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Wishing Starbridge Workshop

星桥祈愿坊

17 chapters · 2524 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Great Summer Battle 夏日大决战

The Oasis, one week ago.绿洲，一周前。

KuroAhhhh! I can't reach a conclusion at all—完全——没办法得出结论啊——

PersicariaBe patient, Kuro. You're only a third of the way through.卡萝，耐心一点，这才整理到三分之一呢。

KuroHow was I supposed to know your idea of "working on an event" would be something as boring as this? If you're going to make me sort through data, then you might as well throw me in the detention cells!谁知道你说的帮忙搞活动是这么无聊的事啊！让我来处理资料，还不如接着待在禁闭室呢！

PersicariaI see, so that's how you feel about it. Very well, the Oasis DOES respect the wishes of each and every Doll, though I guess unbanning your stream channel will just have to...原来你是这么想的。好吧，绿洲向来尊重人形的个人意愿，直播间解禁的事也只好……

KuroNonono, I was just kidding. I hope you will exercise your magnanimity, oh great and mighty Persicaria.没没没，我只是开一个小小的玩笑，还希望帕斯卡大人高抬贵手。

KuroIt's just that everyone's ideas are all over the place! A lantern fair, fireworks, a bridge festival... And those are the more normal ones.只是大家的建议也太五花八门了吧！灯会、烟花、香桥会……这些还比较正常。

KuroThen we have stuff like a statue-carving contest, a fire drill, a boxing tournament, a boot camp session... What the heck's with all of these!? They're so individualized that we can't use them as a reference!雕塑大赛、消防演练、拳击比赛、军事集训……这些都是什么啦！这种充满私心的提议完全无法成为参考好吗！

PersicariaWell, it can't be helped. Everyone's excited about their own things.这也是没有办法的事情，大家都有感兴趣的主题呢。

KuroBut that means feedback collection is way too inefficient! If you ask me, we should just have a big fight and go with the winner's suggestion!但这样收集建议效率也太低了！要我说，还不如打一架，谁赢听谁的！

PersicariaA big fight, hm... Well, you do have a point.打一架吗……你说的也有道理。

KuroEr, I was just saying whatever came to mind, don't tell me something happened to your processing systems because of overwork...呃，我只是随口一提，帕斯卡你不会工作太多信息处理系统出问题了吧……

PersicariaIt must have been hard trying to sort all that data. You should go take a rest.整理资料辛苦你了，去休息一下吧。

KuroAs expected of the great and mighty Persicaria who is both beautiful and kind. Your decision is the best!!不愧是帕斯卡大人果然人美心善您的决定就是最正确的！！

Kuro flees like a gust of wind, as though mortally afraid that Persicaria will change her mind. Due to her haste in departing, she doesn't close the door properly and it slams closed before springing open again.卡萝像是害怕帕斯卡反悔一般一阵风似地离开了。门因为随手关上时没控制好力气，合上又被弹开。

A pair of perky orange ears can be glimpsed in the slowly-opening gap between the door and its frame.缓缓打开的门缝后，一对竖起的橘色尖耳朵缓缓探了进来。

PersicariaThere's no need to go sneaking and peeking around in a familiar place, don't you think... Riko?这么熟悉的地方，就不用探头探脑观察环境了吧……理子。

理子Hehe~ This is called sniffing out a business opportunity! Summer afternoons make people lazy, so the customers' urge to buy goes down...哼哼~这叫探寻商机！夏天的午后容易让人懈怠，顾客的购买欲也随之下降……

理子At times like these, people like Riko are needed! So, I heard you were going to organize a Qixi event?这时候，就需要理子我登场啦！怎么样，听说你们准备举办七夕活动？

PersicariaWe were just thinking about the basic framework. But you came at a good time, I just had a few new ideas...只是初步构思而已。不过你来的正巧，我刚好有了一些新的想法……

PersicariaIf we could...如果能这样……

理子Hm, mhm... I see...嗯，嗯嗯……原来如此……

理子Oh? I didn't expect someone as serious and proper as you to come up with a plan like that, Persicaria. Are my ears deceiving me?哦？看不出帕斯卡你一本正经的，居然还会提出这样的方案？

PersicariaWell, it's been one thing after another recently and everybody's been on edge.毕竟事情接二连三，大家的神经一直紧绷着。

PersicariaThis way, we'll be able to relax a little, and in particular... We'll be able to give the Professor a surprise.这样一来大家也能放松一些吧，尤其……还能给教授一个惊喜。

理子Fair enough. It just so happens that Riko imported tons of summer goods beforehand, especially the ingredients for chocolate. They sold like hotcakes during Valentine's Day, but I can barely shift them outside of festive occasions!好吧，正巧理子之前进了超多夏季商品。尤其是巧克力原料，明明白情的时候那么火爆，在非节日期间销量完全不行啊！

理子Riko will spare no effort for this big summer promotion!为了这场夏季大促，理子义不容辞！

Soon, a blinking message appears on the account of every forum user's notifications tab, as bright and gaudy as a fireworks display at night.不久后，一则高亮的帖子出现在每一个论坛用户的提示里，招摇得就像一捧夜幕里的花火。

Battle Royale! The Cruel Battlefield of Summer!——《大决战！夏日的残酷战场！》

The Oasis, at the HQ Building.绿洲，指挥室大楼。

AntoninaMorning... What happened; why do you have that look on your face?早上好……发生什么事了，你怎么这副表情？

ProfessorOh, good morning, Antonina. You're actually taking the initiative to talk to me? As I thought, something's wrong.喔，早上好，安冬妮娜。你竟然主动和我打招呼了，今天果然不太对劲。

Antonina...I'll be taking back my greeting as you wish.……如你所愿，我现在就收回我的问好。

ProfessorSpeaking of which, have there been any intrusions into the Oasis over the past couple of days?说起来，这两天绿洲没有发生什么入侵事件吧？

AntoninaSimo's daily and weekly reports haven't indicated any high-level alerts.席摩的日报和周报都没有高等级的警告提示。

ProfessorWas there another explosion at the Engineering Department?工程局那边又发生爆炸了？

AntoninaOctogen's travel privileges will only be restored next week.奥托金的出行权限要等到下一周才会解禁。

ProfessorThen the Medical Department...那医疗部……

AntoninaAs usual, Florence's complaints are little different from love letters. Everything is perfectly normal. Do you have any other questions, Professor?芙洛伦的投诉与求爱信比仍旧是一比一千，和平常没什么两样。你还有什么问题吗，教授？

Professor...I just thought that the mood in the Oasis seemed particularly grim today. I'm not imagining things... am I?……我只是觉得这今早绿洲的空气有点肃杀，应该是我的错觉……吧？

I recall the various encounters I had when I left the dorms for the Ops Room this morning. Every agent I saw had little points of sharpness in their eyes.回忆今早从宿舍出发前往指挥室的种种，每个迎面而来的智能体眼中似乎都带着星点的凌厉之意。

AntoninaIf you want my opinion, all I can say is that your imagination is probably running wild due to a lack of sleep.如果你是在寻求我的看法，我只能说这是因为你睡眠不足导致的妄想过度。

AntoninaYou should just get to work.还是好好工作吧。

Antonina dumps a stack of papers on my table. It is four times larger than yesterday's workload.安冬妮娜将一沓足有昨日四倍还多的文稿放到了我的桌子上。

ProfessorThis...这……

I suck in a breath and flip through some of the documents on the top of the heap. The initial notes I expect to see are not there.我倒吸了一口凉气，随手翻看了几张置于顶部的文稿，预想中的初审批注并没有出现。

ProfessorHm? Didn't Persicaria go through these first?咦？帕斯卡没有做初步处理吗？

AntoninaShe took today off. Annual leave.她今天请假了，年假。

ProfessorWhat? Persicaria actually has annual... Ah, no, what I mean is, why did Persicaria take today off? Is she not feeling well?什么，帕斯卡竟然有年假……啊不，我的意思是，帕斯卡怎么请假了，身体不舒服吗？

AntoninaShe's perfectly fine, but everyone needs their personal space, especially after spending too much time with SOMEONE.她身体很好，只是每个人都需要一点私人空间，尤其是和某人待多了之后。

Antonina claps her hands together then emits a snort that is positively filled with schadenfreude before sauntering off.安冬妮娜拍了拍手，用鼻尖发出幸灾乐祸的颤音，而后扬长离去。

In her wake is a pile of documents that a single person would be hard-pressed to navigate on their own, sitting square in the middle of my table.只留下一人之力完全难以招架的文件之山，稳稳堆叠在桌上。

Professor...What's going on today?……今天到底怎么回事啊？

The Oasis, outside the HQ building.绿洲，指挥室楼外。

PersicariaDid the Professor suspect anything?教授没有起疑吧？

AntoninaNo, they accepted that huge pile of mission assignments without saying a word.没有，十分坦然地接受了超额的任务安排。

AntoninaI suggest that you continue doing that after you return to your position. Available manpower ought to be thoroughly exploited.建议等你回岗以后也这么做，劳动力就应该物尽其用。

Persicaria...Thank you for taking care of the Ops Room for me. I'll make sure I finish up the shortfall of work after I get back.……指挥室那边辛苦你了，我回去后会把落下的工作补完的。

AntoninaDon't think about going back when you're on vacation. That said, it doesn't seem like your style to put your work aside to organize an event.休假的时候就别想回去之后的事了。不过说起来，放下工作也要举办活动，还真不像是你的作风。

AntoninaDid something happen during the Valentine event?是白色情人节的时候发生了什么特殊的事情吗？

Persicaria...Antonina, you... You're as keen as ever...……安冬妮娜你……还真是一如既往地敏锐呢……

The face on the monitor is silent. The sound of disordered breathing is a clear sign that its mistress is deep in thought.屏幕那头悄然寂静，只剩不规律的呼吸声在清晰传达着主人陷入思索的讯号。

Persicaria takes out an intricate little gift box and shyly holds it up in front of herself.帕斯卡拿出了一个小巧的礼盒，害羞地举在胸前。

PersicariaThe chocolate you gave me shows that you acknowledge my contributions, right?教授送我的巧克力，代表了您对我付出的认可吧。

PersicariaThen... this is a return gift in response to your acknowledgment. Please accept it.那么……这就是我对这份认可的回礼，请您收下。

PersicariaProfessor, I'll continue staying by your side from now on and act as a worthy assistant.教授，今后我也一定会陪伴在您身边，做个称职的助理的。

PersicariaI'll stay with you to finish it, no matter how many nights it takes.不管之后要用多少个晚上，我都会好好陪您一起完成它们的。

PersicariaBut right now... Please look only at me, alright?但现在……请您暂时把目光放在我的身上，可以吗？

AntoninaPersicaria? ...You didn't crash, did you?帕斯卡？……你不会宕机了吧？

PersicariaAhem—No, not at all. It's just that it's almost time, so I ought to prepare myself too.咳咳——没、没有。只是时间差不多快到了，我也该去做准备了。

PersicariaEveryone's so excited now, so even leisure time is serious business.大家现在热情高涨，就算是休闲活动也不能懈怠。

AntoninaSure, knock yourself out. Doesn't matter how the event turns out; I'll be taking a vacation to play games when the time comes.随便吧，这种活动怎样都好，总之到时候我要休假打游戏。

PersicariaPlease keep an eye on the Professor! You mustn't let them find out about the Grand Summer Battle! I asked everyone to give the Professor a surprise.教授就拜托你看住了！千万不能让知道夏日决战这件事，我拜托过大家要给教授一个惊喜的。

AntoninaWhile I don't understand why you'd do such a thing... You don't have to worry. I guarantee that with my grandmaster-level eyesight on them. They won't be able to set foot outside the office today.虽然我不理解这种心态……不过放心吧。以我宗师级的眼力担保，今天肯定没法走出指挥室一步。

Antonina casually hangs up and returns to the Ops Room.安冬妮娜不以为意地挂断通讯，返回指挥室。

The Professor's seat is empty. A cup of coffee sits on their table, the steam circling around the pile of documents, as though it's trying to help its master get rid of them.教授的座位上空无一人，一杯咖啡伫立其间，蒸腾的烟雾缭绕文稿，似是想要帮助主人解决掉这些烦人的物件。

Antonina...Where'd the Professor go?……教授人呢？

智能体I think they said they were going out to get sugar cubes. Didn't Miss Persicaria take annual leave?好像说是出去买糖块了，帕斯卡请年假了不是吗？

Antonina...Crap!……麻烦了！

The Oasis, at a rest area.绿洲，休息区。

As I walk down one of the Oasis' shopping streets, the sleep-inducing breeze unique to summer slowly brushes past me.走过绿洲的商业街，夏日独有的倦怠之风缓缓拂过。

I stop in front of a vending machine and look around. For some reason, there are surprisingly few agents on the street today.我停在贩售机前举目四望。不知为何，今天街上的智能体少得惊人。

Professor...It's too quiet. I should head back to the office and get back to work after buying the sugar cubes.……也太安静了，买完糖块就早点回去工作吧。

Beep—!嘀——！

After buying a can of sugar cubes for coffee, I'm just about to head back when a flyer on the ground grabs my attention.购入咖啡用砂糖盒子，我正想原路返回，却被地上的传单吸引了注意。

Professor"Battle Royale! The Cruel Battlefield of Summer"?……《大决战！夏日的残酷战场！》？

KuroOhhhhhhh! Welcome one and all to... to the... to this arena which is better than nothing!噢噢噢噢！欢迎各位来到……来到……来到怎样都好的比赛场馆！

KuroThis is the ultimate stage for this summer battle royale! It's also in the Professor's blind spot!这里是夏日决战的终极舞台！也是教授的视野盲区！

KuroThe Master of the Oasis does not, in fact, know that this grand event is taking place here! They probably think everyone is just going on with their schedules as normal.伟大的绿洲之主并不知道今天即将在此处举办的盛会，或许仍以为绿洲各组在按部就班地随着排班表工作。

KuroSo, does this forbidden thrill excite your senses!?各位，偷尝禁果一般的刺激有让你们的感官沸腾起来吗？！

I wipe the sweat off my forehead, find a place near the arena with a good field of vision, and quietly watch the proceedings.我擦了擦汗，在场馆周围找了一个视野良好的位置，准备静观其变。

KuroLet's start the countdown! 10... 9... 87654321! And now! Let the battle for the event theme begin!倒数开始！10……9……87654321！现在！让我们为了活动的主题厮杀起来吧！

KuroFirst up we have—the Statue Exhibition Team's representatives!首先出场的是——雕像展代表队！

A dark shadow suddenly engulfs the entrance to the event venue. It takes a while before it fully enters the place, whereupon I can tell that it's a gigantic dragon-shaped statue of bone.黑影陡然占据了整个场馆入口，过了一会儿待它完全进入，方才能看清那是一个巨大的龙形骨雕。

幻咪Ohhhh, it's moving, it's moving! I need a soundtrack for this!动起来动起来！此处应有BGM！

Fern...! Hey, go easy on it! These are precious cultural relics!……！轻点！轻一点！这些都是珍贵的文物！

FernI only lent out this bone carving because you said you had a way to win the battle royale and make the Professor agree to change the summer event theme to a statue exhibition.是你说有办法能赢下大决战，让教授同意把夏日活动主题定为文物雕像展我才答应出借骨雕的。

FernBut you never said anything about using it like this!但我可没有听说你会用这种方式来用它啊！！

幻咪Materials are meant to be used, dear! However good a dish's ingredients might be, they'll eventually end up in your tummy, not a display case!素材就是要拿来用的，再美味的食材，最终的归宿也是胃袋而非展览柜！

The dragon's giant claws pound out a beat that makes Fern wail and squeezes its way into the venue with a mighty roar, as though challenging its competitors that haven't shown up yet.巨龙爪踏芬恩哀鸣的鼓点，咆哮挤入场馆，像是在对那些还未出列的运动员发出挑衅。

幻咪—You are ALL trash!——你们都是垃圾！

FernVictory belongs to Team Statue!胜利属于雕像展！

FernGo on, tell them how you truly feel, Puzzle!幻谜你把心声说出来了啊！！

KuroOhhhh! Contestant Purrzle has made a truly spectacular entrance, but I'm afraid she's misunderstood the point of this competition!哦哦哦！天王巨星一样的登场秀，但我们的幻咪选手好像搞错了主旨啊！

KuroThe battle royale is a place to demonstrate the charm of your event theme, and not a literal deathmatch—Although I'd like that!大决战是向所有人展现你们的活动主题的魅力，而非字面意义上的战场争斗——虽然我喜欢！

幻咪That's right! If I take out all the competition, we'll be the only ones whose theme can be chosen, right?没差啊！把所有竞争对手干掉，七夕活动的主题不就只能选我们了吗？

Taking advantage of her draconic perch, the petite kitty rides on the dragon's head, baring its fangs and claws at all the agents present.猫仗龙势，瘦弱的小猫咪骑在巨龙的脑袋上，对着所有智能体张牙舞爪。

AkiHumph—哼——

AkiKempo—Ryougen!剑法——燎原！

A crimson arc suddenly flashes through the air, accurately severing the dragon's ankle. The leftover flames trace a circle around the event hall.绯红的圆弧光轨骤然发难，精准地切断巨龙的脚踝，余火沸燃场馆一周。

KuroHe's done it! He's done it now! It's the Oasis' swordmaster! Every strike means certain death!出手了！出手了！是绿洲的剑术大师！一出手就是绝杀！

KuroBut that's nothing more than the shallow path of slaughter; could it be that our master swordsman's head has been confused by this little kitty cat and forgotten the true meaning of this battle royale?但这只不过是肤浅的杀伐之道，难道说我们的剑术大师也被小猫咪迷昏了脑袋，忘记大决战的宗旨了吗？！

The swordsman's stern countenance slowly softens, and Aki smiles.剑士凌厉的眉眼缓缓舒展，秋露出了一抹自信的微笑。

AkiTake a good look! The swordsmanship that the old man taught me isn't that simple.好好看着吧！老头子教我的剑术，可没有这么简单。

Just as he finishes speaking, the ring of fire encircling the venue begins flashing and sparkling, like neon lights at night.话音刚落，场馆周围一圈被余火舔舐的位置如同入夜的霓虹般接二连三地亮起摇曳的火灯。

KuroA fireworks party! It's a fireworks party! Our master swordsman has brought us a renowned Qixi event from the Far East, a fireworks party!花火大会！是花火大会！剑术大师给我们带来的是远东著名的七夕活动，花火大会！

AkiThis is just an appetizer. Next up is... hm?这不过是开胃菜而已，接下来的才是……嗯？

Aki is about to jump up with his sword to knock the pyrotechnics into the sky when he freezes just before making his move.秋正要挑剑而上，将花火舞上半空，却在出招的前一刻顿住。

A graceful melody winds through the air, coiling around the sharp blade and weaving the dragon's majesty and the grandeur of the fireworks into its rhythm.辗转缠绵的丝竹之音不知何起，袅袅缠绕在锋刃上，将巨龙的威势与花火的盛意融化于音律中。

DaiyanThough my talent is modest, allow me to share this song "Magpie Bridge" with you, dear audience.小女子不才，一首《鹊桥》赠与诸位。

KuroHere it comes! It's Daiyan! What magic does her zither music contain that allows it to pin down the entire hall with a single riff!?来了！是黛烟！她的琴声中加了什么秘方，竟然仅凭着一手音乐就镇住了整座场馆？！

KuroHer song's theme is...她琴声的主题是……

AkiYou can't stop me with just this!只有这种程度，拦不住我！

Aki furrows his brow and takes a deep breath, and his scabbard flashes with the light of bared steel.秋蹙眉屏息，鞘现锋芒。

Whoosh—唰——

But just as his stroke is about to take flight, silk strings fall from above and block the shining arc of his blade.就在就在剑招脱手的刹那，漫天的丝线将光轨拦了下来。

A supple heavenly bridge appears above Daiyan's location, woven of magpies with fluttering wings that propel it through the air above the hall.一道柔软的天桥出现在黛烟的上方，桥身织满了振翅的喜鹊，勾连场馆左右。

KuroIt's Chanzhi! The fourth expert has shown herself! Good lord, what am I even looking at! She's using the strings in her hand to pull a magpie bridge along!缠枝！第四位大师登场！天啊，我看到了什么，她用手中的丝线拉起了一道鹊桥！

KuroWhat kind of creativity is this!? It's only been just over 10 minutes since the battle began, but the signs of an overwhelming domination can be seen!这是何等的创意，决战仅仅开场了十余分钟，但比赛已经有要被统治的迹象了！

KuroWill she take charge? Is this the end? Will the event theme be changed to "Qixi bridge festival" by force!?会被主宰吗！会结束吗！七夕鹊桥会成为强势上位的活动主题吗！

Kuro is hyping this up really hard for some reason, and as I watch, engrossed, I twist open the lid to the sugar tin and pop a cube of sweet white sugar into my mouth.卡萝不知为何格外卖力，看得入神的我下意识拧开了糖罐，甜腻的砂砾缓缓滚入口中。

Professor(Coughs heavily) I forgot I wasn't holding a water bottle...咳、咳咳——忘记拿的不是水了……

理子Why are you outside the hall? Would you like a nice drink to refresh... Proproproprofessor!?这位观众怎么不进入场馆呀，是不是需要一些可口的饮……教教教教教授？！

理子What, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be back in the office slaving away... No, I mean, taking care of reports?你、你怎么会在这里？这个时间段你不是应该老老实实在指挥室里搬砖……不不，处理报告吗？

ProfessorWell, I do need to take breaks in between assignments.工作间隙也是需要休息的。

理子...You actually admitted that you snuck out to slack off!……居然承认自己溜出来摸鱼了！

ProfessorStill, it looks like a lot of things were happening in a place I wasn't aware of.不过，看起来在我不知道的地方发生了不少事啊。

ProfessorIt's because I needed to patrol the commercial district...是因为商业街需要巡查……

理子Isn't that the job of the security teams? That's the worst excuse for slacking off I've ever heard!那不是安保组的事吗？这是我见过最烂的摸鱼借口！

ProfessorEr... While you wouldn't it be wrong to say I was having a stroll outside of work, everyone's also having fun while not being at work, right?呃……要说是工作之余散散心也没错，大家不也没在工作还玩得很开心吗？

理子Ah, well, about that...这、这个嘛……

ProfessorHm? What's all this about a "Summer Battle Royale"...嗯？这个“夏日决战”到底是……

I'm slacking off.摸鱼。

This is essential work.工作需要。

Crack—咔——

理子Uwah—Professor!呜哇——教授！！

Before I can finish speaking, the ground below my feet trembles, and the place where I'm standing splits away from the rest of the area, knocking Riko back.话音未落，脚下一阵颤动。我所站立的地面与其他区域割裂开来，把理子震退。

A long, thin railing suddenly appears and surrounds me and the hall entrance before it extends up and generates a gigantic hydrogen balloon.细长的杠杆陡然出现，将我连着场馆入口的器械一起包围起来，向上生成了一个巨大无比的氢气球。

As Riko shouts, I slowly rise into the air. The rest of the area around the hall floats up into the air with me.在理子的呼喊中，我缓缓升空。随着我一起升空的，还有场馆外其余的对称位置。

MaiMai's ready over here! I've got 16 observation and viewing dual-purpose hydrogen balloons standing by!迈迈这边准备就绪啦，一共十六个观赏、观测两用氢气球已待命！

MaiBecause I can't mess with the atmospheric control device on a work day, Mai obtained permission to use the hall's special seating area ahead of time!因为不能在工作日乱动天气控制器，所以迈迈提前借用了场馆特等席的使用权！

HubbleThank you, Mai. Although the stars aren't shining yet, they're already pointing the way for us.辛苦你了，迈迈。虽然星辰还未发出光辉，但已为我们指明了方向。

HubbleThere's just one last step on the path that leads to the constellations. Fresnel, how are things on your side?通往璀璨群星的道路仅差最后一步，菲涅尔，你那边准备得如何了？

FresnelThe air above the hall is clear. It's time to show them what a true vista is.场馆上方已净空，是时候让他们欣赏什么叫做真正的绝景了。

FresnelAs I thought, our Qixi festival theme is still a cut above the rest!七夕活动的主题，必然是我们的更胜一筹！

HubbleHehe—Here we come, universe.呵呵——宇宙，要来了喔。

Before Hubble finishes speaking, all the hydrogen balloons change color at once, taking control of the sky above the event hall like a control node.赫波话音未落，所有的氢气球一同变了颜色，如节点般控制了场馆上的天空。

In an instant, a dizzying array of stars blossoms into a radiant display刹那间，星辰缭乱，荧光璀璨。

KuroWooooooow~哇——哦——！

KuroIs this the magic of the stars!? Incredible! The trio of Team Starry Sky has put on an incredible display!这就是星辰的魔力吗？！绝杀！我宣布星辰组的三位使出了绝杀！

MaiWhat a lovely starry sky...I know it's not the real thing, but I'd like it to remain forever.好漂亮的星空啊……虽然知道不是真正的天象，但还是希望它能一直留存。

FresnelI bet the Professor would like it if they could see this, don't you think, Hubble?要是教授能看到的话，估计也会很喜欢的，你说是吧赫波。

HubbleOh yes, I'd like it if the Professor could view this starlight too.是的，真想让教授也领略这般星光。

Professor...Actually, I've seen it already.……其实我已经看见了。

Under the dazzling starlight, even the magpie bridge and the fireworks seem to pale in comparison.耀眼的星光下，不论是鹊桥还是花火都瞬间暗淡了几分。

KuroIs this how the competition is going to end—难道比赛就要这样拉下帷幕了吗——

AkiI won't admit defeat just yet! I sacrificed a lot of nap time to watch the fireworks with the Professor!我不会就这么认输的！为了和教授一起看烟花，我可是牺牲了不少休息时间来准备啊！

With a quiet grunt, Aki's blade clears its sheath and launches the fireworks into the starlit sky.秋低喝一声，长剑出鞘，将花火撒入星空。

The spectacular flames soar and scatter in all directions, and then—绚烂的焰火应声而起，四散飞溅，而后——

They ignite the hydrogen balloons.点燃了氢气球。

ProfessorUwaaaahhhh—I'm falling!哇啊啊啊啊啊——要掉下来了！！

KuroOho! Team Firework's swordmaster isn't content to leave things at that, to think he'd show us such a lovely sight.嚯——！花火组的剑术大师不甘示弱，竟向我们展现出了此等亮丽的美景。

KuroBut the important thing is! He's even brought in a hype man to help out!最关键的是！竟然还请了氛围组助音！

KuroWait a minute... Why is Mr. Swordmaster's face so pale... I don't think that's a hype man...等等……为何剑术大师的脸色如此茫然……那好像不是氛围组……

PersicariaProfessor!?教授！！

Persicaria is still in the wings, but she's the first to call my name. She darts out of her seat like a flash and runs up the dragon's tail and spine.还在备战席上的帕斯卡第一个喊出了我的名字，她如一道残影掠出座位，踏着骨龙快步而上。

PersicariaPuzzle, have the dragon raise its head!幻谜，让骨龙抬头！

幻咪Oh... Ohhhhh! Got it.喔……喔喔喔！好的。

Puzzle only has enough time to have the dragon look up before Persicaria leaves her field of vision.幻谜只来得及让骨龙微微颔首，帕斯卡就已经消失在她的视野里。

幻咪Uh, Fern... Isn't Miss Persicaria a doctor?芬恩啊……帕斯卡她，不是医师吗？

FernI think so...好像是……

PersicariaChanzhi!缠枝！

ChanzhiHere!给！

Persicaria leaps off the dragon's spine like an Olympic diver, launching into a beautiful pose at the apex of her jump.帕斯卡从骨龙脊椎上跃起，如跳水运动员，在最高空处舒展动人的形姿。

She grabs the rope Chanzhi is dangling, soars above the magpie bridge and just barely manages to catch me.她抓住了缠枝垂落的绳线，越到鹊桥之上，险之又险地拉住了我。

Persicaria(Pants heavily)呼——呼——

PersicariaI... I made it...赶……赶上了……

PersicariaYou scared me to death, Professor.教授，你吓死我了。

After nervously letting me down, Persicaria seems to realize what's going on.紧张地将我放下，帕斯卡似乎才意识到当下的境况。

PersicariaAh... Um... I'm sorry, Professor! I applied for annual leave to do this.那个……这个……教授对不起！我请了年假来做这种事情。

ProfessorI know what's going on, and this sort of event has always been better the more interesting it is.事情经过我已经了解了，活动这种事情本来有趣就好。

ProfessorRather, I'm more interested in why you'd go to such lengths to organize such an event?比起这个，我更在意的是，为什么你这么大张旗鼓的想要举办这个活动？

PersicariaI liked the Valentine's Day we spent together.我喜欢和您一起度过的白色情人节。

ProfessorHm?嗯？

PersicariaAhem... Well, everyone was looking forward to Qixi this year.咳……毕竟大家都很期待这次的七夕节日。

PersicariaAnd I was hoping to give you a surprise too, Professor... If I could prepare a novel event, then maybe you and the others might cheer up a little.我也希望能给教授一个惊喜……如果能准备一个别开生面的活动，教授和大家也会更有精神的。

Persicaria...Though I guess this method of deciding the event theme could use some work, I guess.……只是，这个决定活动主题的形式，果然还是有待商榷呢。

ProfessorWhile it WAS a bit of a mess, I thought it was quite exciting.虽然确实有点乱来，不过我觉得也很精彩。

I steady myself on the magpie bridge and then extend a hand to Persicaria.我在鹊桥上站稳身形，向帕斯卡伸出了手。

ProfessorThe stars, fireworks, and the magpie bridge... I wouldn't have been able to see them all without this competition of yours.星辰、焰火，还有鹊桥，没有你们的比赛，我还见不到这些呢。

ProfessorWe should just put everything into the Qixi event.干脆七夕活动就把这些全部加进来吧。

Before I finish, Purrzle's haughty face flashes through my mind and I hastily amend my words.话音未落，幻咪嚣张的表情在脑内一闪而逝，我赶忙改口。

ProfessorExcept the statues. Definitely not the statues.雕像就不要了，绝对不要。

PersicariaUm... Actually, I have a little selfish request of my own...嗯……其实，我还有一点小小的私心……

Persicaria looks up, and there's a look of expectation in her eyes.帕斯卡抬起头，眸中氤氲出某种期待。

PersicariaI'd like to make chocolate with you again, Professor. Can I?我想再和教授一起做一次巧克力，可以吗？

ProfessorCertainly. Chocolate is part of "everything", after all.当然没问题，巧克力也是“全部”中的一个。

A happy smile spreads across Persicaria's face, and she takes my outstretched hand, standing side-by-side with me. We turn to the audience members who are running over as we slowly return to the ground.帕斯卡流露出满足的笑意，握住我伸出的手，与我并肩而行。我们迎向赶来的众人，缓缓回到地面。

KuroOi, are you guys alright? Pulling stunts is one thing, but not like that! Ohhh, you look unharmed... Well, alright then.喂喂你们两个没事吧！杂耍也不是这么表演的啊！哦哦，看起来毫发无损……那就好。

KuroAhhhh, honestly, the competition's a mess now. There's no way to tell who won and who lost, and the unbanning of the stream channel is...啊真是的，这下比赛也一团乱，谁输谁赢都没法判断了，直播间解禁也……

PersicariaActually...其实……

理子—Hehe, Riko heard your entire conversation! It's good to have sharp ears for times like these!——嘿嘿，你们的谈话理子都听见了哦！关键时刻就是要有这样的听力！

理子The Professor said he wanted everything, am I right? Everything?教授说了全都要，是全都要没错吧！

ProfessorWell, I DID say that...虽然确实这么说了……

理子Sweet! Now there'll be a much wider variety of items available, and given that the Oasis is such a good customer, I'm not averse to giving a little discount!好！这下供应品的种类就大大增加了，看在绿洲这么上道的份上，再打点折也不是不可以哦！

理子Besides, I'll lose out big if I don't dump all my stock now and have to wait a whole year until the next festival comes...反正也是过季就要再等一年的时令货不趁机大甩卖就太亏了啊……

ProfessorOh? Then let's have a good chat about the price of the event supplies.哦？那就让我们好好聊聊这次供应商品的价格吧。

理子Ahem. In any case, just leave the supplies for this event to me! Especially the chocolates, that really was an excellent choice, you and Miss Persicaria have a great eye!咳咳，总之这次活动的商品供应就包在我身上啦！尤其是巧克力，这真是个绝佳的选择，教授和帕斯卡太有眼光了！

理子And that's a big order landed! Everyone, place your orders for the event, no, I mean, start preparing for the event!一单大生意就这么拍板咯，大家为了活动赶紧订购、不是，赶紧准备起来吧！

智能体们Woohoo!好耶——

Far From The Madding Crowd 灯火阑珊处

Late at night, in the Oasis' recreation area.绿洲休息区，深夜。

The commotion has finally died down and the revelers have dispersed, leaving a mess in their wake. Only the gentle music and swaying lights bear testament to the clamor that was here not long ago.喧腾平息，游人散尽，只余一地狼藉。唯有柔和的音乐和摇曳的花灯昭告不久前这里的繁闹。

Clonk—哐——

Kuro picks up an empty cola bottle and chucks it into the bin. It hits the rim and spins a full circle before falling back outside.卡萝将拾起的干瘪可乐瓶甩向垃圾桶。可乐瓶在桶口转了一个圈，又再度掉到地上。

KuroAhhhh—I missed. I guess I played too many shooting games because my arms hurt—啊——没中啊。果然是射击游戏打过头了，手好酸——

理子Don't add to Riko's workload, you!你这家伙别增加理子的工作量啊！

KuroIt was a mistake, just a mistake. Besides, it's not like I'm doing this of my own will. If it wasn't for my stream channel...是失误啦失误。而且说到底，我也不是自愿来参加收尾工作的嘛。要不是为了直播间……

理子Didn't it get unbanned a while back, or does Persicaria still have some dirt on you?你的直播间不是之前已经解禁了吗，难道还有什么把柄在帕斯卡手上？

KuroNo... It got banned again...这不是……又被封了嘛……

理子Pfft—Hahahahaha!噗——哈哈哈哈哈！

KuroDammit, this is all the Professor's fault! You stinky little fox!可恶，还不是因为教授！你这只臭狐狸！

KuroAhhhhhh, I've had it, I'm taking a break! I heard someone else would be helping to clean this place up later. I'll go see who it is.不管了，我要休息！听说还有人会来帮忙打扫会场，我看看去。

理子Hey, you said you were doing this for the stream channel!喂喂，说好的为了直播间的呢！

At the entrance to the leisure district, Centaureissi is allocating cleaning assignments to the agents that are steadily arriving. Kuro sees a familiar figure and her eyes light up as she quickly jogs over to her.休息区的入口，桑朵莱希正给陆续来到的智能体安排打扫工作。 卡萝看到熟悉的身影，眼睛一亮，加快脚步跑了过去。

KuroMiss Daiyan~ we're saved~黛烟前辈——得救了——

KuroWe were just worrying about Streets 03 and 04 going uncleaned because we didn't have enough people. You came just in time...我们正愁人手不足呢，03街04街没人打扫，您来了正好……

DaiyanOh? As it happens, Miss Centaureissi was telling me that you were in charge of those two streets, and she asked me to keep a close eye on you.哦？正巧刚才桑朵莱希小姐告诉我，这两条街都是卡萝负责的呢，还让我好好监督你。

DaiyanDid Miss Centaureissi get it wrong? Maybe we should go confirm it with her...难道是桑朵莱希小姐弄错了吗？不如我现在就去和她确认一下……

KuroAhahahaha... I was kidding, just kidding, let's talk about something else!啊哈哈哈……我只是开个玩笑啦，开个玩笑！我们还是换个话题吧！

KuroSpeaking of which, which area are YOU in charge of, Miss Daiyan?说起来，黛烟前辈是负责哪块工作的呢？

幻咪The DIY area!是DIY区啦！

KuroWhy you! I heard you snuck off somewhere, so you were calling in reinforcements?你你你这家伙！我还说你溜到哪里去偷懒了，原来是去搬救兵了吗！

幻咪I was calling for assistance, where would I get reinforcements from?请外援的事，怎么能叫搬救兵呢。

KuroWhat did you bribe Miss Daiyan with?!? I'll give 10%... no, 20% more at most!你给了前辈什么好处！我愿意出1.1倍的报酬……最多1.2倍！

DaiyanI brought it up. I was thinking that it would be good if there were some leftover materials for the sky lanterns left in the DIY Area, so I could save them up and make a few more.是我主动提出的。我想若是DIY区有剩余一些制作孔明灯的材料就好了，我便可以留着之后多做几盏。

DaiyanAlso, I would like to ask Miss Puzzle to teach me more about making qiaoguo.而且关于如何雕刻巧果上图案的事，我也想向幻谜小姐请教请教呢。

幻咪Just so. Let's go, Daiyan~就是这样啦。黛烟，我们走~

KuroDammit, Purrzle you sneaky little molly...可恶，狡猾的幻咪……

HelixUm, ah, hang on a bit, Miss Daiyan and Miss Kitty. I made chocolate for everyone with the Professor...那、那个，黛烟和猫咪小姐先等等，我给大家带了巧克力，是和教授一起制作的……

幻咪It's Purrzle! (Eats) Hm, this is pretty good.是幻咪啦！唔唔，还挺好吃的嘛。

DaiyanHow thoughtful of you. Thank you, my dear Miss Helix.真是有心了。多谢你，可爱的贺莉斯小姐。

HelixHehe, as long as everyone likes it. Oh yes, this is for you, Miss Kuro...嘿嘿，大家喜欢就好了。对了，还有这个是专门为卡萝小姐准备的……

KuroChocolates specially made for the great Kuro? Looks like you know how things work around here!专门给卡萝大人我准备的巧克力？你还挺上道的嘛！

HelixI made this chocolate by accident, but I thought the shape suited you well, so I had to give it to you, Miss Kuro!当时意外制作出了这个巧克力，就感觉形状很适合，一定要送给卡萝小姐！

KuroThis shape... It's a wrench? Why do you say it suits me?这个形状……是扳手？为什么说适合我？

HelixOh, because the Professor says Miss Kuro ought to take a shift at the Factory...唔，因为教授说卡萝小姐应该找个厂上班……

KuroCURSE—YOU—PROFESSOR!!!那——个——家——伙！！！

KuroDammit, the Professor needs some Kuro correction! Where'd they go!?可恶，我一定要好好找教授算账！跑哪去了？！

HelixNow that you mention it, I haven't seen Miss Persicaria around either, and she's the only one I haven't given chocolate yet...说起来，我也没看见帕斯卡小姐呢，就剩给她的巧克力了……

DaiyanOn my way here, I saw Professor and Persicaria going that way...我过来的时候，看见教授和帕斯卡两个人朝那个方向走去了呢……

幻咪Nyaaaa!? Did they leave us to do the hard work while they ran off to slack!? Unforgivable!喵呜？！们俩难道放着我们干活，自己找地方偷懒去了吗？！不可饶恕！

幻咪No can do! We need to go catch them!不行，我们得去把俩抓出来！

Inside the venue, Persicaria is following behind me.会场内，帕斯卡亦步亦趋地跟在我的身后。

PersicariaI'm sorry, Professor, your workload is heavy enough as it is, but I had to trouble you with event preparation too...抱歉，教授，平时工作就够忙了，还要麻烦您准备活动……

