《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十四】暴風雨前的短暫寧靜
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陳約翰神父和林曉陽，帶著蘿娜、凱斯回到琉森湖畔的天堂旅館，總管威爾森和掌櫃羅伯特親自在門口迎接。
威爾森拱手行禮說：「Boss、陳神父，兩位一路辛苦了。」
陳約翰說：「威爾森先生，許久不見了，你看起來心情不錯喔。」
威爾森說：「那是因為我有個很nice的Boss。這兩位是…。」
林曉陽以眼神示意說：「這裡耳目眾多，掌櫃，先帶神父去住房吧？神父就住506號房，住我隔壁。」
羅伯特伸手引領說：「好的。神父，請隨我來。」
掌櫃引領神父上樓。
林曉陽伸手引領說：「兩位朋友請跟我到貴賓室休息。」
蘿娜微笑說：「謝謝你，原來你是這家店的老闆。」
蘿娜和凱斯隨著林曉陽往貴賓室去。三人進到貴賓室，服務生阿多諾端來飲料，蘿娜和凱斯認出阿多諾，兩人表情驚訝。
蘿娜問：「阿多諾，你怎麼會在這裡？」
阿多諾同感驚訝說：「蘿娜、凱斯，你們終於也跟我一樣棄暗投明了。」
林曉陽微笑說：「原來你們都認識。」
阿多諾說：「我們老闆做人很好，把員工當成家人。你們來到這裡，很快就能享有全新的生活。」
蘿娜關切說：「先前安德森對你發出追緝令，我心裡很擔心你。」
阿多諾苦笑說：「安德森把我們都當成犬馬來使喚，他不得人心，顯然氣數已盡。
凱斯問：「阿多諾，你是怎麼找到這裡來的？」
阿多諾聳聳肩苦笑說：「應該說是躲到這裡來吧？安德森下令各路鬼卒追殺我，幸好我遇見畫師黃立華。」
蘿娜再次驚訝問：「黃立華也在這裡？」
阿多諾說：「是啊！黃立華收留我，帶我去見瑪莉亞公主，經過治療，你們看，現在我已經重見天日，不再吸咬人血不用畏懼陽光。」
蘿娜嘆息說：「黃立華一直是個老好人，算得上是安德森的心腹，連他都投向瑪莉亞
公主，看來我的選擇似乎是正確的。」
阿多諾自信地說：「等你們見過瑪莉亞公主，你們就會甘心情願，為公主做任何事情。」
蘿娜點頭說：「我相信，否則你們不會一個接一個脫離安德森。」
林曉陽說：我去湖邊走一趟，補拍幾張照片給雜誌社。阿多諾，你陪兩位朋友聊，待會兒陳約翰神父會來帶他們。」
阿多諾說：「好的，Boss。」
林曉陽起身離開貴賓室。
蘿娜羨慕說：「你有個好老闆，阿多諾。」
阿多諾故做神秘說：「是啊，你們如果知道我Boss的來歷，恐怕會大呼不可思議吧？」
凱斯不解地問：「你老闆不就是個來自東方的黃種人？」
阿多諾說：「那是他的今生，你們聽過大衛這個人吧？」
蘿娜訝異問：「大衛？他不是三百多年前，安德森年輕時的死對頭嗎？」
阿多諾說：「沒錯，我老闆就是大衛轉世的，你們曾聽過東方神學裡，有輪迴轉世的說法嗎？」
蘿娜感興趣說：「我聽說過，但我不懂，大衛怎麼會轉世成為一個文質彬彬的東方人？」
阿多諾說：「我老闆平時待人和氣，但你們可別以為他沒真本事，威爾森說就算安德森親自出馬，恐怕也不是我老闆的對手，我相信威爾森不是在吹捧或者拍馬屁。」
蘿娜回想起列車上，所見的情景：「你說的我相信，當時我和凱斯在往米蘭的列車上，遇見你老闆和鬼見愁陳約翰神父，我隱約察覺到你老闆身上發散出一股強烈的能量，我就直覺他不是尋常人類。」
阿多諾驚訝問：「你們在列車上遇見鬼見愁陳約翰神父？」
蘿娜說：「是啊！被他們兩人一眼識破，我自知即使和凱斯聯手，恐怕也逃不出鬼見愁的毒手，所以就放棄反抗，趁那機會投靠公主陣營。」
阿多諾說：「幸好你們沒反抗，否則恐怕我再也見不到你們了，鬼見愁陳約翰神父素來嫉惡如仇，鬼卒們對他無不聞風喪膽。」
「其實當時我更畏懼的卻是你老闆，心想如果他當真對我們出手，恐怕我們會被打得飛灰煙滅。還好，他的心腸很好，還當場替我們跟鬼見愁求情呢！」蘿娜深情地望著凱斯，牽起他的一隻手。凱斯也回報以深情的凝視。
阿多諾安慰說：「能夠來到這裡，你們就不必再過那種藏頭縮影耽驚受怕的日子。這裡的人都很溫和友善，很快地你們就會喜歡上這裡。」

