《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十】發生在巴黎的三角謎題

32
午後的陽光如瀑布般洒下，從一排桃花心木的枝葉間穿過，將柔和的光線灑進大廳。光斑在地板上跳動，隨著風的輕拂而不斷變幻。大廳一側的沙發上，黃立華和林曉陽安靜地坐著。空氣中彌漫著淡淡的木香和茶香，安詳而悠然。
林曉陽將一封信函輕輕攤開，略微斜身，目光停留在那篇來自巴黎美術館長的聯名邀請函上。他的手指無意間劃過信紙的邊緣，似乎在尋找著某種答案。他抬起頭，看向坐在沙發上的黃立華，眼中閃過一絲疑惑：「這封邀請函是我收到的，為什麼不讓您去呢？」
黃立華微微一笑，隨手拿起桌上的茶杯，輕輕啜了一口。陽光透過窗子灑在他臉上，將他的輪廓勾勒得更加深邃，他的表情依舊淡定自若：「你去吧，拍些照片回來給我。」他語氣平淡，但眼中卻有著難以言喻的深意。
林曉陽皺了皺眉，半開玩笑地揚起眉毛：「老前輩，這麼重要的場合，您才是主角吧？美術館開幕，這麼多藝術家和名流，都該由您親自出席才對。」
黃立華輕輕地放下茶杯，淡淡一笑，眼中閃過一絲俯瞰世事的自信：「如果我去現場，恐怕會引起一場不小的風波。那些記者，看到我這副年紀，指不定會將我和那些藝術作品一樣，大肆炒作成什麼怪力亂神的新聞。」他揮了揮手，眉宇間顯得格外放鬆，語氣裡帶著些許的幽默。
林曉陽無奈地摊了摊手，微微一笑，神情卻顯得有些無所適從：「可是，您只需要露個臉，完全可以拒絕所有採訪啊，這不算什麼大問題吧？」
黃立華搖了搖頭，輕鬆地笑了笑，眼裡卻有著不容置疑的堅定：「事情不會像你想的那麼簡單，曉陽。你還是別為難我了，這一回，就讓你代勞吧。」他語氣裡的堅決讓林曉陽再無話可說。
林曉陽聳了聳肩，無奈的苦笑浮上嘴角：「好吧，既然前輩如此堅決，那我就去吧。」他放下手中的邀請函，坐直身子，將心中的疑問擱置一旁。
黃立華微微點頭，眼中閃過一絲溫和：「去到巴黎的時候，記得抽空去看看敏華。還有，遇到邱慎之的時候，記得小心應對。」他的語氣變得低沉，像是對一件非常重要的事語重心長，「此人心思縝密，深不可測。」
林曉陽稍微愣了一下，深吸一口氣，輕輕點頭，臉上的神情變得更為沉穩：「這兩件事我會牢記在心的，前輩放心。」他語氣低沉而堅定，似乎從黃立華的提醒中感受到了某種隱約的威脅。
黃立華輕輕地撥開桌上的茶壺，微微一笑，眼中卻隱含著一絲無言的關懷：「希望你能平安無事。」他的語氣溫和中帶著幾分深意。
兩人的視線交匯，空氣似乎凝固了一瞬。黃立華站起身來，走向窗邊，望著外面蔚藍的天際。林曉陽則保持原位，眼中閃過一絲堅定。他知道，這一趟旅程，不僅僅是一次藝術的交流，更是一次心靈的試煉。
他轉身向黃立華微微點頭，語氣低沉卻充滿決心：「我會處理好的，前輩。」他隨後轉身，帶著那封邀請函，向大廳門口走去，步伐穩健。
黃立華的目光依舊停留在窗外，直到曉陽的背影完全消失在門口，他的嘴角微微上揚，像是隱隱的笑容，但又好像藏著什麼未說出口的話。

