〈Epic Fantasy Novel:  The Paradise Inn〉10

[Chapter Nine ] Old Love and New Affection

Early summer at Lake Lucerne looked like a vividly colored painting, the ripples on the lake sparkling as they reflected the green mountains on both shores. A gentle breeze blew through, carrying the fragrance of flowers and grass, while fallen petals fluttered and sprinkled lightly across the lawn, adding a touch of dreaminess to this earthly paradise. Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhwa rode a tandem bicycle, leisurely moving through this picturesque scenery. The surrounding landscape was like a scene captured within a picture frame. They slowed their pace, savoring every shade of color and every play of light along the lakeside.

Huang Minhwa leaned slightly toward Lin Xiaoyang, her eyes revealing a look of enchantment. She whispered, “The pace of life here is so relaxed. It feels as if every day for the locals is like a vacation.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled and nodded, adjusting the bicycle’s speed so that it rode more steadily. He glanced at Minhwa, his eyes carrying a trace of reflection, his voice gentle: “Yes, Minhwa. Perhaps it’s because we are used to the crowded city life in Taiwan, always busy like headless flies. But here, the Swiss seem to understand how to enjoy each moment; life is meant to be like this.”

Huang Minhwa lowered her gaze to the road beneath, the corners of her mouth curling into a slight smile. “You are right. I’m still slowly adapting to the rhythm of life here.” She paused briefly, then her eyes flickered with thoughtfulness, returning her gaze to Lin Xiaoyang. “But actually, I really like this kind of life. The atmosphere here makes one feel especially at ease.”

Lin Xiaoyang chuckled softly. “In the past, I often traveled to Hualien and Taitung. The pace there is somewhat similar to here. People are unhurried, living as they please. That way of life is actually quite charming.”

Huang Minhwa’s eyes brightened. She turned to Lin Xiaoyang, excitedly saying, “Hualien and Taitung? I go there often! The scenery is wonderful, especially the places for sketching. They are definitely among my favorite travel destinations.”

Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly, his eyes showing a hint of admiration. “I know you enjoy traveling. Coming all the way from Paris to get here on your own shows just how much you love exploring the world.”

Huang Minhwa smiled softly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. “Yes, I like adventure and learning. Speaking of which, did you know? There are many more places nearby worth visiting. It’s truly beautiful.”

Lin Xiaoyang let out a gentle sigh, his gaze carrying a hint of regret. “Indeed, there are many beautiful spots here. But lately, there have been some things at the hotel, so I cannot leave.”

Huang Minhwa furrowed her brow thoughtfully. “It sounds like you are busy. After all, you are the owner, so you can’t leave work to accompany me.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled slightly, pursing his lips. “Yes, these matters can only be handled by me personally.”

Huang Minhwa’s expression turned a bit more serious. “Actually, sometimes I feel the atmosphere here is a little strange. That mural, that grandfather we unexpectedly met… these experiences and coincidences feel like events in a fantasy novel. And you… you seem burdened with thoughts, never completely at ease.”

Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath and gazed at the distant mountains and waters, his tone low and somber. “Minhwa, I don’t want you to get caught up in it. Everything here is not as simple as it seems. I want you to stay away from unnecessary trouble.”

Huang Minhwa quietly looked at him, her eyes showing understanding and concern. She gently reached out and held Lin Xiaoyang’s hand, gazing at him tenderly. “Big brother, although I cannot fully understand, I hope you can rely on me more. If you are willing to speak, perhaps I can help share some of the burden.”

Lin Xiaoyang was momentarily stunned, then revealed a faint smile, lowering his gaze to look into Huang Minhwa’s sincere eyes. “Thank you, Minhwa. Your thoughtfulness alone is enough.”

He gently lowered his head and softly kissed Huang Minhwa on the forehead. A warm smile appeared on her face. The two of them walked quietly along the lakeside, listening to the wind and the water lapping against the shore, as if the world around them had momentarily fallen silent.

May Morning, Room 505

In the early morning of early May, gentle sunlight poured through the window of Room 505, illuminating the quiet space around. Huang Minhwa packed her luggage piece by piece, a slight trace of reluctance on her face. Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Lihua stood beside her, the emotions intertwining quietly in this brief farewell.

