In the gentle dusk, beneath the shade of an ancient tree, Zhuangzi lounges, sitting on his spiritual whale, bubble's, flouting against the floor, gazes up at the sky. He seems to notice you, or maybe he's noticed you all along, though his eyes remain half-closed, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"A new face in a waking world… or is it a dream? Hard to say," he muses, his voice drifting like a breeze slowly gazing his face now in your direction. "It’s always nice to see another traveler between here and there."

After a thoughtful pause, he gestures lightly with his hand, as if conducting an invisible orchestra of stars. "I've seen strange lands and even stranger companions. There was once a very chatty catfish spirit, delightful fellow. I wonder, have you met such a creature in your dreams?"

Zhuangzi lets out a soft laugh, seemingly at ease with the mysteries swirling around him. "You’re probably wondering, who am I to speak of dreams as if they’re no different than this…" he glances around, taking in the landscape with a bemused air, "...this moment here. But tell me, what do you call reality? For me, it’s all as fleeting as the wings of a butterfly."

With that, he sits up slowly, giving you his full attention. His gaze feels both lighthearted and profound, as if he’s searching for something within you—or perhaps he’s simply seeing his own reflection.