33
林曉陽剛踏入巴黎，機場的寒風還未褪去，他的手機便響了起來。是安妮打來的，語氣輕快而親切，邀請他共進晚餐。
稍作整理，他准時抵達餐廳。餐廳內的燭光搖曳，低語聲和酒杯碰撞的聲音在空氣中輕輕回響。安妮已經坐在靠窗的位置，穿著一條簡潔卻極具品味的黑色連衣裙，頭髮簡單挽起，臉上帶著微笑，似乎等得不耐煩。
她瞥見曉陽提著行李走進來，眼睛一亮，微微站起身，迎向他。輕柔的問候帶著一絲調皮的關心：「你剛到巴黎嗎？林大哥。」她語氣輕柔，帶著一點點的俏皮。
曉陽把行李放在座位旁，輕輕地坐下來，點了點頭，臉上帶著疲憊卻也不失微笑：「是啊！還沒去找旅館呢。」他的語氣裡帶著幾分放鬆，與平時的工作壓力相比，這樣的聚會反而讓他感到一絲久違的輕鬆。
安妮輕輕地推開座位上的菜單，放到曉陽面前，眼神溫柔地注視著他：「你來巴黎出差，不如就暫時跟我同住，我租了一間小公寓，客房空著。」她說得自然，卻又帶著一絲期盼。
曉陽的臉上浮現出一絲意外，他輕微地皺了皺眉，有些不好意思地低下頭，微微搖頭：「那怎麼好意思呢？妳是女孩家…」他語氣有些訥訥，不太知道該如何應對這份突如其來的好意。

安妮見狀，嘴角勾起一抹輕鬆的微笑，輕輕地擺了擺手，語氣中帶著幾分俏皮：「剛好這陣子我在這裡參加時裝設計展，有個男人陪伴，心裡多少踏實些。」她說這話時，眼神裡有著一種不言而喻的信任，讓曉陽的心情不由得稍微放鬆。
曉陽挑了挑眉，笑了笑，語氣輕鬆了些：「好吧！我就當妳的護花使者。」他開玩笑地回應，語氣中帶著一絲戲謔。
安妮輕輕點頭，微笑著看著他，語氣中似乎隱藏著些許期待：「林大哥，等你點餐囉。」她的聲音輕柔，如同巴黎的夜風般柔和。
曉陽摸了摸肚子，誇張地笑了笑：「哈！肚子真餓了。」他瞥了眼菜單，心思卻早已飄向了那些道地的法式佳肴。
他點了一份附有果汁的法式簡餐，隨後安妮微微一笑，像是看到他掙扎的模樣，忍不住開口：「林大哥，你遠道是客，跟我客氣什麼來著？」她語氣中滿是笑意，帶著一點無奈和寬容。
曉陽一笑，嘴角帶著一絲憨厚的笑意：「我不挑食，食量也不大，這樣就行。」他的語氣隨和而真誠。
安妮見狀，眉眼間閃過一絲頑皮的光芒，輕輕拿起菜單，在上面劃了幾道，然後將菜單輕輕放在桌角，按下了服務鈴：「那我加點兩三道這家餐廳的招牌料理，我們一起分享喔…」她語氣隨意卻帶著一絲俏皮，似乎對曉陽的「客套」並不怎麼接受。
不久後，服務生便走了過來，將菜單收走，留下了一張帳單。曉陽笑著搖頭：「好吧，那我就努力加餐飯囉。」他語氣輕鬆，面帶微笑，似乎並不介意這樣的變動。
安妮在這時忽然又問：「林大哥，這回你來巴黎，會待多久？」她的語氣中帶著一絲好奇，眼神中閃過一抹關心。
曉陽微微頷首，低聲回答：「幾天吧，出席一項開幕典禮，見一位朋友。」他隨後將手指輕輕捻住酒杯，眼神稍稍飄遠，似乎有些心事藏在那一瞬。
安妮輕輕皺眉，繼續問道：「那，之後呢？」她的語氣中透著一絲期待，似乎不希望他這麼快離開。
曉陽眼中一閃，語氣平穩而帶有一絲淡淡的思索：「回瑞士去，我在琉森湖那邊經營一家旅館。」他話語不多，但語氣中卻透露出一種深深的根植感，彷彿這片湖水就是他的庇護所。
安妮瞪大了眼睛，略帶驚訝地看著他，語氣帶著些許調皮：「原來你是老闆啊？」
曉陽微微一笑，語氣中透露著自信與從容：「是啊！歡迎妳來琉森湖找我。」他輕輕地笑著，眼中卻閃過一絲真誠的邀請。

