《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【七】曉陽的天命真女
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林曉陽收拾好行李，準備返回琉森湖畔的那座久未開業的旅館。車窗外的風景逐漸變得熟悉，山巒和湖泊映入眼簾。當他駛進停車場時，發現天堂旅館的大門依然深鎖，猶如一座沉睡的巨獸，靜默地守候著一切。車停下，他的目光落在那片曾經熱鬧的石雕像花園上，現如今那些雕像早已不見，留下一地破碎的石塊。心中一陣酸楚，他默默地走向大門，打開了已經鏽蝕的門鎖。
搬進504號房的過程中，曉陽的手臂微微發抖，重重的行李箱和背包給他帶來了一絲疲憊。這座建築，儘管曾是他的一片天堂，卻也見證了無數波折與變遷。將家當放下後，他深深吸了一口氣，決定先到大廳走一圈，整理一下思緒。
當他走進大廳，還未走到吧台，門外傳來了急促的腳步聲。曉陽微微抬頭，門口站著一個高大的人影，威爾森穿著一襲簡單的白襯衫，顯得有些格格不入。他似乎有些緊張，說話的語氣也有些不太流利，盡管如此，眼神中卻透著一股堅定。
「Boss，我來應徵工作。」威爾森低頭，輕輕躬身，略帶不安地說道。
曉陽微微皺眉，有些驚訝，語氣中帶著一絲困惑：「我才剛從巴黎回來，你怎麼就出現了？」
威爾森撓了撓頭，憨厚一笑，緩緩開口：「是黃立華通知我的。」
曉陽愣了一下，嘴角微微抽動，顯然不太相信：「黃立華？他不是已經變成一尊石頭雕像了嗎？」
威爾森眉毛微挑，神秘兮兮地低聲道：「我和幾個朋友，還有警察，把黃立華救回來了。」
曉陽的表情變得有些複雜，遲疑地問道：「黃立華，身體還好嗎？」
威爾森微微點頭，語氣肯定：「他現在已經恢復健康了，就在這附近旅遊。」
曉陽輕輕地鬆了口氣，似乎放心了一些，隨後又問：「好吧，我的確需要一個總管。你覺得自己能勝任這份工作嗎？」
威爾森挺直了背，目光堅定，毫不猶豫地答道：「我可以的，Boss。」他的聲音有些回蕩，彷彿是對自己的承諾。
曉陽點點頭，輕鬆地說：「那好，我還需要一些人手，招募員工就交給你了。」
威爾森自信地笑了笑，接過任務：「沒問題，Boss。」
曉陽的眼神變得更加專注，思考片刻後，提醒道：「員工儘量找年輕人。我希望這裡重新開業後能充滿活力和青春氣息。」
威爾森拍了拍胸口，笑道：「好的，Boss。」
曉陽環顧四周，眼中閃過一絲思索。他走到旁邊的長桌前，指了指周圍的裝潢說：「這裡你應該比我熟悉，我打算重新裝潢旅館。你能幫我找人來處理嗎？」
威爾森朝他豎起大拇指，語氣輕鬆而自信：「沒問題，我有朋友懂這些事，我會找他來幫忙。」
曉陽露出一絲微笑，語氣略帶嚴肅：「還有，你得盡快學好華文，因為你的老闆是華人。」他稍微停頓，接著說道：「這幾天，你和新來的夥伴們，先把黃立華的那些畫作搬出來，裝箱打包。我會通知法國那邊的博物館，派人來點收。」
威爾森點點頭，對這些工作倒是沒什麼異議，順勢問道：「Boss，要不要留下幾幅畫作當裝飾？」
曉陽思索了片刻，笑著回應：「不錯的主意。我會挑幾幅畫出來，讓你去安排裝修。」他沉吟片刻，繼續說道：「過幾天，我得回巴黎一趟，和一些美術館的館長商討黃立華的畫作收藏事宜。等我不在的時候，我們可以用視訊聯絡。」
威爾森重重點頭，眼神堅定：「好的，Boss。」
曉陽伸手拍了拍威爾森的肩膀，語氣中帶著一絲溫暖的勉勵：「那麼，從現在開始，這裡就交給你了。」
兩人互相對視一眼，心中似乎有了某種默契。曉陽轉身走向一旁的窗戶，遠望著那片蔚藍的湖泊，心中卻已經開始為這個即將重生的地方，重新鋪設起了新的藍圖。

