[Chapter Fourteen] The Brief Calm Before the Storm
Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang, accompanied by Rona and Case, returned to the Paradise Hotel by Lake Lucerne, where the manager Wilson and the innkeeper Robert personally greeted them at the entrance.
Wilson cupped his hands and saluted: “Boss, Father Chen, you both have had a long journey.”
Father John said, “Mr. Wilson, long time no see. You seem to be in a good mood.”
Wilson said, “That’s because I have a very nice Boss. These two are…”
Lin Xiaoyang gestured with his eyes and said, “There are too many ears here. Innkeeper, why don’t we first take Father to his room? Father will stay in Room 506, right next to mine.”
Robert extended his hand to guide them: “Alright. Father, please follow me.”
The innkeeper led Father John upstairs.
Lin Xiaoyang extended his hand and said, “Two friends, please follow me to the VIP lounge to rest.”
Rona smiled and said, “Thank you. So you are the owner of this establishment.”
Rona and Case followed Lin Xiaoyang to the VIP lounge. When the three entered the VIP lounge, the waiter Adorno brought drinks. Rona and Case recognized Adorno and were surprised.
Rona asked, “Adorno, what are you doing here?”
Adorno, equally surprised, said, “Rona, Case, you finally, like me, have abandoned the darkness for the light.”
Lin Xiaoyang smiled and said, “So you all already know each other.”
Adorno said, “Our boss is a very good person, treating his employees like family. Now that you are here, you will soon enjoy a completely new life.”
Rona expressed concern, “Previously, Anderson issued a manhunt order against you. I was very worried about you.”
Adorno smiled wryly: “Anderson treats all of us like dogs and horses to command. He is unpopular and clearly his time has come.”
Case asked, “Adorno, how did you find this place?”
Adorno shrugged with a wry smile: “Or rather, I hid here. Anderson ordered all kinds of ghost soldiers to hunt me. Fortunately, I met the painter Huang Lihua.”
Rona, again surprised, asked, “Huang Lihua is here too?”
Adorno said, “Yes! Huang Lihua took me in and brought me to see Princess Maria. After treatment, look—now I can see the sunlight again, no longer needing to feed on human blood or fear the sun.”
Rona sighed: “Huang Lihua has always been a kindhearted man. Even as Anderson’s trusted aide, he has sided with Princess Maria. It seems my choice was the right one.”
Adorno said confidently, “Once you meet Princess Maria, you will willingly do anything for her.”
Rona nodded: “I believe that. Otherwise, you all wouldn’t have one by one abandoned Anderson.”
Lin Xiaoyang said: “I’ll take a walk by the lake and retake some photos for the magazine. Adorno, you accompany our friends and chat with them. Father John will come for them shortly.”
Adorno said, “Alright, Boss.”
Lin Xiaoyang stood and left the VIP lounge.
Rona said enviously, “Adorno, you have a good boss.”
Adorno pretended to be mysterious: “Yes. If you knew the origin of my Boss, you would probably exclaim in disbelief.”
Case asked in confusion, “Isn’t your boss just an Oriental man?”
Adorno said, “That’s his current life. Have you heard of a man named David?”
Rona, astonished, asked, “David? Wasn’t he the nemesis of young Anderson more than three hundred years ago?”
Adorno said, “Exactly. My boss is the reincarnation of David. Have you ever heard in Eastern theology about reincarnation?”
Rona, interested, said, “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t understand. How could David be reincarnated as a gentle and cultured Oriental man?”
Adorno said, “My boss treats people kindly, but don’t think he lacks true abilities. Wilson said that even if Anderson personally appeared, he probably wouldn’t be my boss’s match. I believe Wilson is not exaggerating or flattering.”
Rona recalled the scene on the train: “I believe what you say. On the train to Milan, I saw your boss and Father John Chen, Ghost-Fearer. I vaguely sensed a strong energy emanating from your boss. I instinctively knew he was no ordinary human.”
Adorno asked in surprise, “You met Father John Chen, Ghost-Fearer, on the train?”
Rona said, “Yes! They immediately recognized us. Even joining forces with Case, I knew we could not escape Ghost-Fearer’s deadly grasp. So I abandoned resistance and took the opportunity to join the princess’s side.”
Adorno said, “Fortunately you did not resist. Otherwise, I might never have seen you again. Father John Chen, Ghost-Fearer, has always hated evil. His ghost soldiers fear him greatly.”
“Actually, at that time, I feared your boss more. I thought that if he really acted against us, we would be annihilated to ashes. Fortunately, he has a kind heart and even pleaded for us with Ghost-Fearer on the spot!” Rona gazed at Case affectionately and held one of his hands. Case reciprocated with a loving look.
