An illusion?

Xie Ai felt a weightless sensation engulf him as soon as he stepped inside the shrine. His eyes widened in surprise, and he instinctively reached out for support, but his hands found nothing to hold onto. Dizziness washed over him, causing his vision to blur and his mind to go blank.

His thoughts evaporated, leaving him in a state of emptiness and confusion. There was no fear on his face, just a vacant expression as he blinked.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on a familiar bed. Furrowing his brow, he gazed at the ceiling, trying to piece together what had just happened. His memories felt hazy and incomplete as if something important had slipped from his grasp.

What was the last thing he remembered?

Xie Ai's frown deepened as he struggled to sort through his memories. How did he end up back in his apartment near his workspace? He had purchased this place when he was still in a relationship with...

Wait, why was he thinking about it in the past tense?