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林曉陽的腰包裡放著手機和數位相機，陽光透過樹葉縫隙灑在他的臉上，微風拂過，帶來湖面上淡淡的水氣。他騎著自行車，沿著環湖公路的車道悠閒前行。途中，他途經一處小公園，車輪輕輕停下。他被不遠處傳來的音樂吸引，隨即放慢腳步，將自行車推向公園的入口。
小公園裡，露天音樂台上正上演一場口技表演。台下大約有一兩百名觀眾，或坐或站，大家都被那奇妙的聲音吸引，似乎在和大自然的音符共舞。林曉陽停下腳步，拿起相機對準舞台，按下快門，捕捉著每一個生動的瞬間。
表演者正在模仿鳥鳴、蛙鼓和狗吠，甚至還有汽車喇叭和煞車聲，所有的聲音交織在一起，宛如一幅動態的聲音畫作。林曉陽忍不住微笑，他喜歡這種充滿活力和創意的表演，深深被吸引。他站在台邊，靜靜地聆聽，隨著節奏輕輕點頭。
當表演漸漸進入尾聲，接下來是特技雜耍表演。表演者熟練地拋接著保齡球，並將圓盤頂在頭上旋轉。林曉陽再次舉起相機，快門響起，他捕捉到那一刻的驚奇與優雅。
正當他準備轉身離開時，台上的青年表演者突然朝他走來，眼中帶著一抹好奇與友善的光芒。他步伐輕盈，身形高挑，走到林曉陽面前，微微鞠躬後，開口道：「Bist du Herr Lin？」(你是林先生嗎？)
林曉陽微微一笑，點了點頭，語氣輕鬆而親切：「是的，我是。」
青年伸出右手，露出灿烂的笑容：「我叫阿多諾。很高興認識你！」
林曉陽也伸出手，與他握手，感受到他手掌中的堅定和溫暖。他點頭回應：「我也很高興！」
阿多諾略微靠近，眼中透露出一絲期待，他的語氣帶著一點急切：「有人告訴我，你會給我一份好工作。」
林曉陽微微一愣，嘴角帶著淡淡的微笑，稍微調整了一下姿勢，隨後問道：「哦？是誰告訴你的？」
阿多諾眨了眨眼，似乎回想了一下，然後開口：「黃先生，他是位老藝術家。」
林曉陽聽後微微點頭，心中已有了決定，他輕鬆地說道：「好吧！你來天堂旅館，我會給你一份工作。待會見！」
林曉陽轉身，跨上單車，手輕輕揮向阿多諾，告別的手勢簡單卻充滿溫暖。隨後，他踩上踏板，開始駛向湖濱自行車道，留下阿多諾站在那裡，微笑著目送他離去。風輕輕地撫過兩人的臉龐，這個偶然的邂逅，似乎成為了某種未來的預兆。

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林曉陽輕輕推開天堂旅館的大門，迎接他的是一股熟悉的木質香氣，和門外微微透進的陽光。他剛踏進大廳，便看見威爾森和羅伯特站在門口，兩人不約而同地對他行了個標準的鞠躬。羅伯特臉上掛著和煦的笑容，眼睛微微彎成月牙狀。林曉陽的表情微微僵硬，心中暗自嘀咕：「這老掌櫃怎麼又出現了？」
威爾森注意到林曉陽的神情，輕步走向他，低聲解釋道：「Boss，我把Robbert找回來了。他已經改邪歸正，這裡他熟悉，我們有些工作需要他豐富的經驗和能力。」
林曉陽停了下來，稍微抬頭看向威爾森，深吸一口氣，然後語氣放鬆：「好吧！我尊重你的安排。」他決定不再多說什麼，放下心中的疑慮。
正當他準備走向大廳內部時，他的目光落在了窗邊那個熟悉的身影——黃立華，這位老畫家正端坐在面對湖泊的角落裡，安靜地閱讀著一本書，旁邊的咖啡杯還冒著細細的蒸氣。林曉陽臉上露出開心的微笑，快步走向他，語氣充滿了親切：「老前輩，很高興再見到您！」
黃立華抬起頭，眼中閃過一絲溫暖，他放下手中的書，微笑著點頭，語氣輕柔：「你去巴黎，見了哪些人？」
林曉陽略作停頓，隨即以簡潔的語調回應：「見了三個博物館館長，把你的作品交代給他們，他們都很有興趣。」他語氣輕描淡寫，但臉上的神情卻透露出一絲自豪。
黃立華聽後滿意地點了點頭，臉上的笑容更深：「謝謝你如此費心幫我，曉陽。對了，我孫女黃敏華，後天傍晚會出現在這裡。」
林曉陽聽後眉頭微微一挑，好奇地問：「哦？你怎麼知道敏華後天會來？」
黃立華微微抬手，指尖輕輕敲擊著自己的額頭，眼中閃過一絲神秘的光芒：「我的第六感告訴我的！這兩天你應該把她的人像畫掛出來，擺放在大門口。「他語氣中帶著一絲戲謔和隱秘的智慧。
林曉陽微微一笑，點頭道：「好的，我會照辦。「
黃立華接著低聲說：「等敏華來到時，你可以帶她進來壁畫裡見我，我會幫你說服她，讓她相信這一切不是幻覺。「他的語氣帶著一種無形的力量，彷彿他對未來的安排早已洞若觀火。
林曉陽沉默了一會兒，然後用平靜的語氣回應：「好的，我記住了。「他輕輕站起來，伸手整理了一下西裝外套，語氣輕描淡寫：「還有，剛才我在湖邊的藝人表演區，遇見了Adornod。」
黃立華微微皺眉，似乎回憶起這個名字，問：「喔？Adornod跟你說了吧？」
林曉陽微微點頭：「是的，他說我確實需要一些人手。我先上樓休息，整理一下圖稿。「他說完，輕輕轉身，腳步悠然地朝樓梯走去，與黃立華的目光交錯過，留下的是一場無言的默契。
黃立華則輕輕點頭，目送他離開，然後再次低下頭，繼續品味著咖啡，眼神中透露著某種他人無法察覺的深邃。