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夕陽將琉森湖染上一片橙紅，微風輕拂湖面，盪起細碎的波紋。林曉陽揹著數位相機，騎著腳踏車穿過湖畔的石板路。他的目光不停掃視，捕捉這異國小鎮的風情。
不遠處的小廣場上，人群簇擁，笑聲與掌聲此起彼落。林曉陽停下腳踏車，舉起相機，鏡頭裡，一名身穿黑色長袍的魔術師正優雅地揮舞著雙手，變幻出一隻展翅的白鴿，驚嘆聲在人群中湧起。
魔術師喬治眼角餘光瞥見林曉陽，嘴角微微上揚，伸手朝他招了招：「這位先生，我有這榮幸請你當我的見證人嗎？」
林曉陽微微一怔，放下相機，露出一抹禮貌的微笑：「當然」
喬治輕輕拍了拍身旁的木箱，目光帶著神秘：「先生，請你暫時躺進去，見證奇蹟。」
林曉陽挑了挑眉，看著木箱，隨即聳肩笑道：「好啊，我也想知道這個奇蹟到底有多神奇。」
助理阿提斯迅速打開木箱，做出一個請的手勢。林曉陽深吸口氣，輕輕躺入箱中，身體被木板隔開，只有頭與雙腳露在外頭。
喬治雙手一揚，掌心多出數柄閃爍寒光的長劍。他旋身一轉，手起劍落，劍刃毫不猶豫地穿透木箱，觀眾倒抽一口氣。
林曉陽感受到劍刃穿過的瞬間，一股微涼的氣息流過身體，但卻沒有絲毫疼痛。他忍不住暗自思索，這個魔術，究竟是如何做到的？
緊接著，喬治取出一把鋸子，在眾目睽睽之下，慢條斯理地沿著木箱中央切割，發出刺耳的鋸木聲。
「天啊！」一名觀眾驚呼。
「他真的被鋸開了！」另一人睜大雙眼。
當喬治將箱子推開，露出「被分成兩截」的林曉陽時，現場爆發出震耳的掌聲與驚叫聲。
最後，喬治合上木箱，一一抽出長劍，伸手示意助理打開箱子，林曉陽緩緩坐起來，對著人群揮了揮手。
「見鬼了……他真的沒事？」
「天啊，這簡直違反常理！」觀眾們七嘴八舌地湧上前，興奮地觸碰林曉陽的手臂。
然而，喬治卻站在一旁，眉頭緊鎖。他低頭看著自己手中的劍，原本耀眼的劍刃，如今竟然黯淡無光。
「怎麼回事……？」他喃喃自語，目光緊鎖著林曉陽，眼中閃過一抹異樣的光芒。
他低聲對阿提斯說：「這個年輕人……不對勁。」
阿提斯一愣：「怎麼了，主人？」
「我的劍應該吸取能量，可剛剛——它的能量全被抽空了。我懷疑……這小子擁有某種特殊的體質。」
阿提斯皺眉：「如果真是這樣，那我們應該弄清楚他是敵是友。」
喬治嘴角微微一揚：「不，若非敵人，這樣的人值得結交。」
等人群漸漸散去，喬治主動走向林曉陽，伸出手：「朋友，這場魔術，你覺得如何？」
林曉陽握住他的手，卻在瞬間感受到一股奇異的吸力。他下意識地皺了皺眉，而喬治則是猛地收回手，驚愕地看著自己發麻的手掌。
「Tu…」(你…)喬治臉色微變。
林曉陽察覺到對方的異樣，露出歉意的笑容：「抱歉，剛才嚇到你了嗎？」
喬治甩了甩手，眼中閃爍著探索的光芒：「小哥，你應該……擁有某種特異體質吧？」
林曉陽輕輕點頭：「我最近在修練東方武學，也許你感覺到我身體內的內力。」
「內力﹖」喬治挑眉，露出興味盎然的神色，「難怪你就像一塊超強的磁鐵。」
「抱歉，我修練的內功會不自覺地吸收異常能量，剛才……應該讓你有些不適吧？」
喬治沉吟片刻，忽然笑了：「東方武學果然神奇，我對它一直很好奇，不如我們交個朋友？」
林曉陽伸出手，微笑回應：「當然，你的魔術也很精彩。」
喬治眼底閃過一絲好奇：「話說，你怎麼會獨自來到瑞士？」
林曉陽收回笑容，神色微微黯然：「我來歐洲旅行，順便找人。我的女友兩年前來到這裡，卻突然失聯。」
喬治故作熱心地拍拍他的肩：「這樣啊……在歐洲我有些朋友，或許可以幫你打聽一下。」
林曉陽苦笑說：「謝謝你的好意，但如果她真心要躲我，就算花上一輩子，也未必能找到。」
喬治目光一閃，試探地問：「要不要去我住的旅館喝一杯？也許我們可以聊聊你的東方武學。」
林曉陽笑著搖手說：「改天吧，我有空再來找你。我叫林曉陽。」
「喬治•安東尼.」
林曉陽轉身走向腳踏車，翻身騎上，對喬治揮了揮手，沿著湖畔離去。
喬治望著他的背影，低聲喃喃：「他該不會對我起了戒心吧？」
阿提斯沉聲道：「主人，我們要跟蹤他嗎？」
喬治沉思片刻，嘴角泛起一抹意味深長的微笑：「不，現在還不是時候……」

