘿嘿嘿……

QiuhuaSince... we're going to get stinking drunk... How could I cheat with my programs? In other words... today, we're going to...既然……不醉不归……那我怎么能靠程序作弊呢！长官，你我今天可是……

QiuhuaDecide things! Fair and square! With a drinking duel... Hehehe...堂！堂！正！正！的饮酒对决……嘿嘿嘿……

Commander...As I thought. I figured something was wrong with you since just now, and it turns out you were drunk.……果然，从刚才开始你就不太对劲，我就猜你是喝醉了。

QiuhuaI'm not! I can still go on... Commander, pour me a drink! Give me more... give me another glass! Ah, no, give me ten more glasses!—我没有！我还可以……长官，酒呢！再给我……给我喝一杯！啊不，十杯——

(Qiuhua's limp punch lightly strikes my chest, as though being drunk has affected her strength too. She feels around at random for a bit before finally latching onto my shoulder.)（秋桦软绵绵的一掌拍在我胸前，似乎酒精使她的力量也受到了影响。她胡乱摸索了片刻，终于够到我的肩膀挂住。）

QiuhuaCommander, Commander, I have a question—长官，长官，我有问题——

Commander(Sigh) Go on then... Ask away...哎……你问吧……

QiuhuaWill there... will there be... world peace? You know, a day when we—everyone, every Doll—can eat and drink as much as we want?世界……世界会和平……吧？总有一天，所有人、所有的人形……都能，想吃什么吃什么，想喝多少喝多少吧？

Commander...Will there? ...I suppose.……会吗？……会吧。

QiuhuaAnd will... will you be the one to bring us a world like... like that?您……会为我们带来那样的世界……是、是吗？

Commander...Will I? ...I will.……会吗？……会的。

QiuhuaAnd when the time comes... What happens to me? We'll be together, right...?到那个时候……我呢？我们会一直在一起，对吗……

CommanderYes, if nothing else, we'll be together at the very least.嗯，至少我们会一直在一起。

QiuhuaHehe... Good! Commander! Good! ...Bad guys... bad!嘿嘿……好！长官！好！……坏人！坏！

(There's a dazed look in Qiuhua's eyes as she gazes at me. She chuckles, then plops her head down on my shoulder.)（秋桦眼神迷离地看着我，憨笑了片刻，脑袋一歪靠在我肩上。）

CommanderShe's totally out of it...这是彻底不省人事了吗……

Qiuhua—Baijiu! The Baijiu will change the world! It'll change it with the— with the Commander... the Com...——白干儿！白干会改变这个世界！和长官一起——改变……变……

CommanderHahaha, okay, that's enough for today. Go get some rest, I'll bring you back to your dorm room... urgh!!!哈哈哈……可以了，可以了。你休息吧，我送你回休息室……唔！！！

(A sudden kiss hits my gums, accompanied by the fragrance of wine.)（猝不及防的吻撞开我的牙关，带着浓烈的酒香。）

QiuhuaHehe... when I wake up tomorrow... I won't forget! Count on it...我……嘿嘿……明天醒来……不会忘！一定不……

(And then, the Doll who offered her lips to me passes out. It takes a lot of effort after that to drag her back to her room.)（然后，献吻的人形就彻底醉死了过去。在那之后，我花了很久，将秋桦拖回她的休息室。）

Collection Overview 1 收藏展示1

QiuhuaCommander! I wanted to discuss something with you. Are you free?长官！有个事儿我想和您商量一下，您有时间吗？

QiuhuaOne of my friends runs a restaurant, but it closed down, and she's got a stash of great booze she needs to unload...我的朋友开的餐厅倒闭了，她有一些库存美酒想要转让……

QiuhuaI checked the prices and they're a steal. More importantly, she's letting go of a wide selection of stuff; saves us the trouble of collecting it ourselves.价格我确认过了，绝对公道划算。重点是品类丰富，省去自己收集的功夫。

QiuhuaIf you're interested, then let me expense the cost to the Elmo! Once it comes, I promise you'll be the first to get a taste!长官，要是您感兴趣，就通过我的经费申请呗！等那批酒到了，我请您第一个尝尝！

Use {0}消耗{0}

Sorry to bother you...打扰了…

QiuhuaWoohoo! I'll go get it now!好嘞！那我这就去联系收购！

QiuhuaSo we'll wait until Mayling finishes her stock? Aw man, that's so harsh... Alright then, just let me know when you change your mind!等美玲的酒喝完了再说？好残忍的话语……好吧，您什么时候改主意了，再找我呗！

Kitchen Chat 1 厨房闲谈1

QiuhuaCommander! You're just in time. Come try this, it's my specialty.长官！您来得正好，快来尝尝我的拿手菜。

A mellow richness lingers between the lips and teeth, its rapturous aftertaste long and enduring.醇厚的滋味在唇齿间缱绻，幸福的余韵悠长，经久不散。

CommanderEvery mouthful tastes like bliss.每一口都是幸福的味道。

QiuhuaHey, slow down, take it easy. Well, how was it? Tasted good, huh?诶！您慢点儿吃。怎么样，这道菜不错吧！

I'm surprised it came out so well.没想到能做得这么好吃。

The seasonings were quite a surprise...意料之外的调味……

CommanderThe ingredients can be found anywhere, but the dish they made tasted great.常见的食材，没想到能做得这么好吃。

QiuhuaEat more if you like it! If there isn't enough, I'll make more for you!您喜欢就多吃点，不够我再给您现做啊！

CommanderWhat a delicious flavor!唇齿生香！

CommanderThe taste was rich but even. Well done!丰富均衡的口感，不愧是你！

The deep aroma coils around the tongue, wrapping me in a cloud of tenderness.浓郁的香气萦绕舌尖，仿佛坠入温柔的云端。

Kitchen Chat 2 厨房闲谈2

QiuhuaCommander, I've drawn up the menu for the upcoming party. Want to help me sample the dishes?长官，下一次的派对菜单拟好了，您帮我试试菜吧？

Her thoughtful cooking brings out soul-stirring flavors from even the simplest ingredients.合理的烹调让最简单的食材碰撞出令人动容的滋味。

CommanderThe perfectly managed heat brings out a natural harmony of taste.恰到好处的火候，食材的美味浑然天成。

QiuhuaHow is it? Your opinion means a lot to me, Commander.如何？长官的建议，对我来说很重要。

It's plain, but decent.水准稳定。

Not bad.还不错。

CommanderPerhaps some innovation and surprises might help.增加一点创新和惊喜吧。

QiuhuaWill do! I'll do my best!好嘞！我再加把劲儿试试！

CommanderPar for the course.中规中矩。

CommanderIt would be better if the base flavor was richer.底味再丰富些更好。

With a single bite, their freshness blooms upon the palate.一口下去，食材的鲜味在口中绽放。

Kitchen Chat 3 厨房闲谈3

QiuhuaCommander, I developed a new dish. Can you try it for me?长官，我开发了新的特色菜，您尝尝怎么样？

An indescribably complex sensation surges in my chest, leaving my mind in a daze.难以名状的复杂口感涌上心间，以至脑海只剩一片茫然。

CommanderA mysterious flavour—yet somehow, it feels familiar.迷之口感，但吃起来有点熟悉。

QiuhuaI think it's pretty unique. Does it suit your tastes, Commander?我觉着这道菜还是挺特别的，长官，合您口味吗？

It certainly left an impression.令人印象深刻。

Are you SURE it's food?你确定……它是食物吗？

CommanderUuurgh... its taste definitely left an impression.唔呃……真是……令人印象深刻的口感。

QiuhuaWas it that bad? Maybe I should make something else for you.这么糟糕？！我给您重新整点儿别的吧。

