Fantasy Novel:

Paradise Hotel  13

【TWELVE】Lin Xiaoyang Sends Someone to Protect Huang Minhwa

41

On the weekend, the flea market along the Seine was packed with people and filled with excitement. Sunlight filtered through the shadows of the trees and fell across the stalls of secondhand goods, where antiques, clothing, and all kinds of small ornaments glittered in the sunlight. The air of the market was filled with the aromas of coffee and street food. Tourists moved among the stalls, casually browsing and selecting the treasures displayed at each one.

Huang Minhwa was wearing a pink dress, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall as she moved through the crowd. Her delicate and beautiful appearance unconsciously caused some of the tourists around her to stop and look. Three white men quietly followed behind her, their eyes filled with scrutiny and excitement. Huang Minhwa did not notice them at all, remaining focused on the items displayed at the stalls and occasionally exchanging a few simple words in French with the vendors.

When she reached a beverage stall, the three white men suddenly moved forward and surrounded her. The first man, with a head of curly blond hair, casually smiled and spoke to her:

“Madame, may I buy you a beer? I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

His tone was somewhat teasing, but there was obvious frivolity in his eyes.

Huang Minhwa frowned slightly and gently shook her head, replying calmly, “Thank you. I don’t drink.”

She felt somewhat uncomfortable, but she nevertheless maintained her graceful composure.

The second man, wearing a blue T-shirt, raised the corners of his mouth and said, “Then perhaps an iced coffee? In weather like this, it should be refreshing.”

His tone had become somewhat unwilling to give up.

Huang Minhwa smiled and replied calmly:

“Thank you. If I need one, I’ll buy it myself.”

She took several small steps backward, trying to get out of their circle.

However, the third man, a white man of medium build, wore a displeased expression and spoke with a hint of provocation:

“Are Oriental ladies always this cold? Don’t you ever let anyone get close to you?”

His tone was filled with contempt.

Huang Minhwa took a deep breath and answered calmly:

“That depends on the person. If I don’t like being surrounded, please let me pass, okay?”

Although her tone remained calm, a firm determination flashed involuntarily in her eyes.

The first white man chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension.

“We have no bad intentions, madame.”

He waved his hand gently, indicating that he had no intention of deliberately making things difficult for her.

Huang Minhwa remained composed, her tone becoming slightly firmer:

“Excuse me. I like to move around freely here without being bothered.”

However, the second white man refused to give up and continued:

“We just wanted to become friends. Is that really so bothersome?”

Huang Minhwa gave a slightly helpless smile.

“Yes, it is bothersome. I’ve heard that French men are generally very gallant. You should know how to show a little more tact.”

There was a slight hint of sarcasm in her tone.

The third man became somewhat angry and could not help arguing back:

“We are gentlemen, but why are you so difficult to approach?”

Huang Minhwa was no longer as polite. Her voice rose slightly as she said:

“Please let me pass, okay?”

Her tone was firm, and her impatience was now obvious.

The three men exchanged glances, wearing faintly insolent smiles, and did not immediately back away. The vendors and tourists nearby noticed what was happening and cast strange looks in their direction. Some whispered and snickered, while others looked displeased.

Just then, Qiu Shenzhi walked over. Seeing that something was wrong, he immediately stepped forward to intervene.

“Young man, your behavior seems rather impolite toward this lady.”

His tone was stern. He stood perfectly upright, his gaze cold and severe.

The third man contemptuously pointed a finger at Qiu Shenzhi.

“What’s it to you, you old Asian man?”

His tone was crude, and he made no attempt to conceal his contempt.

A cold smile flashed across Qiu Shenzhi’s eyes. He suddenly picked up the paintbrush in his hand and swiftly drew a large “X” across the man’s face. The surrounding crowd burst into laughter, and the white man froze in astonishment.

The man’s face first showed shock, but moments later his anger erupted. He swung his fist and charged at Qiu Shenzhi. Qiu Shenzhi nimbly stepped aside, then touched the man’s arm with the tip of his paintbrush and drew a stroke across it. Instantly, the man’s entire body stiffened. He could no longer move at all and could only move his eyes.

White Men A and B saw what had happened. The smiles disappeared from their faces and were replaced by panic. They hurriedly shouted:

“My God! What did you do to my friend?”

The corners of Qiu Shenzhi’s mouth lifted slightly, and he replied calmly:

“Nothing special. Just a little lesson for him—a punishment for disrespecting ladies. Would you two like to try it?”

His calm tone made it seem as though he did not take the men standing before him seriously at all.

White Man A looked terrified and clearly did not dare challenge him again. The two men hoisted the rigid White Man C between them and hurried away from the scene in embarrassment.