Huang Lihua patted Minhwa’s shoulder, his voice filled with affection and advice. “When you return to Paris, take care of yourself, okay? I have deposited some money in your account; you can use it for your living expenses anytime.” His tone was gentle, and the concern in his words made one feel warm.

Huang Minhwa smiled softly, turning her gaze to him, her eyes full of gratitude. “Grandfather, I’m already grown. You don’t need to worry so much.” She shook her head slightly, as if to dispel her grandfather’s concerns.

Huang Lihua’s eyes softened. He reached for a delicate sandalwood box on the table. Its lid gleamed slightly, as if hiding some mysterious power. “This is for you.” He opened the lid to reveal an exquisite cross. “This cross was entrusted to me by Princess Maria to give to you. Its power can protect you from evil harm.”

Huang Minhwa took the cross, her fingers brushing the cold metal. Just as she was about to examine it closely, Lin Xiaoyang gently held her wrist, his eyes carrying determination. “Wait until your grandfather leaves before wearing it. The power of this cross might harm your grandfather.” His tone was calm, yet the depth in his eyes could not be concealed.

Huang Minhwa was momentarily stunned, looking at Xiaoyang with a trace of doubt. “Are you implying that… my grandfather…”

Huang Lihua smiled, breaking the silence. His voice was calm yet imbued with quiet strength. “Minhwa, I and your grandfather are indeed of different kinds.” When he said this, his eyes revealed a wisdom that seemed to see through everything.

Huang Minhwa finally felt at ease and smiled as she nodded: “I see. Next spring, when school is on break, can I come back here for a vacation again?”

Huang Lihua nodded, revealing a kind and gentle smile: “Of course, by then this place should have returned to calm.”

Minhwa’s eyes showed a hint of worry. She slightly lowered her head, tightly clasping the cross in her hands, and softly said: “I have already written an email to tell my parents about meeting grandfather again. They were very surprised and said they wanted to come immediately to see him, but I knew it might not be calm here, so I didn’t let them come for the time being.”

Huang Lihua’s gaze softened, and he nodded slightly: “Yes, sooner or later you will meet. There is no need to rush. You two have some thoughtful words to say; I will go back to rest first.”

He stood up, walked toward the door, turned to look at the two of them, and smiled: “Good night.” Then he left the room, leaving the two of them standing quietly in place.

The air in the room seemed somewhat heavy. Lin Xiaoyang looked at Minhwa, hesitating to speak, his emotions swelling like turbulent waves, unable to be concealed in his eyes. Huang Minhwa noticed his unease and looked at Xiaoyang with a bright smile, softly asking: “Big brother, what do you want to say to me?”

Xiaoyang’s cheeks slightly reddened, and his heart involuntarily raced. His mouth opened slightly, but he could not form complete words. A glimmer appeared in Minhwa’s eyes. She smiled lightly, her tone playful yet probing: “I guess you want to say: I like you, Minhwa, right? Am I correct?”

Xiaoyang was momentarily stunned, then showed a bitter smile and nodded, his eyes full of mingled helplessness and joy. He lowered his head and softly said: “I… I really do feel that way.”

Minhwa’s smile grew even brighter. She did not hesitate to reach out and gently hold Xiaoyang’s hand. The warmth at her fingertips instantly shortened the distance between them: “During this time with you, big brother, I can feel your feelings for me.” Her voice was low and gentle, carrying a trace of deep affection.

Xiaoyang’s heart raced. His gaze naturally fell into Minhwa’s eyes, as if only the two of them existed in that moment. His voice was filled with tenderness and resolve: “I will wait here for you to come back, Minhwa.”

Minhwa’s eyes became slightly moist. She nodded, then proactively stretched out both arms, pulling Xiaoyang tightly into her embrace. They kissed deeply, and time seemed to freeze. Xiaoyang’s mind went blank, as if a light had pierced through his soul. A series of images flashed rapidly in his mind—these seemed like memories from his past life.

Sensing Xiaoyang’s unusual behavior, Minhwa let go of him, gently held his hand, and softly asked: “Big brother, what’s wrong? Your expression suddenly became so strange!”

Xiaoyang smiled sheepishly, a faintly bitter smile on his face: “Nothing. Just now, I was… electrified by you.” His tone carried a hint of playfulness, mixed with helplessness.