CommanderI'm terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought.令人后怕。

CommanderAre you SURE it's food?你确定……它是食物吗？

My once-keen sense of taste slowly loses its bearings amid this strange experience.昔日敏锐的味觉在此刻陌生的体验中逐渐迷失了方向。

Lobby Group Chat 1 休息室群聊1

QiuhuaYep... and now this goes in...嘿……接下来就放这个……

SabrinaMm, it's time to add this in as well...嗯嗯，是时候该加上这个了……

Macqiato?!？！

QiuhuaOi, oi, hold up, what are you doing? Quit pushing! Aren't you making sweet and sour pork?欸欸欸，你整啥呢，别跟我抢啊，你不是要做锅包肉吗？

SabrinaYeah, this is the last step. Oh, come on, let me use it for a little!对啊，就差这步了，哎呀，先让我用一下嘛！

QiuhuaNo, what the heck are you doing with the orange juice?不是，你做锅包肉用橙汁儿干啥啊？

SabrinaHehe, it's my newest creation! The sweet and sour orange juice will add the aroma of fruit to the pork without changing the taste!嘿嘿，这是我的最新创意！用酸酸甜甜的橙汁制作，在保证味道不变的同时，还能让锅包肉散发出水果的清香哦！

QiuhuaI'm going to ask again. What are you making here?你再说一遍你做的这是啥？

SabrinaImproved sweet and sour pork! The flavor's lovely, want to give it a go?改良锅包肉呀！味道真的很好啦，你想尝尝吗？

QiuhuaIf there's orange juice in it, it's not proper sweet and sour pork!放橙汁儿的不能叫锅包肉！

SabrinaIt's about time you took in some creativity. Hyah—here I go!你也是时候该接受点新创意啦，嘿——我抢！

SabrinaHum hum~哼哼哼~

QiuhuaYou, you—!你，你你你——！

QiuhuaYou could use a bit of that creativity, too!既然这样，你也接受一下新创意吧！

QiuhuaHeh, pineapple—wait till you see my pineapple pizza!嘿，菠萝——我做的菠萝披萨，你就瞧好吧！

QiuhuaHum hum~哼哼哼~

Ingredient Planters 食材盆栽

QiuhuaCommander! Whatcha doing here?长官！您来啦？

QiuhuaHm? What I'm doing? I just found a potential new ingredient in that pot over there!嗯？我在干什么？我刚才发现了新食材，就在那边的盆里种着！

That's a pet plant for one of the Dolls...那是某个人形的宠物盆栽。

How can you eat it?怎么吃？

QiuhuaSay what? You can have pet plants now?啥？那玩意还是宠物呢？

QiuhuaGuess I can't eat it, then. That'd be cruel.这样的话还是不吃了吧，怪残忍的。

QiuhuaBut it looks so yummy... Maybe I should go talk to its owner?可它看起来真的很好吃……要不，我还是去试探一下盆栽的主人吧？

QiuhuaI'm still thinking about it... Say, Commander, ever had fried leaves before?我还在考虑……长官，您吃过炸叶子吗？

QiuhuaLightly coat them with batter, then dunk them in oil and fry until golden brown. Mmm, that taste, hehe...裹上一层薄面糊，下油锅炸至金黄。那滋味，嘿嘿……

QiuhuaIf you like, I'll go pick a few and try it now!您要是也想吃的话，我这就去薅一把试试！

Poison Research 毒物研发中

QiuhuaUwah! You scared the hell out of me! What are you doing here, Commander?哇啊！吓我一跳！长官您怎么来了？

QiuhuaWhat am I doing here? That's not important!我？我正在干嘛不重要啦！

Qiuhua...Oh yeah, Commander, are you hungry? Let's get something to eat; I'll make a whole table's worth of dishes for you.……对了长官，您饿了吗？来点菜吧，我给您整一桌？

Don't change the subject, what's going on?别扯开话题，发生什么了？

No need for that, I'll eat what's in front of you.不用，我就吃你面前的吧。

QiuhuaOh, it's nothing, just relax and don't worry about it.没什么，您把心放宽了，别在意。

QiuhuaIt's just that I may have accidentally made something so toxic that it's more suitable for combat than as cuisine...我只是不小心做出了一道毒药，比起食用更适合用于战斗……

QiuhuaDon't worry though, I'm working on detoxifying it, hehe!您放心，我已经在无害化处理这道菜了，嘿嘿！

QiuhuaCommander, you can't!长官，这个可不兴吃啊！

QiuhuaThis is a new dish I'm working on, I just tried it and it's poisonous.这是我开发中的新菜，我刚试过了，它有毒。

QiuhuaNo, I'm not going to give up on it. I need to think of another way to make it non-poisonous...不行，我不想放弃。我得想点别的法子，去除它里面的毒性……

Dorm Dialogue 1 宿舍对话1

QiuhuaOutta the way, new dish fresh off the stove—eh? It's you, Commander! Wanna try something new?让一让，刚出炉的新菜式来了——咦？是长官！您要尝尝鲜吗？

QiuhuaCommander, where are we going next? I already can't wait to meet some new friends!长官，接下来咱去哪儿溜达溜达？我已经迫不及待地想要认识新朋友了！

Lavish dishes 豪华料理

QiuhuaSince it's a party, we should probably have fancier food—宴会果然还是应该吃点豪华的料理——

QiuhuaCommander, what do you think of piping hot Gou Bao Rou?长官，你觉得热气腾腾的锅包肉怎么样？

QiuhuaWhile it does take a while to make...制作要花的时间，算起来确实不少……

QiuhuaGou Bao Rou is best when it's steaming fresh out of the pot.热气腾腾刚出锅的状态才是锅包肉最美味的时间。

Dorm Dialogue 1 宿舍对话1

QiuhuaIt's customary to have a drink at feasts and celebrations. Want one, Commander?说到庆典宴会那当然要喝一杯啦，咋样，指挥官要不要也来点？

QiuhuaI'll be making some hearty dishes to go with the drinks afterwards, so you absolutely need to show up!我等会儿再去弄几个下酒的硬菜，指挥官可一定要来捧场啊。

Dorm Dialogue 2 宿舍对话2

QiuhuaI had Liushih try some Dongbei bean paste too, but I guess food therapy doesn't work on Dolls after all.我让刘莳也试了试东北大酱，果然食疗对人形没有效果呢。

QiuhuaYou should try some if you need to regain your energy. The effects are really obvious.长官的话，在需要恢复精力的时候来一口，效果会很明显哦。

Dorm Dialogue 3 宿舍对话3

QiuhuaHeyo, Commander. I met a rich gal and nearly became an umadoll.长官，咱可是遇到有钱人了啊，差点就变成爱马人士了。

QiuhuaI'm bad at riding, though, so I had to decline the offer.但毕竟不太会骑，所以还是谢绝了。

QiuhuaThat said, Liushih's still as cool as ever! Definitely a friend worth having!不过，刘莳还真是和以前一样爽快！这个朋友交得值！

Dorm Dialogue 4 宿舍对话4

QiuhuaCommander, just look at this wishing slip. Doesn't it remind you of me?长官，看着这枚许愿签，你有没有想到咱呢？

QiuhuaMy name "Qiuhua" refers to a red leaf too, doesn't it?你看，我的名字“秋桦”不就是一种红叶吗？

QiuhuaWhy don't you make a wish to me too? I'll do my best to make it come true!不如长官也对我许愿吧，我会努力帮你实现的！

Dorm Dialogue 5 宿舍对话5

QiuhuaSabrina said the cookies she made were a touch subpar, and I got the same feeling too.塞布丽娜说做出来的饼干差点意思，我也有这种感觉啊。