ProfessorActually, being able to busy myself like this every now and then is pretty good.其实难得能像这样闹腾一下也挺好的。

ProfessorYou, on the other hand... You applied for annual leave and spent it all on organizing an event, leaving you with no time to enjoy the lantern fair. Shall I give you more time off?倒是你，明明难得请了年假，结果还是在忙活动，都没好好享受灯会。我再给你放个假吧？

PersicariaIt'll be fine...没事的……

Persicaria looks up at me without saying a word. The lantern light illuminates half of her face and her translucent eyes seem to gleam.帕斯卡抬起头静静地看着我，花灯照亮了她的半边面庞，眼眸隐晦透亮。

PersicariaI'm just glad for the chance to spend this occasion with you, like we're doing now.能和您一起度过这个节日就足够了，就像现在这样。

ProfessorAh... Then you should have told me earlier. Everyone's gone now and there's nothing to do any more.啊……早点告诉我就好了，现在会场都散了，好像也没有什么好玩的了。

PersicariaBut you're still here.还有您在。

ProfessorPardon me?你说什么？

PersicariaWe still have music. Please listen.还有音乐呀，您听。

PersicariaThe music in the event hall is still going, and we... We have a little bit of time.会场的音乐还没有关上，我们……还有一点时间。

She gazes at me, and her eyes reflect the scattered motes of light from lanterns which have not yet gone out, and myself.她凝视着我，眼中倒映出了星点还未灭的灯火，和我的身影。

PersicariaIf you don't mind.如果您不介意的话。

ProfessorHm...?唔……？

I take the hand that Persicaria offers me.我试探性地轻轻握住了帕斯卡伸出的手。

It's not sure who makes the first move, and who follows.记不清是谁先有了动作，而后带起了另一人。

It begins with a small, experimental step, and then a half-drunk movement of the arm, and then our bodies begin to float.先是浅浅地迈步，接着是半醉的臂膀，还有飘曳的半身。

The gentle melody caresses us and the lanterns sway rhythmically, so it's hard to tell if it's just the wind or if they're imitating our steps.轻柔的旋律微漾，花灯也翩跹地跳了起来，分不清它为的是风还是在模仿我们。

Soon, I can no longer hear the music, and even the candlelight has faded from view.很快，我再听不见旋律，连烛光也退出了视野。

The wind stops, and so does the music.风停了，旋律也停了。

PersicariaProfessor, I—教授，我——

幻咪You're nicked, my chum! Well done, you two! You're slacking off here, aren't you!?我抓到你们啦！好哇！在这里偷懒是吧！

幻咪And now we've caught you in the act!人赃俱获！

PersicariaUm... I... You... When did you turn up?诶……我……你们……你们什么时候来的？

KuroAhhhhhhh Purrzle! I TOLD you to come out later! I almost managed to film some prime streaming material!啊啊啊幻咪！我说了晚点再出来嘛！差一点点就能拿到绝版直播素材了！

HelixI, I, I, I'm sorry, I hope I didn't disturb you...对对对不起，是不是打扰到你们了……

DaiyanProfessor, it seems you're quite the romantic.教授……看不出您还挺有情趣的呢。

People pop out of the bushes one after another, rooting Persicaria and myself to the spot.草丛后接二连三钻出人影，我和帕斯卡一时之间僵在原地。

ProfessorWell... ah... I can explain...这个……这是有原因的啦……

幻咪Save it!不用解释了！

(Try to explain.)试图解释。

(Proudly admit it.)大方承认。

幻咪Humph—Pretty sneaky, running off to have fun by yourself!哼哼——有好玩的不带上我们。

ProfessorCorrect! I was on a date with Persicaria!没错！我和帕斯卡就是在双人约会！

PersicariaPro-pro-pro-professor, you...教教教教授您……

幻咪So you were on a date while we were hard at work? That's unfair!我们在干活你们却在约会，不公平！

幻咪Professor, I want one too!教授，我也要！

HelixAh, um, I'd like to dance with you too, if you don't mind... Can I be after Miss Purrzle...那、那个，我也想和教授跳舞……我排在幻咪小姐后面可以吗……

DaiyanI wonder if I could have the honor of waltzing with you, Professor?不知道我是否也有荣幸和教授共舞一曲呢？

ProfessorDaiyan, you too...连黛烟你也……

幻咪Oi, oi, Kuro, now you're stuck behind Daiyan.喂喂卡萝，这下你只能排在黛烟后面咯。

KuroSince when did I say I was up for this?我什么时候说过我也要？

幻咪Oh? So you DON'T want to dance, then?噢？你的意思是你不想吗？

KuroWell, I suppose the great Kuro could give you some face if you ask nicely.如果求卡萝大人我赏个面子，也不是不可以。

ProfessorAt least ask me for what I think about all this...至少征求一下我的意见啊。

As I watch everyone lining up, I can't help but rub my temples.看着大家自觉地排起了队，我情不自禁地揉了揉太阳穴。

PersicariaHehe... You're quite popular, Professor.呵呵……教授还真是受欢迎呢。

ProfessorI'm sorry, Persicaria. I promised to spend the occasion with you...抱歉，帕斯卡。说好在最后陪你度过节日……

PersicariaIt's alright, we'll have a lot of time and many opportunities after this...没事的，之后我们还会有很多时间，很多机会……

幻咪See, even Persicaria agrees.你看，既然帕斯卡都同意了。

幻咪Come on, Professor!教授，来吧！

A kitty paw extends seductively to me.一只猫爪妖娆地伸了出来。

ProfessorBut how will a cat and a human dance?但是，人要怎么和猫跳舞呢？

幻咪That's YOUR problem to solve, Professor~这就是教授需要考虑的问题啦~

Pomf—嘭——

A quiet explosion erupts overhead, and scattered embers light up the sky.头顶突然响起轻微的低鸣，细碎的花火在半空亮起。

Mai has run over at some point, holding a pair of sparklers as she peers around a corner.迈迈不知何时跑到了边上的阁楼，探出身子挥舞着两朵荧焰。

MaiWill you be dancing, Professor?教授，你们不跳了吗？

MaiThe stage is all set up for you~舞台给你们搭好啦~

PersicariaI'll go start the music up again.我也再去重新启动音乐吧。

幻咪Hurry up, the stage is set, no running away for you.快，舞台都搭好了，你可不许跑。

With no other choices left to me, all I can do is bend down like I promised and take Purrzle's paw.无奈之下，我只能依言半蹲下身，握住了幻咪的爪子。

ProfessorLet's go with the Cat Waltz for this, then, I wonder if it'll give our great sculptor some new inspiration?那让我们来一首《小猫圆舞曲》吧，不知道能否带给我们的大雕塑家新的灵感呢？

幻咪That'll depend on your performance.那就要看教授的表现啦。

The lantern fair after party steadily draws more and more attention. As time goes by, more and more agents join us in dancing.灯会后的余兴节目逐渐吸引了大家的目光。随着时间推移，越来越多的智能体加入到与我共舞的队伍之中。

SimoI didn't think I'd have the chance to dance with you, Professor.没想到还能有机会和教授共舞一曲。

ProfessorI didn't expect things to turn out like this either...我也没想到会发展成这样……

SimoI'm sure it's because you're special to everyone.这是因为教授对大家来说都很特殊吧。

Simo...Just like you are to me. Here's to not forgetting these memories, until we meet again in reality.……我也一样。为了这段记忆不被忘记，直至我们再度在现实相见。

SimoNo matter what difficulties I face, I'll keep fighting.无论遇到怎样的困境，我都会战斗下去的。

One song follows another and we tread out the steps of dance after dance, while exchanging our various thoughts and feelings.一曲接一曲，我们不止交换舞步，也交换着各色的心绪。

SolUwah!呜哇！

SolSorry Prof, I'm not too good at dancing... Did I step on your foot?抱歉，教授，我不太擅长跳舞……是不是踩到你的脚了？

ProfessorIt's alright. Just match my pace, listen to the rhythm, and go slowly...没关系。跟着我的脚步，听着音乐的旋律，慢慢的……

SolOhhh, I'm starting to get it!哦哦！我感觉好像渐渐明白了！

SolHahaha, in the past, I always used to be a guide for everyone, but recently it seems like you're the one always taking me on new experiences.哈哈哈，之前都是我做大家的向导，但现在，总是教授带给我各种各样新奇的体验啊。

SolThank you, Professor.谢谢你，教授。

SolSince you've protected all of the Oasis, I'll protect you from now on.既然教授守护着整个绿洲，之后，就让我好好守护教授吧。

Soon, everyone has joined me in dancing to the music.渐渐地，不只是和我，大家都三三两两地随着音乐跳起了舞。

Professor...Whew, that ought to be the last in line.……呼，这应该是最后一个排队的人了吧。

PersicariaHehe, thank you for your hard work, Professor.呵呵，辛苦了，教授。

ProfessorPersicaria? Have you been queuing up all this time?帕斯卡？你一直在排队吗？

ProfessorRight, we never did finish that number...对了，刚才那一曲还没跳完……

PersicariaIt's alright, Professor. I know you must be very tired, so let's sit down and rest while having a chat.没关系，教授，我知道您已经很辛苦了，所以就坐下聊聊天休息一下吧。

Persicaria hands me a cup of coffee and sits down with me as we look at everyone weaving past each other on the dance floor.帕斯卡递给我一杯咖啡，和我一同找位置坐下，望向交错起舞的大家。

Persicaria...See, everyone's enjoying this moment. It looks like the night will be a long one.……看呀，大家都享受着这一刻。看来这个夜晚会很漫长呢。

ProfessorWhen I see all this, I think that everything we've done is worth it.看到这幅场景，就感觉一切付出都值得了。

PersicariaYou can take a little pride in yourself for that.您可以小小地骄傲一下哦。

PersicariaIt's because you're here that we aren't running around in fear and we can witness a wonderful scene like this.正因为有您，大家才能免于在不安之中奔波，这样美好的情景才会存在于此。

PersicariaNo matter what we encounter after this, this moment will fill everyone with hope and courage.无论之后会遇到什么，但是因为这一刻，大家都会充满希望与勇气。

I look at the smiles on everyone's faces, and scene after scene of memories flash before my eyes.我看着大家脸上的笑容，回忆的一幕幕浮现在眼前。

Professor...Yeah.……是呀。

PersicariaI hope these good times will last forever...真希望这样的时间能永远延续下去呢……

It's late now, and only the stars shine in the night sky.夜色已深，唯有星星在半空中闪烁。

The music plays, the dancers tread out their intersecting paths, and although things aren't as bustling as before, there's an indescribable sense of fun to it all.音乐流动，舞步交错，不似先前那般热闹，却仍有一丝说不清道不明的逸趣。

Like Persicaria said, this night will be a long one.一如帕斯卡所言，这个夜晚，还很漫长。

Qixi - Sol 七夕-苏尔

Evening at the Oasis dorms.傍晚，绿洲宿舍。

I find Sol's room and gently knock on the tightly-shut door.我找到苏尔的房间，轻轻敲了敲紧闭的房门。

Knock knock—笃笃——

SolIs, is that you, Prof?是、是教授吗？

ProfessorYup. It's time for our date. I'm here to escort you to the lantern fair.是呀。约定的时间快到了，我来接你去灯会了哦。

SolSorry, Professor! I didn't expect you to come so early! Please give me a while more!抱歉教授！我没想到你这么早就来了，稍等我一会儿！

ProfessorAre you alright? Did anything happen?你没事吧？遇到什么麻烦了吗？

SolI'm fine! Everything's okay!我没事的，一切ok！

ProfessorThat's good to hear... No need to rush, I can wait at the doorway.那就好……不用着急，我可以在门口慢慢等你。

Creak—吱呀——

Before I can finish, the door opens and Sol rushes out.话音未落，房门就打开了，苏尔匆匆忙忙地闯了出来。

SolSorry to keep you waiting! Let's head out, Prof.抱歉让你久等了！我们出发吧，教授。

Professor...Well, it's not like I waited that long. Still, are you really alright?……也没等多久啦。不过，真的没事吗？

SolAhaha, it's been settled. Let's go, Prof, otherwise we might not make it to the lantern fair in time.啊哈哈，已经搞定啦。我们快走吧教授，不然可就赶不上灯会了。

Professor...You're going to like this? I think Persicaria said something about helping you buy a new neural projection, right?……你就穿这身衣服吗？我记得帕斯卡和我说过，她帮你买了一套新的心智投影哦？

SolDid she? Ahahahaha, I don't think so, right?有吗？啊哈哈哈，没有吧？

SolIn any case, let's go, let's go.总之走啦走啦。

Sol pats my shoulder in a valiant attempt to gloss things over, before puffing up her chest and heading outside.苏尔欲盖弥彰地拍了拍我的肩膀，昂首挺胸大步朝外走去。

At night, in the Oasis recreational area.夜晚，绿洲休息区。

Lantern flames fill the air like willow blossoms, flickering as they dance on the wind and settle to the ground. The people on the streets sound as lively as a babbling brook and singing can be heard from even the loneliest alleys.灯焰如柳絮，摇曳翻飞，纷扬下落，成对聚散地扑面舞空。街中人声鼎沸，深巷传出吆喝。

路过的智能体Hi~ Good evening, Sol-darling and Professor!嗨~苏尔亲，教授晚上好呀！

SolEvening!晚上好！

路过的智能体Huh? Why didn't you change into your new neural cloud projection, Sol-darling? You too, Professor, did you guys just get off work?咦？苏尔亲怎么没换一套心智投影呀？教授也是，两位刚下班吗？

SolAh, yeah yeah yeah, we just knocked off!啊对对对，我们俩刚下班！

路过的智能体Wow, so you were so busy? All the more reason to enjoy the lantern fair, then. Have a good one!居然这么忙吗？那更要好好享受灯会啦，节日快乐！

SolYou too!节日快乐！

Sol sighs heavily as she watches the agent who greeted us fade into the distance.眼看打招呼的智能体渐行渐远，苏尔长出一口气。

ProfessorAh, Sol.那个，苏尔啊。

ProfessorDid anyone tell you that it's really easy to tell when you're lying?有没有人告诉过你，你说谎的样子特别好懂啊。

SolUh... No?没……没有啊。

SolAh, no, I mean, I'm not lying!啊不是，我没有说谎！

ProfessorDo you not like the style of the neural projection you received?是不是你不喜欢收到心智投影的款式呀？

ProfessorIf the neural projection that Persicaria bought didn't suit you well, I can always take you to go get a new one.如果是帕斯卡准备的心智投影不合适，我可以带你去买一套新的。

(Cut to the chase.)直球进攻。

(Circle around the issue.)委婉试探。

SolP-Prof, can you read minds or something? How did you know what I was thinking?教……教授你会读心术吗？怎么知道我在想什么。

SolOr did Persicaria tell you about it?还是说帕斯卡都告诉你了？

ProfessorNobody tattled to me, but even an idiot could guess it given how you reacted to everything so far. So, are you really unhappy with the projection you got for the lantern fair?没人跟我通风报信，但你这么一连串的过度反应下来，笨蛋也能猜出个大概了。所以真的是为灯会准备的投影不满意？

Upon hearing this, a torn look appears on Sol's face and she scratches her head in vexation.一问及此，苏尔露出了纠结的表情，牢骚似地挠了挠脑袋。

SolWell, it's not like I'm not happy with it, but I just don't know what Persicaria was thinking.也不是说不满意，就是不知道帕斯卡她是怎么想的。

SolLike, can you understand how I felt when I got the gift? I can't believe she actually gave me a DRESS!你能明白我收到礼物时的心情吗？她竟然送了我一条裙子！

ProfessorWhat's wrong with dresses?裙子怎么了吗？

SolHuh? You're not shocked, Prof?诶？教授你不吃惊吗？

ProfessorNot at all. I've never seen you in a dress before, but I get the feeling it would suit you well. What kind of dress was it?不吃惊。虽然没看过你穿裙子，但感觉应该挺适合你的。那是一条怎样的裙子？

SolUm... It was a white sundress with frilly edges... Anyway, despite what you said, I just can't think of a way something like that would work with me!呃……白色的连衣裙，还有花边……虽然教授你这么说了，但感觉那条裙子完全没办法和我联系起来！

ProfessorDo you really dislike that dress?你很讨厌那件裙子吗？

SolIt's not like I hate it... Actually... Okay, fine, I actually kinda like it. I mean it looks all flowy and fluffy and pretty.倒也说不上讨厌……其实……好吧，其实我还蛮喜欢的，毕竟看起来轻飘飘的，也很漂亮。

ProfessorThen why don't you try it on?那为什么不试试看呢？

SolBecause it's too embarrassing! And there's no way it would suit me. I mean, if I... If I...因为太羞耻了啊！而且根本不可能适合我，要是……要是……

Sol's voice trails off and she looks a little gloomy.苏尔的声音蓦地有些消沉。

SolMaybe if I were like Nanaka or Persicaria I could pull it off without any worries.要是我能像七花或者帕斯卡那样，穿起来就没什么顾忌了。

ProfessorYou're thinking too much about this. I, for one, am looking forward to it, no matter what you end up looking like.你想太多了，我可是很期待哦。不管你想把自己打扮成什么样子，我都很期待。

ProfessorThe Sol I know wouldn't be so timid and indecisive. Since you like it, why not try it on?我认识的苏尔，应该没有这么扭扭捏捏才对，既然喜欢，为什么不试试？

SolBut...可是……

SolWhew—呼——

Sol exhales heavily, and then she plants her hands on her hips and thrusts her chest out.苏尔长出一口气，而后挺胸叉腰。

SolYeah, you got a point. I mean, Persicaria went out of her way to pick it out for me. It would be a shame to let it go to waste.是啊，怎么说也是帕斯卡花心思挑选的，就这么白费了也有点可惜。

Have some faith in yourself. You're very pretty.自信一点，你很漂亮的。

What's this, a situation that you can't handle, Sol?还有苏尔驾驭不了的状况吗？

SolAh, there's nothing to worry about! Let's go!左右没什么好怕的，我们走！

ProfessorYep, that's the Sol I know.对啦，这才是苏尔嘛。

Although Sol sounded nonchalant and confident enough when she said that, she still hesitates a little as we near the venue.虽然苏尔放话的样子很豪迈，但临近行动，她还是生出了一丝怯意。

After a long time walking around, we finally reach the beach near the lantern fair.兜转许久，我才和苏尔来到灯会附近的海滩。

Unlike the ceaseless invitation which the nighttime streets extend to us with their lively clamor, the lanterns embraced in the starry sky reach a gentle hand to us from the clouds as they dance, welcoming us and urging us on.有别于喧叫的涛声枕着夜色向我们发出了绵延不绝的邀请，星河牵着花火的手在云间翩然起舞，犹若招呼，又似催促。

SolA-Ah, I'll go change my neural projection, so just give me a bit, Professor...那、那个，我先去换一下心智投影，教授你稍等我一下哦……

I look out at the silent ocean and the colorful night scenery, my thoughts flitting around aimlessly until a gentle tap on my shoulder brings me back to reality.遥望幽寂的海水与琳琅的夜色，思绪纷飞，直至肩上轻缓的触碰将我拉回现实。

Sol...Prof... Professor... I'm done...……教……教授……我换好了……

I slowly turn around.我缓缓转过身去。

The moment Sol comes into view, I freeze in place like my heart, almost forgetting to breathe.在苏尔映入眼帘的瞬间，心脏和我一同愣怔在了原地，遗忘了半秒的呼吸。

SolHey, Professor... Say something... I... I'll get embarrassed.教授，你倒是说话啊……我……我会不好意思的。

Her long hair and her dress swish over the sands, and the girl who's normally so forthright and cheerful suddenly clams up.长发与白裙一同洒落在沙滩上，平日爽朗大方的少女不自觉地结巴了起来。

She tugs at the hem of her skirts and turns away shyly.她扭捏地扯着裙边，不自然地别开目光。

SolLike I said, it doesn't suit me, right?果然，我早说过的，是不是很不合适？

SolWell, laugh at me if you want, I've never been able to pull this style of clothing off anyway.想笑就笑吧，反正我就是穿不来这种风格的衣服。

ProfessorHaha... Well, I can't help but smile when I see something lovely.哈哈……看到美丽的事物确实会情不自禁露出笑容的。

ProfessorDon't sell yourself short. You look lovely, so much so that I was at a loss for words.别这么妄自菲薄。真的很好看，我只是一时找不到话语形容。

ProfessorThis dress suits you very well, Sol.这条裙子很适合你，苏尔。

SolUm—呃——

Sol suddenly starts to panic and her movements grow even more timid.苏尔的表情陡然慌张了起来，动作也变得更加的拘谨。

(Chuckle.)轻笑。

(Shake your head.)摇头。

Upon seeing this, I hold back my laughter and walk a full circle around her as I size her up, before stopping behind her.见状，我忍着笑意，绕着她打量了一圈，停在苏尔的身后。

SolProf... Professor... Is... is there something wrong with my back?教……教授……我……我背后有什么问题吗？

ProfessorOh, it's nothing. I just wanted to help you do up your hair.没什么，只是想帮你打理一下头发。

My fingers glide through the scattered strands, gently untangling the little knots that have formed.我的手掌穿过散落的长发，轻轻替苏尔划开黏连的小绺。

ProfessorWhy didn't you tie it up in a ponytail? Doesn't this come with a matching hair tie or something?为什么没有绑个马尾辫？这不是有配套的发饰吗？

SolI... I saw everyone doing it like that.我……我看大家好像都是这样。

SolPersicaria and Anna don't tie up their hair when they're in dresses.帕斯卡还有安娜她们穿裙子的时候都不绑头发。

ProfessorWhy do you have to copy them? Does this mean you're going to talk like Florence or Panakeia when you're in a lab coat?为什么要模仿她们？那你穿白大褂的时候，是要学芙洛伦说话，还是学帕那刻亚说话呢？

SolUm...唔……

Sol seems to be thinking about it in earnest, and I can't help laughing at it. I take the hair ornament from Sol's hand and carefully help her put it on.看着苏尔认真地陷入思考，我不禁笑了起来，从苏尔的掌心拿过发饰，认真地替她别上。

ProfessorYou are yourself, Sol. You don't need to copy anyone. Just do what you want to do.苏尔就是苏尔啦，不用模仿别人，做自己想做的就好了。

ProfessorThe Sol I know would act differently from others even while wearing a flowing sundress, and she'd help clear away the obstacles in front of others with pride and confidence.我认识的苏尔，她就算穿轻飘飘的连衣裙也会拿出不一样的气概，然后用意气风发地帮大家斩开前方的荆棘。

ProfessorAnd then she'd tell everyone that the problem was sorted in a dazzling, sunny way, rather than being all embarrassed and shy and grabbing her skirt hems.接着用热情到耀眼的笑容告诉大家问题都解决了，而不是像现在这样捏着裙角窘迫害羞。

SolHey! Are you praising me or teasing me?喂！你到底是在夸我还是在揶揄我嘛！

Sol shakes a fist at me, but she seems to have relaxed.苏尔右手握拳朝我使劲挥了挥，整个人放松了下来。

Sol...Still, I DO envy them sometimes. You're not like the others, Professor; you hardly ever walk ahead of me.……但是我的确偶尔会羡慕她们啊，和其他人不一样，教授你几乎不会走在我的前面。

SolI don't get a lot of chances to watch you, to say nothing of standing by your side.能注视你的机会总是很少，更不要说和你并肩。

Sol puts her hands behind her and faces me. Then she backs up and takes a few steps towards the sea.苏尔双手背到身后，迎着我，小步转圈退向大海。

SolI'm supposed to be the vanguard, but I always get the feeling that I'm falling behind.明明是在前方领路，我却总有种被落在身后的感觉。

ProfessorSo, do you want to make a change? Maybe try being something other than a guide?所以就想做出改变吗？尝试一下向导以外的职责？

SolNot really, but I DO want to do something.倒也不至于，不过确实想做点什么。

ProfessorLike say, dancing your heart out as the sea and the stars watch, and conveying everything in your heart?比如在海水和烟花的注视下尽情地舞蹈，把心中所想传递出去？

SolAre you serious, Prof? You know I can't dance!教授你是认真的吗！我根本不会跳舞好吧！

ProfessorHahaha, that's true. If you put everything into copying others, you'll just lose yourself.哈哈哈，是呀，一个劲地效仿其他人的样子只会丢掉你自己的。

ProfessorBut if you're able to firmly reject a suggestion that doesn't suit you, doesn't that mean you already know what you want to do?你能像这样坚决否认不适合你的提案，是不是心里对想做什么也有答案呢？

SolUm...唔……

ProfessorLet me guess. What would Sol do at a time like this?不如让我来猜猜看，这个时候苏尔想要怎么做吧？

SolHuh...?诶……？

I step up and grab Sol's hand, then drag her to the biggest rock nearby, and then shout in the opposite direction from the Oasis.三两步拽住了苏尔，我拉着她跑向附近最高的礁石上，而后对着绿洲的方向高声大喊。

ProfessorTo hell with all that stupid work! Screw all this overtime crap!见鬼的工作就让它去死吧！我不想加班啦！

SolPffft—Hahahaha!噗嗤——哈哈哈哈哈哈哈哈！

SolBut that's what YOU would say, Prof!这明明是教授你的心声吧！

Sol laughs, and it makes her look beautiful.苏尔笑了起来，眉眼愈发明媚。

SolStill, when I see you do that, it helps me figure out what I want to do—At the very least, I know what I want to do now!不过看着教授这么做，我对于想做什么也有一些头绪了——至少知道了现在想做什么！

She raises her voice, just like when she's sharing amusing news, or when she's barging into my office, like when we're in battle and she proudly goes "just leave it to me".她抬高了音量，像平时分享趣事那样，像平时闯入我办公室咋咋呼呼那样，像每一次我们并肩作战的时候宣称都交给我吧那样。

She's the forthright Sol once again, with the all-too-familiar smile on her face.苏尔再一次露出了分外直率，让我无比熟悉的笑容。

She takes a deep breath, then hikes up her skirt and takes a step forward on the rock.她深吸了一口气，忽地提起裙角在礁石上前踏半步。

Bang—砰——

Just then, the fireworks rise into the air, and light and fire fill the sky.恰在彼时，烟花升起，光焰璀璨。

SolProfessor! Make sure you keep watching me from now on!教授以后也要好好看着我啊！

SolOr else it'll suck if you get lost!不然你们走丢了我可是会很苦恼的啊！

Her voice is as passionate as ever, with every ounce of her strength poured into it.声音一如既往的热情，用尽了主人的每一分气力。

Sol turns around, haloed in radiance, her expression playful yet serious.苏尔转过头来，衬着烂漫的花火，玩笑而又认真。

SolThings should be okay now that the ocean's heard us complaining, right?大海听到咱俩的唠叨了，应该没问题了吧？

ProfessorHah, well, I think it should be fine...哈，我觉得没问题了……

The sound of the fireworks exploding and Sol's incandescent smile gush forth, drowning out my words.烟花的声响与苏尔灿亮的笑容汹涌而来，淹没了我最后发出的声音。

Qixi - Simo 七夕-席摩

The Oasis, an hour before the lantern fair.绿洲，灯会前一小时。

After vetting all the Qixi festival events, I rub my shoulders and stretch.结束了对七夕所有活动的审核，我揉了揉肩膀，用力地伸了个懒腰。

ProfessorI wonder if the lantern fair's started yet...也不知道灯会开始了没有……

??Not yet.还没有呢。

I didn't hear anyone entering, yet that familiar voice is speaking to me from close by.我完全没有听到进来的脚步声，而这个熟悉的声音就在耳边不远处响起了。

ProfessorSimo?席摩？

SimoGood afternoon, Professor.下午好，教授。

ProfessorYou don't make a sound when you walk, you're even quieter than Purrzle.你走路一点声音也没有，比幻咪还轻。

SimoHaha, I guess that's just a quirk of my chassis, then? It ended up becoming a habit before I realized.哈哈，大概是我的机体特性吧？不知不觉就养成这样的习惯了。

SimoI even scared Croque last time. I feel bad when I think about it.上次还吓到克罗琦了，想想真是抱歉。

ProfessorI find it hard to imagine how Croque could get startled.真难想象克罗琦会被吓到啊。

SimoShe's as focused as you are when she's lost in her work.她沉浸在工作里的时候和您一样专心。

Simo stands beside me and he briefly scans my desk.席摩站在我身边，目光扫过我的工作台。

SimoAre you done with work?工作已经结束了吗？

SimoThat's wonderful.那真是太好了。

Yeah, I am.结束了。

Not yet. There's a little bit left.还没有，差一些。

Simo smiles happily.席摩露出了喜悦的笑容。

SimoThe lantern fair hasn't started yet, but they're already hanging up the decorations. Shall I take you to see them?虽然灯会还没有开始，但现在外面已经装饰起来了。我带您去看看吧？

ProfessorOf course, let's go.当然，走吧。

SimoI just saw you close your files, so I thought you were done.我刚刚看到您已经把文件合起来了，原来还没有做完。

Simo pulls up a chair and sits beside me.席摩拉开椅子，坐在我身边。

SimoI've become quite good at taking care of files while I was responsible for security.在负责安保的这段时间，我对文件处理颇有心得。

Unable to handle his passion, I close the documents I'm working on.架不住他的热情，我合上了文件。

ProfessorCome on, let's go. I can take care of the rest later.走吧，其他的待会儿处理也可以。

With Simo's help, I finish saving all the edited documents to the upload terminal and then leave the office.在席摩的协助下，我将所有改好的文件都存档上传终端，然后离开办公室。

ProfessorAre we going to the Qixi lantern fair?我们是要去看七夕灯会么？

SimoYes, Professor. However, we won't be taking the elevator.是的，不过教授，我们不走电梯。

He grabs me just as I'm about to turn toward the elevator lobby.在我准备转向电梯时，他拉住了我。

ProfessorWe're not taking the lift? But I didn't see any maintenance notices for it.不走电梯？今天电梯没有维修通知啊。

SimoMm... Yes, the elevator is perfectly fine. But I wanted to take you there from another way.嗯……的确，电梯是完好的，不过我想带教授从另一边走。

SimoYou agreed quickly enough.您答应得真爽快啊。

SimoStill, it's because of your faith in me that I've managed to come this far.不过，也正是因为您的信任，我才能走到这一步吧。

ProfessorWhat are you talking about?你在说什么？

Alright, which way?好啊，走哪边？

I have a bad feeling about this.我有种不太妙的预感。

SimoDon't worry, I was just feeling a little sentimental.不必在意，只是一些感慨而已。

SimoHaha, you ARE a keen one, Professor.哈哈，教授的感觉真是敏锐。

ProfessorPersonally, I would have preferred it if you had just denied that feeling of mine.我倒宁可你否认这种感觉。

SimoI won't hide anything from you, Professor, but I need you to test this in person.我不会隐瞒教授什么的，不过这个还是要教授亲自来衡量。

Simo—To test if this solution is workable.——衡量这个方式能不能用。

One and a half minutes later, we are standing on the edge of a rooftop balcony.一分半钟后，我们站在了天台边缘。

The sunset sky covers the Oasis with filmy light.夕阳西下，整个绿洲披上了一层朦胧的光晕。

ProfessorThere's nowhere to go from here, Simo. Unless...?这里没有路，席摩，你是想……？

SimoDo you trust me, Professor?教授，您信任我吗？

SimoIf you trust me, then take a step forward... That's right, from where you're standing right now.如果您信任我的话，就往前踏一步……对，就是从您现在站着的位置。

ProfessorIf Antonina were saying this, I'd conclude she was trying to kill me.如果是安冬妮娜对我说这句话，我一定觉得她是准备谋杀我了。

SimoAnna would never do that. If you're worried, you can hold my hand.安娜不会这么做的。如果教授担心的话，可以握住我的手。

He extends his hand to me, and the look he gives me is both focused and earnest.他向我伸出手，注视着我的眼神专注又认真。

SimoIf I did badly, you can just throw me off the side and I will be the first to die.如果我做了什么不好的事，教授就可以直接把我扯下去，让我成为第一个牺牲者。

ProfessorCome on, you don't have to go that far, do you... Alright.也不用到这个地步……好吧。

I take his hand and balance myself, then take a step forward.我握住他的手调整好重心，向前踏出一步。

Transparent ripples spread around me. I feel like I've stepped onto an invisible staircase.透明的涟漪在周围荡开，我感觉到自己踩上了一级透明的阶梯。

Professor...What's this?……这是什么？

SimoIt's the "emergency escape route" you approved earlier. Croque helped make a transparent stairway for me.您之前批准过的“紧急安保通道”，克罗琦帮忙做成了透明的台阶。

SimoShe was working on this when I last went to see her, which was when I startled her.上一次我去找她，她就是在专注地做这个，才会被吓到呢。

ProfessorThis doesn't seem too reliable...这个看起来不大可靠啊……

SimoThere'll be improved versions in the future. This is just in the testing phase.还会再有改进版，现在只是实验期。

SimoI discovered that the scenery here was wonderful when I was testing it out. That was why I wanted to bring you here to take a look at it.我也是在测试的时候凑巧发现这里的风景很漂亮，才想着要带教授来看看的。

ProfessorCan I go further ahead?还能再往前吗？

SimoOf course you can, but please don't go too far.当然可以，但是请不要走得太远。

SimoThe fireworks festival area is up ahead and you'll be in danger once they start firing them off.前面是花火大会的区域，一旦放起烟花，教授会很危险。

ProfessorThen let's take a few steps forward together. Shall we?那就再往前走几步吧。我们一起？

SimoOf course!当然！

We walk through the sky while holding hands, completely departing the roof of the building and standing in mid-air.我们牵着手在天空中走出几步，完全脱离了楼层，漫步在半空之中。

The people below us look vanishingly small. Backlit as they are by the street lights, it seems as though the skies are the ground and the surface is the starry sky instead.下方忙碌的人们都变得极小，灯光在薄暮中亮起，高空如同地面，而地面反倒像是星空。

SimoDo you like this?您喜欢这种体验吗？

SimoAh, I'm sorry, I forgot to consider that possibility. Let's head back.啊，抱歉，我忽略了这方面的可能性，我们回去吧。

Saying so, he tugs on my hand and changes direction, leading me back.说着，他牵着我的手换了方向，在前面领着我往回走。

SimoAre you alright? If you're afraid, you can focus on Sako and that might help.您还好吗？如果太害怕的话，可以只看着萨可，这样会好一些。

萨可Squeak!吱！

As I look at the little head poking out of his collar, my vertigo does seem to get a little better.望着那颗从领子里钻出来的小脑袋，我确实感觉晕眩感减轻了。

I'm a little afraid of heights.有点恐高。

I like it very much, this is what the cloud server should feel like.很喜欢，这才有云端的感觉。

Soon, we're back on the rooftop, and we sit down nearby.不多时，我们回到了天台上，在天台附近坐下了。

SimoIs the cloud server very different from the real world?云端和现实的区别很大吗？

ProfessorThey're similar, but they're fundamentally different in some ways.很像，但有一些本质上的区别。

We sit side by side on the transparent steps, looking out to the furthest reaches of the endless sky.我们在透明的台阶上并肩坐下，将视线投向遥远的天空尽头。

Simo looks so frail, but he's actually as solid as a rock. Even with me holding on to him and throwing off his balance, he can instantly adjust to compensate.席摩看起来纤细，实际却十分稳定，即使我有把握不住重心的情况，他也能立刻做出调整。

SimoMiss Persicaria once told me that the cloud server is very far removed from reality, and I might not be able to adapt in the short term once we go back.帕斯卡小姐之前告诉过我，云端和现实的区别是很大的，我回去时可能短时间内无法适应。

ProfessorNow that you mention it, this iteration of you was activated in the cloud server.这么说来，你从这次启动开始就在云端。

SimoYes. I've never actually been to the real world before, so I'd like it very much if you could tell me about it, Professor.是的。我还没有去过现实，要是教授能给我讲一讲，那就再好不过了。

Simo looks at me eagerly. For some reason I have the feeling that if he had a tail, he would be wagging it with anticipation.席摩眼巴巴地看着我，不知为何，我总觉得他要是有尾巴，一定会期盼地摇晃起来。

ProfessorThe main difference between the cloud server and the real world is in how data is structured and how life expresses itself.现实和云端的区别，主要是在数据的构成方式和生命的表现上吧。

ProfessorFor instance, the way Antonina clips through her table while she's sleeping could never happen in the real world.就比如说，现实世界是绝对不可能出现安冬妮娜睡着睡着就穿模到桌子里的事的。

SimoHaha... What an interesting example. Although, I think Anna would get mad if she knew you were keeping it in mind.哈哈……这是个有趣的例子，但安娜要是知道您还记着这件事，肯定会生气的。

ProfessorAs another example, Dolls in reality aren't unable to save their files. On the contrary, they can easily load their memories once they connect to the Internet.再比如，现实中人形并不是无法存档，相反，人形只要联网，就可以方便地存取记忆。

SimoSo you're saying that they can be recovered even if they're accidentally destroyed?也就是说，即使不小心损毁了，也可以读取吗？

ProfessorPretty much.差不多吧。

SimoIt's very different from how backups work in the cloud server.和云端的备份方式有很大的不同啊。

ProfessorThe real world is also a very large place, and all places are seamlessly connected to each other except where the ocean separates them.现实中的地图很大，除了海洋隔断外基本是无缝接续的。

SimoSo they're not divided up and defined like Sectors are over here?不像这里有扇区之分，而是没有边界吗？

ProfessorWell, countries exist which separate one region from another, but it's not a very hard limit.有国界的区别，但并不大。

We go back and forth like this for a while, until the night presses the sunset clouds to the edge of the sky.我们有一搭没一搭地聊着，直到夜幕将火烧云压到天边一线。

SimoThe Qixi party is about to begin. Allow me to escort you downstairs.七夕晚会快要开始了，我送您下去吧。

Simo seems a little reluctant to go.席摩露出有些不舍的表情。

SimoI enjoyed our chat today... I think I've never been alone with you before, Professor.今天的聊天很开心……我几乎没有和教授这样独处过呢。

ProfessorWe'll have more chances to do that in future.以后还会有机会的。

SimoYup!嗯！

That answer seems to make Simo very happy. He stands up and pulls me up too.这句回答似乎让席摩十分快乐，他站起身，将我也拉起来。

SimoI heard a stall downstairs selling soda. Do you want some, Professor?刚刚我听见下面的摊子有卖汽水的，教授想喝吗？

ProfessorYou could hear them from such a high place?这么高的地方，你也能听到下面的声音？

SimoHaha, well, that's one of the advantages of being a Doll.哈哈，这也是人形的好处吧。

Simo doesn't seem to realize that he uses "haha" to cover up for questions he has difficulty answering.席摩似乎还没发现自己会用“哈哈”来带过一些难以回答的事。

SimoAlright, then just wait for me here. I'll come back up with the soda.好吧，那教授你在天台等我一会儿，我去买汽水来。

I sit down on the roof and space out a little.我在天台上坐着发了一会儿呆。

The night wind blows away the warmth in my clothes, and I start to feel a little cold.晚风吹散了衣服里的热气，变得有些冷了。

Humans don't have the excellent hearing Dolls do, so the clamor below seems very far away. For just a few moments, I feel like I've returned to reality, hearing the Dolls laugh and talk back in the base.人类没有人形那样优秀的听觉，下方的喧闹声离这里很远，在短暂的几个瞬间里，我像是回到现实，远远地听着人形们在营地里笑闹。