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傍晚的微光灑進天堂旅館的大廳，空氣中彷彿還殘留著白天陽光的餘熱。門口的風鈴輕輕搖曳，發出清脆的聲音。這時，一位揹著旅行背包的華裔女孩走進來，步伐輕快，穿著一條寬鬆的吊袋褲，蓄著小平頭，整體造型顯得略帶中性化，讓人一瞬間以為她是一個活潑的小毛頭男孩。不過，她那雙明亮的眼睛和輪廓分明的五官依然保持著她的女性特徵。
她走到櫃檯前，與站在那裡的服務生瑪格莉特開始用手勢和簡單的語言溝通，顯然是對櫃檯旁邊兩幅素描畫產生了興趣。瑪格莉特指著小陽台上，畫畫的林曉陽，敏華便朝他走去。
黃敏華輕輕清了清喉嚨，抬頭看向林曉陽，語氣帶著一絲探詢：「請問你是…？」她的眼睛裡閃過一絲好奇。
林曉陽轉身，看見來人，微微一笑，伸手示意：「我是林曉陽，這家旅館的老闆。」他眼中有一絲親切的光芒，語氣中帶著些許自信和禮貌。
黃敏華眉頭微挑，抬起頭來，指著門口的素描：「請問老闆，門口那兩幅素描，作者是…？」

林曉陽不加掩飾地笑了笑，語氣輕鬆：「是我畫的。」
黃敏華的目光加深，露出驚訝的表情，語氣中帶著一絲好奇：「你怎麼會有我的生活照？那兩張是我大學畢業旅行時在墾丁拍的。那卷底片，後來不知怎麼就消失不見了。」
林曉陽看著她，臉上的笑容稍微收斂，思緒一閃而過，望向角落的空位，尋找著黃立華的身影，但黃立華這時並不在座位上。
黃敏華見他有些愣住，忍不住問：「我的一位誰？」她眉宇間帶著困惑。
林曉陽略微尷尬地看了她一眼，似乎有些想不通，心中忽然浮現一個影像，內心暗想：「這位黃敏華，該不會是以前代過我課的那位師大美術系女老師吧？」他的眼睛微微眯起，突然想起來了。
他微笑著，點頭道：「我想起來了！三年前的六月，你曾經在坪林國中代過我班的課。」他語氣中帶著一絲懷舊。
黃敏華也驀然停下腳步，端詳著林曉陽，似乎在回憶。她微微皺眉，突然瞪大了眼睛：「你是那位林老師？你怎麼會來到這裡？」她的聲音中帶著驚訝，眼神中也閃過一絲疑惑。
林曉陽笑了笑，語氣輕鬆：「來歐洲自助旅行，然後一路旅行到這裡，剛好就住下來了。」
黃敏華聽後仍有些不解，眉頭微蹙：「可你說，你是這家旅館的老闆啊？」她的語氣中有些許的不解，眼中閃爍著尋求解答的光芒。
林曉陽聽後微微一笑，似乎想繼續保持神秘感：「這其中有一段奇遇，妳先住下來，慢慢我再說給妳聽。」
黃敏華聽後頓時豁然開朗，語氣輕鬆地笑了：「好吧！會在這地方遇見你，也算是有緣。這裡我不熟悉，就先打擾了。」她說完，露出一絲友善的笑容，輕輕拍了拍自己的背包，準備隨後進一步了解這個地方。
林曉陽朝櫃檯方向輕輕招手，瑪格莉特隨即走了過來，臉上帶著恭敬的笑容：「老闆。」
林曉陽看著瑪格莉特，點點頭，然後對黃敏華說：「瑪姬，妳幫這位小姐的行李帶到505號房，她是來自我家鄉的老朋友，她可以在這裡住多久就住多久，吃的用的一切免費。」
黃敏華聽後，顯得相當訝異，她急忙開口：「你為什麼要免費招待我？無功不受祿，何況我們的交情也沒那麼深…」