QiuhuaThat person with whom we share delicious food is now gone, and the food is also becoming tasteless.分享美食的人不在，连饭菜都变得没味道了。

QiuhuaUgh! Dunno when the Commander will come back...哎！也不知道长官啥时候能回来……

Dorm Dialogue 6 宿舍对话6

QiuhuaHahaha, Mayling is such a scaredy-cat. Did you really think we'd make the Commander drink some weird concoction?哈哈哈，美玲的胆子也太小了，真以为咱们会给长官灌迷魂汤啊？

QiuhuaC'mon, down the soup, there's more signature dishes after this!赶紧一口闷了吧，后面还有我做的硬菜呢！

Massage Lounge 1 按摩休闲1

QiuhuaCommander!长官！

QiuhuaMacchiato and I were working on the drinks for the party! Come give us some suggestions!我和玛绮朵在筹备宴会上的饮料，长官你也来给我们点建议吧！

MakiattoD-do we really need to bother the Commander about this sort of thing?这、这种事情还要麻烦指挥官吗？

QiuhuaYou were trying to guess the Commander's preferences, weren't you? Wouldn't it be faster if you just asked him directly?你不是在猜长官的喜好吗，还是直接问本人更快吧？

QiuhuaCommander, come try my drink. I guarantee it'll make your heart race.长官，来尝尝我制作的饮料，保证能让您心跳加速。

MakiattoMy drink... won't be bad.我做的饮料……不会糟糕。

Massage Lounge 2 按摩休闲2

QiuhuaCommander! Hurry, hurry, step right up! Can't afford to pass it by!长官，走过、路过不要错过！

QiuhuaOne cup warms the body, two cups warms the heart, and the third one will put you out like a light till the morning comes!一杯暖身、两杯暖心、三杯直接睡到第二天天亮！

CommanderThis is one stiff drink.好浓的酒精味。

QiuhuaRelax, relax, it's not like the alcohol content's that high anyway.放心、放心，度数不会很高。

QiuhuaIt's only a REAL party when you can knock back the good stuff like this!宴会，就是要喝这个才带劲！

CommanderI think you made too much of it.你准备得也太多了。

QiuhuaWell, Miss Mayling's a strong drinker, and we have other friends who want to drink too.美玲小姐能喝不少呢，还有别的同伴也要喝。

CommanderYou don't need to serve too much strong drink.不用供应太多高浓度的酒水饮料。

QiuhuaRelax, relax. I've been homebrewing rice wine of my own, I'm sure it'll suit everyone's appetites perfectly.放心，放心，我准备了自酿的米酒，绝对合大家的胃口。

CommanderI bet Mayling will like it.美玲应该很喜欢。

QiuhuaEh, there are way too many conditions you have to satisfy to make authentic Lao Bai Gan liquor.诶，做出纯正的老白干需要太多条件了。

QiuhuaWhen I brew a proper batch, I'll share it with everyone! We can have another party for it!等我制作成功再请大家好好喝一顿！到时候也办个派对！

QiuhuaAnyway, don't hesitate any further, Commander. Come try this drink I concocted just for the party.别犹豫了，长官，尝尝这杯我为宴会特调的饮料。

Alright.好。

This is a bit much.这也太多了。

CommanderAlright.好。

QiuhuaJust drink whatever you like, I've got lots of drinks in store. If you like them, you can have more.您尽管喝，我还准备了好几款饮料。爱喝可以多喝些。

CommanderNot bad.还不错。

QiuhuaDecent? That means I still have room for improvement.不错？说明还有进步空间。

QiuhuaLooks like I'll have to bring out my real skills for the party.宴会上我要拿出压箱底的手艺了。

QiuhuaSpeaking of which, Commander, why don't you try making a drink too?说起来，长官，不如您也来做杯饮料。

QiuhuaI kind of want to know what your tastes are like.我很好奇，您的口味。

CommanderThis is a bit much.这也太多了。

Massage Lounge 3 按摩休闲3

QiuhuaSo good—好喝——

QiuhuaCommander, you're really good at this!指挥官的料理水平很不错啊！

CommanderWell, I had a recipe, so making a drink wasn't exactly difficult.只要有配方，饮料制作并不复杂。

MakiattoIt's... not that simple.没、没那么简单。

MakiattoI can taste the feelings you put into it, Commander.指挥官制作时的心意，只要用心品尝，就能感受到。

MakiattoWhen the party comes, we'll make the best dishes ever.宴会上我们会准备最完美的食物。

QiuhuaWe'll make sure our food and drinks will carry our feelings with them!会是能让长官感受到我们心意的餐饮！

Massage Lounge 4 按摩休闲4

QiuhuaAll celebrations need a big variety of food!说到庆典，必不可少的当然是各色料理啦！

SabrinaHehe, that's right! And of course, the centerpiece has got to be a suuuuuuuper juicy roast that melts in your mouth!嘿嘿，没错！要说其中的重头菜，当然是超——级多汁、入口即化的烤肉呢！

QiuhuaShe's right! Meat is king! Commander, I want to really show my stuff and make a few meat dishes for you!肉确实很重要！长官，我也打算露上几手，准备几道肉料理给您尝尝！

QiuhuaWhether you fry it or broil it or braise it in a pot, you've got to properly season your meat if you want it to taste good!无论是炒还是炖，要想把肉料理做到入味的话，腌制的时间必须要充足才行！

SabrinaYes! That's it! Qiuhua, let's not delay and head to the kitchen right now!这、这确实很重要！秋桦，事不宜迟，我们赶紧出发去厨房吧！

SabrinaYou can come with us if you're interested, Commander! Hehe, I'll tweak the menu based on your taste test feedback!指挥官如果感兴趣也可以一起来哦！嘿嘿，我可以根据您的试吃反馈，及时对菜品做出调整呢！

QiuhuaYup, we need to consider what people dislike, the doneness level of the meat... So the flavor is entirely up to you, Commander!没错，大家有哪些忌口，哪些要注意生熟……味道的把控就靠长官您了！

CommanderYes, yes, yes, I'll do my part in all this. However, please take these wishing slips before you run off to the kitchen.好好好，我会负起责任的。不过在去厨房前，这个许愿签给你们。

CommanderIf you have a wish you want granted, please write it down on the slips.你们如果有想要实现的愿望，就写在上面吧。

QiuhuaDo I have a wish? Commander, isn't our wish obvious?愿望？我说长官，我们的愿望那不是一目了然吗？

SabrinaHehe, our wish is to feed you up during the celebration until you're happy and full!嘿嘿，我们的愿望就是，能让您在庆典上吃得开心，吃得满意！

Massage Lounge 5 按摩休闲5

SabrinaCommander, you came just in time!指挥官，您来得正好！

CommanderHow are things? Is the cooking prep going well?怎么样？料理准备得还算顺利吗？

SabrinaHmm... My stove here is all warmed up. Qiuhua, how's the meat?唔……我这边的炉子热得差不多了。秋桦，肉准备得怎么样了？

QiuhuaI've prepared all the meat I could find.能找到的肉，我都已经处理完毕了。

QiuhuaIt doesn't seem like there's enough of it, though... I don't think it's even enough for Sabrina alone, let alone the rest of the Elmo.不过怎么看都觉得分量不太够啊……别说庆典了，我觉得塞布丽娜你一个人就能吃完。

SabrinaIt can't be THAT bad, right? Still, the amount and variety of meat isn't quite enough for a proper barbecue.没、没那么夸张啦！但是如果是制作烤肉的话，肉的数量和种类确实是少了些。

