The lakebed was silent.
Her pale hair spread around her as she lay in the deep water. Boats and birds passed overhead, stirring the light into rippling shadows.
The clear lake water shut out the clamor beyond. The depths were cool, perfect for sleep. Water plants below swayed gently, schools of fish came and went, and everything was tranquil. Bai Yujun liked sleeping beneath the water.
One day, the breeze was gentle and the sun bright.
Sunlight reached deeper than usual, soft beams swaying back and forth over her lovely face.
Her eyelashes trembled as she gradually woke.
After resting for a moment, her mind cleared. Her long tail flicked as she swam upward, raising her lovely face toward the surface and trailing fine bubbles behind her. The world before her grew brighter and brighter, making her squint involuntarily...
The households along the lakeshore could not live without water.
Roses hung over a wooden door.
Creak~
The thick wooden door, bearing a faded character for fortune, opened. A round-faced little girl of four or five led a tiny puppy outside to play. The puppy struggled over the old threshold, wagged its little tail, and trotted after the girl. Outside, the sunlight was warm, dazzling light shimmered off the lake, and the lotus flowers were in bloom.
The weathered stone steps before the door led straight into the lake. The washing stone bore worn hollows.
"Woof woof~"
The puppy wanted to run, yet could not bear to leave its little mistress.
The girl turned, grabbed the dog by its tail, and dragged it downward, hauling the puppy to the water's edge.
"Whine..."
The dog whimpered and yelped in fright. It wanted to flee but could not. Its eyes fixed on the lake surface, its short little legs trembling. The girl crouched