When we get back to reality... I wonder what will happen to these Dolls?等到回到现实的时候……这些人形会怎样呢？

SimoProfessor, this is for you.教授，给你。

Simo's voice chimes in from beside me.席摩的声音又一次在我身边响起。

ProfessorI was really trying to listen this time, but I still couldn't hear your footsteps.这次我用心听了，还是没听到你的脚步声。

SimoYou were spacing out, Professor, I saw it all.教授明明就是在走神，我看得很清楚。

As the evening sky dims, Simo hands me a bottle of soda.在渐暗的夜空里，席摩将一瓶汽水递给我。

SimoI saw people buying this ramune down there, so I think it'll be good. Would you like to try some, Professor?很多人买这个波子汽水，我想会很好喝。教授也尝一尝？

ProfessorI can't keep anything from you, can I?瞒不过你。

I take the bottle from him and press down the bead at its mouth.我接过他递来的瓶子，把瓶口的玻璃珠压下去。

The bubbles surge up. I cover the mouth of the bottle and wait for the first wave of gas to boil off.气泡顿时上涌，我按着瓶口，等待第一波气泡消去。

SimoNgh!唔！

Professor...You don't know how to open the bottle? It's gotten all over you.……你不会开汽水吗？喷得满身都是。

SimoIt's my first time drinking this stuff...没有开过这样的汽水……

ProfessorHere, clean yourself up with this.拿纸擦一擦吧。

Simo thanks me as he accepts the tissue I hand him and towels off the soda on his clothes.席摩道了谢，接过纸巾擦干了身上的汽水。

SimoIf only the real world was as peaceful as this.要是现实也有这么安稳就好了。

ProfessorIf you ask me, the real world isn't peaceful at all...我倒觉得现实也一点都不安稳……

SimoProfessor.教授。

Simo suddenly addresses me.席摩忽然叫了我一声。

ProfessorWhat's wrong?怎么了？

SimoPersicaria and the others told me that we came here as experimental subjects of Project Neural Cloud.帕斯卡她们跟我说过，我们来就是为了实验心智云图计划。

SimoAnd once Project Neural Cloud succeeds, we will have the ability to store and retrieve our memories at any time.而心智云图计划成功的话，我们才会有像您说的那样随时存取记忆的功能。

ProfessorSo you think the stuff I said just now was unreliable?所以，你认为我刚刚在说的那些靠不住吗？

SimoNo, I believe that must be a future that we aren't able to reach yet.不，我想那一定是我还没来得及接触到的未来。

Simo holds up his soda bottle and touches it to mine.席摩举起自己手里的汽水瓶，和我手里的瓶子一碰。

SimoI like the reality you described very much.我很喜欢您所描述的那个现实世界。

SimoWhen the time comes, I'll find a way to make contact with you.到那时，我会想办法去找您。

SimoSo please, don't forget any of this.所以，请您不要忘记这一切。

SimoBecause we'll meet again.我们一定还会再见的。

Qixi - Evelyn 七夕-伊芙琳

After leaving the bakery, I notice Evelyn on patrol nearby.在离开烘焙室时，我注意到伊芙琳正在周边巡逻。

Considering the peaceful surroundings, her stern expression and her immaculate (tactically speaking) attire make her particularly distinctive.在一片轻松的环境里，她严肃的表情和（战略意义上）挑不出一丝破绽的着装显得格外突兀。

ProfessorGood morning, Evelyn. Is there a reason why you're dressed up like this?早上好，伊芙琳，你这是要去……？

EvelynProfessor, I'm currently on duty.报告教授，我正在执勤。

ProfessorI see, so you've volunteered to stand watch during the festival.这样啊，你是这批自愿在节日期间值守的人？

EvelynYes. The more we celebrate, the more alert we must be.是的，越是在欢庆期间，越是需要警惕。

ProfessorI seem to see you on duty pretty much every day. Haven't you considered taking some time off and having a proper vacation?似乎每一个节日都看到你在值班，没有考虑过哪一次休息，真正享受一番假日吗？

EvelynNo need to worry, Professor. I'm used to standing guard during festive occasions in reality.不必担心，教授，我从在现实世界时就已经习惯了在节日时执勤。

EvelynThe atmosphere and scenery of festivals do not change because of where they're located, even if the crowd contains criminals, terrorists, rebels and...节日的氛围和景色不会因为所处位置的变化而变化，即使人群中藏着歹徒、恐怖分子、反叛军和……

ProfessorWait a minute, that sounds more like a crime scene waiting to happen than a festival!等一下，从这个角度看已经变得不像节日，而像是什么三分钟前的犯罪现场了！

EvelynJust so. Festive occasions are often a prime opportunity for criminal elements to strike.正是如此。节日往往是犯罪分子们眼中的良机。

EvelynCommitting crimes when others are least on guard is both efficient and causes great disturbances, which facilitates a successful escape after the fact.在人们最为松懈的时候实施犯罪，不仅成功率高，还能引起骚乱，便于之后顺利脱身。

ProfessorBut that's not a good choice for a vacation.但这不是休假的好选择。

ProfessorIt seems the way security forces view holidays is different from how the masses enjoy them.从警卫的方向来看节日，和作为普通群众去享受节日，感觉是完全不同的。

EvelynYou have a point.您说的也有道理。

EvelynStill, Simo, myself, Instructor Python and the others have made an agreement to jointly maintain order today.不过，我和席摩、还有派森教官等人已经约好，要共同维持今天的秩序了。

EvelynIf there is a next time, I will consider your suggestion and apply for leave in advance to properly enjoy my vacation.如果还有下次的话，我会考虑您的建议，提前请假享受真正的假日。

ProfessorWhy not do it tonight, after you change shifts?不如就趁今晚，在换班之后稍微享受一下吧。

EvelynAfter my shift change?换班后吗？

ProfessorOr would you be too tired by then to enjoy the festive atmosphere?那时候会不会太累了，无心享受节日氛围？

ProfessorIn that case, let's save it for another time.如果是这样，我们还是约下次吧。

EvelynNot at all, Professor. I won't push myself outside of work.不会的，教授，我不会在工作之外的时间逞强。

EvelynIf everything goes well, I'll come seek you out after my shift change to enjoy the tail end of the festival.如果今天一切顺利，在换班的时候，我会和您一起去享受节日的尾巴。

ProfessorAlright. Is your shift change at 7 P.M.?好。还是晚七点换班吗？

EvelynNo, for festivals, my shift lasts from 6 A.M. to 12 midnight the next day.不，节日是早六点到次日零点。

ProfessorDon't you think your working hours are a little long?你的上班时间会不会太长了？

EvelynAre they? They ARE quite long for humans, but they're bearable for a Doll.会吗？这对人类来说是很长，但对人形而言是可以承受的。

EvelynIt's alright as long as you clear your cache ahead of time and leave enough memory to store a day's worth of high-definition scan data.只要提前清理缓存，留出足够的空间来保存整一天的高精度扫描数据，就没有问题。

EvelynHowever, I'm sure this must be very late for humans. I don't mind if you'd like to arrange for another time.不过这对于人类来说的确是很晚的时间，如果教授想另约也可以。

ProfessorI'm a night owl, so this sort of thing is perfectly normal for me. I'll wait for you.我是夜猫子，这样的作息很正常。我等你。

It's no problem!没问题的！

Maybe another time...还是下次吧……

EvelynAlright, I'll come look for you after my shift is over.好的，我会在换班后来找教授。

ProfessorVacations don't come by often, so I want to get a good rest ASAP.难得假日，我还是打算早点休息。

EvelynUnderstood. Please have a good rest, I'll see you again next time.我明白了，请教授务必好好休息，我们下次再会。

After our conversation ends, Evelyn waves to me and leaves the venue.结束交谈后，伊芙琳向我摆了摆手，离开了会场。

After our conversation ends, Evelyn waves to me and leaves the venue.结束交谈后，伊芙琳向我摆了摆手，离开了会场。

The Dolls fool around to their heart's content, and they actually manage to keep it up all the way into the night.人形们都在节日中放开了玩耍，果然一路闹到了深夜。

By the time everything is over, the Oasis' moon is high in the night sky, announcing that midnight has come.等到一切结束，绿洲的月亮已经升到了夜空正中，宣告着午夜的到来。

Both the lantern fair and the fireworks party have ended. The Dolls return to their dorms, and the outside is silent.无论是灯会还是烟火大会都已经落幕，人形们各自回到宿舍，外面一片静悄悄的。

ProfessorWhile keeping that pack of unruly kids under control wasn't easy, it was pretty fun.陪这群大熊孩子闹真不容易，不过还挺带劲的。

ProfessorThough they're both tiring, partying the night away is more fun that slaving the night away. At the very least, it's your own time...累归累，熬夜玩总比熬夜工作要快乐，至少是自己的时间……

???Professor?教授？

ProfessorEvelyn? Were you waiting here?伊芙琳，你已经到了？

EvelynYes, everyone ended early, so our shift changes were early too.是的，因为大家结束的时间较早，我们的换班时间也提早了一分钟。

ProfessorI guess it would be later in the real world, right? Like, your shift would only end around two or three in the morning.在现实世界闹得会更晚吧，到凌晨两三点才会结束。

EvelynYes, but many cities have curfews.是的，不过很多城市有宵禁。

ProfessorDid Velvet City have them?红丝绒城有吗？

EvelynNo, which is why things wrap up earlier in the Oasis than in Velvet City.没有，所以绿洲结束游玩的时间比红丝绒城早。

Our eyes meet and we smile as we walk side by side down the Oasis' streets.我们相视一笑，并肩走在绿洲的道路上。

EvelynYou look tired. Can you keep going?您看起来很累，还能继续转吗？

ProfessorWell, I could continue slogging on with work like a zombie, but I don't think I have the energy left to play around.如果是像行尸走肉一样处理工作的话，当然还能继续，但要是玩的话，就没有这个精力了。

EvelynThen I should probably send you back.那我还是送您回去吧。

ProfessorI guess you'll have to. I'm sorry, even after I asked you out...看来也只能这样了。抱歉，明明都约好了……

EvelynIt's understandable. Playing around is quite draining on your energy.不难理解，游玩总会消耗更多的活力。

The Dolls' antics wrap up later than I'd anticipated.人形们的胡闹比平时结束得要晚。

By the time everything is over, the Oasis' moon is high in the night sky, announcing that midnight has come.等到一切结束，绿洲的月亮已经升到了夜空正中，宣告着午夜的到来。

Both the lantern and fireworks festival have ended. The Dolls are heading back to their dorms, and it is quiet outside.无论是灯会还是烟火大会都已经落幕，人形们各自回到宿舍，外面一片静悄悄的。

ProfessorI can't believe they actually fooled around until this late... I'm so tired, I feel like my bones have gone soft.结果居然真的闹到了这个点……好累，感觉筋骨都酸软了。

ProfessorWhile it was fun, I pushed myself too hard and ended up exhausted... Still, it can't be helped.虽然玩的时候很开心，但是劲头过了就觉得累了……真没办法。

???Professor?教授？

Professor...Evelyn? Is that you?……伊芙琳？

EvelynDidn't you say you were going to turn in early?您不是说今晚要早点休息吗？

ProfessorThat was the plan, but one thing led to another and it was this time before I knew it.本来是这么打算的，但不知不觉就到这个时间了。

EvelynI see. Shall I send you back?原来如此。我送您回去吗？

ProfessorPlease do.那就拜托你了。

Our eyes meet and we smile, and then we walk side by side along the Oasis' streets.我们相视一笑，并肩走在绿洲的道路上。

EvelynYou look very tired. You don't have to spoil everyone all the time, you know.您看起来很累。有时候，您可以不那么宠溺大家的。

ProfessorWell, the Oasis has been through a rough time recently and everyone's on edge.绿洲最近频遭风波，大家都很紧张。

ProfessorSo when we have time to have fun, we should let everyone enjoy themselves to the utmost.能玩的时候，还是要尽量让大家都尽兴……

As I say this, I stretch and am promptly assailed by a twinge of pain in my back.说着，我伸了个懒腰，腰后的刺痛感立刻袭击了我。

Professor...Ack, my waist hurts.……嘶，腰好疼。

EvelynPlease be careful.请务必小心。

Saying so, Evelyn supports me by my arm.说着，伊芙琳扶住了我的手臂。

EvelynIt's at times like these that I keenly feel the difference between humans and Dolls.每当这个时候，就格外能感觉到人类与人形的区别呢。

ProfessorWhat do you mean?你是说？

EvelynHumans believe that having fun requires more energy than working, but for Dolls, there isn't much difference between the two as long as we have power and memory.人类认为玩耍比工作更需要投入精力，但对人形来说，只要有电量和内存，两种行动的区别不大。

ProfessorThere are also Dolls who feel that the two are very different.也会有认为二者区别很大的人形。

EvelynHave you encountered any of them? I mean, apart from Aki.您遇到过吗？我是说，除了秋之外的。

ProfessorOh yes. I knew a Doll in reality who absolutely loathed overtime.有。我在现实中认识一位人形，非常不喜欢加班。

ProfessorShe felt that she needed adequate rest time to stave off the early aging of her parts.她认为必须有足够的休息时间，才能避免自己的硬件过早衰老。

EvelynIt sounds like that Doll's been through a lot.这位人形听起来经历过许多事。

ProfessorOh yes, although to this day, I still don't know what she did before I met her.是啊，虽然我至今也不知道她之前到底是做什么的。

EvelynDidn't you ask?您不问吗？

ProfessorWhen we meet in the workplace, it's enough to just treasure the moment. Best not to ask too much.大家在职场上相遇，珍惜此刻就够了，问得太多也不好。

ProfessorAlso, many Dolls have incomplete memories, so I might not even find out even if I asked.而且许多人形的记忆并不完整，即使问了也问不到。

EvelynYou have a very special view of things.您的观念很特别。

ProfessorMany Dolls have said that.很多人形都这么说。

EvelynDon't you think so?您不这么认为吗？

ProfessorPerhaps in the future, this perspective might become the mainstream.说不定在未来，这种观念会成为主流。

EvelynI find that hard to believe. At least in my generation, the view of Dolls is that they exist to serve humanity.难以想象。至少在我这一代，人形的观念还是要为人类服务。

EvelynEven if it means they have to grind themselves to dust in the process.即使粉身碎骨。

Perhaps it's because the Dolls have already vented all their excitement, but the Oasis at night is still and silent.大约是人形们的热情都已经发散完毕，夜晚的绿洲一片宁静。

Evelyn looks toward the sparsely-lit buildings and a rare smile crosses her face.伊芙琳望着灯火寥落的建筑群，难得地露出了笑容。

ProfessorDo you think this is an appropriate ending?你认为这种结局是理所应当吗？

EvelynAs a former military Doll and a riot police officer, such an ending is to be expected.作为曾经的军用人形、后来的防暴警察，这种结局是当然的。

EvelynMore to the point, my human colleagues have already given their own lives ahead of mine.更何况，我已经有人类同僚先一步付出了自己的生命。

ProfessorThat is admirable.这是可敬的。

EvelynYes... hm?是的……嗯？

ProfessorWhat's wrong?怎么了？

I follow her gaze and see a little shop whose lights aren't out yet.顺着她的视线望过去，我们看到了一家还没有熄灯的小店。

理子You're here at last, Evelyn!终于等到你了，伊芙琳！

理子Riko brought in a few new outfits that suit you perfectly, want to take a look?理子进了一些很适合你的新衣服，要不要来挑挑看啊？

EvelynBut the festival is already over.可是节日已经过了。

理子Qixi might be over, but if everybody wants it, then every day can be a festival day!七夕已经过去，不过只要大家希望，天天都可以是节日！

理子Besides, you've already spent Qixi with the Professor, how can you still be so blind to the mood?而且，你都和教授共度七夕了，怎么能还穿得这么不解风情呢？

理子Riko's starting to feel bad for the Professor!理子都要为教授难过了！

EvelynI spent... Qixi with the Professor?和教授……共度七夕？

She looks at me, and her gaze is wavering.她看了看我，眼神里有些动摇。

EvelynBut we didn't spend it together.我们并没有一起过七夕。

理子Yes, yes, you didn't spend Qixi with the Professor. They're just walking you home gently, Riko gets it.你们没有一起过七夕，只是教授打算跟你一起回去而已，理子都懂的。

A teasing grin crosses Riko's face.理子露出了促狭的笑容。

ProfessorWhy not take a look at those outfits?都有什么衣服，让我看看？

EvelynProfessor!?教授？！

Evelyn's face is filled with shock.伊芙琳露出了错愕的表情。

ProfessorWhile we didn't manage to go out on a date today, there'll be a next time, and it's not a bad thing to pick some new clothes out for it in advance.虽然今天没有约成，但还有下次，提前挑一下衣服也没什么不好的。

理子That's right~ You DO get it, Professor!就是这样~教授很上道嘛！

Evelyn(Sigh) What will I do with you? Give me a bit, I'll take a look.……唉。真拿您没办法，请稍等片刻，我来看看。

While she's choosing her clothes, I sit down on a bench to the side and wait.在她挑选衣服时，我坐在旁边的长椅上等待。

The warm lights, the sound of fabric rustling, girls whispering to each other, everything seems so gentle...暖洋洋的灯光、衣物摩擦的声音，以及女孩们低语的声音，一切都显得如此柔和……

At some point, I end up falling asleep.不知不觉间，睡意盖住了我的眼睛。

EvelynProfessor, I've changed...教授，我换……

Evelyn...Are you asleep?……睡着了吗？

理子Wow, what a bad place to pick, he actually fell asleep in Riko's store...哇，真不挑地方，居然在理子的店里睡着了……

EvelynI can't open the Professor's room door without being authorized.没有教授给予的权限，我打不开的宿舍门。

理子Why not let them sleep here, then? Riko will simply collect lodging fees from him tomorrow.不然就让睡在这里吧，明早理子只要收点住宿费就好~

EvelynNo need for that, I'll bring the Professor back to my room.不用了，我带教授回我的房间。

Amidst the chaos that fills my mind, I suddenly feel my body lightening.混沌的意识中，身体忽然一轻。

It seems someone has picked me up in a princess carry and walked out of the place with the warm light.似乎有谁将我打横抱起，走出了温暖光芒笼罩的地方。

The morning sunlight filters in through the window, dying my closed eyelids red.晨曦从窗外透入，将我的眼皮照得一片橙红。

...It's morning already? When did I fall asleep last night? I don't remember a thing.……早晨了？啊，我昨晚什么时候睡着的，好像没有记忆了。

Well, let's get up.总之先起床吧。

EvelynGood morning, Professor.早上好，教授。

Evelyn comes into view, in a markedly different outfit from normal.映入眼帘的是穿着与平时截然不同衣装的伊芙琳。

She's lying close to me, her red pupil as clear as a gemstone.她躺在我身边不远处，红色的瞳孔透彻如宝石。

And she's holding... chocolate? And that must be a choker on her neck, it suits her very well...她手里拿着的是……巧克力？还有脖子上的应该是choker，很适合她……

Hold on.等等。

Wait a minute...等等……

ProfessorHang on, Evelyn, where are we!?等等，伊芙琳！这是哪里？！

EvelynThis is my room, Professor.这是我的宿舍，教授。

EvelynYou fell asleep at Riko's store yesterday, so I had no choice but to bring you to my place.您昨晚在理子的店里睡着了，我只好把您带到我这里来。

(Open your eyes.)睁开眼睛。

I spring up from Evelyn's bed, but my muscle pain means it hurts so much I have no choice but to lie back down.我从伊芙琳的床上一跃而起，又因为肌肉酸痛不得不躺回原位。

Evelyn lies there placidly, still watching me.伊芙琳仍然安静地望着我。

EvelynDon't worry. I didn't let Riko take the Diggcoins you had on you.请放心，我没有让理子拿走您身上存放的底格币。

ProfessorThat's not the point! You... I... Er...这不是重点！你……我……呃……

EvelynYou looked so peaceful while you were sleeping. Don't worry, I only woke up a short while before you.您的睡颜很安详。请放心，我只比您早醒了一会儿。

ProfessorAre these the clothes you chose last night?这身衣服是你昨晚选的？

EvelynYes. Helix and the others came by just a while ago to drop off some obligation chocolate as thanks for standing watch.是的。稍早时，贺莉斯她们送来了这些义理巧克力，作为执勤感谢。

EvelynWant to try it?您要尝尝看吗？

Professor...Alright.……好的。

Evelyn's expression is the same as usual, which makes me feel very abnormal by comparison.伊芙琳的表情和平常一样，反倒显得我很不正常。

All I can do is accept the chocolate she is holding and savor its sweet (and slightly bitter) taste.我只好接过她手里的巧克力，品尝起这份甘醇微苦的味道。

ProfessorThank you for bringing me back, otherwise I'm sure Riko would have used that opportunity to soak me for all I was worth.谢谢你把我带回来，不然理子肯定会趁机敲我一笔。

EvelynJust doing my job. Don't worry about it.分内事而已，请不用挂心。

EvelynMore importantly, Professor...比起这个，教授……

ProfessorThis chocolate is pretty good... What is it?这个巧克力还挺好吃的嘛……怎么了？

EvelynI have today off, so would you like to go walking around the post-festival Oasis with me?今天我休息，要不要一起去转一转节日之后的绿洲？

With the chocolate in my mouth, my affirmative is between my lips.巧克力含在嘴里，应答就在唇齿间。

This cocoa-sweet day has only just begun.如可可般甘醇的一日，这才要拉开帷幕。

Qixi - Max 七夕-麦克斯

The waves of heat have scorched the heavens into a pure, sapphire blue, and clouds slowly swirl as they retreat to the edge of the sky.热浪将天空烧成一尘不染的碧蓝色，云朵缓慢地翻卷着退到天空的边缘。

The air is slightly distorted, and the distant horizon wavers as though it were an illusion produced by liquid flame.空气出现了轻微的扭曲，遥远的海平线摇曳着，像是液化火焰呈现出的幻象。

MaxAhhhhh... It's so hot.啊……真够热的。

MaxProfessor, you picked a really bad place...教授，你选的地点好糟糕……

ProfessorRemind me again who was the one who said they wanted to make up for not being able to celebrate Qixi?说要弥补一下七夕没过成的遗憾的人是谁呢？

MaxBut I never said to turn on the Atmospheric Simulator! This isn't a holiday; it's a hellhole!我才没说要开气象模拟呢！这根本不是在度假，这是假在度我！

ProfessorWell, you asked for it. You wrote down that you wanted, "a seaside view like reality".这些明明都是你要的。在你的便携式模拟空间里装入“和现实一模一样的海岸风景”。

MaxI've been doing overtime in the Tantoin School of Electromagnetism ever since I was activated. How could I know that things would end up like this?我从启动第一天就在坦图因电磁研究所加班了，谁知道会这样啊！

One day ago.一天前。

The sound of hurried footsteps announces Max as she barges into the control center with big black rings around her eyes.伴随着急促的脚步声，脸上带着两个深深黑眼圈的麦克斯冲进了控制中心。

MaxI'm here to take part in the Qixi party!我来参加七夕大会了！

PersicariaHuh?诶？

MaxSo who won in the end? Was it the fireworks party, the statue exhibition, or the magpie bridge lantern fair?最后胜出的是谁？是烟火大会，还是雕像展览，还是鹊桥灯会？

Max looks around as she guesses excitedly, as though trying to find the festival venue.麦克斯一边兴冲冲地猜测，一边左顾右盼，试图寻找到会场。

MaxWhere is it? Did you open up a new building?会场在哪里？难道是新开了一栋建筑吗？

PersicariaAh... Well, we did have an event hall for it...那个……确实是新开了会场没错……

MaxSo where is it? I've finally optimized the Oasis' wireless comms systems, so I want to relax! Gimme a vacation!在哪？终于把绿洲的无线通讯系统优化完了，我现在就要放松！休假！

PersicariaAh, Max...那个，麦克斯……

MaxWhat's wrong?怎么了？

PersicariaYou did too much overtime in the lab and Qixi is already over.你在实验室加班太久，七夕已经过去了哦。

As Persicaria finishes speaking, Max freezes in place, like she's short-circuited from an electrical overload breaking through her insulation.帕斯卡的话语落地，麦克斯就像被超量电流击破绝缘层造成短路那样，僵在了原地。

Max...Huh?……诶？

PersicariaPlease don't vanish into dust, Max!请不要失去颜色啊，麦克斯！

PersicariaYou'll have other chances...机会还是有的……

MaxMy vacation... I did so much overtime to earn it...我的假日……我辛辛苦苦加班拿下的假日……

PersicariaYou'll have a chance to use it; your overtime's been credited to you as vacation days that you can use at any time.还有机会的，你的加班都折算成假期了，随时可以调休哦。

MaxBut what use is that? The hip and trendy Max couldn't keep up with the latest trend...这有什么用啦！风尚弄潮儿麦克斯居然没有赶上最新的风尚……

MaxThe lantern party! Qixi! All gone!灯会！七夕！啪一下全没了！

ProfessorWhat's going on? I heard a commotion in the hall.怎么了？我听见大厅里吵吵嚷嚷的。

PersicariaProfessor... It's like this.教授……是这样的。

Persicaria quickly explains the situation.帕斯卡快速把过程复述了一遍。

ProfessorI see. Although the Qixi lantern fair won't be coming back, we can still give you a vacation.原来如此。虽然七夕灯会回不来了，但要度假还是能做到的。

MaxI'm not going to accept wandering aimlessly around the Oasis. Don't think you can buy me off with such a low-quality holiday.只是在绿洲无所事事地逛一天可是绝对不行的哦，别想拿这种低质量假期糊弄我。

ProfessorSo what's your dream vacation?你理想的假期是什么样的？

MaxTo see the Qixi lantern fair and have 108 fireworks shells burst simultaneously in the sky.七夕灯会复现，并且有一百零八朵烟花同时在夜空中绽放。

ProfessorNo can do, unless you just want a movie with that as the theme.这个不行，除非你只是想看这个主题的电影。

MaxBut you just said you could do it...刚刚还说可以呢……

ProfessorThere's more than one type of vacation, right?度假也不止一种吧。

MaxThen I want to spend my vacation looking at a seaside view like reality!那我要像现实世界的海边一样的风景度假！

MaxI want to put up a beach umbrella by the sea and munch honeydew while looking at the ocean.我要在独属于我的海滩边架着遮阳伞吃蜜瓜，还要看到海水。

ProfessorThat should be doable.这个应该是能做到的。

MaxReally? Will it be exactly like reality?真的吗？要和现实世界完全一样哦？

ProfessorYes, really. The comm systems that you improved have been a great help and since you lost out on your vacation too, I think it's worth going this far to compensate you for it.真的。麦克斯改良通讯系统是大功一件，又亏了假期，值得这样的补偿。

MaxThe way you're agreeing so readily makes me think you're trying to scam me...答应得这么痛快，总觉得有诈啊……

ProfessorDo I look like someone who goes back on their word?我像是那种食言的人吗？

MaxNot at the moment. Alright then, let's see how you do!目前看来不是。好吧，那就看你的表现啦！

MaxBut... But how do people in the real world have vacations like this!?可是……可是，现实世界的度假怎么可能是这样啊！

MaxYou get high-temperature alerts when you tan under the sun for a bit and the sand sticks to your feet when you walk around!在太阳下晒一会儿就觉得内部温度过高，走路的时候沙子还会黏在脚上！

MaxThe seawater is salty, and stinky and it has a weird smell to it, and it even rolls up to get the beach and my clothes wet...海水又咸又臭，还有股腥味，还会自己拍上来弄湿沙滩和我的衣服……

MaxThis isn't the vacation I wanted!这根本不是我想要的度假！

ProfessorWell, Mai installed a miniature weather control system here per your request and calibrated the data a few times to ensure this was the most suitable weather for a seaside vacation.按你的要求，迈迈在这里装入了微型天气系统，把数据校正了几遍，确保是海岸上最适合度假的天气。

ProfessorThe ocean tides were also simulated from the electromagnetic field control device in your portable space, and we also used data obtained from the Copley Sector to properly reproduce it.海洋也用你便携空间里自带的电磁场调控设备模拟了潮汐变化，还用了柯普利扇区采集的数据还原。

ProfessorAnd the seawater here is cleaner than that in reality, otherwise, you might get the occasional dead fish washing ashore...甚至这里的海水都比现实中的海干净，不会突然冲上来一条鱼的尸体……

MaxAAAAAHHHHHH STOPPIT! Don't say any more!啊啊啊啊不要说了！不许说！

Max tackles me to the ground before mounting me and covering my mouth.麦克斯向我扑过来，骑在我身上恶狠狠地捂住我的嘴。

ProfessorMfffmmf, mfmf.唔唔，唔。

She transfixes me with a burning gaze until I give up and raise my hands in surrender, then retreats back under her umbrella.她恼火地盯着我，直到我举起双手投降才松开我，坐回遮阳伞下面。

MaxVacations in reality are no fun. They're nothing like the livestreams by popular internet celebs that I watch while doing overtime.现实中的度假一点也不有趣，还不如我加班时看的网红直播舒服。

ProfessorWell, the point of those internet celebrities is to take unappealing things and package them into a form that draws people's attention.网红的任务就是把看起来不有趣的东西包装成能引人兴趣的样子。

MaxIn other words, they're like Kuro. They're all meant to trick people, right?也就是说跟卡萝一样，都是骗人的对吧。

ProfessorWell, you can't really say that... Wait a minute, did Kuro trick you?倒也不能这么说……等等，卡萝骗你什么了？

MaxShe didn't trick ME, but didn't you know, Professor?倒不是我啦。教授你不知道吗？

MaxKuro said she was going to stream a deathmatch between herself and Zangyin, but then she chickened out on the day itself and said she was just going to play a game with Zangyin and ended up being pwned super hard.卡萝说要直播和蔵音决斗，结果当天怂了，改口要和蔵音一起打游戏，被爆杀。

ProfessorWhat were they playing?玩的是什么？

MaxTwo-player Fruit Samurai.双人水果武者。

ProfessorZangyin's good at that too?蔵音连这个也擅长？

Upon realizing that I'm interested in her topic, a smug look appears on Max's face, and she eagerly begins chatting with me.注意到我被她的话题勾起了兴趣，麦克斯露出得意的表情，兴致勃勃地和我聊起来。

MaxI thought their skills were pretty average, but Kuro lost because she showed off too much.我觉得她们都玩得很一般，只是卡萝太想取巧了才会输。

MaxNora handed out tons of stream donations that day and in the end, she flooded the stream with danmaku demanding her money back.那天野良打赏了很多，最后在直播间刷屏喊要主播退钱。

ProfessorFor some reason, I'm not surprised... So what happened in the end?总觉得也不意外……结果呢？

MaxYou don't know anything, do you, Professor? Kuro went to "discuss" things offline with Nora and Nora caved in.教授你真的什么也不知道耶？卡萝线下去找野良商量，野良立马就怂了。

ProfessorNot surprised by that either.也不意外就是了。

ProfessorBut considering you've been keeping abreast of the Oasis' goss... I mean, current affairs, how could you possibly have missed Qixi?你这么关注绿洲的八……小道消息，怎么还会错过七夕？

Upon hearing this, Max's face droops.提到这个，麦克斯的小脸立马就垮了。

MaxWell, the Oasis' comms are hard to manage, and strictly speaking, it wasn't even in my field of specialty!绿洲的通讯又不好做，严格来说不是我的专业啊！

MaxA professional comms engineer Doll should have been handling this, but in the end it fell to me...本来应该让专业的通信工程人形来做的，到最后却是让我上阵……

MaxIt's like expecting Octogen to handle material mechanics. There's some overlap, but it's more different than similar.就像让奥托金去搞材料力学相关的东西一样，虽然专业有相通的地方，但不同更多。

MaxI spent a lot of time researching the subject...我可花了不少时间在研究材料上……

ProfessorWell, we don't have any pros in the field, and you're the only one among us whose specialty is anywhere close to it...因为我们没有专业人士，而你又是所有人里最接近这个专业的……

Is there a difference?不一样吗？

I'm sorry, but the Oasis doesn't have any professional communications engineering Dolls, at the moment.抱歉，毕竟绿洲现在还没有专业的通信工程人形。

MaxSo you "volunteered" me for the task?所以就拉我上任？

ProfessorYou might be small, but you're very capable when you're being professional.你个头虽小，在专业上却很可靠。

ProfessorI had faith that you'd be able to handle it if I trusted you, and the fact is you DID achieve satisfactory results, didn't you?我相信交给你的话一定能做好，事实上不也得到了满意的结果吗？

MaxHumph, of course.哼，那是当然的。

MaxNo, wait, did you just pick on the fact that I'm short!?不对，你刚刚专门提到我个头小了吧！

ProfessorYou mean you're not?是不是呢？

MaxLooks like you're dying for a super soaking.看来你是想吃我一水枪了。

Max's face turns cold and she raises her water gun.麦克斯冷着脸，一把拎起水枪。

MaxI'm going to electrify the water and shock you until you get an afro.我要给水枪通电，电得你头发都竖起来。

ProfessorPlease, no!这点还请饶了我吧！

ProfessorIf anything happens when you shock me, you won't have any more honeydew milkshakes in the future.你要是把我电出点什么事来，以后都没有蜜瓜奶昔可以喝了。

MaxWhy do you think anything's going to happen to you? Do you doubt my professional skills?怎么会把你电出问题，你在质疑我的专业性吗？

MaxI can make you tingle in a way that won't cause any problems. Not even Persicaria will be able to find anything wrong with you.我可以让你一边感觉到刺激，一边不出任何问题，帕斯卡来了都检查不出毛病。

Despite saying that, she puts her water gun down.虽然这么说着，她还是放下了水枪。

ProfessorReally not going to shock me?真的不电了？

MaxWhat, you WANT to get shocked?你看起来很想被电啊？

She rolls her eyes at me huffily.她没好气地白了我一眼。

MaxIt's too hot out, and I'm too tired to do anything.太阳太晒了，干什么都没力气。

ProfessorThen let's end this vacation...那我们就结束度假……

MaxHeck no! This is my first time going to a beach, so let's stay a while longer.不要！我还是头一次在海滩上玩，再多留一会儿。

MaxI always wanted to go on a beach holiday but everyone in the School said it was too far away... So I've never actually been there before.以前每次想去海滩度假，研究所的人都说太远了……从来没去过。

ProfessorFar enough. But won't you overheat?好吧。但不会过热吗？

MaxI won't overheat if I have a glass of a cooling drink, so I can enjoy it for a while longer.要是有一杯解暑饮料就不会过热了，可以多享受一会儿。

Saying so, Max looks at me.说着，麦克斯看向我。

MaxI want a drink, N-O-W, now. Got that, you dummy Professor who owes me half a vacation?我想喝饮料，现在马上。欠我半次度假的笨蛋教授，明白了吗？

ProfessorIt's not like I owe you anything, right? And besides, I've already taken care of that.也没有欠你吧。总之，这个我也准备好了。

Saying so, I produce a watermelon from the icebox behind the beach umbrella.说着，我从遮阳伞后的冰水桶里提出一个西瓜。

ProfessorThe number one choice for relieving the heat is naturally watermelons.要说消暑的第一选择，那当然是西瓜了。

MaxPersonally, I think honeydews are better than watermelons.比起西瓜来说，我还是觉得蜜瓜更好一点。

ProfessorWhy do you say that?为什么这么说？

MaxBecause their taste is top tier, whether you're using them to make honeydew milkshakes or melon roll-ups.无论是做成蜜瓜奶昔还是用来卷火腿，都是一等一的美味。

ProfessorI see... Then I'll just have to eat this watermelon by myself.这样啊……那这个西瓜就由我全部吃掉吧。

MaxWait a minute, at least leave some for me!等一下，就算是这样也给我留一块啊！

I raise the watermelon up high and Max starts jumping up and swatting at my arms, trying to grab the watermelon from my hands.我把西瓜举高，麦克斯跳起来扒我的手臂，要从我手里把西瓜拿走。

ProfessorYou said you preferred honeydews, but I don't have any of those, so I guess you can go without.你说更喜欢蜜瓜，但我没准备，宁缺毋滥。

MaxIt's fine too... I meant that watermelons are fine too!这个也可以……我是说这个也行啦！

As we struggle for the melon, my arm suddenly goes numb and a faint electrical current races up my hand.争执间，我忽然感到手臂一麻，细小的电流从手上窜过。

Crap, I can't hold on to it... The watermelon falls from my grip.糟糕，拿不住……西瓜从我的手里滚落下去。

Splat.嘭。

MaxIt, it went splat.这个，摔碎了吧。

ProfessorDon't go monochrome so soon. This is just the beach, and there's just a small crack in it; it's still good, it's still good.别急着褪色，沙滩而已，只是裂了个口子，还能吃。

MaxThank goodness...那就好……

Max breathes a sigh of relief and I decide to stop making a fuss. I wash the watermelon clean and then cut it open.麦克斯松了口气，我也不再闹了，把西瓜拿起来洗净切开。

ProfessorHere, this slice is for you.来，给你一片。

MaxIt feels so sticky...捏起来手黏黏的……

When I look up, I see Max agonizing about how to eat the watermelon without getting her hands dirty.当我洗好手抬头时，麦克斯还在为怎么吃瓜不弄脏手苦恼着。

The way Max has her head lowered as she ponders how to eat the melon is surprisingly adorable.低头琢磨怎么吃瓜的麦克斯，看起来分外可爱。

ProfessorMax, look back for a bit.麦克斯，回一下头。

MaxGot it. I'll use this piece of hard plastic to penetrate the watermelon's skin... What is it, I'm busy.有了，这样用硬塑料片穿过瓜皮……怎么了，忙着呢。

Saying so, she turns back toward me.她一边说，一边回过头看向我。

Snap.咔嚓。

MaxWhat are you doing?……你在干嘛啊？

ProfessorI'm taking a photo as a memento.给你拍照留念。

ProfessorHow can you not take pictures when you're on holiday?度假怎么能不拍照呢？

Max...I don't think it's all that important. It's better to focus on enjoying your vacation.……我倒觉得这个不怎么重要，专心享受假期比较好。

MaxI've been thinking about it, and handling the watermelon slices like they were ice creams makes them handier to eat and doesn't get your hands dirty.我想了想，这样把西瓜当做冰棍来吃比较方便，不会弄脏手。

MaxHere, this is for you.喏，这个给你。

ProfessorThank you.谢谢你。

I take the melon slice from Max and bite into it.我从麦克斯手里接过了这牙西瓜，咬下一口。

The clear, sweet flavor spreads through my mouth, the taste of summer that fills me with nostalgia.清甜的味道在嘴里散开，这是令人怀念的夏天的味道。

MaxWhew... Well, watermelons aren't all that bad.呼……西瓜也不是那么不好。

MaxNext time, I'll just swim around in an inflatable pool...下次还是在充气泳池里游一游就好了……

ProfessorYou really don't seem happy with this vacation.你真的对这次度假很不满意啊。

MaxIt's nothing like what I imagined.和想象中一点都不一样。

ProfessorDo you hate it that much?就这么不喜欢？

MaxWell, not really.倒也不是。

MaxHaving you to keep me company is the only bright spot in an otherwise annoying holiday.有教授陪着，大概是这个怎么都不爽的假日里唯一比较舒服的地方了吧。