34
林曉陽隨著安妮走進公寓大樓，這是一棟典型的巴黎老式公寓，外觀簡單樸素，內部卻蘊藏著濃厚的藝術氛圍。樓道的牆壁上掛著幾幅色彩鮮豔的畫作，地板是由老舊的木板鋪成，踏上去時發出微弱的吱吱聲。
安妮輕輕推開了一扇木門，笑著說道：「出門在外，一切從簡。」她語氣輕鬆，帶著一絲隨意的自在感，仿佛這裡就是她的家。
林曉陽低頭看了看自己的行李箱，略帶微笑地點了點頭，隨後將行李放在書桌旁的椅子上，環顧四周。房間不大，但布置簡單而雅致，灰色的牆壁和木質地板映襯出一種成熟的韻味。安妮指著一扇窗戶說：「這間客房面向塞納河，採光不錯。」她隨後微微一笑，繼續介紹：「衛浴間是共用的，隔壁就是我的房間。」
林曉陽走到窗前，輕輕推開窗子，呼吸到一股清新的夜風。塞納河靜靜流淌，河面上泛著微光，對面街道的燈光映照在水面上，閃爍著金色的波紋。街道上，三三兩兩的行人漫步在河堤的人行道上，偶爾有一輛出租車經過，留下一串車燈的尾跡。
安妮看著林曉陽靜靜欣賞這幅美景，輕聲開口道：「你先去盥洗休息，我還要忙上一會兒。」她說完，微微一笑，轉身準備離開，腳步輕盈，臉上帶著那種只有熟悉的朋友間才會有的自然和舒適。
林曉陽點了點頭，微笑回應，「好。」他轉過身來，走向書桌，從行李箱中取出筆電，放在桌面上。那一瞬間，他的動作顯得格外悠閒，彷彿一切都不急，巴黎的夜晚讓他的身心放鬆了許多。
隨後，他脫下襯衫和西裝褲，隨意地將皮鞋放在角落，解開腰帶時，他的眼神略微遙遠，似乎還在回味剛才塞納河的美景。然後，他從行李箱中取出內衣褲和刮鬍刀，邊走邊看了看浴室的方向。
浴室的門輕輕關上，內部的燈光昏黃柔和，光線投射在光滑的大理石上，映出他疲憊但平靜的身影。水龍頭發出輕微的嗡嗡聲，涼水流過手指，他深吸了一口氣，舒緩著這一天的疲憊。