林曉陽故作神秘，微微一笑，眼神閃爍：「今晚我帶妳去見一個人，妳就會明白。」
黃敏華被他這神秘的語氣逗笑了，眼中充滿好奇：「你要帶我去見誰？」
林曉陽看著她的眼睛，微微一笑：「請容我先賣個關子吧？瑪姬，這位小姐的生活起居，就交給妳照料囉！」
瑪格莉特點頭，語氣親切：「好的，老闆。女士，請跟我來。」她微微側身，示意黃敏華跟隨她上樓。
黃敏華看著她，點頭並跟了上去，心中帶著一絲莫名的期待，似乎這一晚會成為她旅行中，最難忘的一部分。
[Seven] Xiaoyang’s Fated Woman

### 23

Lin Xiaoyang packed his luggage and prepared to return to the long-closed hotel beside Lake Lucerne. The scenery outside the car window gradually became familiar, with mountains and the lake coming into view. When he drove into the parking lot, he found that the entrance to Paradise Inn was still tightly locked, like a sleeping giant silently standing guard over everything. After stopping the car, his gaze fell upon the once-bustling sculpture garden. The statues were now long gone, leaving behind a ground strewn with broken pieces of stone. A wave of sadness rose in his heart as he silently walked toward the entrance and opened the already rusted lock.

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

When he entered the lobby, before he had even reached the front desk, hurried footsteps came from outside the door. Xiaoyang raised his head slightly. A tall figure stood at the entrance. Wilson was wearing a simple white shirt, which seemed somewhat out of place. He appeared a little nervous, and his speech was somewhat halting, but there was a firm determination in his eyes.

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

Xiaoyang frowned slightly, somewhat surprised. There was a hint of confusion in his voice. “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 answering, “Huang Lihua notified me.”

Xiaoyang froze for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly, clearly unconvinced. “Huang Lihua? Didn’t he already become a stone statue?”

Wilson raised his eyebrows slightly and lowered his voice mysteriously. “A few friends and I, along with the police, rescued Huang Lihua.”

Xiaoyang's expression became somewhat complicated, and he asked hesitantly, “Is Huang Lihua doing all right?”

Wilson nodded slightly, his tone certain. “He’s fully recovered now. He’s traveling around this area.”

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

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

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

Wilson smiled confidently and accepted the assignment. “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 full of vitality and youthful energy when it reopens.”

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

Xiaoyang looked around, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes. 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 help me find someone to handle it?”

Wilson gave him a thumbs-up, his tone relaxed and confident. “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 a little more serious. “Also, you need to learn Chinese as soon as possible, because your boss is Chinese.” He paused briefly, then continued, “Over the next few days, you and the new staff can first move Huang Lihua’s paintings out, pack them into boxes, and prepare them for shipment. I’ll notify the museums in France and have someone come to inventory and receive them.”

Wilson nodded. He had no objections to these tasks and asked, “Boss, should we keep a few paintings as decorations?”

Xiaoyang thought for a moment and smiled. “That’s a good idea. I’ll select a few paintings and have you arrange them as part of the renovation.” He pondered for a moment, then continued, “In a few days, I’ll have to go back to Paris to discuss the collection of Huang Lihua’s paintings with the directors of several 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 voice carrying a hint of warm encouragement. “Then, from now on, I’m leaving this place in your hands.”

The two looked at each other, seeming to have reached a certain unspoken understanding. Xiaoyang turned and walked toward a nearby window, gazing out at the blue lake. In his heart, however, he had already begun drawing up a new blueprint for this place that was about to be reborn.