ProfessorMax...麦克斯……

MaxPlease skewer the other watermelon slices, and do them just like the one you're holding.所以剩下的西瓜都拜托你来穿，要穿得和你手里那根一样哦。

ProfessorSo it was just for that!?结果是为了这个吗？！

Qixi - Fern 七夕-芬恩

The Oasis, in the rest area.绿洲，休息区。

The neon lights are bright and the crowds are milling back and forth. Fern and I stand side by side, weaving our way through the crowd.霓虹明亮，熙熙攘攘，我与芬恩并肩而立，穿梭在如潮的人群中。

FernHere, snacks and drinks for you.给！小吃和饮料。

FernTonight is on me!今晚我请客！

ProfessorA-Are you really Fern? Who are you and what have you done to her?你、你是芬恩本人吗？真正的芬恩被你藏到哪里去了？

FernOf COURSE I'm Fern! Would you like me to give you a lecture on the history of archaeological development? Or maybe analyze the distribution patterns of a supermarket discount coupon?当然是本人啦！要我为你讲述一下考古学的发展历程吗？或者分析一下超市打折券的发放规律？

ProfessorNo, that's alright, I was just shocked for a moment... I mean, you've always been a real penny-pincher, so hearing you say you wanted to give me a treat makes me think that today must be a really special occasion.这倒不用了，只是觉得太震惊了……一向精打细算的芬恩竟然主动提出了请客，今天果然不简单。

FernHey, so you're saying I can't be... a little generous from time to time?喂喂，我就不能……偶尔大方一次嘛。

ProfessorDid you uncover a treasure trove or something? Or maybe a certain fox's pot of gold?你是挖到谁的小金库了吗？还是摸到了某只狐狸的藏宝箱？

ProfessorWhile I don't know how you came into all that money, I advise spending it frugally, or else Lam will complain about how I'm giving you too much sponsorship money.虽然不知道你是怎么有钱起来的，不过还是省着点花比较好喔。不然拉姆又会来投诉，说我给你的赞助经费太多啦。

FernMhm, well, it's not exactly like that, but it's largely accurate.嗯哼，虽然有点误差，不过大体上是没错的。

FernI have a certain fox by the tail and all I have to do now is squeeze.我已经握住某条狐狸尾巴，只差狠狠地薅一手。

ProfessorOh? What did you use to extract money from that Riko?哦？你用了什么方法，居然能从理子那里赚到钱？

FernHehe, opportunities like that don't come by often, if I didn't soak her for all she was worth, I would be letting down all my friends still waiting in the dirt for me.嘿嘿，这可是好不容易得来的机会，不狠敲一笔，可对不起那些还在土里等着与我相会的朋友们。

FernAs for how I did it... You'll find out soon enough, Professor~至于方法嘛……教授你马上就能知道啦~

Fern adjusts her glasses, her eyes brimming with confidence.芬恩推了推眼镜，眼中满载自信。

Beep beep—滴滴——

FernHello, is this Riko?喂？是理子吗？

理子Hehe, Riko's ready over here. I've been waiting for your arrival.嘿嘿，理子这边已经准备好了，就等你大驾光临啦。

理子I hope you won't cry and wail and try to weasel out of your debt when the time comes.希望你待会不要哭哭啼啼地赖账哦。

FernYou'd better keep hoping then. I for one hope you won't try to look for excuses to run away.那你可要失算了，倒是你，等会别找借口逃跑。

FernEven if you try to escape through a hole in the ground, I'll pluck you out before you've gone more than three feet!就算你打洞开溜，我也有办法挖地三尺把你揪出来！

理子Riko is a fox, not a pangolin! Humph, enough talk, I'll be waiting for you!理子是狐狸又不是穿山甲！哼，多说无益，就等你来了！

Beep—滴——

Professor...Why do I get the feeling that you're setting up a fight with her?……我怎么感觉你们是在约架？

FernI wouldn't do such uncouth things. Professor, it's time to witness the first of several months' worth of payments for the Antiquities Study Society!我才不会做那么粗鄙的事情呢。教授，见证考古协会几个月来第一笔收入的时候到了！

ProfessorThe Antiquities Study Society that has always been in the red is about to take in profit... I feel like I should be contacting Willow to make a headline of this.赤贫如洗的考古协会即将收获近期的第一笔盈利资金……感觉都可以联系薇洛儿刊登头条了。

FernHEY! The Antiquities Society works hard to raise money too, you know!喂喂！考古协会日常也在努力创收的啦！

As Fern and I talk and laugh, we proceed quickly toward the place where Riko is waiting.我和芬恩说笑着，快步朝着理子所在的地方走去。

We head into a dimly-lit alley with strange lights around us, and everything here seems far removed from the atmosphere of the lantern fair outside.阴翳的小巷，怪诞的灯光，一切的一切，都与外边的灯会氛围相去甚远。

It's just one street away, but it's like we've stepped into a different world.仅一街之隔，形同两个世界。

理子Welcome to our ghost house—the Underground Grotto!欢迎来到鬼屋——地底魔窟！

理子Are you ready, Miss Fern?准备好了吗？芬恩小姐。

FernOf course! Here's my bet!当然！这是我的赌注！

理子...That's more miserly than I expected, but eh, money is money. Don't mind if I do!……比预想的要寒酸欸，不过算了，左右都是钱，那理子就不客气了！

FernDon't get cocky! You haven't won yet!还没胜利呢！你也太嚣张了吧！

理子This is the haunted house that my lovely little understudies came up with after traveling everywhere and researching countless materials!这可是我可爱的后辈们走南闯北，搜集考据了无数材料设计出来的鬼屋啊！

理子I guarantee you'll be scared senseless and cling tightly to the Professor's hand, and your screams will pave the road of regretting your bet!你绝对会被吓得尖叫失神，紧抓着教授的手不放，用哀鸣铺出对打赌的悔恨之路的！

FernYou're the one who'll regret it! Just let me hear your wail of despair after you fork over all those operands!悔恨的会是你才对！就让我听听你支出大把算量后的哀鸣吧！

Riko and Fern keep their hands pressed on the operand-filled paper voucher on the table, neither willing to back down.理子与芬恩双双用手撑在塞满算量纸券的桌上，谁也不让谁。

理子Humph! Someone seems pretty confident today. Are you SURE you're familiar with the terms of the bet?哼，这么自信，不会是对赌注的条件还没有清楚的认知吧？

理子Inside this haunted house, if my juniors scare a single tear or a single squeak out of you...在鬼屋里，要是你被我的后辈们吓出了一滴眼泪，或是发出一丝惨叫……

FernThen I'll lose! But on the other hand, hehe.都算我输！反之，哼哼。

理子Then you'll get twice the number of Diggcoins on this table!这桌的底格币翻两番，都是你的！

The competitiveness in their eyes blazes to its limit and both of them speak as one.眸中的战意燃到极致，二人异口同声。

理子&芬恩Just you wait!那就走着瞧！

???I haaaaaate! Uwah! Give me your liiiiiife... oof.我好恨呐！呜哇！给我偿命来……呃。

Fern swats an agent pretending to be a ghost away and quietly props me up.芬恩面无表情地拍开一只扮作幽灵的智能体，同时不动声色地扶了我一把。

FernNeed some rest, Professor?需要歇歇脚吗教授。

Professor...I'm fine, she just appeared too suddenly so I wasn't prepared for it.……我没事，只是它出现得太突然了点，心理准备没做好。

FernHahaha, looks like you aren't very experienced with this, Professor.哈哈哈，看来教授你还经验不足呀。

FernLook at the structure of this grotto. Given the structure of this corner, if it was a real environment, then it would indicate that there was a large chamber inside.你看这个洞窟的结构，这个拐角处的设计如果是真实的环境，那么应该是一个空旷的内室结构。

FernYet there's a wall here, and upon closer inspection it's differently-colored from the surrounding dirt. That means...然而这里却顶着一面石墙，只要观察一下就能发现它和周边的土块色泽不同，所以……

ProfessorThat means there must be something hiding behind it. Got it.所以肯定是有东西藏在后面对吧，明白了。

ProfessorI didn't think you could tell so much from a simple hole in the ground...没想到只是个地洞而已，竟然有这么多的讲究……

FernGet down!趴下！

Fern suddenly presses me down and we both go prone.芬恩忽地按住我，我们双双倒在地上。

A shrill whooshing sound passes overhead, followed by the sound of something breaking quietly, and powder rains down from above.一阵尖啸应声而至，随后是轻微的破裂声，粉末纷纷扬扬地洒下。

FernPeh—It's chili powder, that fox is so unscrupulous.呸呸呸，竟然上辣椒粉，那只狐狸不讲武德。

ProfessorWhat did you notice this time?这次你又观察到了什么地方不对？

FernIt's simply the result of good eyesight. My visual modules have a special mode that allow me to flag any level of illumination as an alert.单纯只是视力好而已，我的视觉系统有一个特殊模式，可以将任意照明程度设为警戒值。

FernIt notifies me once it picks up any changes which exceed that alert level.一旦出现超过警戒值一定范畴内的变化出现，我就能收到提示。

FernIt's an essential visual submodule for anyone who spends a long time underground.这可是所有常年在地下活动的人形必备的视觉模块。

ProfessorI see, and any attacker would change the illumination in the cave to some extent.明白了，袭击物的出现一定程度上改变了洞窟内照明的状态。

FernThat's why I said Riko's bound to lose. These things don't scare me.所以我才会说，理子输定了，这些东西都吓不倒我。

FernHehe, I bet you have no idea just how twisted my teammates can get during field expeditions.嘿嘿，教授你是不清楚，野外考古的时候，那些队友有多么恶趣味。

FernSitting around burial sites and telling ghost stories are an everyday occurrence. Want to hear some?围在陵墓附近开恐怖故事晚会是再正常不过的事情了，你想听听看吗？

Professor...I think I'll pass. But why are you so excited about this?……我还是算了。不过，为什么你这么兴奋？

FernBecause none of them are affected by scares. I hardly ever get to go out with you, so now I'm experiencing something new.因为那些人根本不怕吓啊，难得和教授你一起行动，让我尝尝不一样的感觉嘛。

ProfessorUwah... You're pretty twisted yourself, Fern.呜哇……看不出芬恩还有这种恶趣味。

I jokingly took a step back, but then I feel myself step on something and my foot slips out from underneath me.我开玩笑似地后退了一步，然而却感到自己踩到了什么东西，脚底一滑。

It is soon followed by the sensation of swiftly falling downward.紧接着，就是迅速下坠的感觉。

ProfessorUWAH—!呜哇——！

FernProfessor!教授！！

Pain fills my entire body and everything before me is pitch black. Surely any neural cloud would be thrown into confusion after being suddenly plunged into such an environment.疼痛席卷全身，眼前一片漆黑，突然陷入这样的环境，任何心智都会不受控制地产生一丝慌乱。

However, a slender yet strong arm grips me tightly.但这时，一只纤细却有力的手臂紧紧抓住了我。

FernAre you alright, Professor?你还好吗，教授？

FernDon't move around. Trust me.先不要乱动，相信我。

My eyes tell me nothing in the darkness, so I obediently stop moving and let Fern guide me.黑暗中，眼睛无法获取任何情报，我老实地停止了所有的躯干活动，任由芬恩掌控。

Soon, she slings me onto her back. Her fine hair grazes over the tip of my nose and her familiar scent soon soothes me.很快，我就被她架到了背上。细碎的发丝掠过我的鼻尖，熟悉的气味令人迅速安心下来。

FernWhew—呼——

FernWell done, Professor.教授，你做得很好。

FernDuring past archaeological expeditions, many people who could have been saved ended up dying instead because they panicked.以前考古的时候，有太多人因为慌张而丢掉了本可以保下的性命。

FernWhile I'm pretty sure things here aren't as bad as those places, the fact that you stayed calm helps a lot.虽然这里的环境肯定没那么夸张，但教授你的冷静帮大忙了。

ProfessorI'm sorry, it's because I...抱歉，因为我……

FernIt's fine! In the first place, I was the one who dragged you along, and...没关系！本来就是我硬拉着你参加的，而且……

FernWithout you, we'd probably have wasted more time, so there's no need to blame yourself.没有你的话，我们估计还会浪费更多的时间，所以不必自责。

ProfessorHm?嗯？

FernThat cunning Riko put the exit under the cave. There's a rope ladder not far from where you fell.理子这个狡猾的家伙，她把出路设在了洞窟以下，教授你刚刚落下来的地方不远处就有绳梯。

FernIt's my fault for not picking it up right away.我竟然没能第一时间发现，真是太失职了。

Fern continues carrying me as she passes through the pitch-dark cavern, until we arrive at a place that is lit.芬恩背着我，絮絮叨叨地穿过漆黑的洞窟，来到了燃有灯光的亮处。

At the same time.与此同时。

理子Are you kidding me? All of you together couldn't scare Fern?开什么玩笑？你们这么多人都没吓住一个芬恩？！

理子This is bad... She and the Professor are already at the exit, I need to think of something... Think... Got it!不行……她和教授已经在出口边上了，我得想想办法……想想办法……有了！

理子Let's give her a good one! We'll combine our power and give her a good scare!我们来一波大的，集中全部的力量，吓她一跳！

狐狸智能体But... Will it actually work? A haunted house isn't like a strategy game. It makes no difference if we gather everyone for one big attack.这……有用吗？鬼屋又不是战略游戏，拉一波人口A上去没什么区别的啦前辈。

理子We need to use whatever works, even if it doesn't! Otherwise... No, there's no otherwise! This is it!不管有用没用都得上！不然的话……不对，没有不然！就这么定了！

FernHow about that, Professor? Feel better?怎么样教授，感觉好些了吗？

FernDoes it still hurt anywhere? Have I forgotten to bandage anything?还有什么地方隐痛，我没有帮你包扎上的吗？

ProfessorNo, it's just that my coat was torn and I lost the sweets you bought me.没有了，就是大衣被划破了，刚才你给我买的糖果小吃好像丢了。

FernThat's not important, if you still want some, I have more over...那些都不重要，如果你还想吃的话，我这里还有……

Fern reaches into her pocket, but then her face changes.芬恩伸手摸向口袋，却蓦地变了颜色。

ProfessorHm? What's wrong?嗯？怎么了？

Fern doesn't answer. She springs up and begins feeling all over herself, and her mask of calm composure begins slipping.芬恩不答，她快速站了起来，开始上下摸索，表情逐渐崩坏。

ProfessorYou lost your sweets too? Then forget about it, there's no need to get so worked up.你的糖果也丢啦？那就算了，没事，不用这么紧张。

FernNo... That's not it!不……不是的！

FernProfessor... Did you see my wallet?教授……你有看到我的钱包吗？

ProfessorThe dark blue one? The last time I saw it was when you were making that bet with Riko... After that...深蓝色的那个吗？上一次看到应该是你和理子打赌的时候……之后……

FernAfter that...之后……

ProfessorAfter that... I don't remember anything about it...之后……我就没有印象了……

FernUwah—呜哇——

FernMy wallet... My wallet's gone missing!!!钱包……我的钱包不见了！！！

Fern breaks down, and she—who could watch the world crumble before her without flinching and who was unfazed by the parade of ghosts and goblins trying to scare her—now has two streams of tears gushing down her face.芬恩一把抱了上来，泰山崩于眼前而面不改色，一路怪诞鬼物都没有被吓到的芬恩此时两眼盈泪。

FernMy living expenses for this month and the next were in there!!!里面装着的可是我这个月还有下个月的生活费啊！！！

FernWhat should I do, Professor!? All my money was in there!怎么办！教授！那可都是钱啊！

Just then—就在这时——

幽灵1号I haaaaaaate! Uwah! Give me your life!我好恨呐！呜哇！给我偿命来！

幽灵2号I haaaaaate tooooo!我也好恨呐！！

The agents pretending to be ghosts just so happen to pop out too.智能体们扮演的幽灵恰到好处地蹦了出来。

Fern(Sob) Professor, what should we do? Should we go back to find my wallet!?呜呜呜呜！教授！我们现在怎么办？回头去找钱包吗？！

理子Ahahaha! I got you at last, Fern!啊哈哈哈！芬恩你总算被我吓到了！

幽灵1号Jejejeje! I haaaaaate!桀桀桀桀！我好恨呐！

The sounds of weeping, mockery and terror all blend into one.哀鸣声、嘲笑声、恐吓声混作一团。

I try to calm things down, but the noise only makes it worse for Fern.我试图缓和场间的氛围，然而吵嚷的叫闹把芬恩刺激得动作更激烈了。

Fern(Sobs piteously)呜呜呜呜！

理子AHAHAHAHA!啊哈哈哈！

幽灵1号JEJEJEJE!桀桀桀桀！

As Fern tugs my arm and pulls me around like a ragdoll, I look back at the haunted house we just passed through, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.被芬恩扯着手臂来回晃荡，我回望着方才走过的鬼屋，哭笑不得。

Professor(This is way harder to deal with than a haunted house or whatnot).（现在这个场面可比鬼屋什么的难对付多了。）

ProfessorI...我……

Fern(Wails loudly)呜呜呜呜！！！

理子AHAHAHAHA!啊哈哈哈！

幽灵1号JEJEJEJE!桀桀桀桀！

My second attempt at speaking is drowned out by an even louder chorus of voices.二度试图开口的我被更大的声音堵了回去。

Professor(Forget it, let's just leave things at that.)（算了，就先这样吧。）

Fern and I sit down in the waiting area for the haunted house. The mood is heavy.我和芬恩坐在鬼屋的准备室中，气氛凝重。

A dark blue wallet sits on the table, and opposite us is Riko, who's smugly counting the money inside it.桌上静静地躺着一个深蓝色的钱包，而对面是得意洋洋地数着钱的理子。

理子Hehehe, how many does this make now? The haunted house is going to make its costs back in no time!哼哼，这是今天的第几笔收入了？这次鬼屋绝对赚回本了！

FernDammit... I was so close to the exit...可恶……明明差一点就到出口了……

FernIt's all because I panicked when I lost my wallet! If not for that...都怪我丢钱包的时候太着急了！要不是因为这个……

ProfessorThere there, the good thing is that you found the wallet. Fortunately, the bet wasn't THAT large.没事啦，总之钱包找到了就好，还好赌注也不多。

Fern(Sob) I scrimped and saved for an entire month...呜呜……我省吃俭用了一个月……

I try to soothe the dejected Fern, but the grim mood in the air seems to make Riko that much smugger.我安慰着颓丧的芬恩，沉重的气氛却愈发刺激了理子的得意。

理子It's not much, true, but "can even make a renowned archaeologist wail in terror" is a great marketing slogan for us~虽然数量不多，但“让著名考古学家都吓得尖叫出声”，听起来会是不错的广告啊~

ProfessorWait a minute, what was that about marketing just now?等等，你刚才说的广告是什么……？

理子"Can even make a renowned archaeologist wail in terror..." Ah!“让著名考古学家都吓得尖叫出声”……啊！

Upon saying that, Riko seems to realize that something's not right and tries to avert her eyes in guilt.理子说出口后，同样发现了不对，想心虚地别开视线。

ProfessorI remember now, the bet was...我想起来了，当时的赌注是……

理子My, but we're confident. If my juniors scare a single tear or a single squeak out of you...在鬼屋里，要是你被我的后辈们吓出了一滴眼泪，或是发出一丝惨叫……

FernThen I'll lose! On the contrary, hehe.都算我输！反之，哼哼。

理子Then you'll get twice the number of Diggcoins on this table!这桌的底格币翻两番，都是你的！

ProfessorWhat you said was "if your juniors managed to scare tears or a scream out of her", but Fern wasn't crying out of fear.你说的是“被你的后辈们吓出眼泪或者惨叫”，但芬恩可不是因为恐惧而落泪哦。

FernProfessor... You're right!教授……对啊！

理子This... I...这……这……

理子But Fern MIGHT have been scared and the wallet was just an excuse!说不定芬恩是被吓哭的，钱包只是借口呢！

FernThen for fairness' sake, why don't I go through it again? This time, I'll keep my wallet back here!那公平起见，不如让我们再走一次试试看？这次，我会把钱包寄放在后台的！

Upon finding a loophole in the bet, Fern quickly regains her composure and her self-assurance.察觉到赌注漏洞的芬恩找回了自己的主场。

理子Dammit... Can't Riko just refund the bet?可恶……理子退还赌注还不行吗！

理子Next time, Riko will upgrade the haunted house and make sure you all leave in tears!下次，理子绝对会升级鬼屋，到时候让你们哭着回去！

FernHehe, looking forward to it!哼哼，我拭目以待！

Riko winces as she pours the Diggcoins from her wallet and then glares resentfully at us.理子忍痛从钱包里排出底格币，而后愤愤不平地看了我们一眼。

Fern picks her money off the table and high-fives me.芬恩则收起桌子上的钱，默契地和我击掌。

FernProfessor... It's all thanks to you, otherwise my Diggcoins would really have been gone.教授……多亏了你，不然我的底格币真的要没了。

FernHehe, I'd really like you to go on an expedition with me after we go back to reality. I'm sure there'd be nothing to fear if you were with me, Professor.嘿嘿，我还真希望回到现实之后，你也能和我一起参加考古工作的。要是有教授在身边，遇到什么危机都不用担心了吧。

ProfessorWe might actually get that chance.或许真的能有这样的机会呢。

FernSo, what else do you want to do tonight, Professor? It's my treat!今晚教授还想做些什么？我来请客！

ProfessorBut you didn't win the bet, you know?明明刚才没有赢下赌注？

FernWell, you DID help me out, and you need to keep the promises you make. That's a basic principle for us archaeologists!教授帮了我嘛，而且之前承诺过就要说到做到，这就是考古学家的素养！

ProfessorStill, asking me where to go all of a sudden... I can't think of anything right now...不过突然让我想接下来去哪，一下子找不到目标……

FernNo problem! You can take your time and think about it, Professor.没关系！教授可以慢慢考虑。

FernAfter all, we still have a long time together afterwards...毕竟之后，我们还有很长时间呢……

Qixi - Bonee 七夕-波妮

The Oasis, at the Medical Center.绿洲，医疗中心。

Bonee is hunched over her desk, writing quickly. Opposite her, Angela is watching Bonee work with interest as she delivers a never-ending narration.波妮伏在书桌上奋笔疾书，书桌的对面，安吉拉饶有兴趣地打量波妮工作，嘴里的口述不停。

AngelaAfter that, the young man brought a troop of soldiers along, and they battled the castle guards. The racket was so loud that it could even rouse the dead, but the princess still did not wake up.后来，年轻人带着一支军队赶来，他们与城堡的守备战斗，声音连亡者都能唤醒，但公主还是没能醒来。

BoneeSo she still couldn't wake up? Was the princess malnourished? Hmm, it looks like the princess needs extra protein.这样也没有醒来吗？难不成公主大人缺乏营养？唔，看来得给公主大人要补充蛋白质才行呢。

BoneeYou too, Miss Angela! Although your regular checkup shows that your spinal column is fine, you need to pay attention to the amount of rest you get. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard, okay?安吉拉小姐也是！虽然体检报告显示脊椎没什么大碍，但还是要注意多休息喔，不要过分劳累啦。

BoneeAnyway, what happened after that? Did the king find a doctor for the princess?后来呢？国王给公主大人找医生了吗？

AngelaHehe~ In stories, times like these usually call for a prince or a knight.呼呼~在故事里，这种时候一般要找王子，或者骑士啦。

BoneeHuh? Are princes and knights also qualified doctors? The princes and knights of old were really amazing.欸？王子和骑士还兼任医生吗？那个时代的王子和骑士还真了不得呢。

BoneeSo was the princess' sickness cured in the end?最后公主大人的病被治好了吗？

AngelaThe doctor-cum-prince cured her, and the princess gave him a generous reward.被兼任骑士的医师先生治好了啦，公主大人还给了厚重的回礼。

BoneeWhat kind of reward was it? I'm kind of curious about the consultation fees of that era.是什么样的礼物呢？有点好奇那个时代的诊金。

AngelaIt was a kiss.是一个吻哟。

BoneeUwah~ A kiss... She kissed him. Were... were they really so open back then?呜哇——吻……吻什么的，风……风气这么开放吗？

AngelaOh my~ You're so adorable when you're embarrassed, Bonee.呀~害羞的小波妮真可爱。

AngelaIn addition to the kiss, she also gave him a pendant that represented her approval of him, and from then on, the knight was always by the princess' side.除了吻以外，还有一个象征认可的吊坠，自此，骑士就一直守在公主身旁啦。

BoneeDon't... don't make fun of me. Hm—I suppose I could accept a pendant.不……不要取笑我嘛。唔——吊坠的话还能接受……

BoneeAlright, the lifestyle guidelines are done. Make sure you go back and listen to your doctor's advice, okay? And thank you for the story, Miss Angela. I enjoyed it very much.好啦，调养事例都在这里了，回去要遵从医嘱哦。谢谢安吉拉姐姐的故事，我听得很开心。

Knock, knock—笃笃——

ProfessorSorry for the disturbance, is Bonee in?打扰了，波妮在吗？

BoneeAh! Professor! Sorry, but please wait a bit, Miss Angela's consultation still isn't done yet...啊！教授！不好意思请再等一下，安吉拉小姐的问诊还没结束……

AngelaYou don't need to worry about the rest. Remember, I'm not the only one who needs to worry about how much rest they get.后面的流程可以省略啦，需要注意休息的可不止我一人哦。

BoneeHuh... Eh... Thank... Thank you, Miss Angela.咦……欸……谢……谢谢安吉拉姐姐。

Half an hour later.半小时后。

BoneeUm—I'm sorry, Professor, I didn't expect things to take so long.呜——对不起呀教授，没想到还是耽误了这么多的时间。

ProfessorOh, it's alright. Rather, I should be the one apologizing.没关系的，倒不如说我才该道歉才对。

ProfessorBeing a doctor must be tiring, but I'm using up your hard-earned day off. You don't mind, do you, Bonee?当医生很累吧，难得的休息日还要被我用掉，波妮没关系吗？

BoneeIt... it's okay! Of course it's fine!没……没关系！当然没关系！

Bonee(Rather, I should say I'm very happy...)（应该说很开心……）

ProfessorHm? Did you say something, Bonee?嗯？波妮说什么？

BoneeN... No, I didn't, I just... Um—没……没说什么，就是……唔——

Bonee sizes me up, as though she's thinking about something. Her cheeks flush red, but there's a sparkle in her eyes.波妮抬头打量着我，好像在思考什么事情，脸颊绯红，但眸里却生出了别的色彩。

BoneeFor some reason, I get the feeling that you're like a knight too, Professor... Ah, no, that's not right; it's like you're a doctor as well.突然感觉，教授也好像一名骑士……啊不对，好像一名医生呢。

BoneeYou're always working hard to take care of the Oasis and trying your best to keep it from getting sick.总是守着绿洲辛苦工作，努力不让它生病。

ProfessorAw, compared to you I'm little more than a quack.哎呀，那跟波妮比起来我只能算个庸医。

BoneeNo... No, you're not!才……才不会！

BoneeYour skills are really good, Professor! I can vouch for that!教授的医术很高明的！我可以作证！

ProfessorHahahaha, then today we two hardworking doctors ought to get a good rest!哈哈哈哈，那今天我们两个辛苦劳作的医生就好好休息一下吧！

BoneeUm... You haven't told me where we're going today, Professor.唔……教授还没告诉我，今天打算去哪里玩呢。

BoneeAre we going to find a place to eat first and then go to the lantern fair tonight?先找个地方吃饭，然后晚上一起参加灯会吗？

ProfessorOf course I'm going to take you to the shopping streets first to buy something. Do you still remember when was the last time you bought clothes?当然是先带你去商店街买东西了，你啊，还记得上次买衣服是什么时候的事情吗？

ProfessorLeaving clothes aside, I've heard people say that you practically live in the hospital. That just won't do.不要说衣服，我可是听其他人告状，波妮跟住在医院一样，这可不行啊。

BoneeHuh... For... For me? But it's okay, I don't...欸……给……给我吗？我不用的……

ProfessorYou just said I was a doctor looking after the Oasis, right? Then take this as my medical advice.你才说我是照顾绿洲的医生，这就是我开给绿洲小病人的医嘱。

ProfessorWhat's this, could it be that doctors who become patients have poor compliance rates?怎么，难不成身为医生的小病人，依从性很差吗？

BoneeI... Al... alright, then! (Whimper) Something just feels wrong about all this.那……好……好的！呜……总觉得有哪里不对劲。

ProfessorHahahaha, come on then, let's go.哈哈哈哈，走啦走啦。

The Oasis, at the leisure district.绿洲，休息区。

It's still a while before the lantern fair starts, and the shopping streets are packed with people. Many agents are picking out items here, preparing for their excursion tonight.距离今夜的灯会还有很长一段时间，商店街人头攒动，许多智能体都在这里挑选商品，为夜晚的出行做准备。

Bonee tugs on my sleeve as she walks from one dazzling display to another. Her little mouth subconsciously gapes open, and her tender eyes are filled with awe and surprise.波妮扯着我的衣袂在眼花缭乱的商铺间走走停停，小嘴不自觉地张大，稚嫩的眸子里写满了惊叹。

It is only when we reach the windows of a clothing store that Bonee finally comes to a halt.直到路过一间服装店的橱窗，波妮的脚步下意识地慢了半拍。

ProfessorThis looks like a good store. Shall we go in and take a look?这家店看起来不错呢，我们进去看看吧？

BoneeAh... Al... Alright!咦……好……好的！

Bonee lets go of my sleeve as we enter the store. She looks like a squirrel who's sighted a mountain of nuts, and her eyes are gleaming as she oohs and aahs over the window display.刚一进店波妮就松开了我的衣袂，像看到松果山的小松鼠，两眼放光地在围在橱窗附近蹦来蹦去。

热情的导购Hello there, lovely little miss, would you like me to recommend you an outfit?可爱的小姐，需要我为你介绍一下衣服吗？

BoneeHuh? No... There's no need, I can look on my...欸？不……不用，我自己看看就……

成熟的导购Little Miss, we have a dress here that's perfect for you, would you like to try it on?小姑娘，我们这里有很适合你的洋装，要试一下吗？

BoneeAh... Ah... I... I don't...那……那个……我……我不用……

热情的导购If not a dress, then how about a little suit? It suits you too.洋装不喜欢的话，小西服怎么样？也很合适你哟。

BoneeI... I, I, I... (whimper) Um... I... I don't... (whimper)我……我我我……呜……呜……不……不用……呜呜……

ProfessorPardon me, but she might not be used to this. If you don't mind, could you let us browse at our own pace?抱歉，两位，她可能还不太习惯这样，就让我们自己看看吧。

I quickly stride up and put myself in front of Bonee, shielding her from the eager looks and fast-talk directed at her.快步上前，我挡在了波妮身侧，拦下了那些过分炙热的目光与言语。

ProfessorAlso, could you help us get that outfit in the store window if it's convenient for you?方便的话，拿挂在橱窗的那件衣服过来就好。

热情的导购Ah... My apologies, it seems we were acting in an untoward manner. One moment, please.啊……抱歉，是我们有些失礼了。请您稍等。

ProfessorIt's alright now. Don't be scared, I'm here.已经没事了，别怕，我在这。

Bonee carefully pokes her head out from behind me and nods slightly.波妮小心翼翼地从我身后探出头来，轻轻地点了点头。

BoneeUm.. Thank... Thank you, Professor.嗯……谢……谢谢教授。

BoneeAlthough... How did you know I wanted to try that outfit on...?不过……教授为什么会知道我想试试那件衣服……？

ProfessorHah... I guessed it?哈……我猜的？

BoneeUeh?唔欸？

I simply chuckle and take the outfit from the store attendant's hands as she returns.笑而不语，我从店员手里接过那套服饰。

It's made of lustrous black satin, edged in white lace and criss-crossing ribbons. It's not overly decorated, and it has a clean, fresh beauty, just like Bonee as she stands before me.黑色亮面绸面料，辅之以白色花边和交叉系结。没有过多华丽繁复的装饰，却呈现出一种素净稚嫩的美感，就像眼前的波妮一样。

ProfessorGo on then, try it on.去吧，去试试。

BoneeYup!嗯嗯！

Bonee's eyes seem to light up as she takes the clothing, and she nods vigorously.拿到衣服的波妮眸子里的神采愈发明亮，点头如捣蒜。

After Bonee goes into the fitting room, I look around as I wait, looking for any other clothes that would suit her.波妮进入试衣间后，我一边等待一边环顾四周，寻找有没有其他同样适合波妮的衣服。 直到身后的衣袂动了动，我下意识地转身。

That is, until someone tugs on my sleeve from behind me and I subconsciously turn around.直到身后的衣袂动了动，旋即下意识转身。

I am greeted by a pure, blushing beauty who sways gently in the warm light, blossoming in silence.一朵纯稚青涩的元青三色堇映入眼帘，于暖色光晕中轻轻摇曳，悄然绽放。

BoneePro... Professor, does it look good?教……教授，好看吗？

BoneeP-Professor?教……教授？

ProfessorAh! I'm here.啊！我在的。

BoneeDo I look bad in this?我穿这个，不好看吗？

Bonee's lips curl and her hands tremble and fidget.波妮委屈地抿起嘴，小手有些慌张，无处安放。

ProfessorNo, you're cute! You're very cute!不，可爱！很可爱！

ProfessorYou look beautiful. I didn't expect it would suit you this well.非常的好看，没想到会这么合适你。

BoneeI'm glad you like it, Professor!教授喜欢就好！

ProfessorPfft—Shouldn't you be the one who likes it? These clothes are for you, you know.噗嗤——不该是你喜欢就好吗？这可是为你买的衣服。

BoneeUm... It... it's all the same to me.唔……都……都一样的。

ProfessorWell, as long as you're happy with it. Let's go pay up.总之你开心就可以啦，来结账吧。

成熟的导购Pardon me, dear customers. We will be offering this dress at 20% off due to our prior indiscretion. We hope it does not bother you.抱歉，尊敬的客人，由于本店先前的失礼，这件衣服打八折，还望您不要介意。

成熟的导购Also, we will be offering each of you a discount coupon that can be used at this store or our affiliated jewelry outlet.另我个人做主赠二位两张优惠券，可以在本店，还有本店关联的饰品店消费。

ProfessorThank you for your kindness, though we won't be needing those coupons...你有心了，不过优惠券就不必……

BoneeAh... Excuse me! Miss Saleswoman.那……那个！导购姐姐。

BoneeCould I take a look at those accessory coupons?饰品店的优惠券可以给我看一下吗？

成熟的导购Certainly. This store is an affiliate of ours, specializing in necklaces and rings.当然，这是我们的联名饰品店，主打链饰、手饰。

成熟的导购Is there an item that has caught your attention?您有感兴趣的东西吗？

BoneeUm—I... I guess so.呜——算……算是有的。

ProfessorThen you should hang on to it. I brought you here to have fun, so there's no need to be so reserved.那就收下吧，今天就是带你来玩的，不用这么客气。

成熟的导购Thank you! Come again!感谢惠顾！

As we leave under the watchful eye of the shop attendant, we head toward the jewelry store.在店员注视下离开礼服店，我们朝着饰品店走去。

BoneeThis is a moon-and-star pendant... No, that's not right.这是月亮和星星的吊坠……不太对。

BoneeAh! This sword... Hm... It's manga merchandise; that doesn't seem right either.啊！这个剑……喔……是动漫联名的周边，好像也不太对。

I sit behind Bonee, drinking the tea provided by the store as I watch how she moves back and forth in front of the glass cabinet.坐在波妮身后，我饮着店里提供的清茶，饶有兴趣地打量趴在玻璃柜上来回晃动的波妮。

优雅的导购What an adorable little lady she is.这位小姑娘很可爱呢。

ProfessorIndeed.是呀。

优雅的导购Would you like to take this opportunity to buy more jewelry for her? Girls her age love these pretty things.那您要不要趁这个机会多给她买点饰品呢？这个年纪的孩子最喜欢这些漂亮的东西了。

ProfessorPfft—(coughs) Thank you for your praise, but I think your sales tactics are a little too on the nose.噗——咳咳咳，谢谢你的夸赞。但你们的推销也太见缝插针了点。

BoneeAh! Pro... Professor, are you alright? Do you feel unwell? Shall we go back?呀！教……教授，您没事吧？哪里不舒服吗？我们要不要回去？

ProfessorI'm fine, I'm fine, I just choked a little.没事没事，就只是呛到了而已。

ProfessorHave you chosen what you want?选好想要的了吗？

BoneeI have, but I need your opinion on it!选好了，但还是得问问教授的意见！

ProfessorIt's alright as long as you like it. You don't need my approval.你喜欢就好啦，不用问我的意见。

BoneeBut this is a gift I'm giving you, Professor!可是，这是我要送给教授的礼物呀！

BoneeWouldn't it be bad if you didn't like it?如果教授不喜欢的话，那不就尴尬了吗？

ProfessorA gift? For me?给我的？

BoneeYup! Come take a look, Professor! Do you like it?嗯嗯！教授快看看喜不喜欢？

I take the pendant from her and see a little sword set into a crescent moon.接过吊坠，那是一柄扣在半圆环中的小剑。

I'm about to say something when I meet her gaze, full of anticipation and nervousness.刚想出声说点什么，却对上了那双写满忐忑和期待的眼眸。

ProfessorAh, I like it.啊，我还挺喜欢的。

ProfessorDoes it have any special significance?它有什么寓意吗？

优雅的导购Of course, as a western-style pendant, the concept reflects that of a princess and her knight...当然，这是一款西式主题的吊坠，设计理念基于骑士和公主……

BoneeIt... it doesn't mean anything!没……没有什么寓意！

Bonee frantically inserts herself between the saleswoman and me.波妮慌张地拦在我和导购的中间。

BoneeI just thought it suited you well, Professor!我只是觉得很适合教授！

I subconsciously glance over to the saleswoman and see her smiling at Bonee with maternal warmth.下意识地看向导购，却发现她对波妮露出了慈爱的笑容。

ProfessorAlright, I'll take it, then.好，那我就收下了。

BoneeWhew...呼……

Bonee seems to breathe a sigh of relief, and then in an instant, she has a serious, earnest look on her face.波妮似乎松了口气，旋即又摆出了认真且紧张的表情。

BoneePro... Professor, you have to cherish it, okay?教……教授要珍惜它哦。

BoneeOtherwise, Bonee will... Bonee will... will get very mad!不然的话，波妮会……会……会很生气的！

ProfessorDon't worry.放心好啦。

I smile as I take off the sales tag and put it on.我笑着拆下标签，将它戴了起来。

ProfessorHow's that? Does it suit me?怎么样？合适吗？

BoneeIt does! It suits you very well, Professor!合适！很适合教授！

ProfessorIn that case...这样啊……

I stand up, recall what little I remember about knightly etiquette, and then execute a half-bow.我站直起身，稍微回忆了一下认知中有关于骑士礼的知识，随后微躬行礼。

ProfessorMy thanks to Princess Bonee for her gift. I shall cherish it well.感谢波妮公主的礼赠，我会好好珍惜它的。

BoneeUehhh!?呜欸？！

Bonee bites her lip and she seems to panic a little.波妮紧咬嘴唇，表情有些慌乱。

BoneeUh—Um! Uh... Al... Alright...唔——唔！呜……好……好喔……

Bonee lowers her head and grabs my sleeve tightly, as though she's completely crashed.波妮垂下了脑袋，紧紧地拽住我的衣袂，整个人似乎彻底进入了宕机模式。

