[7] The Woman Destined for Xiaoyang
23
Lin Xiaoyang packed his luggage and prepared to return to the long-closed hotel by Lake Lucerne. The scenery outside the car window gradually became familiar, with mountains and the lake coming into view. When he drove into the parking lot, he found that the gates of Paradise Hotel were still tightly locked, like a sleeping beast silently guarding everything.
After stopping the car, his gaze fell upon the once lively stone sculpture garden. Now, those statues had long disappeared, leaving only shattered pieces of stone scattered across the ground. A wave of sorrow welled up in his heart. He silently walked toward the main gate and unlocked the rusted lock.
While moving into Room 504, Xiaoyang’s arms trembled slightly. The heavy suitcase and backpack brought him a sense of fatigue. This building, although once his paradise, had also witnessed countless twists and changes. After putting down his belongings, he took a deep breath and decided to walk around the lobby first to sort out his thoughts.
As he stepped into the lobby, before he even reached the bar counter, hurried footsteps came from outside the door. Xiaoyang slightly raised his head. A tall figure stood at the entrance. Wilson was dressed in a simple white shirt, looking somewhat out of place. He seemed a bit nervous, and his speech was slightly hesitant, yet his eyes revealed determination.
“Boss, I’ve come to apply for a job,” Wilson said, lowering his head and bowing slightly, his tone carrying a hint of unease.
Xiaoyang frowned slightly, somewhat surprised, his tone tinged with confusion. “I just got back from Paris. How did you show up so quickly?”
Wilson scratched his head and gave an honest smile before speaking slowly, “Huang Lihua informed me.”
Xiaoyang froze for a moment, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, clearly unconvinced. “Huang Lihua? Didn’t he already turn into a stone statue?”
Wilson raised his eyebrows and lowered his voice mysteriously. “A few friends and I, along with the police, rescued Huang Lihua.”
Xiaoyang’s expression became complicated, and he asked hesitantly, “Is Huang Lihua in good health?”
Wilson nodded slightly, his tone firm. “He has fully recovered and is traveling nearby.”
Xiaoyang let out a soft sigh of relief, seeming somewhat reassured, then continued, “Alright, I do need a manager. Do you think you’re capable of handling this job?”
Wilson straightened his back, his gaze firm, and replied without hesitation, “I can do it, Boss.” His voice echoed slightly, as if it were a promise to himself.
Xiaoyang nodded and said casually, “Good. I’ll also need more staff. Recruiting employees will be your responsibility.”
Wilson smiled confidently as he accepted the task. “No problem, Boss.”
Xiaoyang’s gaze grew more focused. After thinking for a moment, he added, “Try to recruit young people. I want this place to be full of energy and youth when it reopens.”
Wilson patted his chest and smiled. “Got it, Boss.”
Xiaoyang looked around, a trace of contemplation flashing in his eyes. He walked to a long table nearby and pointed at the surroundings. “You should be more familiar with this place than I am. I plan to renovate the hotel. Can you help find people to handle it?”
Wilson gave him a thumbs-up, his tone relaxed and confident. “No problem. I have friends who understand these things. I’ll get them to help.”
Xiaoyang smiled slightly, his tone becoming a bit serious. “Also, you need to learn Chinese as soon as possible, because your boss is Chinese.” He paused briefly, then continued, “In the next few days, you and the new staff should move out Huang Lihua’s paintings, pack them into crates. I’ll notify the museum in France to send people to inventory and collect them.”
Wilson nodded, having no objections to the tasks, and asked casually, “Boss, should we keep a few paintings as decoration?”
Xiaoyang thought for a moment and replied with a smile, “That’s a good idea. I’ll select a few paintings for you to arrange during the renovation.” After a brief pause, he continued, “In a few days, I need to go back to Paris to discuss the collection of Huang Lihua’s works with several museum directors. While I’m away, we can stay in touch via video calls.”
Wilson nodded firmly, his gaze resolute. “Understood, Boss.”
Xiaoyang reached out and patted Wilson’s shoulder, his tone carrying warm encouragement. “Then from now on, this place is in your hands.”
The two exchanged a glance, as if a certain understanding had formed between them. Xiaoyang turned and walked toward the window, gazing at the blue lake in the distance, while in his heart he had already begun drafting a new blueprint for this place that was about to be reborn.
24
Lin Xiaoyang had a mobile phone and a digital camera in his waist bag. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves and fell on his face. A gentle breeze carried the faint moisture from the lake. He rode his bicycle leisurely along the road circling the lake.
Along the way, he passed a small park and gently stopped his bicycle. He was drawn by music coming from not far away, so he slowed down and pushed his bicycle toward the park entrance.
Inside the small park, a beatboxing performance was taking place on an open-air stage. There were about one or two hundred people in the audience, some sitting and some standing. Everyone was captivated by the wonderful sounds, as if dancing with the rhythms of nature.
Xiaoyang stopped, raised his camera toward the stage, and pressed the shutter, capturing each vivid moment.
