Section 5
Following Leo Lee's advice, Luna Wu carefully pulled the wooden box from the wardrobe. Naturally, she did not place it on the bed; instead, she laid a piece of laundry on the floor. Contrary to her expectations, the box was not covered in dust. Upon opening the lid, she found the jade pillow to be a lustrous white with a hint of green, completely free of grime.
Even though Leo Lee claimed the jade pillow held little value, Luna meticulously recorded the process with her phone, for when it comes to matters involving money, it's better to be safe than sorry.
The jade pillow appeared cool to the touch, and it was indeed just as she imagined. As she lifted it from the box, an unfamiliar fragrance wafted into her senses. She gently placed the jade pillow at the foot of her bed and took a moment to examine it closely, confirming its integrity before capturing it on her phone.
During her last peek into the cabinet, Luna had assumed the jade pillow was solid. However, upon handling it this time, she discovered its surprising lightness and realized it was a hollow pillow with openings at both ends. This revelation led her to finally believe that the jade pillow might indeed be of modest worth.
Under the indoor lighting, the jade pillow didn't emit the same glow it had in the cabinet. Luna experimented with various angles, recording a video over a minute long to send to Leo Lee.
As she awaited his response, an idea struck her, and she got up to turn off the lights, eager to see if the jade pillow would truly glow in darkness.
The outcome was remarkable; in the dim light, the jade pillow not only radiated a glow but emitted a shimmering white light with a hint of green, appearing almost otherworldly. Overwhelmed by the sight, Luna crouched down and peered through one of the openings, gazing toward the other end—
She beheld another world.
Initially, it was merely an opening in the jade pillow, but Luna watched in astonishment as it gradually expanded into a vast tunnel. Acting on instinct, she felt a loosening beneath her feet and found herself stepping through the opening.
When she turned back to look for the entrance, the surroundings had plunged into darkness. In the brief moment of clarity, she faintly heard the sound of water and felt the world around her swaying. She closed her eyes, then opened them again to discover she was seated in a boat.
The night was clear, with stars scattered across the sky. Luna rubbed her eyes vigorously and spotted a figure ahead, vigorously rowing the boat.
"Where am I?" Luna inquired.
"Good evening, Miss Wu," the figure responded.
Luna recognized his voice: "You're Leo Lee?"
"Indeed."
"Am I dreaming?"
"Have you read 'The Pillow Book'?"
"What book?"
"A Tang dynasty tale."
"No, I haven't." Luna looked around, seeing nothing but water stretching infinitely.
"The tale is about a scholar who borrows a celadon pillow from a Daoist named Lu and experiences a grand dream, indulging in wealth and glory while his life is filled with ups and downs. Just before entering the dream, the scholar smells the shopkeeper steaming millet, and upon awakening, finds the millet perfectly cooked. Hence, the story is also known as 'A Dream of Yellow Millet.'"
By the time Leo had finished speaking, Luna recalled the classic tale, but his melodious voice compelled her to listen without interruption. As he finished, she immediately asked, "Am I in a dream of yellow millet?"
"That's not an incorrect assessment," Leo replied, gesturing ahead. "We've arrived at the shore."
As the boat approached the landing, Luna's mind swirled with unanswered questions. Suddenly, the figure stood and turned to face her. Though they were still a third of the boat's length apart, Luna instinctively recoiled and crossed her arms in a defensive posture.
Leo chuckled.
This was Luna's first glimpse of him, bathed in the bright moonlight, dressed in a vibrant red robe. His smile rendered the moon pale by comparison.
"Are you afraid of someone from your dream, Miss Wu?" Leo teased.
"Since you appear in my dream, you should be someone I've encountered in reality," Luna scrutinized his striking features. "I don't remember meeting you."
"We've spoken," Leo explained. "Perhaps you have a subconscious impression of me—based on my voice."
"...Is that so?"
"It's time to disembark."
Still pondering his words, Luna saw Leo step onto the shore, prompting her to follow suit. As her feet touched the soft sand, the sensation brought a hint of reality, and she noticed she was wearing an ancient dark blue gown, further deepening her sense of dreamlike confusion.
