Tracing Shadows in the Dream

Meanwhile, in the bustling heart of Beijing, the nation's capital, a woman in her early fifties sat in the opulent confines of her grand mansion. Her gaze was fixed upon a photograph of a young man, a daily ritual that she had perfected over time. Each day, she replaced the picture with a different one, and it was a habit she clung to as though it were her lifeline. She was a master of disguise, and her ability to switch from determination to despair was nothing short of an Oscar-worthy performance.

The subtle sound of heels echoed on the marble floor as the door creaked open, signaling a newcomer's entrance. Swiftly, the woman concealed the photograph, transforming her demeanor from determination to depression in the blink of an eye. The woman who had just entered seemed accustomed to this behavior, for she smiled and inquired, "How are you doing today?"