Chapter 223 Zhuangzi in a Dream

As if in a dream, Li Xi stepped into this once-familiar place again.

The golden rice stalks, bowing low, seem to be gently telling the story of time. A gentle breeze blows, and waves ripple across the rice paddies, shimmering like the ocean under the setting sun.

The stream was still crystal clear, and the water flowed gently, making a pleasant sound.

It flowed through rice paddies, across stone bridges, carrying the coolness of the mountains and childhood memories, and drifted into the distance.

Li Xi could almost see that autumn, when the three of them, barefoot, were catching plump fish in the stream, splashing water everywhere, their laughter echoing through the valley.

That ancient stone bridge, having withstood the test of time, still stands strong.

The stone slabs on the bridge have been worn smooth by time, and the stone carvings on the bridge railings have become somewhat blurred.

She gently stroked the bridge railing, as if she could feel the countless stories and memories hidden within its cold stone surface.

"It really is true." Li Xi murmured to herself.

A strange light flickered in her eyes, as if she had seen some shocking truth.

Hearing her words, Feng Molin couldn't help but lean closer curiously, "What's true?"

Li Xi did not answer immediately; her gaze remained fixed on the bridge railing, as if recalling fragments of the past.

After a moment, she slowly spoke, her voice trembling slightly: "This place, this bridge, and that rice paddy. I saw them in my dream a few days ago."

Feng Monian was slightly taken aback, then understood what Li Xi meant.

He gazed at Li Xi, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. "You mean, this bridge is part of your dream?"

Li Xi nodded, her voice becoming even lower. "Yes, I once had a dream where I was standing right here, touching this bridge. At the time, I thought it was just a dream, but now it seems that the scene in that dream actually exists in this world."

Feng Monian was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Perhaps this bridge has some special connection with you. Maybe it is a part of your past, or it foreshadows your future."

Li Xi didn't say anything more. She just stood quietly by the bridge, letting the wind blow through her hair and the hem of her clothes.

"Who are you?" A somewhat aged voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up and saw an elderly man with a slightly hunched back walking towards them.

The old man's eyes held a hint of wariness, clearly indicating that he was wary of the two strangers.

“We are just passing through and are only resting here for a while,” Feng Monian stepped forward and replied politely.

His voice was calm and sincere, trying to ease the old man's tension.

The old man stared at them for a while, seemingly judging whether their words were credible.

His gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, finally settling on Li Xi.

A flicker of surprise suddenly flashed in those eyes that had weathered the years, as if they had seen something unbelievable.

“You…” the old man began, his voice trembling slightly, “The aura emanating from you… is very peculiar.”

Li Xi was somewhat bewildered by the old man's words. She looked down at herself and asked, puzzled, "Special? What do you mean?"

The old man did not answer immediately; he took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm himself down.

He walked up to Li Xi and looked her over carefully, as if searching for something.

Suddenly, he muttered to himself, "Impossible, impossible, you're a man, not her!"

His voice was low and trembling, revealing deep sadness and loss.

His gaze lingered on Li Xi's face for a moment before slowly shifting away. He looked into the distance, as if reminiscing about the distant past.

Li Xi and Feng Monian were somewhat bewildered by the old man's reaction; they didn't know why he had suddenly become so agitated and sorrowful. They exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with confusion and curiosity.

The old man seemed oblivious to their reaction, continuing to mutter to himself, "Time flies, and things have changed. We will never meet again in this life."

But seeing his eyes redden, Li Xi was at a loss for what to do.

She wanted to comfort the old man, but didn't know how to start. Feng Monian frowned.

"Grandpa, what's wrong?" Li Xi asked softly, trying to make her voice sound gentle and concerned.

The old man came to his senses, glanced at Li Xi, and a hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes.

He gently shook his head, trying to calm himself down.

"It's nothing, just that the sight of you reminds me of old friends," the old man sighed. "Seeing your young faces reminds me of people from the past."

"Sir, could you stay here for two nights? We'll pay." Li Xi wanted to stay here for two days, hoping to recall some of the original owner's memories.

Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in the old man's eyes. He looked at Li Xi, seemingly considering the reasonableness of the request.

"Esteemed guests, this place is too simple and unsuitable," the old man said slowly, his voice revealing an indescribable emotion.

“Grandpa, we don’t care about these things. We just need a place to shelter from the wind and rain,” Li Xi said sincerely.

The old man pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, come with me."

The two followed the old man to a courtyard house, where a mottled plaque hung above the door, bearing the words "Jingxinju" in ancient script.

The old man pushed open the door and led them inside.

The courtyard is quiet and secluded, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and fragrant flowers filling the air.

The small, exquisite buildings are scattered throughout the area in a serene and peaceful manner.

Li Xi couldn't help but sigh, this place is truly a rare paradise.

The old man led them to a bamboo house and smiled, saying, "You can stay here. It's a bit simple, but it's clean enough. Please settle in for now, and let me know if you need anything."

Li Xi nodded gratefully, "Thank you for taking me in, sir."

The old man waved his hand, "It's fate that we met. Please settle in comfortably. If you need any help, just come and ask me."

The two entered the bamboo house, which was simply yet warmly furnished.

Although the outside looks simple, everything inside is well-organized, which shows that the owner is a meticulous person.

After saying this, the old man turned and left.

Li Xi watched his figure disappear into the depths of the courtyard, and a feeling of déjà vu arose in her heart.

Although the interior of the bamboo house is simple, every corner exudes a refined and elegant atmosphere.

Several landscape paintings hang on the wall, with smooth brushstrokes and vivid charm, clearly the work of a famous artist.

Several bamboo tables and chairs were arranged neatly, covered with a clean cotton cloth, creating a particularly warm and inviting atmosphere.

“I just checked, and it seems that only that old man lives here.” Feng Monian found no signs of anyone else living here.