Seeing that the matter had been resolved, the surrounding vendors and tourists applauded Qiu Shenzhi enthusiastically, showing their appreciation for his intervention and his willingness to stand up for someone in trouble.

Qiu Shenzhi turned around, smiled at Huang Minhwa, and asked with concern:

“Mademoiselle, you weren’t frightened, were you?”

Huang Minhwa breathed a sigh of relief and smiled as she straightened her sleeve.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you for helping me out of that situation.”

Qiu Shenzhi smiled. “There are occasionally a few ruffians around here. Judging from your accent, you’re Chinese, aren’t you?”

Huang Minhwa nodded and replied gently, “Yes, I’m from Taiwan.”

Qiu Shenzhi smiled and immediately switched to fluent Mandarin. “I see. There are often tourists from Taiwan around here.”

Huang Minhwa asked curiously, “Sir, are you a painter too?”

Qiu Shenzhi smiled modestly. “I wouldn’t call myself a painter. I’m just a street artist making a living.”

After hearing this, Huang Minhwa looked slightly surprised. “I came to Paris to study abroad and study painting.”

Qiu Shenzhi said warmly, “So we’re in the same line of work. I’m from Shanghai, although that was a very long time ago.”

Huang Minhwa froze for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “You’re from Shanghai? What a coincidence. My grandfather is also from Shanghai, and he studied art as well.”

A look of surprise flashed across Qiu Shenzhi’s eyes. “Huang Lihua? Your grandfather’s name is Huang Lihua?”

Huang Minhwa was also somewhat surprised. “Sir, do you know my grandfather?”

Qiu Shenzhi hesitated slightly, then shook his head. “No, I don’t know him, but I’ve heard of him.”

He thought to himself, “What a small world. Huang Lihua’s granddaughter actually ran into me here…”

Qiu Shenzhi then asked, “Which university in Paris are you studying art at?”

Huang Minhwa nodded. “Yes, the School of Arts at the University of Paris.”

Qiu Shenzhi continued, “Do you live in the university dormitory?”

Huang Minhwa answered, “Yes, I live in the university dormitory.”

Qiu Shenzhi smiled slightly. “Would you be interested in doing what I do and making some extra money by sketching portraits of tourists here to help with your living expenses?”

Huang Minhwa hesitated slightly. “I’m afraid I can’t. My class schedule is very full.”

Qiu Shenzhi was unwilling to give up and continued, “Then, how about I show you around on your days off? There are many museums here worth visiting.”

Huang Minhwa smiled and politely declined. “Thank you for your kindness, but our department has already arranged some field trips.”

Qiu Shenzhi thought to himself, “This girl is naturally cautious. I need to find a way to get her phone number…”

He smiled lightly and asked, “Then, would you mind giving me your cell phone number? When you have some free time, we could have dinner together.”

Huang Minhwa smiled slightly and replied, “All right, but I may not have much free time.” She took out a slip of paper, wrote down her name and cell phone number, and handed it to Qiu Shenzhi.

Qiu Shenzhi accepted it with a smile. “That’s all right. If you have time, you can always give me a call yourself.”

Huang Minhwa waved at him and said, “Thank you, sir. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

She turned lightly and continued walking deeper into the market.

Qiu Shenzhi watched her disappear into the crowd and thought to himself, “This encounter doesn’t seem to have been a coincidence…”

42

In the evening, Lin Xiaoyang came to the school entrance to pick Huang Minhwa up after class. Minhwa got into the luxury car.

Huang Minhwa immediately asked, “You sounded so anxious on the phone. One minute you said Annie was Xie Huijun, and the next you said Annie claimed to be a vampire. You’ve completely confused me!”

Lin Xiaoyang handed her the diary. After reading it, Minhwa sighed. “I really have to hand it to Annie! I really do! Even if she is a vampire, she’s a vampire with a conscience…”

Lin Xiaoyang said emotionally, “After spending these past two days with Annie, I’ve actually been very conflicted. Part of me hopes that Annie really is the missing Huijun, but another part of me is afraid that I’ll hurt you…”

Huang Minhwa smiled. “I’m not feeling any better. I’m worried that I’ll become the third person interfering in your relationship.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Annie said she’s a vampire. I’ve thought about it from every angle, and I’ve finally managed to piece together a few clues.”

Huang Minhwa asked, “Oh? Tell me what you think!”

Lin Xiaoyang explained slowly, “Huijun traveled alone through Europe, and it’s very possible that she was unfortunately attacked by a vampire and had a spell cast on her that erased her previous memories. And when she said she had been assigned a mission to get close to me, she may have been ordered to do so by the group of vampires controlling her.”