The performer was imitating bird calls, frog croaks, and dog barks, even car horns and braking sounds. All the sounds intertwined, forming a dynamic auditory painting. Xiaoyang could not help but smile. He liked this kind of vibrant and creative performance and was deeply attracted to it. He stood by the stage, listening quietly, nodding gently to the rhythm.
As the performance gradually came to an end, it was followed by an acrobatic juggling act. The performer skillfully tossed and caught bowling balls while spinning plates on his head. Xiaoyang raised his camera again, the shutter clicking as he captured that moment of amazement and elegance.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, the young performer on stage suddenly walked toward him, a glimmer of curiosity and friendliness in his eyes. With light steps and a tall figure, he approached Xiaoyang, bowed slightly, and spoke:
“Are you Mr. Lin?”
Xiaoyang smiled slightly and nodded, his tone relaxed and friendly. “Yes, I am.”
The young man extended his right hand and revealed a bright smile. “My name is Adornod. It is a pleasure to meet you!”
Lin Xiaoyang also extended his hand and shook his, feeling the firmness and warmth in his palm. He nodded in response, “I am also pleased to meet you!”
Adornod leaned slightly closer, a hint of anticipation showing in his eyes. His tone carried a touch of urgency. “Someone told me that you would give me a good job.”
Lin Xiaoyang was momentarily stunned. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he adjusted his posture slightly, then asked, “Oh? Who told you that?”
Adornod blinked, as if recalling something, then replied, “Mr. Huang. He is an elderly artist.”
After hearing this, Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly. He had already made up his mind. In a relaxed tone, he said, “Alright! Come to Paradise Hotel, and I will give you a job. See you later!”
Lin Xiaoyang turned around, mounted his bicycle, and gently waved at Adornod. The gesture of farewell was simple yet warm. Then he stepped on the pedals and rode toward the lakeside cycling path, leaving Adornod standing there, smiling as he watched him depart. The breeze softly brushed across their faces. This chance encounter seemed to become a sign of something yet to come.
25
Lin Xiaoyang gently pushed open the doors of Paradise Hotel. What greeted him was a familiar woody fragrance and sunlight faintly streaming in from outside. The moment he stepped into the lobby, he saw Wilson and Robert standing by the entrance. The two of them simultaneously gave him a standard bow. Robert wore a warm smile, his eyes slightly curved like crescents.
Lin Xiaoyang’s expression stiffened slightly, and he muttered inwardly, “Why has this old manager appeared again?”
Wilson noticed his expression and stepped toward him, lowering his voice to explain, “Boss, I brought Robert back. He has reformed. He is familiar with this place, and we need his experience and ability for some of the work.”
Lin Xiaoyang stopped, slightly raised his head to look at Wilson, took a deep breath, and then relaxed his tone. “Alright. I respect your arrangement.” He decided not to say more and set aside his doubts.
Just as he was about to walk deeper into the lobby, his gaze fell on a familiar figure by the window—Huang Lihua. The old painter was sitting quietly in a corner facing the lake, reading a book, with a cup of coffee beside him still emitting thin wisps of steam.
A happy smile appeared on Lin Xiaoyang’s face. He quickly walked toward him, his tone filled with warmth. “Senior, nice to see you again!”
Huang Lihua looked up. A trace of warmth flashed in his eyes. He put down the book in his hand, nodded with a smile, and spoke gently, “Who did you meet in Paris?”
Lin Xiaoyang paused briefly, then responded in a concise tone, “I met three museum directors and entrusted your works to them. They are all very interested.” His tone was light, but his expression revealed a hint of pride.
Huang Lihua nodded in satisfaction, his smile deepening. “Thank you for taking such trouble to help me, Xiaoyang. By the way, my granddaughter, Huang Minhua, will appear here the evening after tomorrow.”
Lin Xiaoyang raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this and asked curiously, “Oh? How do you know Minhua will come the day after tomorrow?”
Huang Lihua raised his hand slightly, tapping his forehead with his fingertip. A mysterious glint flashed in his eyes. “My sixth sense tells me. Over the next two days, you should hang up her portrait and place it at the entrance.” His tone carried a hint of playfulness and hidden wisdom.
Lin Xiaoyang smiled faintly and nodded. “Alright, I will do as you say.”
Huang Lihua then lowered his voice and continued, “When Minhua arrives, you can bring her into the mural to see me. I will help you persuade her and make her believe that all of this is not an illusion.” His tone carried an invisible force, as if he had already seen through the arrangements of the future.
Lin Xiaoyang remained silent for a moment, then replied calmly, “Alright, I remember.” He slowly stood up, adjusted his suit jacket, and added casually, “Also, just now at the lakeside performance area, I met Adornod.”
Huang Lihua frowned slightly, as if recalling the name, and asked, “Oh? Did Adornod speak to you?”
Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly. “Yes. He said I do indeed need more manpower. I will go upstairs to rest and organize some drafts.”