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夜色籠罩小鎮，微涼的海風輕輕吹拂，攜來遠方的潮聲。十二號夜晚，邱慎之踏入天堂旅館的大門，一盞鎢絲吊燈投下柔黃的光暈，映照出經過翻新後的富麗堂皇。
他環顧四周，發現熟悉的角落變得陌生，嶄新的地毯替換了陳舊的木地板，空氣中飄散著一絲淡淡的香草氣息。除了老掌櫃羅伯特，服務生們都是陌生面孔。這一變化令他眉頭微皺。
在大廳一隅，他瞥見林曉陽坐在沙發上，手指輕輕敲擊著玻璃杯杯沿，像是在思索著什麼。
邱慎之揚起嘴角，邁步走去，語氣帶著幾分探詢：「年輕人，你還記得我嗎？我是邱。」
林曉陽抬起頭，微微一笑，站起身向他點頭示意：「老畫家，是你啊？」
邱慎之審視著他，目光鋒利：「你怎麼會在這裡？」
林曉陽微微一頓，隨即坦然道：「我當然要回來，畢竟我是這家旅館的老闆啊。」
邱慎之一怔，眼底閃過一絲疑惑：「喔？原來你是老闆……那麼你也是我的同類囉？」他略微向前傾身，嗅了嗅空氣，隨即搖頭：「可是……你的氣味和我並不一樣。」
林曉陽聳聳肩，語氣帶著些許玩味：「有不一樣嗎？」
邱慎之皺眉，再次靠近，幾乎是貼著林曉陽的肩膀，嗅了嗅他的氣息，眯起眼睛：「的確不一樣……你不是我的同類。」
林曉陽淡然一笑，靠回沙發：「還不都一樣，人的氣味……只是我活動量大，容易出汗，身上可能多了一股汗臭味吧。」
邱慎之沉吟片刻，眼神暗閃：「原先這裡的夥計，好像都換掉了？現在這些都是生面孔。」
林曉陽輕輕轉動手裡的玻璃杯，淡淡道：「老闆換人了，夥計當然就跟著換囉。」
邱慎之低低地笑了一聲，鬆了口氣：「本來我還在擔心這裡的夥計認出我來，會趕我走的。」
林曉陽眨了眨眼，語調平靜：「我們以客為尊，怎麼會趕走客人呢？」
「是，是！旅館是不會趕走上門的客人。」邱慎之嘴角浮現一抹意味不明的笑，端起桌上的酒杯，輕輕晃動，眼神深沉。
夜已深，旅館內的燈光昏黃，透出一股沉靜而詭秘的氛圍。
504號房內，氣氛凝重。長桌上擺著一張詳細標記的地圖，燭光搖曳，投映出一張張嚴肅的面容。林曉陽、威爾森、陳約翰和黃立華圍坐其中，屏息聆聽。
威爾森站在桌旁，目光沉穩：「公主接獲探子來報，明晚安德森手下的左右護法會前來旅館投宿。表面上是來視察旅館業務，實際上是探聽天空城堡入口的位置。」
陳約翰雙手交疊，冷笑一聲：「公主有什麼指示？」
威爾森沉聲道：「公主請神父特地來此坐鎮，就是為了趁機剪除安德森手下這對左右護法。」
陳約翰眼神微亮，嘴角泛起一抹嗜血的笑意：「原來，公主對安德森陣營的行動，一直瞭若指掌。這回，一定讓那兩隻妖怪來得去不得。」
威爾森環視眾人，語氣嚴肅：「除了陳神父和曉陽老闆，所有人員都由我調度。為了避免打草驚蛇，讓這夥惡鬼起戒心，請陳神父、曉陽老闆在身上塗抹香水或乳液，阿多諾和黃畫師也做了些化妝。」
陳約翰露出一抹狡黠的笑：「這天，我等了很久了。」
威爾森點點頭，隨即展開地圖，細細分配每位員工的任務和所在位置，氣氛肅殺，戰局已然悄然展開……