BoneeIt's so hard... To keep things from you, Professor...想瞒过教授……好难……呜……

Qixi - Imhotep 七夕-埃尔赫

In front of the Wishing Starbridge Workshop.星桥祈愿坊门前。

The lantern sways in the night wind, casting hazy illumination around it.灯笼在夜风里摇晃着，漾出一片模糊的光影。

As the light wavers back and forth, a shadow appears. It grows larger and larger, until it's right in front of me—那光荡着荡着，便出现一个影子，它越来越大，直扑我的面门——

Crash!咚！

EarhartUwah, this little fella keeps running into people like this. Professor, are you alright?呜哇，这家伙总是这样撞人。教授，你还好吗？

ProfessorIt's nothing...to fear...根本……不足为惧……

It's just a Vulpine Onslaught...区区一发狐王星轰爆……

I'm seeing stars and I'm feeling dizzy, I don't think I can make it...我感觉头昏目眩，快不行了。

I feel a wave of dizziness wash over me and my surroundings start to go blurry.我感到一阵头昏，望着周围的视线变得模糊了。

EarhartProfessor? Professor? Can you see me?教授，教授？还看得清我吗？

ProfessorEarhart... You must... Take care...of the fox...埃尔赫……你一定要……管好……狐狸……

ProfessorThe safety... The safety of the Oasis' pets... is all...up to...you...绿……绿洲的宠物……安全……就靠……你……

EarhartWell, if you're able to ham it up like that, you must be alright.还有心演戏，看来是没问题了。

Earhart helps me up onto a bench beside the workshop and takes out a handkerchief, which she uses to help wipe my nose.埃尔赫扶着我坐在祈愿坊边的长椅上，从衣服里拿出手帕来给我擦了擦鼻子。

EarhartYou're bleeding.有点鼻血啊。

Earhart frowns in annoyance and the fox pokes its head out from her shoulder, its tail flicking at the tips of her hair.埃尔赫露出苦恼的表情，狐狸在她肩上探头探脑，尾巴拨弄着她的发梢。

EarhartStop moving around, I'm treating the Professor's injury.别乱动啦，我正给教授处理伤势呢。

ProfessorSpeaking of which, you've been in the Oasis for a while now but I still don't know its name.说起来，你也来绿洲好一阵子了，我还不知道它的名字。

EarhartYou mean this fox?你说这只狐狸？

ProfessorYeah. You brought it to the cloud server because it was a cherished pet, right?是啊。是挺喜欢的宠物，才会带到云端来吧？

EarhartOh, I never thought of it that way.我倒是没想过这个。

After wiping my nosebleed, she puts her handkerchief away and reaches out to stroke the fox's fur.擦干净我的鼻血，她把手帕收好，伸手挠了挠狐狸的毛发。

EarhartI can't really say I like it that much, just that it's a preference of my designer.要说喜欢也谈不上，只是设计者的爱好而已。

ProfessorWhat kind of preference, did she like fluffy creatures?什么爱好，喜欢毛茸茸？

EarhartI didn't spend that long with her. If I'm not wrong, her reason was that it would be more like the books she read when she was little.我和她相处没多久，记得她的理由是这样比较像小时候读本里的形象。

ProfessorYou mean like, "The Little Prince"?《小王子》？

EarhartSo you HAVE read it before, Professor.教授果然看过啊。

ProfessorI mean, it's a classic children's storybook.很经典的儿童读物。

EarhartI see. In any case, this bionic fox was a gift from my designer, so I kept it.这样啊。总之，这只仿生狐狸是设计师送我的，我就留下了。

ProfessorSo it's bionic.原来是仿生的。

EarhartIts AI was uploaded to the cloud server as well, so you could say it's the same one.它的AI也被录入云端了，所以算是同一只。

The fox barks in approval.狐狸赞同地叫了一声。

EarhartSpeaking of which, do you still feel dizzy, Professor? Should we cancel tonight's event after all?说起这个，教授，你还头晕吗？今晚的活动不然还是取消吧？

ProfessorIt's only being hit by a fox, it's nothing to worry about.区区一只狐狸的撞击而已，不足为惧。

EarhartIs that so? But you looked pretty fragile when I saw you in reality. I didn't think you were actually so daring.这样吗？现实中见到你时觉得你还挺文弱的，没想到你原来这么勇敢啊。

ProfessorAhahaha... Well, reality is reality and the cloud server is the cloud server.啊哈哈……现实归现实，云端归云端。

EarhartThat's true. Good thing I didn't choose to go with my impression of you in reality, otherwise I'd have missed out on knowing someone as interesting as you.也是。还好我没有按现实见到你的印象来跟你相处，不然就要错过你这么有趣的人了。

EarhartSince you're alright, let's go!既然都这么说了，走吧！

ProfessorWe've come all this way already, can't you tell me what we're going to do next?都到这里了，还不能告诉我接下来要做什么吗？

She stands up and beckons me over.她站起身，向我招招手。

EarhartI'm going to take you to experience something exciting. You'll know once we get there!带你去体验一下刺激的事，到了就知道了！

On the outskirts of the Oasis, at the entrance to Earhart's personal aircraft testing site.绿洲外围，埃尔赫专用飞行器测试点入口。

EarhartThis is it.就是这里了。

ProfessorSo tonight's special event is a night patrol?今晚的活动是夜巡？

EarhartJust doing that would be super boring, though.光是那样多没趣啊。

Earhart winks to me and gestures.埃尔赫向我眨了眨眼睛，做出一个手势。

EarhartGet in the co-pilot seat. I guarantee this will be an unforgettable experience.上副驾驶吧，我保证今晚的体验你永世难忘。

Infected by her smile, I think that maybe I should go along with her tonight.被她自信的笑容所感染，我想，今晚就顺从她吧。

With that thought in mind, I climb into the little plane's copilot seat and buckle up my safety harness.这么想着，我登上了小型飞机的副驾驶位，系好安全带。

We rise steadily from the runway and fly toward the side of the Oasis and through the Firewall, following a path that will take us into the skies above the Oasis.跑道组件升起，转向绿洲一侧，穿透防火墙，搭建起一条通往绿洲内天空的道路。

Earhart pilots the plane with practiced ease. As we accelerate, I feel gravity pull on me as it would in reality while we rise into the night sky.埃尔赫娴熟地操作着飞机启动、加速，在如同现实般的重力拉扯感中，我们升入夜空。

EarhartThe best part of the Magrasea cloud server is its gravity simulation system. The feeling of takeoff is just like in reality.麦戈拉云端做得最好的就是仿真重力系统了，起飞的感觉和现实中特别像。

ProfessorI didn't think the cloud server would have such an elaborate system in place, but now I'm being pressed back into my seat.我还以为云端不会有这样精细的设置，没想到还是会被按在椅子上。

EarhartWell, it wouldn't feel like flying without that. How lame would that be?没了这一步就没了起飞的仪式感，那多没劲啊。

ProfessorSo you think there's some kind of significance to this?你认为这一步是种仪式感？

EarhartOf course. Neither humans nor Dolls are innately equipped with the ability to fly, right?当然啦。不管是人类还是人形，都不会配备飞行功能的对吧？

EarhartAnd yet we can fly, soaring lazily through the night.但是我们能飞起来，在夜空里遨游。

ProfessorSo it's the feeling of fighting gravity and winning, then.就像一次次和重力战斗并且获胜的感觉吧。

EarhartYou DO get it after all, Professor! You might spend your time in a lab, but you've got the hot-blooded feeling of a battlefield.教授你很懂嘛！虽然是坐研究室的，但很有战场的热血感。

ProfessorYou flatter me. It's just a little thing we have in common.过奖了，只是略有同感。

EarhartYou seem to have something in common with everyone, though, like you understand everything. Did you look at our files before this?你好像跟谁都有点同感，什么都能理解，该不会是提前看了我们的资料吧？

ProfessorWhat do you think?是不是呢？

EarhartHey, I'm not knocking you for that. It's pretty good too.嘿，我没有问责你的意思，这也挺好的。

EarhartWhether or not you read them, what matters is how much sincerity you show us.不管你看没看，都是对我们用心的表现嘛。

ProfessorYou seem to be taking that in stride.你倒是想得很开。

EarhartWell, pilots need to have hearts as boundless as the sky!飞行员就要有和这片天空相配的胸襟！

The fox jumps on my leg, as though it's sensed something, and burrows its face into my coat.像是感应到什么，狐狸从她肩上跳到我的腿上，把脑袋藏进我的大衣里。

ProfessorWhat is it...它这是……？

EarhartProfessor, what kind of gift do you think I'm going to give you tonight?教授，你猜到今晚我要给你的礼物是什么了吗？

ProfessorI suddenly remembered that the fireworks show is about to start up.我忽然想起，烟火大会马上就要开始了。

EarhartSo you guessed it?你猜到啦？

A bad feeling rises up in my heart.一种不祥的预感在我心头升起。

EarhartJust talking about it isn't as fun, though.光这么说多没趣啊。

Could it be...难道说是那个……

Well, it's not going to be an ordinary night flight, that's for sure.反正不会是一次普通的夜航。

ProfessorI'm sure you'll surprise me.我相信你肯定会带给我惊喜。

It's hard to resist the anticipation pounding in my heart. It constantly cries out for more excitement.难耐的期待感在心里鼓噪着，想要面对更刺激的场面。

Boom!轰！

A flash of light suddenly blooms before my eyes as a barrage of fireworks climbs into the sky, bursting into a rain of sparks and embers.眼前骤然炸开炫光，一朵烟花升入空中，化作纷纷扬扬的火雨。

ProfessorWhoa!哇啊！！

EarhartHaha, that's it!哈哈，就是现在哦！

ProfessorThis is way too dangerous, Earhart!这太危险了，埃尔赫！

EarhartOf course it's dangerous, but have you ever thought you'd see a day like this, Professor?这么做当然危险啦，但教授你想过这一天吗？

EarhartFlying among the fireworks and seeing them up close!在烟花间飞行，并且近距离观察它们！

More pyrotechnics soar into the sky, one after another. They illuminate the sky before fading back into the darkness, but in the next moment they blossom once again.烟花接二连三地升空，一次次将天空照亮，火焰转瞬没入夜色，下一秒又重新绽开。

I find it hard to handle the intense change in light levels and I squint at Earhart.我难以适应这剧烈的光线变化，眯着眼睛看向埃尔赫。

ProfessorI doubt you could do this in reality, right!这在现实中做不到吧！

EarhartOf course not, it'd be too dangerous! That's why you can only do this in the cloud server!当然啦，那太危险了！所以只能在云端做啊！

She laughs, answering as thunderous explosions go off all around us, her eyes sparkling.在震耳欲聋的烟火中，她大笑着回答，双眼闪闪发亮。

EarhartJust enjoy this sprawling view! Shall I play a song?尽情享受这广阔的天地美景吧！要不要放一首音乐？

ProfessorCan you—even hear it—if you play it now—?现在放音乐——能——听得到吗——？

EarhartIn that case—那就——

The plane flies into a loop as a star shell zips past the place where it had been a moment ago before exploding into a sky-filling shower of stardust.飞机斜斜翻出一个筋斗，一枚烟花从原本飞机所在的地方升空，炸成满天细碎的星屑。

The plane's wings cut through the air and she speaks, her voice cheerful and carefree.机翼斩开气流，她的声音快活而自由。

Earhart—Sing it with me!——唱出来吧！

Heaven and earth tumble end over end while the stars blaze.天地倒转，星火煊赫。

This is an utterly insane maneuver, but right now, I can hear my heart pounding heavily.多么疯狂的举动，我却在这举动中听见自己猛烈的心跳声。

EarhartProfessor—Are you singing—教授——你在唱吗——？

ProfessorI am—在唱啊——

The sound and our joyous shouts are lost in the sound of the exploding fireworks.歌声与快乐的呼喊声淹没在烟火炸开的声音里。

I think to myself that there's no cooler and more impressive Qixi gift than this.我想，没有比这更酷、更令人印象深刻的七夕礼物了。

20 minutes later, we slowly touch down.二十分钟后，我们缓缓落地。

EarhartHow was that? Did it feel good?怎么样，感觉很棒吧？

EarhartThe first time's bound to feel uncomfortable. Just sit down and rest a bit and you'll be better.头一次体验肯定会有点不舒服的，坐下休息一会儿就好啦。

EarhartThat was a pretty average reaction. Have you seen cooler stuff before?反应平平嘛，你是不是经历过更酷的事？

EarhartHehe, me too!嘿嘿，我也是！

The fox jumps out of my arms and back onto Earhart's shoulder, probably because it's finally sure that it's safe.似乎是终于确定了安全，狐狸从我怀里跳回埃尔赫肩上。

ProfessorWe don't have much time left, want to go walk around the lantern fair?时间还够，要不要去逛一逛灯会？

EarhartDo they have yummy stuff? I'll go if they do!有好吃的吗？有的话我就去！

My head is spinning.我头晕。

It wasn't bad.还不错。

I loved it!太喜欢了！

ProfessorOf course there is.当然是有的。

EarhartThen let's go, go, go! I want to see it all!走走走，我们要去逛个够！

She hops off the plane and then waves me over.她从飞机上跳下去，转头向我招手。

EarhartCome on, Professor!走啦，教授！

We return to the Wishing Starbridge Workshop.我们回到了星桥祈愿坊附近。

Earhart plunges into the flow of people, but by the time I've changed into something that better suits the feel of the lantern fair, I find that I've lost track of her.埃尔赫先一步跑进人流，等我换好符合灯会感觉的服装再出来，一时间竟找不到她的身影。

ProfessorEarhart? Earhart? Where are you?埃尔赫，埃尔赫？你在哪里？

埃尔赫的声音Over here, Professor! Look at the cotton candy stall!在这里，教授！看棉花糖摊！

I look in the direction of her voice and see her in the lantern light.我循声望去，看到了灯火下的她。

EarhartHey Professor, want to try some of this?教授，来尝尝这个吗？

She's dressed in a yukata that's markedly different from her usual look, and a cute mask covers up the messy hair she gets after a flight.与平时截然不同的浴衣，可爱的面具挡住她飞行结束后乱翘的发尾。

The Earhart before me now is like a different person from the little witch pulling off extreme aerobatic stunts in the night sky.出现在我面前的埃尔赫，和刚才夜空里极限杂技的小魔女判若两人。

EarhartIf you don't come over, the fox and I are going to finish up this "Special-Made Airborne Icy-Cold Cotton Candy".你再不来的话，我和狐狸就要把这个“特制飞行冰凉棉花糖”都吃完了。

ProfessorSometimes, I wonder if you like cotton candy more than your fox.我有时候会觉得你喜欢棉花糖甚至胜过喜欢狐狸。

EarhartWell, you can't say that. The fox has been with me forever, I just think that there's no need to give it a name.也不能这么说，狐狸陪了我好久呢，我只是觉得没必要给它起个名字。

EarhartYou've been with me for so long too, do you think I like cotton candy more than you, Professor?教授也陪我这么久，难道我喜欢棉花糖胜过教授吗？

ProfessorYou mean you don't?难道不是吗？

EarhartOf course not. I definitely like you best, Professor!当然不是啦。我最喜欢的，肯定还是教授你了！

Earhart answers frankly and earnestly.埃尔赫坦率地回答。

EarhartWhat's wrong, Professor? Still dizzy?怎么了，教授？头还昏着吗？

ProfessorNo, I just wanted to say that you should watch your fox. It's eating your dessert.不，我只是想说，看看狐狸。它在吃你的甜品。

EarhartAh! Why you—啊！怎么这样——

Qixi - Chanzhi 七夕-缠枝

The Oasis, in the leisure district.绿洲，休息区。

Chanzhi is bent over a custom-made workbench, focused on putting each stitch in its proper place.缠枝伏在特制的案台上，专心致志地穿针引线。

I'm watching Chanzhi from behind her, while Riko is standing beside me with a smug smile on her face.我站在缠枝身后不远处无奈地注视着她，身边是满脸得意的理子。

ProfessorJust one tiny bottle?就这么一小瓶？

理子This is the famous Qixi Water... Uwah, don't hit Riko's head, hey!这可是大名鼎鼎的七夕水……呜哇，别拍理子的头哇！

ProfessorHow many times have you scammed Chanzhi already? I can't believe you can bear to keep doing it to her.你都骗缠枝几次了？居然还下得去手。

理子Hey, she's smart, you know? Do you really take her for a fool when she's so focused on embroidery?喂，人家可聪明的好吗？绣工这么传神，你真当她是笨蛋呐！

I silently share a list of transactions where Chanzhi has been scammed. Riko pretends to be terribly shocked where appropriate, showing no sign that most of those transactions were credited to her.我默默地分享了缠枝受骗支出列表，理子适时地假装大受震撼，并表示没有认出一大半转账的收款方是自己。

理子In... In any case, stuff that's been sold is like water that's been thrown out, no takebacks!总……总之卖出去的东西泼出去的水，你可不能反悔啊！

Professor(Sigh) I know.唉，我知道。

I look at Chanzhi, who's all serious and fired up, then shift my gaze to Riko and sigh.看着缠枝的认真劲，再看了看眼前的理子，我叹了口气。

ProfessorChanzhi only agreed to do this embroidery for you because of this Qixi Water, right? Just look at the size of the piece she's working on, it definitely isn't some minor or throwaway item.就是为了这瓶七夕水，缠枝才答应替你刺绣吧？看她这案台的大小，怎么也不像是小打小闹。

ProfessorI want to buy her work back from you. Name a price.我想买回她的作品，你开价吧。

理子Um...唔……

ProfessorDon't put on a show of calculating a price. I just don't want Chanzhi's efforts to be casually tossed aside.不用装模作样地盘算了，我只是不希望缠枝的心意被拿去挥霍而已。

理子Hehe, since you've said as much, then the Class IV goods in the previous trade manifest...嘿嘿，既然教授都这么说了，那上次贸易列表里规限的四级货物……

ProfessorAlright, I'll release them after the lantern fair.好吧，灯会后会开放的。

理子Sweet! I'll be off, then! Enjoy Qixi, Professor!好耶！那我就先撤啦！节日快乐教授！

I slowly walk up to Chanzhi's side. She is still focused on sewing at lightning speed.缓步走到缠枝身边，她仍旧全神贯注地飞针走线。

At long last, I find an opportunity when Chanzhi pauses to catch her breath, and I place the Qixi Water in front of her.好不容易才找到缠枝歇一口气的空档，我将七夕水放到了她跟前。

ChanzhiMff—! Riko, you're so nice! I can't believe you were willing to pay me up front... Eh?唔——！理子你真好！竟然还愿意预付报酬给我……诶？

ChanzhiProfessor, what are you doing here?教授，你怎么来啦？

ProfessorIf I hadn't come, you'd probably have been sold off to some place outside the Oasis.我再不来你就要被卖出绿洲了。

ProfessorHere, it's the Qixi Water. You don't need to give this piece to Riko once it's done. Send it over to the lantern party as the exhibition backdrop. If I'm not wrong, you even went as far as to organize a traditional Qiqiao competition as well, right?喏，七夕水在这儿。这幅刺绣完成了不用给理子。送去灯会当大展的景布吧，我记得你还专门搞了一个乞巧的传统比赛来着？

ChanzhiOh yes, I did, and I was planning to take you to see it. Interested, Professor?对呀对呀，我还计划带教授去看比赛呢，有兴趣吗？

ProfessorYou're not going to take part?你不下场？

ChanzhiThat would be bullying people! There aren't that many agents in the Oasis who can do needlework and those who are actually interested in it are even fewer!那很欺负人的！绿洲会针线活的智能体本来就不多，感兴趣的更少！

ChanzhiEvery seedling needs to be carefully nurtured. The point of the competition is to generate interest. It would be different if I took part too.每一个幼苗都需要好好呵护，比赛本身就是凑趣，我还参加就变味了。

Saying so, she points to a nearby table.说着缠枝指向一边的桌台。

ChanzhiThese are the materials that I've prepared for tonight's lantern fair. Want to give it a try, Professor?那些都是为晚上灯会比赛准备的材料，教授要不要试试？

ProfessorMe...?我……？

ChanzhiYup, embroidery is fun.对哦，刺绣很有趣的。

ChanzhiDon't you think it's romantic to pour your heart out onto a piece of soft fabric, one stitch at a time?用针线一点一点在柔软的布料上铺开内心的画像，这难道不是一件很浪漫的事情吗？

ProfessorUm... In that case... I'll give it a try?唔……那……试试？

ChanzhiThat's great! I'll get the materials for you, Professor.好呀好呀！我去帮教授拿材料。

ChanzhiLet's use a hand fan as your sewing-cloth, then. It's simpler. Feel free to ask me if there's anything you don't know.就选扇子作为绣布吧，简单一些。有什么不懂的随时可以问我。

ChanzhiOh yes, is there anything you'd like to embroider, Professor? There are times when you can better choose your threads' colors to better suit the subject matter.对了，教授有想绣的东西吗？有的话针线的颜色可以选择得更有针对性一些。

ChanzhiThat's a simple, yet festive motif. A wise choice!相对比较容易上手，又有节日的气氛，明智的选择！

ChanzhiI expected nothing less of you, Professor. Give me a bit.不愧是教授，请稍等片刻哦。

Magpies.喜鹊。

Niulang and Zhinu.牛郎织女。

Are there any patterns that YOU would like to sew, Chanzhi?缠枝有什么想绣的图案吗？

ChanzhiSo you're starting out with a difficult portrait piece right away? Sounds like you're pretty confident, Professor.上来就挑战高难度的人像吗？教授很自信嘛。

ChanzhiBut don't worry, it'll be a cinch with my guidance!不过放心，在我的指导之下，怎样的难度都不在话下！

ChanzhiEh, you want my opinion...诶，问我的意见吗……

ChanzhiAh, I've got it! Hehe, just wait for me to pick out the material, Professor.啊，我想到了！嘿嘿，教授等着我选的材料吧~

Though I've already chosen what I want to embroider, even the most basic patterns can be a great challenge for an amateur.虽然预先计划好了要绣的内容，然而对于一个初学者来说，哪怕是一个最基础的几何图案都是高难挑战。

ChanzhiTry holding the needle like this, Professor. It's easier to put your strength into it that way and you won't prick your finger.教授试试这样捏针，容易使劲，而且不会伤到手指。

ChanzhiAs a novice, you don't need to use such short stitches. Pull the string out a little more before you finish the stitch. It's easier that way.新人下针的时候呢，可以不用作这么短的针脚，稍微拉长一些再穿下去，会更简单。

ProfessorWow, there's so much stuff to keep track of...讲究真多啊……

ChanzhiHeh, this doesn't even count as proper technique yet, it's just a few little tricks for needlework.嘻，这才哪里到哪里，这些甚至不能算作技法，只能说是普通针线活的小技巧。

ChanzhiIf you're interested, I can teach you a lot more about this, Professor.要是教授感兴趣的话，以后我还可以教你更多。

ChanzhiThings like offset stitches, random stitches, or maybe brocade stitching or cross-stitching... Now those are hard.像什么错针绣、乱针绣，又或者戳纱，挑花……那些才算困难呢。

As Chanzhi says this, she reaches out a hand to pull back a stitch I placed wrongly and inserts the needle into the cloth again.缠枝说着，腾出一只手将我绣错的针退了下来，重新穿上。

After that, she moves her face next to mine so she's practically in my lap before biting off the silk thread.随后侧过脑袋，俯进我怀中，轻轻咬断丝线。

ChanzhiSee, it's pretty, isn't it?瞧，是不是很好看。

I look at Chanzhi's smile, and then at the fan in my hands.我看了看缠枝的笑容，又看了看手里的团扇。

ProfessorIt IS lovely.确实很好看。

Chanzhi and I exchange the occasional word as we each go about sewing our respective pieces.我与缠枝就这样时不时对上一句，各自处理手中的绣品。

It's not as lively as walking through the streets, but it's interesting in its own way.虽然比不得游街那样热闹，却也别有一番意趣。

ChanzhiIf you go on just a little more, that's the whole of the technique.再往下啊，就是技法部分了。

ChanzhiTake for example the piece in my hand, it's "double-sided three-unique embroidery".像我手里的这幅呢，就是双面三异绣。

ChanzhiBoth sides are embroidered, but the pattern, needlework and colors are all different from each other. The uniques in this case refer to unique patterns, unique stitching and unique colors.正反都有绣，但图案、针法和色调都不一样。谓之异稿、异针、异色。

ProfessorThis is... a level I have a hard time imagining.这真是……难以想象的境界。

ChanzhiIt is, isn't it? You'd need many years of practice to sew something like that.是吧，想要绣出这样的画作，不下多年苦功可不行呢。

娇小的女性智能体In that case, Miss Chanzhi, how should I practice to produce such embroidery work?那缠枝老师，要怎么练习才能绣出这样的绣画呢？

ChanzhiHuh?咦？

纤细的女性智能体I'd like to know too. Can you teach us, Miss Chanzhi?我也想知道，缠枝老师可以教我们吗？

高壮的男性智能体I want to learn too.我也想学。

At some point, a crowd of eager agents has surrounded us and they're all holding half-finished embroidery pieces.不知何时，我们身边围上了一圈跃跃欲试的智能体，他们手里都拿着未完的半成品绣布。

ChanzhiUwah!呜哇！

ChanzhiOf course I can! Or rather, nothing would please me more!当然可以啊！不如说求之不得！

Chanzhi springs up and excitedly takes the fan from my hands and begins lecturing the crowd.缠枝蹭地一下站了起来，兴致勃勃地拿过我手里的扇子开始演示。

ChanzhiIt might be a little too early for you to do proper techniques, so maybe I could teach everyone some simpler patterns and how to make them look good.技法对大家来说还太早了，我先教大家一些简单应景的图样如何绣得好看吧。

ChanzhiFor instance, when we're sewing "crossing the magpie bridge with an umbrella", we can use red or green thread loops for the bridge arch.比如鹊桥打伞，我们可以先用红或青的线勾勒桥廓。

娇小的女性智能体Wow! I felt that right away. How about the moon? Can you embroider a moon for us, Miss Chanzhi?哇！一下感觉就出来了。月亮呢？缠枝老师能不能绣个月亮？

ChanzhiMhm! If it's just a moon, then it's no big deal!嗯哼！只是月亮太小儿科啦！

Chanzhi's fingers quickly dance over the fan.缠枝面带雀跃地在团扇两侧舞动指尖。

ChanzhiWant to see double-sided embroidery? Behold!你们不是想看双面绣吗？瞧！

Just as she finishes speaking, she's finished stitching two moons on each side of the fan.话音刚落，两道明月已然勾勒于团扇两侧。

One is round and white, the other is shrouded by clouds.一侧圆润皎洁，一侧云雾遮面。

众人Wow~哇哦——

ChanzhiHehe, feel free to tell me if there's anything you'd like to see.嘿嘿，大家还有什么想看的元素，尽管提！

The agents throng around her. Some want to see the magpies, while others want to see couples.智能体们纷纷上前，有的想看喜鹊，有的想要相伴的两人。

I silently back away and watch Chanzhi, who's utterly delighted amidst the crowd.我悄悄退到一旁，注视着在人群中神采飞扬的缠枝。

A certain kind of beauty seems to slowly emanate from the girl and the works she's holding.仿佛有种特殊的美，从少女手中的绣品，从少女身上缓缓展露。

ChanzhiAnd so, our Qixi-themed hand fan is done!这样，我们的七夕主题团扇就完成啦！

ChanzhiProfessor... Huh? Where did the Professor go?教授……咦，教授呢？

After who knows how long, Chanzhi has finally finished her lessons and pushes her way through the crowd before running up to me.不知过了多久，缠枝终于完成了教学，她拨开人群跑到我跟前。

ChanzhiThank you for helping me get the Qixi Water today. I'll gift this fan to you, Professor!谢谢教授今天帮我拿到七夕水，这张团扇就回赠给教授啦！

ChanzhiNiulang and Zhinu, the magpies... it's got all the designs you wanted just now!牛郎织女、喜鹊……刚才想要的图案都有哦！

众人Whoa—诶——

As she says that, the eyes of all the agents present go wide and they peer intently at it.此话一出，在场的智能体都睁大了眼睛，挤眉弄眼起来。

ChanzhiHm? What's with you guys?嗯？你们怎么了？

ChanzhiIf you want one, you can make a booking with me. I can sew one for each of you!想要的话可以找我登记！我可以给大家都绣一个！

ChanzhiHowever, I might not be able to make it in time for this Qixi Festival.不过可能就赶不上这次七夕了。

众人Aw—呃——

The audience is speechless for a moment after Chanzhi gives them an answer they didn't expect. It just so happens that the lesson is over, and the agents thank her before bidding her farewell.缠枝给出了完全预料之外的反应，众人一时语塞。正巧教学告一段落，智能体们纷纷在道谢之后离开了。

ChanzhiThat's strange. Why did everyone react so strongly to it?奇怪，大家刚才怎么反应这么大？

Professor...I guess they were impressed by your technique, Chanzhi.……应该是为缠枝你的技艺折服了吧。

ChanzhiHehe, I couldn't resist and ended up showing off.嘿嘿，一个没忍住还是炫了一下技巧。

ChanzhiBut I'm sure everyone can learn it in future!不过我相信大家以后都能学会的！

ProfessorWell, since your lesson is over, perhaps we should go take a look at the competition itself?既然教学结束了，那我们也该去灯会看看比赛现场了？

ChanzhiOh yeah. Give me a bit to pack up, Professor.对噢，教授先等我收拾一下。

We hang up Chanzhi's backdrop piece at the competition grounds, and since there's still some time before it starts, we decide to go walk around for a bit.在比赛现场放置好了缠枝的绣布，趁着时间还早，我们决定再四处走走。

On the way, Chanzhi tells me many things about embroidery.一路上，缠枝和我说了许多和刺绣有关的典故。

Chanzhi...And that's why embroidery really is an impressive craft.所以呀，刺绣真的是一件很伟大很伟大的技艺。

ProfessorI can certainly feel that. The magpie bridge during the Grand Summer Battle was impressive enough, but when you set up your backdrop piece, many of the passing agents were so stunned that they stood in place to watch it for a good long time.完全感受到了。夏日决战时的鹊桥已经很让人惊艳了；刚才布置你的刺绣背景时，好多个路过的智能体也都被惊得待在原地好久。

ChanzhiHehe, well, it's not THAT amazing.嘿嘿，其实也没有那么厉害啦。

ChanzhiIt's just that that backdrop piece was big. In terms of technique, the hand fan you're holding uses a lot of embroidery techniques too.那幅绣品只是看起来大而已，要说技法的话，教授你手里团扇的技法也不少哦。

ProfessorHm? You mean the double-sided embroidery? That's certainly...嗯？你的意思是双面绣吗？的确很……

ChanzhiThat's not all!不止哟！

Chanzhi smiles enigmatically and takes the fan from me, gently caressing the surface with her fingertips in an up-and-down fashion.缠枝露出了神秘的笑容，将团扇接过，手指上下摩挲。

ChanzhiHehe, do you see it now?如何？看出来了吗？

ProfessorI don't see it at all.完全没看出有什么门道。

ChanzhiHehe, then how about this?嘿嘿，那这样呢？

Chanzhi holds the fan high and the gentle light shines on it, drawing out its shadow on the ground.缠枝高举团扇，柔和的灯光映着团扇，将影子在地上拉得很长。

It shows a man in a long-sleeved robe with a lavishly-dressed girl holding an umbrella beside him.那是一个穿着大褂负手身后的人影，的身侧是撑伞的华服少女。

ChanzhiThank you for keeping me company today, Professor. I hope this fan will keep you company too in the future. Just like...谢谢教授今天的陪伴，希望这柄扇子能在未来陪伴你左右。就像……

Chanzhi suddenly lowers her head and she starts to mumble, like she's shy.缠枝忽地垂下头，声音变得有些含糊，像是害羞了一般。

ChanzhiJust like how I... I... I'm going to keep you company...就像我陪伴着你一……一……一样……

ChanzhiAh choo!哈啾——！

Chanzhi looks up and rubs her pink face. Was she blushing?缠枝抬起头来，揉了揉通红的鼻子，脸上哪有半分羞涩？

ProfessorHehe... I'll make sure I cherish it. Thank you, Chanzhi, and happy Qixi!呵呵……我会好好珍惜它的，谢谢你，缠枝。节日快乐！

ChanzhiHappy Qixi, Professor!节日快乐！教授！

Qixi - Souchun 七夕-薮春

The Oasis, at the garden.绿洲，植物园。

I stand at the entrance and look inside.我站在门口朝里张望。

It's almost the appointed time, but I don't see Souchun anywhere.马上就要到约定的时间了，却仍没能见到薮春的身影。

ProfessorSouchun, are you there?薮春，你在里面吗？

Crash—哐哐——

The sound of something falling over suddenly fills the air.物件翻倒的声音骤然响起。

SouchunSorr... Ack, sorry! I lost track of the time, Professor. I'll be right out.对……嘶……对不起！教授我忘记时间了。现在就出来。

Soon, Souchun stumbles out, looking quite miserable.不多时，薮春略显狼狈地走了出来。

SouchunI'm sorry, I didn't know so much time had passed.不好意思，没想到已经过了这么久。

ProfessorWere you tidying up the tea leaves and utensils for later?是在整理等会要用的茶叶和茶具吗？

ProfessorYou could have asked me for help if there were a lot of them.量很大的话，其实可以拜托我帮忙。

SouchunNo, actually, I was thinking about this.不是的，其实我在苦恼的是这个东西。

Souchun produces a red string from her sleeve and a little dish with holes in it.薮春从薄袖中抽出一条红色的绳线，还有一件带着孔洞的器皿。

SouchunI was practicing for the Qiqiao competition just now. Chanzhi said it was an ancient tradition, so everyone would be competing at threading needles.我在练习乞巧，缠枝告诉我这是一种很古老的习俗，大家会在灯会上进行穿针引线的比试。

SouchunI was planning to finish up before I met you, but it's just too difficult.本来还想赶着在和您一起出发前完成，但是这个真的太难了。

ProfessorJust treat it as entertainment; you don't need to take it so seriously. Also, don't we have something more important to do?当成娱乐就好，倒也不必过分认真，而且，我们不是还有更重要的事情吗？

SouchunWell, it's not just entertainment. They say the finished piece...并不只是娱乐，她们说乞巧完成的物件……

Souchun looks like she's suddenly recalled something, and quickly shuts up.薮春像是突然想起了什么，忽地止住嘴。

SouchunYou're right. Let's head over to the lantern fair, Professor.您说得没错。我们还是先去灯会吧，教授。

The Oasis, at the leisure district.绿洲 ，休息区。

The lanterns light up the area like it's daytime, and the passers-by are few and far between. Though the lantern fair hasn't yet begun, we arrive at the appointed location.灯盏如昼，游人零星，现在还未到灯会开市的时间，我们来到了预定好的地点。

SouchunWuyi Alley... Wuyi Alley... Found it.乌衣巷……乌衣巷……找到了。

SouchunI didn't think they'd change the name of the region, though it does feel more atmospheric this way.没想到还会改掉地区的名称，不过确实这样更有氛围。

SouchunAlso, it's in the mid-rear of the streets; truly a good place to set up a stall. By the time the lantern fair starts, everyone should be tired, making it a perfect place to serve tea and refreshments!而且还是街市的中后段，真是个摆摊的好地方。等灯会开始，大家走到这里时应该也都累了，届时奉上茶水汤糕正好！

ProfessorAlso, the lazier folks might end up sitting here until the fireworks start up, so you'll have time to educate people about tea.另外那些懒散的，说不准还会在这里一直坐到放烟花，中间也有你科普的时间。

SouchunThat's true. Chances like that are rare, so I've even got my little booklets ready.是呢，这样的机会可不多得，我连小册子准备好了。

Souchun holds up a picture booklet containing all sorts of information about tea in front of her face and smiles.薮春捧起写满了茶叶相关的图册，举到脸前，笑嘻嘻地开口。

SouchunAnd if they're in a hurry to go see the fireworks, I can hand them the booklets too.如果他们急着去看烟花，我也能把册子交给他们。

SouchunAh... That's right... The fireworks...啊……对了，烟花……

As she mentions this, Souchun's curly eyebrows suddenly straighten out, and she ducks her head behind the picture booklet, like she's a little embarrassed by it.一念及此，薮春弯弯的眉眼忽地蹙了起来，脑袋往图册后缩了缩，似是有些不好意思。

SouchunIs it really okay for you to help me set up my stall instead of going out and having fun at the lantern party?灯会不去好好地游玩，选择来跟我摆摊，真的好吗？

SouchunSurely there must be many people who asked you to go watch the fireworks with them, right?肯定还有很多人约了您一起看烟花的吧？

ProfessorUnfortunately for them, I got all their invitations just as I was knocking off. Bad luck for them.不过收到你消息的时候刚刚好下班，嗯，只是巧合而已。

SouchunHehe, then the next time we have an occasion like this, I'll come to look for you while waving a form.嘻嘻，那下次再有这样的日子，我可就掐着表来找您了。

ProfessorAh, I might end up doing overtime when that happens.啊，说不准那时候就要加班了呢。

There were quite a few.好像是挺多的。

There weren't any.没有没有。

ProfessorBesides, setting up shop with you means I get free tea and snacks, plus I get to enjoy the fireworks. I'm making out like a bandit here.再说了，跟你一起摆摊，能吃到免费的茶汤糕点，还有好地段赏花火，是我占了便宜。

SouchunHehe, well, if that's what you had in mind, I might need to start charging you.呵呵——要这般计较的话，我可就要向您收费了。

I meet Souchun's gaze, and we chuckle. Then we both shake our heads and carry on with the preparation work.与薮春对上目光，相视一笑。我们不约而同地晃了晃脑袋，接着继续手头的工作。

SouchunThe tea leaves, the cakes... and the stove is ready. Hmm, are we missing anything?茶叶，糕粉，碗具……还有炉子都备好了。唔，好像还少了点什么？

ProfessorThere's another special tradition for today other than Qiqiao. Like guessing lantern riddles, for instance.除了乞巧，今天其实还有别的风俗，比如猜灯谜。

SouchunYou mean... Ah! Qixi lanterns! Does this mean all the lanterns at the festival will have riddles on them?您是说……啊！七夕花灯。这么说灯会上的所有灯笼里都塞着谜语吗？

ProfessorThat's right. We can go look at them after we tidy up our stall.没错，晚点收摊了我们可以一起去看看。

SouchunSounds great! But in that case, what sort of lantern riddles should we use?好啊！可是，我们该出点什么样的灯谜呢？

Lanterns.花灯。

A signboard.招牌。

ProfessorSince our stall aims to promote tea culture, they'll have to be riddles related to tea.既然摆摊的目的是为了宣扬茶文化，那不如就出个与茶相关的谜题好了。

ProfessorThere are many stalls at the lantern fair. We won't get customers if we don't have an interesting signboard.灯会摆摊的人这么多，没有一个有趣的招牌可招不到顾客。

SouchunThat's true; if we're going to show off tea culture, we'll need to prepare something else.对喔，我们想要宣扬茶文化的话，就更要准备点什么了。

SouchunStill, I'm pretty sure you must have an idea, seeing as how you're overflowing with inspiration, Professor.不过，教授这么胸有成竹，应该是已经有想法了吧？