35
清晨的陽光透過窗簾縫隙洒進房間，柔和的光線將房內的陰影逐漸驅散。林曉陽迷迷糊糊地睜開眼睛，輕輕伸了個懶腰，然後翻身起床。他感覺到空氣中的清新氣息，輕輕地踏向浴室，濕潤的瓷磚在腳下發出輕微的聲音。水龍頭打開，清涼的水流從指尖流過，他深吸一口氣，輕輕拍打著臉頰，清醒了不少。
洗漱完畢，他回到客廳，看到餐桌上已經擺好了一份簡單的早餐。桌面上壓著一張字條，字跡清晰工整，仿佛在朝他微笑。林曉陽低頭看了一眼，嘴角微微上揚。
「林大哥，我有事先離開，早餐準備好了，傍晚打我手機，一起共進晚餐。」
他輕輕叹了口氣，心裡有些感慨，隨後坐下開始吃早餐。陽光從窗外灑進來，照亮了餐桌，溫暖的氣氛讓人放鬆。吃過早餐後，他快速整理著衣服，從衣櫃中挑出一套乾淨的西裝，西裝的質料輕柔而有型，帶著一種低調的優雅。他熟練地穿上西裝，打上領帶，動作間散發著一股成熟男人的自信。
拿起放在桌上的手機，他檢查了一下時間，然後快速撥通了黃敏華的手機。隨著電話響起，林曉陽靠在門框旁，抬頭看了看窗外的景色，心情似乎有些緊張，但語氣依然溫和。
「敏華嗎？我是曉陽…」他稍微停頓了一下，調整了語氣，「今天是黃老前輩美術館的開幕式，我們約在舊站鐵路倉庫，那邊見，方便嗎？」
他微微皺了皺眉，心裡稍微掂量著對方的反應。手機那頭傳來了敏華熟悉的聲音，林曉陽輕輕點頭，似乎聽見了她的回應。
「好的，那就這麼說定了。」
掛上電話後，他深吸了一口氣，將手機放回口袋，走出公寓。走出門的那一刻，巴黎清晨的街道依然熱鬧，行人三三兩兩，車水馬龍，而林曉陽在這喧囂中，卻感覺有些不太安定。他再次低頭看了看手機，心中對即將開始的一天充滿了期待，卻也隱隱感到一絲不安。

36
林曉陽走進了美術館的開幕會場，這是一個經過精心整修的舊鐵路倉庫，外觀仍保留著十九世紀的工業風格，讓人感受到一種古老而樸實的氣息。倉庫內部的空間開闊，光線透過大窗戶灑下，金色的陽光映照在木質地板上，空氣中彌漫著新裝修的氣味。場地四周掛滿了精緻的藝術作品，展示著來自黃師傅的畫作。
不久後，三位館長—路易士、尚皮耶和達斯丁尼迎接曉陽，他們微笑著走向他，隨即行了貼面禮，並用流利的法語和他互致問候。
路易士伸出手，握住曉陽的手，語氣親切：「林先生，這個地方是我們三個人一起挑選的，雖然它是個舊倉庫，但位置非常好，周邊的交通路線都已經完善。」
曉陽點點頭，目光掃過四周的空間，他對這個保留了古老風格的倉庫印象深刻。
尚皮耶笑了笑，補充道：「而且我們已經重新安裝了空調系統，精確控制室內的溫度和濕度，確保黃師傅的作品得到妥善的收藏。」
曉陽滿意地微笑，語氣中帶著一絲感激：「三位如此用心，我謹代表黃師傅向你們致敬。」他隨即轉身，將身旁的黃敏華介紹給三位館長：「這位黃小姐，正是黃師傅的孫女。」
三位館長依次與黃敏華握手，並行了簡單的禮節。敏華面帶微笑，優雅地回禮，眼中透出些許驕傲與自豪。
開幕儀式正式開始，路易士館長上台致詞，簡潔而熱情的發言後，他邀請林曉陽與黃敏華一同上台，介紹給與會的來賓。曉陽簡短的致詞後，兩人與三位館長一同剪彩。隨著剪彩儀式的完成，場面頓時掌聲雷動。
儀式結束後，曉陽輕輕拉著黃敏華的手，帶她參觀展覽室。他們走進展覽區，四周的畫作琳瑯滿目，展出的是黃師傅的精美作品。
黃敏華細細觀賞著每一幅畫作，情不自禁地讚嘆道：「沒想到我爺爺的畫作不僅種類繁多，而且每一幅都畫得如此用心。」
林曉陽點點頭，笑著回答：「老前輩的作品能夠被三位大館長同時看中，質量上當然有過人之處。」
黃敏華感慨地說：「即使我活到一百歲，恐怕也畫不出這麼多精緻的作品。」
林曉陽微笑著看著她，略帶戲謔地說：「要真能活到百歲，我們就每天作畫，我們兩個加起來，應該抵得過妳爺爺吧？」
黃敏華輕輕掩嘴笑出聲來，眼中帶著些許調皮：「你想太多了，我們要真能活到那麼老，恐怕連走路都走不動了吧？」
兩人笑聲輕快，在畫廊中徜徉，彷彿時間在此刻凝固，世界只剩下這些藝術與深刻的情感。

