Night had fallen over Green Lotus Pond, where fireflies danced among the lotus leaves. By the water, four children carried buckets and caught loaches.

A police car drove over and stopped on the road beside the pond. Zhang Kai got out of the car and shouted, "Come here! Come here! All of you, get over here!"

The four children looked up, then obediently climbed back onto shore. Zhang Kai launched into a furious scolding, then turned to Yu Xian. "I'll take them home first. You'll be fine here, right?"

Yu Xian sat cross-legged inside his bubble. He glanced at Zhang Kai, swept his gaze over the curious children staring at him, and nodded. "Go ahead. Leave this place to me."

Fortunately, none of the children had gotten hurt.  Zhang Kai nodded and left with them.

Only after the group had gone far away did Yu Xian slowly float toward the Green Lotus Pond. He allowed...