ProfessorHow about lantern riddles? We'll use lanterns as our gimmick, and guessing riddles is both in keeping with Qixi and the appeal of tea culture—I mean, if they want to solve it, they'll have to sit down and have a drink, won't they?不如来个灯谜怎么样？以花灯为招牌，猜谜也符合七夕还有茶文化的意趣——想要了解其内涵，总得品味一下，不是么？

SouchunIn that case... I have some riddles for you.那……我可就出题了。

ProfessorOh? You're going to ask me directly?哦？先直接出给我吗？

SouchunWell, I'm nowhere near as learned as you, Professor. I'd be glad if I could help catch the occasional bug for you.毕竟我不如教授渊博，能帮忙捉捉虫也是好的。

ProfessorWhy do I get the feeling you're trying to give me a hard time?我怎么觉得你就是想为难我一下呢？

SouchunHehe. Well, listen closely. The first one is: "Man secretly chooses the empress of blossoms."呼呼，听好了，第一题是：人隐桃花后。

ProfessorIs this a giveaway question? Or are you just trying to lower my guard?送分题吗？还是说只是想让我卸下防备？

SouchunHow could that be? I'm just having fun with you, Professor. You don't mind, do you?怎么会，只是想和教授多玩一会儿，您不会介意吧？

SouchunYou can be forgiven for a wrong answer, but not for not trying at all.猜错可以原谅，但敷衍不行呢。

ProfessorHuh, so you don't believe I really don't know?咦，居然不相信我是真的猜不出来吗？

SouchunIn that case... The second one is: "You see it at the start of the year before the cherry blossoms bloom."那么……第二题：岁首梅花今先放。

Tea.茶。

I don't know.猜不出来。

SouchunMy, you got that right too. Did you figure it out, or did you just guess?呀，这也答对了。教授是解出来的，还是猜的？

ProfessorI just so happened to see a beautiful camellia flower, so I naturally made the connection.只是恰好了解过一朵漂亮的山茶花，所以自然而然就联想到了。

SouchunHmm... It's a bit hard for me to tell if you really don't know these lantern riddles or if you're just pretending.唔……有点分不清教授是真的不会灯谜还是假装的了。

ProfessorYou seem to believe I'm capable of the strangest things.你对我的信任卡在了奇怪的地方。

Souchun asks several more riddles after that, and slowly, the questions become a monologue.接下来薮春又出了几道题，渐渐地，发问变成了讲述。

She sits beside me, rolling up her sleeves and decanting tea into a cup, narrating all manner of verse and prose related to tea like a storyteller.她坐到了我的身旁，挽袖斟茶，如说书般将与茶有关的诗词、典故婉婉道来。

Japanese Camellia.山茶。

Dasik.茶食。

The small tea stall fills with the sound of Souchun's gentle voice, as well as that of tea being poured into a cup and faint wisps of drifting steam.小小的茶摊里不时响起薮春温软的声音，还有汤水落杯的漱响，和缥缈如岚的雾烟。

Unfortunately, this period of leisure does not last long; as time goes by, more and more customers come into view.只可惜这份闲适并未能持续太久，随着时间流逝，逐渐有客人掀帘入坐。

The sound of people grows louder, and the crowd starts to press in. The lantern fair has begun.人声渐沸，熙来攘往。灯会，开始了。

The customers in the tea stall come and go. Souchun and I work in silent harmony. Words are unnecessary; we coordinate perfectly with just our actions and glances at each other.茶摊内的客人来来去去，我与薮春默契地忙碌着。无需言语，仅凭动作和眼神就能自如地配合。

This atmosphere continues for a while. The customers start to sample the other items on offer besides tea, and we are silently excluded from the surrounding clamor.这样的氛围持续了一段时间，客人们也逐渐品出此间除了茶水之外的几分味道，心照不宣地将我们隔在烦嚣之外。

Even when familiar agents drop by, they simply greet us and do not disturb us further.即使偶有相熟的智能体出现，也只是打声招呼，再不深入打扰。

Souchun and I are in the middle of a crowded city, yet it feels as though we're in a world of our own.我与薮春明明身在闹市，却仿佛世界只剩下了我们二人。

By the time I come to my senses, the last customer at the stall has left too.等回过神来时，茶摊内最后一位客人也离去了。

SouchunThank you for your hard work, Professor.辛苦了，教授。

SouchunIt looks like we can rest for a while.看样子我们可以休息一下了呢。

SouchunWhat's the matter? You haven't recovered yet?怎么，还没缓过神来吗？

ProfessorKind of. It felt really strange just now.是有点，刚刚的感觉还蛮奇妙的。

ProfessorUnfortunately, the customers have all gone. In our original plan, we were supposed to tell them stories about tea.只是可惜了我们的计划，原本还打算向客人说些与茶有关的故事，结果人全都走了。

SouchunPerhaps the fireworks were too appealing. Personally, I think it's alright. You can make tea anytime you like, but if the mood to drink tea is gone, you might not be able to get it back.或许是烟花太吸引人了吧。我倒是觉得还好，茶水何时都能冲泡，但喝茶的心境，错过却不一定能再有了。

Saying so, Souchun hands me a cup of tea with both hands.言罢，薮春双手扶杯向我递来。

SouchunHere, have a cup of tea, Professor.来，请教授用茶。

ProfessorOh, thank you, you've worked hard too.喔，谢谢，你也辛苦了。

I take the tea from her, and our fingertips touch. Our eyes reflexively meet, and we freeze up for a moment.接过茶杯，指尖相触，我们下意识地对上目光，彼此愣怔了一瞬。

Souchun...Um... Ahem.……嗯……咳。

SouchunSo, you don't plan to watch the fireworks then, Professor?那么教授有没有去看烟花的打算呢？

SouchunYou've kept me company long enough today. I feel bad about holding you captive at the stall at a time like this.您今天已经陪伴我够久的啦，总不好再在这种时候把教授拴在茶摊里。

ProfessorOh, it's no trouble. I can watch the fireworks from here too.倒也不必，这里也能看到烟花。

ProfessorAlso...而且……

SouchunAlso?而且？

ProfessorThe fireworks blossoming aren't necessarily as pleasant as the tea blossoms, don't you think?烟花不见得比茶花悦目，你说对吧？

Souchun...Pfft, well, that's hard to say.……嗤，这可伤脑筋了。

SouchunYou've given me so many things tonight, Professor, from your companionship to your praise. Yet I don't have anything to give you in return. It doesn't seem right.教授今晚送了我这么多东西，又是陪伴，又是夸奖的，可我却没有与之对应的回礼，感觉不太好。

ProfessorTea and leisure; that's good enough for me. I'm not going to keep track of favors owed or owing.得闲饮茶，足够了，我并不看重这个。

SouchunThat's true. You've always been the easygoing sort, and it's hard to guess what you're thinking.是嘛，教授总是这样风轻云淡的，心思很难猜啊。

Saying so, Souchun produces a red thread and the dish from before.说着，薮春从袖中拿出红绳和器皿。

SouchunI was planning to finish a Qiqiao item as a gift to thank you, Professor.我原本还想完成乞巧的物件当做礼物，用来感谢教授的。

ProfessorOh, was this what you were making back then?喔，这是来的时候你在做的那个？

SouchunThat's right. Before the lantern fair started, I arranged with a certain friend to exchange aspects of our traditional culture. She would teach me Qiqiao, and I would teach her how to make tea.没错，灯会开始前，我和某个家伙约好了互相交流传统文化，她教我乞巧，我教她泡茶。

SouchunBut it seems she ended up being scammed and tricked into working for someone else. So now I'm all alone, and I have no idea how to work this string and dish.只是听说她好像又踩了什么坑，被骗去给人干活了。就剩我一人，这些针线和器皿，根本搞不明白。

ProfessorPffft—噗——

ProfessorSo that was it?原来是这么回事吗？

ProfessorHonestly, you've gotten into too much trouble. You didn't have to make things so complicated. I'll consider this tea my thanks. It tastes very good.你费心了，其实真的不用弄得这么复杂。这杯茶就当成谢礼吧，味道很好。

SouchunStill, it feels somewhat lacking. Why not... Professor, why don't you think of something? What would you like Souchun to give you?但总归是有些不甘心的，要不……教授您来想一个吧？您希望薮春送点什么呢？

ProfessorYou certainly seem stuck on this...这么执着啊……

ProfessorThis tea and snacks are enough for me.只要这些茶水糕点足矣了。

ProfessorThen I'll go with the threads.那就还是针线好了。

SouchunHm—Alright! I'll go grab that friend of mine when I get back and finish up the piece as soon as I can.唔——也行！回去我就把那家伙抓来，尽快教会我完成一件作品。

SouchunThough it does mean you'll have to wait a little longer.就是得让您多等等了。

ProfessorOh, you don't need to go to all that trouble. What I meant is that since you were planning to attempt the Qiqiao, it means you must at least know the basics.不用那么麻烦，我的意思是，既然你之前就打算尝试乞巧，那么一些基础的东西一定是会的。

SouchunYou mean...您是说……？

ProfessorHow about a cat's cradle? It's simple, but it's appropriate, at least. When you go back, you can sew the patterns we make onto a handkerchief as a memento of today.翻花绳怎么样？虽然简单，但多少也算应景。回头你把翻出来的图案印到手帕上，当做我们今天的纪念。

ProfessorSurely something that two people make together is more meaningful, right?两个人一起完成的东西，也总归更有意义些。

Souchun's eyes light up, and she immediately takes up the red string with a smile, wrapping it around her fingers before presenting them to me.薮春眼睛陡然一亮，盈着笑意勾起红绳，缠绕着手指递到了我跟前。

SouchunI like that idea!这个主意我喜欢！

SouchunHere!给！

ProfessorUm—Ahem.唔——咳咳。

ProfessorHonestly, you're being too hasty, dear. Let me finish up my tea, at least.你啊你，太急了吧，至少让我把茶喝完。

I shake my head and chuckle, and then I begin to weave the cat's cradle with Souchun.摇头笑了笑，我开始配合着薮春翻叠红绳。

SouchunOh dear, it's crooked.啊……歪了。

ProfessorPatience. Here, it's fixed now.慢点，喏，这样就可以复原了。

SouchunProfessor, how is it that you're good at things like this too?教授你连这个都擅长啊？

ProfessorOh, I just remembered the rules and the rhythm.只是记下了顺序和规律。

SouchunThen I'll make a few more mistakes.那我多错几次。

ProfessorAnd after that, you'll sew a weird pattern.然后印出个奇奇怪怪的图案。

SouchunTeehee.嘻。

Soon, we come to the end of the pattern, and I hold the red string up in front of Souchun.很快，翻花绳来到了最后一步，我将红绳举到薮春跟前。

SouchunHm...唔……

ProfessorWhat's the matter?怎么了？

SouchunIt seems I can make two designs from this last step.最后这一步好像能翻成两个图案。

ProfessorIf we proceed inward, it'll be tea leaves, but if we move outward, it'll be...往里的话是茶叶，往外的话……

SouchunOutside it is, then.就往外好了。

Souchun hushes my answer with her actions, and the complex pattern woven by the string blossoms between her fingers.薮春用行动止住了我的回答，红线构成的繁复花纹在她的双手间绽放。

The pattern in the center forms a heart.中心的花纹拱卫着凑成了一个心形。

SouchunDoes it look good, Professor?好看吗？教授。

Souchun takes a few steps back, holding up the red string as the fireworks silently blossom behind her.薮春后退了几步，手里举着红绳，烟花悄然在她的身后绽放。

Flames illuminate the night, and the blossoms in hand and sky overlap.光焰盈夜，花簇相叠。

SouchunWhile I'm glad for your consideration, Professor, using tea as an excuse is only going to make me mad, you know.虽然我感激于教授的体贴，但像这样以茶水作为托词，反而会惹人生气哦。

Qixi - Kuro 七夕-卡萝

Somewhere in the Oasis, on Kuro's dedicated livestream channel.绿洲一角，卡萝的专属直播间。

ProfessorSo the reward you want for being the "Burbank Sector Operation MVP" is for me to go on your stream?你要的“伯班克扇区作战MVP”的奖励就是陪你直播？

KuroHow's that? It suits me, right?怎么样，非常符合我的风格吧？

ProfessorI don't know how to say this, but I expected that. Very well, Great Streamer Kuro, what shall we do today?怎么说呢，不出所料。好吧，卡萝主播，我们今天玩什么？

KuroThat's the spirit!要的就是这个捧场劲儿！

KuroThen today, we shall... We shall...那么我们今天……今天……

Kuro's expression suddenly turns strange.卡萝的表情忽然变得有些微妙。

ProfessorWhat's wrong, did your channel get banned again?怎么了，直播间又被封了？

KuroDon't curse me! It took a lot of doing to get it unbanned!别咒我，好不容易才解封的呢！

KuroThis is bad... My plan can't keep up with the changes...这下糟糕了……计划赶不上变化……

ProfessorWhat did you say?你在说什么吗？

KuroAh, it's nothing. Anyway, today we'll be playing "Craven Quest X HD Remastered Standalone Nostalgia Deluxe Edition"!啊没什么。今天玩这个，“怂者逗恶龙X 高清重置单机怀旧特供版”！

KuroThis game went on sale just before I joined Project Neural Cloud and I thought I'd never be able to play it.在我参加云图计划的时候，这游戏刚发售，我还以为玩不到了。

ProfessorSo how did you get it?那你怎么拿到的？

KuroTake a guess—Burbank Sector brought it in during their latest update!你猜怎么着——伯班克扇区最后一次更新的时候把这盘更新进来了！

KuroFortunately Nanaka was browsing video game stores with me, which was how I managed to grab this disc from that pile of games from all eras.多亏了七花花陪我一起逛游戏商店，我才从那堆时代混乱的游戏里找到这张盘。

ProfessorSo why aren't you playing with her?那你不跟她一起打？

KuroNanaka sucks at video games, and she gets depressed if she does poorly in 2P games.七花花打游戏很菜的，双人游戏一旦打不好，就会失落好半天。

KuroIf you want to play with her, you need to nurture her from the very beginning, so for games like Craven Quest it's best to get you.和她打要从初级开始一点点培养，打怂者逗恶龙这种游戏，还得找教授一起。

ProfessorWell, that's true. I'm the only one in all of Magrasea who can put up a fight against you.也是，整个麦戈拉只有我能和你一战了。

KuroHeh, don't speak too soon!嘿，大话可别说太早！

KuroI'm going to start streaming, so make sure you don't disgrace yourself all over the Oasis.我要开直播了，你小心点，可别丢脸丢到整个绿洲喔。

After that, the two of us play the game together.在这之后，我和她一同度过了一段游戏时间。

ProfessorI think we can save the game after turning in this quest. I'm getting a little tired after playing for so long.这个阶段的任务交完就差不多可以存档了吧，一直玩也有点乏了。

KuroEhhh—But it's only been four hours, Professor. You're so weak.诶——好弱啊教授，才四个小时。

ProfessorI'm bound to get tired if I sit in front of a game console while only moving my hands and eyes.一直坐在游戏机前只有手和眼睛在动，肯定会累啊。

KuroThat's why they say "There is no strength in flesh, only weakness".所以说血肉苦弱，机械飞升才是硬道理。

KuroPlaying for that long would be nothing for a Doll!这点时间对人形来说小菜一碟！

Saying so, Kuro finishes saving her game.说着，卡萝也完成了存档。

ProfessorNext up...接下来我……

KuroWell, since you said you wanted to exercise, let's try this instead! Cube Fit Adventure!既然都说要运动了，不然就来玩这个吧！健身方框！

Kuro produces a new gaming peripheral like a stage magician.卡萝像是变魔术一样掏出了新的组件。

Professor...You really are prepared for everything.……你还真是准备万全啊。

KuroBut of course. Come on, let's head on to the next stage.那是当然的，来吧，下一阶段。

...10 minutes later.……十分钟后。

KuroI... I can't go on like this, I need a break...我……我不行了，休息一下……

ProfessorBut it's only been 10 minutes, Kuro. You're so weak.好弱啊卡萝，才十分钟。

KuroD-Dammit, you're using my own line on me...可，可恶，你竟然拿我的魔法对付我……

ProfessorNow who was the one who said "There is no strength in flesh, only weakness"?是你说机械飞升才是硬道理的。

KuroWell, it's not like I'm a pro or anything! Why don't you ask Magnhilda to come play against you!?我又不是专业的，你叫玛吉西尔达过来跟你比啊！

KuroShe's like a gorilla. I bet she'd be able to go 100 rounds straight with you and train you until you're begging for mercy on the ground...那家伙跟猩猩一样，肯定能跟你连续大战一百回合，把你练得躺在地上求饶……

ProfessorKuro...卡萝。

KuroWhat's with that wimpy tone, do you know you're beaten now?怎么，这个虚弱的语气，知道自己理亏了吗？

ProfessorYou're still live.你没关直播。

KuroI'm terribly sorry if I insulted you by accident Miss Magnhilda if you're watching I didn't—对不起可能在看直播的玛吉西尔达小姐我可——

系统[Personal attack detected, banning livestream.]【检测到人身攻击内容，对直播间进行封禁。】

And with a "beep", Kuro's livestream channel goes dark.滴，卡萝的直播间暗了下去。

Kuro...………………

KuroAHHHHHHHH I GOT BANNED! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!被封了啊啊啊啊啊！都是你害的！！

ProfessorYou did it to yourself.明明是你自作孽不可活。

KuroDammit, my stream's been cut off, what should I do now...可恶，直播间被关停了，接下来要怎么办……

ProfessorWhy not go take a shift at the Factory and do some decent work?找个厂上班吧，干点正事。

KuroHeck no. You don't understand my faith in the streaming industry!我才不要，你根本不理解我对直播行业的信仰！

ProfessorAlright, alright, then should I go back now?好的，好的，那我先回去了？

KuroNO! You're coming with me!不许！你跟我来！

Kuro doesn't explain any further and drags me into her room.卡萝不由分说地带我去了她的房间。

Its layout is completely different from the last time I came here. There's a huge video game console in the room and the lighting has been changed to the neons of a retro gaming arcade.与上一次来时的布局完全不同，房间里放上了巨大的游戏机，灯光也变成了传统游戏厅的霓虹色。

ProfessorSo you called me over just to show me this?你把我叫到这里来，就只是为了让我看这个？

KuroWhat, it's not cool enough for you? Take a look at this post-modernist color scheme! This classic game machine!难道这不够酷炫吗？看啊，这后现代主义的配色！这经典的游戏机！

KuroYou'd only be able to find them in flea markets in the real world, but here—要是到现实世界，这东西要到中古市场上才找得到，而在这里——

KuroTadah! Brand new, fully responsive and in high definition!当当！全新的！反应灵敏，画质高清！

ProfessorSo the reason why you requested operands to remodel your "dorm" a while back was to turn your "dorm" into a video game parlor?所以你前阵子申请算量改造“宿舍”，就是为了把“宿舍”变成游戏厅？

KuroAw, don't make it sound so bad, Professor.别说得那么阴沉嘛，教授。

KuroI'm not like those other weak Dolls. I get a nervous breakdown and insomnia if I don't hear the clicks and taps of game consoles.我和那些弱小的人形可不一样，没有游戏机哒哒哒的声音，我就会罹患神经衰弱，睡眠不良。

ProfessorAs I recall, the reason you gave for your previous dorm remodel was because you'd get nervous breakdowns and insomnia if you didn't hear the sound of rivers running in the forest.我记得你上次申请改造宿舍的时候说自己没有丛林里的流水声就会神经衰弱和睡眠不良。

KuroWell, I was doing a forest survival-themed mukbang back then.毕竟上次是要做丛林求生的吃播嘛……

KuroIn any case, don't worry so much about it! Come take a look at this!总之别太在意那些！来看看这个！

Kuro grabs a joypad and scrolls down on the screen.卡萝握着摇杆，不断下刷界面。

Kuro"Sanctifier May Cry 10", "Entropic Evil 2", "Dynasty Sectors"...《净化者泣10》《熵化危机2》《三扇区无双》！

KuroWhat do you think of these?你觉得这些怎么样？

ProfessorThey all seem strangely familiar, but that's not important. This...有点既视感，不过不是重点。这个……

KuroAhhhh, just pick one already!选一个嘛选一个嘛！

KuroOr do you not like any of them, so you'd rather play something like "Fate Rogue/Night" or "Rabbittear" instead?还是说这些都不喜欢，你想玩《命运肉鸽夜》或者《小白兔交易员》这种？

ProfessorThat's not the point either.这也不是重点。

KuroYou know, people who try to act mysterious usually end up photoshopped into emojis and spammed on the anonymous forums. You DO know that right, Professor?话说一半的谜语人会被P成表情包流传在匿名版，这个规矩教授你知道的吧？

ProfessorYou asked me to stream with you, but your stream channel's been banned, right?虽然说陪你直播，但现在直播间已经被封了吧。

ProfessorAnd the games we played today weren't THAT competitive...而且今天的直播选的游戏也不是强对抗型的……

KuroDon't overthink it. It's not like I invited you here to enjoy spending time with you or anything.别多想，我可不是为了享受和你在一起的时间什么的。

KuroIt's just that streaming PVP stuff all the time is boring, so I wanted to play these games to open up my train of thought.只是总播PVP也没什么意思，才会选这类游戏拓宽思路的。

KuroW-w-w-w-what do you mean persistence! I have no idea what nonsense you're spouting!什什什什么逞强！我听不懂你在胡说什么！

ProfessorThen why do you look so afraid, like you've been found out?那你为什么一副被揭穿的惊恐表情？

I've seen through your persistence!我已经识破你的逞强了！

Then consider me to have misjudged you.那就当我是判断失误吧。

KuroThat's just my fear of your delusional imagination, Professor! Surely you don't play dating games with that mindset, do you?这是对教授的妄想能力感到惊恐，你该不会就是用这种心态去玩恋爱游戏的吧？

Just as we're standing off, the doorbell rings.就在我们僵持时，门铃响起了。

KuroHumph... Hehe, then I shall grudgingly bring myself to forgive you.哼……哼哼，那我就勉为其难地原谅你吧。

KuroHonestly, I'm the only one who would go to such lengths to forgive you, Professor...真是的，也就只有我会这样勉为其难地原谅自大的教授了……

Kuro hums to herself as she brings out a bag containing various cartridges.卡萝哼着歌拿出存放卡带的包裹。

KuroThere's more to choose from here. Even guro stuff isn't off limits.这里还有可以选的，就算要玩猎奇向的也不是不行。

Just as I'm about to look through the cartridge bag, the doorbell rings.就在我要伸手去翻卡带包时，门铃响起了。

快递员智能体Is Miss Kuro there? Your parcel from Burbank is here.卡萝小姐在吗？您从伯班克订购的快件已经送到了。

ProfessorOh? What is it?哦？是什么东西？

KuroAhhhhhhhh! Why did it have to come NOW of all times!!啊啊啊怎么偏偏这个时候到了啊！！

Kuro's abnormally panicked expression made me think of that strange thing she said during her stream.卡萝异常的惊慌表情让我立刻想起刚到直播间时，她那句奇怪的话语。

KuroThis is bad... My plan can't keep up with the changes...这下糟糕了……计划赶不上变化……

ProfessorWere you hiding something from me after all?你果然是瞒着我什么吧？

快递员智能体Your signature please, Miss Kuro.卡萝小姐，请签收。

KuroYou... I... Urgh! Dammit!你……我……呜！可恶！

A look of defeat fills Kuro's face and she numbly signs and accepts the package.卡萝露出败犬般的表情，悻悻地签收了包裹。

快递员智能体Thank you for doing business with us.感谢惠顾。

The delivery agent leaves. I look at Kuro, and Kuro looks at me. We are separated by just the width of a package.快递员智能体离开了。我看着卡萝，卡萝看着我，我们就这样隔着一个包裹面面相觑。

KuroSay something, Professor!说点什么啊，教授！

KuroI feel like I'm being interrogated here!这样搞得我像是被审讯一样，好心虚！

ProfessorAlright. Complete honesty will result in lenient treatment, while failure to cooperate will earn you harsh treatment. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and...好吧，坦白从宽，抗拒从严，你有保持沉默的权力但你说的每一句话都将成为……

KuroCould you NOT smash down a fragile little girl's wavering sense of security!不要对一个娇俏少女摇摇欲坠的安全感重拳出击啊！

ProfessorSo, what is this?所以，这是什么？

Kuro...It's my gift to you.……这是，送你的礼物。

Kuro takes a box cutter and cuts the box open.卡萝拿出快递刀，把快递盒拆开。

ProfessorOh? Now I'm kind of curious about what you're giving me.哦？你送的礼物，我倒是有点好奇了。

Kuro opens the box and takes out...卡萝从盒子里拿出了……

A pair of guns, one pink and one blue.一粉一蓝两把枪。

Professor...Are these for use in a co-op shooting game?……联机射击游戏用的？

KuroWhat, you could tell right away? Meh.一眼就能看出来吗？真没劲。

KuroAnd I prepared so long for this too...难为我还准备了这么久……

ProfessorSo why did you decide to give me this all of a sudden?你怎么忽然想送我这种东西？

KuroWell... The fact is you HAVE been taking care of me all this time, though you've been bullying me plenty too.毕竟……我也承了你这么多照顾，虽然受你欺负也不少。

KuroSo I thought I ought to thank you for it.总得送你点谢礼吧。

ProfessorIs that all? Then why is your face red?这样吗？那你脸红什么？

KuroWell, it's kind of embarrassing, you know! I'm supposed to be a super streamer who leaves nothing to chance!这种事肯定会不好意思啊！送个礼物还出这么多意外，我可是算无遗策的超级主播！

Kuro angrily thumps the table and then connects the guns.卡萝愤愤地敲了一下桌子，然后给两把枪都接上线。

KuroWhen I saw this pair of guns in Burbank, I thought that the blue one would suit you very well, Professor.在伯班克看到这对枪的时候，我就觉得这个蓝色很适合教授了。

She hands me the blue gun.她把蓝色的枪递到我手中。

KuroAlthough I could only get one couple's set, we're a team, right? So there's nothing wrong with using a couple's set!虽然是情侣款只能买一对，但我们俩谁跟谁啊，用个情侣的也不是不行！

KuroCome, give it a try, Professor.来，试试手感，教授。

KuroWe still have a long time today, so we can play the more hardcore PVP stuff now!今天还有很长时间，现在可以玩些对抗性强的游戏了！

ProfessorAs long as you don't cry and go "another round" when you lose.输了可别哭着说“再来一盘”啊。

KuroI should be saying that, right? Don't come begging me in tears when you lose.这话应该我跟你说，输了可别哭着求我哦。

Her confident smile is dazzlingly bright, and I'm sure that this is what drew people to her in both the Burbank Sector and reality.她充满信心的笑容看起来非常耀眼，想必在伯班克扇区和现实中，人们也是被这样的她吸引的吧。

As it turns out, I've been captivated by her too, so I grab my joypad with a laugh and begin a new game.我也被她所感染，笑着握住手柄，开始了新的游戏。

Three minutes later.三分钟后。

KuroUWAAHHHHH! How did it end so soon? ANOTHER ROUND!呜啊怎么会这么快！再来一盘！！

Still, it's more amusing when she wails like that.不过，还是这样的哀鸣更让人快乐就是了。

Qixi - Daiyan 七夕-黛烟

Nighttime at the Oasis' leisure district.绿洲休息区，夜晚。

With the lantern fair almost at an end, I dart through the crowd, looking for a familiar figure.灯会已经快要结束，我穿过人群，寻找那一抹熟悉的身影。

??Who are you looking for, Professor?您在找谁呢，教授？

A familiar voice calls out from beside me. I turn back and see... A wooden pillar.熟悉的声音在我身边响起，我转过头，看到了……一根木制的柱子。

A black ponytail sways gently behind it. It seems she has no intention of showing herself right away.黑色的发尾在柱子后轻轻地摇晃着，看起来没有立刻出现的意思。

??Miss Persicaria is not here right now. She is currently enthralled by the creation of qiaoguo and seeks to win a prize in the competition.帕斯卡小姐可不在此处，她正迷恋着巧果的制作，争取拿到制作大赛的奖品呢。

I was looking for Persicaria.在找帕斯卡。

For you, Daiyan.在找你，黛烟。

ProfessorThen what shall I do? I've been searching for her all day.那可怎么办？我找了她半天呢。

??Really, Professor? You just came from where she was.真的吗，教授？您刚才才从那边过来呢。

??However... People have been known to be careless. More importantly, it is a day of celebration, so relaxing a little is not out of the question.不过……人总有疏忽之时，更何况正当佳节，放松些也无不可。

??Do you need me to help you find her, Professor?需要我带您去找她吗，教授？

ProfessorYou know everything, Daiyan.你全都看见了啊，黛烟。

??And how do you know I am Daiyan and not someone else?您又如何确定我是黛烟而非他人呢？

ProfessorWho else would be here? Perhaps the pillar's spirit has achieved sentience, or perhaps a passing fairy maiden has decided to have some fun at my expense?在这里的还会是谁？柱子成精，或者路过的某一位仙子逗我玩呢？

??Perhaps the haze coiling around the mountains has become a spirit that seeks to lure you into a cave where you will fall into a secret realm.也说不定是山中缭绕的烟气化为精怪，要将您勾去漏洞，坠入墟境呢。

ProfessorThen what shall become of me? Once there, I shall not be able to tell the difference between a pillar, a fairy maiden, or an imp made of haze.那可怎么办？到了墟境，我就分不清柱子、仙子和烟气化成的妖精了。

ProfessorAlas, I shall have to relinquish my gift for Daiyan to those Sanctifiers who have fallen into that realm and lost their target.那要带给黛烟的礼物，也只好交给墟境里那些失去目标的净化者处理……唉。

??And what manner of gift have you brought for this person called Daiyan?您为那位叫做黛烟的人带了什么礼物呢？

ProfessorThe gift is for her, and once I see her, I shall tell her what I have gifted her.礼物要送给本人，只有见到黛烟，我才能告诉她礼物是什么。

??Hehe... What will I do with you?呵呵……真拿您没办法。

A beautiful woman in a white dress step into the lantern's light.一位身着白裙、外披纱衣的美人款款走到了灯火之下。

The flames flicker, and a fair maiden stands beneath them. A smile graces her face, and her eyes gleam.火光摇曳，佳人立在光下，言笑晏晏，眸光流转。

ProfessorLooks like it wasn't a column-spirit or a haze-imp, but Daiyan herself.看来既不是柱子，也不是烟气带来的妖精，而是黛烟本尊了。

DaiyanIt seems I can't keep anything from the tyrant of the Oasis who campaigns far and wide across all of Magrasea.看来这些都瞒不过独裁领导绿洲，并在麦戈拉四处征战的暴君啊。

Professor...Look, that's just a rumor, don't put any stock in it.……那个只是不实传闻，不要采信。

DaiyanOf course. If you were such a person, I would have gone somewhere else instead of staying in the Oasis.当然，若您是那样的人，我就不会留在绿洲，而是另寻他路了。

ProfessorAlthough I'm hardly the only reason the Oasis could keep you.绿洲能留下你，也不是我一人的功劳。

DaiyanJust as the conductor's style affects the orchestra's performance, so does a leader influence the masses.指挥的风格会影响整个乐团的发挥，领导者大抵也是如此。

Professor...Ahem. Anyway, I have a gift for you.……咳，总之，我准备了礼物给你。

I briefly squeeze the object in my hand and then hand it to Daiyan.我把手里捏了半晌的东西递到黛烟面前。

DaiyanHm?咦……？

Daiyan seems surprised as she takes the flattened paper object from my hand.黛烟露出有些意外的表情，从我手里接过了那沓扁扁的纸制品。

DaiyanDid you buy this from the lantern fair?这是您从灯会上买的花灯吗？

ProfessorI made it myself, in the DIY area. I saw how you were busy with this and that and guessed that you didn't have the chance to take part in the lantern release.在DIY区域自己做的。我看你一直忙前忙后，猜想你还没参加放灯。

ProfessorHow is it?做得怎么样？

DaiyanYou're always so thoughtful, Professor. Please come with me before I open it up.教授总是这么有心。在我拆开之前，请随我来。

I follow in her footsteps, and together we arrive at the outskirts of the venue.随着她的脚步，我跟她一起来到了会场边缘。

We are at a gazebo on a small rise, and a river flows underneath us.这是一处亭子，地势较高，下方便是河流。

Tonight's event is almost over, and everyone is heading back in small groups. Only a few river lanterns bob serenely in the water, like stars drifting along the ground.今晚的活动已接近结束，人们三三两两地回去了，只剩几盏河灯还在水中摇曳前行，像是地面流动的星星。

DaiyanIt's a little cold tonight.今夜的风稍有些冷呢。

ProfessorThe wind's grown stronger. Would you like my coat?风变大了。要不要先拿我的外套穿？

DaiyanThank you for your kindness, but it's a wind like this that helps clear the heat from my exertions.谢谢您的好意，不过，正是要这样的风，才能拂去一身忙出来的热气。

DaiyanIt's a little rude to speak to you while perspiring, so I will let the wind blow it away to enjoy the scenery in your company.带着汗与您交谈有些失礼，让风将汗水带去，才好一同赏景呀。

ProfessorThat doesn't really bother me. Besides, Doll sweat doesn't have the odor that humans do.我倒不太在意这个，人形的汗水也没有人类的味道。

DaiyanOh you... Please don't speak so matter-of-factly about such personal topics.您呀……别这么理所当然地聊起这样私密的话题啊。

ProfessorMy apologies. Still, I'd be surprised if you weren't tired after working on the lantern fair and fireworks show for so long.抱歉。不过，你为灯会和烟火大会的事忙了这么久，不累才奇怪。

DaiyanI know that was your meaning. Are you a natural at this, or do you just make it all seem so effortless...我知道您是这个意思。该说您是天然呢，还是做什么都会显得自然呢……

ProfessorDaiyan, have you become more fond of teasing me?黛烟，你是不是变得更喜欢逗我了？

DaiyanHehe. That is simply because you're too adorable, Professor. After all, when one sees a good zither, one's fingers get itchy.呵呵，是教授太可爱的缘故。见到好琴，难免技痒。

What a frightening woman. In just a few words she's left me speechless.真是可怕的女人，几句话就说得我哑口无言。

Upon seeing that I've fallen silent, Daiyan does not press the issue. Instead, she holds up the lantern by the railing of the gazebo.见我不说话了，黛烟也没有穷追猛打，在围栏边撑起了纸灯。

DaiyanIt must be a sky lantern, from the size.这个大小，果然是孔明灯呢。

ProfessorSurely you must have known from the beginning?你从一开始就知道了吧？

ProfessorOtherwise, we would be at the riverside by now.不然，我们现在就该在河边了。

DaiyanAre you making me out to be too perfect, perhaps? Even I could not be that well-rounded.您是否将我想得太过完美了？即使是我，也做不到这么周全哦。

Daiyan glances at me like she's pouting, and then she looks back at the lantern in her hand.黛烟嗔怪似的瞧了我一眼，又看向手里的纸灯。

DaiyanFrankly speaking, I had not thought so much about things. I just wanted to come up here to take in the air.方才我可没有想得这么多，只是想来上面透透气而已。

DaiyanLearning that this was a sky lantern was an unexpected surprise.发现这是孔明灯，反倒是意外的惊喜了。

ProfessorSo do you prefer sky lanterns, or river lanterns?孔明灯和河灯，你更喜欢孔明灯吗？

DaiyanSky lanterns are prayers to the gods, while river lanterns are wishes made to the soul.孔明灯向神明祈福，河灯向魂灵许愿。

DaiyanIf you release them by yourself, then each has its own appeal, and if you are accompanied by another, then their type is immaterial.若是一人放，当然各有各的趣味，而和人同行，是什么灯就不重要了。

ProfessorAnd so you have neatly evaded my question.这是完全绕开我的问题了吧。

DaiyanIt was not my intention to do so, but you were clearly trying to make things difficult for me.这可不是我故意这么做的，分明是教授为难我在先。

DaiyanWhy not compare yourself to this sky lantern?您怎么不与这盏孔明灯比一比呢？

ProfessorI feel I'm more important than it.我自觉比孔明灯重要。

DaiyanOh yes. When I'm with you, it doesn't matter what kind of lantern it is.是呀。与您在一起，放什么灯都不打紧。

DaiyanThe important thing is the process of making a wish together.重要的，是一同许愿的过程。

Saying so, Daiyan takes out the candle included with the lantern and fixes it onto the lantern's base.说着，黛烟取出包装里附带的蜡烛，将它固定在灯架底端。

ProfessorI feel I should allow you to relax, on account of your long hours of work. Why not let me do this part?看你累了这么久，就想让你放松些。这个还是我来吧？

DaiyanBut this was your gift to me, and after opening the seal, it is now mine.这是您给我的礼物，拆了封便是我的东西。

DaiyanWould you take my gift from me?您要抢我的礼物吗？

Professor...You really are making fun of me now, aren't you?……这就是你在调笑我了吧。

DaiyanOnly because you made fun of me first.谁让教授调笑我在先呢。

DaiyanStill, there IS something I'd like to ask you, Professor.不过，我也有想问教授的事。

ProfessorLet me guess... Do you want to know why I chose the sky lantern instead of the river lantern, hm?让我猜猜……你想问我为什么在河灯与孔明灯里，选择孔明灯？

DaiyanJust so. Now then, will you enlighten me?正是。那么，您是否愿意为小女子解惑呢？

As I look at her gentle yet slightly foxy smile, I chuckle in mild resignation.望着她柔和中带着些狡黠的表情，我略感无奈地笑了笑。

ProfessorIt was simply instinct.只是直觉而已。

DaiyanAnd your instincts serve you well even when off the battlefield. Thank you, Mr. Instinct.您的直觉在下了战场后也时刻起效呢。谢谢您，直觉先生。

ProfessorYou could also call it a logical deduction, albeit one that was too fast and did not pass through my cognitive pathways.你也可以称之为是逻辑判断，只是太快了，没有经过我的思考回路。

It was instinct.直觉。

Actually, I had a backup plan...其实我做了两手准备……

ProfessorThe possibility that you might have preferred the river lantern had occurred to me.在来之前，我想到了你更喜欢河灯的可能性。

DaiyanAnd if that possibility had become a reality?要是可能性成真了呢？

ProfessorThen I would have marched over to the DIY area right away to make a river lantern.我就立刻去DIY摊位上再做一个河灯。

Daiyan chuckles quietly, and her hair ornaments sway in response.黛烟轻声笑起来，发饰随着她的动作轻轻摇晃。

DaiyanChatting with you has relaxed me enough.与您聊天就够让我放松了。

ProfessorI, on the other hand, am tearing up my scalp because of you.我可被你弄得焦头烂额。

DaiyanReally? Then I apologize—真的吗？那，我很抱歉——

Professor...You know that's not what I mean.……你明知道我不是这个意思。

DaiyanWell, there's no helping it. After all, your helpless expression always looks so adorable, no matter how many times I see it.没办法，您这样无奈的表情，看多少次都觉得可爱呢。

DaiyanSurely you won't mind me poking a little fun at you after all the problems I've helped you solve?我为您解决了这样多的事情，稍稍捉弄您一番，您也不会在意吧？

ProfessorOf course not.当然。

DaiyanNow then, let's not delay any further... ah...那么，时间也不早了……啊……

Daiyan feels around her skirts, and a look of worry creeps onto her face.黛烟在裙摆处一摸，表情忽然变得有些局促。

