Fantasy Novel:

Paradise Hotel  8

【Seven】Xiaoyang’s Fated Woman

23

Lin Xiaoyang finished packing his luggage and prepared to return to the long-closed hotel on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The scenery outside the car window gradually became familiar again, with mountains and the lake coming into view. When he drove into the parking lot, he found that the entrance to Paradise Hotel was still tightly locked, like a sleeping giant silently keeping watch over everything. After parking the car, his eyes fell on the stone sculpture garden that had once been bustling with activity. Now, the sculptures were long gone, leaving only broken pieces of stone scattered across the ground. A wave of sadness rose in his heart as he silently walked toward the entrance and unlocked the rusted door.

As Xiaoyang moved into Room 504, his arms trembled slightly, and the heavy suitcases and backpack left him somewhat exhausted. Although this building had once been a paradise to him, it had also witnessed countless twists, turns, and changes. After putting down his belongings, he took a deep breath and decided to take a walk through the lobby first to gather his thoughts.

When he entered the lobby, before he had even reached the bar, he heard hurried footsteps coming from outside. Xiaoyang raised his head slightly and saw a tall figure standing at the entrance. Wilson was wearing a simple white shirt, which made him seem somewhat out of place. He appeared a little nervous, and his speech was somewhat halting, yet there was a firm determination in his eyes.

“Boss, I’m here to apply for a job.” Wilson lowered his head and gave a slight bow, speaking with a hint of uneasiness.

Xiaoyang frowned slightly, somewhat surprised, and asked with a trace of confusion, “I just got back from Paris. How did you show up so quickly?”

Wilson scratched his head and gave a simple, honest smile before slowly replying, “Huang Lihua notified me.”

Xiaoyang froze for a moment, the corner 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 hesitated before asking, “Is Huang Lihua all right?”

Wilson nodded slightly, his tone firm. “He has fully recovered. He’s traveling somewhere around here now.”

Xiaoyang quietly breathed a sigh of relief, seeming somewhat reassured. He then asked, “All right. I do need a manager. Do you think you can handle the job?”

Wilson straightened his back, his gaze resolute, and answered without hesitation, “I can, Boss.” His voice echoed slightly, as though it were a promise he was making to himself.

Xiaoyang nodded and said casually, “All right. I also need more people. I’ll leave the recruiting to you.”

Wilson smiled confidently as he accepted the task. “No problem, Boss.”

Xiaoyang’s gaze became more focused. After thinking for a moment, he reminded him, “Try to hire young people. I want this place to be filled with vitality and a youthful atmosphere when it reopens.”

Wilson patted his chest and smiled. “Yes, Boss.”

Xiaoyang looked around, a thoughtful expression flashing across his face. He walked over to the long table nearby and pointed toward the surrounding décor. “You should know this place better than I do. I’m planning to renovate the hotel. Can you find someone to take care of it?”

Wilson gave him a thumbs-up and replied confidently, “No problem. I have a friend who knows about this kind of thing. I’ll ask him to help.”

Xiaoyang smiled slightly, his tone becoming somewhat serious. “Also, you need to learn Chinese as quickly as possible, because your boss is Chinese.” He paused briefly before continuing, “Over the next few days, you and the new members of the staff should move Huang Lihua’s paintings out, box them up, and pack them. I’ll contact the museums in France and have people come over to inspect and take inventory.”

Wilson nodded. He had no objections to the work and casually asked, “Boss, should we keep a few paintings here as decorations?”

Xiaoyang thought for a moment, then replied with a smile, “That’s a good idea. I’ll select a few paintings and have you arrange the renovations around them.” After a moment of contemplation, he continued, “In a few days, I’ll have to return to Paris to discuss the collection of Huang Lihua’s paintings with the directors of several art museums. While I’m away, we can stay in touch by video call.”

Wilson nodded firmly. “Yes, Boss.”

Xiaoyang reached out and patted Wilson on the shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of warm encouragement. “Then, from now on, I’m leaving this place in your hands.”

The two looked at each other, and it seemed that a certain understanding had been established between them. Xiaoyang turned and walked toward a nearby window, gazing out at the blue lake. Yet in his heart, he had already begun laying out a new blueprint for this place that was about to be reborn.

24

Lin Xiaoyang carried his cellphone and digital camera in his waist bag. Sunlight streamed through the gaps between the leaves and fell across his face, while a gentle breeze carried a faint scent of moisture from the lake. He rode his bicycle leisurely along the bike lane of the road circling the lake. Along the way, he passed a small park and gently brought the bicycle to a stop. Attracted by music coming from nearby, he slowed down and pushed his bicycle toward the entrance of the park.

Inside the small park, a live performance was taking place on an open-air stage. About one or two hundred spectators were sitting or standing below the stage, all captivated by the remarkable sounds, as though they were dancing along with the notes of nature. Lin Xiaoyang stopped, raised his camera toward the stage, and pressed the shutter, capturing every vivid moment.