After speaking, he turned gently and walked leisurely toward the stairs. His gaze briefly met Huang Lihua’s, leaving behind a silent understanding.
Huang Lihua nodded lightly, watching him leave. Then he lowered his head again, continuing to savor his coffee, his eyes revealing a depth that others could not perceive.
26
The faint glow of evening streamed into the lobby of Paradise Hotel, and the air seemed to still retain the lingering warmth of the daytime sun. The wind chimes by the entrance swayed gently, producing crisp, delicate sounds.
At that moment, a Chinese girl carrying a travel backpack walked in. Her steps were light and brisk. She wore a pair of loose overalls with suspenders, and her hair was cut short in a neat crop. Her overall appearance carried a slightly androgynous style, making one momentarily mistake her for a lively young boy. However, her bright eyes and well-defined facial features still retained her feminine qualities.
She walked to the front desk and began communicating with the receptionist, Margaret, using gestures and simple language. It was clear that she had taken an interest in the two sketch drawings placed beside the counter. Margaret pointed toward the small balcony where Lin Xiaoyang was painting, and Minhua then walked toward him.
Huang Minhua cleared her throat softly and looked up at Lin Xiaoyang, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry. “May I ask, you are…?” A trace of curiosity flickered in her eyes.
Lin Xiaoyang turned around. Seeing who it was, he smiled slightly and gestured with his hand. “I am Lin Xiaoyang, the owner of this hotel.” There was a friendly gleam in his eyes, and his tone carried both confidence and politeness.
Huang Minhua raised her eyebrows slightly, lifted her head, and pointed at the sketches near the entrance. “May I ask, the two sketches at the door—who is the artist?”
Lin Xiaoyang smiled without concealment, his tone relaxed. “I drew them.”
Huang Minhua’s gaze deepened, and she revealed a surprised expression. Her tone carried a hint of curiosity. “How do you have my candid photos? Those two were taken during my university graduation trip in Kenting. That roll of film later disappeared for some unknown reason.”
Lin Xiaoyang looked at her. The smile on his face faded slightly as a thought flashed through his mind. He glanced toward the empty seat in the corner, searching for Huang Lihua’s figure, but Huang Lihua was not there at the moment.
Seeing him momentarily stunned, Huang Minhua could not help but ask, “My what?” Her brows showed confusion.
Lin Xiaoyang glanced at her awkwardly, seemingly unable to figure it out. Suddenly, an image appeared in his mind, and he thought to himself, “Could this Huang Minhua be the female art teacher from National Taiwan Normal University who once substituted my class?” His eyes narrowed slightly as he suddenly remembered.
He smiled and nodded. “I remember now! In June three years ago, you once substituted for my class at Pinglin Junior High School.” His tone carried a hint of nostalgia.
Huang Minhua also suddenly stopped in her tracks and examined Lin Xiaoyang carefully, as if searching her memory. She frowned slightly, then suddenly widened her eyes. “You are that Teacher Lin? How did you end up here?” Her voice carried surprise, and a trace of doubt flashed in her eyes.
Lin Xiaoyang smiled, his tone relaxed. “I came to Europe for independent travel, and then I kept traveling all the way here. I just happened to settle down.”
Huang Minhua still seemed puzzled after hearing this. She frowned slightly. “But you said you are the owner of this hotel?” Her tone carried a bit of confusion, and her eyes sought an explanation.
Lin Xiaoyang smiled faintly, as if wanting to maintain a sense of mystery. “There is quite a story behind it. You should stay here first, and I will tell you slowly.”
Huang Minhua immediately felt enlightened after hearing this and laughed lightly. “Alright! Meeting you in a place like this must be fate. I am not familiar with this place, so I will trouble you for now.” After speaking, she showed a friendly smile and lightly patted her backpack, preparing to learn more about this place.
Lin Xiaoyang waved gently toward the front desk. Margaret immediately walked over, her face carrying a respectful smile. “Boss.”
Lin Xiaoyang looked at Margaret, nodded, and then said to Huang Minhua, “Maggie, please take this lady’s luggage to Room 505. She is an old friend from my hometown. She can stay here as long as she likes. Everything—food and necessities—will be free.”
Huang Minhua looked quite surprised upon hearing this and quickly spoke up, “Why are you treating me for free? I cannot accept rewards without merit, and besides, our acquaintance is not that deep…”
Lin Xiaoyang pretended to be mysterious, smiling slightly as his eyes flickered. “Tonight I will take you to meet someone, and then you will understand.”
Huang Minhua was amused by his mysterious tone, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Who are you going to take me to meet?”
Lin Xiaoyang looked into her eyes and smiled slightly. “Please allow me to keep it a secret for now. Maggie, I will leave this lady’s daily needs in your care.”
Margaret nodded, her tone warm. “Alright, Boss. Miss, please follow me.” She stepped slightly aside, gesturing for Huang Minhua to follow her upstairs.
Huang Minhua looked at her, nodded, and followed along. In her heart, there was a faint sense of anticipation, as if this night would become the most unforgettable part of her journey.