[Fourteen] A Brief Calm Before the Storm

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Father John Chen and Lin Xiaoyang returned to Paradise Inn on the shores 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 had a long journey.”

Father John Chen said, “Mr. Wilson, it’s been a long time. You seem to be in a pretty good mood.”

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

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

Robert gestured for the Father to follow him. “Of course. Father, please come with me.”

The innkeeper led the Father upstairs.

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

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

Lorna and Keith followed Lin Xiaoyang toward the VIP lounge. The three of them entered the lounge, and the server Adornod brought them drinks. Lorna and Keith recognized Adornod, and looks of surprise appeared on both their faces.

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

Adornod was equally surprised and said, “Lorna, Keith, you finally turned away from the darkness and came over to the light, just like I did.”

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

Adornod said, “Our Boss is a really good person. 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.”

Adornod gave a bitter smile. “Anderson treats all of us like animals at his beck and call. He has lost the support of his people. Clearly, his time is running out.”

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

Adornod shrugged with a bitter smile. “I should say I hid here, shouldn’t I? Anderson ordered ghost soldiers from everywhere to hunt me down. Luckily, I met the painter Huang Lihua.”

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

Adornod said, “Yes! Huang Lihua took me in and brought me to see Princess Maria. After receiving treatment, look at me. I can finally live in the light again. I no longer need to drink human blood, and I no longer have to fear sunlight.”

Lorna sighed. “Huang Lihua has always been a genuinely good man. He was considered one of Anderson’s closest confidants. Even he has gone over to Princess Maria. It seems my choice was the right one after all.”

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

Lorna nodded. “I believe you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have one after another broken away from Anderson.”

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

Adornod said, “All right, Boss.”

Lin Xiaoyang got up and left the VIP lounge.

Lorna said enviously, “You have a good Boss, Adornod.”