Adorno comforted them: “Now that you’ve arrived here, you no longer have to live in fear, hiding and trembling as before. The people here are gentle and friendly, and you will soon grow to love this place.”
The sunset dyed Lake Lucerne a deep orange-red, and a gentle breeze brushed across the surface, creating tiny ripples. Lin Xiaoyang, carrying a digital camera on his back, rode his bicycle along the lakeside cobblestone path. His eyes scanned continuously, capturing the charm of this foreign town.
In a small square not far away, a crowd had gathered, with laughter and applause rising and falling. Lin Xiaoyang stopped his bicycle and raised his camera. Through the lens, a magician in a black robe was gracefully waving his hands, conjuring a white dove with outstretched wings. Gasps of amazement spread through the crowd.
The magician, George, caught a glimpse of Lin Xiaoyang out of the corner of his eye. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he gestured toward him: “Sir, may I have the honor of asking you to be my witness?”
Lin Xiaoyang was slightly taken aback. He lowered his camera and gave a polite smile: “Of course.”
George gently tapped the wooden box beside him, his eyes carrying a mysterious gleam: “Sir, please lie down inside for a moment. You will witness a miracle.”
Lin Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow, looking at the wooden box, then shrugged and smiled: “Alright, I’m curious to see just how extraordinary this miracle will be.”
The assistant, Artis, quickly opened the wooden box and made a gesture inviting him in. Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath and carefully lay inside the box, his body separated by wooden panels, with only his head and feet exposed.
George raised both hands, and several gleaming swords appeared in his palms. He spun and struck, the blades piercing through the box without hesitation. The audience gasped sharply.
Lin Xiaoyang felt a cool sensation flow through his body the moment the swords passed, but there was not a trace of pain. He couldn’t help but ponder silently how this magic trick was accomplished.
Next, George took out a saw and, in full view of the audience, slowly and deliberately cut along the center of the box, producing a harsh sawing sound.
“My God!” an audience member exclaimed.
“He really was sawed in half!” another person said, eyes wide.
When George pushed the box apart, revealing Lin Xiaoyang “divided into two halves,” the audience erupted into thunderous applause and shouts of astonishment.
Finally, George closed the box, withdrew the swords one by one, and gestured for the assistant to open it. Lin Xiaoyang slowly sat up and waved to the crowd.
“Damn… is he really okay?” one onlooker murmured.
“My God, this makes no sense at all!” another said.
The audience surged forward, chattering excitedly and touching Lin Xiaoyang’s arms with excitement.
However, George stood to the side, frowning deeply. He looked down at the swords in his hands; the blades that had once shone brightly were now dull and lifeless.
“What is happening…?” he murmured, his gaze fixed on Lin Xiaoyang, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
He whispered to Artis: “This young man… something’s not right.”
Artis was taken aback: “What is it, master?”
“My sword should absorb energy, but just now… all its energy was drained. I suspect… this boy possesses some special constitution.”
Artis frowned: “If that is so, we must determine whether he is an enemy or an ally.”
George’s mouth curved slightly: “No, if he is not an enemy, a person like this deserves to be known.”
As the crowd gradually dispersed, George took the initiative to approach Lin Xiaoyang and extended his hand: “Friend, what do you think of this trick?”
Lin Xiaoyang shook his hand, but instantly felt a strange pull. He subconsciously frowned, while George quickly withdrew his hand, staring in shock at his own tingling palm.
“You…” George’s expression changed slightly.
Sensing his unusual reaction, Lin Xiaoyang gave an apologetic smile: “Sorry, did I startle you just now?”
George shook his hand, a spark of curiosity in his eyes: “Young man, you should… have some kind of special ability, right?”
Lin Xiaoyang nodded lightly: “Recently, I’ve been practicing Eastern martial arts. Perhaps you sensed the energy inside me.”
“Internal energy?” George raised his eyebrows, a look of fascination appearing. “No wonder you seem like an extremely powerful magnet.”
“I’m sorry, my training technique unconsciously absorbs abnormal energy. Just now… it probably bothered you, didn’t it?”
George paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed: “Eastern martial arts are truly fascinating; I’ve always been curious. Why don’t we become friends?”
Lin Xiaoyang extended his hand and smiled: “Of course, and your magic is very impressive as well.”
A trace of curiosity appeared in George’s eyes: “By the way, why did you come alone to Switzerland?”
Lin Xiaoyang’s smile faded slightly, his expression dim: “I came to Europe to travel and look for someone. My girlfriend came here two years ago, but suddenly disappeared.”
George patted his shoulder enthusiastically: “I see… I have some friends in Europe who might help you gather information.”
Lin Xiaoyang smiled bitterly: “Thank you for your kindness, but if she truly wants to hide from me, even a lifetime would not be enough to find her.”