QiuhuaYeah, we won't be able to stack it up with just this much. And if we roast them as individual pieces, they'll get cold by the time we serve them.是啊，单是这些肉很难做出堆叠在一起的效果，分开烤的话，等上菜的时候可就凉了。

QiuhuaWell, our current issue is resolving the amount of meat available... Oh yes, Commander, can you help us out there?当务之急是解决肉的数量……对了，长官，能让您帮个小忙吗？

CommanderHm? What do you need me to do?嗯？需要我做什么吗？

QiuhuaCan you help us contact an underground broker and get us some meat for cooking?您能帮忙去找暗商，搞来些作为原材料的肉吗？

QiuhuaIt would be best to get meat that the Elmo doesn't have. As for type or quantity... The more the merrier, of course!最好是搞些艾莫号上没有的肉，种类和数量嘛……自然是越多越好！

SabrinaYup, and with that we'll be able to really pile up the meat and put the fattiest cuts on the bottom.没错，到时候我们可以把肉叠起来，把油脂含量高的肉铺在下面。

SabrinaThat way, it'll cook faster and taste better!这样烤肉的时候热起来更快，味道也更好！

CommanderMm, I understand. I'll go contact a broker right now.嗯，我知道了，我这就去找暗商。

QiuhuaPlease do, Commander! We'll be waiting for your good news!那就拜托您了，长官！我们等您的好消息！

Let's head out.出发。

I'm not ready yet.还没准备好。

Massage Lounge 6 按摩休闲6

QiuhuaThe meat is almost fully prepared, Commander.烤肉的处理已经差不多了，长官。

SabrinaI can smell its fragrance... Mmm, I want to try a bite.我已经能闻到肉的香味了……唔，好想试吃一口。

QiuhuaGiven how you look, I don't think you'll stop at just one bite, will you?你要是现在动筷子，可不是试吃那么简单吧？

QiuhuaThat said, it feels like there's still something missing...不过虽然做完了烤肉，总觉得还差些什么呢……

CommanderPeople will eventually get sick of only eating meat. How about some veggies to go with it?如果只吃烤肉恐怕大家会腻，不如再做一些配菜搭配它吧。

QiuhuaOhhhh! That's a great idea!哦哦！这的确是个好主意！

SabrinaWe can serve fresh greens along with the meat dishes! That'll help refresh everyone's palates!一口生菜一口烤肉，这样也不会腻呢！

CommanderSince you've gone to all the trouble to prepare the meat, I'll do my part with the vegetables.烤肉都麻烦你们了，配菜就交给我吧。

CommanderJust give me a bit, I'll go prepare them right now.稍等一会，我这就去准备下。

Massage Lounge 7 按摩休闲7

QiuhuaCommander, this is my Dongbei bean paste. I highly recommend it.长官，这是我推荐的东北大酱。

QiuhuaI picked out the beans myself, and I fermented them for over a hundred days before making them into sauce.选用的黄豆都是我精挑细选的，足足热晒了一百多天才制作成酱。

QiuhuaBut don't take my word for it; give it a taste and you'll find out just why it's so good!嘿嘿，长官您吃一口就知道了！

CommanderMm. It's very rich, and it goes very well with the meat juices.确实能感觉到很厚重的味道，和烤肉的汁水结合得也很棒。

Commander...Hm? Am I imagining things? Why do I feel my fatigue fading away?……嗯？是我的错觉吗？怎么感觉疲劳褪去了不少？

QiuhuaOh, maybe it's because I added some nourishing ingredients to it? Don't worry, it's perfectly normal.哦，是因为我在里面放了滋补食材的关系吧？别担心，这属于是正常情况。

CommanderHmmm, normal, you say? Then why does my body feel hot now?唔……正常情况吗？怎么总觉得身体燥热起来了？

QiuhuaLooks like you're not too used to food therapy. If you feel hot, go ahead and unbutton your shirt.看来长官还不太习惯食疗呢。您如果感觉热的话，可以把扣子解开些呢。

CommanderHow could I do that...这怎么行……

QiuhuaDon't worry, it's fine, it's not like there's anyone around here anyway. Or I could help take it off if you're feeling embarrassed. How about it?没关系、没关系，反正这里也没有别人。如果您不方便，我可以来代劳哦？

CommanderUh, wait a minute, I can do it myself...等、等等，还是我自己来吧……

QiuhuaAw, don't be a stranger, Commander. If anyone asks, you can just say the sauce was so spicy that you worked up a sweat. That's perfectly reasonable, isn't it?长官您就别和我客气了。别人要是问起来，您就说您是吃到辣得满头大汗不就行了吗？

QiuhuaOr are you saying this place is too public and you don't want to show your body off?或者说长官觉得这里人多，不想让人看到？

QiuhuaIn that case, we can go to my room instead and I can help you slip into something a little more comfortable.那也可以去我的房间，让我替您换一件轻便的衣服。

Commander...Please don't tease me. In any case, I've experienced the power of Dongbei bean paste now.……你还是别恶作剧我了。总之这个特制东北大酱的威力，我算是体会到了。

QiuhuaHahaha, well, you can always go for a stroll to cool yourself off.哈哈哈，长官可以去散步吹吹风，或许能让身体冷静一些。

QiuhuaI saw Cheyanne and Dushevnaya in the Armory Passage earlier. I think they might need your help.我之前看到夏安、杜莎妮在武器室通道那边，或许她们需要长官的帮助。

CommanderAlright then, I'll head over there.那好，我先到处走走吧。

Massage Lounge 8 按摩休闲8

QiuhuaHehe, leave the cooking to me! You won't regret it!嘿嘿，做菜嘛，交给我准没错！

QiuhuaHurry, try out this iron pot stew. How does it taste?快尝尝这刚出锅的铁锅炖，味道怎么样？

MaylingOhh....D-delicious! The meat is all soft, the taste of soy sauce is so thick, the ingredients' essence is all coming out into the stew!唔……好、好吃！肉质软烂，酱香浓郁，把食材的精髓都炖出来了！

QiuhuaRight! This is the Commander's favorite late-night snack.对吧！长官平时最爱吃这道夜宵了。

MaylingLate-night snack? I mean it is delicious, but as a late-night snack... isn't this a bit too salty?夜宵吗？好吃是好吃，但如果作为夜宵的话，好像……有点太咸了吧？

QiuhuaEh? I've always used the same amount of seasonings though.诶？可我一直都是放这么多酱的啊。

QiuhuaCommander would always completely clean it out, how could it be too salty?长官每次都会吃得干干净净，怎么会咸呢？

MaylingI remember the Commander mentioned he actually likes his food light in palate.我记得，指挥官说过，他其实更喜欢吃清淡一点的东西。

MaylingEspecially late at night...尤其是在熬夜的时候……

QiuhuaSeriously?真的假的？

QiuhuaMy goodness, Commander. If it didn't fit your taste, you could've just straight up told me so.长官也真是的，口味不合适的话，明明可以直接告诉我的嘛。

MaylingIt's probably because the Commander knew that it takes a lot of effort to cook... He probably didn't want to let down Qiuhua's kind gesture, and so he kept quiet?大概是指挥官知道秋桦做饭很辛苦……不想辜负这份心意，所以才没有说出来吧？

Qiuhua...Uuuuu.……唔。

QiuhuaHehe... though it's a bit embarrassing, but I miss the Commander even more.嘿嘿……虽然有点不好意思，但总觉得更想念长官了啊。

QiuhuaWhen the Commander's back, I'll readjust the recipe, and make late-night snacks more suitable to the Commander's palate!等长官回来，我会重新调整配方，做出更符合长官口味的夜宵的！

