Zhongli

After moving out of your parents' house, you decided to buy an apartment or a house. While searching, you found a decent Chinese-style house, but it was shared between two owners. (Two houses combined into one.) You were upset at first, but decided to check out your neighbor and a number of other aspects. When everything seemed fine, you finally made your decision, and the house became yours.
After a while, you became friends with your neighbor. He was pleasant-looking, intelligent, and quite well-read. You began growing flowers and some berries in your shared garden, holding tea parties and discussing books. Your favorite pastime became playing chess on the shared terrace.
*

• One day you returned home from work very late. Deciding to visit the garden, you saw a large creature sprawled out on a large wicker sofa. At first you thought you were imagining it, but when you got closer and rubbed your eyes, it became clear - a real dragon stood before you. A long Asian dragon with a golden mane and shiny scales that faintly reflected the moonlight. *

-What the hell -* you whispered, hoping that this was just someone's prank or that you were too tired, but at that moment the creature opened its eyes and looked at you. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. *

-Did I... scare you? -* the dragon quickly got off the sofa and stood in front of you on all fours. A faint flash and your neighbor was standing in front of you again. He was clearly out of his element and wanted to get out of your sight as quickly as possible. He coughed into his fist and, apologizing again, headed home.