After the Rain by the Canal, Zhenhe Residence Exudes Leisurely Comfort

Just as the rain stops, a thin layer of light floats on the bluestone pavement. The Grand Canal wakes from its nap, spreading wrinkled silk for ten miles, immersing half the city in rippling reflections. Water droplets from the eaves slowly count the hours, one drop, two drops, making even the copper bells on the wooden window frames by the river grow drowsy. Old willow trees hang their wet long beards, while the dark-tiled white walls on both banks blur into a damp ink painting. As dusk creeps in, shops along the street light up orange lanterns one by one. The water breaks the light into pieces then reassembles it, reflecting the hazy flags of wine shops and flower windows. The glow broken by boat oars slowly heals, as the sunset flows like honey, brewing the entire canal into a jar of sweet, mildly intoxicating wine—at this moment, it's best to be like that stranded paper boat, resting on the sound of water, swaying gently, letting time slip through your fingers like fine sand. Hangzhou Zhenhe Residence (Grand Canal Gongchen Bridge East subway station location)