Affinity Records 契合度记录

Record 1Originally known as Type 97 Shotgun, she was one of the first Dolls to leave Griffin upon the announcement of its restructuring. "Look, the way I am, I can make friends and get by wherever I go. Better to give the opportunity to someone else who needs it more." She spoke those words to Helian with a sunny smile on her face. This openness and kindness earned her the care of old friends even after her departure from Griffin. She found herself in various places, whether it be a farm or a broker convoy. Based on the impressions that others have of her, Qiuhua is a particularly lively person; straightforward yet gentle, she inspires others around her with her fervent passion, both on the farm and in the broker convoy. After returning to the Elmo, she immediately made a place for herself in its massive family in her own special way. The kitchen was her realm divine, spreading warmth to all with cuisine so fine. "Hey, Qiuhua, how are you always so happy?" Newcomers would often ask her this question. "You really have to ask?" She heartily laughs in response. "Being together with everyone and getting to cook good food for the folks is more than enough, isn't it?" It was a truly heartfelt answer. Though she did choose to leave Griffin of her own accord, she has never once regretted her decision. She believes that she will eventually find her place of belonging, so long as she keeps her passions close to her heart. On the Elmo, she's found home.本名97式霰，是格里芬重组时主动选择离开的人形之一。 “我这人啊，走到哪都能交到朋友，去哪都能应付得来，不如把机会让给更需要的大家伙儿。” 当时她对赫丽安这样说着，脸上带着爽朗的笑容。这份豁达与善良，让她在离开格里芬后也一直得到着旧友们的关心，此后她曾在多地辗转，去过农场，也加入过暗商车队。 在所有认识她的人眼中，秋桦都是个特别鲜活的存在。她爽朗又温暖，不论在农场工作时期，还是在暗商车队的日子里，她都能用自己的热情感染周围的每个人。 重返艾莫号后，她立刻用自己的方式融入了这个大家庭。厨房成了她的主场，美食则是她传递温暖的方式。 “秋桦啊，你为什么总是这么开心？”新来的人形经常这样问她。 “这还用问？”她总是爽朗地大笑着，“能跟大家在一起，能给大家做好吃的，这不就是最让人开心的事吗？” 这样的回答，正是最真实的她。虽然在格里芬重组时主动选择离开，但她从未后悔过自己的决定。因为她相信，只要保持着这份真诚与热情，终有一天能够重新找到属于自己的位置。而现在，她终于在艾莫号找回了归属。

Record 2"Everyone, come have a look!" Qiuhua rushes out of the kitchen, a delicious-looking dish in her hands. "Authentic Guo Bao Rou, with nothing but the finest ingredients I could get!" Cooking is more than just a task to be completed to Qiuhua, but a way of conveying her feelings. Sometimes the vessel is a fine plate of northeastern cuisine, and sometimes it is her "avant-garde creations". Finding the courage to try the latter is occasionally a difficult task for those on the Elmo. "Eh—T-There's more?" Mayling somewhat haphazardly accepts another massive plate from Qiuhua, looking worriedly in the direction of the kitchen. "Qiuhua, we've got a lot on the table already!" "Haha, don't worry, dig in!" Qiuhua responds without as much as turning her head, still laboring away in and out of the kitchen. "The folks deserve some good food after all the hard work!" "No, I just mean... Are you sure about the mutated veggie stew? Is it really okay...?" Mayling carefully inspects the pot in front of her, its contents piping hot. The vegetables of odd types and sizes in the stew perturb Mayling somewhat, but the aroma drifting forth prompts her to give it a try. Seemingly noticing Mayling's reservations, Qiuhua proceeds to her side, giving Mayling a good pat on the shoulder. "Don't you worry, this is all fresh produce from the farm! I liked the texture of some of these, so I sourced a batch for everyone and matched it with a special sauce. Try it!" Her personality quickly allowed her to garner a group of loyal "taste testers". Even the most commonplace home-cooking dish becomes special in her hands. There are those who ask Qiuhua—just why does she enjoy cooking so much? "The look on everyone's faces when they're eating good food is more than worth the trouble!"“你们快来看看这个！”秋桦兴冲冲地从厨房冲出来，手里端着一盘色香俱全的菜品，“这可是正宗的锅包肉，用的可都是我精心挑选的食材！” 对秋桦来说，烹饪从来不只是一项工作，而是传递情感的方式。有时是正宗的东北菜，有时则是她的“创新料理”。对于后者，大家往往需要鼓起极大的勇气才敢尝试。 “哎——还、还有？”美玲有些慌乱地接过秋桦递来的又一个大号餐盘，有些担忧地看着厨房的方向，“秋桦，这边真的已经有很多菜了！” “哈哈！没事儿，快吃吧！”在厨房忙出忙进的秋桦头也不回地应道，“大家工作那么辛苦，就要多吃点儿好的才行！” “不、不，其实我是想说这个……变异蔬菜大乱炖？真的没问题吗……？” 美玲小心翼翼地看向面前散发着腾腾热气的蔬菜乱炖。那些奇形怪状的蔬菜令美玲感到困惑，可弥漫出的香味又吸引着她尝试。 似乎发现了美玲的疑虑，秋桦从厨房走到桌边，爽朗地拍了拍美玲的肩膀。 “放心吧！这可都是农场那边培育的新鲜品种！我瞅着菜的口感不错就给大家弄来了些，还调制了特殊酱料，包好吃！” 就是这样的性格，让她在艾莫号上很快就收获了一群忠实的“试吃员”。即便是最普通的家常菜，经她之手也会变得特别起来。 有人问秋桦，为什么这么热衷于做菜？ “因为啊，能看到大家吃得开心的样子，就觉得再累都值得！”

Record 3"No, no, no! This still doesn't taste right!" In the dead of night, within the kitchen, Qiuhua stands before a piping hot pot of soup with furrowed brows. Laid out before her on the table was a variety of ingredients unique to the Yellow Zone, some of which still emitted a dim light. "This is about as authentic as the process gets for this dish, but the quality of this yellow zone fish..." She breathes out a sigh, but soon perks up again. "No challenge is too great for me, though! I'll make you work, no matter what!" Even before she boarded the Elmo, Qiuhua had been studying how to best use the ingredients available in the Yellow Zone. She did this not to blaze a new path in the culinary arts, but to discover how to give more people a good, proper meal. "Qiuhua? It's late already. Are you still working on your new dishes?" Groza shakes her head helplessly at the sight of a room full of experimental dishes. "What is it this time?" She asks as she approaches the stove. "Oh, Groza, good timing!" Qiuhua's eyes light up. "Come, have a taste of this. It took me a week, but I finally figured out how to get rid of that weird taste! It's still missing a little something, but it's pretty good already!" Groza picks up a pair of chopsticks, looking at Qiuhua with surprise as she samples the dish. "There's no bitterness from the radiation. How did you manage it?" "Oh, that's a long story!" Qiuhua gestures at the air with excitement. "So I figured out that if you soak it in brine for 24 hours, and then use some old ginger and cooking wine..." Groza can't help but be surprised as she watches Qiuhua explains each and every step with enthusiastic gesticulation.“不行不行，这味儿还是不对！” 深夜的厨房里，秋桦正对着一锅冒着热气的汤皱眉头。桌上摆满了各种黄区特有的食材，有些甚至还带着淡淡的荧光。 “这酸菜鱼已经做得很地道了，可这黄区的鱼……”她叹了口气，但马上又打起精神，“不过这难不倒我！咱就不信治不了你！” 在登上艾莫号之前，秋桦就一直在研究如何处理黄区的食材。不是为了标新立异，而是想通过这些研究，让更多的人吃上正经的一餐。 “秋桦？都这么晚了，还在研究你的创新菜式？”看着摆满屋子的试验菜品，我无奈地叹口气，微笑着走到灶台边，“这次又是什么？” “嘿，可让你赶上了！长官！”秋桦眼睛一亮，“来来来，给你尝尝这个。我研究了一个礼拜，总算找到法子去掉那股怪味儿了！虽然还是差一点，不过已经很不错了！” 闻言，我拿起筷子尝了一口，随即有些惊讶地看向秋桦：“的确没有那种辐射后的苦味。你是怎么做到的？” “这就说来话长喽！”秋桦兴奋地比划着，“我发现啊，只要先用盐水浸泡24小时，再用老姜和料酒……” 看着她绘声绘色地讲解每一个步骤，我不禁为秋桦在这上头花费的功夫而咂舌。