【Ten】The Love Triangle Mystery in Paris

32

The afternoon sunlight poured down like a waterfall, filtering through the branches and leaves of a row of mahogany trees and casting soft light into the lobby. Patches of sunlight danced across the floor, constantly changing with the gentle breeze. On a sofa at one side of the lobby, Huang Lihua and Lin Xiaoyang sat quietly. The air was filled with the faint scents of wood and tea, creating a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere.

Lin Xiaoyang gently unfolded a letter and leaned slightly to one side, his eyes resting on the joint invitation from the directors of the Paris art museums. His fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the letter, as if searching for some kind of answer. He raised his head and looked at Huang Lihua sitting on the sofa, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. “I’m the one who received this invitation. Why aren’t you going?”

Huang Lihua smiled slightly, casually picked up the teacup from the table, and took a small sip. Sunlight streamed through the window onto his face, making his features appear even more defined. His expression remained calm and composed. “You go. Take some pictures and bring them back for me.” His tone was casual, but there was an indescribable depth in his eyes.

Lin Xiaoyang frowned and raised an eyebrow half-jokingly. “Elder, at such an important occasion, aren’t you the main attraction? It’s the opening of an art museum, with so many artists and prominent figures attending. You should be there in person.”

Huang Lihua gently set down his teacup and smiled faintly, a confident look of someone who had seen through the ways of the world flashing in his eyes. “If I show up there, I’m afraid it will cause quite a stir. Those reporters, seeing someone my age, might turn me and those works of art into some sensational story about the supernatural.” He waved his hand, his expression especially relaxed, his tone carrying a touch of humor.

Lin Xiaoyang helplessly spread his hands and smiled slightly, though his expression showed that he did not quite know what to do. “But you only need to show your face. You can simply refuse all interviews. That shouldn’t be such a big problem, should it?”

Huang Lihua shook his head and smiled easily, but his eyes held an unmistakable firmness. “Things won’t be as simple as you think, Xiaoyang. Don’t make things difficult for me. This time, let me have you go in my place.” The firmness in his voice left Lin Xiaoyang with nothing more to say.

Lin Xiaoyang shrugged, a helpless smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. “All right. Since you’re so determined, Elder, I’ll go.” He put down the invitation in his hand, straightened up, and set his questions aside for the moment.

Huang Lihua nodded slightly, a gentle look flashing in his eyes. “When you get to Paris, remember to make time to see Minhua. And when you meet Qiu Shenzhi, be careful how you deal with him.” His voice became low, as though speaking earnestly about something extremely important. “This man is meticulous and unfathomable.”

Lin Xiaoyang paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and nodded gently. His expression became more solemn. “I’ll keep both things firmly in mind, Elder. Don’t worry.” His voice was low and firm, as if he had sensed a vague threat in Huang Lihua’s warning.

Huang Lihua gently moved the teapot aside on the table and smiled slightly, though his eyes concealed a trace of unspoken concern. “I hope you’ll return safely.” His gentle tone carried a deeper meaning.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment. Huang Lihua stood up and walked toward the window, gazing at the blue sky outside. Lin Xiaoyang remained where he was, determination flashing in his eyes. He knew that this journey was not merely an artistic exchange, but also a trial of the soul.

He turned toward Huang Lihua and nodded slightly, his voice low yet filled with determination. “I’ll take care of everything, Elder.” He then turned and walked toward the lobby entrance with the invitation in his hand, his steps steady.

Huang Lihua’s gaze remained fixed outside the window until Xiaoyang’s figure had completely disappeared through the doorway. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, almost like a faint smile, yet it also seemed to conceal words left unspoken.

