A Hidden Paradise

A bamboo fence covered in flowers, with green grass entwined, brought a touch of spring to the autumn setting, delighting those who saw it.

Two yellow and white Chinese rural dogs played in the yard, occasionally barking, startling birds from the trees, causing leaves to fall on the resting person below.

The slight disturbance wasn’t enough to wake the person napping.

Her breathing was steady, her chest gently rising and falling, a smile on her lips suggesting a pleasant dream.

Her face, seemingly crafted by a divine hand, appeared even more vivid under the dappled tree shadows.

But the tranquility was short-lived, shattered by a young girl rushing into the courtyard.

“Sister! That uncle woke up, you should check on him!”

The girl’s voice was clear and bright, impossible to ignore.

The woman on the chair finally stirred.

She slowly opened her eyes, rubbed her waist, and stood up from the lounge chair, calming the girl while heading inside.

“Alright, alright, I’m going now, don’t worry.”

Though she said not to worry, her steps were quick, soon leaving the girl behind.

Crossing the high threshold, she entered the simply furnished house, immediately spotting the man on the bed, wide-eyed and watching her.

“You’re awake! How do you feel? Are you okay? Let me know if anything’s wrong.”

Anyone interested in entertainment gossip or popular stars would be surprised.

The woman speaking was Qiao Sisi, recently a rising star, considered one of the most promising young actresses.

She wore casual clothes, no makeup, her hair loose, looking more like a regular college student than a glamorous celebrity.

The man blinked at her, silent.

Instead, he cautiously scanned the room, finally focusing on Qiao Sisi.

In a low voice, he asked, “Where is this?”

Qiao Sisi ignored his wariness, stepping forward leisurely to sit by the bed, her hands gesturing as she softly replied.

“This is a hidden paradise, a fairyland on earth.”

Fang Zhou’s mouth twitched at her words, clearly skeptical.

“Why am I here? Wasn’t I on the island?”

He knew this wasn’t the island due to the lack of salty sea air.

Instead, the air was dry, making his nose feel like it might bleed from the heat.

His last memory was seeing Chu Xinran jump into the sea and diving in after her.

But the waves grew stronger, sapping his strength.

Unable to find her, he was exhausted.

He intended to return to shore but felt something entangle his feet, preventing escape.

He watched his consciousness fade into darkness.

Then he awoke here.

Opening his eyes, he saw a rosy-cheeked girl excitedly calling him uncle before running out to fetch Qiao Sisi.

Qiao Sisi rested her head on her hands, eyes sparkling, earnestly telling Fang Zhou.

“You fell into the water, remember? I found you by the sea.”

“The island’s medical facilities were too basic, so I brought you here for treatment. It seems you’ve recovered well, which is good.”

Her explanation made Fang Zhou imagine the scene.

Had he been washed ashore and found by Qiao Sisi during her walk?

If so, she was indeed his savior.

Yet, he skeptically eyed his surroundings.

Simple decor, walls seemingly just plastered, a wooden nightstand, and the bed beneath him, not typical of a big city.

Could this be better than the island?

Perhaps his doubt was obvious, as Qiao Sisi laughed, showing her bright teeth like a blooming sunflower.

“Haha, look at your expression. You’re out of danger, so we’re not in a hospital!”

Her casual, natural tone made Fang Zhou believe her.

He nodded, pondering, “Thank you. How long was I asleep?”

Qiao Sisi furrowed her brow, thinking before answering, “About three or four days.”

Fang Zhou sat up, exclaiming, “What? That long! My sister must be worried. I need to find her!”

He moved to leave, but Qiao Sisi’s nonchalant, slightly mocking laugh stopped him.

“Where are you going? We’re at least 3000 kilometers from Kyoto. Returning won’t be easy.”

Fang Zhou froze, staring at her in shock.

“What? How can it be so far?”

Disbelieving, he hurried past her to the door.

But it was closed, perhaps by Qiao Sisi when she entered.

He couldn’t open it.

It was locked from outside.

His mind flashed to the girl’s face.

It was her.

She fetched Qiao Sisi and locked them in.

Qiao Sisi approached, grasping his hand, soothingly saying, “Don’t believe me? Come, I’ll show you.”

The house had unique square windows, offering a view outside.

A snow-capped mountain came into view, its blue hue mingling with fluffy white clouds, creating a magnificent scene.

Fang Zhou’s heart sank.

This wasn’t the terrain of Kyoto’s plains.