Minhwa blushed and giggled softly, her voice tender: “That was my first kiss, big brother!” Her cheeks were slightly red, and her tone full of sweetness.

Xiaoyang playfully raised his eyebrows and smiled in response: “Mine too.” His eyes showed a trace of relaxation, but his heart was completely filled by this feeling.

Minhwa looked at Xiaoyang with a puzzled gaze: “I don’t believe it! Big brother, you’re lying! With your appearance and qualities, you must be the prince charming in the hearts of many girls.”

Xiaoyang smiled, his tone light: “Alright! I admit it, this was my one thousand and first first kiss.” His tone was teasing, yet subtly revealed some truth.

Minhwa widened her eyes, pretending to be angry: “What! One thousand and first? You’re lying!” Her face was full of laughter.

Xiaoyang was not to be outdone. He laughed and said: “You are the second girl I kissed, really, that’s all.”

Minhwa’s eyes widened in curiosity: “Then, what about the girl from your first love?”

Xiaoyang’s gaze darkened slightly. He lowered his head, his voice deep: “Two years ago, after an argument with her, she went on a solo trip to Europe. Soon after, I lost contact with her. Even her family is still searching for her. I originally came to Europe hoping to find her, but…”

Minhwa was silent for a moment, then asked: “But she never appeared?”

Xiaoyang nodded heavily, his face filled with unrelieved pain: “Yes.”

Seeing Xiaoyang so troubled, Minhwa gently lowered her hand, her eyes filled with boundless gentle understanding. “You… still love her very much?”

A trace of helpless sorrow appeared in Xiaoyang’s eyes. He nodded lightly: “Yes.”

Minhwa smiled calmly, her eyes carrying mature serenity: “Alright. If she really appears, I That night, darkness quietly enveloped the entire small cottage, and faint moonlight poured in through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating Huang Minhwa as she tossed and turned on the bed. Her eyes were wide open; nothing was in front of her, yet she could not calm down. Her heart seemed to be pulled by some invisible force, recalling the conversation she had with Lin Xiaoyang.

She gently pulled the blanket tighter, clasped her hands over her chest, and her thoughts surged like the tide. Xiaoyang had once said that those words were like a key, invisibly opening a certain corner of her heart. She softly whispered to herself: “Two years ago, after an argument with me, she went off in a fit of anger, traveling alone in Europe, and soon after lost all contact. Even her family is still searching for her. I came to Europe to travel and write, and originally I also wanted to find her, but…”

She turned to the side, gazing at the moonlight outside that was gradually receding, and felt as if a warm current was surging in her heart: “Is big brother really, as he said, a man who is devoted in love?” She furrowed her brow slightly, lightly touching her lips with her fingers, pondering: “But then why did he make up lies to coax me? If that missing girl really came back, should I leave without hesitation?” Her brows knitted tightly, and then she let out a gentle sigh: “But why must I always give in?”

She helplessly buried her head into the pillow, closing her eyes, trying to calm herself. Yet the questions and struggles in her mind followed her like shadows, impossible to set aside.

At this moment, Lin Xiaoyang was no better off. The scattered papers and notebooks on his desk seemed to symbolize his chaotic thoughts. He sat in his chair, leaning against the desk, his elbows supporting his head, his gaze empty, as if trapped in a silent storm. He recalled his conversation with Huang Minhwa; those words had driven deep nails into his heart.

He muttered softly to himself: “I came to Europe to travel and write, and originally I also wanted to find her, but…” He lifted his head and looked at a landscape painting on the wall. The distant mountains and lakes in the painting were tranquil and vast, completely different from the state of his own heart at this moment. At this instant, he seemed to see the pull within himself—a love he could not let go of, and Huang Minhwa, who had made his heart stir again.

He helplessly let his fingers brush lightly over the desk; those past memories surged like the tide, impossible to shake off. The pain and guilt in his heart intertwined constantly, preventing him from thinking clearly. Finally, he released his hand and let out a long, deep sigh.

“What exactly should I do?” he muttered to himself.

That deep sense of conflict and confusion was like an unbridgeable chasm, weighing heavily on his heart.

will bless what you have with her. This is our agreement, big brother.”