Huang Minhwa nodded. “Your analysis makes sense. Annie chose to leave you on her own because your deep love for Huijun moved her and awakened her conscience. You can only look at it from the positive side. You and Huijun were deeply in love, but your fate together was too short.”

Lin Xiaoyang let out a long sigh. “If only I hadn’t acted on impulse and argued with her back then, she might never have been dragged into this and turned into a vampire…”

Huang Minhwa suddenly remembered the old man Qiu Shenzhi and said, “This morning, at the market along the Seine, I met a Chinese portrait artist who could use magic…”

Lin Xiaoyang interrupted her. “That man’s name is Qiu Shenzhi. He claims to be Senior Huang’s student. Am I right?”

Huang Minhwa asked in surprise, “What? You’ve already met him?”

Lin Xiaoyang warned her, “You need to be careful around Qiu. He’s also a vampire, and he’s your grandfather’s enemy.”

Huang Minhwa felt a chill run through her body as she listened. “Why is it so scary? Can I just run into vampires anywhere I go on the street?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled. “That’s why your grandfather and I don’t want you to get involved. Your grandfather gave you a cross before. From now on, carry it with you at all times. When I’m not by your side, the cross can protect you in my place.”

Huang Minhwa continued, “Oh no, that Mr. Qiu… That man named Qiu asked me about my school and department, and even where I was staying. What should I do?”

“You’re on your own out here, so you can never be too careful about whom you trust.” Lin Xiaoyang thought for a moment before continuing, “For the time being, try not to go anywhere alone. Whenever you leave school, make sure you go with a classmate.”

Huang Minhwa pleaded, “Xiaoyang, can’t you stay here with me?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I have to go back to Switzerland. There are still some things waiting for me to take care of there.”

Huang Minhwa said uneasily, “But I’ll be scared…”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “How about this? I’ll find a female employee I trust to stay with you, and you can move into the place where I’m staying now.”

Huang Minhwa asked, “The place where you’re staying now? Isn’t that the apartment Annie left for you?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Yes. Today I’ll go back to the dorm with you and help you move all your luggage to the apartment. Once the person I arrange arrives, I’ll head back to Switzerland.”

“Thank you, Xiaoyang.” Huang Minhwa leaned toward him and kissed him on the cheek. She felt deeply touched by Xiaoyang’s thoughtful arrangement.

43

After receiving Lin Xiaoyang’s phone call, Margaret quickly reported the situation to Wilson. She then packed a small amount of luggage and boarded the train, her heart filled with anxiety. A faint mist hung over Paris, and the night gradually descended. Streetlights flickered through the hazy shadows. As the train traveled onward, the scenery outside the window rushed backward, while her heartbeat quickened as she drew closer to her destination.

Finally, she arrived downstairs at Huang Minhwa’s apartment. Her steps were quick yet cautious, as if she were ready at any moment to face an unexpected storm. She looked up slightly at the old building and secretly made up her mind that, no matter what she encountered, she would do everything in her power to protect Huang Minhwa.

She found the inconspicuous apartment door and gently knocked. The door opened, and Lin Xiaoyang was already waiting for her.

“Maggie, you’re here.”

Lin Xiaoyang’s voice was low and carried a trace of fatigue, but his eyes were filled with a strong sense of responsibility.

Margaret nodded, quickly bringing in her luggage before following him into the apartment and carefully surveying her surroundings. Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, sweeping across every corner one by one, afraid of overlooking even the slightest sign of danger.

“Maggie, from now on, you’ll need to stay close to Miss Huang and make sure she never leaves your sight.”

Lin Xiaoyang’s tone was firm, and his eyes were deep and serious, as though every word carried a heavy responsibility.

After hearing this, Maggie gave a slight bow, bending her elbows and crossing her hands over her chest as she gave her characteristic response:

“All right, boss.”

Although her tone was calm, the slight trembling of her fingers revealed the tension inside her. She was accustomed to every kind of mission, but this one felt particularly different.

Lin Xiaoyang remained silent for a moment, then walked to the window and gazed into the night sky, his eyes distant and cold. He turned around, and his gaze became even sharper.

“If you encounter Qiu Shenzhi, be careful and don’t let Miss Huang get hurt.”

Margaret frowned slightly, her expression becoming even more resolute. She replied quietly, “Boss, I’ll do everything I can to protect Miss Huang’s safety.”

Her words were filled with strength. Her hands clenched into fists, as though that promise had already been buried deep within her heart. No matter what she faced, she could not escape this responsibility.