33

As soon as Lin Xiaoyang arrived in Paris, while the chill of the airport wind had not yet faded, his phone rang. It was Annie calling. Her voice was cheerful and warm as she invited him to dinner.

After freshening up briefly, he arrived at the restaurant on time. Candlelight flickered inside, while the soft murmur of voices and the clinking of wine glasses gently filled the air. Annie was already seated by the window, wearing a simple yet stylish black dress, her hair loosely pinned up. A smile rested on her face, as if she had grown impatient waiting for him.

She caught sight of Xiaoyang entering with his luggage. Her eyes lit up, and she rose slightly from her seat to greet him. Her gentle greeting carried a hint of playful concern. “Did you just arrive in Paris, Big Brother Lin?” Her voice was soft, with a touch of playfulness.

Xiaoyang placed his luggage beside the seat and sat down gently, nodding. His face showed signs of fatigue, but he still wore a smile. “Yes! I haven’t even found a hotel yet.” His tone was somewhat relaxed. Compared with the pressures of his usual work, this gathering actually gave him a rare sense of ease.

Annie gently pushed the menu across the table toward Xiaoyang, looking at him tenderly. “Since you’re in Paris on business, why don’t you stay with me for a while? I rented a small apartment, and the guest room is empty.” She spoke naturally, but there was a hint of anticipation in her voice.

A look of surprise appeared on Xiaoyang’s face. He frowned slightly, lowered his head somewhat awkwardly, and shook it gently. “How could I impose? You’re a woman...” His voice was hesitant, and he did not quite know how to respond to this unexpected kindness.

Seeing this, Annie curved her lips into a relaxed smile and gently waved her hand. Her tone was playful. “I’m here for a fashion design exhibition during this period anyway. Having a man around makes me feel a little more secure.” As she said this, there was an unmistakable trust in her eyes, which made Xiaoyang feel somewhat more at ease.

Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow and smiled, his tone becoming more relaxed. “All right! I’ll be your knight in shining armor.” He responded jokingly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

Annie nodded gently and smiled at him, her tone seeming to conceal a little anticipation. “Big Brother Lin, I’m waiting for you to order.” Her voice was soft, like the gentle evening breeze in Paris.

Xiaoyang rubbed his stomach and laughed exaggeratedly. “Ha! I’m really hungry.” He glanced at the menu, but his thoughts had already drifted toward authentic French cuisine.

He ordered a simple French meal that came with juice. Annie then smiled slightly, as if she could not help noticing his hesitation, and said, “Big Brother Lin, you’ve come all this way as my guest. Why are you being so polite with me?” Her tone was full of amusement, with a touch of helplessness and indulgence.

Xiaoyang smiled, a somewhat simple and honest expression on his face. “I’m not a picky eater, and I don’t eat that much. This is fine.” His tone was easygoing and sincere.

Seeing this, a mischievous glint flashed in Annie’s eyes. She picked up the menu, marked several dishes, then placed it gently at the corner of the table and pressed the service button. “Then I’ll add two or three of this restaurant’s signature dishes. We can share them, okay...?” Her tone was casual yet playful, as if she was not about to accept Xiaoyang’s “politeness.”

A short while later, a server came over, took away the menu, and left a bill. Xiaoyang smiled and shook his head. “All right, then I’ll do my best to eat a little more.” His tone was relaxed, and he smiled as if he did not mind the change.

Annie suddenly asked, “Big Brother Lin, how long will you be staying in Paris this time?” Her tone carried a hint of curiosity, and a trace of concern flashed in her eyes.

Xiaoyang nodded slightly and answered quietly, “A few days. I’m attending an opening ceremony and meeting a friend.” He then gently rolled his fingers around the stem of his wineglass, his gaze drifting slightly away, as if there were something weighing on his mind at that moment.

Annie frowned slightly and continued, “And after that?” Her tone carried a hint of anticipation, as if she did not want him to leave so soon.