The performer was imitating birdsong, the drumming of frogs, and barking dogs, as well as car horns and the sound of brakes. All the sounds intertwined, like a dynamic painting made of sound. Xiaoyang could not help smiling. He enjoyed this kind of lively and creative performance and was deeply captivated by it. He stood beside the stage, quietly listening and gently nodding along with 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 balancing a spinning disc on his head. Xiaoyang raised his camera again, and the shutter clicked, capturing that moment of wonder and grace.

Just as he was preparing to turn and leave, the young performer onstage suddenly walked toward him, curiosity and friendliness shining in his eyes. He moved lightly, his tall figure approaching Xiaoyang. After giving a slight bow, he said, “Bist du Herr Lin?” (“Are you Mr. Lin?”)

Xiaoyang smiled slightly and nodded, replying in a relaxed and friendly tone, “Ja, ich bin es.” (“Yes, I am.”)

The young man extended his right hand and gave him a radiant smile. “Mein Name ist Adornod. Es ist mir eine Freude, dich zu treffen!” (“My name is Adornod. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”)

Xiaoyang extended his hand as well and shook his, feeling the firmness and warmth of Adornod’s palm. He nodded and replied, “Ich freue mich auch!” (“I’m glad to meet you, too!”)

Adornod moved slightly closer, anticipation visible in his eyes, and his tone carried a hint of eagerness. “Jemand hat mir gesagt, dass du mir einen guten Job geben wirst.” (“Someone told me that you would give me a good job.”)

Xiaoyang was slightly taken aback. With a faint smile on his lips, he adjusted his posture slightly and then asked, “Oh? Wer hat dir das gesagt?” (“Oh? Who told you that?”)

Adornod blinked, seeming to think for a moment, before answering, “Herr Huang, er ist ein alter Künstler.” (“Mr. Huang. He is an old artist.”)

After hearing this, Xiaoyang nodded slightly, having already made up his mind. He said casually, “Gut! Du kommst ins Paradise Hotel, ich werde dir einen Job geben. Bis später!” (“All right! Come to Paradise Hotel. I’ll give you a job. See you later!”)

Xiaoyang turned around, climbed onto his bicycle, and gently waved to Adornod. The simple farewell gesture was filled with warmth. He then pushed down on the pedals and began riding toward the lakeside bike path, leaving Adornod standing there with a smile as he watched him ride away. The breeze gently brushed across both of their faces. This chance encounter seemed to have become a kind of omen of what was to come.

25

Lin Xiaoyang gently pushed open the door of Paradise Hotel. What greeted him was the familiar scent of wood, along with the faint sunlight filtering in from outside. As soon as he stepped into the lobby, he saw Wilson and Robert standing at the entrance, both bowing to him in unison with formal bows. Robert wore a warm smile, his eyes curving slightly into crescent shapes. Xiaoyang’s expression stiffened slightly as he thought to himself, “How did that old manager show up again?”

Wilson noticed Xiaoyang’s expression and walked toward him slowly, explaining in a low voice, “Boss, I brought Robbert back. He’s turned over a new leaf. He knows this place well, and we need his extensive experience and abilities for some of the work here.”

Xiaoyang stopped and looked slightly upward at Wilson. After taking a deep breath, he relaxed his tone. “All right. I respect your arrangement.” He decided not to say anything more and let go of his doubts.

Just as he was about to walk farther into the lobby, his gaze fell upon a familiar figure by the window—Huang Lihua. The elderly painter was sitting quietly in a corner facing the lake, reading a book, with a cup of coffee beside him giving off wisps of steam. A happy smile appeared on Xiaoyang’s face as he quickly walked toward him and said warmly, “Senior, nice to see you again!”

Huang Lihua looked up, warmth flashing through his eyes. He put down the book in his hands, smiled, and nodded gently. “Who did you meet in Paris?”

Xiaoyang paused briefly before answering in a concise tone, “I met three museum directors and presented your work to them. They were all very interested.” His tone was casual, but the expression on his face revealed a hint of pride.

Huang Lihua nodded with satisfaction, his smile deepening. “Thank you for going to so much trouble to help me, Xiaoyang. By the way, my granddaughter Huang Minhwa will appear here the evening after tomorrow.”

Xiaoyang raised his eyebrows slightly and asked curiously, “Oh? How do you know Minhwa will come the evening after tomorrow?”

Huang Lihua raised his hand slightly and gently tapped his forehead with his fingertip. A mysterious light flashed in his eyes. “My sixth sense told me! Over the next couple of days, you should hang her portrait and place it at the entrance.” His tone carried a hint of teasing and a veiled wisdom.

Xiaoyang smiled slightly and nodded. “All right. I’ll do that.”

Huang Lihua continued in a low voice, “When Minhwa arrives, you can bring her into the mural to meet me. I’ll help you convince her that all of this is not an illusion.” His tone carried an intangible power, as though he had already seen clearly how everything would unfold in the future.

Xiaoyang remained silent for a moment before replying calmly, “All right. I’ll remember that.” He stood up gently and straightened his suit jacket, then said casually, “Also, I met Adornod earlier at the performers’ area by the lake.”

Huang Lihua frowned slightly, seemingly recalling the name, and asked, “Oh? Adornod told you, right?”

