Chapter 2: Tower in the garden
As the sliding door glided open, another paper wall momentarily obscured my view of the room beyond. Slowly navigating around it, I found myself in a spacious rectangular hall with polished wood flooring. In the center lay a large, cream-colored carpet, intricately woven with depictions of mythical beasts and winding rivers. Surrounding the central carpet, meticulously designed wooden tables and chairs stood proudly, their craftsmanship evident. Along the walls, bookcases filled with scrolls and manuals sat alongside pots of fresh flowers and skillfully crafted shelves displaying small statues and vases.
At the far end of the antechamber, an impressive set of polished wood double doors, adorned with delicate carvings, served as the gateway to the courtyard. Mythical creatures in bronze or brass embellishments enhanced the air of mystique and elegance. Semi-transparent silk curtains draped over the door frame, filtering soft, diffused light into the room while maintaining a sense of privacy.
Following the central carpet, I reached the other side of the hall and pushed open the doors, revealing a picturesque courtyard. A smooth stone path meandered through the landscape, bordered by lush gardens that seemed to bask in the moonlight's tender embrace. Before I could be swept away by the tranquil scene, the reality of my situation anchored me to the present.
Stepping onto the wooden veranda that wrapped around the courtyard, I felt its sturdy, polished surface beneath my sandals. The walkway extended to the left and right, its gracefully curved eave tiles providing shelter. Lanterns suspended from round wooden pillars cast their warm, flickering glow upon the path, inviting me to explore this unfamiliar world further.
I chose to venture into the heart of the courtyard, lured by the outline of a distant structure. With each click of my sandals, the courtyard's stone path drew me closer to the mysterious building. A gentle breeze caressed my face, stirring my hair, which was now longer than I remembered. The gardens around me seemed to dance in harmony with the wind, their blossoms swaying gracefully.
Soon, the structure I'd glimpsed earlier came into focus. An ancient Chinese architectural masterpiece, the tower stood tall and proud, its hexagonal base and three-story wooden and stone façade crowned by soaring blue eave roofs. A lantern-lit path branched off from the main walkway, leading me toward the tower's entrance. Surrounded by a symphony of floral beds and ornate rocks, the tower's wooden door was adorned with familiar cloud and serpent motifs, while brass fittings awaited the hand that would grant entry.
With a gentle tug, the door yielded, and I stepped into a realm of serenity. Dominating the room's center, a jade serpent sculpture coiled upon itself atop a wooden altar intricately carved with clouds. A winding staircase beckoned me upward from one corner, while another corner played host to a potted plant near a window. In yet another corner, a low wooden table and cushioned seating awaited quiet contemplation.
Following the staircase to the second floor, I found it remarkably similar to the first, and so I ascended once more, this time to the tower's summit. The third floor offered a peaceful sanctuary, with a low lacquered table taking center stage, surrounded by cushioned floor chairs. The walls were adorned with scrolls depicting ancient Chinese calligraphy and breathtaking landscapes. The lattice-framed windows, larger on this level than on the lower floors, served as portals to the mesmerizing world beyond. The inviting balcony beckoned me to step out and embrace the symphony of rustling leaves and the enchanting melodies of wind chimes that hung from the eaves.
As I stepped onto the balcony, an unforgettable panorama unfurled before me. The compound stretched out, with buildings of the same ancient Chinese design filling my view. This surreal scene solidified the truth that I was in an entirely different world, and I struggled to comprehend the situation. All I could do was close my eyes and take deep breaths, searching for clarity amid the confusion.
Before this, I had been just an ordinary guy with a blue-collar job. My life had been neither too difficult nor too easy, and I had found my rhythm over the years. At 36 years old, I had settled into a comfortable existence. But now, everything was different. My body felt younger, but the rest was uncertain. Was it time travel? No, that didn't seem right; if it were, I would have retained my original body or been a younger version of myself. So what could it be?
As implausible as it seemed, the concept of transmigration began to take root in my mind. The more I considered it, the more it seemed to explain my predicament. Waking up in an unfamiliar world, inhabiting a different body, and suddenly understanding the language of the young woman – all these pieces seemed to fit together under the umbrella of transmigration. It was a wild idea, but in light of everything I had experienced, I couldn't help but wonder: was I a transmigrator?
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