The next morning, the West Lake, washed clean by the torrential rain, lay quietly between heaven and earth like a newly born tourmaline. The morning mist after the rain draped lightly over the lake like a veil, while the remaining lotus leaves held countless droplets that gleamed like colored glass in the dawn.
At that moment, the stone railing of Broken Bridge still bore traces of moisture. The willow branches along the shore hung low, dipping into the lake as they swayed. In the distance, the shadow of Leifeng Pagoda was reflected in the turquoise waters, its peak seeming to stir a pool of shattered, cloudlike brocade.
Suddenly, a flock of sparrows skimmed across the water. Their wingtips cut through the lake's mirrorlike surface, sending ripples outward and startling the sparse lotus leaves into a graceful sway. The sight was enough to set anyone's heart racing in wonder!
"Hmm-hmm-hmm~"
Meanwhile, a troublesome little girl who had spent the whole night running around and having fun somewhere was paying no attention to the scenery at all. She simply strolled along the lakeside path, which was paved with little stones but still a bit muddy, and soon spotted her home in the distance, shrouded in the morning mist.
However, when Annie returned to the house she had bought and pushed open the door, she was startled by the large crowd inside, all bowing to her in greeting.
"Whoa!"
!?('')
"Why are there so many people?"
(ω‖)
"Wait!"
(˙o˙)
"Aren't you that...?"
(.)
Looking at the familiar, fair-skinned young man from Huashan before her, Annie couldn't for the life of her remember his name.
"Reporting to Elder Annie..."
"Your disciple, Lin Pingzhi!"
Lin Pingzhi didn't dare be negligent. He quickly cupped his hands respectfully, bowed to Annie, and introduced himself.
"Oh, right!"
(⊙o⊙*)