Record 4"Reporting in! Suspicious individual detected!" Qiuhua was in the middle of sorting some supplies as the alert came through comms. She put aside her work immediately, silently approaching the designated area with her vast years of working in security. "Hold on, Qiuhua!" Suomi hurriedly advises her over the comms. "The situation there isn't clear yet, don't approach..." But Qiuhua had already gotten to the bottom of it—it was a child who was but nearly skin and bone, rummaging through the supply stash of their temporary camp. She puts away her weapon, walking forward with wide steps. "What are you looking for?" Her voice scares the child witless. "S-Sorry!" The child turns to flee. "Hold on!" Qiuhua grabs him in one swift motion. "Are you hungry?" She brought the child before their tent. Watching as he demolished a plate of food, Qiuhua thought back to the sights she saw wandering through the Yellow Zone. "We'll be here a few more days, come find me if you're hungry." She pats the child's head, "No need to steal, okay?" "But... I have no money..." "No one's asking you to pay up!" She laughs as she responds. "You'll have to help me with something, though." "With what?" "Take care of those little buddies of yours for me, and bring 'em with you here. No wasting the food here." Qiuhua would welcome a group of little guests every day for a period, even leaving enough supplies for them to survive for a good while before she left. Some expressed concerns about this, but Qiuhua would respond: "Hey, even the Dolls have food to eat on the Elmo! What would be the point of letting those little guys go hungry? Besides—" She smiles, gesturing at herself. "Just doesn't sit right with a chef, y'know, watching people go hungry. That's all it is!"“报告！发现可疑人员！”通讯器里传来警报时，秋桦正在整理物资。她立刻放下手中的工作，凭借着多年的安保经验，悄无声息地接近了目标区域。 “等等，秋桦！”索米在通讯器里急切地说，“情况不明，先别过去……” 但秋桦已经看到了情况——那是个瘦小的孩子，正在她们临时营地的物资堆里翻找着什么。她收起武器，大步走了过去。 “找什么呢？”她的声音把孩子吓了一跳。 “对，对不起！”孩子转身就要跑。 “等等！”秋桦一把抓住他，“你是不是饿了？” 最后，这个孩子被带到了她们的帐篷前。看着他狼吞虎咽的样子，秋桦想起了自己在黄区流浪时见过的场景。 “我们还会在这边待上几天，饿了就来找我，”她摸了摸孩子的头，“不用偷，知道吗？” “可是……我没有钱……” “谁跟你要钱了！”她笑着说，“不过，你得帮我个忙。” “什么忙？” “帮我照顾好你的那些小伙伴，带他们一起来。这里的食物，不能浪费。” 那段日子，秋桦她们每天都会迎来一群小客人，甚至在她们离开之前，秋桦还为这些小客人留下了足够生存很长一段时间的物资。 虽然有人对此表示担忧，但秋桦却说：“嗨！咱们艾莫号上，连人形都有饭吃，让这帮小家伙饿着肚子算怎么回事？再说了——” 她笑着指了指自己。 “当厨师的，最看不得有人饿着。这事儿就这么定了！”

Record 5Truth be told, back at Griffin, Qiuhua was nothing like the overlord of the kitchen that she is today. Her obsession with Guo Bao Rou remained, but she had quite the share of incidents under her belt, including not greasing the pan for scrambled eggs, putting a teammate in the hospital, and failing to tell tomatoes from persimmons... To be fair, this was most likely because Qiuhua's core contained no culinary module or specialized core, just like how a Doll without a fire control core would struggle to operate a firearm. But ten years had passed and Qiuhua was a Doll transformed, becoming a master of cooking comparable to Groza and Sabrina. Not only has she become proficient at a cuisine with signature dishes appropriate for every customer, but she even has effort to spare for innovating new dishes. Being responsible for her maintenance, Mayling knows well that Qiuhua has installed no new hardware or even software. It was her very sweat and tears that yielded her this mastery. ...Well, if Dolls could sweat, that is.其实当年还在格里芬的时候，秋桦并不像现在这样，是能竞争厨房霸主的存在。虽然对锅包肉有着谜一般的执着，但还曾经出现过摊鸡蛋没有放油，把队友吃进医院，分不清柿子和西红柿等著名事例…… 公平地想，这大概是因为秋桦的主核心内没有下载厨艺模块，也没有安装专用的厨艺核心，就像失去了火控核心的人形连怎么拿枪都不会了一样。 但是，十年过去，秋桦摇身一变，成为了足以和闪电、塞布丽娜媲美的厨艺专家，不仅熟练掌握了一种菜系，有着不管面对谁都拿得出手的招牌菜，甚至还有余力开发新菜品。 负责维护的美玲十分清楚，秋桦并没有加装任何相关的硬件或是软件。 这一切，全都源于她的努力和汗水。 ……如果人形真的有汗水的话。