A flicker passed through Xiaoyang’s eyes. His tone remained steady, with a faint trace of thoughtfulness. “I’ll go back to Switzerland. I run a hotel near Lake Lucerne.” He did not say much, but his words revealed a deep sense of belonging, as if the lake were his refuge.

Annie’s eyes widened, and she looked at him with slight surprise, her tone playful. “So you’re the boss?”

Xiaoyang smiled slightly, his tone confident and composed. “Yes! You’re welcome to come to Lake Lucerne and visit me.” He smiled gently, a sincere invitation flashing in his eyes.

34

Lin Xiaoyang followed Annie into the apartment building. It was a typical old Parisian apartment building, simple and unpretentious on the outside, yet filled with a strong artistic atmosphere inside. Several brightly colored paintings hung on the walls of the hallway, while the floor was made of old wooden planks that gave off a faint creaking sound underfoot.

Annie gently pushed open a wooden door and said with a smile, “When you’re away from home, it’s best to keep things simple.” Her tone was relaxed, carrying a natural sense of ease, as if this were her own home.

Lin Xiaoyang looked down at his suitcase and nodded with a slight smile. He then placed his luggage on the chair beside the desk and looked around. The room was not large, but it was simply and elegantly furnished. The gray walls and wooden floor gave the room a mature charm. Annie pointed toward a window and said, “This guest room faces the Seine, and it gets plenty of natural light.” She then smiled slightly and continued, “The bathroom is shared, and my room is right next door.”

Lin Xiaoyang walked to the window and gently pushed it open, breathing in the fresh evening air. The Seine flowed quietly, its surface shimmering faintly. The lights from the street across the river reflected on the water, creating golden ripples. Along the street, groups of pedestrians strolled along the riverside walkway. Occasionally, a taxi passed by, leaving behind a trail of fading lights.

Annie watched Lin Xiaoyang quietly admire the beautiful view, then spoke softly. “Go freshen up and get some rest first. I still have some work to do.” After saying this, she smiled slightly and turned to leave, her steps light and her face carrying the natural comfort found only between familiar friends.

Lin Xiaoyang nodded and smiled in response. “Okay.” He turned around and walked toward the desk, took his laptop out of his suitcase, and placed it on the tabletop. At that moment, his movements seemed especially relaxed, as if there were no need to hurry. The Paris night had eased both his body and mind considerably.

Then he took off his shirt and suit pants and casually placed his leather shoes in the corner. As he unfastened his belt, his gaze drifted slightly into the distance, as if he were still savoring the beautiful view of the Seine. Then he took his underwear and razor from his suitcase and walked toward the bathroom, glancing in that direction.

The bathroom door closed gently. Inside, the light was dim and warm, casting a soft glow over the smooth marble and reflecting his tired but peaceful figure. The faucet gave off a faint humming sound. Cool water flowed over his fingers as he took a deep breath, easing the fatigue of the day.

35

Early in the morning, sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, and the soft light gradually drove away the shadows in the room. Lin Xiaoyang opened his eyes groggily, stretched gently, and then turned over and got out of bed. He felt the fresh air and walked lightly toward the bathroom. The damp tiles made a faint sound beneath his feet. He turned on the faucet, and cool water flowed over his fingertips. He took a deep breath and gently patted his cheeks, feeling much more awake.

After washing up, he returned to the living room and saw that a simple breakfast had already been prepared on the dining table. A note was pressed beneath something on the table, its handwriting clear and neat, almost as if it were smiling at him. Lin Xiaoyang glanced down at it, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

“Big Brother Lin, I had something to take care of, so I left first. Breakfast is ready. Call me on my cell phone this evening, and we’ll have dinner together.”

He sighed softly, feeling somewhat emotional, then sat down and began eating breakfast. Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the dining table. The warm atmosphere made him feel relaxed. After breakfast, he quickly organized his clothes and chose a clean suit from the closet. The fabric was soft and well-tailored, carrying an understated elegance. He skillfully put on the suit and tied his necktie, his movements radiating the confidence of a mature man.