"Where is this?" Luna asked, gazing out at the seemingly endless sea.
"Take a guess, Miss Wu."
After a moment's thought, she replied, "The South China Sea?"
"Clever."
"You said this is my dream of yellow millet; dreams are reflections of reality, and I've only been to the South China Sea recently," Luna said. "Also... could you please refrain from calling me Miss Wu?"
"Of course, Miss Wu."
His dry humor prompted Luna to turn back, only to find Leo had already covered a considerable distance. She hurried to catch up, realizing she barely reached his shoulder. It was rare for her to dream of such a strikingly handsome man, leaving her thoroughly perplexed.
"The scholar's dream was about becoming a nobleman, fulfilling his lifelong ambition. Why is my dream about being on a boat with you?"
Leo smiled. "Do you truly believe this is just a dream?"
"Isn't it?"
Leo remained silent, raising his hand to whistle. Before long, the sound of galloping hooves filled the air, and a magnificent white steed raced toward them.
The white horse bore a leather satchel containing a sword, carrying Luna and Leo under the moonlit sky. Despite having no clue about their destination, the enchanting experience filled Luna with excitement, allowing the horse to lead the way.
Section 6
The destination lay not far from the sea, and Luna Wu was the first to spot an ancestral hall constructed of green bricks, prominently inscribed with the words "Lu Family Ancestral Hall." Lanterns illuminated the exterior, where a throng of people had gathered. They all had their hair tied back and wore simple cloth garments and hemp shoes; many wielded iron forks for fishing, resembling fishermen.
Not long after Luna and Leo Lee arrived, the crowd suddenly stirred, as the leading fisherman shouted, "Forget the details! Let's rush in! Master Huizeng said these venomous bees fear fire—let's attack with flames!"
An elder responded, "The cracks are too narrow; if we accidentally ignite the pillars, it could lead to a fire hazard."
The leading fisherman reassured him, "Uncle Xiang, don't worry! We've prepared for this."
"Then let's see if your methods work," Uncle Xiang said. "This ancestral hall is sacred ground; we must not disturb our ancestors beneath the springs."
The leading fisherman nodded in agreement and called to his companions, stepping boldly into the pitch-black hall.
Moments later, Uncle Xiang instructed, "Aqiang, go close the door."
The man named Aqiang was a frail figure, holding a torch, his expression one of disbelief that the esteemed Uncle Xiang would propose such reckless action. "Close... close which door?"
With a swift kick, Uncle Xiang propelled Aqiang forward, "What other door? The ancestral hall! The main door!"
Almost toppled by the force, Aqiang staggered away to shut the door.
As the crowd observed this, Luna finally grasped the situation unfolding before her. Just as she was about to inquire what Leo intended to do next, she turned to find he was no longer beside her.
In a state of panic, Luna scanned the area, noticing Leo's white horse standing still. Reassured, she thought that if the horse remained, the monk could not have strayed far. With a sigh of relief, she decided to join the fishermen, keenly watching the three brothers as they ventured to capture the demon.
After several minutes, an unusual, dense buzzing filled the air.
As the sound approached, someone outside commanded, "They're coming from outside! They must be accomplices of those venomous bees! Don't be afraid—prepare to retaliate!"
The swarm's arrival threw the fishermen into chaos, and Luna followed closely behind a torch-bearing elder, believing that fire offered safety against the bees.
The fishermen swung their torches wildly, attempting to repel the venomous bees, while the leader shouted, "There are only a few of them—no need to panic!"
The flickering flames illuminated their surroundings, and Luna noticed the closest venomous bee, roughly the size of a common honeybee, its body entirely black, flapping its wings with such speed it was nearly invisible to the naked eye.
These bees showed no fear of the flames; Luna watched as the creature's size gradually swelled. Thinking her eyes deceived her, she focused intently, only to see the bee continuing to grow, the elder's torch unable to close the distance. Incredibly, the small bee became larger than a human head.