ProfessorI hardly ever see you like that. Let me guess...真少见你露出这样的表情。让我猜猜看……

DaiyanOh bother... I've forgotten my lighter at the lantern fair.真没办法……点火的东西忘在灯会上了呢。

DaiyanI just can't keep anything from you, can I...果然什么都瞒不过您呢……

DaiyanCould you help me, Professor?您能帮帮我吗，教授？

ProfessorOf course. I thought this might happen.当然，我也想到这时候了。

Forgot something?有事没做？

You didn't bring a lighter along?没带打火机？

DaiyanIf this thoughtfulness stemmed from your position as a leader, then surely your job would be far too tiring.若是把这样周全的作风归于领导者的素质，那领导者也实在是太累了。

DaiyanThis really is a personal habit of yours, isn't it?这果然是您个人的习惯吧？

ProfessorI will leave that for you to guess.是什么呢，就留给你来猜测吧。

I snap my fingers and conjure up a lighter in a showy display of operands.我打了个响指，用略显浮夸的方式让打火机出现在一片荧光算量之中。

ProfessorYour gift tonight comes with an extra.今晚的礼物附带赠品。

DaiyanSo my gift has an extra. Then will the extra have an attachment of its own?礼物附带赠品，赠品会有附属物吗？

ProfessorThat can be arranged. A wish, for instance.可以有，比如，一个愿望。

DaiyanA wish, hmm. If one must be respectful when wishing to the heavens, then perhaps wishing upon you might require one to be careful instead.愿望啊。向天许愿尚要心怀敬畏，向您许愿，更要慎重而为。

ProfessorOh? Others probably wouldn't think that way.哦？换了其他人，大概不会这么想。

DaiyanI understand. If Jiangyu were here, she might well tell you, "Professor, I want all the stars in the sky!"我明白。若是绛雨在这里，说不定会对您说，“教授，我要天上的星星！”呢。

ProfessorYou've raised her very well. She's adorable even when she does that.她被你呵护得很好，这样也别有一番可爱。

Daiyan lit the candle while we were speaking, and warm air started to fill the lantern.说话间，黛烟将蜡烛点燃，暖洋洋的空气开始充盈在灯笼内。

DaiyanHowever careful one might have to be while wishing, I believe you are capable of doing much, so perhaps being too reserved might not be a good option either.尽管许愿要慎重，但若是您，一定能做到许多事吧，许得太拘谨也不好。

In the sky, a fireworks shell blooms. It seems the fireworks party in the distance isn't over yet.天空中倏然又炸开一朵烟花，远处的花火大会似乎还没有结束。

Meanwhile, Daiyan has chosen to release the lantern at this moment, allowing it to wobble free of her hand and soar into the sky.而黛烟就在这时松开手，让孔明灯自她手中摇曳而上，飞向青空。

DaiyanMay every year have a day like this, and may we have many more years to come.愿年年有今日，岁岁有今朝。

DaiyanMay we be as swallows upon the rafters, keeping each other company all our lives.与君皆如梁上燕，岁岁年年长相见。

ProfessorAnd here I thought you'd make a wish about Jiangyu.我还以为你会许和绛雨相关的愿望。

DaiyanI'll definitely be able to find Jiangyu when I'm with you. I'm sure that will happen soon enough.有您在，我总能找到绛雨的，那一定是不久之后的未来。

DaiyanCompared to that, a moment like this is a rare treasure.相比之下，此刻才是不可多得的愿望呢。

DaiyanHow about it, Professor? Will you grant this wish of mine?如何，教授，您愿意满足我的这个愿望吗？

ProfessorOf course.当然。

The warm lantern light slowly floats into the distance. The night breeze blows through the gazebo with a long whistle, as though someone was singing under the night sky.暖色的灯光在空中渐渐飞远，夜风吹过亭子，刮起绵长的声音，如有人在夜空下吟唱。

DaiyanIn that case... It's a date, then, Professor.那么……约好了哦，教授。

DaiyanEven if we leave the cloud server, you must meet me again in reality.即使离开云端，也要在现实中相会。

ProfessorThat wish will come true.这个愿望会实现的。

As the last of the lantern's light fades, she extends a hand to me and hooks her little finger around mine.在烟火的余烬中，她向我伸出手，小指与我相勾。

Qixi - Magnhilda 七夕-玛吉西尔达

The Oasis, at the office.绿洲，办公室。

MagnhildaSorry for the intrusion. Is the Professor in? It's time, I'm here to pick you up.抱歉打扰了。教授在吗？约定的时间快到了，我来接你了。

ProfessorA moment please. I still have some work left. I'll be finishing up right away.稍等，还剩一些工作，马上就能完成。

I reflexively look up at the speaker. She's wearing a red hoodie, a pair of boxing gloves, and her stern bearing suggests she's ready to step into the ring at any time.我下意识抬头看向声音的主人。 红色的披风，利落的拳套，俨然一副马上就要上拳场的样子。

Professor...Wait a minute, that outfit of yours...……等等，你这身打扮……

MagnhildaWell, it WAS your request, Professor. I considered other outfits and concluded that this was the one I was most comfortable with and which would be handiest to wear.毕竟是教授难得的委托。我对比了不同的装扮，认为还是这身最为习惯也最为便携。

MagnhildaDon't worry, I won't stick so close to you. I'll follow behind you and ensure I defuse situations before they happen.别担心，我不会和你贴得很近。我会跟在你身后，确保发生意外前能护住你就足够了。

Professor...But how will we go strolling together if you're following me?……但一直跟在我身后的话，我们还怎么一起逛街呢？

MagnhildaYou want to go strolling? With me?一起逛街？我？

MagnhildaDidn't you hire me to be your bodyguard?你不是来找我当保镖的？

Professor...We have pros to handle security work, and besides, it isn't part of your job description.……安全工作有更专业的人负责，再说了你的职能也不是这个呀。

MagnhildaAnd here I was wondering if you had received news about someone scheming to take you out during the lantern fair.我还以为你接到了什么消息，有人计划在灯会上对你不利。

ProfessorI want to invite you to take part in the lantern fair with me, where we're walking side by side.我想邀请你参加灯会，并肩走的那种。

MagnhildaI don't understand. Wouldn't Vee be better than me for that sort of thing?我不太理解，这种事情薇比我更合适吧？

ProfessorThat's rude, Magnhilda. I was the one who made the decision to invite you.这样的说法可不礼貌哦，玛吉西尔达，决定是我做出来的。

ProfessorIn any case, let me repeat my invitation in a more formal way. Magnhilda, would you be willing to attend tonight's lantern fair with me?那么，我再正式地邀请一次好了。玛吉希尔达，你愿意和我一起去看看今晚的灯会吗？

Magnhilda...I would be honored to.……是我的荣幸。

Nighttime at the Oasis leisure district.绿洲休息区，夜。

The lantern lights dissipate the usual tension of the Oasis' workday, and the flickering orange flames ignite little sparks of their own in my heart as we blend into the clamorous crowd.灯火晃散了绿洲平日的忙碌紧张，摇曳的橘红色火光着点燃了心尖小小苗焰，融进喧嚣的人潮。

ProfessorIs there anywhere you'd like to go? Everyone's been preparing so long for this day. There's probably a stall here for anything you can think of.有想去的地方吗？大家为今天准备了很久，什么样的摊位都找得到。

Magnhilda...I don't know where I want to go.……我也不知道想去哪里。

ProfessorDon't worry about it. Just tell me if anything comes to mind, there's no need to be shy.没事的，有什么想法都可以告诉我，不用不好意思。

MagnhildaSorry, but I don't have much experience with these events. I hardly ever visit places with lots of people other than the boxing ring.抱歉，我没有参加这种活动的经历。除了赛场擂台，我几乎没有去过什么人多的地方。

Magnhilda...I hope I don't end up boring you.……希望这样的我不会让你感到无聊。

ProfessorHow could that be?怎么会。

MagnhildaYou don't need to sugarcoat it. I'm just speaking the truth. I don't feel sad or... anything else about it.不必安慰我，我不过是实话实说，并没有因为这个觉得难过或是……别的什么。

MagnhildaI just hope you'll be mentally prepared for that.我只是希望你有点心理准备。

ProfessorI'm not trying to coddle you either. In fact that works just fine for me—now I can take you to experience something you've never tried before. Isn't that good too?我也没有安慰你，这样正好，我可以带你去体验从来没有的经历，不也很棒吗？

ProfessorOh yes, I thought of something you might like! Let's go take a look!对了，我想到一个项目或许你会喜欢！我们先去那边看看吧！

And with that proud declaration, I take Magnhilda and squeeze out of the crowd, until we arrive at a certain stall.放下豪言壮语，我带着玛吉西尔达挤开人群，来到了摊位前。

MagnhildaAqua Parkour... What's this?水上跑酷……这是什么？

ProfessorIt's an athletic event where you need to get past various obstacles on the water within a time limit. Just watch me do it once!一种运动类的项目，人们需要在规定时间内通过河道上布置的各种设备，你看我跑一遍就明白了！

10 minutes later...十分钟后……

理子Professor, I'm not trying to give you a hard time here, but don't you think your training is a bit lacking?教授，不是我说你啊，你是不是有点缺乏锻炼了？

理子There were 41 obstacles in total but you didn't even manage to beat the first one~全程四十一关，你可是连一半都没有闯过去哦~

ProfessorIt's your fault for making the course so hard, you Shylock!还不是你这个奸商把项目设计得太难了！

理子Hehe, then you can try it a few more times and maybe you'll get the hang of it.哼哼，那你也可以多挑战几次，说不定就能找到窍门呢~

理子Well, since this is your second time I can make it a little cheaper for you. 5000 Diggcoins a go, how about it?既然是第二次就便宜一些，一次5000底格币，怎么样？

ProfessorMagnhilda, do you see now? Teach this smug fox a lesson.玛吉西尔达，你看明白了吧？给这只嘚瑟的狐狸来点教训。

MagnhildaGot it. Leave it to me.我明白了，交给我吧。

MagnhildaThis does seem pretty fun... Thank you, Professor.确实挺有意思的……谢了，教授。

Magnhilda nods and sheds her coat before entering the course.玛吉西尔达点点头，甩开外套，走上跑酷设施。 在她出发之前，我在她的脸上看到一丝笑意。

She sees that I'm looking at her and waves. Before she sets off, I notice a smile on her face.注意到我的目光，她朝我挥了挥手。

理子Ready... Go!那么……开始！

Magnhilda says nothing; the moment the whistle blows, she flies forward, running and jumping past all the obstacles in her path.玛吉西尔达一言不发，在口哨响起的瞬间飞驰而出，或奔或跳，接连过关。

理子She's fast!好快！

Magnhilda...Whew—……呼——

理子She's at the sixth one already! Holy crap, she's way too fast, she must be an athlete Doll.第六关了，见鬼，她太快了，是运动系人形。

理子Raise the difficulty! Turn it up! Bring up the obstacle wall!调高难度调高难度！把守关的墙壁再拉高一点！

ProfessorHey! Isn't that cheating?喂！这算作弊吧？

理子Hehe, just a trick of the trade. Please understand, Professor.嘿嘿，见谅嘛教授，这是小本生意。

ProfessorGo, Magnhilda, go!玛吉西尔达！加油啊！

I'm not sure if she's responding to me, or if she's just adjusting her breathing, but Magnhilda nods while looking straight ahead, where nobody is.不知是在应答我，还是单纯地调整气息，玛吉西尔达对着空无一人的前方点了点头。

MagnhildaHaaaahhhh—!喝啊——！

Her sudden burst of explosive movement launches Magnhilda into the middle of the raised wall, where she effortlessly climbs to the top.陡然迸发的爆发力让玛吉西尔达瞬间起跳至高升墙体的中段，而后毫不费力地攀至顶端。

理子Ack! Bring up the difficulty even more! Change the material of the vaulting pole!嘶——！上调难度上调难度！切换撑杆的材质！

ProfessorThat's enough! Don't go too far!点到为止，不要太过分啊！

理子Hehe...嘿嘿……

But before Riko can finish laughing, the surrounding agents start cheering as well.理子笑声未落，周围就三三两两地响起了智能体们的鼓励声。

围观智能体Fight on, Magnhilda!加油啊！玛吉西尔达！

围观智能体Go Magnhilda! Don't lose to that black-hearted Riko!加油！不要输给黑心理子啊！

Magnhilda doesn't make any unnecessary movements, but her speed visibly increases.玛吉西尔达再没有做出多余的动作，但速度分明更快了。

Five minutes later, Magnhilda is helped down from the finishing line.五分钟后，玛吉西尔达在终点智能体们的簇拥下走了回来。

MagnhildaI hope I didn't disappoint, Professor.没让你失望吧，教授。

ProfessorOf course not. You cleared each obstacle perfectly.当然，你可是完美通过了所有关卡。

ProfessorHow was it, did you enjoy Aqua Parkour?怎么样？水上跑酷好玩吗？

Magnhilda doesn't answer, but the corner of her mouth curls up a little.玛吉西尔达没有直接回答，但嘴角分明上扬了少许。

MagnhildaWhen everyone was cheering for me, I felt like I was back in the ring for a bit.大家给我喊加油的时候，有点像回到了擂台。

ProfessorOf course, you were really cool up there.当然了，你在上面超酷的。

MagnhildaHeh... So where will we be going next?呵……接下来我们去哪儿？

ProfessorAre you starting to enjoy the lantern fair?开始有点享受灯会了吗？

Magnhilda tilts her head to think, and then she smiles warmly to me.玛吉西尔达转过头思考了一会儿，随即向我露出一个爽朗的笑容。

MagnhildaI think... Yes, I am. Thank you, Professor.我想……是的。谢谢你，教授。

We try out various other events during the lantern fair, and Magnhilda invariably triumphs in the competitive ones.我们一连玩过了灯会的许多项目，在各种竞技类比赛上，玛吉西尔达无往不利。

Stall after stall goes by and before we know it, the lantern fair is nearing its end. The fireworks show is about to start, so I lead Magnhilda past the various stalls to the observation deck.一家又一家，眼看着灯会已至尾声，临近了烟花的时间点，我也领着玛吉西尔达逐渐穿过各类摊位的吆喝声，接近观赏台。

智能体Professor~ And you've got a handsome young lady with you. Are you here to see the flowers?教授~还有这位帅气的小姐，要来看看花吗？

智能体In addition to flowers, we also have floral accessories, they're the best way to convey your feelings!不只有花束，还有用花制作而成的各类饰品，是表达心意的不二之选哦！

MagnhildaConveying your feelings...表达心意……

Upon seeing Magnhilda come to a halt, I follow her gaze to the flowers she's looking at.看见玛吉西尔达难得地停下脚步，我也随着她的目光看向那些花朵。

ProfessorIs there a color you like?有喜欢的颜色吗？

MagnhildaAh, no, I didn't stop for the flowers... I don't know anything about them. You don't need to go to any expense for me.啊不，我不是因为花停下……我对花没什么研究，不用破费的，教授。

ProfessorDon't worry about it. This is a rare occasion, so you should relax and have fun.别客气，难得来一次，放开了来玩吧。

ProfessorHow about this red one? I think it matches your outfit, and it looks great too.这朵红色的怎么样？感觉很配你的衣服还有气质。

MagnhildaThen... Alright.那……好吧。

ProfessorLet me help you with it.我来帮你吧。

Magnhilda hesitates for a moment, and then she bends down, pulling her hair aside.玛吉西尔达犹豫了一下，微微躬下腰，将侧发撩至耳后。

I place the flower in her hair. Magnhilda looks at herself in the mirror; the intense red is a perfect match for her red coat.我将花朵别在她的发间。玛吉西尔达起身看向镜子中的自己，热烈的红色正与她衣服红色的花纹相称。

ProfessorAs I thought, it DOES suit you very well.果然很适合你。

Magnhilda...Thank you, Professor. I like it very much.……谢谢你，教授。我很喜欢。

MagnhildaThat agent just now said that you use flowers to convey your feelings. Should I buy you one as well, Professor?刚才那位智能体说，需要用花表达心意，我是不是也应该给教授买一束花？

ProfessorHahaha, no, it's not like that. Any gift will do as long as it's given with sincerity.哈哈哈，不是的。只要你怀抱着真挚的心意，无论选择什么作为礼物都可以。

ProfessorIn fact, it's okay if there's no gift. As long as your message gets through, the gift itself is just a formality.甚至没有礼物也没关系，只要心意相通，礼物只不过是一个象征而已。

MagnhildaIs that so... I see.原来是这样吗……我明白了。

Magnhilda nods in a somewhat thoughtful manner.玛吉西尔达点点头，若有所思。

ProfessorLet's head out, then! It's almost time to view the fireworks.那我们准备出发吧！时间要到了，该去看烟花了。

MagnhildaDon't they only set off the fireworks when it's almost...烟花不是灯会结束的时候才……

MagnhildaUrgh, it's this late already?呃，现在已经这个点了？

ProfessorYup. Come on, let's go see the fireworks.对呀，走吧。我们去看烟花。

MagnhildaI'm sorry, Professor, but something came up at the last minute.抱歉，教授，我临时有点事情。

MagnhildaCould you go over first? It won't take long, I'll be right there.你可以先过去吗？不会太久的，我很快就到。

ProfessorDid something annoying come up? Need my help?是碰到什么麻烦事了吗？需不需要我帮忙？

MagnhildaIt's okay, I can handle it myself. You go first.没关系，我自己可以处理。你先去吧。

ProfessorAh... Alright then.那……好吧。

I arrive at the viewing spot for the fireworks. It's filled with people, all talking and laughing loudly.来到观赏烟花的指定区域，人头攒动，语笑喧阗。

I pick a good spot, and just before the fireworks are about to go off, Magnhilda runs up, clutching a bento box.我挑选了一个合适的位置。临近烟花开始燃放，玛吉西尔达才拎着食盒匆匆赶来。

MagnhildaSorry to keep you waiting, Professor.抱歉，教授，让你久等了。

ProfessorIt's okay as long as you made it for the fireworks. That box you're holding...没事啦，赶上烟花就好。你手上这是……

MagnhildaThis is...这个……

Magnhilda looks away, and I can't make out her expression under the light.玛吉西尔达转过头，脸色在光线下看不分明。

MagnhildaI consulted with a lot of people, but I couldn't reach a conclusion.我请教了很多人，最后也没能讨论出什么结果。

MagnhildaAnd there wasn't enough time, so I had to get this from a nearby stall.时间又不够了，只好在附近的摊位上选了这个。

ProfessorYou mean...你是说……

Magnhilda hesitates, then adjusts her yukata in a clumsy yet careful way before sitting down.玛吉西尔达犹豫了一下，笨拙而又小心地拉动和服坐下。

MagnhildaYou've been taking me to all kinds of places and doing all sorts of things with me tonight, and you even gave me a gift, but I haven't done anything for you.今天一晚上都是你领着我在玩，还送了我礼物，而我却什么都没有做。

MagnhildaWhile I don't really understand the practices at lantern fairs and events like these... I believe the feeling is mutual?虽然我不清楚这些节日、灯会什么的习俗，但……心意，应该是相互的吧？

MagnhildaEven if it's like what you said just now and a gift isn't necessary... I'm not good at expressing myself with words.就算教授刚才说了，就算不用礼物也可以。但我也不太会用语言表达感情。

MagnhildaNo matter what, I want to let you know how I feel, so...无论如何，我都想让教授明白我的心意，所以……

Magnhilda opens the bento box she's holding.玛吉西尔达打开了臂弯上的挂着的食盒。

MagnhildaThe lantern fair was fun. Although I might not have expressed myself that clearly, I was enjoying myself.灯会的确很有趣，虽然很多时候我可能，反应没有那么强烈，但确实很有意思。

MagnhildaThank you for bringing me all over the place and letting me experience such novel things, Professor.谢谢教授你拉着我跑了这么多的地方，让我有了这样新奇的体验。

Magnhilda shifts in her seat and looks seriously at me. Her tone is a little stiff, but her meaning is gentle enough.玛吉西尔达端坐着，认真地看向我，语调有些生硬，意思却很温柔。

MagnhildaI'll do my best to learn about things other than boxing... about the things that you find interesting, so our next outing won't be as boring, or as tiring for you.我会努力学习拳击以外有意思……你们觉得有意思的东西，争取让下次的出行不那么无聊，也别让你这么累。

MagnhildaThat is, if you want to ask me out again.如果你下回还打算邀请我的话。

Saying so, Magnhilda takes out the other stick of candied fruit from the lunchbox and hands it to me.说着，玛吉西尔达将食盒里另一根冰糖葫芦拿出，递了上来。

MagnhildaThese are candied strawberries. They might look hard on the outside, but they're soft on the inside and fill your mouth with sweetness when you eat them.草莓糖葫芦，虽然外表坚硬，但内心柔软，吃的时候甜意弥漫，会让人感到很开心。

MagnhildaWhen I saw them, I thought of you, Professor... So I wonder if my feelings have reached you?看见它的时候，我就想起了教授……不知道这样说，我的心意传达到了吗？

The fireworks blossom in the background, and their light is reflected in Magnhilda's eyes.一抹烟花顺势散开，余火点亮了玛吉西尔达的眼眸。

MagnhildaHappy Qixi, Professor.节日快乐，教授。

And in her golden eyes, I see mirth hidden deep within their placid depths, as well as a hint of longing.透过那金色的眼瞳，我找到了平静里藏着极深的一抹笑意，还有点点期许。

Qixi - Puzzle 七夕-幻谜

The lanterns ascend into the air, speckling the evening with light.华灯初上，暮色琳琅。

This should be a time for going around and having fun, yet I'm standing at the entrance to the lantern fair, having an argument with Puzzle... Or rather, with "Purrzle".本该是游玩的大好时光，我却与幻谜在灯会门口激烈地争辩……更准确地说，是与“幻咪”。

ProfessorSo it's non-negotiable?没得谈？

幻咪Correct.没错！

ProfessorIs that all?就这样？

幻咪Mhm!嗯哼！

ProfessorIn any case, just change back first and we'll go on a proper tour of the lantern fair.总之先变回来，我们正经一点逛灯会。

幻咪No can do, I'm super mad right now.不行，我现在很生气！

A pair of paws appear before me. They briefly extrude sharp talons in what looks like a threat display before they slowly slide back in.视野中下探出两只肉球，锋利的爪子示威般伸出，而后缓缓地收了回去。

幻咪Tell me! Why didn't you let me make statues for the lantern fairs?说！为什么不准我给灯会做雕塑？

ProfessorI was afraid that you'd strain yourself... Ack—!这不是怕你辛苦……嘶——！

(Try to convince her.)尝试辩解。

(Tell the truth.)实话实说。

Puzzle cuts off my explanation with a swipe of her claws and then pouts in annoyance.幻咪一爪子拍断了我的解释，而后不满地撇了撇嘴。

ProfessorIt's everyone's duty to keep the place safe... Ow, quit biting my nose.预防风险，人人有责……哎哟，别咬我的鼻子。

幻咪Humph!哼！

幻咪I'm the master tonight and you're the litter-cleaning serf. No objections allowed.今晚我是主子，你是铲屎官，不准有异议。

幻咪In all of heaven and earth, kitties are supreme, so in order to make it up to me, you'll have to take me in like this!天大地大猫猫最大，你得补偿我，就这么带我进去！

Professor...That's not very appropriate now, is it? Don't you think you stand out too much?……这不太合适吧？会不会太招摇了点。

Purrzle narrows her eyes and something seems to brew in her slitted pupils.幻咪微微眯起眼，狭长眸子开始酝酿某种情绪。

幻咪If you don't say yes, I'll just have to ride my favorite statues inside, and it just so happens I finished carving up one that's modeled after Nascita...如果教授不愿意，我只能启用心爱的雕塑们作为座驾了，正巧以娜希塔为原型的作品最近刚完工……

As I think about Puzzle's excessively avant-garde creations, my temples begin to throb.想起幻谜过于前卫的艺术创作，我的太阳穴便开始突突跳动。

Professor...Fine then, I'll bring you in like this. But no more causing trouble after this.……行吧，可以这样带你进去，但之后不准无理取闹啊。

幻咪Nyaaaa~喵~

The crowd is packed and their voices fill the air.人声鼎沸，车水马龙。

Others carry lanterns, while I carry a cat.路人提灯笼，而我顶着猫。

ProfessorWant some candied hawthorn?要吗？冰糖葫芦。

幻咪Yes! Serve me!要！给我呈上来！

ProfessorAnd this... little hat?这个……小礼帽？

幻咪Of course!当然！

ProfessorEven this hula-hoop...?呼啦圈你也……？

幻咪Mhm!嗯哼！

In less than three streets, the brat on my head has evolved into a limited-edition kitty wearing a little hat, holding a stick of candied hawthorn in her paw, squid balls in her mouth, and spinning a little ring on her tail.仅走过不到三条街道，我脑袋上的熊孩子就进化成了头顶礼帽，手持冰糖葫芦，嘴里叼着章鱼丸子，直立站着摇呼啦圈的限定版猫咪。

All this time, the flash bulbs and the sound of camera shutters has been going on nonstop.一路走来，拍照的闪光灯与快门声不曾停歇。

ProfessorI already know what the hottest topic on the forums tonight is going to be...我已经能预想到今晚论坛最热的帖子标题了……

幻咪"The Kind and Gentle Little Kitty Cat and Her Evil Litter-cleaner?"《温柔善良的小猫猫和她的凶恶铲屎官》？

ProfessorMore like "The Professor Generously Sacrifices Themselves To Feed The Hungry Tiger".应该是《教授大发善心舍身饲虎》。

ProfessorOr perhaps "The Poor Professor Is Press-ganged Into The Tiger's Den".或者是《可怜教授惨遭挟持羊入虎口》。

幻咪Hehehe—嘿嘿嘿——

(Strike back.)反击。

(Self-deprecate.)自嘲。

幻咪That's the effect I wanted. It's YOUR fault for bullying me.要的就是这种效果，谁让你欺负我。

ProfessorI mean, your statues caused a huge uproar once.毕竟你的雕塑可是惹出过大麻烦。

幻咪It wasn't entirely my fault...又不全是我的错。

Professor(Sigh) Being a kitty-cat's minion is hard.唉……伺候小猫咪可太难了。

I sigh heavily, and that seems to have gotten through to Purrzle, because she stops clowning around and she actually sounds a little embarrassed now.我长叹了一口气，似是这个举动真触动到了幻咪，她停下了动作，语气变得有些不好意思。

幻咪Surely... It's not that bad, right?也……也没那么难吧。

幻咪Here, have some nya~喏，来一口喵。

Her soft pink paw spears a piece of candied hawthorn to my mouth.粉嫩的肉球捧着竹签，将冰糖葫芦送到我的嘴边。

ProfessorMm—these are good, they're pretty sweet.唔——还不错，挺甜的。

ProfessorAlright, since you're not playing around, come down off my head.既然不闹了，那就快从我的脑袋上下来吧。

幻咪No can do. I've only just begun to enjoy the lantern fair!这可不行，我才刚刚开始享受灯会呢！

ProfessorI'll pet you if you come down from there. How about that?如果你愿意下来，我就给你顺毛怎么样？

幻咪...No can do. You're the one who's going to enjoy stroking me!……不行，顺毛快乐的是你！

ProfessorIf you're naughty I'll dump you in a cat cafe to deal with customers.再调皮我就把你丢到猫咖去接客。

幻咪Hehe, you can try, but those kitties will end up obeying me in the end.哼哼，你大可以这么尝试，只是那些猫咪最终都会听命于我。

(Try to negotiate with her.)尝试谈判。

(Try to intimidate her.)尝试威胁。

幻咪I am Purrzle, Queen of all Felines!我幻咪，就是百猫之王！

Purrzle does a flip on my head and her tail swishes up and down, lightly patting the back of my neck.幻咪在脑袋上翻了个身，尾巴一上一下地晃荡着，轻拍我的后颈。

幻咪Well, since you want me to get off your head so much I suppose I could comply, though only if you agree to a request of mine...好吧，既然你这么想让我下来也不是不行，只要满足我的一点要求……

幻咪Let me think, should I ask for my studio's operand allocation to be doubled or for permission to host a statue exhibition in the Oasis?让我想想，是给雕塑工作室再多拨一倍的算量好呢，还是允许我举办绿洲雕塑展好呢？

ProfessorMaybe you should think about what to eat.那你还是想想一会儿吃点什么吧。

I casually dig up a snack from my bag and reflexively pass it upwards.我随手从袋子里翻出一个零食，习惯性往头上送。

幻咪Mfff!唔——！

幻咪Don't just randomly shove things in my face nya~. I have claws, you know.不要乱塞，我有爪子的喵。

幻咪This tastes pretty good... Hm?味道还不错……咦？

Purrzle suddenly digs into my scalp.幻咪忽地揪住了我的头发。

幻咪Hold the phone! Where did you get these snacks from?停车停车！这个零食你从哪里搞来的？

ProfessorOh? Found something you like?喔，找到合胃口的东西啦？

幻咪No, look at this!不是，你看这个！

Purrzle jumps down and holds up the snack I just gave her.幻咪一跃而下，高高举起方才我递的零食。

幻咪There's a picture on this snack! It looks cute too.这个零食上刻着画欸！形状也很可爱。

ProfessorLet me see... It's called Qiaoguo, a kind of specialty pastry.我看看……这是巧果，一种特色糕点。

ProfessorIf you like this kind of food, I can take you to go see other things like it, such as Tanghua.你要喜欢这类食物的话，我还可以带你去看看别的，比如糖画。

幻咪No, I want this!不，我就要这个！

幻咪How about this, if you can bring me to where they make these "Qiaoguo" things, I'll change back into a Doll, deal?这样吧，如果你能带我做这个叫“巧果”的东西，我就愿意变回人形，怎么样？

ProfessorYou want to carve those Qiaoguo?你是想在巧果上面雕刻？

幻咪Hehe, if I can't do big statues, surely little snacks should be fine, right?哼哼，大号的雕塑不行，小号的零食总可以吧！

ProfessorYou won't stuff anything weird into them, will you...但你不会往里面塞什么奇怪的东西吧……

幻咪Dammit, how dare you doubt my morals! How could a cute little kitty cat ever have ill intentions?可恶，你居然质疑我的品德！小猫咪怎么会有坏心眼呢 ？

ProfessorFrom past experience, it definitely sounds like something you'd do.从以往的经验来看，确实像是你会做出的事情。

幻咪Why you...!你……！

Purrzle angrily swishes her tail across the ground before pacing a couple of circles around me. In the end, she decides to compromise.幻咪气鼓鼓地摆动着尾巴拍打地面，围绕着我的腿转了两圈，最终选择了妥协。

幻咪Okay, fine, a good kitty knows how to be flexible. Tell me, what do I have to do to make you bring me there?好吧，好猫咪能屈能伸。你说吧，怎么样才愿意带我去？

幻咪What if I let you stroke me?允许你给我顺毛？

幻咪Or if I purred for you?喵喵叫给你听？

幻咪W-wait, don't tell me you want to suck on my tummy!? Is Evelyn around, we've got a pervert here—难、难道你是想吸我的肚皮？！伊芙琳在吗有变态——

As I see the nearby agents began to stare, I hurriedly squat down and cover Purrzle's mouth.见旁边的智能体们纷纷将目光投向了我们，我赶紧蹲下身捂住了幻咪的嘴。

Professor...Okay, okay, quit yelling, I'll take you, okay? There's a condition, though—you have to be serious about making Qiaoguo and not cause trouble.……行行行别喊了，我带你去总行了吧？但条件是，你要认真做巧果，不能惹出麻烦。

幻咪It's a deal nya~一言为定喵~

ProfessorYou DO realize that if Evelyn actually shows up, she's going to arrest YOU for disrupting public order during the event, right?如果伊芙琳真的来了，你就会以扰乱活动秩序的罪名被当场逮捕哦。

幻咪W-What!? I wish to lodge a strong, sustained protest on behalf of the Kitty Protection Society!什、什么？！我要代表猫咪保护协会表示强烈谴责！

(Give in.)认输。

(Fight back.)反制。

ProfessorAt that time, there'll be no saving you whether you're a kitty or a Doll...到了那时候，你还是一只小猫咪还是一名人形可就由不得你了……

Purrzle realizes that she can't win and decides to give up on making a scene. Instead she flats down her ears and her eyes grow big and weepy.幻咪见势不妙只好放弃了大喊，耷拉下耳朵，大大的眼睛泫然欲泣。

幻咪(Sob) Then what are you going to do? Are you really going to suck on my tummy...呜呜，那你还要怎么样啦，难道真的要吸我的肚皮吗……

As I see how hard Purrzle is trying to turn on the waterworks, I crouch down to her with an expression that's between amusement and exasperation.我看着幻咪努力地想挤出两滴眼泪，又气又好笑地蹲下身来。

Professor...There there, you don't have to keep pretending. I'll take you there. But I have one condition—you have to be serious about making Qiaoguo and not cause trouble.……好啦好啦别装了，我带你去可以，但条件是，你要认真做巧果，不能惹出麻烦。

幻咪Hehe, it's a deal nya~嘿嘿，一言为定喵~

We follow the label on the bag and directions from the staffers to the stall selling Qiaoguo.凭着手袋的商标和工作人员的指点，我们顺利地返身找到了售卖巧果的摊子。

After a quick negotiation with the owner, she graciously yields the kitchen to us.在和摊主简单沟通后，对方爽快地把后厨让了出来。

幻咪Oil, flour, sugar, honey... I can't believe you can make so many strangely-shaped Qiaoguo from such simple ingredients.油、面、糖、蜜……光凭这么简单的材料，就能做出那么多形状各异的巧果。

幻咪It feels like sculpting, where you give ordinary materials a spirit.感觉和雕塑很相似啊，给普通的材料赋予灵魂。

ProfessorJudging by the look on your face, I take it the great sculptor is about to get serious?看你的表情，大雕塑家要动真格了？

幻咪Hehe, just 30% of my power will be enough!哼哼，发挥三成功力就足够了！

Purrzle jumps down from my shoulder and vanishes into the changing room. When she emerges, she has resumed the form of a girl.幻咪从我的肩膀上一跃而下，消失于更衣间之中。再度出现的时候，已经恢复成了少女的样子。

PuzzleI kept my word, now let me show you my stuff!说到做到，接下来就看我的吧！

Puzzle busies herself in the kitchen. Though she's a little unpolished at first, she soon gets the hang of it with pointers from the stall owner.幻谜在后厨前后忙碌着，尽管开始有些生疏，但在摊主的指导之下迅速掌握了诀窍。

Soon, the toaster oven dings and a sweet, fragrant smell fills the kitchen.没过多久，随着烤箱的提示音，香甜的气息便弥漫在整个后厨里。

ProfessorFish, oranges, bananas... They're good. You learn fast.鱼、橙子、香蕉……可以啊，上手真快。

PuzzleBut of course. And I made them all without molds too~那当然，而且这些还都是在没有模具的情况下做出的造型哦~

ProfessorWell done, well done. What are these two, though? I don't quite recognize them.不错不错，这两个又是什么，有点看不太出来。

PuzzleThis one is a kittycaterpillar and that one's a bananafish.这两个是猫猫虫和香蕉鱼。

ProfessorPffft... Yes, that's definitely you. And how about this one?噗嗤……不愧是你，那这个呢？

PuzzleIt's a mysterious goat demon!是神秘的羊角恶魔！

ProfessorAhah...啊哈……

My fingers lightly brush over each of the intricately-shaped Qiaoguo, and as I look at the eager smile on Puzzle's face, I can't help but feel a little emotional.手指滑过一个个造型奇妙的巧果，再看着满脸得意兴奋的幻谜，我不由得有些感慨。

ProfessorYou really love carving, don't you?你真的很喜欢雕刻啊。

PuzzleEvery artist has their favorite form of art. That much should be perfectly natural, right?每个艺术从业者都热爱自己的手艺，这不是很理所当然的事情嘛。

PuzzleWhy, got a problem with that?怎么，有什么问题吗？

Professor...I'm thinking that maybe an Oasis art exhibition might not be off the table.……我在想，绿洲雕塑展说不定真的有可能。

PuzzleNyaaaaa!?喵呜？！

As Puzzle accidentally lets out a Purrzle line in her excitement, I resist the urge to laugh.看着眼前的幻谜激动之下说出了幻咪的台词，我强忍住笑意。

ProfessorProvided you behave well!前提是你表现良好！

ProfessorFinish up the Qiaoguo first. The stall owner's still waiting.先把巧果做完吧，摊主还在等着呢。

PuzzleMy word is my bond! No takebacks! Otherwise, it won't be a matter of whether or not you allow it~说到做到不能食言！不然的话，到时候就不由得你允不允许啦~

Puzzle waves her chisel at me. Her entire attitude has changed and her hands have picked up speed.幻谜向我挥了挥雕刻刀，整个人的气场都变了，手上的动作也加快了几分。

Soon, a large number of uniquely-shaped qiaoguo are neatly lined up on the trays. Puzzle turns around to look at me in satisfaction.不多时，数量众多、形状各异的巧果便整齐排列在盘中，幻谜得意地转过身来看向我。

ProfessorWell done, you've made the required number. Let's send them over to the owner together.做得不错嘛，数量也齐了。我和你一起把这些给摊主送过去吧。

PuzzleOne sec!且慢！

After holding up her hand to stop me, Puzzle mysteriously produces a little red string from her hand. It has several pretty little Qiaoguo on it.随着幻谜变换手势，她的手中神奇地出现了一条红绳，红绳之上是几个漂亮的巧果。

ProfessorThis is...这是……

PuzzleAhem, I had some ingredients left over, so I made a few more.咳咳，还多了一些材料，我就多做了一些巧果。

PuzzleI'm pretty satisfied with how they turned out, so you'd better accept them with gratitude! These are works from a top-rate sculptor, you know!这几个的形状我还挺满意的，你就心怀感激的收下吧！这可是一流雕塑家的得意之作哦！

ProfessorHehe, is this what they call "the cat repays a favor"?呵呵，这是“猫的报恩”吗？

PuzzleMore like "the cat's reward"!是“猫的赏赐”！

I take the Qiaoguo from Puzzle, intending to carefully see how they were made, until my fingers make contact with the marks on their backs.我从幻谜手中接过巧果，本想仔细打量它的造型评价点什么，指腹却触到了巧果背后的痕迹。

ProfessorHm? What's this on the back...嗯？后面这是……

I turn the treats over. The four pieces are all carved with familiar faces, but their exaggerated features mean I can't bear to look at them for long.我将巧果翻转过来，四个巧果的背面都是熟悉的面容，但夸张的颜艺让人不忍多看。

ProfessorThese people...这个人……

ProfessorThese people... Aren't they all me!?这个人……不就是我吗？！

I suddenly look up. Puzzle has disappeared back into the changing room and changed back into Purrzle before sneaking out the back with a bento box in her mouth.陡然抬起头，幻谜已经消失在了更衣间，变回了幻咪的形态叼着餐盒溜出了后台。

幻咪Hehe, I made the amount the owner wanted and I was super serious when making it, I kept my word!嘿嘿，摊主要的数量也齐了，而且我也超认真地做了，没有食言哦！

幻咪I'm sure these Qiaoguo modelled after the Professor will be a big hit! Let me see, who should I give these specially-made snacks to...以教授为原型特制的巧果一定会大受欢迎的！让我看看，剩下的这些特制巧果要送给谁呢……

