In contemplation, he stood quietly by the water, feeling the breeze blowing, the warmth of the winter sun falling on him, the bird calls and distant floral scents, and the sense of reality the world brought to him.
The sense of emptiness in his heart continued to dissipate.
Then he slowly closed his eyes, and with each breath, he resonated with the rhythms of heaven and earth.
Gradually, he felt an increasing harmony with this world.
A long time passed.
From the faint sounds coming from afar and the food aroma that was almost imperceptible, he knew that if he didn't go soon, his sister-in-law would come to call him.
Then, he opened his eyes and began to walk toward the place where they were eating.
...
Afternoon.
He returned to his courtyard once again.
At this moment, he felt no barriers between himself and this world.
The laughter of Little Dumpling still echoed in his mind.