Once fully expanded, the venomous bee swiftly split its lower body into two segments, the cutting edges sharp as scissors, fringed with what seemed like soft hairs. Doubt crept into Luna's mind, and unconsciously, she leaned closer for a clearer view—
In an instant, the bee surged forward, diving at the elder with the torch.
Startled, the elder tossed aside his torch and fled.
The bee pursued with even greater speed, its scissor-like lower body aimed at the back of his neck. Luna heard an unnaturally crisp "snap," and in the dim, flickering light, the elder's head fell.
Luna's heart raced in terror; this was no dream of yellow millet, but a horrifying nightmare.
Having just severed the elder's head, the bee pivoted sharply, seemingly intent on attacking Luna next. Realizing the danger, she attempted to flee, but her lower body felt as if it were rooted to the ground, immobilized.
As the bee approached, Luna squeezed her eyes shut, praying to awaken from this nightmare. Then, she heard the sound of a horse's neigh, followed by three distinct forces acting upon her—one from her right shoulder, another from behind, and the last seemingly from—
When she opened her eyes again, Luna found herself seated on a horse, strong arms encircling her, guiding the steed forward at a gallop.
It was Leo's white horse, the leather satchel still attached, though the sword inside was absent. Anxiously, Luna glanced back toward the ancestral hall; the fishermen had scattered in panic, and the air was thick with the scent of blood—an unmistakably real aroma that left her bewildered. She waved her hand before her eyes, attempting to ascertain if she was still in the realm of reality.
"You're injured," Leo's voice came from behind her.
"Ah?"
Before them stretched the vast, endless sea.
Realizing she bore an ache on her right shoulder, Luna longed to confirm the injury but was overcome by a profound weariness, her eyelids growing heavy.
In the haze, she faintly heard Leo speaking, his voice mingling with the sounds of waves and birds: "...There's a medicine box under the coffee table in the living room..."
Section 7
Awakening to the urgent calls of the cuckoo, Luna Wu found herself sprawled at the foot of her bed, her gaze fixed upon the jade pillow, still emitting a faint glow. To her astonishment, the events that had transpired moments before did not recur.
So it truly was a dream of yellow millet, Luna mused.
Aside from the jade pillow, her phone lay on the bed. As she raised her arm to retrieve it, a sharp pain suddenly pierced her right shoulder. Startled, she quickly turned on the light, rolled up her short sleeve, and discovered a long, narrow cut on her upper arm.
Having helped her mother at the market during her childhood, Luna was no stranger to treating wounds. However, in the dead of night and far from home, she could not immediately find any medical supplies. As she pondered whether to venture out for some, the persistent cuckoo calls from outside sparked a memory—Leo Lee's words just before she awoke—
There was indeed a first aid kit beneath the coffee table in the living room.
Being a personal item of the landlord, Luna hesitated to take it, but she opened their chat history instead. The last message from her was a video she had sent him five minutes prior. Leo had not yet replied.
Lost in thought, a new message from Leo arrived, a simple four-word response: Received. Thank you.
After considering her options, Luna decided to ask him: May I borrow the first aid kit in the living room? I have a sudden scrape on my arm, and it's too late to go out.
Leo replied quickly: Of course.
A flurry of questions filled Luna's mind as she retrieved the first aid kit, discovering an assortment of medical supplies inside. Though the cut on her upper arm was long, it was not deep, requiring only basic disinfection.
As she spotted the iodine solution in the kit, Luna recalled that its shelf life was limited, so she checked the production date on the bottle, only to feel a sense of bewilderment.
The iodine had been produced just this past June. Unwilling to take it at face value, she inspected the other items in the kit—medical gauze, disinfectant, adhesive bandages, remedies for bruises and sprains, cold medicine, fever-reducing anti-inflammatories… All the supplies bore production dates no earlier than March of this year.
Once she had finished her inspection, a series of questions loomed above her:
Based on her past experiences with dreams, they usually serve as an artistic "creation" of reality. Having sustained an injury in real life without waking up, the dream would conjure a narrative for that wound. This dream of yellow millet, which she had experienced mere moments ago, likely stemmed from that.