Lin Xiaoyang nodded, seemingly somewhat reassured by Maggie’s determination. As he approached the door, he turned around with a faint, almost imperceptible smile, but his eyes still concealed endless worry.

44

When Lin Xiaoyang stepped through the doors of Paradise Hotel, what greeted him was not the usual tranquility, but Robert’s familiar smile and warm greeting.

“Boss, you’re back!”

Robert stood behind the reception desk, raising the towel in his hand. His smile was as warm and familiar as that of an old friend of many years.

Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly and asked quietly, “Where are Wilson and Huang Lihua?”

Robert leaned closer, lowering his voice almost to a whisper. “The Princess summoned them to a meeting. They’ll be back soon.”

As he spoke, he glanced around, as though worried that someone might overhear them.

Lin Xiaoyang raised his eyebrows slightly, a trace of vigilance flashing in his eyes. “Have there been any suspicious people at the hotel lately?”

Robert spread his hands, his tone somewhat more serious. “A few of Anderson’s henchmen came here to take a vacation. But it doesn’t look like they’re here to gather information.”

He added this as though he was not particularly concerned about them.

Lin Xiaoyang nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. “Good work, old friend.”

He patted Robert on the shoulder, his relief plainly visible.

When he returned to Room 504, Lin Xiaoyang put down his laptop and camera and immediately sat on the sofa. Just as he was about to take a short rest, the mural in the living room began to tremble slightly. Then, it seemed as though a door opened within the painting, and Huang Lihua, Wilson, and Adorno emerged one after another.

Lin Xiaoyang looked at them and smiled. “You’re back?”

Huang Lihua narrowed his eyes and raised his eyebrows. “How long have you been back?”

“I just got here,” Lin Xiaoyang explained. “The manager said that the Princess had summoned you to a meeting.”

Huang Lihua nodded and casually said, “Yes. Princess Maria gave us some instructions in person.”

Lin Xiaoyang asked curiously, “Oh? What did the Princess say?”

Wilson put on a mysterious air, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “La princesse dit que tout est déjà en place, nous n’avons qu’à suivre ses instructions, cher patron.” (The princess says that everything has already been arranged. We only need to follow her instructions, dear boss.) As he spoke, there was a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Lin Xiaoyang frowned slightly. “What about me? What am I supposed to do to cooperate with you?”

Adorno’s expression became serious as he said, “La princesse dit que ton sceau a été levé et elle a prédit que tu joueras un rôle décisif au moment crucial.” (The princess says that your seal has been lifted, and she has predicted that you will play a decisive role at the crucial moment.)

Lin Xiaoyang gave a bitter smile and shook his head, muttering to himself, “This princess is really something. I just broke the seal—how did she already know?”

Huang Lihua looked at him, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “That’s not surprising. The princess and you were husband and wife in your previous life. Your hearts are connected.”

Lin Xiaoyang seemed suddenly enlightened, his eyes lighting up. “I see! But I can’t feel her presence.”

Huang Lihua smiled gently. “Ever since you moved into this room, the princess has been by your side. This mural is actually the princess’s pair of eyes.”

Lin Xiaoyang sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Then doesn’t that mean I don’t have even a little privacy anymore?”

Wilson raised an eyebrow and said casually, “Boss, la princesse veut que tu ailles à Rome, au Vatican, pour remettre sa lettre manuscrite à un prêtre chinois nommé John Chen. Le Père Chen est une légende dans le monde religieux, un véritable chasseur de créatures démoniaques—zombies, vampires, rien ne lui échappe. Il est un ami proche de la princesse Maria. Une fois quil aura lu sa lettre, il acceptera de nous rejoindre et nous prêter main-forte.” (Boss, the princess wants you to go to Rome, to the Vatican, and deliver her handwritten letter to a Chinese priest named Father John Chen. Father Chen is a legendary demon hunter in the religious world, specializing in hunting zombies and vampires. He is a close friend of Princess Maria. Once he reads her letter, he will return with you and help us deal with our troubles.)

Adorno added, “Pendant les dix jours de ton absence, nous finaliserons tous les préparatifs, Boss.” (During the ten days you are away, we will complete all the preparations, Boss.)

Lin Xiaoyang pondered for a moment before finally nodding. “All right! Since the princess has already made the arrangements, I’ll play the messenger this time.”

Huang Lihua’s gaze grew deeper. “Actually, the princess has another reason for sending you to meet John Chen.”

A trace of confusion flashed across Lin Xiaoyang’s eyes. “What kind of reason? Elder Huang must know.”

Huang Lihua smiled faintly. “Of course I know what the princess has in mind, but you have to experience it yourself.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled helplessly. “All right! Every one of you is more mysterious than the last. I’m the only fool here.”