Adornod pretended to be mysterious. “Yes. If you knew my Boss’s true background, you’d probably be amazed.”

Keith asked, puzzled, “Isn’t your Boss just an Asian man from the East?”

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

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

“That’s right,” Adornod said. “My Boss is David reincarnated. Have you ever heard the belief in Eastern theology that people can be reincarnated into another life?”

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

Adornod said, “My Boss is usually easygoing and kind to people, but don’t think that means he doesn’t have any real abilities. Wilson says that even if Anderson came here personally, he probably wouldn’t be a match for my Boss. I don’t believe Wilson was simply flattering him or trying to curry favor.”

Lorna recalled what she had witnessed on the train. “I believe what you’re saying. Keith and I met your Boss and Father John Chen, the one they call Ghostbane, on the train to Milan. I vaguely sensed a powerful energy radiating from your Boss. My instincts told me that he was no ordinary human.”

Adornod asked in surprise, “You met Father John Chen, 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 couldn’t escape Ghostbane’s hands, so I gave up resisting and took that opportunity to join the Princess’s side.”

Adornod said, “Luckily, you didn’t resist. Otherwise, I might never have seen you again. Father John Chen, Ghostbane, has always hated evil with a passion. The ghost soldiers are all terrified of him.”

“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 dust. Fortunately, he has a good heart. He even pleaded with Ghostbane on our behalf right there!” Lorna gazed deeply at Keith and took one of his hands. Keith returned her affectionate gaze.

Adornod comforted them. “Now that you’ve come here, you don’t have to live those days of hiding yourselves away and living in constant fear anymore. Everyone here is gentle and friendly. Before long, you’ll come to love this place.”

### 51

The setting sun dyed Lake Lucerne orange-red. A gentle breeze brushed across the surface of the lake, creating tiny ripples. Lin Xiaoyang carried a digital camera on his back as he rode his bicycle along the cobblestone path beside the lake. His eyes constantly scanned his surroundings, capturing the atmosphere of this foreign town.

In a small square not far away, a crowd had gathered, 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, making a white dove appear with its wings spread wide. Gasps of amazement rose from the crowd.

The magician George 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 for a moment, lowered his camera, and gave him a polite smile. “Of course.”

George gently patted the wooden box beside him, his eyes filled with mystery. “Sir, please lie inside it for a moment and witness a miracle.”

Lin Xiaoyang raised an eyebrow as he looked at the wooden box, then shrugged and smiled. “Sure. I’d like to find out just how miraculous this miracle really is.”

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

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

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

Next, George took out a saw and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, slowly began cutting along the center of the wooden box. The harsh sound of sawing wood filled the air.

“My God!” one audience member cried out.

“He’s really being sawed in half!” another person shouted, eyes wide.

When George pushed the two halves of the box apart, revealing Lin Xiaoyang apparently “cut in two,” the square erupted in thunderous applause and screams.

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

“What the hell... Is he really all right?”

“My God, this is completely impossible!” The audience crowded around excitedly, touching Lin Xiaoyang’s arms.

George, however, stood to one side with his brows tightly furrowed. He lowered his head and looked at the sword in his hand. The blade that had once gleamed brilliantly was now completely dull.

“What happened...?” he murmured, his eyes fixed on Lin Xiaoyang. A strange glint flashed in his eyes.

He said quietly to Attis, “There’s something wrong with this young man.”

Attis froze. “What is it, Master?”

“My sword should have absorbed energy, but just now—its energy was completely drained. I suspect... this kid has some kind of unusual constitution.”

Attis frowned. “If that’s true, then we should find out whether he’s friend or foe.”

The corners of George’s mouth lifted slightly. “No. If he isn’t an enemy, then someone like him is worth making friends with.”

After the crowd gradually dispersed, George walked toward Lin Xiaoyang and extended his hand.

“Friend, what did you think of the magic trick?”

Lin Xiaoyang shook his hand, but the moment their hands touched, he felt a strange pulling force. He instinctively frowned, while George suddenly pulled his hand back and stared in astonishment at his tingling palm.

“Tu...” George’s expression changed slightly.

