CCG Artem's Route: Vacation End
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Old Street in Far End
On the final day of your trip, Artem takes you to the Old Street in Far End.
The long street is beautiful, with a quaint atmosphere about it and Far End flowers blooming on both sides of the street.
The two of you take a leisurely walk on this busy street, taking in the lively atmosphere.
You: The paper umbrella over there is really pretty. I want to take a look.
You lead Artem over to a stall selling umbrellas. The stall owner is painting a design, brushstroke by brushstroke, on the umbrella.
In front of the stall is a sign that reads: Lindin's Paper Umbrellas — Unique designs at reasonable prices.
The handwriting gave off an air of pride, and the golden seal at the end gave it a powerful finish.
Artem: This must be the famous "Lindin's Paper Umbrellas."
You: Lindin's Paper Umbrellas?
Artem: It is said that their ancestors made oil-paper umbrellas for a living and passed down a secret method of making umbrellas.
Artem: They are very strict when it comes to material selection. Even the paint is made according to ancient court techniques.
You: It seems complicated...
Artem: Yes, it's extremely complicated. There are dozens of steps in the selection process alone...
You: Artem, when did you have the time to look up all this information? And how do you know so much?
Thinking back to Artem's initial understanding of Eversea, you can't help but marvel at the speed with which he looks up information.
Artem: Ahem... I did it when you were looking at umbrellas just now...
Artem points to the oil-paper umbrellas in front of the stall.
Artem: I heard that every umbrella they make has a different design...
You: Which means that every umbrella is unique? Wow, many people must be looking to buy one!
Artem: Yes, Lindin's Paper Umbrellas has a reputation for being extremely exquisite, so many people want to add one to their collection.
Artem: However, the creation process is complicated and their production cycle is long.
Artem: It may take three to five days to make only one. Not to mention, materials might not be readily available due to their scarcity.
Artem: We were lucky to see umbrellas in the stalls today.
With that, Artem takes your hand and gives you a faint smile.
You: We shouldn't let our good fortune go to waste. Why don't we buy one?
Artem: All right.
In the end, you chose a light blue one.
The pattern on it is faint and difficult to see, which makes the umbrella look like a solid color from afar.
With the umbrella open, you gesture at Artem.
Artem: What is it?
You: You were the one who said to buy one. You have to like it as well.
You: I'm seeing if the umbrella suits you.
You: The subtle elegance suits you very well. What do you think?
Artem takes the umbrella from you and nods after inspecting it carefully for some time.
Artem: I like it. You always have good taste.
You: This one it is!
After purchasing the umbrella, you and Artem hold hands while walking down the Old Street in Far End
At the end of the long street, you come across a stone bridge with Far End flowers blooming on both sides, adding to its simplistic charm.
Resting against the stone railing, the two of you peer off in the distance at the fog shrouding Thousand Mountain, unable to discern if it's snow or clouds.
You: It's great that we can come here and... completely forget about work.
You: I really want to live in such a wonderful and carefree fairytale forever...
Artem: Same here. I'm fine with living anywhere... as long as you're there with me.
Artem tenderly takes your shoulder, pulling you into his arms.
Closing your eyes, you immerse yourself in the coolness of the wind and the warmth of his embrace.
Suddenly, you feel a warm breath brushing against your ears...
Artem: The bridge that we're standing on... was called the "Lovers' Bridge" in ancient times.
You: The Lovers' Bridge?
Artem: Yes... It is said that people who meet on this bridge will become lifelong lovers.
Artem: In modern times, this bridge isn't as magical as the legend claims.
Artem: Nevertheless, people still view this place as a symbol of perfect love...
You: I see...
You: (Then Artem brought me here... so that we could become lifelong lovers.)
However, amidst your sweet thoughts, a trace of doubt rises within you.
You: (Wait, how did he know about the legend?)
You: (He... didn't look at his phone just now...)
Combing through your thoughts, you remember the times when he has been very knowledgeable about Eversea...
Artem: In reality, Eversea is the fourth largest freshwater lake in the country.
Artem: It is said that in ancient times, the official responsible for recording geographical features mistranslated the text of the locals.
Artem: Hence, it became known as "Eversea." That name stuck around to this day.
Artem: It is said that their ancestors made oil-paper umbrellas for a living and passed down a secret method of making umbrellas.
Artem: They are very strict when it comes to material selection. Even the paint is made according to ancient court techniques.
You: (Artem seems to know a lot about every scenic spot, just like a tour guide...)
You: (Even at the beginning...)
You recall once again how this trip to Eversea started.
The simplicity of the raffle ticket and website, together with Artem's nervous expression at the time, flashes through your mind...
You: (From unearthing the raffle ticket to winning the raffle, every step of this trip has been unbelievable, almost as if...)
You: (It's as if someone had perfectly arranged everything.)
At this point, a bold thought comes to mind.
You: (Could it be...?)
Artem: Is something wrong? What's on your mind?
