Clearwater Retreat

Xi Honglei spotted the shop at once. Along a street in Yangzhou lined with black tiles and white walls, it alone was built of fine, sky-blue bricks, hazy as though veiled in mist. It brought out the distinctive, rain-drenched charm of Jiangnan at a glance. Tiny crystal beads were set into the lintels on either side of the entrance, delicate and charming. On the paulownia signboard, the five characters “Qingshui Tianran Residence” were written in graceful strokes, yet held an uncommon depth of spirit. Theme: