Fantasy Novel:Paradise

Hotel  15

[Fourteen] The Brief Calm Before the Storm

50

Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang returned to Paradise Hotel on the shore of Lake Lucerne with Lorna and Keith. General Manager Wilson and Innkeeper Robert personally welcomed them at the entrance.

Wilson clasped his hands in greeting and said, “Boss, Father Chen, you’ve both had a long journey.”

Father John Chen said, “Mr. Wilson, it’s been a long time. You look like you’re in a pretty good mood.”

Wilson said, “That’s because I have a very nice boss. Who are these two?”

Lin Xiaoyang signaled with his eyes and said, “There are too many eyes and ears around here. Innkeeper, why don’t you take Father Chen to his room first? Father, you’ll be staying in Room 506, right next to mine.”

Robert extended his hand to lead the way. “Of course. Father, please follow me.”

The innkeeper led Father Chen upstairs.

Lin Xiaoyang gestured invitingly and said, “My two friends, please come with me and relax in the VIP lounge.”

Lorna smiled and said, “Thank you. So you’re the owner of this place.”

Lorna and Keith followed Lin Xiaoyang to the VIP lounge. The three entered the lounge, and the waiter Adono brought them drinks. Lorna and Keith recognized Adono, and both looked astonished.

Lorna asked, “Adono, what are you doing here?”

Adono, equally surprised, said, “Lorna, Keith, you’ve finally come over to the side of righteousness, just like I did.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled and said, “So you all know each other.”

Adono said, “Our boss is a very good man. He treats his employees like family. Once you come here, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a completely new life.”

Lorna said with concern, “When Anderson issued a wanted order for you before, I was really worried about you.”

Adono gave a bitter smile and said, “Anderson treats all of us like beasts at his command. He has lost the people’s support. Clearly, his time is running out.”

Keith asked, “Adono, how did you find your way here?”

Adono shrugged and gave a bitter smile. “I should say I hid here, right? Anderson ordered his minions everywhere to hunt me down and kill me. Fortunately, I met the painter Huang Lihua.”

Lorna asked in surprise again, “Huang Lihua is here too?”

Adono said, “Yes! Huang Lihua took me in and brought me to Princess Maria. After receiving treatment, look at me now. I can finally see the light of day again. I no longer suck or bite people’s blood, and I no longer have to fear sunlight.”

Lorna sighed and said, “Huang Lihua has always been a genuinely good person. He could be considered one of Anderson’s closest confidants. Even he has defected to Princess Maria’s side. It seems that my choice was the right one.”

Adono said confidently, “Once you meet Princess Maria, you’ll willingly do anything for her.”

Lorna nodded and said, “I believe you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t all be leaving Anderson one after another.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’m going down to the lake to take a few more photos for the magazine. Adono, keep our two friends company. Father John Chen will come and take them later.”

Adono said, “Of course, Boss.”

Lin Xiaoyang got up and left the VIP lounge.

Lorna said enviously, “You have a good boss, Adono.”

Adono said mysteriously, “Yes. If you knew my boss’s true identity, I’m afraid you’d be absolutely astonished.”

Keith asked in confusion, “Isn’t your boss just an Asian man from the East?”

Adono said, “That’s who he is in this lifetime. You’ve heard of David, haven’t you?”

Lorna asked in astonishment, “David? Wasn’t he Anderson’s archenemy when Anderson was young, more than three hundred years ago?”

Adono said, “That’s right. My boss is David reincarnated. Have you ever heard of the idea of reincarnation in Eastern theology?”

Lorna said with interest, “I’ve heard of it, but I don’t understand. How could David be reincarnated as such a refined and gentle-looking Asian man?”

Adono said, “My boss is usually kind and easygoing with people, but don’t think that means he doesn’t have real abilities. Wilson said that even if Anderson came personally, he probably wouldn’t be a match for my boss. I believe Wilson wasn’t simply flattering him or sucking up to him.”

Lorna recalled what she had witnessed on the train. “I believe what you’re saying. At the time, Keith and I were on the train to Milan when we encountered your boss and Father John Chen, the Ghostbane. I vaguely sensed a powerful energy radiating from your boss. My instincts told me that he was no ordinary human being.”

Adono asked in surprise, “You encountered Father John Chen, the Ghostbane, on the train?”

Lorna said, “Yes! The two of them saw through us at a glance. I knew that even if Keith and I joined forces, we probably wouldn’t be able to escape the Ghostbane’s clutches, so I gave up resisting and took that opportunity to join the princess’s side.”

Adono said, “Fortunately, you didn’t resist. Otherwise, I might never have seen you again. Father John Chen, the Ghostbane, has always hated evil with a passion. All the ghost soldiers tremble at the mere mention of his name.”

“Actually, at the time, I was even more afraid of your boss. I thought that if he really attacked us, we would probably be beaten into ashes. Fortunately, he has a kind heart. He even pleaded with the Ghostbane on our behalf right there on the spot!”

Lorna gazed deeply at Keith and took one of his hands. Keith returned her gaze with equal tenderness.

Adono comforted them. “Now that you’ve made it here, you don’t have to live those days of hiding and trembling in fear anymore. The people here are all gentle and friendly. Before long, you’ll come to love this place.”

51

The setting sun dyed Lake Lucerne a deep orange-red. A gentle breeze brushed across the surface of the lake, creating countless tiny ripples. With a digital camera slung over his shoulder, Lin Xiaoyang rode his bicycle along the cobblestone path by the lakeshore. His eyes continually swept across the surroundings, capturing the charm of the foreign town.

Not far away, a crowd had gathered in a small plaza, with laughter and applause rising one after another. Lin Xiaoyang stopped his bicycle and raised his camera. Through the lens, a magician dressed in a black robe was gracefully waving his hands, conjuring a white dove with outstretched wings. Gasps of amazement rose from the crowd.

The magician Giorgio caught sight of Lin Xiaoyang from the corner of his eye. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he beckoned to him. “Sir, would I have the honor of asking you to be my witness?”

Lin Xiaoyang paused slightly, lowered his camera, and gave him a polite smile. “Of course.”

Giorgio gently patted the wooden box beside him, his eyes filled with mystery. “Sir, please lie down in here for a moment. You will witness a miracle.”

Lin Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow as he looked at the wooden box, then shrugged with a smile. “All right. I’m curious to see just how extraordinary this miracle will be.”

His assistant, Attis, quickly opened the wooden box and gestured for him to enter. Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath and carefully lay down inside. His body was separated by wooden panels, leaving only his head and feet exposed.

Giorgio raised both hands, and several long swords gleaming with cold light suddenly appeared in his palms. He spun around, and with swift movements, brought the swords down. The blades pierced straight through the wooden box without hesitation, and the audience gasped.

At the instant Lin Xiaoyang felt the blades pass through, a faintly cool sensation flowed through his body, but he felt not the slightest pain. He could not help wondering to himself how this trick had been accomplished.

Next, Giorgio took out a saw and, in full view of everyone, slowly began cutting along the center of the wooden box. The harsh sound of sawing wood filled the air.

“My God!” one spectator cried out.

“He really has been sawed in half!” another exclaimed, his eyes wide.

When Giorgio pushed the box apart, revealing Lin Xiaoyang apparently “split into two,” the plaza erupted in thunderous applause and cries of astonishment.

Finally, Giorgio closed the wooden box and pulled out the swords one by one. He gestured to his assistant to open the box. Lin Xiaoyang slowly sat up and waved to the crowd.

“Damn it… Is he really all right?”

“My God, this is completely impossible!”

The spectators crowded around excitedly, reaching out to touch Lin Xiaoyang’s arms.

However, Giorgio stood to one side with his brows tightly furrowed. He lowered his head and looked at the sword in his hand. The blade, which had originally gleamed brilliantly, had now become completely dull.

“What’s happening…?” he murmured, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Xiaoyang, a strange glimmer flashing in them.

He spoke quietly to Attis. “This young man… something isn’t right.”

Attis froze. “What’s wrong, Master?”

“My sword is supposed to absorb energy, but just now… all of its energy was drained away. I suspect… that this boy possesses some kind of special constitution.”

Attis frowned. “If that’s the case, we need to find out whether he is an enemy or an ally.”

The corners of Giorgio’s mouth lifted slightly. “No. If he isn’t an enemy, someone like him is worth getting to know.”

After the crowd gradually dispersed, Giorgio approached Lin Xiaoyang and extended his hand. “My friend, what do you think of this trick?”

Lin Xiaoyang shook his hand, but at that very instant, he felt a strange suction force. He instinctively frowned, while Giorgio abruptly pulled his hand back, staring in astonishment at his numb palm.

“You…” Giorgio’s expression changed slightly.

Lin Xiaoyang noticed the other man’s strange reaction and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, did I scare you just now?”

Giorgio shook his hand, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Young man, you must… have some kind of special ability, right?”

Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly. “I’ve recently been practicing Eastern martial arts. Maybe you sensed the internal energy inside me.”

“Internal energy?” Giorgio raised an eyebrow, his interest clearly piqued. “No wonder you seem like an incredibly powerful magnet.”

“I’m sorry. The internal technique I practice unconsciously absorbs abnormal energy. Just now… it must have made you uncomfortable, right?”

Giorgio pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “Eastern martial arts really are fascinating. I’ve always been curious about them. Why don’t we become friends?”

Lin Xiaoyang extended his hand and replied with a smile, “Of course. Your magic is very impressive, too.”

A trace of curiosity flashed in Giorgio’s eyes. “By the way, why did you come to Switzerland alone?”

Lin Xiaoyang’s smile faded, and his expression grew slightly somber. “I came to Europe to travel and look for someone. My girlfriend came here two years ago, but she suddenly disappeared.”

