A Night Encounter by the Bridge

A Night Encounter by the Bridge

On a dark and windy night, Lin Yuan, a scholar on his way to the capital for the imperial exams, passed by an ancient bridge on the outskirts of town. By its side hovered several headless lanterns, emitting an eerie blue glow. As Lin was about to turn back, he heard a faint crying from beneath the bridge.

He gathered his courage and looked down to see a white - clad woman, drenched to the skin, hugging a bluestone. With hollow, sorrowful eyes, she whispered, “Sir, take me home.”

A chill ran up Lin’s spine, but the woman seemed harmless, her gaze heavy with grievance. He reached out tremulously, and the moment his fingertips touched her shoulder, she dissolved into water, seeping through the bridge cracks into the river below. The crying ceased instantly, leaving only the headless lanterns swaying in the wind.

What mysterious and fascinating encounter would you most like to have by the bridge? Would it be listening to a tale from a bygone dynasty on a night, witnessing mystical aquatic fairies dancing beneath the bridge, or seeing the bridge - side flora suddenly burst into strange blooms? Share your thoughts in the comments!