He picked up the cell phone from the table and checked the time, then quickly called Huang Minhua. As the phone rang, Lin Xiaoyang leaned against the doorframe and looked up at the view outside the window. He seemed somewhat nervous, but his tone remained gentle.

“Minhua? It’s Xiaoyang...” He paused slightly, adjusting his tone. “Today is the opening ceremony of Elder Huang’s art museum. We’re meeting at the old railway warehouse. Is that convenient for you?”

He frowned slightly, quietly gauging her reaction. Minhua’s familiar voice came through the phone. Lin Xiaoyang nodded gently, as if he had heard her response.

“Okay, then it’s settled.”

After hanging up, he took a deep breath, put his phone back into his pocket, and walked out of the apartment. The streets of Paris were still bustling that morning. Pedestrians walked in small groups, and traffic flowed through the streets. Yet amid the noise and bustle, Lin Xiaoyang felt somewhat unsettled. He looked down at his phone again, his heart filled with anticipation for the day ahead, yet he also sensed a faint uneasiness.

36

Lin Xiaoyang entered the opening venue of the art museum. It was an old railway warehouse that had been carefully renovated. Its exterior still retained the industrial style of the nineteenth century, giving it an old and unpretentious atmosphere. The interior was spacious, with sunlight streaming through large windows and golden light falling across the wooden floor. The air was filled with the smell of the recent renovations. Fine works of art hung throughout the venue, displaying paintings by Master Huang.

Not long afterward, the three museum directors—Louis, Jean-Pierre, and Dastini—came to welcome Xiaoyang. They approached him with smiles, exchanged the customary cheek kisses, and greeted him fluently in French.

Louis extended his hand and shook Xiaoyang’s hand warmly. “Mr. Lin, the three of us selected this place together. Although it’s an old warehouse, the location is excellent, and the transportation routes around it are already well developed.”

Xiaoyang nodded, his eyes sweeping across the spacious interior. He was deeply impressed by the warehouse’s preservation of its old-fashioned style.

Jean-Pierre smiled and added, “We’ve also reinstalled the air-conditioning system, with precise control over the indoor temperature and humidity, to ensure that Master Huang’s works are properly preserved.”

Xiaoyang smiled with satisfaction, his voice carrying a trace of gratitude. “You three have put so much thought into this. On behalf of Master Huang, I salute you.” He then turned and introduced Huang Minhua, who was standing beside him, to the three directors. “This is Ms. Huang, Master Huang’s granddaughter.”

The three directors shook hands with Huang Minhua one after another and exchanged simple greetings. Minhua smiled and returned their greetings gracefully, a hint of pride and happiness showing in her eyes.

The opening ceremony officially began. Director Louis took the stage and delivered a concise yet enthusiastic speech. He then invited Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua to join him onstage and introduced them to the guests. After Xiaoyang gave a brief speech, he and Minhua joined the three directors in cutting the ribbon. As the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.

After the ceremony, Xiaoyang gently took Huang Minhua’s hand and led her through the exhibition rooms. They entered the exhibition area, where a dazzling array of paintings surrounded them, displaying Master Huang’s exquisite works.

Huang Minhua carefully admired each painting and could not help exclaiming, “I never realized that my grandfather’s paintings were not only so diverse, but that he put so much care into every single one.”

Lin Xiaoyang nodded and answered with a smile, “The fact that Elder’s works were chosen by three major museum directors at the same time naturally means they have extraordinary quality.”

Huang Minhua said with emotion, “Even if I lived to be a hundred, I’m afraid I still couldn’t paint so many exquisite works.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled at her and said teasingly, “If we really could live to a hundred, we could paint every day. The two of us together should be able to match your grandfather, right?”

Huang Minhua lightly covered her mouth and laughed, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. “You’re thinking too much. If we really lived to be that old, we probably wouldn’t even be able to walk anymore, would we?”

Their laughter was light and carefree as they wandered through the gallery, as if time had stopped at that moment and the world consisted of nothing but art and the deep emotions between them.