I felt a wave of dizziness, as if I were caught in a swirling vortex, everything around me becoming blurred and indistinct.
The floor undulated like waves, and the old photographs on the walls twisted into grotesque shapes, mocking my helplessness.
I struggled to open my eyes, but my eyelids felt as heavy as lead, refusing to budge.
I tried with all my might, yet my eyelids seemed glued shut, immovable.
The piercing cries of Jiang Yao echoed in my ears, each wail like a sharp knife stabbing at my eardrums, sending waves of nausea and fear coursing through me.
Amidst the cries was a chilling sobbing, as if it were accusing something or pleading for something.
I felt my body becoming weightless, like a feather drifting aimlessly through the air, losing all sense of direction and control.
I was like a kite with its string cut, tossed about by the fierce wind, rising and falling, swaying left and right.
I wanted to struggle, to escape, but found myself utterly immobilized, as if bound by an invisible force.
My limbs were stiff, my breathing labored, and my consciousness began to fade.
Despair washed over me; was I truly going to die here?
The fear of death surged like a tide, threatening to drown me.
Suddenly, I heard a gentle voice calling my name: "Lin Xia... Lin Xia..."
That voice was like a ray of sunlight piercing through the thick darkness, illuminating the despair within my heart.
It was familiar yet strange, reminiscent of something heard in a dream—ethereal yet distinctly clear.
It was like a fine thread, pulling me back from the abyss of death.
I struggled to open my eyes, wanting to see who was calling me. Finally, my eyelids parted just enough to reveal a blurry figure standing before me. The figure radiated a soft glow, like a bright lamp illuminating the dark room.
The light was not blinding; instead, it dispelled the surrounding darkness and brought a sense of warmth and hope.
I wanted to see her face clearly, but I found it impossible. Her features were indistinct, as if shrouded in a thin mist that obscured my view.
That mist was like a mysterious veil, hiding her true appearance and making me even more curious.
She reached out her hand and gently caressed my cheek. Her touch was warm, like the sunlight on a winter day, driving away the chill that enveloped me. I felt a wave of comfort and reassurance, as if I had returned to my mother’s embrace.
That warm sensation filled me with an unparalleled sense of security, as if all my fears had vanished into thin air.
“Lin Xia, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Her voice was gentle yet firm, like a calming balm that soothed my spirit.
Her soothing words flowed again like a clear spring, washing away my fears and anxieties.
My heartbeat gradually steadied, and my breathing became smoother.
I felt my body slowly regaining sensation; my eyelids grew lighter. At last, I could fully open my eyes and see everything before me.
The furnishings in the room were still old-fashioned, but they no longer filled me with dread; instead, they felt oddly familiar.
Standing in front of me was a woman with flowing hair. Her gaze was deep and mysterious, as if she could see through everything.
Her eyes sparkled like the stars in the night sky, radiating a glow of wisdom.
She wore a simple yet elegant outfit reminiscent of the Republic of China, exuding a faint scent of sandalwood that contrasted sharply with the musty odor lingering in the old house, making her presence feel refreshingly out of place.
The mingling scents of sandalwood and mildew created a peculiar aroma that, surprisingly, was not unpleasant.
I recognized her; she was my neighbor, Chen Mo, a mysterious and knowledgeable woman who was well-versed in the history of the old residence.
Her appearance was unexpected yet somehow felt inevitable.
I asked in astonishment, "Chen Mo? What are you doing here?"
My voice was slightly hoarse, tinged with disbelief.
Chen Mo smiled gently and replied, "I sensed that you were in danger, so I came to check on you."
Her smile was as warm as a spring breeze, soothing my inner turmoil.
Her voice was calm, as if everything were under her control. I felt a wave of reassurance wash over me, as if I had found a lifeline.
Looking around, I noticed that Jiang Yao had vanished without a trace. The room felt empty, leaving just Chen Mo and me. A shiver ran down my spine as I recalled everything that had just happened; it felt like a nightmare that lingered in my mind.
My back grew cold, and sweat soaked through my clothes.
Chen Mo looked at me with concern in her eyes and asked, "Are you alright?"
Her gaze was filled with worry, bringing me a sense of warmth amidst my fear.
I shook my head and said, "I'm fine, thank you for saving me."
My voice still trembled a bit, but my heart had calmed down significantly.
Chen Mo smiled slightly and replied, "No need to thank me; it's what I should do."
Her smile reassured me, as if everything would be alright.
She paused for a moment before continuing, "Lin Xia, I know you're very interested in the history of the old mansion, but it's dangerous here. You'd better not come back."
Her tone turned serious, which made me feel a twinge of unease.
I looked at Chen Mo, filled with confusion, and asked, "Why? What secrets are hidden in this old mansion?"
My curiosity was thoroughly piqued; I was eager to know the answer.
Chen Mo's gaze deepened as she said, "Some secrets are better left undiscovered."
Her tone was grave, as if warning me about something. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me, my heart filled with both curiosity and fear. I desperately wanted to know the truth but was also afraid of facing the unknown dangers.
My heart was conflicted; I craved the truth yet feared the consequences it might bring.
Chen Mo looked at me and sighed, saying, "Lin Xia, I know you're brave, but some things can't be solved just by courage."
She paused again before adding, "If you really want to know the truth, I can help you. But you must promise me that no matter what happens, you will stay calm and not act impulsively."
I gazed at Chen Mo, filled with gratitude. I nodded and said, "I promise you."
Chen Mo smiled slightly and said, "Alright, let's go."
She took my hand and led me out of the room, leaving the old house behind.
Outside, the night was as dark as ink, and the cold wind pierced through me. I took a deep breath, feeling as if I had just awakened from a nightmare, filled with confusion and unease.
Chen Mo looked at me and said, "Lin Xia, I know you have many questions, but now is not the time to tell you. When the moment is right, I will explain everything."
I nodded and replied, "I understand."
Chen Mo smiled and said, "Well, it's getting late. You should head back and rest."
I looked at Chen Mo, my heart full of gratitude. I said, "Thank you, Chen Mo."
She turned to leave, her figure gradually disappearing into the night. I stood there watching her back, filled with both doubt and anticipation. I sensed that my fate would undergo a tremendous change because of tonight's encounter.
I turned and walked towards home. My steps felt heavy, my heart filled with anxiety. Tonight's experience only deepened my curiosity and fear regarding the secrets of the old house.
I felt as if I had been swept into a massive whirlpool from which there was no escape. I didn't know what awaited me, but I had made up my mind to uncover the secrets of the old house, no matter how dangerous it might be.
I looked up at the night sky, where countless stars twinkled with mysterious light, as if guiding me forward. Taking a deep breath, I continued on my way, disappearing into the darkness.
(The End)
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