### 24

Lin Xiaoyang carried his cell phone and digital camera in his waist pouch. Sunlight streamed through the gaps between the leaves and fell across his face, while a gentle breeze carried a faint mist from the lake. He rode his bicycle leisurely along the cycling lane of the road around the lake. Along the way, he passed a small park, and the wheels gently came to a stop. Drawn 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 outdoor stage. About one or two hundred spectators sat or stood below the stage, all captivated by the marvelous sounds, as though dancing 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 dogs barking, as well as car horns and the sound of brakes. All the sounds blended together like a dynamic painting made of sound. Lin 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, an acrobatic juggling act followed. The performer skillfully tossed and caught bowling balls and spun a disk balanced on his head. Lin Xiaoyang raised his camera again. The shutter clicked as he captured the wonder and grace of that moment.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, the young performer onstage suddenly walked toward him, a hint of curiosity and friendliness in his eyes. He moved lightly, his tall figure approaching Lin Xiaoyang. After giving him a slight bow, he asked, “Are you Mr. Lin?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled slightly and nodded, his tone relaxed and friendly. “Yes, I am.”

The young man extended his right hand and gave him a bright smile. “My name is Adornod. It’s nice to meet you!”

Lin Xiaoyang also extended his hand and shook his hand, feeling the firmness and warmth of his palm. He nodded in response. “Nice to meet you, too!”

Adornod moved slightly closer, anticipation showing in his eyes. His tone carried a hint of urgency. “Someone told me you would give me a good job.”

Lin Xiaoyang was slightly taken aback. A faint smile remained on his lips as he adjusted his posture slightly, then asked, “Oh? Who told you that?”

Adornod blinked, seeming to think for a moment before answering, “Mr. Huang. He’s an old artist.”

Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly after hearing this. He had already made up his mind and said casually, “All right! Come to Paradise Inn, and I’ll give you a job. See you later!”

Lin Xiaoyang turned, mounted his bicycle, and gently waved to Adornod. The simple farewell gesture carried a sense of warmth. Then he pressed down on the pedals and headed toward the lakeside cycling path, leaving Adornod standing there, smiling as he watched him ride away. The breeze gently brushed across both their faces. This chance encounter seemed to have become a sign of something yet to come.

### 25

Lin Xiaoyang gently pushed open the door of Paradise Inn. A familiar woody scent greeted him, along with the faint sunlight filtering in from outside. As soon as he stepped into the lobby, he saw Wilson and Robert standing by the entrance. The two of them bowed to him in unison. Robert wore a warm smile, his eyes curving slightly like crescent moons. Lin Xiaoyang's expression stiffened slightly, and he muttered to himself, **How did that old innkeeper show up again?**

Wilson noticed Xiaoyang's expression and quietly walked over to him, explaining in a low voice, “Boss, I brought Robert back. He’s turned away from the darkness and come over to the light. He knows this place well, and we need his extensive experience and abilities for some of the work here.”

Lin Xiaoyang stopped, raised his head slightly to look at Wilson, took a deep breath, and then said in a relaxed 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 eyes fell upon a familiar figure by the window—Huang Lihua. The old painter was sitting quietly in a corner facing the lake, reading a book, with a cup of coffee beside him giving off a thin wisp of steam. A happy smile appeared on Lin Xiaoyang's face as he quickly walked toward him. His voice was warm and friendly. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Elder.”

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

Lin Xiaoyang paused briefly, then replied concisely, “I met with three museum directors and entrusted your works 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 growing deeper. “Thank you for going to so much trouble to help me, Xiaoyang. By the way, my granddaughter Huang Minhua will appear here the evening after tomorrow.”

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

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

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

Huang Lihua then lowered his voice and said, “When Minhua arrives, you can bring her into the mural to see me. I’ll help you persuade her to believe that none of this is an illusion.” His voice carried an invisible force, as though he had already seen clearly how everything would unfold in the future.

Lin Xiaoyang remained silent for a moment, then replied calmly, “All right. I’ll remember that.” He gently stood up and straightened his suit jacket. In a casual tone, he added, “Also, I met Adornod earlier at the artists’ performance area by the lake.”

Huang Lihua frowned slightly, seemingly trying to recall the name. “Oh? Adornod told you, didn’t he?”

Lin Xiaoyang nodded slightly. “Yes. He said I really do need some extra help. I’m going upstairs to rest and organize some drawings.” After saying this, he gently turned and walked leisurely toward the staircase. His gaze briefly crossed with Huang Lihua’s, leaving behind an unspoken understanding.

