Heaven Dou City, the Riverside Night Market.
Lights glittered brilliantly, and lively voices filled the air.
Two women of peerless beauty wandered through the crowds, following the aromas of food. They solved lantern riddles, watched shadow plays, and sampled and enjoyed every interesting delight the night market offered.
Finally, they chose two flower lanterns at a small stall, each wrote her wishes on her lantern, and gently set them on the flowing river.
Bibi Dong held her daughter's hand and stood quietly on the bank, watching the two lanterns drift farther and farther away until they melted into the shimmering lights and fleeting reflections.
"This is nice, too."
She spoke softly, as though addressing the river, or perhaps only herself.
Qian Renxue turned her head and looked at her mother's profile, rendered even softer and lovelier by the lantern light. Suddenly, the river breeze, the night, and the distant bustle all seemed to grow very, very gentle.
"Mom, what did you write?"
"Something about you, of course." Bibi Dong turned toward her, a tender smile in her eyes. "But I can't tell you. If I say it aloud—it might not come true."
"All right." Qian Renxue pursed her lips, looking just as she had as a little girl.
"Let's look around some more."
Bibi Dong took her hand and led her back into the sea of lights.
Before they knew it, they had reached the end of the night market, where a brilliantly lit shopping street suddenly opened before them.
This street was famous for its dazzling array of exquisite clothing. Delicate hairpins, earrings, and necklaces gleamed in the shop windows.
"Mom, let me choose a few outfits for you." Qian Renxue gazed at the beautiful dresses with eager interest.
"There's no hurry." Bibi Dong shook her head slightly, then