By now, Artem has taken notice of your distraction, and he attentively looks at you.
You subconsciously voice out the doubt stirring deep within your heart when you look at him.
You: Artem, did you arrange this entire trip?
Artem: ...
Artem: When... did you realize?
You had your suspicions, but are still shocked when Artem confirms your speculation.
You: Well, we just happened to find the raffle ticket before its expiration, and coincidentally managed to win the grand prize of a trip for two.
You: Everything... lined up too perfectly...
You: And you were extremely knowledgeable about the local customs and scenic spots the entire way here...
You: The extent of your knowledge is enough for you to be a tour guide!
You: There's no way to explain those coincidences if you hadn't prepared everything in advance.
Artem is momentarily taken aback but then smiles wryly at your answer.
Artem: Looks like there's no hiding anything from you.
Artem: I thought I had kept everything well-hidden so you wouldn't find out.
Artem: But you still caught me...
You: I'm an attorney after all! One of my professional qualities is to pay attention to details and uncover the truth.
You: (Seeing Artem's reaction, it seems my speculation was right. He arranged this entire trip...)
You: (Except... Why didn't he tell me about his plan from the start? Is he planning something else?)
You: (I should keep these questions to myself so that I don't "ruin" his efforts.)
You: Well, I have a pretty accurate sixth sense!
Artem smiles wryly at your response.
Artem: I thought I had kept everything well under wraps so you wouldn't figure out my plan...
Artem: Yet, you still figured it out in the end...
Artem: Or perhaps... No matter what I did, you would have sensed that something was off.
You: To some extent... I guess we do have a "connection."
Artem: Sorry about not telling you my plan.
Artem: I was going to explain it to you when we got back...
Being watched by his eager eyes, you deeply sense how much he cherishes you.
Artem: I...
Artem: I read somewhere before that it is romantic to surprise your lover regularly.
Artem: I wanted to give you that... romance, and a surprise that exceeded your expectations.
You: Artem...
Artem: This trip was an "accident" that I've been planning for a very long time... I wanted to make it a memorable moment for you.
Artem: As for why I didn't tell you...
Artem: On one hand, I was worried that if I asked you directly, you might hesitate to go on a trip altogether because of our work schedule.
Artem: On the other hand, I wanted to keep that sense of "surprise" completely intact.
Your heart beats faster with every word that comes out of Artem's mouth.
Artem: ...As you surmised, I "faked" the raffle ticket and website.
Artem: All the itineraries on the website were prepared by me in advance...
Artem: Including the expiration date on the raffle ticket...
Artem: Just in case, I would change out the raffle ticket periodically until you opened the book...
You: All that... for me...
As you begin to reminisce, you notice raindrops falling in the sunlight.
Artem opens the oil-paper umbrella to block out the rain for you.
The faint patterns on the umbrella seem to become more detailed in the rain.
A faint melody drifts through the rain and fog, stemming from somewhere far off, along with the scent of flowers...
It's almost as if the scenery has passed through an eternity before it reached you...
You raise your camera, wanting to capture this moment...
In the shot, Artem smiles at you.
His eyes are overflowing with love, reminding you of the Old Street in Far End and Thousand Mountain...
Both of these scenic spots have withstood the test of time, standing firm and never changing...
You: Thank you for doing so much for me...
You: I really... loved this trip. Coming to Eversea with you was the best decision I've ever made.
Artem: This has become an unforgettable experience for me as well.
Artem's warm breath lingers on your neck, and he looks at the photo in your hand.
Artem: That photo is good in every way except one.
You: Which one?
Artem: You... You aren't in it.
You: I...
Artem: I hope you'll forgive me for lying to you...
Artem: I want... to bring you more romance in the future and accompany you to every place you want to go.
Artem: For the rest of my life, I hope that all that is mine is yours.
You can still sense the apology in his voice...
You've never felt such tenderness from anyone else in the world.
You: Of course, I forgive you... I'm just... worried. With your busy work schedule, you still had to prepare so much for me...
You: It doesn't matter if our lives are simple or full of surprises. As long as we're together, I'll be happy.
You: It doesn't matter if it's not romantic. As long as it's you...
The sound of continuous drizzling makes a pleasant sound as it splatters against the umbrella.
Artem smiles as he hugs you, and you respond in kind by putting your arms around his waist, feeling his heartbeat.
Artem: I'm fine with anything... as long as you're there.
With that said, Artem raises his hand to pin something in your hair.
You reach up to touch it. It seems to be in the shape of a flower of sorts.
You: This is?
Artem: It's a Far End flower hairpin. It is said that hairpins made from Far End flowers must be given to a lover...
Artem: That way, the lovers will be together forever...
You: Yeah!
Artem and you exchange a smile, grasping each other's hands even tighter than before.
In this hazy rain on this long old street, the two of you have become part of the scenery.
The cool breeze wafts through your hair, blowing against the delicate flower of the hairpin on your temple, escorting the old melody into the distance...