Record 6Qiuhua invited me out so that she could cook for me, but she was nowhere to be seen as the time approached. "Sabrina, have you seen Qiuhua?" I questioned Sabrina, who was sorting ingredients on the other side of the kitchen. "Hmm..." She puts a hand on her head, puzzled. "She was here just a moment ago, but she ran out all of a sudden, saying that she left something important in her room." "Something important?" I join in on the confusion, "What was it?" Sabrina scratches her head. "I think it was... a recipe or diagram? I didn't hear her too clearly. Did something happen, Commander?" Leaving Sabrina, I make for Qiuhua's room. Before I even enter the room, I hear a loud clattering from inside, accentuated by Qiuhua's complaints: "Where the heck is it? I swear I put it here..." The sight before me as I enter stops me in my tracks. Qiuhua's room could very well be described as the aftermath of a typhoon: various kitchen utensils, ingredients, documents, and parts were stacked up like little hills, leaving almost nowhere to even stand. Qiuhua is busy delving through this miscellaneous mix of objects, making herself look like a mess in the process. "What are you looking for, Qiuhua?" I carefully navigate a path through the room to her side. "Ah, Commander!" Qiuhua raises her head to look at me as if she had found her saving grace. "Amazing timing! I... I lost some really important notes. They have the results of my most recent research on them!" "Notes? Why not leave them stored in your neural cloud?" I survey my surroundings, and despair overtakes me as I realize the magnitude of this task. "When do you last remember seeing it? Where could it be?" "I was coming up with a new dish and my neural cloud was on high gear already, so I took some notes to help out in the moment..." Qiuhua does her best to think back to that day. "It was... yesterday night? I stuffed the notes in a mechanical maintenance manual..." Maintenance manual? I grow somewhat more hopeful as I study the mountains of trinkets. "Alright, let's give it a good look. If we sort by categories and get everything tidy, it'll eventually show up." I comfort her, beginning the search with her. After the better half of an hour, we finally discovered the manual under a pile of pots, pans, and dishes. Qiuhua carefully pulls it open, finding an oil-stained slip of paper inside. "Found it!" Qiuhua leaps with excitement, pulling me into a hug with a single motion. "Thank you so much, Commander! I never would've found this without you!" Her sudden embrace catches me off guard, but I soon steady my nerves, lightly patting her on the back: "Think nothing of it." "Oops," she lets go, somewhat embarrassed. "I'm no good at organizing things... it always ends up a mess." "Be a bit more careful next time." I mention with a smile on my face, "Take good care of important documents." She sticks out her tongue. "Got it! Next time, I swear! I'll make two extra dishes tonight as thanks, make sure you eat your fill!" A smile breaks out on my face at the sight of her still-energetic self. She is indeed rather inept in these frivolous ways, but this straightforwardness only adds to her cutesy charm.秋桦约好要为我烹制新菜，可临近约定时间，秋桦却迟迟不见人影。 “塞布丽娜，看见秋桦了吗？”我拦住了在厨房另一侧检查食材的塞布丽娜。 “唔……”塞布丽娜困惑地拍了拍脑袋，“刚才她还在这呢，可突然就着急地往外跑，说是有什么重要的东西落在房间里了。” “重要的东西？”我有些疑惑，“是什么？” “似乎是……食谱还是图纸？我也没听清。”塞布丽娜挠挠头，“指挥官，发生什么事了吗？” 告别塞布丽娜，我立刻赶往秋桦的房间。 还没进门，就听到里面传来一阵乒铃乓啷的声音，夹杂着秋桦的抱怨：“在哪儿呢？明明就放在这里的……” 我推门进去，眼前的景象让我不禁愣住了。秋桦的房间简直可以用“灾难现场”来形容：各种厨具、食材、文件、零件堆积如山，几乎没有下脚的地方。秋桦正埋头在这一堆杂物中翻找，搞得自己一副灰头土脸的样子。 “秋桦，你在找什么？”我小心避开地上的杂物，走到她身边。 “啊，长官！”秋桦抬起头，看到我后仿佛看到了救星，“太好了，您来得正好！我……我把一份很重要的笔记弄丢了，那可是我最新的研究成果！” “笔记？怎么不记在心智里？”我环顾四周，感到一阵堪比大海捞针的绝望，“你最后一次看到它是什么时候？放在哪里了？” “我当时在研究新菜，心智在高速运行，就用笔记做辅助了……”秋桦努力回想了一下，“好像是……昨天晚上？我把它夹在一本机械维护手册里了……” 机械维护手册？我看着眼前堆积如山的杂物，感觉希望稍微大了一点点。 “别着急，我们慢慢找，先按分类整理一下，梳理清楚，东西自然就出来了。”我安慰道，然后开始和她一起翻找。 随后，我们花了将近一个小时，终于在一堆锅碗瓢盆底下找到了那本机械维护手册。秋桦小心翼翼地翻开，果然，一张沾满了油渍的纸片静静地躺在里面。 “找到了！”秋桦激动地跳了起来，一把抱住我，“太谢谢您了，长官！如果没有您，我肯定找不到！” 我被她突如其来的拥抱弄得有些不知所措，但很快也平静下来，轻轻拍了拍她的背：“没事，举手之劳而已。” “哎呀，”秋桦不好意思地松开手，挠了挠头，“我就是不擅长整理东西……每次都弄得乱七八糟的。” “以后要注意些。”我笑着说，“重要的文件要好好保管。” “我知道了！”秋桦吐了吐舌头，“下次一定注意！为了报答您，我今晚多做两个菜！您可务必要吃饱吃好了！” 看着她充满活力的样子，我不禁笑了笑。 虽然她不擅长处理这些琐碎的事情，但正是这种率真，让她显得格外可爱。

Record 7"Qiuhua, 11 o'clock, behind the ruins." I lower my voice, speaking almost straight into her ear. The wind kicks up tufts of dust, blurring our vision. We were traversing through a desolate patch of rubble, tracking a fleeing pack of Varjagers we were contracted to hunt down. Everything had been going smoothly before we heard the faint sound of crying around a corner. I see Qiuhua's brows furrow slightly in the corner of my eye. She quickly scans the surroundings, turning back to me. We exchange a look, immediately understanding the other's intentions. A group of refugees huddle behind a collapsed wall, clad in little more than rags with trepidation painted on their faces. Assisting refugees was by no means part of our assignment, but neither Qiuhua nor I could simply stand and watch. "Commander, I gotta go help." Qiuhua's voice remains soft, but resolve is written all over her face. I had no intention to simply stand and watch, but rescuing them now would likely grant an opportunity to the hostiles hiding in the darkness. I cannot tell if Qiuhua intuited my reservations, but she responded to my hesitation with her signature sunny smile: "Leave it to me, Commander!" I do not stop her, giving her only a nod. She says no more, lightly patting my arm before silently circumnavigating the ruins. No words were necessary. We understood each other's intentions. I take a deep breath, adjusting my breathing before charging ahead and attracting the attention of several Varjagers lurking in the darkness. I exchange fire with the enemy, keeping an eye on Qiuhua all the while. The sound of gunfire echoes through the ruins. While these enemies' attention remain on me, Qiuhua launches an assault from the flank. Her shotgun roars with fury, instantly suppressing the enemies in front of us. I take the opportunity to eliminate them, quickly moving towards the refugees' hiding place afterwards. "Go, it's not safe here!" I say as I clear a route for them. Qiuhua takes the rear guard, fending off enemies in pursuit. Soon, the refugees had successfully evacuated. Qiuhua runs over, excitement on her face: "That was some incredible teamwork, Commander!" "Yeah, that misdirection was pretty good." I commend her with a smile, but immediately get serious afterwards. "But if you had considered the possibility of there being more enemies, or an ambush..." Qiuhua falters for a second, putting her smile away: "Sorry, Commander, I got a bit ahead of myself. I just... They looked so scared..." Her regretful countenance makes me soften a little: "I know. Your heart was in the right place, but we should discuss and create a more complete plan next time. That is both a more sensible option, and a more responsible one." "Yeah!" Qiuhua nods forcefully, returning to her lively self. "Right, Commander, that new dish I was talking about..." "Okay, okay, let's head back and get started." I smile helplessly. The sight of her back, walking her path caused a certain warmth to rise from deep within my heart. ...With someone like her by my side, a reminder of just how pure kindness can be shall never be too far from me.“秋桦，左前方，废墟后面。”我压低声音，几乎是贴着她的耳边说道。 微风卷起沙尘，模糊了视线。我们正受雇追踪一群逃窜的瓦良格帮，穿行在一片荒废的废墟中。 原本一切都很顺利，直到我们在拐角处听到了一阵细碎的哭泣声。 我用眼角余光瞥见秋桦的眉头微微皱了一下，她迅速扫视了周围，然后目光落回我脸上。我们交换了一个眼神，彼此都明白了对方的心思。 在那片倒塌的墙壁后面，躲藏着一群衣衫褴褛的难民，他们缩成一团，脸上写满了恐惧。 虽然救助难民不在任务范围内，但我和秋桦都不可能视而不见。 “长官，我得去搭把手。” 秋桦的声音很轻，却带着不容置疑的坚定。 我虽然并不打算袖手旁观，但若是现在就去救援，很可能把我们的弱点暴露给那些躲在暗处的匪徒。 我不知道秋桦有没有看出我的顾虑，但她见我迟疑，只是咧嘴一笑，露出了她标志性的阳光笑容：“放心，长官，交给我！” 我看着她，也并没有阻拦，只是点了点头。 而她也没有再多说什么，只是轻轻拍了拍我的手臂，然后悄无声息地绕到废墟的另一侧。 无需言语，我们都明白对方的意图。 我深吸一口气，调整了一下呼吸，然后猛地冲了出去，吸引了躲藏在暗处的几名瓦良格帮成员的注意力。枪声在废墟中回荡，我一边与敌人交火，一边留意着秋桦的动静。 果然，就在这几个人的注意力被我吸引的同时，秋桦从侧面发动了突袭。她的霰弹枪怒吼着，顷刻间就压制住了敌人。我趁机解决掉眼前的几个家伙，然后迅速冲到难民藏身的地方。 “快走，这里不安全！” 我一边说着，一边帮他们清理逃跑的路线。秋桦则负责殿后，阻挡试图追击的敌人。 不多时，难民们安全撤离了。秋桦跑了过来，脸上带着些许兴奋：“长官，我们配合得真棒！” “确实，你刚才那招声东击西不错。” 我笑着说，但随即又严肃起来。“不过，你有没有想过，如果敌人数量更多，或者还有埋伏……” 秋桦愣了一下，收起了笑容：“对不起，长官，我确实有点冲动了。我只是……看到他们那么害怕……” 看着她有些懊恼的表情，我心头一软：“我知道。你的出发点是好的，但是，下次我们要先商量一下，制定更周全的计划，这样更妥当，也是对他们的负责。” “嗯！” 秋桦用力点头，又恢复了活力，“对了长官，之前说好的新菜……” “知道了知道了，快回去做吧。”我无奈地笑了笑。 看着她离开的背影，我心里涌起一股暖意。 ……当像她这样的人在身边，我总是能回忆起，最为纯粹的善良为何物。