But how had she sustained this injury? There were no sharp objects in her room that could have made such a long cut.
Why were there medical supplies with such recent production dates in a house that had been uninhabited for years?
Why had Leo appeared in her dream to inform her about the first aid kit under the coffee table?
After treating her arm, Luna noticed the time—it was already past one in the morning. She sent Leo a new message: When will you return to Shenzhen?
Leo replied instantly: Soon.
Section 8
As September ushered in the new academic year, Luna Wu reported to the college, collected her class schedule, and met with department leaders and colleagues. Having spent the past seven years entrenched in academia, she was no stranger to campus life. With only six classes each week, she quickly adapted to her teaching routine, allowing herself ample leisure time to ponder the jade pillow and Leo Lee.
During this period, Leo did not reach out to her again.
The school was two kilometers from her rented apartment, so Luna walked to and from work.
That evening, after dining in the cafeteria, Luna followed her usual path home. Upon reaching the ground floor, she suddenly felt inclined to take a stroll along the seaside and altered her route towards the South Sea.
Along the way, Luna sensed someone was trailing her.
At first, she suspected it was her imagination. She glanced back several times, finding no one behind her. To confirm her instincts, she intentionally lingered in a public restroom for a while; when she emerged, the footsteps persisted.
Remaining calm, Luna "strolled" for over an hour, and the figure remained close behind her.
She resolved to visit the community police station.
Having passed two traffic lights, she saw the police station approaching when the footsteps behind her abruptly quickened. A twinge of panic gripped her, and she tightened her grip on her phone, carefully observing the pedestrians nearby, ready to call for help at any moment.
Suddenly, a tall figure blocked her path. "Miss Wu," he said.
Luna took two steps back, her gaze narrowing on the stranger, who appeared somewhat familiar. "Who are you?"
On that sultry summer night in Shenzhen, he wore a lightweight dark blue trench coat. "Leo Lee."
Luna stared at him in disbelief, glancing back over her shoulder. "Are you the one following me?"
Leo's gaze drifted forward, toward the direction of her apartment. "I feared that returning recklessly might alarm you, Miss Wu."
"You're following me, yet you're not afraid of frightening me?"
"It was not my intention to stalk you; I simply missed the opportunity," Leo replied. "When I realized you were about to report me to the police, I understood the situation had become rather serious."
"Missed the opportunity… what opportunity?"
Leo did not rush to answer. With pedestrians continuously passing by, he politely stepped aside and said softly, "Would you prefer to talk at my home or outside? You may choose the location."
After a moment of hesitation, Luna replied, "Let's go to your home; after all, it is your residence."
"Very well."
"Please wait while I send a WeChat message to my classmate; she's worried that I might encounter danger and is awaiting news of my safety."
Leo smiled faintly. "Take your time."
As Luna sent the message under Leo's watchful eye, she intended it as a subtle warning. Though the landlord appeared benign, his presence was somewhat unsettling, and she felt the need to remain cautious.
On the way home with Leo, Luna finally recalled an overlooked detail: aside from his attire, the Leo Lee in reality was identical to the one in her dreams.
She discreetly assessed the height difference between them—both were of the same stature.
Entering the building, they turned up the staircase, and Luna pondered aloud, "Mr. Lee, have you seen me before?"
"Never."
"Then how do you know I am Luna Wu?"
"The rental contract included a copy of your identification card."
Ah, I had forgotten that detail, Luna thought. She had asked the agent why the landlord didn't provide a copy of his ID, and the agent explained that landlords typically only needed to show the property deed and their ID number.
Before long, they reached the sixth floor. Luna opened the door and noticed the shoe rack. "I'm afraid I don't have any men's slippers at home."
"There are disposable slippers in the drawer of the TV cabinet," Leo said nonchalantly. "I apologize for the trouble."
Though Leo spoke casually, Luna felt a shiver run down her spine. Remembering the first aid kit beneath the coffee table and observing Leo's strikingly handsome face and the gentle smile he wore, she realized that he was far from ordinary.