Buildings hanging in the air
Refers to unrealistic plans or ideas, as well as imaginary or fictional things
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《史记》(Shǐ Jì), or the famous work "Records of the Grand Historian" by 司马迁 (Sī Mǎ Qiān).
A long time ago there was a wealthy man who was exceptionally ignorant. Once, he went to visit a fellow wealthy person who had just had a new house constructed. The three-story house was very grand, and the ignorant man immediately grew envious. He said to himself, "I have just as much money as this fellow. Why have I never thought to construct such a structure like this?" He immediately called over a carpenter and asked him whether he could construct a similar house.
"I constructed that very house myself," replied the carpenter.
"Then make me a house immediately!" said the wealthy man.
Soon, the carpenter began to work. When the wealthy man saw him laying bricks, though, he grew suspicious, and he asked the carpenter what he was doing.
"I'm building your three-story home," replied the worker.
"I don't want the first two floors. Just make the third floor first."
"What? How could I possibly do that!?" responded the builder.
The rich man obstinately persisted, "But I don't want the two lower floors. You need to make just the top floor for me!"
When other people heard of his demands, they all roared with laughter.