Xiaoyang nodded slightly. “Yes. He said I really do need some help. I’ll go upstairs and get some rest, and organize the sketches.” After saying this, he turned around and leisurely walked toward the stairs. Their eyes met briefly, leaving behind an unspoken understanding.

Huang Lihua simply nodded as he watched him leave. He then lowered his head again and continued savoring his coffee, his eyes revealing a profound depth that others could not perceive.

26

The faint evening light streamed into the lobby of Paradise Hotel, and the air seemed to retain the lingering warmth of the day’s sunlight. The wind chime at the entrance swayed gently, producing a crisp sound. At that moment, a Chinese-descended young woman carrying a travel backpack walked in. Her steps were light, and she was wearing a pair of loose overalls with a short crew cut. Her overall appearance was somewhat androgynous, making it easy to mistake her at first glance for an energetic young boy. However, her bright eyes and well-defined facial features still retained distinctly feminine characteristics.

She walked up to the front desk and began communicating with the receptionist, Margaret, using gestures and simple language. She was clearly interested in the two sketches beside the front desk. Margaret pointed toward the small balcony, where Lin Xiaoyang was drawing, and Minhwa then walked toward him.

Huang Minhwa gently cleared her throat and looked up at Lin Xiaoyang, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry. “Excuse me, are you…?” A flicker of curiosity passed through her eyes.

Xiaoyang turned around, saw who had approached, and smiled slightly as he gestured toward himself. “I’m Lin Xiaoyang, the owner of this hotel.” There was a warm light in his eyes, and his tone was confident yet polite.

Minhwa raised her eyebrows slightly, then pointed toward the sketches at the entrance. “Excuse me, Mr. Owner, are you the artist who made those two sketches at the entrance…?”

Xiaoyang smiled openly, his tone relaxed. “I drew them.”

Minhwa’s gaze became more intent, and a look of surprise appeared on her face. Her tone carried a hint of curiosity. “How did you get these pictures of me from my everyday life? Those two were taken in Kenting during my college graduation trip. Somehow, that roll of film disappeared afterward, and I never knew what happened to it.”

Xiaoyang looked at her, and the smile on his face faded slightly. A thought flashed through his mind as he looked toward the empty seat in the corner, searching for Huang Lihua, but Huang Lihua was not there at the moment.

Seeing that he seemed momentarily stunned, Minhwa could not help asking, “Who am I to you?” A look of confusion appeared between her brows.

Xiaoyang glanced at her somewhat awkwardly, seeming unable to make sense of the situation. Suddenly, an image surfaced in his mind, and he thought to himself, “Could this Huang Minhwa be that female art teacher from National Taiwan Normal University who once substituted for my class?” His eyes narrowed slightly, and then he suddenly remembered.

He smiled and nodded. “I remember now! Three years ago, in June, you substituted for my class at Pinglin Junior High School.” There was a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Minhwa also stopped abruptly and studied Xiaoyang carefully, as though searching her memory. She frowned slightly, then suddenly widened her eyes. “You’re that Teacher Lin? How did you end up here?” Her voice was filled with surprise, while a trace of confusion flashed in her eyes.

Xiaoyang smiled and replied casually, “I came to Europe to travel on my own, and eventually traveled all the way here. I happened to settle down here.”

Minhwa still looked somewhat puzzled after hearing this, her brows slightly furrowed. “But you said you’re the owner of this hotel?” There was a hint of confusion in her tone, and her eyes were filled with a desire for an explanation.

Xiaoyang smiled slightly, seemingly intent on maintaining an air of mystery. “There’s quite a story behind that. Why don’t you settle in first? I’ll tell you about it little by little.”

Minhwa immediately understood, and she laughed lightly in a relaxed tone. “All right! Meeting you in a place like this must be fate. I’m not familiar with this place, so I’ll trouble you for now.” After saying this, she gave him a friendly smile and gently patted her backpack, preparing to learn more about this unfamiliar place.

Xiaoyang gently waved toward the front desk, and Margaret immediately walked over with a respectful smile. “Boss.”

Xiaoyang looked at Margaret and nodded before saying to Minhwa, “Maggie, please take this lady’s luggage to Room 505. She’s an old friend from my hometown, so she can stay here for as long as she wants. Everything she eats and uses is free.”

Minhwa was quite surprised by this and hurriedly said, “Why are you letting me stay here for free? I shouldn’t accept something without giving anything in return. Besides, we’re not even that close…”

Xiaoyang smiled mysteriously, his eyes flickering with an enigmatic expression. “Tonight, I’ll take you to meet someone, and then you’ll understand.”

His mysterious tone amused Minhwa, and her eyes filled with curiosity. “Who are you going to take me to meet?”

Xiaoyang looked into her eyes and smiled slightly. “Let me keep you in suspense for now, okay? Maggie, I’ll leave this lady’s needs and daily arrangements in your hands!”

Margaret nodded warmly. “Of course, Boss. Ma’am, please follow me.” She turned slightly and gestured for Minhwa to follow her upstairs.

Minhwa looked at her, nodded, and followed her up the stairs, carrying a strange sense of anticipation in her heart. Somehow, she felt that this evening might become the most unforgettable part of her journey.