Huang Lihua nodded gently as he watched him leave. Then he lowered his head again and continued savoring his coffee, a depth in his eyes that no one else could perceive.

### 26

The faint evening light streamed into the lobby of Paradise Inn, and the lingering warmth of the day seemed to remain in the air. The wind chime by the entrance swayed gently, producing a crisp sound. At that moment, a Chinese-descended young woman carrying a travel backpack walked in, her steps light. She was wearing a loose pair of bib overalls and had a short crew cut. Her overall appearance was somewhat androgynous, making her look at first glance like a lively young boy. However, her bright eyes and well-defined facial features still retained her feminine characteristics.

She walked up to the front desk and began communicating with the server, Margaret, through gestures and simple language. She was clearly interested in the two sketches beside the front desk. Margaret pointed toward Lin Xiaoyang, who was painting on the small balcony, and Minhua walked toward him.

Huang Minhua gently cleared her throat and looked up at Lin Xiaoyang, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry. “Excuse me, are you...?” A trace of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

Lin Xiaoyang turned around. Seeing who had arrived, he smiled slightly and gestured with his hand. “I’m Lin Xiaoyang, the owner of this hotel.” There was a friendly light in his eyes, and his tone carried a hint of confidence and courtesy.

Huang Minhua raised her eyebrows slightly and pointed toward the sketches at the entrance. “Excuse me, Boss, the two sketches at the entrance—who is the artist...?”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled openly and replied casually, “I drew them.”

Huang Minhua's gaze deepened, and a look of surprise appeared on her face. Her voice carried a hint of curiosity. “How do you have photographs of me from everyday life? Those two were taken when I went on a graduation trip after college in Kenting. That roll of film somehow disappeared later, and I never knew what happened to it.”

Lin Xiaoyang looked at her, the smile on his face fading slightly. His thoughts raced for a moment as he looked toward the empty seat in the corner, searching for Huang Lihua, but Huang Lihua was not there at that moment.

Seeing him freeze, Huang Minhua could not help asking, “Who am I to you?” Confusion showed between her brows.

Lin Xiaoyang looked at her somewhat awkwardly, seeming unable to make sense of it. Suddenly, an image came to his mind, and he thought to himself, **Could this Huang Minhua be the female art teacher from the Department of Fine Arts at National Taiwan Normal University who once substituted for my class?** His eyes narrowed slightly, and 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.” His voice carried a hint of nostalgia.

Huang Minhua also suddenly stopped and studied Lin Xiaoyang, seemingly trying to remember him. She frowned slightly, then suddenly widened her eyes. “You’re that Teacher Lin? How did you end up here?” Surprise filled her voice, along with a trace of confusion in her eyes.

Lin Xiaoyang smiled. His tone was relaxed. “I came to Europe to travel independently, and eventually traveled all the way here. I happened to settle down here.”

Huang Minhua still looked somewhat puzzled. She furrowed her brows slightly. “But you said you’re the owner of this hotel?” There was a trace of confusion in her voice, and her eyes seemed to be searching for an explanation.

Lin Xiaoyang smiled slightly, seemingly wanting to maintain an air of mystery. “There’s a story behind that. Stay here first, and I’ll tell you about it little by little.”

Huang Minhua suddenly understood and laughed lightly in a relaxed tone. “All right! Running into you in a place like this must mean we were meant to meet. I’m not familiar with this place, so I’ll trouble you for now.” After saying this, she gave him a friendly smile and lightly patted her backpack, preparing to learn more about the place.

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

Lin Xiaoyang looked at Margaret and nodded, then said to Huang Minhua, “Maggie, please take this lady’s luggage to Room 505. She’s an old friend from my hometown. She can stay here for as long as she likes. Everything she eats and uses is free.”

Huang Minhua was quite surprised by this and hurriedly said, “Why are you giving me free accommodations? You don’t get something for nothing, and besides, we’re not even that close...”

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

Huang Minhua was amused by his mysterious tone, curiosity filling her eyes. “Who are you taking me to meet?”

Lin Xiaoyang looked into her eyes and smiled slightly. “Let me keep that a secret for now, all right? Maggie, I’ll leave this lady’s daily needs in your care!”

Margaret nodded, her tone friendly. “All right, Boss. Ma’am, please follow me.” She turned slightly, gesturing for Huang Minhua to follow her upstairs.

Huang Minhua looked at her, nodded, and followed her upstairs, carrying a faint sense of inexplicable anticipation in her heart, as though this evening would become the most unforgettable part of her journey.