George’s eyes flickered, and he tentatively asked: “Do you want to come to my hotel for a drink? Maybe we can talk about your Eastern martial arts.”
Lin Xiaoyang waved with a smile: “Another time. When I have the chance, I’ll come find you. My name is Lin Xiaoyang.”
“George Antoni.”
Lin Xiaoyang turned to his bicycle, mounted it, waved to George, and rode along the lakeside.
George watched his back and murmured softly: “Could he be becoming suspicious of me?”
Artis said in a low voice: “Master, should we follow him?”
George thought for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: “No, it’s not the time yet…”
Nightfall enveloped the small town, and a slightly cool sea breeze gently blew, carrying the distant sound of the tide. On the night of the twelfth, Qiu Shenzhi stepped through the main doors of the Paradise Hotel. A tungsten filament chandelier cast a soft yellow glow, illuminating the magnificence of the newly renovated interior.
He looked around and noticed that familiar corners had become unfamiliar. The brand-new carpet had replaced the old wooden floorboards, and a faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air. Except for the old innkeeper Robert, the servers were all unfamiliar faces. This change caused his brows to furrow slightly.
In a corner of the lobby, he caught sight of Lin Xiaoyang sitting on a sofa, fingers lightly tapping the rim of a glass as if deep in thought.
Qiu Shenzhi raised the corners of his mouth and stepped forward, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry: “Young man, do you still remember me? I am Qiu.”
Lin Xiaoyang looked up, smiled slightly, and stood, nodding in acknowledgment: “Old painter, it’s you?”
Qiu Shenzhi scrutinized him, his gaze sharp: “How is it that you are here?”
Lin Xiaoyang paused for a moment, then said calmly: “Of course I had to come back; after all, I am the owner of this hotel.”
Qiu Shenzhi was momentarily taken aback, a trace of doubt flickering in his eyes: “Oh? So you are the owner… Then you must be of my kind, too?” He leaned forward slightly, sniffed the air, and then shook his head: “But… your scent is not the same as mine.”
Lin Xiaoyang shrugged, his tone tinged with playfulness: “Is it really different?”
Qiu Shenzhi frowned and moved closer again, nearly brushing against Lin Xiaoyang’s shoulder as he sniffed his scent, narrowing his eyes: “Indeed, it is different… You are not of my kind.”
Lin Xiaoyang smiled faintly and leaned back onto the sofa: “Isn’t it all the same? A person’s scent… I just move around a lot and sweat easily; perhaps there is an extra hint of sweat on me.”
Qiu Shenzhi pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering: “It seems that all the staff here have been replaced. These are all new faces now.”
Lin Xiaoyang gently rotated the glass in his hand and said lightly: “The owner changed, so naturally the staff changed with him.”
Qiu Shenzhi let out a low chuckle and relaxed: “I was worried that the staff here would recognize me and chase me away.”
Lin Xiaoyang blinked and replied calmly: “We treat guests with respect. How could we ever chase away a guest?”
“Yes, yes! A hotel would never drive away someone who comes to the door.” Qiu Shenzhi’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile as he picked up the wine glass on the table, gently swirling it, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
Night had deepened, and the lights inside the hotel glowed softly, emanating a serene yet mysterious atmosphere.
Inside Room 504, the atmosphere was tense. On the long table lay a detailed, marked map. Candlelight flickered, casting shadows on serious faces. Lin Xiaoyang, Wilson, Father John, and Huang Lihua sat around it, listening intently.
Wilson stood beside the table, his gaze steady: “The princess received word from her scouts. Tomorrow night, Anderson’s two lieutenants will come to stay at the hotel. On the surface, it is to inspect hotel operations, but in reality, they are scouting for the location of the Sky Castle’s entrance.”
Father John clasped his hands together and let out a cold laugh: “What instructions does the princess have?”
Wilson’s voice was solemn: “The princess requested that the priest come here specifically to take command, in order to eliminate Anderson’s two lieutenants while they are here.”
Father John’s eyes gleamed slightly, a bloodthirsty smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: “So the princess has been fully aware of Anderson’s actions all along. This time, those two monsters will not leave unharmed.”
Wilson looked around at everyone, his tone serious: “Apart from Father John and Boss Xiaoyang, all other personnel are under my command. To avoid alerting them, and to prevent these evil ghosts from becoming suspicious, Father John and Boss Xiaoyang should apply perfume or lotion, while Adorno and Master Huang have applied some makeup as well.”
Father John displayed a sly smile: “This day, I have been waiting for a long time.”
Wilson nodded, then unfolded the map, meticulously assigning each staff member their duties and positions. The atmosphere was tense, and the battle had already silently begun…