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

George shook his hand, his eyes flashing with curiosity. “Young man, you must... have some kind of unusual constitution, right?”

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

“Internal energy?” George raised an eyebrow, his expression filled with interest. “No wonder you’re like an incredibly powerful magnet.”

“Sorry. The internal training I practice unconsciously absorbs abnormal energy. Just now... it must have made you uncomfortable, right?”

George 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 was impressive too.”

A flicker of curiosity appeared in George’s eyes. “By the way, how did you end up traveling to Switzerland alone?”

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

George pretended to be concerned and patted him on the shoulder. “I see... I have some friends in Europe. Maybe I can help you ask around.”

Lin Xiaoyang gave a bitter smile. “Thank you for your kindness, but if she truly wants to hide from me, even if I spend the rest of my life searching, I may never find her.”

A flicker of interest passed through George’s eyes as he asked tentatively, “Would you like to have a drink at the hotel where I’m staying? Maybe we could talk about your Eastern martial arts.”

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

“George Anthony.”

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

George watched his departing figure and murmured quietly, “Could it be that he’s become suspicious of me?”

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

George thought for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“No. It’s not time yet...”

### 52

Night fell over the town, and a slightly cool sea breeze gently blew through the streets, carrying the distant sound of the waves. On the night of the twelfth, Qiu Shenzhi stepped through the doors of Paradise Inn. A tungsten pendant lamp cast a soft yellow glow over the newly renovated, magnificent interior.

He looked around and found that the familiar corners had become strange. New carpets had replaced the old wooden floorboards, and a faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air. Except for the old innkeeper, Robert, all the servers 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 lightly tapping the rim of a glass as though he were thinking about something.

Qiu Shenzhi lifted the corners of his mouth and walked over, his voice 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.

“Old painter, is that you?”

Qiu Shenzhi scrutinized 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 froze. A trace of confusion flashed 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 playfulness. “Is it really that different?”

Qiu Shenzhi frowned and moved closer again, almost pressing himself against Lin Xiaoyang’s shoulder as he sniffed his scent. He narrowed his eyes.

“It really is different... You’re not one of my kind.”

Lin Xiaoyang smiled calmly and leaned back against the sofa.

“Isn’t it all the same? A human scent... It’s just that I’m pretty 个已启用 and sweat easily, so maybe there’s 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 people are all strangers now.”

Lin Xiaoyang slowly turned the glass in his hand and said calmly, “The owner changed, so naturally the staff changed too.”

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 treat our guests with respect. How could we throw out a guest?”

“Yes, yes! A hotel wouldn’t throw out a guest who comes through its doors.” A cryptic smile appeared on Qiu Shenzhi’s lips as he picked up the wineglass on the table and gently swirled it, his gaze deep and unreadable.

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

Inside Room 504, the atmosphere was tense. A detailed map covered with markings lay on the long table. Candlelight flickered, casting light across a series of solemn 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 expression steady.

“The Princess has received a report from a spy. Tomorrow night, Anderson’s two chief enforcers will come to stay at the hotel. On the surface, they’re here to inspect the hotel’s business. In reality, they’re here to find out the location of the entrance to Sky Castle.”

Father John Chen folded his hands and gave a cold laugh.

“What instructions does the Princess have?”

Wilson said in a low voice, “The Princess specifically asked the Father to come here and take charge so that we can seize this opportunity to eliminate these two chief enforcers under Anderson.”

Father John Chen’s eyes lit up slightly, and a bloodthirsty smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“So the Princess has always known Anderson’s every move. This time, we’ll make sure those two monsters come here but never leave.”

Wilson looked around at everyone, his tone serious.

“Except for Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang, I’ll be in charge of assigning all personnel. To avoid alerting these evil spirits and making them suspicious, Father Chen and Boss Xiaoyang, please apply perfume or lotion to yourselves. Adornod and Painter Huang have also put on some makeup.”

A sly smile appeared on Father John Chen’s face.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this day.”

Wilson nodded. He then unfolded the map and carefully assigned each employee’s task and position. The atmosphere was filled with murderous tension, and the battle had already begun in silence...