Soon, a large number of uniquely-shaped Qiaoguo are neatly lined up on the trays. Puzzle turns around to look at me in satisfaction.幻咪的尾巴在视野中嚣张地晃了晃，迅速消失在夜色之中。

ProfessorPUZZLE!幻——谜——！

Qixi - Nascita 七夕-娜希塔

Night-time at the Oasis' leisure district.绿洲休息区，夜。

Lanterns sway as people move past each other. Light and shadow intertwine as a girl waits at the doorway, the little screen on her wrist flashing and darkening.花灯摇曳，游人如织，光影交错间，少女在门口等待着，手腕上的光屏明明暗暗。

Nascita(Sigh) It IS a shame after all...唉，果然还是感觉有点可惜……

ProfessorNascita—?娜希塔——？

NascitaUwah! P-present! I'm here!唔……啊！我……我在！我在这里！

The girl hurriedly raises her head and turns off the screen on her wrist.少女慌张地抬起头，关掉了手腕上的光屏。

ProfessorSorry I was late. What were you looking at? You seemed pretty into it.抱歉，我来晚了。在看什么呢，这么入神。

ProfessorAre you still poring over scripts during your break? I wonder if you're working too hard.休息时间还在研读剧本吗？会不会太辛苦了。

NascitaI'm sorry I didn't notice you. I was just looking at some unimportant information. There's no need to worry about it.抱歉没注意到您过来。只是在看一些无关紧要的信息而已，请别在意。

NascitaI'm just glad you could make time to meet me. Let's enjoy this event together.教授能抽出时间赴约真是太好了，我们一起好好享受这次活动吧。

NascitaEh? A, a cute girl?诶，可、可爱吗？

How could I not have time to accept when a cute girl asks me out on a date?可爱的女孩子发出了邀请，我怎么会没有空呢？

No need to be so stiff; since you're here to enjoy the event, you should be more relaxed.不用这么拘谨，既然要享受活动，就更要放松一些了。

ProfessorYes, your outfit today suits you very well.是的，今天的打扮很适合你呢。

NascitaI don't have many chances to take part in events like this... Good thing I took Riko's advice beforehand.我很难得参与类似的活动……还好之前听从了理子的建议。

Nascita adjusts the edge of her clothing, and then smiles at me.娜希塔局促地扯了扯衣角，向我露出了一个微笑。

ProfessorThat's more like it. You look much cuter now than you did with a frowny face.这才对嘛。这个表情比你刚才紧皱眉头的样子可爱多了哦。

NascitaMm, you're right... Perhaps I'm nervous because I rarely attend events like this.嗯，您说得对……我很少参与这类活动，可能有些太紧张了。

Nascita closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before exhaling. When she opens them again, she seems much more relaxed.娜希塔闭上眼，深深地吸气吐气。随着她再度睁开眼睛，表情也放松了不少。

NascitaThank you, Professor. I feel much better now. Let's go.谢谢您，教授。我感觉好多了，我们走吧。

ProfessorSpeaking of which, do you have a plan in mind? I heard there are many items for this lantern fair.说起来，你有什么计划吗？听说灯会的项目很多呢。

NascitaOf course. As a hero, one must be amply prepared for all situations.当然，作为一名英雄，面对任何事情都要有最充分的准备。

NascitaAs for me, I would personally recommend the floats!要说我个人最为推荐的，那肯定就是花车了！

ProfessorThe floats?花车？

NascitaYup, floats are a classic element in many series. I'm sure you'll like it, Professor.没错，在不少剧集里，花车都会作为夏日的经典元素，相信教授一定会喜欢的。

NascitaLet's go!我们出发吧！

We enter the festival grounds by following the flow of the crowd. It's so packed that we're rubbing shoulders and stepping on each other's ankles while squeezing and rubbing up against each other.顺着人潮走进会场，人群摩肩接踵，推推搡搡。

智能体Wow, there's so many people—hey, quit pushing!人好多啊——呜哇，别挤呀！

NascitaProfessor, look out!教授小心！

Nascita instinctively grabs my hand and with just a little bit of strength, she pulls me out of the flow of people.娜希塔本能地抓住了我的手，微微发力，轻松地将我拽出了人流。

NascitaWhew—Professor, are you alright?呼——教授，您没事吧？

Professor...I'm fine.……没事。

NascitaI didn't think everyone would be so excited about this. If we got split up here, we'd have a hard time meeting up again.没想到大家的热情这么高涨。要是在这种时候分开，再想碰头可不容易。

Nascita looks around to find a suitable route for us, completely failing to notice how close we both are. More and more people begin looking our way.娜希塔环顾四周寻找合适的路线，全然没有注意到我们俩之间过近的距离。四周的目光也渐渐聚集到我们身上。

NascitaWhat's wrong? Professor, why aren't you saying anything? Were you hurt just now?怎么了？教授，您怎么不说话？难道刚才受伤了吗？

ProfessorWe're close...距离……

Nascita...Close?……距离？

Nascita repeats what I just said, and then follows my gaze to look around us.娜希塔重复了一遍我的话，顺着我的目光看向四周。

NascitaI'm so sorry, Professor! I was too panicked just now and did something rude by accident!抱歉教授！我刚才太着急了，不小心做出了失礼的动作！

Nascita quickly steps back and lets go of my hand, which she was gripping so tightly just now.娜希塔猛地向后退了一步，松开了紧握着的手。

NascitaI'm sorry I didn't notice the people around us looking.没注意到周围的目光，真是不好意思。

ProfessorDon't worry about it. After all, there are so many people here that something like this was bound to happen.没事，毕竟人这么多，也难免会发生这种事。

Nascita...Indeed.……确实呢。

ProfessorAh...那个……

NascitaProfessor...教授……

Nascita...You go first.……还是您先说吧。

ProfessorAh... So, what's up?那个……有没有什么话题呢？

Nascita...Pfft—Hahahahaha.……噗嗤——哈哈哈哈哈哈。

NascitaSorry, Professor. As an actress, allowing the scene to go silent is a major failing on my part. My bad.抱歉，教授。作为演员，冷场可是大忌，这是我的失误。

Nascita covers her mouth and laughs, and as she looks at me, I see feelings that words would have trouble describing within her eyes.娜希塔抿嘴忍耐笑意，看向我的眸子里多了几分难言的情绪。

NascitaAhem... Well, let's skip past that little intermission. Now then... That's right! The floats.咳……让我们暂时略过之前的插曲吧。接下来……对！花车。

ProfessorYes, you said we were going to see the floats. Where are they?说好要去看花车的，它在哪儿呢？

NascitaThey won't show up so soon. They're a finale item, so they'll move out when the fireworks start up.花车没有这么快出场，它可是压轴表演，要配合烟火一起才行。

NascitaWe can do some other things first. Is there anything you'd like to mess around with, Professor?我们可以先做点别的事情，教授有没有什么想玩的东西？

ProfessorI'm good with anything.我都行。

NascitaYou know, dumping troublesome stuff onto your partner is hardly heroic, Professor.像这样把思考的烦恼完全丢给搭档的行为可不是英雄的作风哦。

ProfessorThen where would a hero of justice go?那么正义的英雄一般会去哪里呢？

NascitaLet me think... At times like these, a hero would be battling the villain in a dark corner, secretly protecting everyone's smiles!让我想想……这个时候英雄一般都在暗处和反派作战，默默地守护大家的笑容！

ProfessorThen let's look around and see if we can catch any stray monsters.那我们就四处看看吧，说不定能抓住落单的怪兽呢。

NascitaDoes that mean you're going to carry out a righteous hero's mission with me, Professor?教授要和我一起履行正义英雄的使命吗？

ProfessorOf course! A hero doesn't run from a fight!当然，英雄可不能临阵脱逃啊！

As we talk and laugh, we head toward the nearest stall.说笑间，我们并肩朝门口最前方的摊位走去。

NascitaMasks, folding fans, candied apples... They all bring back memories for me. How nostalgic.面具、折扇、苹果糖……净是些能让人陷入回忆的物件，真怀念啊。

ProfessorWell, the present is lovely too... Here, take a look at that mask. Isn't it modeled after the Mysterious Warrior that you act as?当下也很美的……喏，你看那个面具，是不是你演的异相战士？

NascitaWow, it's true! I can't believe it made it all the way to the Oasis. I'll get one, then.哇，真的。竟然都传到绿洲来了，那我买一个好了。

ProfessorOh? You're not picking your own mask, but that of the lead? Why is that?哎呀，不选自己的而是选主角的面具吗？为什么呢？

Nascita...Sol once told me that the Professor could be pretty wicked at times, and I've experienced it now.……苏尔和我说过，教授有的时候还挺坏心眼的，现在我有所体会了。

Nascita puts her mask back and then takes another mask from the stall and hands it to me.娜希塔换回自己的面具，接着从摊位上摘下一个面具塞到我手里。

ProfessorUhhh—Why did you give me a monster mask?嘶——为什么给我怪兽的面具？

NascitaOh my, I wonder why?哎呀，为什么呢？

ProfessorYou learn fast, Nascita.想不到娜希塔你学得很快嘛。

NascitaThough not fast enough to keep up with you, Professor.还是比不上教授啦。

After helping me put the mask on, Nascita applauds in satisfaction.替我扣好怪兽的面具，娜希塔满意地拍了拍手。

NascitaIt looks like it suits you very well.看起来很适合您。

ProfessorCan I take that as a compliment?我能把这理解为夸赞吗？

NascitaOf course, I'm complimenting you, after all.当然是对于教授的夸赞。

With a smile, Nascita grabs me by my sleeve and drags me into the crowd.娜希塔轻笑着拽住我的衣袂朝人群中挤去。

NascitaLook, they're doing a street show up ahead!看！前面有人在表演节目哦！

Between the milling mass of people, I glimpse towards the stage in front of us.人头攒动的罅隙间，我看到了前方的舞台。

Agents are dancing in time with a song on top of a raised wooden platform. Nascita looks at the stage and her eyes fill with light.高高搭起的木架上，智能体们随歌起舞。娜希塔看着舞台，眼中倒映出光彩。

Professor...Say, do you plan to do a show of your own, Nascita?……说起来，娜希塔你没有演出的打算吗？

ProfessorThere are so many stages here, after all. I thought you'd want to join one of the performances on them.这里有这么多的舞台，我还以为你肯定会参与其中的一两个。

NascitaWell... I WAS planning to do one, on one of the big floats coming out near the end.这个嘛……其实也是有的，就是大会压轴的花车。

NascitaDidn't expect that, did you? Hahaha... But unfortunately, I said no to it.没想到吧？哈哈哈哈，不过我已经拒绝了。

ProfessorWhy is that? It's a shame that you refused the offer.为什么？拒绝演出也太可惜了。

NascitaHm... Well, it's not like there was no reason for it.嗯……也不是没有原因。

NascitaThe float prep team looked me up one week ago and hoped that I could star in a Mysterious Warrior fan show.一周前，筹办花车的节目组就找上我了，希望我能领头出演异相战士的同人舞台剧。

ProfessorA week ago, isn't that...一周前，那不就是……

NascitaYes, it was the day you agreed to go to the lantern fair with me.没错，就是教授您答应我一起来灯会的那天。

NascitaChances to be the hero don't come by often, but...虽然主角的机会很难得，不过……

Nascita turns toward me and her wandering eyes suddenly focus.娜希塔转头看向我，涣散的瞳孔突然聚焦。

NascitaStill, since I agreed to go out with you beforehand, it would be rude to stand you up.不过，毕竟先跟教授约好了，失约是一种很不礼貌的行为。

NascitaOf course, you're very important to everyone in the Oasis, Professor.当然啦，教授对绿洲的每一个人来说都很重要。

NascitaYou're like a "hero" to everybody. From that point of view, I still have a lot to learn from you.对大家来说，教授就是“英雄”吧。从这个角度来看，我还有不少要向教授学习的地方呢。

NascitaTherefore, I was very happy when you agreed to go out with me, Professor.所以，教授答应我的邀约的时候，我真的非常高兴哦。

Nascita looks at me earnestly, her eyes filled with sincerity.娜希塔认真地看着我，眼中写满真诚。

I didn't know I was so important to you, Nascita.没想到我在娜希塔心里这么重要。

Tell me if something like this comes up again, so we can see if we can work out a better solution.下次有类似的情况可以告诉我，我们一起看看有没有更好的办法。

ProfessorAhem... Then we should properly enjoy the event.咳咳……那我们更要好好享受这些节目啦。

NascitaThank you, Professor... It's just that you were too busy before and I felt bad about adding to your burden.谢谢您，教授……只是您之前太忙了，感觉不好意思再给您增加负担了。

ProfessorIt's not a burden. You can rely a little more on us. Heroes never fight alone, after all.这可不是负担。你可以多依赖我们一些，英雄也并不总是孤军奋战的。

NascitaHahaha, you have a point. Looks like I still have a long way to go on my hero's journey.哈哈哈，您说得对。看来我的英雄之路还任重道远。

NascitaStill, being able to walk around the lantern fair with you is good too, Professor. I don't regret my choice.不过现在能和教授一起逛灯会也很棒，我并不后悔自己的选择。

NascitaLook, there are many more stalls up ahead!看，前面还有很多摊位！

A pleasant ringing reaches my ears just as she finishes speaking, and excitement bubbles up among the surrounding people.话音刚落，悦耳的铃声骤然传进耳畔，周围的人声也沸腾了起来。

智能体Ah, here it comes!啊，来了来了！

智能体It's so pretty; I wish I were on it.好漂亮，我也想上去。

智能体Over there! Over there!看这边！看这边！

A lavishly-dressed parade of performers escorts a splendid float loaded with sculptures as it slowly drives through the crowd.华丽庞大的队伍拱卫着载满了雕塑的巨大花车从人群中缓缓驶过。

The flowers, streamers, music, and cheers of the audience all blend into one.鲜花、彩带、音乐与人们的欢呼混作一团。

ProfessorThat's...这就是……

NascitaThat's a float. It's pretty, right?这就是花车，很漂亮吧？

NascitaIt'll drive from here all the way to the highest point of the leisure district, and then it'll put on a show amidst the fireworks.它会从这里一路开到休息区的最高处，然后在盛放的烟花下开幕演出。

NascitaAlthough I'm not taking part in it, I did help design the show itself. What do you think, it's creative, right?虽然拒绝了参演，但演出设计我还是有参与的，怎么样，这个创意很棒吧？

Nascita gazes at the float, a big smile on her face and sparkles in her eyes.娜希塔遥望花车，满脸笑意，眼睛里多了星点亮闪闪的东西。

Professor...You actually want to take part in the show, don't you, Nascita?……娜希塔，你其实还是很想演出的吧？

NascitaAh... huh? Did you say something, Professor? I'm sorry, I was a little distracted by the float.啊……啊？教授您说什么？不好意思，刚刚看得有些入神。

Nascita...Ah!……啊！

NascitaProfessor, look over there, at that girl in the right corner. She might seem quiet now, but she'll be the star of the show's climax!教授你快看那个，右边角落的孩子，别看她现在安安静静的，等会她可是剧本高潮的主角。

Nascita unconsciously tugs at my sleeve and hops up and down in excitement.娜希塔无意识地拽住了我的衣袂，略微兴奋地原地蹦了两下。

ProfessorI said...!我说……！

NascitaHuh... Ah, sorry, Professor. Go ahead, I'm listening.诶……啊，对不起教授，您说，我在听。

Nascita comes to her senses and looks at me in mild embarrassment.娜希塔回过神来，不好意思地看向我。

ProfessorThe truth is, you still want to do the show, don't you?你其实，还是想演出的吧？

I look intently at Nascita. The smile slowly fades from her face, but it quickly returns.紧紧盯着娜希塔，后者渐渐敛起笑容，不过很快又绽放开来。

NascitaI would be lying if I said I didn't, but...说不想的话感觉会有点假，不过……

Nascita pulls down the mask on top of my head.娜希塔顺势下拉我头上的面具。

NascitaI'm also happy when I'm with you, Professor.现在和教授在一起也很开心哦。

NascitaSee, they're going to do a Mysterious Warrior show afterward, and we're also wearing Mysterious Warrior masks.你看，他们之后会演出异相战士的舞台剧，而我们也戴着异相战士的面具。

NascitaYou're a monster, I'm a Mysterious Warrior. We're the stars of our own show too.你是怪兽，我是异相战士。我们也是自己的主角。

As I watch Nascita smile through the eyeslits of my mask, I make up my mind.隔着面具盯着笑盈盈娜希塔，我做出了决定。

I suddenly draw away from the girl and as she looks on in shock, I start shouting to draw everyone's attention.突兀地拉开了与少女的距离，在她惊愕的表情中，我大声呼喊起来，吸引了周围人的注意力。

ProfessorCurse you, Mysterious Warrior! To think you'd chase me all the way here!可恶的异相战士哦！没想到你竟然追到了这里！

NascitaEh... eh!?诶……诶？！

Standing underneath the brightly-lit entrance arch, Nascita seems a little at a loss amidst the onlookers.花灯闪烁的大门下，娜希塔在围观的人群中表现得有些手足无措。

NascitaProfessor, you're...教授，你这是……

I grab a stick of candied hawthorn and secretly gesture to the owner before laughing out loud.顺手拿走一旁摊位上摆的糖葫芦，并向摊主悄悄比了一个手势，我指着娜希塔放声大笑起来。

ProfessorSo this is a warrior of justice? You see me commit villainy and do nothing? That's not what a hero would do!这就是正义战士吗？看着我为非作歹还无动于衷，这可不是英雄的作风啊！

智能体What are they doing? Is this some kind of special show?他们在干什么？是什么特殊节目吗？

智能体Ohhhhh! I know this! She's Burbank's Mysterious Warrior, and that monster is a robber!噢噢！我知道这个，伯班克的异相战士，那个怪兽是抢劫犯！

ProfessorJeje, you're so slow. Keep up with me if you can!桀桀，反应真是太慢了，想要制止我的话，就跟上来吧！

Saying so, I turn and vanish into the depths of the crowd.说完，我转头朝着人潮深处跑去。

NascitaUh... hey!喂……喂？！

A girl holds up her communicator and points it at Nascita, then starts to film.女孩激动地举起通讯仪对准了娜希塔，开始录像。

智能体Transform already, Mysterious Warrior! Otherwise you won't be able to catch the monster!快变身啊！异相战士，晚了就抓不到怪兽啦！

NascitaI...我……

Nascita closes her eyes. When she opens them again, they're full of the justice and courage that a Mysterious Warrior ought to have.娜希塔闭上眼。她再度睁眼时，眼中已经满载了属于异相战士的正义与勇气。

Nascita...That's right. I AM a Mysterious Warrior of Justice!……没错，我就是正义的异相战士！

NascitaO power of the Mysterious Warrior, answer my heart of justice!异相战士的力量啊，回应我的正义之心吧！

机械音[Are you ready?]【Are you ready？】

NascitaMysterious Warrior! TRANSFORM!异相战士！变身！

智能体们Ohhhhhhhhh—!哦哦哦哦哦——

智能体们Mysterious Warrior N! Mysterious Warrior N!异相战士N！异相战士N！

Voices fill the air, and the lights turn night to day.人声鼎沸，灯盏如昼。

On the bustling streets, one person chases and another flees.喧嚣的大街上，一人追，一人逃。

NascitaHold it right there, Professor!教授，你给我站住！

ProfessorNope! Where would my pride as a villain be if I stopped just because you asked me to!?不！你让我停下我就停下，反派的面子还往哪放！

Nascita...Professor, if we do a show together, I'm going to take you out in the first episode!……教授，我们一起演出的话，我要在第一集就把你干掉！

Saying so, Nascita puts on a burst of speed and catches up with me right away.说罢，娜希塔加快了速度，瞬间来到了我的身后。

NascitaGot you!抓到你了！

ProfessorUwah, that's the Mysterious Warrior for you.呜哇，不愧是异相战士啊。

I turn and come to a halt. Nascita doesn't respond in time and crashes into my arms.我转身停了下来，娜希塔一时间没收住，冲进了我的怀里。

(Keep running.)继续跑。

(Stop and wait.)停下来等候。

Doink—咚——

NascitaUgh...—oof.唔……——唔。

Nascita rubs her nose and shyly disentangles herself from me.娜希塔揉了揉鼻子，有些不好意思地从我身上离开。

NascitaHonestly, Professor, you're terrible.真是的，教授你也太乱来了。

ProfessorI learned it from you. After all, didn't you pull this same trick on me in Burbank?只是向你学习，刚到伯班克的时候，你不也给我来了这么一下吗？

NascitaYou're so petty, Professor, is this what the great villain of the Oasis is like?太记仇了吧，教授，这就是绿洲的大反派吗。

Neither of us looks like we're willing to back down, and after our eyes meet, we both burst into laughter.我们用谁也不让谁的表情对视着，而后双双笑出了声。

ProfessorFeeling better now?有高兴一点吗？

NascitaYup! I'm feeling wonderful.嗯！现在我很高兴。

NascitaI was actually okay before that though, it was just a small thing. Having you get all serious about it made me embarrassed instead.其实我真的没关系的，只是一件小事，教授你太认真我反而不好意思了。

NascitaAnd besides, I still have a long career ahead of me and many more chances to be the lead actress.再说，我的戏路还很长。主角的机会还有很多。

ProfessorWell, I don't see it that way.也不是这么说啊。

I smile and ruffle Nascita's hair, then look up at the fireworks exploding above us.我笑着揉了揉娜希塔的脑袋，仰头看着天上悄然绽放的烟花。

ProfessorYou'll always be the lead in my heart, and you don't need a script to prove that.虽然你一直是我心里的主角，不需要剧本来证明。

ProfessorThat said, this happened because of me, and I wanted to make it up to you in some way.但毕竟因我而起，多多少少还是想补偿一下你。

ProfessorWhat, feeling shy?怎么，你不会不好意思了吧？

Nascita bites her lip and then pulls her mask down without saying a word.娜希塔咬了咬嘴唇，而后一言不发地拉下面具。

NascitaSurrender now, wicked Dark Warrior!邪恶的黑暗战士！还不快束手就擒。

ProfessorAck—Heeeeelp!嘶——救命啊！

Under the fireworks, a new round of laughter joins the noise of the crowd.花火下，新一轮的笑闹声融入了周围吵嚷的人潮里。

Qixi - Helix 七夕-贺莉斯

The Oasis, in the T-A experimental area.绿洲，T-A实验园区。

The normally spotless hallways are festooned with gaudy yet scenic lanterns, lending it an air that perfectly fits the mood.平日素净的走道被挂上了不算和谐却分外应景的灯笼，节日的气息彰显无疑。

ProfessorE-02, E-03... ah, there we are.E-02、E02……啊，有了。

A brand new doorplate comes into view—E-02, DNA Research Laboratory, Researcher Helix.一张崭新干净的门牌映入眼帘——E-02，DNA研究室，研究员贺莉斯。

Knock knock—咚咚——

Knock knock—咚咚——

The expected answer does not arrive.预期中的回应并没有到来。

宿舍管理员Helix isn't in the dorm. She didn't come back last night. You might want to try looking in the lab.贺莉斯不在宿舍，她昨天就没有回来。您可以去实验室看看。

宿舍管理员She probably spent the night there, these researchers are always like that.估计是在那边过夜了吧，他们这些研究员经常这样。

Before I can raise my hand again, the door creaks open.未来得及落手，大门吱呀一声打开了。

On the ground, the little white mouse who opened it doesn't even look at me before scampering off into a corner to sleep.地板上，打开门的小白鼠看都不看我一眼，自顾自地滚到角落里睡着了。

ProfessorHelix? I'm coming in, okay?贺莉斯？我进来了？

Keep knocking.继续敲门。

Unlock the door.直接解除门禁。

细微的机械声Whum whum whum—嗡嗡嗡——

ProfessorIs anyone in? That's strange, why's this machine still on?没有人？奇怪，为什么机器还开着。

As I approach the machine, a thick stack of documents comes into view, as well as a sleeping bag curled up in the corner.靠近机器，一沓厚实的文稿映入眼帘，一并出现的还有蜷缩在角落里的睡袋。

Professor"On The Suitability Of Various Formulations Of Chocolate For The Professor's Constitution, version 1.1..."《论不同功效巧克力对教授身体状况的适配情况v初稿1.1》……

ProfessorThis topic occupies a curious place between good and bad.真是微妙地处在不妙与甚佳之间的标题。

睡袋(Snores)唔唔——

Helix(Groans)呼——

A little blue head pokes out of the sleeping bag, and a pair of half-opened eyes look me up and down.蓝色小脑袋从睡袋里钻了出来，眼睛半睁半闭地扫了我一眼。

ProfessorHelix?贺莉斯？

Helix drowsily nods, and slowly gets to her feet with the help of her arms.贺莉斯迷糊地点了点头，手脚并用地爬了起来。

HelixProfessor... Good morning, I finished... the essay...教授……早上好，论文……写完惹……

Helix(Yawns) Brush teeth... Wash up...哈欠——刷牙……洗脸……

Helix...AAAAHHHHHHH!!!……啊啊啊啊啊！！！

The water only runs for a few seconds before Helix runs out of the bathroom with a wail.水声响起不过数秒，贺莉斯哀鸣着冲出了洗手间。

HelixI... I-I-I'm so sorry! I just woke up and I didn't realize it was you!对……对对对不起！刚睡醒没有反应过来！

Helix(Sob) Professor... No, wait... Not that Professor... Ah, that's right, you're both professors! What are you doing here, Professor?呜呜呜，教授……不对……教授……啊对！都是教授，您怎么来了。

ProfessorHeh... Did you mistake me for your lab professor?嚇……你这是把我认成实验室的老师了吗？

ProfessorLook at what time it is. I couldn't find you in the dorm, so I came to see if you were here.你看看现在都几点啦，我在宿舍见不着人，就找到这儿来了。

Helix(Whimper) I'm sorry, I got too into my research and forgot everything else.呜——对不起呀。研究太入神，把其他东西都给忘了。

ProfessorSo you made chocolate all night long?你做了一晚上的巧克力？

HelixMhm!嗯嗯！

HelixChoco told me that she made chocolate for everyone on Qixi each year.巧可告诉我，每年的七夕，她都会给大家做巧克力。

HelixAnd while chocolate is fairly common, the fact that it's been called out means it must be special in some way.虽然巧克力比较常见，但是需要被专门点出来，一定有特别的地方。

Helix holds up her scripts and her eyes sparkle.贺莉斯捧起了文稿，双眼闪闪发光。

HelixSo I searched up all your records in the Medical Center and began formulating the best kind of chocolate for you!所以我就搜集了教授在医疗中心的所有资料，针对教授的情况进行了巧克力药理研发！

Upon being asked a question about her work, Helix suddenly changes tack.涉及专业问题，贺莉斯陡然换了一身气场。

HelixThis chocolate has stimulant and nootropic effects. You should have a piece before you work!这块巧克力有提神醒脑的效果，工作前可以吃一块！

HelixThis chocolate relieves fatigue, so you should have one before you rest!这块呢，有缓解疲劳的效果，可以在休息的时候吃一块！

HelixAnd this...还有这个……

As I see Helix talk about chocolates like pharmaceutical compounds and hints at the fact that she's been mass-producing them, I can't help but ask a question.眼看贺莉斯大有把巧克力和药物混作一谈，且还是批发的倾向，我忍不住开口问出了疑惑。

ProfessorAh, Helix.那个，贺莉斯啊。

HelixAnd this piece...! Hm, Professor? What is it?这块的效果是……！啊，教授，怎么啦？

HelixAre you not aware of the effects of one of these chocolates? Don't worry, I've labeled them all!是哪块巧克力的效果没听清楚吗？没关系的，我都给做好标记啦！

ProfessorDo you... not know what the significance of giving these chocolates means?你是不是……不清楚赠送巧克力这个行为的含义啊？

HelixHuh? I... Did I mess up somewhere?咦……我……我有哪里搞错了吗？

ProfessorThe important thing about giving chocolates is conveying your intentions.赠送巧克力呀，重点是在于你的心意哦。

HelixMy... my intentions?心、心意？

HelixI'm sorry! I just started working without getting that cleared up and I even used lab resources for it (sob).对不起！我都没有调查清楚就动手了，还擅自占用了实验室的资源，呜呜呜——

HelixI... Ah... (sobs heavily)我……这……呜呜……呜呜呜！

ProfessorHonestly! There's no need to cry, Helix. That's not what I mean.哎！贺莉斯不哭不哭啊，我不是这个意思。

ProfessorWhat I was trying to say was that you did a great job, Helix! It completely exceeded my expectations.我想说的是贺莉斯做的太好啦！完全超出了正常的预期。

ProfessorNo no, what I mean is that those functions are the best way of getting your feelings across, so it's best for your chocolate to have all kinds of effects!没有没有，我的意思是，这些功效就是最大的心意啦，巧克力就是要有各种各样的功效才行！

ProfessorI was just surprised by how well you did with it given that you just learned about them! Well done!我只是很惊讶，贺莉斯刚知道这个，就能做得这么好，很厉害！

(Comfort her.)安慰。

(Trick her.)哄骗。

HelixR-Really?真……真的吗？

ProfessorIt's true! Look at me, I'd never lie, would I?真的！你看，教授从来不骗人对不对？

HelixUm... Yeah! Mhm~ You would never lie to me, Professor.唔……唔！嗯嗯！教授从来不骗贺莉斯。

HelixSo, do you like this gift?所以教授您喜欢这份礼物吗？

ProfessorVery much! And I like the person who gave me the gift too, Helix.非常喜欢！而且也很喜欢送出礼物的贺莉斯。

Helix giggles in delight and rubs up against me like a pet lab rat. She lowers her head, as though hinting that I should encourage her in some way.贺莉斯嘿嘿笑了起来，像是她养的小白鼠一样蹭到了我的身边，轻轻低下脑袋似乎是在示意我鼓励似地揉一揉。

Before I can reach out to her, the sound of a door knocking reaches us.还没伸出手，敲门声就响了起来。

Knock knock—咚咚——

智能体Helix? Are you there?贺莉斯在吗？在吗？在吗？

智能体I'm coming in~我进来了喔~

HelixAh! Good... good morning!啊！早、早上好！

智能体Huh? You're here too, Professor? That's great. Happy Qixi, these are my gifts for the two of you!啊，教授也在呀？那正好。七夕快乐，这是给你们的礼物！

HelixGifts...?礼物……？

智能体Yup, I spent a long time picking them out.是呀，我挑了好久呢。

智能体Wow, did you make all this chocolate by yourself, Helix? While it's good to get your feelings across, you mustn't push yourself too hard, okay?哇，贺莉斯一个人做了这么多巧克力吗？虽然送出心意很重要，但也别太勉强自己啦。

智能体See you later then, don't forget to look at the gifts I gave you~那我们一会儿见，记得看看我送的礼物哦~

The agent from the lab next door takes her leave and takes away Helix's smile with her.隔壁实验室来的智能体离开了，还顺带带走了贺莉斯的笑容。

Helix(Whimper) What should I do...呜……怎么办……

ProfessorHelix?贺莉斯？

HelixUwahhhh!呜哇！！！

HelixPro... Professor, what should I do now? I totally forgot!教……教授，这下可怎么办呀！我忘记了！

HelixI spent all night researching the best chocolate to give you and I totally forgot about the others... Even though everyone had a gift for me...一晚上都在研究给教授的巧克力，完全不记得其他人了……明明其他人都有准备给我的礼物……

ProfessorDon't panic. I don't mind if you give them this pile of chocolate.不要慌张，把这一堆巧克力分出去吧，我不会介意的。

HelixBut... But I will!我……我会介意！

HelixI made them all for YOU, Professor! I can't just give them away like that!这些是都为教授准备的，不可以分出去！

ProfessorThen let's make some right now! We should be able to make it in time.那就现在马上开始制作吧！应该还来得及。

HelixBut... But there are so many people and so much chocolate to make for them. Will I really be able to make it in time?可……可是这么多人，这么多块巧克力，我真的来得及的吗？

Give them my share.把给我的分出去吧。

You can still make it if you start now.现在做还来得及。

ProfessorJust give each person one piece. That lady from next door only gave you one piece, right?一人一块就好，隔壁的姐姐不也只给了你一块巧克力吗？

HelixHuh...? I... I got it!欸……？我……我知道了！

Helix nods, and a sense of foreboding fills me.贺莉斯刚点头，跟前就传来了令人不安的响动。

生硬的机械声Clack—clack—clack—咔——咔——咔——

HelixWhat... What's happening?怎……怎么回事儿？

生硬的机械声Katak—咔嗒——

机器———————————

Helix throws herself at the machine in a flurry of arms and legs, and a long time later, a little white lab rat crawls back out from behind it, face covered in soot.贺莉斯手忙脚乱地扑向机器，好一会儿后，一只小白鼠灰头土脸地从机器后面爬了出来。

小白鼠Squeak squeak squeak—吱吱吱——

HelixYou're saying the machine overheated and it broke?你是说运转过热，机器坏掉了？

小白鼠Squeak squeak! Squeak squeak squeak...吱吱！吱吱吱……

HelixAnd you can't fix it for the moment? Then... then what will we do!?而且暂时修不好？这……这可怎么办？！

HelixI'm doomed, I'm doomed! (Whimper) I can't fix the machine and there's no way I can finish making all that chocolate even if it's just one piece per person.完蛋了完蛋了，呜呜呜——机器修不好，就算是一人一块，贺莉斯也做不完呀。

ProfessorDon't worry. I'll help you.别担心，我来帮你。

HelixBut how could I? I shouldn't be asking you to help out...这怎么行？这个不可以麻烦教授的……

ProfessorYou made so many chocolates for me, so I ought to show my appreciation, right?你帮我做了这么多巧克力，我总得有点表示吧？

HelixB-But...可……可是……

ProfessorYou won't be able to make all that chocolate if you keep hesitating, you know.再犹豫不决的话，可就真做不完啦。

Helix(Whimper) Al-Alright then, I'll be counting on you, Professor.呜——那……那好吧。那就麻烦教授了。

At the E-02 Lab.E-02实验室。

The broken machinery has been cleared as far out of the way as possible, while the lab rat helps us arrange the ingredients on the bench.坏掉的机器被尽数移开，小白鼠替我们将原料理清放到了桌面上。

ProfessorHelix, the cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar are mixed, can you get me the milk?贺莉斯，可可粉、可可脂还有砂糖搅拌好了，能帮我把牛奶拿过来吗？

HelixAh—Coming, aiiiieee—!啊——我马上过来，噫——！

Panicked, Helix trips over a piece of junk on the ground while holding the milk carton.慌张的贺莉斯捧着牛奶盒绊倒了地上的杂物。

HelixUwaaaaahhh—!哇呀呀——！

ProfessorLook out!小心！

With lightning reflexes, I put my bowl down and catch Helix before she falls down.我眼疾手快地放下怀中的碗，接住了就要摔倒的贺莉斯。

ProfessorAre you okay?没事吧？

HelixMm—Mhm!唔——唔唔！

Helix jumps out of my arms like she's been electrocuted, her little face bright red.贺莉斯触电似地从我怀里蹦了出来，小脸通红。

Right after that, she covers her mouth, as though she bit her tongue, and hands me the milk carton while mumbling unintelligibly.紧接着她捂住了嘴，像是咬到了舌头，含糊不清地将牛奶递了上来。

Helix(Whimper) Hroheshor... here... fhor yhou... zhe milk...呜呜呜——hiao受……hei……尼……牛……来……

ProfessorYou don't need to be in such a rush. We're almost done. This is the last batch.你呀，不用这么紧张。我们马上就能完成了，这是最后一份。

Helix(Winces) Ai... ack—I got it.呜——沃……嘶——我知道了。

HelixI'm sorry, I got too worked up.对不起呀，我太心急了。

After she hands me the milk, Helix crouches down beside the table, only her hands and face showing over its edge as she watches me work intently.给出牛奶后，贺莉斯就蹲在了桌子边上，双手扒着桌沿，露出小半个脑袋认真地看着我工作。

HelixThank you, Professor. I'd have made a lot of people angry if it wasn't for you.谢谢教授，没有您帮忙的话，我又要惹好多人生气了。

ProfessorHow could that be? I mean, everyone likes you so much.怎么会呢，大家这么喜欢你。

ProfessorAlso, I'm partially to blame for the current state of events, so I'm going to feel like a stranger if you keep acting like that.而且，事态变成这样我也有责任，一直这么客气可是会生分的。

HelixThen... Then I won't thank you.那……那我不说谢谢了。

As she says that, the lab rat who's responsible for packing the chocolates suddenly scampers up and holds a chocolate up to Helix before frantically gesticulating to her.话音刚落，边上负责打包巧克力的小白鼠忽地跑了出来，捧着巧克力对贺莉斯匆匆的比划。

HelixWhat's wrong? Slow down, no need to rush.怎么啦？慢点说，不要着急。

ProfessorOho, you look pretty mature now.喔，现在这个样子倒是挺稳重。

HelixUm—I-I'll do my best to keep it up!呜——我、我会努力保持的！

小白鼠Squeak squeak squeak—!吱吱吱——！

HelixSo the amount of chocolate isn't right and we've already got enough?巧克力的数目不对，已经足够了？

HelixAh! Professor, I don't think you need to make any more.呀！教授，好像可以不用做啦。

ProfessorThe amount isn't right. You missed someone out.数目不对，你漏人了。

HelixHuh? Let me check the name list.咦？我看一下名单。

HelixBanxsy, Anna, Bonee... That should be everyone.坂口希、安娜、波妮……人数是对的呀。

ProfessorYou left yourself out, silly.你漏掉你自己了，笨蛋。

I pop the mix I'm holding into the oven, then I take a packed chocolate from the lab rat and sigh.把手中的材料塞入烤箱，我从小白鼠边上拿过第一个被包好的巧克力，叹了口气。

ProfessorThe very first one I made was for you. Happy Qixi, Helix.我第一个做的就是你的，节日快乐，贺莉斯。

HelixEh!? I... er... um—欸？！我……呃……唔——

Helix(Sniffles) Thank you, Professor.呜呜呜——谢谢教授。

ProfessorOh, don't cry. You should be mad. You made so many for me, but I only gave you one.不要哭呀，你该生气才对，你给我做了这么多，我却只送了你一个。

ProfessorAnd you prepared the materials too.材料还是用你准备的。

HelixMm—!嗯——！

Helix vigorously shakes her head and wipes her tears away.贺莉斯使劲地摇头，擦了擦眼角。

HelixActually, you only need to give one chocolate, right? You mentioned it while you were helping me prepare.其实，巧克力只用送一个的，对吧？在准备帮忙的时候，教授说漏嘴了。

HelixThank you for always thinking about my feelings, Professor.谢谢您，教授，一直都在照顾我的心情。

HelixJust this one will do! I'm happy to receive a chocolate made by you. Also...这一个就好！能收到教授做的巧克力已经很开心了。而且……

Helix glances at the color of the packaging, and then smiles happily to me as she hugs it to her chest.贺莉斯看了一眼包装的颜色，捧着巧克力对我露出了心满意足的笑容。

HelixThis is the first piece of chocolate you made, and it's the flavor that I like, so there's no better present I could have gotten.这是教授做的第一块巧克力，还是我喜欢的口味，对我来说这就已经是最棒的礼物了。

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.