Lost In Thought

Thousands of miles away, as night enveloped the city, Li Yanmei found herself leaning on the balcony railings of their house, her eyes fixed on the star-studded sky.

The urban sprawl shimmered below, the city lights transforming the night into a mesmerizing pattern of twinkling colors.

The cool night air brushed against her skin, carrying with it a sense of tranquility.

Li Yanmei let her mind wander, her heart longing for the resolution of the mysteries in the dreamscape.

The moon cast a soft glow over the bustling city as Li Yanmei stood on the porch, her breath forming small puffs of mist in the chilly night air.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice her mother quietly approaching from behind.

"Meimei," Mother Li called gently, her voice carrying a hint of concern. "It's getting late. The night is cold. You should come inside and rest."

Startled, Li Yanmei turned to face her mother, her cheeks flushed from the cool breeze. "Oh, Mom, I was just enjoying the night sky. It's so enchanting."

Mother Li smiled, her eyes reflecting both love and understanding. "I know, my dear. The night sky holds a world of wonders. But it's important to take care of yourself too. The cold can seep into your bones if you stay out too long."

Li Yanmei nodded, her gaze lingering on the sparkling stars. "I'll come inside, Mom. Just a few more minutes, please."

Mother Li reached out and gently took her hand. "Come inside. It's time to rest. You don't want your dad worrying about you, do you?"

Reluctantly, Li Yanmei allowed her mother to lead her inside the cozy house.

The warmth enveloped her as soon as they stepped through the doorway, chasing away the chill that had settled in her bones.

In her bedroom, Li Yanmei slipped into her soft pajamas, her mind still filled with the wonders of the night sky.

She climbed into bed, the covers cocooning her in a comforting embrace.

Snuggled beneath the blankets, Li Yanmei closed her eyes and stepped into the dreamscape, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

She didn't know if she could meet Xiao Bao again.

Or, if she would be transported in someone else's dreamscape tonight.

Regardless, she still held hopes that maybe meeting Xiao Bao wouldn't just happen once in a blue moon.

In a different part of the world, Xu Qingyu, snug in his bed, slept quietly alone in his room, clutching a panda plushie close to his chest.

The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a silvery glow upon the plush toys that adorned his bedside table.

As the night turned deep, their dreamscapes shimmered with vibrant colors, as if painting a picture of their own secret world.

Li Yanmei found herself standing in the vibrant dreamscape once again, where reality blended with fantasy.

The soft glow of moonlight bathed the surroundings as she looked around, her heart filled with a sense of anticipation.

She knew she would find Xiao Bao here, somewhere among the familiar whimsical landscapes.

Spotting a familiar figure in the distance, Li Yanmei made her way towards him.

As she approached, she noticed Xiao Bao sitting on a moss-covered stone, engrossed in his own thoughts.

His panda onesie added a touch of adorable charm to the scene.

With a mischievous smile playing on her lips, Li Yanmei called out to him, her voice filled with playful teasing. "Xiao Bao, look who's here! Did you miss me, sweetie?"

Xiao Bao's ears perked up, and he turned to face her, a surprised expression on his face. "Pretty sister!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with delight. "Of course, I missed you! You're my best friend!"

Li Yanmei couldn't help but laugh at his earnest response.

She skipped over to him and plopped down on the stone beside him. "Oh, really now? Best friends, huh?"

Xiao Bao nodded vigorously, his fluffy panda ears bouncing. "Yes, yes! Best friends forever!"

Li Yanmei leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I must admit, I missed you too. It's not every day I get to explore this magical dreamscape with such an adorable little panda like you."

Xiao Bao's cheeks turned a rosy shade, and he fidgeted with the hem of his panda onesie. "I'm not just adorable, you know," he said, trying to sound serious but failing to hide a hint of a smile.

Li Yanmei chuckled, gently nudging his shoulder. "Oh, I know, Xiao Bao. You're brave and smart too, just like a real panda."

Xiao Bao beamed with pride, his eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, pretty sister. It means a lot coming from you."

Li Yanmei reached out and ruffled his fluffy hair playfully. "You're welcome, my little panda friend. Now, how about we continue exploring your huge panda park? I'm eager to see what else is there!"

Xiao Bao's eyes sparkled with excitement as he hopped off the stone. "Yes, let's go, pretty sister! I'll tour you around! Let's go!"

Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely around the dreamscape, their banters and laughter could be heard every now and then.

Li Yanmei relished this moment of relaxation—although this was only in the dreamscape.

Who told her to solve civil engineering reference problems for the whole day non-stop?

A stroll in the park was just perfectly what she needed right now to unwind.

However, when she happened to glance at her young companion, she immediately noticed a subtle change in his demeanor.

Xiao Bao, who had been chattering away with enthusiasm just moments ago, now walked quietly beside her, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

His usual bubbly energy seemed to have dimmed, replaced by a thoughtful and distant expression.

Concern flickered in Li Yanmei's eyes as she observed her little friend. "Xiao Bao, is something on your mind? You've become so quiet all of a sudden."

Xiao Bao turned his head to meet her gaze, his panda onesie blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

His eyes, usually filled with sparkles of excitement, were now downcast. He tried to show her a smile, but his upturned lips lowered not long after.

"I'm fine, pretty sister," he replied softly, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "Just lost in my thoughts for a moment."