Giorgio patted him on the shoulder, pretending to be concerned. “I see… I have some friends in Europe. Perhaps they could help you gather some information.”

Lin Xiaoyang gave a bitter smile. “Thank you for your kindness, but if she really wants to hide from me, I could spend my entire life looking for her and still might not be able to find her.”

Giorgio’s eyes flickered, and he asked tentatively, “Would you like to come to my hotel for a drink? Maybe we can talk about your Eastern martial arts.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled and waved his hand. “Another time. I’ll come find you when I have time. My name is Lin Xiaoyang.”

“Giorgio Antoni.”

Lin Xiaoyang turned toward his bicycle, mounted it, waved to Giorgio, and rode away along the lakeshore.

Giorgio watched his retreating figure and murmured softly, “Could he have become suspicious of me?”

Attis said in a low voice, “Master, should we follow him?”

Giorgio thought for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. “No, it’s not time yet…”

52

Night covered the town, and the slightly cool sea breeze drifted gently through the streets, carrying the sound of waves from afar. On the night of the twelfth, Qiu Shenzhi stepped through the doors of Paradise Hotel. A tungsten hanging lamp cast a soft yellow glow, illuminating the hotel’s newly renovated splendor.

He looked around and found that the familiar corners had become strange. New carpets had replaced the old wooden floors, and a faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air. Apart from the old innkeeper, Robert, all the waitstaff were unfamiliar faces. The change made him frown slightly.

In one corner of the lobby, he caught sight of Lin Xiaoyang sitting on a sofa, his fingers gently tapping the rim of a glass as though he were thinking about something.

Qiu Shenzhi raised the corners of his mouth and walked over, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry. “Young man, do you remember me? I’m Qiu.”

Lin Xiaoyang looked up, smiled slightly, and stood to nod at him. “The old painter. It’s you?”

Qiu Shenzhi studied him, his gaze sharp. “What are you doing here?”

Lin Xiaoyang paused slightly, then answered frankly. “Of course I had to come back. After all, I’m the owner of this hotel.”

Qiu Shenzhi was startled, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes. “Oh? So you’re the owner… Then you’re one of my kind, too?” He leaned slightly forward and sniffed the air, then shook his head. “But… your scent is different from mine.”

Lin Xiaoyang shrugged, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. “Is it really different?”

Qiu Shenzhi frowned and moved closer again, almost pressing against Lin Xiaoyang’s shoulder as he sniffed his scent. He narrowed his eyes. “It is different… You’re not one of my kind.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled calmly and leaned back against the sofa. “Aren’t we all the same? It’s just the scent of a person… I’m quite active and sweat easily, so maybe there’s just a little more body odor on me.”

Qiu Shenzhi pondered for a moment, his eyes flickering darkly. “It seems the staff who used to work here have all been replaced? These are all unfamiliar faces now.”

Lin Xiaoyang gently rotated the glass in his hand and said indifferently, “The owner changed, so naturally the staff changed with him.”

Qiu Shenzhi gave a low chuckle and relaxed. “I was worried that the staff here might recognize me and throw me out.”

Lin Xiaoyang blinked, his tone calm. “We put our guests first. Why would we throw out a guest?”

“Yes, yes! A hotel wouldn’t throw out a guest who comes through its doors.” A cryptic smile appeared at the corners of Qiu Shenzhi’s mouth. He picked up the wineglass on the table, gently swirled it, and his gaze grew deep and somber.

It was late at night. The dim yellow lights inside the hotel cast a quiet yet mysterious atmosphere.

Inside Room 504, the atmosphere was tense. A detailed map covered the long table, while flickering candlelight cast shadows across a series of serious faces. Lin Xiaoyang, Wilson, Father John Chen, and Huang Lihua sat around the table, holding their breath as they listened.

Wilson stood beside the table, his gaze steady. “The princess has received word from her informants that tomorrow night, Anderson’s two left- and right-hand guardians will come to stay at the hotel. On the surface, they are here to inspect the hotel’s business operations. In reality, they are here to find out the location of the entrance to Sky Castle.”

Father John Chen folded his hands and let out a cold laugh. “What are the princess’s orders?”

Wilson said in a low voice, “The princess has specifically asked Father to come here and take charge of the situation so that we can use this opportunity to eliminate Anderson’s two guardians.”

A glimmer appeared in Father John Chen’s eyes, and a bloodthirsty smile spread across his lips. “So the princess has known the movements of Anderson’s faction all along. This time, we’ll make sure those two monsters come here and never leave.”

Wilson looked around at everyone, his tone serious. “Apart from Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang, I will coordinate all personnel. To avoid alerting these evil spirits and making them suspicious, Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang should apply perfume or lotion to their bodies. Adono and Painter Huang have also put on some makeup.”

A sly smile appeared on Father John Chen’s face. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.”

Wilson nodded, then unfolded the map and carefully assigned each employee’s task and position. The atmosphere was grim and murderous, and the battle had already begun to unfold quietly…