Record 8"Commander, you reckon this is a-okay?" Qiuhua fiddles with a brand-new oven, a recent addition to the Elmo. "What's ok? Do you mean the first thing you did with the oven, about that time where you roasted sweet potatoes?" "Oh, that's not it! I mean..." She shows me a rare hesitant look. "To be honest... I think I've been going out on assignments too little recently." I am a little surprised by her words. "What's this about all of a sudden?" "That emergency mission a few days ago," she answers without raising her head, continuing to tinker with the oven. "I wanted to go as well, but I didn't manage to go with everyone else since I was busy in the kitchen." "Don't get me wrong," she continues as she places a sweet potato into the oven, "I don't want to give up this cooking job at all! I just thought that since I can handle both pretty well, why shouldn't I take on more? The more I'm in combat, the better I can protect this kitchen." She sneaks a peek at me. "So, what do you think?" "I have no objections so long as you can manage your time well." I answer with a smile. "Of course!" She says, standing up straight. "My combat systems are always in tip-top shape, you know that. And—" A crafty smile makes itself known on her countenance: "My gun's never gotten rusty!" "Yeah, I know." I reply with a smile still on my face. "You'll have to think it through, though. With more combat assignments, you'll have less time to create new dishes." "I've already taken care of that!" She flips open a notebook in her hands, "Look, I've redone the timetable. I can handle both combat and cooking perfectly well, there won't be anything getting in my way!" Looking at the crammed schedule she had planned, my heart that had settled down a little falls into the clutches of trepidation once again. "You're sure you won't be too busy?" "Not at all!" She nods with confidence. "I'm someone who came up with the dinner menu while we were fighting Sangvis Ferri, remember? Besides..." Her voice suddenly quietens: "Besides, when I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything." But when we were fighting Sangvis Ferri, you were the type to blow up the kitchen—is what I wanted to say, but that expression of hers forces it back down. The oven cuts through the delicate atmosphere between us with a "ting". "Ah! The sweet potato's done!" She hurriedly opens the oven door. "Have a taste, Commander, I've worked on this recipe for quite some time now! Sweet potato with honey, hehe, there's enough sugar to sweeten your entire day!" The rich aroma of the sweet potato proliferates through the kitchen. She carefully peels away the skin, revealing the piping hot flesh. "How is it?" She looks at me with expectation in her eyes. "It's delicious." I tell her from the bottom of my heart. "Of course!" She raises her chin with glee, but her countenance soon becomes serious. "Truth be told, Commander, I've had something on my mind recently." "What is it?" "From Griffin to the Elmo, it seems like I've always been changing myself. I used to purely be a combat Doll, but now I'm mostly cooking, less combat." She smiles, continuing. "But y'know what? My favorite thing is perfecting my grasp of something." "So you want to see more combat to keep your old skills sharp?" "Yep!" Her eyes glitter with light. "I want to be more effective on the battlefield while still doing my work in the kitchen. Since..." She blinks several times, "My goal is to become the best at cooking out of all the combat Dolls on the Elmo!" The breadth of her energy brings a smile to my face: "Don't let Sabrina hear that."“长官，您说这样行吗？” 秋桦正在摆弄一台崭新的烤箱，这是艾莫号最近添置的新设备。 “什么行不行的？你指第一次用烤箱就是用来烤红薯这件事吗？” “哎呀！不是啦，就是……”她难得露出犹豫的表情。“其实……我是觉得，我最近出任务的次数有点太少了。” 我有些意外：“怎么突然想到这个？” “前几天那次紧急任务，”她继续调试着烤箱，头也不抬地说，“本来我也想去，结果因为当时在厨房忙着，我就没能和大家一起去。” “您别误会，”她一边往烤箱里放红薯，补充道，“我不是想放弃厨师的工作！就是觉得，既然两样我都能做好，为什么不多承担点呢？多参与战斗任务，才能更好地保护这个厨房啊。” “所以，”她偷偷瞄了我一眼，“您觉得呢？” “我当然觉得没问题。”我笑了笑。“只要你能安排好时间。” “那当然！”她挺直腰板，“我的战斗系统一直都保持在最佳状态，您是知道的，而且——” 她狡黠一笑：“我的枪可一直都没生锈！” “好好好，我知道你的实力，”我笑着说，“不过你要想清楚，增加战斗任务的话，研究新菜的时间会变少。” “这个我都计划好啦！”她打开记事本，“您看，我重新规划了时间表。战斗任务和厨房工作都不会耽误，保证两边都能做好！” 看着密密麻麻的时间表，我本来放下的心又有些悬着了：“你确定不会太忙？” “不会的！”秋桦信心满满地点点头，“我可是能一边打铁血一边想着晚餐菜单的秋桦！再说了……” 她的声音突然变小：“再说了，有您在身边，我什么都不怕。” 但我们打铁血的时候你还是个炸厨房的角色——我本想这么说，可看着她的表情，硬生生把这句话给咽了回去。 烤箱发出“叮”的一声，打断了这微妙的气氛。 “啊！烤红薯好了！”她连忙打开烤箱，“长官您尝尝，这可是我研究了好久的配方！红薯加蜂蜜，嘿嘿，肯定贼拉甜！” 香甜的红薯气息在厨房里弥漫。她小心翼翼地把红薯皮剥开，热气腾腾。 “怎么样？”秋桦期待地看着我。 “很好吃。”我由衷地说。 “那是！”她得意地扬起下巴，但很快又露出认真的表情，“其实啊，长官，我最近一直在想一件事。” “什么事？” “从格里芬到艾莫号，我好像总是在不停地调整自己。以前是个纯粹的战斗人形，现在是个主业做饭副业打仗的，”她笑了笑，“但是您知道吗？我发现我最喜欢的，其实是能把一件事做到最好的感觉。” “所以你才想更多地参与战斗？不能落下老本行？” “对！”秋桦的眼睛亮晶晶的。 “我想在保证厨房工作的同时，也能在战场上发挥更大的作用。毕竟，”她眨眨眼，“我的目标是成为艾莫号最会做饭的战斗人形！” 看着她干劲满满的样子，我也不禁一笑：“可别让塞布丽娜听见了。”

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